Dancing with Fireflies

by Denise Hunter

  “What about the father, Jade?”

  She pictured Nick, and her skin crawled. She could still feel his iron grip on her arm, his heavy weight pressing her into the mattress. Hear the creaking of the bed. She pushed the memory down deep.

  “I told you, he’s—he’s out of the picture.” She twisted her thumb ring, spinning it round and round.

  “You’re going to need child support, honey—you deserve it. He shouldn’t get off scot-free.”

  He probably thought she’d fallen for some loser. That he’d taken off at the first mention of pregnancy. She should tell him the truth. But somehow the truth was even more humiliating. While she was in Chicago, she’d assured the family she’d been okay, that she was an adult. That she could handle herself. But she’d invited a stranger into her empty apartment and had ended up pregnant. With twins.

  “He can’t get away with this. I can help you with the legal stuff. I know an attorney who can handle this and be very—”

  “No, Daniel.”

  “—discreet. He does this for women like you all the time, and he’s had a lot of—”

  “Women like me?”

  “—success. I didn’t mean it that way.”

  She looked out the window, her eyes burning. Stupid hormones. Daniel already thought less of her. She may as well get used to it. It wasn’t 1950, but they lived in Chapel Springs, Indiana. She may as well prepare herself for the looks, the gossip.

  “You know I didn’t mean it like that. I just want you to get the financial support you need to take some pressure off. I’ll call the attorney when I get back to the office and set up—”

  “No.”

  “—an appointment. Jade, you’re being unreasonable.”

  “I said no, Daniel. I’ll figure out some other way.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  JADE PULLED THE MAIL FROM THE BOX IN FRONT OF Grandma’s Attic and took a moment to appreciate her new window display. The coffee shop had been slow tonight, but her mom’s store was busy earlier. She’d sold a 1920s oak curio cabinet, a Waterbury mantel clock, and about a dozen odds and ends.

  The town was quiet at this hour, only the chirping of crickets and the sound of wind whooshing across the treetops. She unlocked the store and entered the darkened building, walking back to the office.

  She’d had almost two weeks to adjust to the idea of twins. She still had moments of shock, moments when fear of the future smothered her. She’d found herself texting Daniel a lot. He had a way of making her believe everything would be all right.

  She entered the office, sorting through the mail. Electric bill. Phone bill. Coupon booklet. A letter, just her name on the envelope. She fell onto the sofa, tearing it open. She was so tired. She wanted nothing more than to curl up in her antique bed, but she had to get these bills paid. She’d already put it off too long.

  She pulled the paper from the envelope, her heart racing at the familiar paper, at the note, at the familiar handwriting.

  You’re as beautiful as a summer sunrise, as desirable as a fresh new day.

  Her secret admirer was back. But this time his words didn’t make her feel special. She flung the paper away, her pulse racing.

  This time they sent a shiver up her spine. He’d been here. Had dropped the envelope into the mailbox, right outside the door. He knew she was working here. Was he watching her? Did he know she was here now? Alone? At night?

  She turned toward the office door. Had she locked up on her way in? She made her way through the shadowed store on trembling legs. She bumped a floor lamp. It teetered before crashing to the floor. The sound echoed through the building, making her heart thump harder.

  She hurried to the door only to find she’d already locked it. She peered into the darkened night, wishing for blinds on the windows. And thicker glass. The old single-paned windows would shatter with little effort. And who was around to hear it?

  A chill seeped into her bones as she turned back to the office. The words reverberated in her mind. It was nothing. Just some guy with a crush. Same as before.

  But what if he was a stalker? What if it was Nick? What if it had been Nick all along, and he’d followed her to Chicago? What if he was here now?

  She crossed her arms against the shiver that shimmied down her spine. Stop it, Jade. She was being ridiculous. Paranoid. Nick was hundreds of miles away. He’d only wanted one thing from her, and he’d already gotten it. The note had come from—

  A thump sounded from the back of the store. Jade stopped in her tracks, grasping the nearest object—a weighty candlestick.

