The Daddy Coach

by Karen Muir

  Relief surged through her as she lifted her face to the sky and gave thanks for her find. This might salvage Will’s reputation and stop the lawsuit against him. Abruptly, her spirits plummeted. This discovery was irrefutable proof of her brother’s guilt. Shame washed through her, and she bowed her head. How could Kyle sink this low?

  Sobered, she carried his stash back to the house and set it on the kitchen counter. Washing her dirt-covered hands a second time, she considered what to do next. Call Will? No, the police. I’ve got to handle this right.

  The phone rang again as she dried her hands. Seeing it was Kyle, she caught her breath and debated answering. She let it ring several times before she picked it up.

  After the recorded prison greeting, Kyle spoke. “Gina? Hey, I’m sorry I upset you today. I laid too much on you too soon.”

  He was all charm and schmooze. She gritted her teeth.

  “I should have played it cooler, but you blew me away with your nanny stunt.”

  “We all have our little secrets.”

  “Yeah.” He laughed nervously. “Don’t give up on me, Sis. I need you.”

  Her grip tightened on the receiver. “You need me to plant the diamonds in Will’s house?”

  “Hush,” he hissed. “This call could be monitored.”

  “Don’t worry, Kyle. I’m taking care of it.”

  “You mean, you’ll do it?” His hopeful tone pricked her soul, reminding her of the needy brother she’d lost.

  “It means I’ve been digging in my garden. Guess what I found under the poppies.”

  “Son of a gun,” he muttered. “So the plan is a go.”

  “Not exactly.” Her hand tightened on the receiver. “When we’re done talking, I’m calling the police.”

  “NO! You can’t do that.”

  “Actually, I can.” Her voice remained steady, but she was trembling inside.

  “Don’t do this, Sis. You’ll be sorry.”

  “I don’t think so. This will let me sleep at night.”

  “Not if Mr. Wonderful goes down just like me.”

  She stilled at the sudden menace in his voice. “Will’s not going down.”

  Kyle laughed. “He will if you turn the diamonds over to the police. Because then I’ll have to confess my good buddy Will planned everything.”

  She gasped at his ridiculous claim.

  “Will was the mastermind; I was the flunky,” he went on. “Who knows—he might get a sentence even longer than mine.”

  “No one will believe you.”

  “I’ve got nothing to lose. You’re going to do what I say and plant the stuff in Will’s house. If you don’t, I’ll roll on him with the belated confession.”

  “He knows who I am, Kyle. He fired me yesterday.”

  “Then get back to him pronto and apologize. Hop into his bed, if that’s what it takes. Anything to get back inside his house.” He paused. “My way, you can save one of us. Your way, we all lose.”

  Hit by a fresh wave of despair, she closed her eyes. She’d thought she couldn’t feel any worse. She’d been wrong.

  “Listen to me, Gina. You do as I say, or else—”

  She hung up on his threat and leaned her forehead against the wall.

  …

  Gina phoned Will the following afternoon. Waiting for him to answer, she stared out her kitchen. Small brown wrens were swarming her bird feeder.

  Will’s hello was brusque, and as soon as she spoke, he cut her off. “Gina? Don’t call here anymore.”

  “I only wanted to—”

  “Apologize? Save your breath. Ian and Harry will have a hard-enough time forgetting you. Let them be.”

  Stung by his reproach, she winced. But she deserved it. “I won’t call again. I just wanted you to know I found the diamonds.”

  She heard an incredulous yelp. “You what?”

  “They were buried in my garden under the poppies.” A pause followed, and she could almost see him rubbing his brow.

  “How the hell did they get under the poppies?”

  “Kyle lived in my house the year I went to Canada.”

  “So you never thought to look for the jewelry there until now?”

  “No.”

  “Because you thought I had it.”

  She sighed. “Yes…at first.”

  “So, where are the diamonds now?”

  “The police came by for them this morning.”

  “I see.”

