The Matchup

by Laura L. Walker

  “You mean Daddy didn’t tell you the truth?”

  “Not all of it.” Nick had wanted Valerie to think that he was such a nice, easygoing man. Charming. Smooth-talking. Charismatic. All of those qualities described him perfectly when, really, they’d been a cover for his selfishness and arrogance. Valerie jolted as she realized she’d compared Gage in much the same way when he’d first reappeared in her life. But now, through his thoughtful acts of kindness and genuine concern for her and her children, Valerie’s opinion of him had changed dramatically.

  Whitney’s face contorted into a look of perplexity. Oh, great, she thought. Have I confused the child beyond hope?

  “Hello, honey.” Brande Levington’s cheerful voice greeted Valerie. “I’m calling to tell you about a cute little duplex that a friend recommended to me for you to rent.”

  Valerie glanced at the clock. Gage would be here any minute to drop Zach off. Then it would be a race to get the kids out the door in time for swim lessons. “Thanks, Mom, but I’ve been looking around and have narrowed my search down to three apartment complexes.”

  “But apartments don’t have yards for the kids to run around in. This duplex is owned by a member of our ward and has a terrific backyard where the kids could play. You’ll need something like that if you want to continue to watch Gage’s son.”

  As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Opening the door and motioning for them to enter, she whispered to Gage, “It’s my mom.” She then asked her mother, “Who did you say this ward member is?”

  Brande hesitated. “The duplex belongs to Brother and Sister Merrill.”

  Valerie groaned. They were an older couple who had raised their children in a very strict manner. Valerie wasn’t about to subject herself or her exuberant children to more criticism. When she’d moved out of her parents’ home, she’d vowed that she would never live in their ward boundaries again.

  “Thank the Merrills for me, but I would rather find an apartment on my own.”

  “Valerie, please consider it. Now that Justin is older, I’m sure he has improved a lot. The ward members will welcome you back with open arms.”

  “Hmm . . . maybe.” In reality, she had no intention of finding out. “I’m looking around, Mom. I promise we’ll be ready to move out by the time Grandma and Grandpa get home. No need to worry.” She inflected a happy note into her voice to hide her discouragement. So few of the apartments in her price range suited her needs.

  “Well, I’ll keep my eyes open for more affordable housing for you and the kids. What did you say your price range is again?”

  She wasn’t about to divulge that information in front of Gage, who was once again studying the family pictures on the wall in a noble attempt to appear as if he wasn’t listening to her end of the conversation. Valerie appreciated his discretion. “Um, I’ll get back to you on that. Gage is here. I need to go. I’ll talk to you later. Thanks, Mom.”

  “All right. I love you. Remember, your father and I just want you to be happy.”

  “I know. Love you too.” Valerie soon ended the call, turning to Gage with a sigh. “Zach took off to find the others, I see,” she said, grabbing his overnight bag.

  Gage smiled. “I guess he’s starting to think of this place as his second home.”

  “That’s good.”

  An awkward pause followed. Gage cleared his throat. “So . . . I couldn’t keep from overhearing. You’re still looking for a place to live?”

  “Yep. I’ve narrowed my choices to three.”

  Gage nodded thoughtfully as she gave him the rundown on each one. The rent was more affordable at one complex, but the surrounding neighborhood had gone downhill. Two other complexes were located in safer communities but required higher rent. The real drawback with them was that Whitney would have to attend a different elementary school and Valerie would have to drive further each morning to take Justin to his school. “So each choice has its pros and cons,” Gage concluded.

  “Mostly cons.”

  “Will you still be willing to watch Zach after you move?”

  “I’m sure that won’t be a problem. It’s just that . . . well, as my mom pointed out, we won’t have a backyard. But when the temperature outside skyrockets, the kids can’t play outside anyway.” Again, she inflected a falsely bright tone into her voice to mask her concerns.

  “You could watch them at my house.”

  Valerie sucked in her breath. “I’m not sure that would be a very good idea. Especially after you gave the bishop a false impression of me.”

  “We cleared that up.”

  She shot him a dubious look. “When?”

