As he headed back to his classroom, he thought about texting Joy to let her know his idea had been shot down, but he’d rather tell her in person. Since he and the boys were leaving for his sister’s house, right after school, it would have to wait.
The knot in Nick’s stomach squeezed a little tighter. What if his master’s degree gave him a little more advantage when it came to the board’s decision? Could he live with himself knowing he was working in a job that should belong to Joy? First, abandoning her that dreaded night, and now stealing her dream. If he did accept the position, he’d never have a second chance with Joy and he’d be the same man he’d been in Chicago—putting his wants and needs before the people he loved.
* * *
Early Monday morning, with Bella back at home with her new brother and sister, Joy had the time to take extra care in picking out her clothes to wear to work. Once again, she was only responsible for herself. She shook away the sense of loneliness creeping in as it often did in the morning hours and at night. With her interview scheduled this afternoon, during her lunch break, she knew today wouldn’t be a typical day of teaching. She hadn’t seen Nick or the boys over the weekend, as they’d headed out after school on Friday to visit the boys’ aunt, who lived in Maryland.
With Nick and the boys gone for two days, she’d been lonely. Lately she’d found comfort in knowing they were right across the street. Of course, thoughts of the amazing kiss she and Nick had shared on Thursday night hadn’t left her mind.
It had all been so unexpected. After running from the auditorium when Tyler had made his appearance, she’d felt embarrassed, but Nick had comforted her in a way no other man ever could. She had felt so safe. She’d given in to the moment and had been unable to resist the urge to kiss him. His lips had been even softer than she’d remembered. But, as much as the thought of a future with him and his adorable boys made her heart soar, she knew the reality of the situation. Once he found out children weren’t in her future, he’d move on. So why even start something that would only have another bad ending?
A quick glance in her floor-length mirror reflected a smart black pantsuit with a lavender blouse. She finished off her outfit with black pumps. With her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail, she inhaled a deep breath. “This is it. You’ve got to sell yourself. Use your experience and the love you have for all of the children in the school and knock their socks off. Stay confident, and whatever you do, don’t blow it.” Joy strolled out of the bedroom, snatching her purse off the kitchen counter. “Okay, God, I hope You’ve got my back today.”
Fifteen minutes later she pulled her car into the faculty parking lot. Two spots over, she spotted Nick’s SUV and her heart fluttered as the picture of him leaning in to kiss her flashed through her mind. She tried to shake away the vision, but it seemed seared in her brain as if by a hot, steamy branding iron. Placing the vehicle into Park, she unbuckled her seat belt. Outside, she rounded to the passenger side, opened the door and grabbed her briefcase.
“Wow!”
The deep familiar voice caused her to jump. She turned to see Nick nearby with a grin as big as Texas and the boys by his side.
“You look nice, Miss Kellihuh.” Jordan tugged on her hand.
“She sure does. Why don’t you kids run inside and get your breakfast. I’ll join you shortly.”
The children took off running toward the building and Nick turned his gaze back to Joy. “You look like you’re dressed for a big-time business meeting, not a day of teaching at a small mountain community school.”
He looked as handsome as he had the other night. Did the man ever have a bad hair day? Everything about him was perfect, even down to his expertly creased khaki pants and shiny auburn-colored Rockports.
Despite the nip in the air, Joy felt her face warm. “I have my interview today with Mr. Jacobson and Mrs. Dixon, remember?” There it was again, that kiss, and now her knees were hardly able to hold her up. Get a grip, girl. “Did you have a nice trip?”
“Of course I remember. I was only joking with you.” Nick reached for her briefcase. “Here, let me carry that for you.” He flashed a warm smile as they headed toward the school. “Yes, we had a great time. Janie, my sister, always spoils the boys rotten. They’re crazy about her. I’m trying to convince her to move to Whispering Slopes. She went through a terrible divorce last year. I think a change of scenery would do her some good.”
“It’s nice to live close to family. I don’t know what I’d do without having Faith in town.” She paused as he reached to open the door for her. “Do you think Janie will make the move?”
“I sure hope so. I’m going to make sure she keeps the idea in the forefront of her mind. She works as a travel writer and photographer, so she’s able to work from anywhere. She’s planning a visit in late spring. I think that’s the perfect time of year to lure outsiders to the area. It’s certainly my favorite season here in Shenandoah.”
Since school didn’t start for another forty-five minutes, her classroom was empty when they entered through the door. “I agree. The wildflowers are amazing and so fragrant. It’s like living in a flower shop.”
Nick chuckled. “I never thought of it that way, but you’re right,” he said as he placed her briefcase on top of her desk and turned quickly. “There’s something I need to talk to you about before you go in for your interview. I should have told you before we left on Friday, but since we left right after school, there was no time.”
Joy’s stomach twisted. Was he going to say the kiss had been a mistake? She hoped not, but then again, it might be better if they were on the same page. But wait—she wasn’t on that page. She was on the page that said that was the greatest kiss she’d ever had. She recalled his reaction, and he’d felt the same... At least she thought he had. Suddenly she couldn’t think clearly. Her mind was a jumbled pile of puzzle pieces.
