A Future for His Twins

by Susanne Dietze

  “Nora?” He opened the waist-high white picket gate separating his property from the bank of the creek. “Did she say something out of line?”

  “Not at all.” Faith smiled at Roscoe, who tugged them toward the watery edge of the bubbling creek. “She said Roscoe and Bettina are friends, despite the tendency of their species to fight, though I know plenty of dogs and cats that get along. Anyway, she hoped you and I could be friends like our pets.”

  Tom’s heart swelled in his chest. “That’s really cute.”

  “It is. And wise. So here I am.” Faith’s green eyes took a mossy hue in the fading sunlight. “I’m not happy about our situation, and I’m not going to give in. But if you win the building, we’ll be neighbors, and I’d rather we be friendly ones.”

  Tom stopped walking as Roscoe stretched to investigate the wild grasses growing at the creek’s edge. “Me, too. But I pushed you today, so it’s no wonder you got upset. I didn’t realize how my words would sound. I’m accustomed to my old marketing job, being assertive with clients, pressuring and looking for alternatives, doing what I have to do to achieve the desired end. God’s refining me in a lot of areas, but this one hasn’t been tempered well yet. I guess, in my quest to find a solution that would be good for both of us, I totally ignored your need for a space by your store. And I definitely didn’t mean to suggest Faith’s Finds isn’t successful or that you can’t handle two businesses. I crossed the line.”

  It had been bothering him all evening.

  “We both said things we regret.”

  “I sure did. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I think we’re good now.” She looked across the creek, and for a minute the only sounds were Roscoe slurping from the creek and the jangling of his tag. “We both have our reasons for passionately fighting for that storefront.”

  “Is there another reason you want that space? Something I should know about?”

  He expected a quick denial, but instead she sighed. “Nothing big, no.”

  “But something.”

  She nodded. “Something.”

  At that moment, he wanted to be there for her. To support her. To be her friend.

  Something he hadn’t felt with a woman in a long, long time.

  His parents wouldn’t like it, but there was nothing wrong with being friends with a woman. Even if it was a woman like Faith whose heart was even prettier than her features. He wouldn’t mess up.

  “Tell me, Faith. What am I missing?”

  Chapter Six

  Should she tell him? Faith contemplated her words as she toed her boot into the gravelly sand. The setting sunlight dappled the trees and shimmered gold on the creek, and all around was the fresh after-rain smell of green things. “This is a peaceful spot, you know?”

  “I missed this place.” Tom took a few slow steps away to allow Roscoe to explore, but he maintained eye contact with her, affirming that he was listening. “I didn’t know how much until I saw this house, with the creek running behind it and the woods on the other side.”

  “This town means everything to me.”

  “It’s your home.”

  “It really is, Tom, and not just because I spent most of my growing-up years here. You know my parents divorced and we moved away. If you checked me out in the yearbook to refresh your memory of me, you’ll remember I didn’t exactly fit in when I was a kid. Not just in high school, either, so it wasn’t like I had an idyllic childhood. It was actually visiting my grandparents here, after we moved away, that gave me the foundation of my life. My faith. Who I am and what I want.”

  “Like the museum.”

  “Indirectly, yes. They gave me an appreciation of the past. Every object in their house had a purpose and a story, and they cherished what they had as blessings. Compared to my parents, who chased new things all the time—cars, toys and eventually spouses—my grandparents were the most stable people in my life. I craved their strength and steadiness and the example they led by living with an appreciation of this town and its stories.”

  “I didn’t know your grandparents, but they sound like special people.”

  “They were. They were the ones who encouraged me to have my store, and I had just moved into the apartment above it when my grandpa passed. Grandma had died the year before. I know they’d be happy for me, though, waking up each day and coming downstairs for a day of fun that I hate to call work. Running a business out of a hundred-and-seventy-year-old building isn’t always easy, of course, but it’s what I always wanted since I was little. For a few years now that dream has included the museum next door.” She’d even been practicing how to answer the phone once she ran both establishments: Faith’s Finds and the Widow’s Peak Creek Community Museum. How may I help you?

  Tom took another step, giving Roscoe the freedom to sniff a new tree. “So this isn’t just about your wanting a town museum. This is about you honoring your family and the legacy your grandparents left you, a legacy of history. Your past is like home. That’s where we differ, I guess, because my past is full of regret, so I’m running toward the future as fast as I can.”

  “I’m so sorry for your loss, Tom.”

  “Thanks, but that’s not entirely what I meant. I was a lousy father, Faith. And husband. Never around. My career took all my time, and that’s how Lourdes and I decided it would be. She wanted financial stability, even if it meant I was gone a lot. And I was. I missed everything. But I can’t be that man anymore.”

  Her chest ached for him. “That’s a lot to deal with, Tom. I’m sorry.”

  “It hasn’t been easy, that’s for sure, but I started taking the kids to church a year ago.” His gaze unfocused at the memory as they walked slowly along the bank. “I was welcomed, cared for and prayed for. I saw God had a plan for me and the kids, and eventually I discerned that I had to come back home where my parents could help me care for Logan and Nora. I feel drawn to help the town, too.”

