She couldn’t have missed the huge truck that rumbled into the neighborhood. “I saw you pull up. My house is right over there.” She pointed over her shoulder.
Immediately the boys began to jump up and down, celebrating the fact that they were neighbors.
“This is so awesome! Our favorite teacher ever is right across the street. We can visit you every day!”
Her anger eased as Tyler’s words crept inside her wounded heart. But how could she ever live so close to Nick and his boys? A constant reminder of what could have been and what would never be because she was broken...unable to do what should come naturally to a woman—bring new life into the world.
“What’s all the commotion?” Nick came up behind his sons, dressed in black jeans and a Northwestern University sweatshirt. As always, he looked startlingly handsome.
Who looks that good when they’re moving? Joy’s heart fluttered for a split second, until she remembered the reason for her visit. She folded her arms across her chest. “What are you doing here?”
Nick placed his hands on his sons’ shoulders. “This is our new home. We’re renting now, but the owners are thinking about selling.”
This was getting more unbelievable by the second.
“Mrs. Buser mentioned yesterday that we’d be neighbors. I guess it’s true what they say about it being a small world.” He scratched the side of his head and crinkled his brow.
Neighbors? What was that old saying she’d heard? Good fences made good neighbors—or something like that. That was it... She’d build a fence as high as her homeowners association would allow. She was president—she should know the restrictions. She’d have to check the covenants. Even still, building a wall around her property wouldn’t keep Nick out of her heart. “But this is my neighborhood. I moved here after college.”
“She lives right over there, Daddy,” Tyler announced, pointing in the direction of Joy’s one-story ranch home. “Isn’t that cool? Maybe she’ll invite us over for dinner sometime.”
This definitely wasn’t cool. Dinner? Absolutely not. How would she avoid Nick when he’d be just outside her door? At that moment she’d give anything to have the old neighbors and their barking Jack Russell back in the house.
“I know I’m probably the last person you want as a neighbor, but we’ll just have to make the best of it. This was the only house available that was close to the school.”
Right...the school, where he’d be working. “Yes, I suppose the principal wants to be nearby, of course.”
Nick’s shoulders stiffened. “How did you know I was applying for the position?”
She tilted her head toward the boys. “They mentioned it yesterday while we were out on the playground.”
Joy felt a tug on her sweater and looked down at Jordan.
“I’m glad you live so close, Miss Kellihuh.” He blushed. “If I get stuck on my homework I can just come ovuh for your help.”
Her pulse relaxed when she looked into Jordan’s eyes. “You’re welcome anytime, sweetie.” She turned her attention to Nick. “I’m sorry I came charging over here. I guess I was kind of caught off guard...or maybe I’ve had too much coffee.”
Nick nodded and cleared his throat. “Speaking of coffee, I just started a pot. You must be freezing... Why don’t you come inside?”
Practically frozen and not wanting Jordan to think she was still upset, she ignored what her head was telling her and stepped inside. “So you’ve already unpacked your coffee maker?” She smiled.
“Of course. I have my priorities.” Nick winked.
As the two movers scurried past Joy, carrying boxes marked “boys’ room,” she scanned the open floor plan of the two-story home. She’d only been inside a few times when the previous owners had been out of town and she’d offered to care for their dog.
“Do you want to come see our room, Miss Kelliher?” Tyler reached for her hand. “Daddy bought us bunk beds that look like race cars. They got delivered yesterday while we were at school.”
“Let’s get that coffee first.” Nick headed toward the kitchen.
A whimper sounded behind the closed laundry room door as Joy and the boys trekked toward the aroma of the freshly brewed beverage. “Is that your puppy I hear?”
“How did you know about Maverick?” Jordan asked.
“I saw him when you got out of the car. That’s a great name.”
“It’s from a TV show back in the old days. My daddy likes to watch the reruns.” Tyler approached the door.
Joy had a vivid memory of her and Nick on his parents’ sectional sofa, watching old Western movies with an oversize bowl of popcorn sitting between them.
Tyler glanced toward his father. “Is it okay if I let him out, Daddy?”
“Sure—why not? But remember, the movers have the front door opened, so keep an eye on him. We don’t want him to run outside without his leash.”
Tyler pushed open the door and out sprang a tiny golden nugget of energy. Maverick raced straight to Joy’s feet and jumped up and down as though his big paws were springs.
Kneeling down, she extended her hand, which he immediately covered with sloppy, wet kisses. Her heart melted. “He’s adorable. What breed is Maverick?”
Nick reached down and stroked the puppy’s head. “A labradoodle, and, boy, is he ever a handful. The boys were a little apprehensive when I told them we were moving. I thought Mav would help with the transition.”
“He likes you, Miss Kellihuh.” Jordan smiled.
Growing up, Joy and Faith had always wanted a dog, but being raised by a grandfather with severe allergies had made that impossible. She scooped Maverick up in her arms and nuzzled his face against her own. “If you ever need a sitter, I’m definitely available.” Obviously the adorable fur ball had impaired her thinking. She couldn’t pet-sit for the animal. She needed to stay as far away from Nick as possible.
