Invitation to Love

by Lee, Groovy

  “And why not?” he stood straight, shoulders squared.

  She didn’t feel like explaining this yet again, but obliged him. “Do you recall what happened over a month ago? You tried to kidnap my own children. I had to threaten to call the police before you would return them. I know you haven’t forgotten that quickly.”

  He sneered at such impertinence. “You mean to tell me that you’re going to let a little misunderstanding like that keep us away from our grandkids?”

  “A little mis…,” she closed her eyes, circled around for a second, then faced him again in an effort to end this before it went too far.

  It was obvious Mac could care less about her stress. “To tell you the truth, they begged to stay with us. They didn’t want to come back here. They’re happier at the ranch.”

  “Really, Mac? That’s believable.”

  “I can’t see what would be so wrong with them living with us, anyway. It’ll give you time to get your life in order.”

  She crossed her arms against her, jaws clenched tight. This is a way of life for him and Phyllis, constantly interfering and trying to separate the girls from her, the way they constantly did the same with her and Collen. How much can one person take?

  “Listen, the girls will have a more secure life with us. You’ve been out of a job for what—two months now? The life insurance Collen left isn’t going to last forever.”

  “I know that,” she snapped back.

  “Then don’t you think they’d be better off living with us where we can raise them in a financially secure atmosphere?’

  “They have all the security and love they need right here. And, I’m afraid that I can’t possibly allow them to stay with you. Not until I’m sure you won’t try something like that again. Trust goes a long way.”

  A swift blaze of anger emitted in those dark eyes. But, Taryn didn’t care. So what if he stands six-feet-one. She’s not about to cower under him, especially when it involves her girls.

  “Does this mean you’re not even going to let us see them?” he demanded.

  “You can see them. But, it’ll have to be supervised. Maybe, it would be best if you came over here. I’ll stay out of the way.”

  He swore under his breath. “You’re being unreasonable.”

  “I’m not the one who’s unreasonable, Mac.”

  “No?” he shouted so hard, she jumped. “No wonder Collen slapped you around. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t crash into that pole on purpose just to end the misery you caused him.”

  Now it was her turn to stand straight and defiant. “Now, let me tell you one thing. Collen’s treatment of me was not due in any way to my causing it, but more of the ill-bred way he was raised. He caused his own death. If you want to keep your head in the sand about that, that’s your problem. But, blaming me won’t change the truth. Remi and Rachel are mine. And, if you want to see them again, it will be on my terms.”

  After a fierce silence of just staring—he trying to break her resolve—and she, determined he’d fail--his viciousness eased into a bitter grin.

  “You know, Phyllis and I hadn’t quite come to a decision on this yet, but you’ve just made up my mind.”

  “Meaning?”

  He took a self–smug breath. “Meaning, that unless you find a suitable job by next week, we’re going to sue you for custody of the girls.”

  A breath-taking wave of bewilderment caused her to sway backwards; Her eyes welled hot with the threat of tears. “Custody?” she could barely repeat it.

  “We can. And we will. In my eyes you’re an unfit mother. Hell, you couldn’t even be a good wife. So heed my warning.” He leaned close to her, hate tightening his features even more. “Unless you get a job, or by some miracle of a chance marry by next Friday, we’ll take you to court and fight.”

  It took a stunned moment for those words to process before she was able to speak again. “Well, I hope you’re in for a good one, because that’s the only way you’ll ever see them again. Now, get out,” she stepped around him and held the door wide.

  He swung out into the night, leaving her standing there, mouth opened and wondering what had just happened. She put her hands to her face to gain control of her senses. How can he do something so sinister as to take her kids away from her?

  She closed the front door and leaned against it. It’s no secret that they’ve never cared for her. They were barely polite when Collen was alive. She had hoped that after his death, they would accept her for the girls’ sake. Of course, that turned out to be wishful thinking. Mac is an unbearable tyrant. If things didn’t go his way, he’d make sure it wouldn’t for anyone else who had the misfortune to cross his path. He had already picked a suitable girl from a wealthy family for his son. But, Collen brought her home instead and announced their plans to marry. (It was during one of his rages that Collen admitted he married her just to spite his father) For whatever reason, Mac has been spewing revenge since day one; And this one is a whopper. His cruel temper is matched only by that of his son. And Phyllis? Taryn huffed and cut her eyes. She’s a spineless coward shaking in the dominating shadow of her husband. Anything Mac says is law to her. If he’d said jump, she’d ask from which building. She’s sure Phyllis wouldn’t want her grandkids going through this terrible ordeal, but no doubt is too afraid of Mac to say anything. Now what?

