by Ciana Stone
"I'm her biological father."
"I know."
"You – how?"
"She knows. She speaks your name but thinks Dad."
"Why didn't you say anything about it?"
"Because it's your and her truth to speak and if you wanted me to know you'd tell me."
"You're amazing, you know that?"
"No, not really."
"Molly, honey, you're the most remarkable person I've ever met. And today was one of the dreams I thought I'd never experience. Up on that stage, with Kaylee's hand in mine and her looking up at me, so trusting – it was…" Wiley faltered, unable to find the right words.
"Perfect," Molly said. "No, that's unfair. It was perfect for me. And for Kaylee. For the first time in her short life, she had someone big and strong standing beside her, showing the world that while she might not have a dad, she wasn't alone." Molly looked down at her hands, clasped in her lap.
"She's never been alone. She has you and Mercy, and that makes her the luckiest little girl in the world."
"Thank you. But you and I both know it's not enough. At least to a child who's watched her friends get picked up at school by their dads or attended birthday parties and wished so hard she could be the one getting lifted in her dad's arms."
Molly brushed at tears but smiled. "She had that today, and she was glowing with happiness. I sat there and thought how wonderful it was and how tragic. She won't admit it, but I hear her, I know her heart. And I almost wish she hadn't had today."
When she fell silent, Wiley reached for her hand, and she finally looked at him. "I know she loves me. And Elisi. But today she only had eyes for you, and you gave her the day she's dreamed of. Right down to tucking her into bed and reading her a story. It was beautiful, and I love you for it, but I also hate you because now she'll know what she's missing." Molly looked away from him to stare at his hand on top of hers.
"Or not. Molly, Kaylee wasn’t the only one who had a perfect day. It was mine, too. For the first time in my life I felt part of a family and if we're revealing secrets, then here's the one I've never shared. The thing I wanted most in life was a family. It's what I wished the most for and what I never got."
He tugged on her hand. "Look at me, Foxy. Please."
When she did, Wiley looked directly into her eyes. "Look, Molly. Really look. I'm not holding back on you anymore."
It felt like every nerve in his body electrified, quivered and sparked when Molly placed her hand on the side of his face. He covered her hand with his and saw her smile through tears.
"Oh, Wiley."
She didn't have to say anymore. Wiley knew. It was a first for him because never before had he won by surrendering, but that's what happened. Wiley surrendered to his love for her and in doing so won what he wanted the most.
Molly's kiss was the sweetest he'd ever experienced, and he wanted it to last forever. As luck would have it, his phone rang. Wiley knew who was calling. He didn't bother to answer. He'd return the call on the drive.
"I have to go, sweetheart."
"Work?"
"Afraid so."
"Do you know how long you'll be gone?"
"Not a moment longer than I have to. I'll try to call. Give Kaylee a hug for me and tell her I'll be back and to not take the training wheels off her bike until I get home."
Molly's smile was like sunshine after a storm. "You want to teach her to ride without training wheels?"
"I do."
"Then we'll wait. We'll all wait. Be safe and come home to us."
"I will."
"I love you, Wiley."
"And I love you."
He hated to leave. But duty demanded it, so after walking her to the door and holding her close for a long moment, he returned to his car.
She raised her fingers to her lips, then toward him before going inside. Wiley turned the car in the direction he needed to go, indulging himself in thinking about coming home, every day to Molly and Kaylee.
It was a thought that caused emotion to swell inside him. Could it be that the dream he'd dare not speak was finally coming true? He fully intended to reach for it and hold on with both hands.
But for now, he needed to tuck all that away in a safe place in his heart and turn his mind to doing what he was trained for because where he was going, he needed his wits about him. He'd have to be on his game if he wanted to fulfill this task unscathed, and he was quite determined to do just that.
And come home to the woman he loved.
Chapter Eleven
"Only the Lonely"
Even though Bernice was a couple of years older, she and Kaylee had become fast friends within a week. Today it was Molly's turn to take the girls out to the lake for swim lessons and afterward to lunch at the diner, followed by a trip to the ice cream shop.