  “Right after you left to teach your Primary class. I spoke with him in his office.”

  “Oh.” Nonplussed, she added, “I’m glad for you. But we still couldn’t be at your house so late at night, then wake the kids to take them home.”

  Gage’s brows furrowed. “Hmm. Yeah, that does present a problem. Especially for a good Mormon girl like you.” He grinned to show that he was teasing.

  “And don’t you forget it,” Valerie added in mock seriousness. “My reputation is on the line.”

  Gage grew somber. “Don’t think I’m not aware of that, Valerie. There’s not one day that goes by that I don’t thank the good Lord for all you’ve sacrificed for me.”

  “I’m glad to help you, Gage.” She gave him what she hoped was an encouraging smile.

  Their gazes locked and time stood still. It was almost as if the spark in his eyes was meant solely for her. If only he would reclaim his faith.

  He was changing a little at a time, she reminded herself. She’d felt his concern and protectiveness over her and Justin at the ball game. She’d heard his regret when he’d told her about his failed marriage. She’d seen his face light up at church.

  Gage’s gaze lowered to her lips and she knew he wanted to kiss her. Her heartbeat doubled in response. Would it be as wonderful as their first? If she took one step closer, she might find out. He reached behind her to pull her closer.

  “Dad!” Zach came running down the hallway, followed closely by Justin and Whitney. “We found a cat in the backyard.”

  “Can we keep it, Mom?” Justin asked.

  Startled, Valerie stepped back and pushed her hand through her hair. Was she mistaken or did Gage seem as disappointed as her? But his voice sounded perfectly normal when he answered, “It probably belongs to someone else. A neighbor, perhaps?” His raised eyebrows drew Valerie into the discussion.

  Whitney was looking at them with a speculative gleam in her eyes. As if noticing it too, Gage dropped his arm from the small of Valerie’s back. Poor Gage. It looked like the Whitney Patrol was back in full force. “I’m sure it does. Zach isn’t allergic to animals, is he?”

  The helpless look on Gage’s face brought an amused smile to her lips. Gage was still learning the ins and outs of this parenting thing. For that, he deserved an A for effort.

  Gage called her five minutes after he left. “Forget something?” Valerie couldn’t resist teasing him.

  “Or missed out on something.” That rich-as-chocolate voice was back, sending little shivers down Valerie’s spine. “Listen, Valerie. I was going to ask you to come to my family’s Fourth of July get-together when your housing dilemma distracted me. Or maybe it was that near-kiss. I’m not sure which.”

  “The near-kiss. Definitely.” Valerie clamped a hand over her mouth. She wasn’t a flirt and had never perfected the art because it wasn’t her style. But bantering with Gage was coming more easily to her lately.

  She could hear the amusement in his answer. “Yeah, that’s it. We’ll have to try it again some time. Speaking of which, I’m trying to ask you on a date. Er, rather, a get-together with the whole family tomorrow. But it’s a start, right?”

  Yes, and it was safer that way. Because while she was definitely attracted to Gage and growing closer to him on a personal level, Valerie still wanted him to be the kind of guy she’d promised her daughter
that she would consider dating.

  “My family usually goes to Tempe Town Lake,” Gage said, “to see the fireworks. I don’t get to participate in their festivities every year due to the team’s schedule, but this year, I have the day off. And since Noelle’s baby is due any day now and to avoid the extreme heat, we’re having a barbecue at their house instead.”

  “That sounds like fun,” she said cautiously. Low-key was always a good thing in her book. “Wouldn’t that be making more work for Noelle, though? Especially when she should be taking it easy.”

  “Pierce and Noelle host get-togethers for their family and friends all the time. Besides, my mom will help her out.”

  “I will too.”

  “My mom mentioned that she’d like to see you again. And Whitney and Justin already know Pierce and Noelle. My brother, Craig, and his family will be there too. They have a daughter who is close to Whitney’s age and a son who is the same age as Justin.”

  Hearing this brought back Valerie’s insecurities. “Justin doesn’t always get along with other children.”

