A frown marred Jacob’s handsome face and he put his hands at his hips. “That man has some nerve coming here.”
She’d worried since the banker left. “Do you think his threat is real? What if Dad did agree to sell the school?”
“Welwood will have to prove it. It’s his word against a dead man’s. Don’t worry about it now.” He leaned forward and smiled. “What you need is good news. The band and singer you liked best are scheduled for the gala.”
Joyous, she leaped up and did a hand pump. “Yes! How did you manage that?”
“Afraid you’re forking over a fat fee to the club for that night plus what you pay the group.” He raised his hand. “Believe me, you’ll reap benefits in the long run.”
Her heart pounded but she took a deep breath to calm herself. “You’ve been right so far.”
She resumed her seat. “Jacob, I’m still worried about paying for the dinners we’re committed to with Riata. I’m afraid we won’t have enough people show up and… well, I just worry about the details working out as planned. I can’t help myself.”
He shrugged. “In your shoes, I’d probably do the same. Things are shaping up, though.”
Hesitantly, she asked, “You’ll come to the gala, won’t you?”
He grinned. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
She hoped she sounded casual. “You don’t have to wear a tux. Some of the men will wear a dark suit.”
“Hey, stop worrying. I’m good. Why don’t we go grab a bite to eat after work?”
“I’d enjoy that. I’ll tell Paddy to eat without me.”
Jacob left Suzi in her office. He probably shouldn’t have asked her to dinner again. The invitation was out of his mouth before he could stop himself. But, the thought of seeing her alone this evening put a spring in his step.
In his opinion, Suzi needed help as much as the children’s home did. As far as he could tell, she had no private life. Church on Sunday appeared to be the extent of her time away from work.
He might be able to set her up with Mike. Sure, that would be a great idea. If he couldn’t stick around to marry her, maybe Mike and she would hit it off.
Aw, man, the idea of anyone—even his brother—with Suzi made him queasy. He had to admit he’d fallen hard for her in the short time he’d known her. He’d have to get over being proprietary about the delightful Dr. Stephens.
And what was he going to do about Welwood? In spite of what he’d told Suzi, he figured the man would make trouble. Even if Welwood couldn’t prove his case, he could create havoc for Suzi.
She was counting on Jacob to stick around. He didn’t know how to prepare her for his disappearance. Hell, he didn’t know how to prepare himself.
He was mopping the hall in front of the girls’ bathroom when Missy came by.
She waved at him. “Hi, Mr. Man. I’m not gonna be sick this time.”
He paused and leaned on the mop handle. “I’m glad you’re not sick, Missy. Why don’t you call me Jacob?”
She shook her head, sending her brown curls bouncing. “I’m not ’sposed to call grownups by their first name.”
“Since I gave you permission, I think you’re safe. If you prefer, you can call me Mr. Jacob.”
She went into the bathroom and did her business then came out.
“Did you remember to wash your hands?”
She nodded and sent her brown curls bouncing. “Oh, yeah. I’m good at that. I’m ’sposed to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in my head so I know the soap has had time to kill the germs.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll remember that.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Jacob.” She giggled as she headed for her classroom.
He’d miss her, too. Were there really guardian angels and, if so, could they choose who they helped? If he could, he’d watch over Missy. And Mike. And Suzi. No way even an angel could stretch that far.
He finished up and moved to the next job on the schedule.
When he called for Suzi after work, she’d changed into jeans and a blue sweater that deepened the color of her eyes. Her red hair was loose instead of in the bun thing she’d worn to school that day. She was not only beautiful, her vitality mesmerized him.
She waved goodbye to Paddy then walked out the door. “I hope you don’t mind that I went for casual. After today, I wanted to relax.”
“You look terrific.”
She climbed into his truck and fastened her seat belt.
As soon as he was behind the steering wheel, she asked, “Where are we going?”
“Do you skate? How about we go to the ice-skating rink at the mall?”