  This wasn’t the fence-mending conversation she’d hoped for. “The Vandenburgs should have their diamonds back soon, and maybe they’ll call off the lawsuit.”

  “Maybe.” His tone was grudging, but he hadn’t hung up on her. Yet.

  Emboldened, she asked, “How are the boys?”

  “They missed you today.”

  “Did you stay home with them?”

  “No, they went to daycare.”

  “How did that go?”

  “They had to take naps. They weren’t happy.”

  She sighed. “I’m sorry.”

  “I told them you were sick and might be gone for a few days. I was hoping to line up some potential nannies and let the boys help me choose.”

  “Good idea. For what it’s worth, you really have become a wonderful father. Your boys are very lucky.”

  “They don’t feel lucky. They’ve been asking all day when you’ll be back.”

  Guilt engulfed her like a shroud. She’d made the boys unhappy. “I’d like to see them one last time to say goodbye.”

  “Bad idea.”

  Despite his firm resistance, she tried to stay calm. “You want me out of your life. I get that. But that might not be the best thing for Harry and Ian.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  “I’m thinking of what happened with their mother. They never told her goodbye, and that became a problem.”

  “You’re not their mother.”

  “No, but I’m someone they care about. They need closure.” And so do I.

  “It’s not going to happen, Gina. I can’t take chances with my sons.”

  His anger was a wall, shutting her out. Hurt, she closed her eyes.

  “Make this a clean break and leave us alone. The boys will get over you.” He paused before adding softly, “So will I. Goodbye, Gina.”

  “Will?” But he was gone.

  She sank into a chair as hope drained out of her. Finding the missing jewels hadn’t changed anything between them. She was just another woman like his ex who’d betrayed his trust.

  …

  Sitting on the back porch the following Saturday morning, Will broke the news about Gina to his sons.

  Harry scowled. “Why does she have to go? She said she liked us.”

  “She does like you,” Will assured him. “But her brother is sick, and she has to take care of him.” Will had chosen a family emergency as the reason she had to leave. Much preferable to the painful truth—she cared more about her brother than them.

  “Is she coming back?”

  He shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Her brother needs a lot of help.”

  “Why can’t he come here?” Ian asked.

  “He lives far away,”

  “Are you mad at Gina?” Harry asked.

  “No, of course not.” He regarded Harry with surprise.

  “You look mad.”

  “I’m just sorry she’s leaving. I know how much you like her.”

  “Can we go see her?” Ian asked.

  “She’ll be far away.” Gina actually lived twenty minutes from their house. He hoped they wouldn’t run into her someday.

  Ian touched his arm. “Who will take care of us?”

  “I will, until we find another nanny.”

  “We aren’t going to like her,” Harry warned.

  “We’ll be bad.” Ian frowned fiercely.

  Will put an arm around each of them and drew them onto his lap. “I know this is hard for you guys, but let’s make a deal. I won’t hire anybody yo
u don’t like. We’ll find someone nice.”

  Both boys remained stubbornly silent.

  “You’ve got to help me with this,” he continued. “We need someone to be with you while I go to work. Otherwise, we won’t have money for food, or to keep our nice house. Do you understand?”

  “I guess,” Harry said grudgingly.

  “Ian?” Will prompted.

  Ian’s lower lip had protruded since their conversation began.

  “Ian?” He persisted.

  “Ooo-kay.”

  “Thanks, guys.” Will hugged them both, humbled by the trust they placed in him. They listened now when he talked and accepted his explanations. A short time ago, that wouldn’t have happened. He had Gina to thank for this amazing transformation, and he’d given serious thought to her comments about closure.

  Letting her come say goodbye to Ian and Harry had seemed unthinkable when she’d mentioned it on the phone. He’d been angry and determined to shield his sons from further hurt. But Gina been right about so many things with the boys, he’d decided she was probably right this time, too. So he’d texted her: The boys want to see you one last time. No drama, no tears. Please come. She’d responded immediately.