Molly sat at the dining room table, filling out a product review form and smiling at the happy sounds coming from the girls as they played. The last couple of weeks she'd found herself thinking how much she'd like to have another child.
"Mama!"
"What's up, Squirrely Jo?" Molly looked up as Kaylee ran into the room, followed by Bernice.
"Squirrely Jo?" Bernice asked and laughed. "That's funny."
Kaylee grinned. "She'll give you a name if you ask."
"Will you?" Bernice looked at Molly.
"Absolutely, but you have to give me a little time to find the perfect one."
"Okay."
"So, Mama, will you braid our hair the same?"
"Sure. Go get the brush and hair ties all ready. As soon as I finish this, I'll stop and get you girls fixed up."
They tore off in the direction of Kaylee's room. Two seconds later, Elisi entered from the kitchen. "Do you mind if I beg off the outing today?"
"No, that's fine. Is everything okay?"
"Oh yes, fine. Netta and I are going to ride over to Rockridge. She said there's a wonderful garden center there."
"Okay, but is she driving?"
"No. We're taking her car, but I'll drive. She's sweet as the day is long, but the woman can't drive for shit."
Molly laughed. "Okay. Oh, if they have any lavender plants would you get me a couple? I want to plant some in the window box outside of my window. It gets good sun, and in the evenings, I could open the window and smell it."
"If they have any I'll get it."
"Okay, thanks. Have fun."
"You too. Oh, and Netta and Nellie are coming over for dinner. They're bringing dishes, and I'm fixing meatloaf."
"Oh Yum. Cool. See you later."
"Okay. Love you."
"I love you."
Molly watched Elisi leave then turned her attention to her work with a smile on her face. Were it not for missing Wiley, life would be perfect. Then again, as long as she knew he was safe, she could handle missing him. That just told her how important he was to her.
But she would be one happy woman when he got back. She'd already talked with Elisi about it, and she was going to ask him to move in. If Kaylee gave them the okay. It had to be right for everyone.
She hoped he would say yes, and had no doubt about Kaylee. Wiley had placed video calls to them twice since he'd been gone, and each time had asked to speak with Kaylee. Molly was shocked. Usually, children are shy about talking on the phone with people they don't know well.
That wasn’t the case with Molly and Wiley. Molly's heart had filled to overflowing just watching the smiles on their faces and hearing the happiness in not one, but two voices. Kaylee was as much under his spell as her mother and that suited Molly. Wiley was her dream and lucky for her, was a genuinely good man.
No one would set a better example for Molly than Wiley. Reminding herself she had to finish her report, Molly set aside her romantic thoughts and took care of business.
Fifteen minutes later she headed for Kaylee's room to take on the hair braiding. Both girls were wearing their swimsuits, had on matching flip-flops and bright pink shorts, with goggles strapped loosely around their necks
and matching sunglasses with bright orange frames on their faces.
"We’re ready," Kaylee chimed happily.
"Well look-a-here. Squirrely Jo and Polliwog Mo are all decked out and ready to rock and roll."
"Polliwog Mo!" Kaylee squealed, and then Bernice joined in. "Squirrely Jo and Polliwog Mo!"
Molly laughed as they danced around chanting the names. "Okay, team, let's get to braiding. You don't want to be late for swim class. Who's first?"
"Guests are always first," Kaylee said and followed with, "Mama, what's a polliwog?"
"You're absolutely right, Kaylee, so come on, Bernice, let's get that beautiful hair of yours all braided."
She sat down on the floor and Bernice sat in front of her. "What's a polliwog, Miss Molly."
"Oh sorry. It's a tadpole."
"A tadpole?" Kaylee asked. "Bernice is a tadpole?"
"Well, no. But she sure swims like one. Polliwogs are excellent swimmers you know."
"I want to be a lifeguard when I get big," Bernice announced. "My daddy says I can when I'm sixteen."
"Well, good for you, sweetie. I think that's fantastic. And you definitely need to be a good swimmer for that."
"And polliwogs are really good swimmers, right?"
"Indeed, they are. And there you are. All braided. You ready Squirrely?"