“Oh, that will be fun. I haven’t skated in years, so I’ll probably disgrace myself. As long as I don’t break anything, I won’t mind.”
They parked and hurried into the mall. Shoppers filled the walkways. In mall’s center, a twenty-foot Christmas tree glowed with lights and ornaments. Poinsettia plants surrounded the fountain nearby.
Suzi stopped by the fountain and dug in her purse. “Let me toss a coin in the fountain and make a wish.”
“I’ll make one too.” With all his heart, Jacob wished he could stay in Serenity Springs with Suzi and Mike. Although aware he was letting sentiment dictate his thoughts and feelings when he knew the angels had decreed otherwise, he couldn’t help himself.
Suzi linked her arm with his and they strolled toward the ice rink. “What did you wish?” she asked.
“Can’t tell or it won’t come true.” His wish wouldn’t come true anyway, but he couldn’t explain the details.
“Each of the children’s home angels were claimed and the packages picked up.”
At least that was good news. “Where are they?”
She laughed. “In my house. We always put them there so nosy children can’t discover them.”
“Have you found a Santa yet?”
“Yes. Our minister gave me the name of a man who has the, um, figure and also has a genuine thick, white beard. I asked him to get some of those inexpensive drug store glasses that look like the ones the Coca Cola® Santa wears.”
“Great idea. He’ll look like the real deal.”
“Of course, he won’t know the children’s names, but two of the cafeteria ladies have agreed to dress as elves and help hand out presents. They’ll make sure each package goes to the right child.”
“I’ll enjoy seeing that.” He steered her into the rink admission area and secured their skates.
When they sat to put on their skates, he asked, “Where is the school gift giving held?”
“In the gym. Katie said they’re leaving a lot of the gala decorations up until after Christmas Eve. The place will look festive for the kids.”
“I guess the kids get out of classes right after the gala.”
“Before. The nineteenth is their last day of school until January so that gives our decorating committee and Rhonda plenty of time to set up. I’m afraid you’ll have to wrangle the bleachers out. Three of the cottage fathers will help.”
“We can manage. Do the kids stay here during the holidays?”
“Several of them spend time with their parents or relatives. Quite a few people from the community invite them for the holidays. A few kids remain here, though. I wish we could either send them all someplace special or keep them all here so no one feels slighted.”
“I remember the holidays when I was a kid. The only toys we received were what were donated and brought to us. Not always fair as some got a nice toy and some didn’t.”
He was sorry he’d mentioned that when sympathy filled her beautiful blue eyes as they stood and moved onto the ice.
“I’m sorry you had to endure that, but I’m glad you and your brother were able to remain together.”
They stood at the edge getting their bearings. “Me, too. We lived in fear we’d be split up. But, we survived and even managed to go to the same university. We both had scholarships that paid our way all four years.”
Suzi grabbed his arm and stop
ped. “Jacob, if you have a college degree, why on earth are you working as our janitor?”
He could have slapped himself. Why didn’t he have his brain in gear before he spoke? “I can’t explain, Suzi. You’ll have to trust me. I will tell you I enjoy being around the kids. I especially enjoy spending time with you?”
He pulled her onto the ice. “Let’s skate.”
Chapter Eleven
School business kept Suzi busy the next day so she only saw Jacob long enough to say hello. She kept going back to the fact he had a college degree. What was going on? Was he planning to abscond with school funds? What was his agenda?
Katie, Ainsley, and Brandi stopped by after school.
Katie said, “Put away the papers, Suzi. Time for our shopping trip. We want special dresses for the gala.”
“I’ve been looking forward to our expedition all day.” She didn’t intend to buy a new dress for herself, though.
The four piled into Brandi’s SUV and headed for the mall. Before her father died, she and Katie and Ainsley had been close friends, and sometimes Brandi was included. The past few months, she’d hardly had time to socialize and Suzi had missed spending time with her friends.