  Praying he wasn’t making a mistake, he tousled Ian’s hair. “I have some good news. Gina is coming to tell us goodbye.”

  “She’s coming here?”

  “We get to see her?” They were off Will’s lap in an instant, wriggling with anticipation.

  “Yes, she’ll be here soon. You might want to draw her a picture to take with her as a reminder.”

  Watching them dash into the house, he prayed Gina’s visit would bring the healing his boys so badly needed. I might even stop thinking about her every day. He missed hearing her talks with Harry and Ian, and how welcome she’d made him feel each night when he came home.

  Vibrant images from the night they’d made love were forged into his brain. He’d known for the first time how good love could feel. Foolishly, he’d envisioned a long future together, possibly with more children. Until she’d cruelly reminded him how much betrayal hurt.

  The doorbell rang, and he tensed. Walking through the house, he vowed to keep his feelings in check. Gina had promised to do the same. For the boys’ sakes, there must be no tears or sadness.

  He opened the front door and met the scared-puppy look in her eyes. Did she think he planned to scold her or make a scene? The thought rankled.

  “Hello,” she said. “Thanks for doing this.”

  He nodded. “Come in.”

  She brushed past him carrying a flat of vibrant purple-and-yellow plants. “I brought pansies for the backyard.” She studied them intently, as though reluctant to meet his gaze. “The boys love picking flowers, and these will grow lots of new blooms.”

  She knelt to place the box on the floor. Will watched with the painful awareness he was seeing her for the last time. She wore snug jeans that revealed her shapely legs and a pink flowered T-shirt that clung to her breasts. She looked hot, and he fought a traitorous urge to move closer.

  Facing him finally, she squared her shoulders. “I want to tell you again how sorry I—”

  “Why did you make love with me?” His words spilled out, bitter and harsh.

  Her eyes widened in alarm. “I tried to tell you who I was. But you said you wanted a time just for us, and…I wanted it, too. More than you will ever know.” Her mouth tightened. “I know it was wrong.”

  “No man likes being played for a fool.”

  She laid a tentative hand on his arm. “The only fool was me. Lying to you was the worst mistake I’ve ever made.”

  He wanted to believe her. She was one of a kind—funny and smart and achingly lovely. Thanks to her, his sons called him Dad. He stood motionless and stiff, fighting the strong urge to take this beautiful woman into his arms and kiss her soft, lying lips.

  Hands clenched, he stepped back and moved to the foot of the stairs. “Harry, Ian, come down. Gina’s here.”

  Thumping sounds came from the bedroom overhead, and seconds later both boys ran down the stairs, each of them carrying a plastic sack.

  Gina grinned and knelt to put an arm around each of them. “Hi, guys. I’m going to miss you terribly, but I brought you some flowers. I know you’ll take good care of them.”

  She showed them the plants and talked about their care. Will watched her with the boys, relieved by her cheerful, matter-of-fact manner. Tears and melodrama were the last things Ian and Harry needed. She was keeping her promise.

  Things went well until the boys opened their sacks and presented her with gifts. He watched in astonishment as Harry gave her his new compass.

  “It shows you where north is,” he explained. “And you can wear it around your neck.” He held it up by its lanyard.

  Not to be outdone, Ian handed Gina his Green Dragon kite, the one he loved flying when they went to the beach. Will was touched by his sons’ generosity, knowing how much each item meant to them. Gina was dearly loved.

  When she stood and their eyes met, he knew she shared his awareness. His chest tightened, and his vision blurred. He had never felt this connection with a woman before, and the need to let her go was a knife thrust to his heart.

  Gina’s eyes shimmered with tears. “Thank you, boys,” she said. “I’ll take very good care of these things.”

  Her voice wavered, and he feared she was going to lose it.

  “Are you okay?” Harry asked.

  “No.” She pulled a tissue from her purse. “I’ve got something in my eye.”

  She dabbed her face with the tissue, then smiled and bid them a brisk goodbye. Hugs for the boys, a handshake for Will. She stepped back to survey them one last time, and for a moment she seemed to have something in her eye again. Then with a cheery wave she was out the door.