  “Catering to tourists and chasing tax dollars like Mayor Hughes wants?”

  “Adding to the town’s income isn’t a bad thing.”

  “No, but the mayor is so focused on the town becoming something else, like a resort town, I’m concerned she’ll work to withdraw protection for the historic buildings on Main Street. They’ll end up like the old schoolhouse, dilapidated and ignored.”

  “I don’t think anyone here would allow that to happen. And if someone tried, I’d fight alongside you to preserve the buildings. They’re special. That’s why I’m all for your museum. Just in the schoolhouse.” His full lips twitched.

  To her surprise, she laughed. “You and that schoolhouse.”

  “You can’t blame me for trying.” His smile widened. “But you have to admit, the town could use an influx of tax revenue. I’ve looked at the past few years’ budgets online, and the town is starting to decline. Tourists aren’t coming the way they used to. You said this is a slow season.”

  “That doesn’t mean I’m floundering. I’m selling pieces like the game table to Willa at the Cordova Inn.”

  “Do you have a website to cater to folks outside of town?”

  She’d been thinking about it, but no. “Willa dropped in here and that’s how this relationship got started. I’m sure she’d buy more, but her inn is a funky sort of place. Eclectic pieces, but it’s important to their guests to have modern conveniences, technology accommodations, that sort of thing.”

  “Huh.” He stared at the horizon.

  “What do you mean, huh? You think I need a website, I take it.”

  “Yes, but that’s not what I meant.” He faced her, wiggling his brows.

  “I’m not sure I like the sound of this. Do you want me to put the museum online or something?”

  “This has nothing to do with the museum. This is about Faith’s Finds. You.”

  Her? And why was he looking at her like that, wi
th a boyish grin that made his eyes crinkle and oh, my, he had dimpled cheeks. She’d never noticed those before. His dark eyes fixed on her with such happy intensity that she couldn’t look away. Couldn’t even fumble out a word.

  Spit something out, Latham. Fast.

  “Huh?” she managed.

  Brilliant.

  He laughed. “Let’s head back to the house. I’ll fill you in on the way, but your future is going to be a lot brighter soon. Trust me.”

  * * *

  At Faith’s quizzical look, Tom grinned. “Willa wants interesting pieces of furniture for her inn that also fit with twenty-first century living, right? Accommodate technology, you said. So do it. Refurbish antique pieces to work with modern conveniences. That’s why I said brighter, get it?” Tom led her through the gate into the backyard. Unclipping the leash from Roscoe’s collar as he walked, he watched Faith for her reaction to his pun. “Because of the electricity. Lights.”

  Instead of laughing, her brow furrowed like he was rambling crazy talk. “You think I should put lamps into antique furnishings.”

  He must have really blown the joke. “Modify them.” He opened the sliding glass door and let them back inside the house. “To accommodate technology. Add places for plugs or outlets. I’m sure your friend Willa would love that.”

  “Once I modify something beyond preservation, it wrecks the value.”

  “I’m not suggesting refurbishing something of great worth, Faith. But if you’ve got a desk sitting around that needs serious refinishing anyway, what harm would it do to cut a small discreet piece somewhere to lodge an outlet? So a hotel guest can charge his phone or laptop or whatever? I know when I was traveling for work, I hated it if the only outlets in my hotel rooms were by the bed and in the bathroom. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to put existing furniture to use like that?”

  Nora stood from the board game on the floor. “What are you talking about?”

  “Furniture. But also, Faith didn’t laugh at my joke.”

  “What joke?” Faith’s lips twitched. “That awful pun, you mean?”

  He mocked outrage. “My pun was clever.”

  “I guess it was somewhat de-light-ful.” Faith rolled her eyes at her own joke.

  Tom clapped. “That’s the spirit.”

  Mom’s lips set in a grim line. “What’s gotten into you?”

  Clearing the air, apologizing, moving on—how could he not feel better? In fact, he felt more hopeful than he had in a long time. “I’m a dad. It’s my job to make dad jokes.”

  Mom’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll take the kids’ knock-knock jokes, thanks.”

  “Knock-knock, Grammy.” Logan knocked on his grandmother’s knee.

  Tom laughed. “Here we go.”

  Faith turned to listen to Logan’s joke, but Tom still wanted to talk about the prospect of altering furniture. It sounded like she had a guaranteed customer in Willa, but if the altered furniture caught on, it could be a boon to her business.

  The smallest of touches on her sleeve, and he had her full attention. The weight of their locked gazes was so heavy he felt it in his chest, so he dropped his hand from her arm—surely, his mom would approve—and focused on what he wanted to say. “I’m sure there’s a market for restored furniture like that. Or there could be. Think about it.”

  “I will. I don’t love the idea of messing with vintage items, but I can see the merit. Thank you.” She broke their eye contact and moved toward the kids. “I’d better get going.”

  “Did you have a nice walk?” Mom’s innocent tone couldn’t hide her immense curiosity as to what had transpired.

  “We did.” Faith donned her coat. “I haven’t enjoyed a good stroll along the creek in too long.”

  “You like to walk outdoors? So do we.” Nora scooted on her knees.

  “I’d imagine so, since your daddy is opening an outdoor gear store.”

