A Mother for His Twins

by Jill Weatherholt

  Nick stepped a little closer to her, catching a whiff of her fragrance and feeling a little dizzy. It reminded him of the summertime honeysuckle in full bloom. He and Joy used to explore the fields in search of the vines. “Are you sure about this?”

  She smiled. “Absolutely, just—let me go and double-check with Faith that it’s okay for Bella to go.”

  He watched as Joy ran off to find her sister. She looked like that young girl he’d fallen in love with a lifetime ago. Was this a good idea? All of them going up into the balloon together...like a family? It was one thing for Joy to be the boys’ teacher, but spending time together outside of the classroom, the twins, especially Jordan, were obviously becoming more attached to her. But as he watched Tyler bursting with excitement, how could he disappoint them by saying no to their first hot air balloon ride?

  A short time later sunshine penetrated through the mountaintops as the balloon drifted across the painted blue sky. Nick felt as though he could reach up and touch one of the white puffs of clouds that drifted overhead. His thoughts turned to Joy and all of the things he wanted to tell her. There was so much he wished had turned out differently. For now, the regrets of the past seemed to glide away, but he knew that once he was back on the ground, the real world would be waiting for him. But for now, he’d enjoy this glorious day.

  “Look, Daddy! Our car looks like a tiny bug.” Tyler pointed down toward the parking lot as his father held him.

  Nick kept an eye on Jordan, who huddled close to Joy with his eyes squeezed shut. He rested his hand on his son’s shoulder. “You okay, buddy?”

  Without looking, Jordan nodded.

  “Jor, look! You’re going to miss everything.” Tyler wiggled from Nick’s grasp and tugged on his brother’s arm, but Jordan only snuggled closer against Joy’s waist, shaking his head.

  “He’s a scaredy-cat.”

  “I am not!” Jordan shouted as he lurched forward then quickly stepped back.

  Nick felt for his son. “Tyler, it’s not right to tease your brother because he has a fear of heights. Everyone is afraid of something.”

  Jordan looked up at his dad with hopeful eyes. “Except you, wight?”

  “I’m afraid of fire,” Bella chimed in. “My daddy was a firefighter and he died fighting a fire.” Her smile faded as she looked down.

  Jordan pulled away from Joy and gingerly tiptoed toward Bella. “I’m sowwy about youw daddy, Bella.”

  “Me, too,” Tyler said as he looked at his brother. “I’m sorry I teased you, Jor.”

  Nick watched with a knowing grin. They might fight like cats and dogs sometimes, but they really loved each other. And now it appeared they’d adopted a sister.

  Jordan stepped closer to the edge of the basket. “Daddy, can you pick me up so I can see ovuh?” He took a peek and smiled. “This isn’t as scawy as I thought it would be.”

  For the next twenty minutes, the balloon circled Whispering Slopes. Nick was finally home. He prayed to himself, thanking God for the beautiful day, his healthy children and this special time with Joy. Since they’d boarded the balloon, he and Joy seemed to have forgotten about the past and what the future might hold with the principal position. Once their feet hit the ground, it would be back to reality. Then he’d have to keep his head out of the clouds and his focus on his goal.

  With the excitement of the hot air balloon ride behind them, the children were ready to move on to more stimulation.

  “Let’s go for a pony ride,” Bella suggested as she skipped along the trampled path. Her hair escaped the loose ponytail and flopped into her eyes.

  Tyler pulled on his father’s arm. “I want to go sledding again.”

  “But we already did that. You’ll love the ponies, Ty,” Bella exclaimed.

  Nick couldn’t be any happier. It had been a long time since he’d seen his boys so excited and carefree.

  Joy glanced down at Bella. “First, we need to check in with your mommy.” When Joy’s phone chimed, she pulled it from her coat pocket and answered the call. “Okay, I’ll be right there,” she said into the device.

  Slipping the phone back into the pocket, she turned to the group. “That was the auto club. They’re here to fix the tire. Let me take care of them and then we’ll let your mommy know your feet are back on the ground.”

  Bella giggled. “Okay, but will you promise we can see the horses after?”

