by Elsie Davis
“Of course, I miss her. She was nice, and we had fun together. But she made it clear she’s not interested in anything else.”
“And why is that?” Jim persisted.
“Because we are two different people. Very different. Her words. Not mine.” Although she hadn’t been far off the mark. They were different, but he’d been willing to put aside some of those differences to be with her. She clearly wasn’t interested in doing the same.
“She has a point. You’re city. She’s country. You never wanted children, but you have three. She adores children and has none. I’m sure would love kids of her own one day. She’ll make a wonderful mother.”
“What’s your point?” Garrett frowned.
“The point is, the differences are fixable. I think you love her, and you’re refusing to see the truth.” He’d been thinking the same thing, the fixable part anyway.
But love? He wasn’t there yet, or at least he didn’t think he was. Jim might be closer to the truth than he wanted to admit. If it was true though, it was better that he stay away. It would only end in disaster. “I’m not cut out for love and marriage. You know that.”
“You are not your father, and the two of you aren’t your parents. Couples can get married and love one another. The kids aren’t the problem between you and April. They are the solution.”
Jim was crazy.
Wasn’t he? “Since you’re into psychoanalysis, what do you suggest I do?”
“Labor Day weekend is coming up, and the office is closed on Monday. Take the kids home for the long weekend. Let them visit friends and be back on home turf. See what happens. Get your life in order. And while you’re there, talk to April. Tell her how you feel. Or better yet, show her.” Jim stood.
“I’ll think about it.” Show her. He might just have to do that.
Chapter Nineteen
April arrived at the Labor Day festival early, her promise to deliver the cookies she’d baked all night to the Hallbrook volunteer rescue squad booth driving her from bed this morning at four a.m. Her fingers were stained with red and blue from the icing she’d used to color the flags this morning.
When she’d run into Captain James and his wife, the pair had been quick to ask for her help, and April, with too much time on her hands and little to do, had been quick to agree. The past week had gone by slowly without the kids, and she welcomed the chance to do something helpful. The rescue squad was always short on funds but in high demand.
The annual craft festival was the perfect way to attract people to the area. Garrett’s mother normally coordinated the food and craft booths, but this year the task had fallen to Mary Ellen Hutchins. Mary Ellen had done an excellent job taking over, but she’d made a few changes. Now, the food and craft booths were in different areas.
April spotted a couple of young girls about Melanie’s age doing cartwheels, and one girl hanging off to the side to watch, a cast on her wrist. Melanie?
April squinted to get a better view. Melanie was in New York. Her brain was playing tricks on her. She took a few steps closer.
“Miss April!” the girl squealed and ran toward her.
April’s eyes misted over. Melanie. But what was she doing here? April wrapped her arms around the girl and hugged her close, dropping a kiss on her head.
“What are you doing here? And where’s Garrett?” She scanned the growing crowd.
Melanie looked up and smiled. “I’m so glad to see you. Mr. Garrett brought us here ’cause we were homesick. And we wanted to see you.”
“How’s your arm?”
“It stinks. I’m stuck with the cast and can’t do lots of things. And it itches.” Melanie held up her arm for April to see. “But I got lots of people to sign it.”
“That’s cool. Where’s Garrett?” April scanned the crowd, trying to spot him. She couldn’t believe they were all there. It was sweet of Garrett to bring them back, but she worried it would make it harder for them to leave again. Another rookie mistake on his part, but he’d learn.
“He took Sandy to get her face painted, and I get to play with Lacey and Teresa, a couple of friends from school. Bryan’s off with his friends doing stupid boy stuff. Last I saw him, they were playing down by the creek.”
“It’s so good to see you, sweetie. I miss all three of you.”
“Do you miss Garrett, too?”
“Of course, but shouldn’t it be Mr. Garrett to you? We discussed the whole respect thing once before.” She did miss Garrett, but the last thing she wanted to do was discuss it with a seven-year-old, especially one who might run back and repeat everything to the man himself.
“No. Garrett told us it was too formal for our special relationship.” She shrugged.
Wow. Some things must have seriously changed since she’d left. “I’ve got to drop off these cookies. I’ll find you when I’m done.”
“Yay. Can I have one? I miss your cookies,” Melanie begged, a pleading look in her eyes that April could never resist.
“Yes. I’ll make a donation for you. How’s that sound?”
Melanie took a bite. “Hmmm. I love these. Miss Corinne’s cooking is okay, but I love yours best.”
“Thank you. Corinne will get better as she learns what you enjoy.” April left the girls playing and headed for the booth, keeping an eye out for Garrett. Melanie hadn’t mentioned anything about boarding school and didn’t seem concerned about leaving her friends. Garrett must not have broken the news to them yet. He was running out of time, and April wouldn’t want to be in his shoes when he did tell them.
She approached the booth. “Here’s my cookies. Ten dozen sugar cookie flags, just as I promised.”
“They look delicious. Bless your heart for making these.” The captain took the load of stacked boxes from her, placed one on the table and the rest on a spare table at the back of the booth.
“It was fun. There’s ten dozen minus one.” April dug in her purse for some money. “Here’s a dollar. I bumped into Melanie Williams and let her have the first one.”.