  “We’re walking with Roscoe next Saturday up in the foothills.” Logan rolled onto his tummy. “Do you want to come with us?”

  Tom’s stomach flopped. “Miss Faith probably has other plans for Saturday.” It was the best he could think of to give Faith an out. They’d moved past their disagreement, sure, and it seemed clear they both wanted to be neighborly in the future, but that didn’t mean spending any more time together.

  Nora shook her head. “Miss Angie had a date today so Miss Faith worked, but they take turns. Maybe Miss Angie will work in the store so Miss Faith can go on a date with us.”

  “It wouldn’t be a date,” Tom blurted.

  “Please come.” Logan’s gaze fixed on Faith, his request soft but clear.

  Faith gripped her purse. “It sounds like family time, though.”

  “Please?” Nora batted her eyelashes.

  Logan scooched to his knees and darted to Faith. “I want you come.”

  Faith met Tom’s gaze. He didn’t want her to be pressured by his kids, but at the same time, maybe this wouldn’t be a bad thing. Strengthen their next-door-neighbor relationship. “You’re more than welcome, if you want.”

  Besides, once she went on the hike and saw the area’s value for outside activity, she’d probably be more willing to yield the old livery for a store catering to outdoor pursuits. In the meantime, he’d keep thinking of places she could put her museum that were close enough for her to handle with her store.

  It wasn’t until after she nodded that he realized he’d been holding his breath.

  Faith hadn’t been gone two minutes before his mom decided to follow suit. She shook her head at Tom when he walked her to her car. “You’re pushing things, Tom.”

  “I’m not doing anything wrong. This isn’t a date. Or a prelude to a date. The kids asked, and how could she say no? How could I?”

  “Like this—no.” Mom got into her car.

  “I can’t do that without looking like a jerk,” he called after her moving car. But it was true. He couldn’t just disinvite someone from a hike.

  When he returned to the living room, he investigated the game board. Looked like Mom hadn’t played with them more than a turn or two. “Shall we finish this up? I don’t know about you guys, but I’m ready for early bed tonight.”

  The twins groaned. “Da-d-dy.” Nora drew out his name to three syllables.

  He tweaked her earlobe so she knew he was teasing, but honestly he wouldn’t mind a time of quiet contemplation before bed. Today had been a surprise, from start to finish. A roller coaster, with a better ending than he’d expected, but the ride wasn’t over yet. Not where Faith was concerned since neither of them was ceding the storefront to the other.

  It would be easier if Faith wasn’t so...likable. She had character, bringing over a treat tonight to apologize, and she had guts, standing up for what she wanted.

  And she was good with his twins. What parent wouldn’t appreciate a person being nice to his kids?

  “Can I have more fudge?” Logan still had flecks of chocolate on his lips.

  “I think you’ve had enough.”

  “Maybe you can bring some to school for my birthday.”

  “Your birthday is my birthday, too,” Nora protested.

  Tom took his turn at the game. “Sure. Did someone in class have a birthday?”

  “Connor.” Logan flopped to his stomach and rested his chin in his fists. “His mommy brought cookies.”

  “I see. But you want fudge.” Tom smiled.

  “And a mommy.”

  Tom reached out to rub his boy’s narrow back. “I miss Mommy, too, bud.”

  “When can we get a new one?” Logan looked up.

  “A new mom?” Tom gulped.

  “Yeah.” Nora scooted closer to Tom. “I want a mommy.”

  They were six. They couldn’t possibly understand what they were asking, or that there was no replacing one mom with anoth
er. It was natural for them to want a mother, though. “It’s not a simple thing, guys. You can’t just order one off the internet.”

  “We know that, Daddy.” Nora sounded sixteen.

  “I’m gonna ask God for a mom,” Logan insisted.

  God wouldn’t give them one, though. Not when Tom had promised God, himself and his parents there would be no women in his life.

  They could pray all they wanted, but Tom wasn’t going down that road again.

  Chapter Seven

  The next Saturday morning before the store opened, Faith measured out Bettina’s dry food for the day and trekked down the red carpeted stairs to the store. Angie was swiping the counter with a rag and bleach cleaner and doing so with such vigor it made the hem of her green floral dress flutter.

  “Everything okay, Angie?”

  “I’m fine, but you? I’m not sure you’re in your right mind, fraternizing with the enemy camp.”

  Ah. She wasn’t thrilled Faith was going on a hike with Tom and the kids today. “That’s ironic, considering you’ve gone on dates with his friend Ender. And I’m not fraternizing. This isn’t a date. It’s not even a friend thing.” Faith brushed gray cat hairs from her peach-colored hooded sweatshirt, the only thing in her dresser that said “casual outdoor activity” but didn’t make her look like she was headed for the gym. “He’s not all bad, you know. His idea on retrofitting desks and nightstands to accommodate tech isn’t that bad.” Although Faith hadn’t looked into it yet.

  Angie hooked her thumb back at the wall between the antiques store and the old livery. “The idea has merit, but I don’t want him to make you change your mind about fighting for the space.”

  “No way am I doing that.”

  “Good, because this town needs a way to showcase its artifacts. And that place is perfect.”