  Joy reached for her niece’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I promise.”

  Twenty minutes later, the group trekked down the shaded tree-lined path that led to the stables. A thin layer of snow crunched underneath their shoes.

  “Why is there snow here, Miss Kellihuh?” Jordan asked as he stopped to try to gather a handful.

  “We had a couple of inches of snow right before you came to Whispering Slopes. Since it’s shady through here, it hasn’t melted.”

  “I wish we’d have a blizzard,” Tyler said as he kicked the icy crystals.

  Joy smiled. “Don’t worry—we’ll get our share of snow.”

  When they reached the end of the trail, Nick’s lips parted. “This is incredible.” The wide-open pasture with gentle rolling land was surrounded by a snowcapped mountain range.

  “You certainly don’t see this kind of beauty in Chicago. I’ve missed this.”

  A slight aroma of manure wafted in the air as they approached the stables. Children’s laughter echoed from the paddock.

  “Look—there’s the ponies!” Tyler shouted as the children took off toward the cedar structure.

  “Daddy, I want to ride the black one,” Tyler announced.

  Leaning against the fence, Nick noticed Jordan watching the pony that appeared to be missing his tail. With the exception of a big white circle on its nose, its color was solid chestnut.

  “How about you, buddy?” Nick glanced down at Jordan. “Which one do you want to ride?”

  He watched as his son continued to study the tailless pony.

  “I think I want that one.” He pointed.

  Joy looked at Nick and smiled. He knew that although she’d only known the boys for a short period of time, she truly understood and appreciated Jordan’s sensitive side.

  “Why that one?” Nick asked, although he was pretty sure of the reason.

  Jordan looked up at his father. He squinted when the sun hit his eyes. “Well, you might not have noticed, but he doesn’t have a tail. He might not get picked too much because people think he’s diffewent.”

  Nick beamed with pride. “And you don’t think that?”

  Jordan turned his gaze back on the pony. “Oh, no, I think that’s what makes him special.”

  Joy winked at Nick, causing his pulse to quicken.

  He bent down and raised his son into his arms. “You know what? I think you’re pretty special, too.”

  Fifteen minutes later, the children were saddled up and being led around the ring by the volunteers. The kids were all giggles and smiles.

  Nick and Joy had settled in at a nearby picnic table, enjoying the mountain range. Despite temperatures in the forties, the bright sunlight provided warmth. He inhaled a deep, cleansing breath. He’d missed the invigorating air the years he’d lived in Chicago. Sadly, he’d smelled more smog than good clean air in the city.

  Since the ride in the balloon, Nick couldn’t seem to peel his eyes away from Joy. The sunlight was touching the side of her cheek, highlighting her porcelain complexion. He willed his heart to slow. She was even more beautiful than he’d remembered, but there again was that unexplained sadness in her eyes as she appeared unable to look away from the children.

  Finally, she turned to him. “They’re special boys, Nick. You’ve done a really good job with them.”

  Some days he felt as though he wasn’t doing anything right when it came to raising his sons. Even on the easiest days, trying
to be both father and mother was difficult. Still, he knew he owed it to his wife to raise the boys with a love for God and strong values so they’d grow up to be good husbands—unlike he’d been.

  “Thank you. That means a lot, Joy.”

  She locked eyes with his and his heart hammered in his chest, exactly like it had so many years ago when she’d looked at him.

  “You should be proud.”

  He did feel a sense of pride when it came to his sons, but not when he looked back on his past where women were concerned—well, Joy and Michelle. They’d been the only female relationships in his life. His marriage had been a road filled with regrets. Could he make up for any of those mistakes? Was this reunion with Joy God’s way of giving him a second chance at love? Nonsense. He didn’t deserve another opportunity. This thin mountain air was just messing with his brain.

  Joy turned her attention back to the children as he squirmed on the bench. There were so many questions he wanted to ask her, but he wasn’t sure if she was ready to talk. Not knowing when he might have the opportunity, he sucked in a breath and exhaled. “Can I ask you something?” He paused for her reaction, but there wasn’t any. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

  “You’re making me a little nervous.” She smiled. Her brown eyes with flecks of green sparkled when their gazes connected. “Go ahead.”

