Reagan shimmied across the floor trying to keep up with the beat of the music. Maggie had finally talked her into a Zumba class, and Reagan had figured if a woman Maggie’s age could handle it, so could she.
She’d been wrong.
Her whole body hurt, and she was pretty sure things were jiggling that weren’t supposed to jiggle. She avoided the full wall mirror at all costs so she wouldn’t see how stupid she looked.
“You’re doing great,” Maggie called. “Isn’t it fun?”
Reagan gasped for breath and nodded. “It’s different, that’s for sure.”
The music ended. “Water break,” the instructor called.
Reagan collapsed on the floor. “The last time I huffed and puffed this much, I was in labor with the twins.”
Maggie laughed. “How is everything going now that you’ve had a few weeks of exercise? Is your head clearer?”
Reagan leaned back and stared at the ceiling. “I think so. I feel better and seem to have more energy.”
“What’s your hubby say?” Maggie asked.
Reagan sat up. “I haven’t told him.” She wanted to wait until she’d been a member of the gym for a month. By then she’d know if she was going to stick with it or not.
“Secrets are never good, but I guess this one is going to end up being a pleasant surprise.”
“I hope so. I’ve lost five pounds so far, but you can’t really tell.” Reagan had been thrilled when she’d seen the scales. Her clothes were starting to fit better, but she still wasn’t back to her old size. “It isn’t really about the weight, though. I know Chad loves me no matter what.”
“You know how men are,” Maggie said. “They’re visual creatures. I’m sure he appreciates the extra effort.”
Reagan sighed. She still felt pretty invisible at home and tried hard to forget that cute, tiny Reese was at Chad’s office every day. “I guess.”
“Girl, what you need is a romantic date night. Get some of the spark back.” Maggie smiled. “Me and my husband took a class at our church several years ago, and the guy who taught it was a marriage counselor. He said date nights were important.”
“It’s been a long time. But with four kids, it isn’t that easy to get a capable sitter.” She and Chad hadn’t been out just the two of them since before the twins were born. How was that possible?
Maggie smiled. “Do you think sometimes God puts people in your path for a reason?”
“Yes.”
“Did I ever mention to you now that I’m retired I work as a nanny? Right now I’m working for a family with two kids, a boy and a girl. They’re three and four.”
Reagan’s eyes widened. She’d just assumed Maggie was retired and had never thought to ask if she had a job. “I didn’t know that. Do you enjoy it?”
“I love it. I used to be an elementary school art teacher—got my early childhood degree from the U of A. But I think I might enjoy this more. I didn’t get to stay home with my own kids when they were little. The kids I keep are so sweet. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days their mama works from home, which is how I find time to come here.” She grinned.
Reagan had often thought about going back to work part-time and hiring someone to come to the house to keep the kids. But she’d never broached the subject with Chad. He’d always been so traditional that she knew he’d balk at the idea. His mom had stayed home with him and his sisters, and he’d always wanted the same thing for his own kids. “That sounds really nice. I’ll bet you’re wonderful.” How lovely it must be for the family Maggie worked for, especially the mom.
“We’re starting again.” Maggie stood up. “Come on. Ten more minutes.”
Reagan slowly got to her feet and focused on the instructor. Even if she felt stupid waving her arms and shaking her hips, she had to admit it was kind of fun.
Thirty minutes later, she’d loaded the kids in the van and headed toward the house. There’d be enough time for the kids to get a nap and her to get a shower before they loaded up again to get Izzy from school. “Ava Grace, you sit with Simon while I get Scarlett inside.” She unhooked Ava Grace’s car seat. “Can you sing to him for a minute?” She got Scarlett out of her car seat.
“Hi, baby Simon,” Ava Grace said, leaning close to her brother’s face.
He cooed.
Reagan grinned as Ava Grace sang “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to Simon. There might be nothing sweeter than her babies loving on each other.