“Excuse me, Mr. Capello, but where would you like the piano?”
The group turned to the short, muscular man standing down the hall.
“How about underneath the window in the living room—is that okay, Jordan?”
The boy nodded. “That’s good.”
When the mover scurried out the door, Joy turned to Jordan, who seemed more quiet than usual. “Are you the piano player in the family?”
Jordan’s cheeks flushed. “Do you think it’s only for guls?”
When Tyler silenced a giggle, Joy knew that Jordan had probably been teased about playing the piano. “Of course it’s not. There are a lot of well-known pianists who are men. I actually play, too, and I give lessons.”
“Weally? My mommy used to play.” Jordan glanced at the hardwood floor, looking as if he’d lost his best friend.
Joy noticed Nick’s jaw tense. “Boys, we better put Maverick back in the laundry room. We don’t want him to get in the movers’ way.”
Her heart broke for Jordan and Tyler, but also for Nick. One day your life was perfect, complete with a family, and then it was taken from you. Although she wanted to keep her relationship with Nick strictly business, Jordan tugged on her heartstrings. “You just let me know if you’d like for me to give you some lessons.” She tipped her thumb under the boy’s chin. “I’d better get home. You all have a lot of unpacking to do. Besides, I’ve had enough coffee this morning. I’ll see you all on Monday.”
As she walked toward her empty home, thoughts of the two freckle-faced boys and the rambunctious puppy flooded her mind. Nick’s family. Her heart squeezed. It was as though she was seeing a flash of her life as it could have been. It would have been a wonderful life. When she reached for the icy doorknob on her empty home, she couldn’t help but wonder if it would be that easy to keep things on a professional level.
* * *
Nick watched Joy through the front window as she headed back to her home—directly acr
oss the street from his own. What were the odds? He should have found out where she lived in Whispering Slopes before making the move. Of course, it was too late now. For better or worse they were going to be neighbors and he’d just have to do the best he could to keep his distance. With the boys and Maverick it could prove to be a challenge, but he was determined to make a fresh start for his family.
He gazed around their new home and smiled. The oversize living room would serve as the family room, where they’d watch television, play games and enjoy being together. Something he hadn’t made much time for while living and teaching in Chicago. That would change. He might not deserve the opportunity to be a better husband, but he sure would be the best father for his boys.
Nick released a slow and easy breath. He’d made the right decision by moving here, hadn’t he? But one thing he hadn’t expected when he packed up their old house in Chicago was for all the guilt he carried about his wife to make the move with him. Silly. Why would he think a new location could erase the past?
“Daddy?”
Nick turned to see Jordan standing behind him. He reached for his son’s hand and guided him toward the sofa the movers had placed in the living room earlier. “What is it, son?” he asked, lifting his boy up on his lap. His stomach knotted realizing soon the time would come where moments like this would become a distant memory.
“Do you think it would be okay if I asked Miss Kellihuh to give me piano lessons?”
Nick couldn’t help but notice the hesitation in Jordan’s question. “Why do you think there’d be anything wrong with that?”
The little boy bit down on his quivering lower lip. “Well, since Mommy used to teach me, I didn’t know if she’d like that. I wouldn’t want to disappoint huh.”
Nick’s heart ached for his son. At the age of three, Jordan had been drawn to the piano like a hummingbird to fresh nectar. Whenever his mother had played, he’d toddle to her side. She’d lift him up on the bench and he’d listen while she played. He’d giggle when she played “Three Blind Mice” and get sleepy when she’d play the soothing sound of “Brahms’s Lullaby.” Although self-taught, his wife, Michelle, had a natural talent to create beautiful melodies.
“I think it would make your mother really proud to know you want to continue learning how to play her favorite instrument.”
Jordan squirmed in his father’s lap before resting his head against Nick’s chest. “I miss huh, Daddy.” He wiped away a stray tear that escaped from his sad eyes. “Will I always feel this way?”
The million-dollar question—Nick had asked himself this daily. Some days were tougher than others, but the sadness cast a shadow over his heart that never seemed to fade. “I think we’ll always miss her, but one day, it won’t hurt as much. Maybe we’ll be able to think of your mommy and smile as we remember the good times we had with her.” Nick wondered how soon that day would arrive.
* * *
Early Monday morning, Nick and the boys snaked their way through the line inside of the school’s cafeteria. A free breakfast was available to each student, if they didn’t have time to eat at home or if money was tight for the family. This was a program Nick fully endorsed. He firmly believed that students were more focused when they started their day with a healthy breakfast. He had to admit, though, there was something special about cooking the morning meal for his boys in the comfort of their home.
“Can I have a doughnut, Daddy?”
Not exactly the meal he wanted for his sons. “Yes, but I want you to eat some eggs and fruit first.”
Tyler crinkled his nose before scooping some scrambled eggs onto his plate.
The sounds of children chattering filled the room. Nick had missed being in a school. After his wife passed away, he’d taken a leave of absence from his teaching position. It felt good to be back in this environment. This was where he belonged.
With their trays loaded, Nick and the twins headed toward an empty table next to a window. The bright sunlight beamed across the room, providing some added warmth—a perfect winter day.