Kaylee sat down, and Molly quickly started to braid. "Are you and Mrs. Elisi real Indians?" Bernice asked. "Like Mrs. Mica and Mr. Mathias?"
"Yes, we are. Well, Elisi is. My mama was white, like you, but my dad was Cherokee. That's a tribe of Native Americans."
"I like the color of your skin. It's pretty. You're pretty. Like my mommy, only she's short and white."
"And very beautiful. Now, let's get our stuff girls and head for the lake. It's a perfect day for a swim."
Kaylee and Bernice chattered excitedly throughout the entire drive. Molly didn't mind one bit. This is what she'd dreamed of, and every smile on her daughter's and grandmother's face was another reason for her to be grateful.
Cody and Callie Weathers were waiting on the beach area of the lake, along with Callie's daughter Lily. Bernice and Kaylee squealed and ran to meet Lily who was headed for them. Since she was laden with all the stuff, Molly moved a bit slower.
"Hey," she greeted Cody and Callie.
"Let me hold some stuff while you set up your chair," Cody offered then yelled to Bernice. "Bernice? Would you grab Billy and steer him back this way?"
She smiled as she started taking things from Molly. "I swear that kid isn't afraid of anything and he is already swimming like a little fish."
"I'm Polliwog Mo," Bernice announced, and she led Billy back to her mom. "And Kaylee is Squirrley Jo. I'm Polliwog because I can swim so good and I'm going to be a lifeguard and Kaylee, uh, why are you Squirrely?"
"Because I'm fast and never still and a really good climber."
"Right." Bernice smiled, and then looked at Molly. "You have to give Lily a name, Miss Molly."
Molly gasped dramatically. "You're absolutely right, Bernice. Well, let's see. I seem to remember seeing Lily flying at your house last weekend when her dad was holding her up in the air. You remember?"
"Yes. She was like a bird, swooping and flapping her wings."
"Exactly. So maybe Lily should be Birdie Po."
"Yes! Birdie Po. You like that Lily?"
By then Lily and Kaylee were clapping and squealing, and in two seconds all three were chanting, "Squirrely Jo, Polliwog Mo, and Birdie Po."
Cody and Callie laughed and then Cody shooed the girls in the direction of the swimming instructor who was blowing her whistle and motioning everyone in. "Scoot, now and do what Miss KC says, you hear?"
"Wow, the instructor is gorgeous," Molly commented as she sat down in the lawn chair.
"That's Cody's youngest sister," Callie said.
"Oh. I haven’t seen her before."
"She just got home. She's in college and home for the summer. So, tell me. You and Wiley?"
"Oh girl, do not get me started."
"Oh girl, you damn well better get started. Us married gals live through the sexual escapades of our single friends."
Molly laughed. "Right. All women married to hot as hell studs like your men need to live through the sex lives of others."
"Okay, so we're just nosey."
They all laughed at that and then Callie prodded. "So, you and Wiley?"
Molly leaned her head back, closed her eyes, and then smiled and opened them again. "Wiley is – oh my god, he's something."
"In bed or out?"
"Both."
"And does he know what you do – the product testing?"
"Oh yes. In fact, he helped me with some of the products."
"Am I going to need something cold?" Cody asked.
Molly shook her head. "I promised not to tell."
"Oh come on, that's just wrong to get us all worked up and then leave us hanging."
"Let's just say that he puts a new spin on product testing. Which reminds me, I have a new product coming this week that I'm going to need to enlist help with."
"Uh, girl, I love you but – uh…" Cody waved both hands in front of her with palms out and shook her head, earning a laugh from Callie.
"No, not that kind of product. It’s a commercial snow cone machine. There's no way I can test it on just me, Kaylee and Elisi. I need a bunch of people, and I need multiple people to work it to see if there are any issues."
"Then let's have a big cookout," Callie suggested. "Right here. We can rent the big pavilion since it has power, everyone can bring stuff to grill, and we can make a party of it."
"I'll talk KC into lifeguarding so the kids can swim," Cody added. "And I'll get someone to cover for me at the bar. We'll start around two, give the kids a chance to play and swim and eat a dozen snow cones and then around six we can start the cookout."