“Down you go.” She put Scarlett in the Pack ’n Play in the living room. “Mama will be right back.” Now that the twins were crawling, it made it much more difficult to maneuver. She refused to think of how it would be when they started to walk. Mass chaos came to mind.
As soon as she got Ava Grace and Simon out of the car, her phone rang.
“Hey, babe.” She was pleased that Chad had called during the day. That happened less and less often.
“Everyone okay?” he asked.
“I’m about to put the kids down for a nap and jump in the shower.” She put Simon in the playpen with Scarlett and turned on the TV for Ava Grace. “Watch Dora for a minute while I talk to Daddy,” she whispered.
“Can you look at the calendar for next weekend?”
She walked into the kitchen to the magnetic calendar she kept on the fridge. “Next weekend.” She ran her finger along the calendar. It was hard to believe it was almost October. Time sure went by fast. “Ava Grace has been invited to a birthday party for Collin from her Sunday school class. And it’s the deadline to sign Izzy up for gymnastics.” She peeked through the opening over the counter and checked on the kids. “Why?” She couldn’t help but hope he was going to suggest something fun. Maybe he missed their time alone as much as she did.
“I have to go to Miami for a conference. I just wanted to make sure I wouldn’t be missing anything big before Reese books my flight.”
Reese. Booking a flight to Miami for her husband. The uneasy feeling rose through her body. “You won’t be missing anything big. Just life with your wife and kids. That’s all. Nothing big.” She couldn’t keep the bitterness out of her voice.
Chad groaned. “Reagan, you know I’d rather stay home. My boss asked me to go in his place.”
She fought the urge to ask if Reese was going. That was a conversation she wanted to have in person. “I think I’ll take the kids to Hot Springs if you’re going to be out of town. We’ll visit Violet and check out her new place.”
“Are you up for a road trip with all the kids by yourself?”
The fact that he doubted her abilities angered her. Didn’t he realize that she took care of the kids by herself most of the time? “I’m pretty used to handling the kids by myself. We’ll manage fine.” Her eyes filled with tears. Any stress her Zumba class had gotten rid of had come back and brought friends. “I’ve got to go.” She clicked off the phone and leaned against the counter. What if the wedge between them kept growing? Where would that leave them?
There was a cry from the living room. Time to focus on the kids.
And not on her crumbling marriage.
Chapter 15
Daddy: I’M PROUD OF YOU, VIOLET. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OPENING OF THE BAKERY. LET ME KNOW IF THERE’S ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP. I LOVE YOU. DAD. (Text message sent September 22, 8:34 a.m.)
Violet Matthews: THANKS! THAT MEANS A LOT. I’M WORKING ON NAILING DOWN THE DATE FOR THE GRAND OPENING. I HOPE YOU AND MOM WILL ATTEND. (Text message sent September 22, 8:41 a.m.)
Jackson sat on the back deck of his lake house. It was still hard to think of it as his place. His dad had always planned on leaving it to him, but Jackson had always imagined that would be way down the road.
After Dad died last year, Mom had wanted him to go ahead and take ownership. She’d said it was what his dad would’ve wanted.
It was weird. In the months after Dad’s death, lots of people had speculated what he would’ve said or would’ve done or would’ve wanted. But Jackson couldn’t help but w
onder how they could be so sure.
Thinking about his dad filled him with a sadness he hadn’t known existed. The death had been so sudden and had come without warning. It had really made Jackson take stock of his life though. Was he the kind of man his dad would’ve been proud of? He tried to be, but knew he probably failed sometimes.
He pushed the thoughts from his mind and turned his attention to the evening’s plans. He’d cooked up a surprise for Violet. Whether she’d like it or not was anyone’s guess. She certainly didn’t cut him any slack.
Jackson went into the airy kitchen and took stock of the refrigerator’s contents. He still needed to get a few items, but for the most part he was ready.
He smiled to himself as he pulled the picnic basket from a shelf in the pantry. This had the potential to be a wonderful night.
His cell phone rang, and he picked it up from the counter.
