Tangled Hearts

by Tea DeLuca

  “These stairs are dangerous for him,” he told Mags.

  “I know. As I’m looking around, there are a lot of things my mother will have to do to safety proof the house as my father gets worse. She needs locks that he can’t open, so he doesn’t wander outside for one.”

  “I can help, hon.”

  “Mark, you did so much tonight. You don’t have to go fishing with him. He’ll probably forget anyway.”

  He smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “He won’t, and I want to go. Just us guys.” He would have kissed her, but her mother reappeared.

  “I think we’re settled. He took his meds, and I’m going to bed, too. Thank you, both,” but her eyes held Mark’s. “I’ll call, honey, if I need you.”

  “Anytime, Mom, and I can stay over sometimes if you need a break.” She hugged her mother who would have to be so much stronger now. She never could have imagined how quickly life changed, and how her strong husband would grow more dependent on her as time passed.

  Mags was quiet in the car. The radio played softly as the landscape whizzed by. Her father had always been there for her, always took her side, and protected her. After the engagement, he made Mark promise to take care of her especially as he got older. At the time it seemed a little silly and archaic. She could take care of herself, but maybe with a few years, she had acquired a little wisdom. When you love someone, you’re there through the hard times. You’re loving and supportive and let them lean on you as Mark had done tonight. Not just for her, but for both her mother and father. In the dimly lit car, she studied his profile and silently prayed they could make this work this time. She wanted him. Her forever guy, her partner, her lover.

  “What are you thinking? I can hear the wheels turning over here.” His soft deep voice sent a chill through her. “If you’re thinking about your dad…”

  “No, I was thinking about us.”

  He kissed her hand and parked in front of her building. “I’ll take Rufus out back for a few minutes.”

  She closed the gap and kissed him firmly, eagerly. “I’ll wait for you in the bedroom.”

  His smile widened as he leashed the dog. “Don’t fall asleep before I get back.”

  “I’m wide awake.”

  “Are you sure you’re not tired?”

  She leaned on the bedroom door and dazzled him with her smile. “You promised my dad you’d take care of me. Are you going to keep your promise?”

  His hand twisted around the leash, the dog eagerly tugging him toward the door. “I always keep my promises, Mags. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  The way it should have been. Whatever this was she wouldn’t define it, wouldn’t try to understand it, or categorize it. She would just love him, let him love her, and hope it would all work out this time.

  Chapter 35

  When her phone rang Friday night, she hoped it was Mark and his plans had changed, but it was Craig.

  “Mags, can we get together tonight over dinner? I want to talk to you.” He sounded upset.

  She did need to talk to him too, though she hadn’t decided exactly what to say. Mark was in her life, but they weren’t rushing things. He hadn’t mentioned the future and planned things one day at a time. He said he was helping his folks this weekend and wouldn’t be able to see her. Maybe she should take the opportunity to set Craig straight. As nice as he was, she wasn’t convinced he was ready for another woman in his life, and she was pretty sure that woman wasn’t her. “Dinner would be fine, Craig. Where?”

  “How about a restaurant down by the beach? We’ll have a light supper and a walk after sunset.”

  “Sounds perfect. Half hour?”

  “I’m close. Fifteen minutes okay? Don’t dress up. We’ll keep it simple.”

  She met him downstairs in front of the building and realized he was nervous. He fiddled with the radio and the window and made small talk about the weather. They were seated in a booth in the back of a nice seafood restaurant that catered to the tourists in Charleston. Very low-keyed, very casual, a little pricey, and a well-stocked bar, Craig drank through two beers before he looked at his menu.

  “Everything all right?” she finally asked.

  “Let’s split an appetizer and see how we feel.” He was avoiding her question, even avoiding looking directly at her. “Ryan appreciated you coming to his game.”

  “It was fun, and he’s good. He wants to play in college.”

  “I know.” He relaxed a little. “He’s been talking about Chattanooga State. It’s a good school with a decent athletic program.” He pushed the food around on his plate.