They hit the stores with a plan. Katie, a super strategist, had mapped out a route and they let her take the lead. By eight o’clock, each of the four had found her choice for the gala and were sharing TexMex at their favorite restaurant.
Katie nudged her. “That green looked so great on you.”
Brandi snickered. “Yeah, our studly janitor will pass out when he sees you.”
Ignoring Brandi’s comment, Suzi said, “I didn’t intend to buy a dress. You three are a bad influence on me.” She giggled. “At least that’s my story. Each of you looked gorgeous in your dress. I predict we’ll get more than our share of attention.”
“Especially you,” Ainsley said. “You’ll be the announcer and everyone will see you in the spotlight.”
“You three will have to stand when I announce you were in charge of decorations.”
Katie shook her head. “No, don’t do that. I don’t believe it’s done at fancy events. We want to appear professional. You just list thanks in the program.”
Suzi gasped. “Oh, my stars, we don’t have programs planned. How could I have forgotten?”
Katie touched her arm. “Don’t panic. You can submit something and get a quick turnaround at one of those places that promises fast service.”
Suzi calmed herself. “Right, right. I only learned the name of the singer and band yesterday. They need to be included.”
Katie asked, “Who did you get?”
She hated to admit how much Jacob had done so she just let them think she had managed alone. “Sheran Keyton and her combo, the Keytones.”
Brandi leaned forward. “No way. Are you serious? They’re really good. Even getting a reservation to see them perform is difficult.”
“We have them booked. I hope you three plan on dancing the night away.”
Brandi smiled. “I hadn’t planned to ask anyone. Don’t know who yet, but now I’ll plan to grab someone.”
“I’m coming solo.” Ainsley took out her pen and a piece of paper. “I can’t stop thinking of the program. If you had a red border and perhaps a touch of greenery at the top, you could list everything on one page. You don’t want a place for pledges, you want checks, so there’s probably no need for a pledge card.”
Katie shook her head. “No, I think you need a pledge card. Are those binding do you think? What happens if people renege on them?”
An ache built at the back of Suzi’s head. “I don’t know. I agree we need to have pledge cards, though. I’ll put one at each place with the program that’s yet to be printed.” She pressed fingers to her temples. “I can’t over emphasize how much I hate fundraising.”
Ainsley smiled at her. “Poor Suzi, don’t worry. The event will come together. You’re going to love our decorations. We can reuse most of them for the Christmas Eve party for the children plus save them to reuse next year.”
Suzi gazed fondly at her friends. “I know you three will do a super job. You have no idea how much of my stress that removes.” She leaned back in her chair. “And now we have some really wealthy people who’ve reserved entire tables, which helps too.”
Katie clasped her hands. “Awesome. You are going to rock this party.”
“I hope this isn’t my margarita talking, but I am more optimistic since Jacob got some large contributions for us.” Rats, she could have bitten off her tongue. She hadn’t meant to mention Jacob at all.
Brandi’s eyebrows went up. “Do tell? And how did he manage that?”
“He used to work for Richison Incorporated and knows a lot of the important people with whom they do business. Even Mr. Richison has reserved two tables.” Suzi leaned forward. “Jacob told them they were a thousand dollars a plate and they didn’t appear to care.”
Her three friends stared at her.
She nodded. “I know. Unbelievable, isn’t it?”
Brandi eyes narrowed in speculation. “Is that what he helped you with when he was dressed up?”
She waved a hand dismissively. “No, that was something else. I know you’re curious, but if I tell you it has to be in strict confidence.”
Katie crossed her heart. “We swear.” She looked at Ainsley and Brandi. “Don’t we?”
The other two agreed.
Suzi leaned forward to speak quietly. “You know Dad was not a good businessman, much as I loved him. He took a mortgage on the children’s home with Mr. Welwood at Springs Savings and Loan. There was a huge balloon payment due January first—and we’re talking huge. I have been almost sick worrying about how we’d make the payment.”