“Joy, are you okay?” Nick stepped a little closer and the smell of his knee-weakening cologne tickled her nose.
Her mind swirled. “Yes. I’m sorry. I guess I got lost in thought about those beautiful flowers.” Good save. Who was she kidding? She was a nervous Nellie around this man. “What were you saying?”
“Before I left on Friday, I had a meeting with Mr. Jacobson,” he said hesitantly.
She knew it. He’d been offered the job. But wait. If he had been, why wouldn’t they have canceled her interview? Oh, right—they had to follow protocol and officially interview every applicant, even if their decision had already been made. “Was it about the job opening?” She was afraid to hear his answer.
Nick tapped his foot into the shiny tile. “Kind of... The board didn’t go for my idea of coprincipals.” He blew out an extended breath. “Apparently it’s not in their budget.”
Not really surprised, Joy glanced down at her newly purchased pumps. “Oh, I see.” Now it was up to her to wow Mr. Jacobson at her interview this afternoon. But deep down, the fact that she was lacking the advanced degree caused her stomach to burn.
Nick brushed her chin with his thumb and lifted her head. “Don’t worry—all hope isn’t lost, Joy. There’s always the chance they will reconsider the idea when preparing the budget for the next school year.”
But that was too long to wait. She had to be principal now—after Mr. Jacobson’s retirement. Knowing she’d never have children of her own, she assumed getting this position would satisfy that aching desire. It could fill the void of wanting a family and a husband who would always be there for her. A picture of that man being Nick flashed in her mind. But what if the job didn’t take away the emptiness in her heart? What then?
“I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to prepare the math lesson for today before the children arrive,” she stated.
“Sure. I’m sorry I’ve held you up.” Nick headed for the door, but then turned back to her before exiting. “You’d make a great principal, Joy... Just remember that.�
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She watched as he disappeared down the hallway. The chatter of excited children echoed into the room as her eyes glanced at the clock on the wall. Three more hours and the board would be in a position to make their decision. A gnawing sensation filled the pit of her stomach as she tried to remember Nick’s last words.
* * *
Thursday afternoon, as Joy sat in her classroom grading the spelling tests from earlier in the day, she couldn’t stop checking her email. Following her interview on Monday, Mr. Jacobson had told her she’d hear something before the end of the week. Her stomach twisted. What if she didn’t get the job? Could she work under Nick’s leadership, knowing he’d taken away her only chance of happiness?
Twenty minutes later, she glanced at the clock. It was time to head home. But really, what was the rush? There was no one there waiting for her—no one excited to see her come through the door. As she organized the stack of tests, she heard a gentle knock on her door.
“May I come in, Joy?”
The tone of Mr. Jacobson’s voice as he entered her room told her what she had already assumed would happen. The board had picked Nick.
She swallowed hard before answering. “Sure.” Her voice trembled.
The residing principal pulled a chair in front of her desk and took a seat. Rubbing his hand over his thighs, he looked up with a grim expression. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but the position has been offered to Nick.” He paused and gazed out the window. “He was just informed. I know this was your dream, to fill your father’s shoes and lead this school, but Nick’s degree played a large role in our decision. And believe me, it was a tough one.”
As the room spun, Joy gripped the edge of her desk, trying to maintain her composure. She had to remain a professional. She couldn’t break down and start crying like a baby in front of Mr. Jacobson. Could she? No, of course not. She’d have to wait until she got home.
“I’m sorry, Joy... Really, I am.”
Joy quickly gathered her things as Mr. Jacobson exited her room. She needed to make a quick getaway, taking no chances of running into Nick. She couldn’t face him now. In one swoop, he’d come back to town and stolen the only dream she could have potentially turned into a reality. Obviously, her other dream, of having a family, could never happen.
Her heels tapped against the cement as she scurried down the hall.
“Joy—wait!”
The sound of Nick’s voice echoing down the hallway only increased her pace. Faster than she ever thought she could walk in pumps, she was out the door, but not before Nick made one last attempt.
“Please stop. I really need to talk to you.”
His words replayed in her head over and over as her car hugged the winding mountain roads, and she wondered if she’d be able to remain in the town she loved more than anything.
Later that night, Joy curled up on the sofa with a cup of chamomile tea. For the past hour, her mind had replayed Mr. Jacobson’s devastating news like an old rerun on television. Could she really stay in Whispering Slopes and work under the direction of the only man she’d ever loved? Funny, despite knowing she didn’t have her advanced degree, she never thought things completely through. Not becoming principal never truly entered her mind since she’d been teaching at that school for so many years.
When the tea turned cold, Joy pushed herself up from the couch and padded to the kitchen. She placed the bone china cup inside the microwave and set the timer for one minute. Her eyes were drawn across the street to Nick’s family room window. Bright lights illuminated through the glass, putting a spotlight on Tyler and Jordan. Dressed in their pajamas, the boys were twirling, falling to the ground and getting back up to go all over again. When the oven signaled the tea was warm, Joy couldn’t pull herself away from the window. A pang of loneliness caused her heart to ache stronger than ever.