  Mags was concerned that his dinner would only consist of beer if they stayed to eat. Before he could order beer number four, she reached across the table for his hand. “You promised me a walk on the beach, and I’m not really hungry.”

  “I’m not either.” He paid the tab and walked past his car to the sandy beach.

  The night was beautiful, and Mags’ thoughts went to Mark, but something was troubling Craig, and she had to address it. “Want to talk now?”

  He took her hand, and his walk slowed. “We haven’t talked much since that night we …”

  She waited. “Had sex?” she offered.

  “That night. I don’t know if you’re angry.”

  She couldn’t understand where this was going. “Why would I be angry, Craig?”

  “Maybe not angry.”

  She sat down in the sand. “Tell me what you’re feeling. Regrets?”

  “Hell, no.” He sat down beside her. “Maybe a little guilt.”

  “Why? We’re two consenting adults, or is it because of your first wife?’

  “That’s part of it, honey. I mean, I’ve been with a couple of women since Elizabeth died, but it was just sex.”

  “And you didn’t feel guilty for that?”

  “No, but I felt like I’d betrayed her with you. I know it’s stupid.”

  “No, it isn’t.” She leaned closer. “You haven’t let Elizabeth go, yet, and you’re not ready for anyone else for a serious relationship.”

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “I really like you, Magnolia. I think in time we could be good together, but there is another problem, too. I caught hell from both my kids. They’re not babies, and they understand the facts of life. While it’s none of their business, and I’m not accountable to them, I have to be concerned about the example I’m setting for them.”

  Mags hadn’t thought too much about that, but then she didn’t have children. “So, did you want to stop seeing each other?”

  “No, not at all, but I know you’re moving slowly in this relationship. I just want you to know I understand. Someday when you’re ready, you’ll wear my ring and move in with me.”

  “If and when we are both ready, and Craig, it may not work out for us. Sometimes, it’s just the wrong time, no one’s fault.”

  “I have a good feeling about us.” He pulled her closer and smiled easily.

  She didn’t want to lead him on. “Even if we’re just friends, I’d consider that a bonus.”

  His lips touched hers before she realized his intentions, and he wasn’t thinking friends. She pressed back gently, pretending to need to go home to Rufus and a good night’s sleep.

  He seemed lighter when he dropped her off, and she quickly left him at his car. He was a nice guy, and she liked him, but she didn’t love him and probably never would. She’d keep their time together platonic, her availability limited, and maybe he’d lose interest. Otherwise, she’d have to tell him about Mark, that is, if Mark gave her something to tell.

  Chapter 36

  “Daddy, Daddy, wake up,” she insisted, crawling on top of him.

  He cuddled the soft pink bundle, nuzzling her neck. “Tickle, tickle,” he said as she wiggled and giggled in his arms.

  “Morning, Daddy.”

  “It is a good morning, baby.”

  “You have to get up,” her face twisted in impatience. “Breakfa
st is almost ready, and I’m starving.”

  “Breakfast? Did you pull out the cereal box?” He pulled on a t-shirt over his pajama bottoms.

  “No, Aunt Melissa’s making pancakes and bacon.”

  “What? She’s here?”

  She bounced on top of the bed, grinning from ear to ear. “She’s making breakfast.”

  He swept her off the bed, lifting her high in the air, and hoping she didn’t see or feel the anger already brewing. What the hell was Melissa’s doing here? Her texts came frequently, but he was spending so much time with Mags that he hadn’t seen Melissa in several days. He resented her infringing on his time with Liddy, though the breakfast smelled wonderful.

  “Good morning, Mark.” She looked beautiful in a yellow sundress, hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. How did she wake up so fresh and crisp in the early morning heat?

  “Somebody forgot her puppy.” Mark smiled at his sweet daughter. He’d get her settled in her chair, and she’d remember the husky that had become her constant companion. “Go get her before your breakfast gets cold.”

  “Puppy,” she wailed, disappearing down the hall.

  “What are you doing here, Melissa, and how did you get in?” His jaw clenched as she poured him a cup of coffee.