  She pushed away from the door and went about securing the house for the night. Well, marriage is certainly out of the question. And, if she’s going to keep her kids out of a court room, she’ll just have to find that job by the deadline, or hire a decent lawyer. She turned out the last lamp before a thought struck her: Even if she finds a suitable job, would that stop them from coming after the girls?

  vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

  It was close to 5:30 when Taryn made it home the next day. While Remi and Rachel played outside, she headed directly for her bedroom, all the while massaging her thumping temples and stiff neck. She slumped down to the edge of her the bed and immediately slid her aching feet from her heels. If the last two days is a warning of what the rest of the week might be like, then she’d better prepare for the battle that awaited her in court. Everyone seems to be reading from the same script: “Sorry, but the economy—“

  She slid out of her pin-striped jacket and tossed it behind her. This whole ordeal has caused her nothing but anxiety and sleepless nights. She keeps telling herself to remain positive—be strong. And yet, there’s that negative vein in her head that keeps aching out the thought that if she doesn’t find something by next Friday, she’ll have to face Mac. She can’t even afford to hire a second-rate lawyer for this absurd action. She shut her eyes, willing herself not to give in to those tears of self-pity. Tomorrow will surely yield something solid. Even if it means taking a lesser paying job as a salesperson at a mall, or God forbid, standing behind the window of a fast-food place asking customers if they would like to super-size their fries. She’ll find something. For the sake of her girls, she has to. She exhaled deeply to ease her tired mind where plans for tomorrow were already forming: The girls will stay with Nora again while she makes her rounds and…

  “Momma?” Remi stood just outside the door, evidence of finger painting at Nora’s smeared on the bottom of her t-shirt. “Will dinner be ready soon?”

  “As soon as I change, Remi.”

  Remi leaned against the doorjamb for a second with an inquisitive eye on her mother before walking over and scooting onto the bed beside her. “Momma, you look tired. Are you feeling okay?”

  Taryn reached up and smoothed the top of her head then kissed it. “I’m fine, honey. I had a long day.”

  “If you’re too tired to cook for us, me and Rachel can make us some sandwiches. We know how. Aunt Nora let us do it all the time.”

  She blinked back the stinging moisture swelling in her eyes before cupping her daughter’s face in her hands and kissing her again. “I’m never too tired to do anything for you. I’ll be in there as soon
as I get out of these things. Why don’t you and Rachel set the table for me?”

  After changing into some comfortable pants and top, she went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Remi and Rachel were at the table, placing the silverware and glasses beside the plates. Taryn took a pack of chicken from the refrigerator and sat it on the counter, then retrieved the skillet from a cabinet and sat it on the stove. The doorbell echoed through to the kitchen.

  “We’ll get it,” the giggling girls wrestled to get to the front door first.

  “Girls, don’t answer the door if it’s a stranger,” she reminded them as they exited around the corner.

  A burst of loud excitement, followed by an abrupt silence had her brows lifting curiously.

  “Must be Nora,” she mumbled to herself when she heard the screen door being yanked open. She continued searching through her makeshift recipe book for a chicken casserole, hoping silently that Nora came to rescue her with an invitation to her house. Remi came running into the room. “Is that Nora?”

  “It’s a surprise,” she took hold of her hand and pulled her toward the front room.

  “Remi, what are you doing? What sur…”

  The rest of her sentence halted post haste when she rounded the corner and saw, of all people, Michael, standing in the middle of the floor with the most captivating smile on his face.

  “Michael,” she exhaled.

  “Hello, Taryn.”

  “Oh, my God.” She hurried over and gave him a brief hug. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m returning from a business trip. On my way home, I thought it would be nice to stop by and visit all of you, and see if you wanted to have dinner with me tonight. For old time sake?”

  “Please? Can we, please?” Remi and Rachel bounced eagerly, pulling at her shirt.

  “We’d love to,” she replied without a moment’s hesitation. “You two, go put some clean clothes on. Remi, put on a dress. Do you hear?”

  Remi ran from the room so quick, that Taryn could only hope she heard her. “Sit down”, she signaled toward the couch. As he walked ahead, her eyes did a thorough once-over of him in his black outfit. It feels so good to see him again. Even that brief hug is still doing its number on her. “I can’t believe you’re here,” she sat to the other side of the couch.

  “I wanted to surprise all of you; And, to make up for not writing as often as I should have. I hope they’re not holding it against me too much.”

  “Well, as you can see, you’re completely forgiven.”

  “And you—have you forgiven me, too?”

  His eyes lowered from hers to touch intimately on her mouth. That act reminded her of just how much she’s missed him. She held her breath and looked away, not knowing what to say, wishing for something witty to break the heady moment.

  “It’s good to see you.”

  “You, too,” she replied with all sincerity. After ten seconds of their eyes locking, she finally ended the moment with shy laughter. “I guess I’d better go change,” she stood. “Certainly can’t go anywhere in these, can I?” She promptly excused herself. As she headed down the hallway, she could feel the energy of his eyes on her, touching her from the top of her head, and gliding straight down her back. Although she was tempted to look back to confirm that, she chose the wisest course and kept moving.

  Evening turned into late night. Taryn unlocked the front door and walked in, followed by Remi, Rachel, and Michael.

  “Say good-night, you two. It’s time for bed.”

  The girl threw their arms around his waist. “Good-night,” they said.

  “Will we see you again?” Rachel asked before releasing her hold on him.

  “Of course you will. I’m not leaving until tomorrow. I’ll drop by and see you before I go.”

  Taryn left him sitting on the couch to put them to bed. A few moments later, she was back. “Thanks again, Michael,” she settled on her side of the cushions. “You made our day.”