"That would be fabulous. Thank you."
"No prob. Will Wiley be back by then?"
"I don't know. I wish, but I don’t have a clue."
"Well, you could bring his brother as a stand-in."
"The guy who bought the smithy?" Callie asked.
"Yep."
"Oh my god, he's smoking hot."
"Yes indeed." Cody agreed while Molly just nodded and smiled. "You know if we invite him, his harem will show up."
"Oh god," Cody groaned. "Have you seen those women? Honest to god, they're like a pack of wild dogs in heat. Isn't one enough?"
"I'm betting one would be perfect for him if it were the right one," Molly said, and at the look of surprise, Cody gave her added. "Linc is a lot more than a woman magnet, although God knows he is that. He loves women, that's no secret, but he's just never fallen for anyone."
"We should find him, someone," Callie said.
"Count me out," Cody said. "Matchmaking always blows up in my face."
"I've never tried and don't know that many single women here, so count me out as well, " Molly commented.
"Just a thought. Oh, Lily wanted to know if Bernice and Kaylee could come over and spend the night?"
"It's okay with me," Molly said. "I promised to take them for lunch at the diner and then to the ice cream shop in town after swim lessons. Can Lily join?"
"Sure. Cody what about Bernice?"
"It's cool with me, but she'll need clothes. Molly, how about you drop them off at my place after the ice cream and I'll take them to Callie's."
"Sounds like a plan. I can pick them up in the morning."
"I'll bring them home." Callie offered.
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely," Callie assured her.
"Thanks. Kaylee will be thrilled."
Molly's phone rang, and she quickly dug it out of her bag. It was her grandmother. "Hey, what's up?" Molly answered.
"I forgot to put the meat out to thaw. Mind stopping at the store and picking up some?"
"Not at all."
"Thanks. I'll see you after while. Lov
e you."
"Love you." Molly hung up and turned her attention to the swim class. KC Sweet was great with the kids, and they all seemed to be having a fun time.
So good that when it was over, Kaylee, Bernice, and Lily all begged to be allowed to stay and swim. That was until they found out about the sleep-over after lunch and ice-cream. Suddenly swimming was forgotten.
Two hours later, they'd successfully gotten back to Molly's, all the girls had changed clothing and lunch at the diner was done. Cute didn't begin to describe the girls and Molly was delighted to see Kaylee having such a good time, but honestly was starting to look forward to a bit of quiet.
They walked to the ice cream shop, and the moment they opened the door, the owner, Nancy Brant called out. "Well, hello there, Kaylee. It's so nice to see you again."
"Hi, Miss Ice Cream Lady! I brought my best friends, Bernice and Lily."
"Well isn't that special? What can I get for you today girls?"
"We want cones. Double scoops. Is that okay, Mama."
"Sure baby. Three double scoops and waffle cones."
"Okay then. What flavor?"
"I want chocolate and strawberry," Kaylee said and was echoed by the others.
"Coming right up."
"Come on, let's sit at the window," Kaylee said to her friends.
Molly watched them until they were seated and then turned her attention to Mrs. Brant. "Kaylee said you gave her a free cone the other day when she came in with my mother. That was very kind of you. Thank you."
"She's the most adorable little girl. She reminds me of my little girl, Christie."
"Oh? Is Christie grown now?"
"No, she died when she was seven. Cancer."
"Oh god, I'm so sorry Mrs. Brant. That's devastating."
"It almost killed me. Even now there are times when it just seems pointless to keep going. Me and Ronald, well we got on fine when she was alive, but when Christie died it seemed like she took all the joy in our lives with her."
"I'm so sorry."
"Thank you. Seeing precious little Kaylee sure brightens my day. Girls? Your cones are ready."
The girls ran over and got their cones. Molly pulled out her billfold to pay. "She sure enjoys coming here and always talks about how nice you are."
"I'd do anything for her."
Molly was a bit taken aback by that statement, but let it slide. Mrs. Brant was probably just being kind and overstated. "Well, thank you, Mrs. Brant. You're a very kind and generous person."