Jeff.
“Long time no talk.”
Jeff chuckled. “The beginning of the school year is busy for kindergartners and their parents. Did you know that?”
“Can’t say that I did. What makes it so busy? Don’t they just color and stuff?”
Jeff let out a whistle. “No way. Bennett’s got homework. It’s crazy the way things have changed since we were kids. He’s already starting to read.”
“I don’t know about all of that,” Jackson said. “Seems like there should be more time for a kid to just be a kid.” He hoped to have kids of his own someday and wanted to make sure his offspring knew the same simple pleasures of childhood that he’d known.
“Bennett’s adjusting pretty well though. He seems to like his classmates and teacher a lot, and we’re getting ready for his first soccer game. It should be a hoot if it’s anything like T-ball was over the summer.” The fatherly pride in Jeff’s voice was evident. “But that’s not why I called.”
“What’s going on?”
Jeff sighed. “Lauren’s been after me to check in on you and see how things are going. So…how are things going?”
Jackson laughed. “I’m surprised she hasn’t called me herself. I’m happy to report that I have a date tonight. With a woman who knows who Luke Skywalker is and likes the big-haired version of Bon Jovi—not the sleeker, more modern version.”
“Got it. I’ll relay to Lauren that you’re finally dating someone she’d consider age appropriate.” He chuckled. “She’ll be thrilled.”
“In fact, how about the four of us get together sometime soon? I’d love for y’all to meet her.” Jackson would have to run it by Violet, but as long as it meant she got to check a date off their list, she’d probably be on board.
“Does this mystery woman have a name? If I don’t give a full report, my wife will mercilessly dis my investigative skills.”
Jackson grinned. “Violet. Her name’s Violet. She’s a lawyer but is getting ready to open her own business.” He liked saying it. It was a new experience to be proud of someone he was seeing. Even if his relationship with Violet was fake, he was still proud to be associated with a woman like her.
“Impressive. I’m sure Lauren will be impressed, too.”
“Well I aim to please.”
Jeff laughed. “And we’d love to get together. Just let us know when and where.”
“Will do.” Jackson hung up and turned his attention back to the refrigerator. He might not be a gourmet cook, but he thought he could win some points for effort.
And considering the way Violet viewed him, he could use all the extra points he could get.
Violet took one last look in the mirror. She’d fought hard to straighten her hair and was pleased with the outcome. Even her mother would approve—she always commented when Violet’s hair was less than straight. After thirty-three years of critique, Violet figured she should be immune to it, but that day hadn’t come yet.
She stepped into one of her favorite dresses. It wasn’t exactly orange, more like tangerine. She loved the lace detail on the bodice and the way it made her waist look tiny. There was a time when Violet would’ve been afraid it clashed with her red hair, but she got so many compliments when she wore it, she’d decided it was definitely one of her “good” colors, no matter what the woman at Color Me Beautiful had said when Mom had taken her to get her colors done in high school.
The doorbell rang. Jackson was right on time.
She opened the door. “Come in,” she said with a smile.
“Wow.” Jackson walked inside and looked around. “It’s looking good.” He ran a hand over the typewriter she had displayed on an antique secretary table she’d found at an estate sale. “And this is very cool.”
Violet grinned. “I guess you didn’t see that during the move because I had it boxed up. I adore old things.” She did a curtsey. “In fact, this dress is vintage. I found it in a little shop in Atlanta last summer.”
“It’s nice.” He returned her grin. “Are you ready? I have some fun stuff planned.”
She raised her eyebrows. “You do? More than just going to the festival?”
“Yes.”
She waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t. “I’m ready.” She knelt down to give Arnie a pat. “Bye, sweet boy.”
“Why do you talk to him if he’s deaf?” Jackson asked as they walked outside.
“Are you serious?”
He nodded.
She sighed. “Partly habit. I’ve been talking to him for nearly fifteen years. But also because I don’t want him to think I’m upset with him.”
“Upset with him?”