“These will sell fast. They almost look too good to eat, except I’ve tasted your cookies, and saying no isn’t an option.” Captain James chuckled.
“Thank you. I’m glad you love them.” She grinned. “I’m going to walk around, but I’ll try to stop back by later.” April waved and wandered off in search of some great finds at the craft booths. Almost an hour passed, and she was ready to leave, but she refused to go home without seeing Sandy and Bryan. She followed the row of booths, going around the final one, closest to the creek.
Several blankets were laid out for family picnics, the kids running around nearby. She spotted Bryan, Melanie, and Sandy. Garrett was nowhere in sight. She frowned.
“Looking for someone?” Garrett’s deep, gravelly voice asked from behind.
“Yes. No. Why aren’t you with the kids?” She hadn’t meant it to sound like a reprimand, but she was embarrassed to be caught peering around the corner like a stalker.
“I spotted you coming this way and wanted to talk to you. I would have found you earlier, but I’ve got my hands full with the kids.” That was a nice way of putting her in her place.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.” April felt awful. He was at the festival with the kids in Hallbrook, and all she could do was insult the man. The truth was she was thrilled to see Garrett again and didn’t want to spoil the moment. After she’d left New York, she’d wished a million times she’d confronted him about the boarding school, even though she realized it was none of her business. What she thought was right for others, didn’t make it so.
“Yes, you did. Your vote of confidence in my parenting skills has never been flattering.” He grinned and shook his head. “Don’t dare to deny it.”
“We both know your parenting skills measured a zero on your first night. Burnt spaghetti was on the menu if my memory is right?” She shook her head, fighting back the laughter.
“Maybe, but I’m getting better at it.”
“I’d have to see it to believe it.” It sounded great, and she wanted to believe him. He was here at the festival with the kids, which was definitely a step in the right direction. She couldn’t help but wonder how it had all come about and though tempted to ask, bit back the question.
“Then stick around.” Garrett winked.
“I might just do that. For the kids.”
“I expected nothing less, but I can hope you’ll stick around for me also.” Was he flirting with her? April remembered the kiss. And Brooke.
“So is Brooke with you?” Not what she wanted to ask.
“Why would she be with me? I’m not working.” His eyes narrowed in confusion.
“You two are together, right? In and out of the office.” She hated herself for going down that road, but she couldn’t resist. After a week of torturing herself about it, she wanted the truth.
“Just in the office. I don’t mix business and personal. Whatever gave you that idea?” Garrett seemed perplexed, and his answer sounded genuine. Hope surged, but she quickly tamped it down.
“Doesn’t matter. Something Brooke said, maybe I misunderstood.” But she hadn’t misunderstood the fact they’d spent the night together. So, what if he did his mixing at the office, it was still mixing. She should feel sorry for Brooke but couldn’t quite bring herself to go that far. If the woman was pinning after Garrett, she was hanging her heart and her hopes on the wrong man, if Garrett was to be believed.
And therein lay the problem. He couldn’t be believed. He’d lied to her about boarding school, so why wouldn’t he lie about having a relationship with Brooke? When would she quit trying to make him into something he wasn’t?
Maybe when I fall out of love with him.
Bryan spotted her and came over. “Hey, Miss April. It’s cool to see you again.”
“Oh, come here. You’re not too old to hug me in public, young man. You can tell your friends I made you do it.” She pulled him into a bear hug.
He glanced around before hugging her back. “That would work.”
She wrapped her arm around his shoulders, and they headed for the blanket. Sandy looked up from her doll, her baby blues lit with pleasure when they landed on April. She stood and flung herself forward as April scooped her up and hugged her tightly.
“Hey, baby girl.” She kissed her on the cheek and ran her hand over her pigtails. “I adore your pigtails and bows. Did Melanie fix them for you?”
Sandy shook her head and pointed at Garrett. April was shocked, looking at Garrett for confirmation.
“It’s true. Melanie taught me how to do it. It’s quite easy once you get the hang of it.” He shrugged as if it was no big deal. But Garrett Bradley braiding Sandy’s hair was a huge deal. An incredibly jumbo-sized deal.
“I’m surprised. Impressed, but surprised.’ She glanced down at the blanket, noting several bags full of purchases. “Looks as if you’re planning to live off festival food for the next few weeks.”
“He bought—” Melanie started to speak, but Garrett cut her off. “Food. Different things that looked good.” Melanie frowned but didn’t say another word.
Bryan grinned, the whole cat and cream scenario coming to mind.
“Would you care to join us?” Garrett asked, indicating for her to sit.
“I’d love that. I just need to run and check on something. I’ll be right back.” April wanted to get the kids some of her cookies before they sold out, and maybe even one or two for the grown-up kid. He’d earned at least two with the pigtails.
Back at the booth, she scanned the table. “Where are the cookies I brought? I need to buy a few for some friends of mine.”
Captain James shook his head and laughed. “They’re gone.”
“What do you mean gone? Ten dozen cookies sold in under an hour?” It wasn’t possible. Captain James was always one for a joke or two, and this was a huge one.