  “Not a morning person, honey? I’m obviously making all of us breakfast, and Liddy let me in.”

  “She knows better than to open the door to strangers.”

  “I’m not a stranger, Mark. Drink your coffee and sit down. I haven’t seen you in days. You could be a little more appreciative.”

  “This is my time with my daughter.”

  “You act like I’m taking it away from you. More like I’m sharing it with you, and if you weren’t so stubborn, you’d concede I’m good for both of you.”

  “Daddy, I got her.”

  He lifted her up and set her in her chair with the puppy on the table in front of her. He had learned quickly the puppy went wherever she went. One weekend she had forgotten the stuffed dog at Stacy’s, and bedtime became a nightmare. He finally put her in the car and drove to Stacy’s late that night to fetch it. Mags had given him a little reprieve with the puppy issue. While Liddy hadn’t given up on the real thing, at least, the stuffed version distracted her on to other things.

  “What have you named the puppy?” Melissa prompted when all the food was on the table.

  “Puppy,” Liddy exclaimed.

  “That’s what she is, honey,” Melissa coaxed, “but she needs a name.”

  Kind of like Rufus, Mark thought, a thoroughly stupid name that somehow worked.

  “I don’t know what to call her, Daddy.”

  “We’ll think on it,” he said patting her hand. “Eat your pancakes.”

  “And eat more than the syrup,” Melissa laughed.

  “We’re going to Grandma’s today,” Liddy announced, syrup dripped from her little chin.

  “You are? That sounds like fun.”

  Oh, no, no. She was not going to meet his folks. They’d latch right on to her, start planning the wedding, and he’d never get rid of her.

  “I’m going to make cookies with Grandma.”

  “More fun,” Melissa cooed. “Is Daddy going to help?”

  Liddy laughed which made him smile. “Daddies don’t make cookies. He’s helping Grandpa.”

  “My father’s car needs some work done on it.”

  Mark grabbed a wash cloth and wiped a squirming child free of the sticky mess. “I want to wear my tiger shirt, Daddy.”

  “Why don’t you find it in your drawer and some shorts, and I’ll help you dress.”

  “Okay.”

  “She’s such a happy child, Mark, and she adores you.”

  “Melissa, you can’t do this. Just show up and push your way into Liddy’s life.” He felt the trap closing around him.

  She stacked a pile of dishes in the sink. “I am in Liddy’s life. I babysat for her just last week for Stacy who had something to do. We had a wonderful time. She knows me and loves me. You and I have great chemistry,” she ran her hand over his chest, “and respect. I don’t understand why we aren’t together, really together, commitment together.”

  Mark tried to stop the words or at least filter them, but the passion pushed to the surface. “What’s missing is the love. We aren’t in love. I don’t want Liddy growing up in a family without the warmth of two people in love.”

  “You’re such a romantic, and most of the time I love that about you, but your daughter’s welfare is at stake. Look, I like Stacy; she’s a good friend, but she’s selfish. When she commits to a man, maybe this Johnny, Liddy will be secondary. We can give her love and a wonderful home. You’re a lawyer, Mark. Maybe you can push for physical custody. Give Liddy a real family.”

  Mark’s breath caught. Melissa was ruthless. Stacy probably wouldn’t appreciate her evaluation of her motherly aptitude, and he didn’t appreciate being manipulated. Using Liddy to get what she wanted wasn’t going to work. “Melissa, my daughter is my responsibility. She’s happy, and someday if I bring someone into her life or if Stacy does, we’ll make sure she remains happy and secure. You can’t force…”

  “Daddy, are you coming?”

  “I have her.” Melissa was already down the hall eager to help Liddy.

  Could he say it any plainer? They weren’t in a serious relationship, and he wasn’t making the three of them into a family.

  His princess in her tiger shirt and sun hat reached for him. “Come on, baby. Grandma is waiting for us.”

  “Daddy, Aunt Melissa doesn’t know Grandma and Grandpa. Can she come with us?” Liddy’s expression of hope, a child’s expectation that her father could fix anything. He was going to kill Melissa who stood smugly by the door, gathering her things.