Violet shrugged. “I can’t imagine how it must be for him to not hear anything now and not understand why. Sometimes I worry that he thinks I’m mad at him or something.” She waited while Jackson opened the passenger door.
“I’m sure he doesn’t think that,” Jackson said once he was behind the wheel. “But I’m sorry it upsets you so much.”
His words seemed sincere. “Thanks.”
Jackson headed toward town. “How are you settling in? Have you gotten much done at the shop?”
“The house is coming together fine. And I’ve got the paint picked out for the shop—a nice, cheery yellow. My friend Reagan is going to design the logo.” She glanced over at him. “You might remember her from college. Reagan Thompson. She married Chad McClure, so she’s Reagan McClure now.”
He was silent for a moment. “Blond girl? And Chad was one of those studious types who was in the choir?”
She laughed. “Yes all the way around. Reagan was in the choir, too. In fact, they say they fell in love during the fall choral tour our freshman year. Honestly, I think it was more like they fell in love as soon as they laid eyes on each other.”
“Love at first sight, huh? Do you believe in that?” he asked. “I didn’t peg you as the hopeless romantic type.”
She grinned. “I believe in it for everyone but myself. And I’m not the hopeless romantic type. How about you?”
He quirked his mouth into a smile. “You’d be surprised. I think I probably am a bit of a softy. And I definitely am more romantic than most guys. I love the idea of that old-school, traditional romance. Picnics, sharing popcorn at a movie, dancing in the rain.” He glanced over at her. “Stuff like that.”
She couldn’t hide her surprise. “I never would’ve guessed.” She wondered why someone with that kind of outlook was still single, but didn’t want to pry.
“Speaking of picnics…I’ve prepared one for us.” He grinned. “Hope that’s okay.”
Violet couldn’t believe it. She’d never expected Jackson to go out of his way to do something nice for her. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I just thought it would be nicer than having dinner at a restaurant. We can see the hot air balloons. I thought we’d picnic up near the mountain tower. I know the perfect spot.”
“Did you ever go up in the tower?” she asked. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower sat atop Hot Springs Mountain inside the national park boundaries. From the top of the tower,
visitors could see nearly one hundred and fifty miles of beautiful scenery. It was a favorite during the fall when the colors were at their peak.
He nodded. “My family did a few times when I was a kid. We used to spend a lot of time here at the lake house.” He grinned. “And my sister and I loved going to Magic Springs.” The amusement park was a favorite vacation spot for families.
“I did, too.” She laughed. “My cousin and I used to bug our parents to let us stay in Hot Springs at our grandparents’ house just so we could go ride the rides. The log ride was my favorite, until it got to the top.”
“Right before the free fall down into the water?”
She nodded. “Yes. I loved the slow pace of the ride so much that I’d always forget how fast and far it dropped at the end. And every time we’d make it up to the top, there was that guy whose job was to just sit there and say, ‘Are you ready?’ or something like that.” She laughed. “Every single time I’d say no and beg him to let me get out of the boat.”
Jackson laughed. “So you weren’t much of a daredevil?”
“Not at all.” She smiled at the memory. “I’d forgotten about that. I haven’t been to Magic Springs in years. Not since they added the water park.” Crystal Falls had opened in the midnineties and had the traditional water slides and wave pools that most water parks included.
“I went last year with my niece and nephew. It was pretty fun.”
“So you’re an uncle. That’s cool.”
He pulled the Range Rover into a parking space. “I enjoy it. I probably spoil them more than I should, but they’re really great.”
“Do you want to have kids of your own someday?” she asked.
He nodded. “I do. Not too many though. My sister and I were pretty close growing up, and I think that’s a special bond. So I’d like to have at least two.” He glanced over at her. “How about you?”
Violet sighed. “My sister and I are kind of far apart in years. She’s nine years younger than me, and I think that’s caused a little bit of a division. I grew up babysitting her, and now I think it’s hard for us to relate to each other as equals.”
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