  The thump came again, three of them. Someone knocking on the back door.

  She approached it slowly, swallowing hard. She was being stupid. Her mind knew it, but her heart wasn’t buying in. It flailed against her ribs like a bat on the loose.

  “Jade? It’s me.”

  She could barely hear his voice through the thick metal door. She palmed her heart, took a steadying breath, then reached for the door.

  Daniel smiled at Jade, relieved that she’d finally answered. He edged past her and down the narrow hall. “Just got back from a fire run. It’s not too late? You weren’t in bed?”

  “I just got off work. Was anyone hurt?”

  “No, it was just a little kitchen fire up on Hidden Hollow Road.” When they reached the office, he handed her the bag. “It’s chili night at the station. Thought you could use some home-cooked food.”

  “Thanks.” She took the bag. “It smells good.”

  “What’s with the candlestick?”

  She glanced at it as though just realizing she held it. “Oh, that. I was just—moving it when you knocked.”

  He might’ve bought it if her hands weren’t shaking as she set it down.

  She moved a stack of mail and set the food on the desk. “Thanks. I missed dinner.”

  “It’s still warm. There’s a spoon in there too.”

  She wasn’t looking at him. Something had happened. He frowned, walking toward her.

  Her eyes slid to the floor near the foot of her desk.

  He followed her gaze. A sheet of paper lay crimped on the rug. He recognized it immediately. His eyes darted to her as cold dread shot straight to his heart.

  She stepped forward and snatched it off the floor, folding it.

  His breath caught in his lungs and turned to cement. She knew. Oh, crap. She knew it was him. That’s why she was acting so funny. Why she hadn’t looked him in the eye since he’d entered the store. How had she known?

  He’d never felt so exposed. He’d only wanted to reassure her after those things she’d said about herself after the ultrasound. He should’ve left well enough alone.

  She set the paper on the desk, staring at it. Or avoiding him.

  He had to say something. Take away this awkwardness. How was he going to do that? He was in love with her, and she thought of him like a brother.

  “I need to ask you something.”

  “I can explain.”

  They spoke simultaneously. He wasn’t thinking, because clearly, he couldn’t explain. Not without ruining everything. He was the only one she could depend on right now. The only one who knew of her pregnancy, her living situation.

  She picked up the note and handed it to him. “They started again.”

  “What?”

  “The secret admirer thing—remember, from before? I got this a few minutes ago. In the mailbox.”

  She didn’t know. The realization hit him with the pressure of a fire hose.

  He took the paper numbly. “The mailbox?”

  “The one outside the store. The envelope just had my name. Are you reading it?”

  “Yes.” His eyes scanned the page, but he knew the words already. Knew them by heart. He couldn’t focus on them anyway. Could only thank heaven above that she didn’t know.

  “Well?” she asked. “What do you think?”

  “About . . . ?”

  She sank onto the sofa, crossing her arms. “
I don’t know. This one struck me differently than the others.”

  “Differently how?”

  “It kind of—freaked me out.”

  He winced. Not the reaction he’d been going for.

  “I mean, before I saw them as inspiring or romantic, I guess, but now . . .” She laughed, not sounding amused. “Maybe it’s from living in Chicago. Things are—a lot different there. You don’t think there’s anything ‘off’ about it? That he knows I’m here at the store?”

  “It’s Chapel Springs. Everyone knows you’re working here.”

  “I know, I know. It’s just—it hit me funny.”

  The fear in her eyes pinched him hard. “I’m sure he didn’t mean to creep you out.”

  “Well, he did. He put it in my box right outside the store where I’m staying. What if . . .”

  Daniel shook his head, hating himself for scaring her. “No. Nothing’s going to happen to you.” He sat beside her on the sofa. “This isn’t Chicago.”

  “You’re right, but I can’t help but feel—” She couldn’t seem to find the word. “Exposed or vulnerable. What if he’s stalking me or something?”