She glanced around the room. Her house felt cold and empty as she thought of Faith in the comforts of her home with a man who adored her and three beautiful children. She tried to force the twinges of jealousy away, but it felt like a heavy weight. Joy loved her sister and she wanted nothing but happiness for her, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to watch her being blessed with everything Joy had ever wanted in her own life. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Life is a sum of the choices we make. Your poor decisions from the past have brought you to where you are today.
Thankfully, the ping of her cell phone chased away the negative thoughts that were taking her down a path of self-pity. She grabbed her cup and headed back to the comforts of her sofa. She reached over and lifted the device from the end table. A quick glance told her it was a text message from Nick. I need to talk with you. The sooner the better was all it said.
Joy dropped the phone on the sofa and curled up into a fetal position. She couldn’t talk to him. Not now. Maybe not ever. Once the tears started, they couldn’t be contained. Crying herself into a fitful night of sleep, she dreamed of something that would always remain a dream—a family of her own.
Chapter Fourteen
Bright and early on Friday morning, Nick reached for his phone charger on his bedroom dresser. The sunlight filtered through his plantation shutters, taking the chill out of the room. He powered up his phone and his shoulders slumped. Joy hadn’t responded to his text message. Perhaps she’d gone to bed early, but he knew that hadn’t been the case. Not that he was a stalker or anything, but after texting her, he’d peeked out his front window and seen her lights were still on late into the night. He couldn’t fault her for running away from him. Mr. Jacobson had told Nick he’d talk to Joy, so he knew she’d been told the job wasn’t hers.
In the light of a new day, he cringed at the thought. Could he really rob her of her dream? More important, could he continue the same pattern of putting his own needs first? Before everyone he loved and cared for? Yes, he did love Joy. He knew that now and every bone in his body told him it was time to man up. He’d chosen his career once over a woman, and sadly, he’d lost her. He inhaled a deep breath and spoke out loud. “I won’t be that man again.”
The soft sound of tiny slippers scuffing toward him pulled Nick back into the moment. Turning, he spotted Jordan standing in the doorway dressed in his superhero pajamas and nuzzling his face into Maverick’s fluffy coat.
“Good morning, son.” Nick approached the boy, who still had a pillow crease down the side of his cheek.
“Hi, Daddy,” Jordan answered as he placed the dog on the floor. “Mav’s hungwy and so am I. Can you make the silver-dollar pancakes for bweakfast?”
Nick reached down and gave his son a hug. “I’m not sure Maverick would enjoy those as much as you. How about I make them for you and Tyler, and Mav can have a nice bowl of his food?”
Jordan giggled as he rubbed the sleep away from his eyes. “I didn’t mean for him to have pancakes, too.”
Following a quick shower, Nick scurried around the kitchen, grabbing a large mixing bowl from the cherry cabinet. “Tyler, can you grab the eggs from the refrigerator? Be careful with them.”
The boy jumped from the table, leaving his coloring book open. “Sure, Daddy. I’m starving.”
The clatter of kitchen sounds filled the air. Fifteen minutes later a stack of steaming hot pancakes were piled on everyone’s plates. Nick had to admit he’d become a pro at whipping up a quick breakfast when they didn’t dine at school. It always made him feel good to cook for his boys.
“These awe yummy, Daddy,” Jordan said as he crammed a buttery bite doused in thick maple syrup between his lips. He placed his fork on the plate and put his elbows on the table, resting his palms under his chin. “You know what would make these even bettuh?”
“What’s that?” Nick replied, expecting his son to say chocolate or some other kind of sugary treat.
“If Miss Kellihuh was here eating with us. I weally like when she’s around.”
“Yeah, I do, too, buddy.” For a second, picturing Joy seated at the table enjoying breakfast with him and the boys made him smile. He knew what he really wanted and it didn’t include him accepting the principal position. Perhaps one day he’d work in that position maybe at another school, or possibly side by side with Joy as coprincipals, but right now, it was Joy’s season to shine.
“Come on, kids. Let’s get this kitchen cleaned up and head on to school. I have a feeling today is going to be a terrific day,” Nick proclaimed as he scooped up the plates. He knew exactly how and where he’d share his plan and profess his feelings to Joy. He could only hope and pray that she’d feel the same.
Forty minutes later, with plenty of time before first bell, Nick had been a man on a mission. First, he’d gone to talk with Mr. Jacobson. He’d told him how much he appreciated the job offer, but he’d had a change of heart. Joy should be the one to sit behind her father’s desk. Fortunately, the elder understood and told Nick he admired him for stepping aside in order to make Joy’s dream come true. Mr. Jacobson assured him there was still a teaching position available for him.
Nick’s steps were light as he headed toward Joy’s classroom. He knew that, being the creature of habit she was, she’d have her head buried in the lesson plans for the day.
True to form, when he poked his head around the door, there she was, sitting at her desk and looking more beautiful than ever. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders before she pulled it to one side. He watched as her lips moved slightly with her focus on whatever she was reading.
“Hey.” He slowly stepped inside, unsure of whether she’d be receptive to the interruption. She had run away from him yesterday and then ignored his text message.
Joy flinched before pushing herself away from the desk. “Oh, I didn’t see you there.”
A Mother for His Twins Page 17