She took a deep breath. “Jacob hooked me up with Mr. McConnell at First National and we now have a more favorable loan at lower interest and have a year to make the payments.”
Ainsley patted Suzi’s hand. “I’ll bet you’re tremendously relieved. That’s too big a load for you to carry on your shoulders.”
“My worries became unbelievably lighter when the new loan papers were signed. But, Mr. Welwood came this week as soon as he learned his loan had been paid in full. He threatened me, but I don’t think he can do anything, do you?”
Brandi slapped a hand on the table. “Oliver Welwood? Why that dishonest bully! I had no idea your father was involved with that man. He cheated my grandfather out of a lot of money by coaxing him to invest in his schemes.”
Suzi nodded. “I imagine he did the same with Dad. That’s why Dad needed the mortgage to keep the school going.”
Shaking with anger, Brandi said, “If he shows his face at the school, he’d better not let me see him. I hate that man and I’ll tell him.”
“Guess it’s a good thing you didn’t know he’s been there twice recently. The first time, he brought the buyer he’s working with who wants to turn the property into a golf resort with fancy condos. The other time, he came in a fit when he learned First National had paid off the mortgage.”
Brandi crossed her arms. “The man has no conscience. I hope he rots in Hell.”
Ainsley asked Brandi, “Did your grandfather get any of his money back?”
Shaking her head, Brandi said, “Not a dime. If it weren’t for my parents’ help, he and my grandmother would have lost their home.”
Katie shook her head and tapped a finger on the table. “Imagine how many people that’s happened to. You know that your grandfather and Dr. Stephens weren’t the only two.”
Suzi said, “Hey, I didn’t mean to bring up unsettling topics. This is supposed to be a fun night.”
The dinner returned to festive as they joked about men and the upcoming party and a dozen other subjects. By the time she was home with her packages, Suzi had laughed more than she had in months. She had to do this more often.
“Paddy, wait until I show you my dress. I had planned to wear the black one but the girls talked me into a new one.�
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“About time. You’ve worn that black taffeta three years in a row.”
She pulled the dress from the box. “What do you think?”
Paddy ran a hand over the fabric. “You’ll be the belle of the ball.”
“I got shoes, too, and a necklace. Honestly, I must be nuts to spend so much for one occasion.”
“I’ve always heard that to get money you have to look as if you don’t need it. You have a duty to the school to look your best. That dress ought to do it.”
Suzi gathered up her packages. “Paddy, don’t you think we should have a Christmas tree?”
The other woman acted surprised. “Whatever you want, Suzi Q. Makes me no nevermind.”
“I know there’s a large one at the school but I’d like a small tree. Just for us.”
“That’s sweet, dear. I’ll get the stand and decorations out first thing tomorrow. You get the tree.”
“Agreed. I’ll go in the morning. You want to come with me?”
Paddy shook her head. “You get that shifty janitor fellow to go with you. Might come in handy lifting and toting and he’s got that truck.”
“Right, he has a pickup.” She stopped and touched her housekeeper’s shoulder. “Paddy, you don’t really think he’s shifty, do you? He’s very nice and has excellent manners.”
“Remember that Lucifer was a beautiful and charming angel before he was evicted from Heaven. I’m not saying Jacob is like Lucifer, I’m just saying be careful.”
“I am being cautious where he’s concerned. I’ll text him and ask if he wants to go tree shopping with me.” She hoped Jacob was as kind as he seemed, although he puzzled her a great deal. She couldn’t understand why he was working as a janitor. He didn’t look as if he enjoyed the cleaning, yet he was always pleasant to the staff and children.
She carried everything up to her room. After hanging her new dress on a hook to prevent wrinkles, she texted Jacob.
Buying Xmas tree tomorrow. Do U want 2 come?
She had barely washed her face when she heard the ping of her cell phone.
See U at ten.
That would give her time to plan a program for the gala. They could take it to the print shop on the way to get a tree. She shuddered to think what the event would have been like without Jacob’s help.
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