  Way to go, Dawson. He put his arm around her. “I’m sure it’s not like that. Listen, maybe you’d feel safer if you stayed with your parents until—”

  “I can’t. The pregnancy, Mom’s stress . . .”

  “You’re not getting sick as much, you said. Maybe she wouldn’t notice.”

  “But my stomach.” Jade put her hand on her belly. “Twins, remember? I swear I’m growing by the hour.”

  He pulled her into his side, loving the soft feel of her against him. “You’re right. Besides, there’s the glow.”

  “What glow?”

  “The pregnancy glow. You have it.”

  “I do not.”

  He nudged her playfully. “You’re practically a neon sign.”

  “Stop it.”

  Ah, but he’d made her smile. Why did that make him feel like a million bucks? Like he could buy the world twice over with that smile.

  Of course, he’d also just scared the tar out of her.

  She leaned against his shoulder, stifling a yawn. “I’m so tired.”

  “I should get going. You need to get to bed.” He gave her a squeeze and stood. “You okay now?”

  “I’m fine. Just overreacting.”

  “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I can install extra locks on the door if you want.”

  “I’m fine. Thanks for coming by.” Her gaze darted to the bag on the desk. “For the food.”

  “Eat something before you turn in. The babies are hungry.”

  “I will.”

  “You have your cell phone. I’m three minutes away. You can call me for anything, day or night.”

  She stood and wrapped her arms around him, pressing into him. He embraced her, set his cheek on her head. She smelled so good, oranges and spice with undertones of espresso. He set his hand on the small of her back. She was so little. Breakable. And she had so much on her shoulders.

  Help her, God. She’s all alone in this except for me. Help me know how to help her.

  “Thanks, Daniel,” she whispered into his chest. “I mean it.”

  He wanted to hold her forever. Wanted to pretend it was a lover’s embrace. That he had the right to take her face in his hands and kiss her until the man who’d stolen her heart and left her pregnant was a distant memory.

  But she pulled away and gave him a sisterly smile. Then he was walking out the door, his wishes snuffed out like a candle.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  JADE CHALKED UP HER CUE STICK, CONSIDERING HER SHOT. “Six ball in the corner pocket.”

  “Dream on,” PJ said.

  “Don’t underestimate her,” Madison said. “Remember last time?”

  PJ slurped up the last of her Mountain Dew. “Lucky shot.”

  Cappy’s Pizzeria was loud tonight. There was a Little League team in the front, celebrating a big win. The Home Run Derby played on the wall-mounted TV screens throughout the restaurant. The sounds of chatter and boisterous laughter filled the building, while the aroma of garlic and oregano teased their noses.

  Jade eased the stick back and hit the cue ball. It kissed the six, which ricocheted off the side, edging past the eight ball, and dropped with a thunk into the corner pocket.

  “Somebody’s been practicing.” PJ made herself at home on a bar stool.

  “Haven’t played since I left. Three ball in the side pocket.” Jade sank the shot. “So where’s your other half tonight, Madison?”

  “At Mom and Dad’s watching the Home Run Derby.”

  “Ryan’s there too,” PJ said. “I felt bad leaving Mom in that testosterone cesspool, but she insisted.”

  “You need a break,” Madison said. “You’ve been a huge help. Mom said the house would be falling apart without you.”

  “A gross exaggeration. I think my chatter is about to drive Dad nuts. He’s probably counting the days until I go back to college.”

  Jade missed and nodded to Madison. “Your shot.”

  “Finally. How’s life at the bakery?” Madison asked PJ.

  “Sweet.”

  Jade rolled her eyes.

  “I’ve been decorating wedding cakes this week. Loving that. Gosh, I can’t believe what those things cost.”

  Madison missed her shot. “Tell me about it.”

  PJ hopped off the stool, her ponytail swinging. “I offered to make yours.”

  “You had your hands full with the reception.”

  “Speaking of reception,” PJ said, “one of my helpers asked if you were going to give guitar lessons again. Her daughter wants to start back.”