  “Thank you for the company.”

  “So tell me, how is your apartment renovations coming along in New York? I remember you mentioned that in one of the letters you wrote.” She had decided as she stood in her bedroom retouching everything, debating over whether she should put her hair back, or change out of that awful skirt, to keep the conversation on impersonal matter, and contain her attraction to minus one.

  “The units have all been rented out and ready for occupancy in a couple of months.”

  “I bet they’re beautiful. I’d like to see your work one day. Tell me about the design, the cost, everything.”

  “So, how have you been doing?” he asked once the subject was thoroughly depleted. “Have you found a job, yet?”

  “No,” she sighed from the dread that question caused. “But, I’m sure I’ll find something.”

  “Of course, you will,” he expressed with great confidence. “Other than that, life’s treating you fair?”

  “Everything’s fine,” she lowered her eyes to hide that lie, but, hadn’t realized that twist of her mouth gave her away.

  “Taryn, something’s bothering you. I can tell.”

  “It’s nothing, Michael,” she waved him off.

  “Taryn,” his tone urged her to look at him. “What’s going on?”

  “Michael, please. You didn’t come here to hear my hard-knock story. I don’t want to bore you.”

  “That’s what friends are for—friend.”

  They are friends, aren’t they? The assurance in those eyes, and the meaning of that word gave her the impetus she needed to open up to him. Maybe, it would help talking about it. She certainly can’t go to Nora; She’d only buckle from the stress. Besides, he can probably offer some sound advice she could use in her favor. She shifted her position toward him and went into the account of her troubles with her father-in-law, and his plans to sue for custody of Remi and Rachel.

  “That is, unless I secure a job by the end of next week,” she exhale tiredly.

  Michael moved to the edge of his seat, his brows drawn, his mouth set. “He can’t be serious.”

  “Believe me, he is. They’ve never really forgiven me for marrying their only son. The want to make sure I don’t ruin the girls’ life the way I did Collen’s.”

  “They blame you for everything?”

  “Oh, yeah. Even his death.”

  He shook his head, his eyes reflecting compassion as he studied the sad expression on her face. “It’s unfair that you have to go through this. Surely, your father-in-law knows what this will do to Remi and Rachel.”

  “He only knows what it will do to me; And, that’s what counts.”

  “Do you really think a court will take the girls away from you? Their own mother?”

  “In normal circumstances, maybe not. But, Mac has clout. His brother’s a sheriff; And two of his sisters sit as judges on the family court circuit. With their power, if they wanted to build a case against me, they could. When they’re through with me, I’ll most likely end up on the FBI’s ten most wanted list.”

  “What a mess.”

  They sat silently in their own mode of concentration until she realized that the excitement of his arrival, and the wonderful night out, had been doused by the severity of her tribulations. At once, she felt the weight of such a selfish act, and turned to apologize.

  “You know, I think I can help you,” he said first.

  “Michael, no,” she held her hand up when the meaning of those words finally hit. “I didn’t tell you this to involve you. This is my problem.”

  “Taryn, I care a lot about you and the girls. This isn’t something you should be facing all alone. These people could take away everything that means the world to you—Remi and Rachel. Alone, you have maybe a chance of keeping them. But, with you being out of work, coupled with this new grandparents’ law, you could end up sharing custody.”

  The idea had her eyes closing in despair.

  “With my help, your chances are much better. I have a top-rate l
awyer you can use. There’s no way in the world they’ll be able to take your girls from you.”

  His offer was so enticing; And yet, this isn’t his problem. The poor man just came for a visit, not to get pulled into a legal brawl. But, if she turned him down, she would have to face the Gant clan on her own with little or no chance of winning. If Michael can help her keep her children, why not take him up on his offer? Does she really want to risk losing them, and have them raised by the likes of Mac and Phyllis?

  “Oh, Michael,” she reached out and grabbed onto one of his hands. “You don’t know how much this means to me. If I wasn’t in such a desperate position right now,

  I’d insist you not get involved. But, I need all the help I can get. Do we really have a better chance if we fought together?”

  “You bet,” he turned his hand over and enclosed it around hers. “I’ll get in touch with Allen tonight, see what strategy we can use, and call you in the morning. Don’t do anything until you hear from me. Okay?”

  “Okay,” she nodded, feeling relieved now that the situation has been taken from her, and she’s not going to face this alone.

  He released her hand and stood. “I’m going back to the hotel to call Allen. He should be getting home right about now.”

  She rose from her seat, feeling somewhat guilty about having pulled him into her war. “Are you sure, Michael?” she gave him one last chance to back out, though the services of his lawyer will be hard to relinquish.

  They were at the door now. And, the warmth in his eyes as he turned and smiled answered her quite definitely. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against her cheek.

  “Good-night, Taryn.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Taryn’s nerves wouldn’t allow her to just sit and wait for Michael’s call the next morning. The only way she could spend that energy was by cleaning the house from one end to the other. His assurance that she would keep her children made her night fitful with maybe three hours of sleep. She didn’t want to think too far ahead of herself, but couldn’t help celebrating the fact that her troubles were coming to an end; That canopy of threat Mac held over her was about to be torn down.