  Gage’s sigh conveyed his disagreement. But if he was serious about wanting to date her, then he’d need to understand and accept her cautious nature concerning Justin’s limitations. “It’s a common occurrence with kids. They’ll be fine. And so will everyone else if something goes wrong. We’re not made of glass, Valerie. We can bend and adjust to new situations.”

  “And we can leave early if things don’t work out?”

  Another sigh. “Are you going to spend the rest of your life running from everything, Valerie? If so, you’re going to miss out. Instead of worrying about what might happen, have a little faith that things will work out.”

  The irony of his declaration wasn’t lost on her. “When did we reverse roles?” she joked.

  He laughed. “Maybe you’re starting to rub off on me.”

  She hoped so. And maybe he was starting to rub off on her. Trust didn’t come easily to her. His voice penetrated her thoughts. “If a situation arises where you feel the need to leave early, I promise that’s what we’ll do.”

  Instinctively, she knew that Gage would keep his word. She appreciated the effort he was making for her, which convinced her to return the favor. “All right. That sounds like a plan.”

  Sarah Nielsen opened Pierce and Noelle’s front door, waving Gage and Valerie and their children in. After greeting her son, Sarah exclaimed, “Valerie, it’s so good to see you again!” She embraced Valerie tenderly, and Gage’s heart lightened. Though he’d never admit it to Valerie, he was wondering if they could get through this celebration without a hitch.

  Valerie returned the embrace until Sarah pulled back to examine her.

  “You’re lovely. Isn’t she, Gage?” she asked, turning to him.

  “Lovely indeed.” Though the words weren’t a part of his usual vocabulary, he loved the effect they created. A beautifully faint blush now graced Valerie’s cheeks.

  “Hi, Grandma.” Zach ran in from behind Gage.

  “Hello, Zach.” She hugged him and then turned to Valerie’s children.

  Gage made the introductions, knowing that if anyone could put Whitney and Justin at ease in this unfamiliar setting, Sarah could.

  “I know your Grandma and Grandpa Levington. We used to be good friends while Gage and your mom were growing up.” Sarah asked each of them their ages as well as a few other questions, appearing not to be bothered by Justin’s minimal responses. She then led the children down the hallway where Gage’s nieces and nephews were playing.

  “Come this way.” Gage led Valerie into the kitchen where his sisters-in-law were laughing and talking while preparing side dishes. “Hey, Noelle and Marissa.”

  They turned and smiled at Gage. “Hi, Gage!” Noelle greeted them enthusiastically. “Valerie, right? It’s great to see you again. Marissa,” she said, waving her over, “this is Gage’s friend Valerie Hall. Valerie, meet Craig’s wife, Marissa.”

  Marissa, who was a few inches shorter than Noelle, came up to Valerie to shake her hand across the countertop. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s great that you were able to help Gage and Zach. I understand the two of you practically grew up together?”

  The corners of Valerie’s mouth lifted briefly. Gage released the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. A dynamic duo, Noelle and Marissa were a force to be reckoned with. He hoped that Valerie could hold her own with these two. “You could say that,” she stated quietly.

  Just then, Noelle grabbed her abdomen during an obviously painful contraction. Valerie grabbed the colander to finish the pasta salad. “Here, I’ll take that.”

  “Noelle,” Marissa said in alarm, “are you okay? Here, sit.” Bending over to pull a stool over, she gasped. “Noelle! Why didn’t you tell me your feet were so swollen? You should have been sitting this entire time!”

  When the contraction subsided, Noelle glanced down at her puffy feet. “Oh, that? That’s nothing. You should have seen me when I was pregnant with Caleb. My ankles got so huge they swelled right up to my calves.”

  To Gage’s surprise, Valerie joined in. “ ‘ Cankles,’ you mean. I’ve had that happen too. It’s so hot here, it’s a casualty with most pregnancies.”

  “Cankles?” Gage gave a sardonic laugh. “Now I’ve heard everything. For a minute there, I almost believed you.”

  “It’s true, Gage. It’s very painful. Guess you’d have to experience it yourself to know,” Noelle said tongue-in-cheek.