  “Well, it’s obvious how much you love children, and you’re so good with them.” He swallowed the lump that clogged his throat. “My boys bring me so much pleasure. They’re the greatest joy in my life...the reason I get out of bed each day. I can’t help but wonder if you want to have children of your own someday?”

  Joy’s shoulders straightened, and the smile she’d worn most of the day slipped from her lips, replaced by a far-off sadness. “I can’t talk about this, Nick...especially with you.” She started to get up from the table when her phone chimed. Slipping it from her pocket, she glanced at the screen. “It’s a text from Faith. She wants to know if you can come and help Joshua carry some tables.”

  Nick stood. “Of course. Let’s get the kids and head up to the house.”

  Joy looked over at the children as their ponies circled the paddock. They were all smiles and giggles. “Why don’t you go? They’re having a good time.” She motioned her arm in their direction.

  After his insensitive question to her about having children, she probably wanted a little time away from him. He couldn’t blame her. “Okay, I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Nick said as he headed toward the path. She was right—he had no business asking her such a personal question. It was too soon. But there was a part of him that needed to know. There was so much about her that remained a mystery. He’d been gone so many years... Had she dated? Of course she had. She was a beautiful and loving woman. She’d probably had many dates. Had any turned serious? He wanted to know more about the time he’d been away, but what was the point? They were both vying for the same job and soon they’d be facing the biggest interview of their careers. When all was said and done, one would win and the other would lose. He couldn’t imagine a friendship surviving those circumstances.

  Chapter Seven

  During the next twenty-five minutes Joy sat at the picnic table near the paddock in order to keep a close eye on the children as they circled the ring. Her hands shook as Nick’s question filtered through her mind. Had it been what he’d asked her or thoughts of children with him that ignited this curt reaction to him? Over the years, he’d crept into her dreams. Sometimes they were still back in high school, but often they’d been happily married for years. When she dreamed they were married, it was always the same. They had two boys, a girl and a golden retriever named Chance.

  With a kick to his pony, Tyler moved into a trot. The volunteer leading his horse had stepped away for a drink of water. Tyler’s small shoulders bounced in stride. “Look, Miss Kelliher, no hands.”

  Joy looked in Tyler’s direction. He straddled the pony with both hands up in the air. She jumped to her feet and raced to the fence. “Tyler, no! Hold on to the reins.”

  When the walnut-colored pony came to an abrupt stop, Tyler went flying.

  “Ty!” Jordan cried out.

  Joy yanked open the gate and sprinted toward the boy. He was sprawled on the ground holding his knee. He wasn’t crying, so that had to be a good sign, wasn’t it? But fear pooled in his eyes. She knelt next to him. “Where does it hurt, Tyler?” Guilt consumed her. It had been her responsibility to keep an eye on him. What if something was broken?

  “I’m okay.” Tyler looked up, squinting from the sun. “That’s a short pony.” He grinned.

  “Are you sure you’re not in any pain? You took a hard spill.” She should have covered for the volunteer while she’d gone for a drink.

  As all of the other volunteers gathered closer to make sure Tyler was okay, the guilt continued to fester. How could she tell Nick that his son was hurt because of her negligence? He’d trusted her.

  “No, nothing hurts. I think I tore my jeans, though. I hope Daddy doesn’t get upset... He doesn’t like to sew patches.”

  “Tyler!” Nick’s voice echoed through the pasture.

  Joy turned and watched as Nick frantically sprinted toward his son, who remained splayed out on the ground.

  “What happened? Are you hurt? Did the horse throw you?”

  “I’m fine, Daddy. I was trying to show off. I’ve fallen off my bed before and it’s higher than that pony. I’m okay. Can I ride some more?”

  Nick lifted Tyler from the ground and threw a quick glance toward Joy. “No, I think you’ve had enough for one day.”

  Joy bit hard on her bottom lip as her stomach churned. “I’m so sorry, Nick. It was my fault. He would have never fallen if I’d been paying closer attention.” Her eyes prickled with tears. “Tyler was my responsibility.” She knew her mind had been preoccupied with Nick’s earlier question. She was to blame. Tears pooled in her eyes.