“Yes. Some guy bought the lot of them.”
“Quit teasing. There’s no way.”
“Honest. Scout’s honor.” He crossed his heart.
April frowned. “Well, that stinks.”
The Captain laughed. “Not the way I see it. He paid double for the lot of them. I told you they would sell quickly once word got out you baked them.”
“What does that have to do with it? How did he know?”
“Because the man asked which cookies you made and bought them all.” Captain James turned away to assist another customer, and April left.
They spent the rest of the afternoon together, and April couldn’t remember a time when she’d been so carefree and relaxed. She steered clear of the whole boarding school issue, preferring to focus on making memories. April couldn’t help but admire Garrett’s newfound abilities to manage the kids, enough that she realized she was jealous of the bond they all now seemed to share.
They were growing into a family. One that didn’t include her.
Chapter Twenty
Garrett had come to town for the holiday weekend but running into April yesterday solidified some of the things he’d previously been unwilling to identify. He realized Jim’s advice had been rock solid.
First and foremost, he loved the kids.
Somehow over the past weeks, they’d edged their way into his heart to a point his life was richer for having them in it. Yesterday, he’d truly been a part of a family, the kids looking to him for everything. His mother had known all along when she chose him as their guardian that he needed them. She hadn’t known she would die, but she had known once Garrett met the children, they would eventually wrap themselves around his heart and squeeze life in the cold depths where previously only numbers and business could reside.
Second, he loved April.
Not as a nanny for his children, but as a woman.
It was the only explanation for why his heart did a somersault the minute Melanie had mentioned seeing her at the festival. He’d meant to call her over the weekend but hadn’t gotten up the nerve.
Instead, he’d acted; played with the kids, all while keeping watch for April out of the corner of his eye, practicing what he should say. And of course, he’d bought her cookies. Every last one of them to the tune of $250. Melanie had almost spilled the beans, or the cookies, in this case. Garrett inwardly laughed, wondering what she would say if she knew the truth.
The last thing he wanted to do was send the wrong message. He wanted more than her cooking, or her housekeeping, or childcare services. Not that he didn’t love those qualities about her, but it was more than that. Proving it to her after he’d just bought ten dozen of her cookies would be next to impossible.
The third thing he’d realized was that the kids were happier right here in Hallbrook. More so than they’d ever been in the city. This was their home. And even Rufus was a part of that.
Seeing them run around and play with their friends, the sound of their carefree laughter touching a place deep in his heart. It’s not that they were unhappy in the city, but here, they were filled with joy. A joy that he didn’t remember having as a child their age. These kids had lost their parents and their new grams, and they still managed to find joy. There was a lesson in their childlike innocence, and one he didn’t want to close his eyes too.
The answer hit him like a bolt of lightning illuminated in the sky. They needed to move back to Hallbrook. He called Jim to run a couple of ideas past him, hoping he’d agree and was ready for the challenge of the partnership taking on a third person. Garrett spent the night working out the details after his partner agreed to the plan whole-heartedly. Of course, Jim was also convinced Garrett needed to patch things up with April.
Garrett had been quick to point out he was doing it for the kids, not bothering to mention they’d run into her at the festival and that he was about to do just that. Some things were better left between him and April. She was the missing piece in his life, and he wouldn’t let her walk out of his life without a fight.
He waited for the kids to wake up, his r
enewed spirit and energy toward life something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Not even when oil prices had shot up last Thursday, fully recovering from the secret dealings of the oil conglomerates, had he felt this good.
By the time all three were up and wanting breakfast, Garrett had ironed out the tiniest of details and managed to fix breakfast. Eggs and sausage and toast. And other than the toast being a little dark, he’d done a fair job. He even poured the juice in their glasses, remembering how April used to do that for the kids.
“Good morning. Now that everyone is at the table, it’s time we had a family discussion.”
“Morning,” Bryan mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
“Morning. What are we going to talk about?” Melanie covered her mouth as she yawned.
Sandy crossed the kitchen to his side. “Morning, Daddy.” Words he’d never grow tired of hearing. It was the first time she’d spoken in front of the others, reserving her use of words for him alone at night when he tucked her in. He glanced at the other kids to see how they would react to her use of the word daddy.
They’d stopped what they were doing and stared, then looked at each other. Bryan shrugged.
“Sorry, guys. I hope it doesn’t upset you. She’s started saying it a couple of weeks ago.”
“It’s okay, I guess. I mean, you can have the job. I thought I wanted it, but after Melanie started begging for a bra and you had to buy her one, I decided the job wasn’t for me. I’ll stick to hanging with my friends,” Bryan said, a grimace on his face.
Garrett had to laugh. Melanie had insisted she’d needed a bra their first morning back in Hallbrook. It hadn’t been one of their finer moments, but it had been one of the most hysterical. Luckily, Sharon, the saleswoman at the small five and dime department store in Hallbrook had helped him decide which bra was suitable for a seven-year-old, even if she hadn’t been able to keep from laughing while she did it.
Melanie turned red in the face. “It’s none of your business anyway.” She stuck her tongue out at Bryan.