Jordan took a bite of his banana and his eyes popped. “Look—there’s Miss Kellihuh!”
“Who’s that with her, Daddy?” Tyler eyed the little girl holding Joy’s hand.
“I’m not sure.” Nick turned and watched Joy glide across the room. She smiled, stopping at each table to greet the children.
“Miss Kellihuh! Come sit with us,” Jordan shouted.
Nick took note of Jordan’s uncharacteristic outburst. It was unusual for him to want to draw attention to himself. His face exploded with happiness as he bounced up and down in his chair.
Dressed in black pants and a white angora sweater, Joy approached their table. Her hair was twisted into a bun with a few loose tendrils framing her face. “Good morning, boys. This is my niece, Bella Carlson.” She turned to the twins. “Bella, this is Jordan and Tyler.”
“Twins—cool!” Bella stepped closer. “My mommy and Aunt Joy are twins.”
“That’s cool, too,” Tyler said.
“Bella, this is Mr. Capello. He’ll be your new teacher, since he’s taking over Mrs. Murray’s class while she’s out on maternity leave.”
Nick extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Bella.”
“You’re tall.” Bella giggled.
Joy glanced at the twins’ plates. “Are you both eating a nice healthy breakfast?”
“I’m having eggs and a doughnut for dessert,” Tyler answered before taking another bite.
“Can you guys come and sit with us?” Jordan asked in a hushed tone. “I wanted to ask you something, Miss Kellihuh.”
Joy glanced toward Nick as if to seek his approval.
Nick stood and pulled out the empty chair. “Yes, please, join us.”
Bella took the vacant seat next to Tyler. Joy settled in the chair next to Nick and folded her hands together before placing them on the table. A sweet fragrance tickled his nose.
Joy leaned toward Jordan. “What is it you wanted to ask me, sweetie?”
Nick watched as his son’s cheeks flushed before he glanced down toward the ground and then quickly looked at his teacher. “Do you think you could give me piano lessons?”
“Well... I suppose that would be okay.” She turned to Nick. “Would it be all right with you?”
Until he received an offer for the principal position, he’d prefer for his boys to have as little interaction with Joy as possible outside of school, but he knew how happy it would make Jordan. Although both boys missed their mother, Jordan seemed to be having a more difficult time coping with her death. It was no wonder he’d become attached to Joy so quickly. And why wouldn’t he? She was compassionate and she obviously loved the children. He couldn’t help but wonder if she wanted children of her own one day.
Nick nodded. “Yes. We discussed it already. We will certainly work around your schedule, and of course, you’ll be compensated fairly.” He’d keep it strictly a business relationship and somehow find a way to make himself scarce while she gave Jordan his lessons.
“Yippee! Thank you, Miss Kellihuh.” Jordan jumped from his chair and hugged Joy around her waist.
Nick’s heart tightened. His son longed for a mother figure. But Jordan’s father had failed once at being a husband. Did he deserve a second chance?
Three hours later, Nick had completed his morning lessons. While his class was outside for recess, he headed to the teachers’ lounge for a much-needed cup of coffee.
The accent lamps on each round table provided a warm glow, rather than the bright fluorescent lighting that filled the school. It was an inviting atmosphere. Two teachers occupied a table in the corner but neither looked up as he stepped inside, so he strolled in silence to the coffee bar.
Normally, he’d stop to talk with his fellow coworkers, but the twosome appeared to be involved in a heated political discussion.
That was a topic he avoided talking about with friends and fellow teachers. He filled a large mug with the piping hot brew before adding a splash of cream. Giving it three quick stirs, he scanned the room and decided to take the table near the window that looked out onto the playground.
He settled into the chair and reached for his backpack. He planned to use his break to do some preparing for his upcoming interview. Glancing out the window, he smiled when he saw his boys taking turns pushing Bella on the swing. She was a sweet little girl who he believed would have a positive influence on Jordan and Tyler.
Moments later, the sound of footsteps tapping along the tiled floor took his attention from his notes. Joy made eye contact, gave a half smile, but then quickly looked away and headed to an empty table across from where he sat.
Nick wasn’t surprised by her reaction. The circumstances surrounding his sudden departure had upset her. He got that, but they still had to work together. Plus, she’d be giving Jordan piano lessons. He owed her an explanation so they could try to move forward and put the past behind them.
He exhaled a deep breath and pushed away from the table. As he approached Joy, she never looked his way. Maybe she thought he was going back for more coffee.
“Joy?”
She flinched, appearing startled by his presence. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were standing there.” She closed the notebook resting on the table.
“You saw me when you came in. Why didn’t you come over?”
“I apologize. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”
“I’m sure you do, and no doubt a lot of it has to do with my return to town.” The last thing in the world he wanted to do was to cause her more pain. “With us teaching across the hall from each other and living in the same neighborhood, it’s obvious we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other.”
Joy looked up and caught his gaze. “Don’t forget I’ll be teaching your son how to play the piano, too.”
Nick pulled out a chair. “Do you mind if I sit for a minute?”
She shrugged her shoulders.
A Mother for His Twins Page 3