  “Yeah, well, I’m glad you get to experience that particular joy instead of me.”

  Valerie’s eyes narrowed dangerously. Gage gulped. Why did he get the feeling he’d said the wrong thing? Yep. Fire and ice. From where he was standing, it was hard to tell which one she was feeling.

  “Oh, we know that you guys could never handle it. Right, girls?” Noelle’s eyes glinted with amusement.

  Now he’d really set the bloodhounds on him. Gage might not always know the right thing to say or do around a woman, but he was smart enough to know when he was outnumbered. He’d rather take a chance with the guys outside.

  Noelle and Marissa burst into gales of laughter as soon as Gage beat a hasty retreat through the back door to find his brothers. “Can you believe that brother-in-law of ours?”

  “Did you see his face?”

  “Yeah, he walked right into that one.”

  “It serves him right. I don’t think he always realizes what he blurts out.”

  Valerie bit her lip, feeling bad for having put Gage on the spot—although it had mostly been Noelle’s doing. But then he’d made that ridiculous comment about the joys of pregnancy. Something he knew nothing about. But it wasn’t his fault, she reminded herself. “I may have given you the wrong impression. Gage and I have had our ups and downs, but we’re working it out. He’s been jumping hurdles lately. Don’t be too hard on him.”

  Compassion softened the women’s faces. “We’ve all been worried about him,” Marissa said.

  “Life seems to be getting a little easier for him at this point,” Valerie said.

  “That’s good. Because when he first brought Zach to our home, there was a huge rift in the family,” Noelle confessed. “I’ll admit, Pierce was too hard on him. But Gage impressed me when he didn’t fight back. I hope they’ll be able to work it out.”

  “I think Gage would like that too.”

  “So, Valerie,” Marissa said as she began to load the dishwasher, “tell us about yourself.”

  Noelle clearly caught the mischievous look in her sister-in-law’s face and grinned. “You said that you and Gage are working things out. Do I detect a love connection in the works? Give us the juicy details.”

  “We’re just friends,” she said succinctly, noting their dismay when they realized that they weren’t going to get their “juicy details.” Noelle and Marissa looked at each other, regret etched on their brows. Gage’s sisters-in-law then toned down their questions, for which Vale
rie felt relieved. These two were an interesting mix of larger-than-life enthusiasm and gentle compassion for others. In some ways, they reminded Valerie of her own sisters.

  When she told them how well Gage interacted with Justin, Marissa said pensively, “Hmm. Who knew that Gage could be so thoughtful? He is changing, isn’t he?”

  Valerie smiled. “He isn’t the only one.”

  As far as Gage was concerned, the steaks sitting over the flames weren’t the only things that were being grilled. His brothers were expert inquisitors, always had been.

  “So, what’s she like now that she’s all grown up?” Craig asked.

  “How serious are the two of you?” Pierce joined in.

  “Does Zach get along with her kids?”

  “What do you think of her kids?”

  Honestly, Craig and Pierce were acting worse than Marissa and Noelle had. Maybe he would have been better off inside after all. Just then, Eric came around from behind Gage, slapping him on the back. “Guys, lay off him. Can’t you see you’re making him hyperventilate? He’ll tell you what you want to know when he’s good and ready.”

  “You mean he’ll tell us only what he wants us to know.” Craig lifted one superior eyebrow at Gage. While Gage had always felt that Craig was the perfect blend of both their parents, in that moment, he looked more like their father than ever before.

  “What’s that supposed to mean, Craig? You’re not still mad about me keeping Zach a secret from you guys, are you?”

  A tense pause followed with Craig and Pierce staring at him before Craig’s face broke into a grin. “No. We’re over that, bro. But we want to know about that blonde in there.” He inclined his head in the direction of the house. “Are you dating her or what?”

  “Or what,” Gage retorted.

  “You sure you don’t want to tell us what’s going on?” Pierce pressed. “Because we could find out from Kurt just as easily.”

  Gage released a long-suffering sigh. “Are we back in high school, guys? Valerie is Zach’s babysitter, remember?”