  Will watched her from the porch, Ian and Harry clinging to his legs. He felt empty inside, like a chunk of his soul had been ripped out.

  “I want her back,” Harry said mournfully.

  “Me, too,” Ian echoed.

  Me, three. Gina’s visit had brought no closure for any of them, only regrets. He loved her, God help him, but he could never take her back. She’d cut him so deep he might never heal.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Visiting Kyle the following day, Gina noted the dark circles beneath his eyes.

  “Good to see you, Sis.” He glanced around then leaned toward her and spoke softly. “What about the diamonds?”

  She paused. Still no hint of remorse. “I turned them over to the police.”

  “The hell you did.”

  She nodded. “It’s true.”

  “No…you can’t…” His hands fisted on the table. “Don’t mess with me, Gina. This is no time for jokes.”

  “I’m not joking. The diamonds are back with their rightful owners.”

  “You stabbed me in the back.”

  “No. You stabbed me when you buried stolen property in my backyard.”

  His hand slammed the table, drawing the attention of a guard standing nearby. “Damn, I can’t believe you did this to me.”

  “You left me no choice.”

  He slumped back in his chair like a sullen teen. She hadn’t expected him to take this well. “It’s time to make the best of your situation.”

  “Make the best of being in prison?” He snorted. “Don’t make me laugh.”

  “You can still turn your life around. Take some classes. Meditate. Exercise. Grow up.”

  “Skip the lecture.” He scowled. “You let me down. Hope you can live with that.”

  She shrugged, refusing to feel guilty. “You owe me an apology. Until I get that, I won’t be visiting.”

  “Screw the visits. I don’t need you.” His gaze narrowed. “I could still go through with my threat, you know. Claim Will Sinclair was the brains behind everything.”

  “No one would believe you. You’re the one with the gambling addiction.”

  “Lover boy might not
get convicted, but I could sure mess up his precious reputation.”

  She shook her head. “You’re not going to do that.”

  “Oh no?”

  “No, and here’s why.” She pulled the photo of Harry and Ian holding the flowerpots from her pocket and set it before him.

  He eyed it with scorn. “You showed me already. You expect me to choke up over a couple of spoiled, rich brats?”

  “I expect you to remember how great it felt to have a dad. Don’t ruin these boys’ lives, just for spite.”

  Anger flashed in his eyes. “Jim wasn’t really my bio dad, remember? Once good ol’ Mom fessed up, he couldn’t get away fast enough.”

  She sighed. “Good ol’ Mom had a way of twisting things. But even if Jim did let you down, you can remember how good it felt when he was there.”

  He shook his head. “I only remember how bad it hurt when he skipped out.”

  “Then don’t put these kids through that.” She leaned toward him. “The hurt can stop here. Do right by these boys and make up for the harm you’ve caused.”

  His eyes were stone-cold. “What’s in it for me?”

  No empathy or regret. He’s still playing the victim. “It will help you face yourself in the mirror.”

  “I’ve got no problem with the mirror.”

  “You should.” Discouraged, she stood. Further words seemed pointless, but she said them anyway. “Take responsibility for your actions, Kyle. It’s time to grow up and do the right thing.”

  She left the photo on the table in case he still had a small grain of conscience. Head down, she walked to the parking lot. Memories assailed her of him as a young boy gazing up at her with trust in his eyes, counting on her to take his part when no one else would. But now it was time to cut him loose, even though it left her hurting and alone.

  …

  Gina clicked off her computer, stretched out her arms, and yawned. She’d worked hard on her thesis every day this week, yet still found plenty of time to miss Will. Her screen-saver photo of him and the boys building a sandcastle at the beach had to go. But not today.

  What was he doing this very moment? Sitting in his favorite armchair with Harry and Ian on his lap? Wishing things had been different and she was still with them? No. That was her wish, and she had to give it up.