  “I’m sure Aunt Melissa is busy, sweetie.”

  “No, totally free. I’d love to meet your parents, Mark.”

  “Yippee,” his daughter squealed. “You’re the best daddy. Don’t forget puppy.”

  He reached across the table for the puppy, Mags flashing before his eyes. He felt better about this weekend when he had told her he was busy with his folks. That had been the truth. It didn’t account for all of the weekend, but she hadn’t thought to ask. Now with Melissa in the mix, the guilt tugged at him. She would never understand this. He’d have to fix this before the weekend was over for Liddy’s sake or more like his.

  Chapter 37

  “You all right, Mark?” his father asked as he backed out from under the hood. “If you had something else to do today, I could have taken the car to a garage.”

  His mood was foul, and he couldn’t hide it. “I don’t mind working on your car, Dad. I’m just pissed off.”

  “Because?”

  “Melissa. She’s so damn pushy.”

  “She’s a beautiful woman,” his dad observed, “and you’re an eligible bachelor. Maybe you need a little push to settle down.”

  “Don’t you start in on me, too.”

  “Mark, Mark, come quick,” his mother called from the back porch. She pulled him into the kitchen, even filthy as he was, to see Melissa with her head bent against his daughter’s. Liddy’s hands and face were covered in flour and cookie dough. The two of them happy and enjoying the time. Mark turned away in disgust and bolted out the back door. He wasn’t so fortunate that either of his parents would let this go.

  “What’s wrong now?” his father demanded.

  “She’s a lovely woman, Liddy loves her, and she’s a great catch. What’s wrong with you?” His mother turned to his father thoroughly confused.

  “You’re both right,” Mark said sarcastically. “Melissa is perfect. Stacy’s told me, both of you, Perry, even the doctor is quick to point out her strong points.”

  “And?” His mother grabbed his arm. “What’s the problem?”

  Mark exhaled in exasperation. “I don’t love her which isn’t a problem, because she’s not in love with me either.”

  “She said sh
e is.”

  Mark groaned. Apparently, Melissa was working on a lasting impression with his mother. “Doesn’t what I want count for anything?” He ducked under the hood, now fixed on finishing up and leaving.

  His mother’s back straightened, and he heard loud and clear the edge in her voice. “And what do you want, or should I dare to ask who do you want?”

  “What are you talking about?” His dad looked confused at both of them.

  “Apparently, Mark has run into Magnolia a few times, and she’s …”

  “She’s nothing,” Mark interrupted. “Mags is none of your business.”

  “Perry is right then. You’ve been seeing a lot of her lately.”

  “Perry is another one who should mind his own business.”

  “You have to think of Liddy this time,” his father pointed out, handing him a wrench. “If she hurts you that’s one thing, but if she hurts that child, that’s an entirely different thing.”

  “Well aware, Dad. I’m not going to let anyone hurt Liddy.”

  “And that trash will hurt both of you,” his mother hissed. “Does Melissa know?”

  Mark shook his head.

  “Good. She’s coming to Italy with us, and maybe the change of scenery will clarify things for you. We like her, Mark.”

  Mark bit his tongue. It was pointless to argue with his parents. “When is dinner? Liddy should be hungry by now.”

  His mother smiled. “The first batch of cookies came out of the oven a couple of minutes ago. She’s taste testing them with Melissa. The milk and cookies test. We’ll be eating in half an hour. Try being your charming self, son.”

  As his mother walked off, he wondered if he’d have to disown his parents to have a second chance with Mags. It might be worth it.

  “Daddy.” Liddy ran across the yard to find him. “Can I sleep over at Grandma’s tonight?” Melissa watched from the door.

  “No, baby. We have to go home tonight.”

  “Why?” Her tiny fists clenched. “I want to stay with Grandma.”

  Set up and leave the night free for Melissa to spend the night at his place. No, she wasn’t going to win this time. This was his time with Liddy, and she was coming home with him. “Sorry, sweetie, but Daddy would miss you. You want to stay with Daddy, don’t you?”