  Nick ran his hand along her shoulder. “Joy, it’s okay. Really, little boys fall—it’s what they do. Like Tyler said, he didn’t have that far to fall. This wasn’t your fault. Please, don’t cry.”

  But it was. She was supposed to protect them just like she wanted to keep watch over all of her children at the school by becoming principal. Maybe Nick was right. Perhaps he was more qualified for the position. If she couldn’t keep one innocent little boy safe, how could she ever maintain the safety of an entire school?

  As the group meandered up the path toward the inn, a siren blared in the distance. Joy reached for Bella’s hand, knowing the sound frightened her. The girl pulled loose and covered her ears. She hummed a song to drown out the noise.

  Tyler looked over at his father. “What’s she doing, Daddy?”

  “Ty, shh...wemembuh, huh daddy,” Jordan whispered.

  As the siren grew louder, it became obvious the emergency vehicle was headed in their direction.

  Bella wrapped her arms around Joy’s waist. “Make it stop.”

  Joy’s brow creased. “I can’t, sweetie. Someone must need help, so the sound is a good thing. It means they’ll be taken care of soon.”

  When the ambulance zipped into the entrance of the resort, Joy had a sinking feeling in her stomach. Faith. Something was wrong with her twin... She could feel it. She shot a look at Nick. “Keep the kids out here.” She peeled herself away from Bella and sprinted toward the front door to the lobby.

  A group of skiers stood congregated by the front desk, dressed in their neon ski suits and matching hats. They were ready to hit the slopes.

  Joy raced into Faith’s office. As she feared, her sister was on the floor. Two paramedics surrounded her as one placed an oxygen mask over her mouth.

  “Joshua, what’s happening?”

  “She’s unconscious.” His face pale with panic did nothing to calm Joy’s nerves. The walls clo
sed in as the chatter of people circled the room. For a second, she forgot how to breathe.

  “She was registering some of the skiers, and then she came in here to file some paperwork. She’d been fine earlier. I don’t understand.”

  Joy hugged her brother-in-law tight as his eyes brimmed with tears. “She’s tough.” She expelled a deep breath. “Faith and the twins are going to be okay.”

  Things got a little too real for Joy when Faith was placed on the gurney. She rested her hand on the arm of one of the paramedics. “Is my sister going to be okay?”

  The stocky dark-haired man turned to Joy. “At the moment her blood pressure is too high. We’ll transport her to Valley Memorial. You can follow us.” The two men whisked her twin out of the room, leaving Joy speechless.

  She turned to Joshua. The look of fear on his face made her blood run cold. “You go on and ride with Faith. I’ll get Bella and we’ll meet you at the hospital. She’ll be okay, so don’t worry.”

  Bella... Her little niece had already experienced loss when her father was killed. How would she react when she found out her mother had been taken to the hospital?

  “Sweet Bella,” Joshua cried out. “Please tell her that Mommy will be okay.” He turned and sprinted out of the office. Joy followed.

  Once outside, she scanned the property for Nick and the children. Blinded by the glaring sun, she hoped he’d kept the kids away from the ambulance, but they were nowhere in sight.

  The ponies.

  The children probably convinced Nick to take them back to the paddock.

  Joy sprinted to the trail leading to the stables. Please, God, let Faith and her twins be okay. Her feet skidded on some icy mud, causing her to lose her footing.

  Before she knew what was happening—splat. She hit the hard and cold ground. Her ankle twisted and was riddled with sharp shooting pains. Great. She tried to stand, but the pain seared to the bone. She dropped to her knees and reached for her phone in her back pocket. Staring at the screen, she couldn’t think who to call. She didn’t have Nick’s number programmed into her phone and her sister was being transported to the hospital along with her crisis go-to guy, Joshua. Joy had no one. Her heart sank as she stuffed the phone into her jeans, forced to sit and wait for someone to come along. But who? She was stuck on a deserted trail. Alone. She should be used to it—being by herself—but after enjoying such a wonderful day, she felt even more lonesome.