  “The Etters asked me the same thing,” Madison said. “Their boy isn’t learning as much from his new instructor.”

  “I wish I could,” Jade said. She missed those kids. Missed watching their eyes light up when they picked up a new chord or played flawlessly through a new riff. “But between Mom’s store and the coffee shop, I barely have time to sleep.”

  “Maybe later when things settle down.” PJ made a shot but missed the next. “I’m going for a refill. Anyone want one?”

  They handed PJ their cups and returned to the game.

  “So married life seems to be treating you well,” Jade said.

  Madison and Beckett were a sight at the barbecue the night before. They could hardly go two seconds without touching.

  “It really is.” Madison paused midshot to give Jade a dreamy smile, her dark waves falling over her shoulder. “I mean, there are challenges, don’t get me wrong, but it’s pretty great. His dad’s back in rehab, though—don’t know if you heard.”

  Jade made a face. “I didn’t. Sorry.”

  “It’s tough on Beckett and Layla, so hopefully he’ll stick with it this time. It’s not uncommon to fall off the wagon. He seems to really want to get sober, though.”

  “Is Beckett’s house feeling like your home?”

  “Starting to, now that we’ve got some pictures and stuff up. Sheesh, the place was a blank canvas.”

  “Men.”

  “He doesn’t even like Tuxedo Cat.”

  “He doesn’t like a painting of a tabby cat playing the piano that you bought at a garage sale? Wow. Go figure.”

  “What? It’s cute.”

  “Madison, it’s tacky.”

  “Hmm. That’s what he said. It got demoted to the hallway.”

  “Very generous of him.”

  “Lulu and Rigsby are so cute together. They curl up together at night. It’s like they’ve been best buds all their lives.”

  Jade leaned over the rail. “Sounds like doggie heaven. Seven in the corner pocket.” She lined up the difficult shot, missing by a hair.

  Madison chalked her tip, her gaze bouncing off Jade. She opened her mouth, then pressed her lips together.

  “What?” Jade asked. “I left you a good shot.”

  Madison looked into t
he restaurant where PJ was waiting for refills, then back to Jade, lowering her voice. “I know your little secret.”

  Jade almost dropped her cue. Her fingers tightened on the shaft until her nails cut into her palm. Heat rushed to her face, burning.

  She tugged her peasant top away from her body. “What—what secret?”

  “I may be a newlywed, but I’m not completely oblivious.” She lined up the shot and made it easily. “I stopped by your new apartment this week with a housewarming gift.” She gave Jade a look. “Turns out there’s no house to warm.”

  The apartment. It was just about the apartment. Her shoulders dropped an inch.

  “I figured you just found someplace else, and I missed the announcement somehow. But Beckett saw you going into Grandma’s Attic late the other night.” She turned and fixed her brown eyes on Jade. “Please tell me you aren’t staying there.”

  “It’s just temporary.”

  “Jade, you can’t live in a store. Come stay with me and Beckett—”

  “No.”

  “Mom and Dad then.”

  “I’ll be moving out as soon as I go back to the coffee shop full-time.”

  “I can lend you some money.”

  “I’m fine. I’ve never had so much furniture.”

  “Not funny.”

  “I have a microwave and a bed, and I’m using the shower next door. What else do I need?”

  Madison gave her a fixed look. “Daniel knows?”

  “Yes.”

  Something flickered in Madison’s eyes. She bit her lip, looking toward PJ as their sister neared, balancing three drinks. A guy was with her.

  “Don’t say anything, okay?” Jade said. “It’s just a few more weeks.”

  “Hey, look who I found.” PJ said.

  “Cody Marquart.” Jade set down the cue stick. He’d filled out. His hair was clipped short, and he sported a neat goatee.

  Jade accepted a hug from her high school friend. “Haven’t seen you since graduation.” He’d gone away for college and hadn’t returned.

  “Jade, you look amazing.”

  He and Madison greeted each other. Since there’d been a few years between them, they didn’t know each other well.