* * *
“I’m sorry Nate couldn’t be here this afternoon. He ended up staying at Sean’s,” Jesse said, running her palm over Bingo’s wiry brown hair.
The medium-size dog rubbed himself up against Cindy, nudging her hand to keep her petting him. “That’s okay. Bingo sure is nice.”
“Yeah. We were lucky he found us. He has more loving in him than most dogs.”
Cindy buried her face against Bingo’s fur. “I wish Daddy would let me have a pet. I’d take good care of him.”
“I bet you would.” Jesse knew of a family down the road whose poodle had puppies a few weeks ago. They would soon be looking for homes for them. Maybe she could convince Nick that a dog would be good for Cindy. A poodle was a small enough dog to live in an apartment. “While you’re here, you can play with Bingo any time you want.”
“Nate won’t mind?”
“Are you kidding? He loves to show off his animals. He wants to be a zookeeper one day.”
Forehead creased, Cindy looked at her. “And you don’t mind the snake?”
“I have to confess at first it bothered me. But now, I don’t mind it. He usually keeps it in its cage. It’s only gotten loose once.”
“Mommy would have had a fit—” Suddenly the little girl stopped talking and stared down at the sidewalk.
“Snakes, especially big ones, can be scary.” Jesse placed her hand on the child’s shoulder, wishing she could take her pain away. She remembered having to deal with Nate’s feelings after his father had died. She wouldn’t have been able to help him as she did if it hadn’t been for her faith in the Lord.
“Yes,” Cindy mumbled and proceeded to pet Bingo some more, her face still averted.
“How long has your mother been gone?” Jesse asked, her voice roughened with sudden intense emotions.
Cindy lifted her tearful gaze to Jesse’s, her lower lip trembling. “About a year. She died in a car wreck. Daddy was in the car, too. He was in the hospital a long time.” Her voice wavered. “Daddy doesn’t like to talk about it.”
Jesse drew the child into her arms, stroking her hand down her back. “If you need to talk to someone, I’m a good listener.” It had taken Nate a while to open up to her about his father’s death, and after he had, he had been much better.
Sniffing, Cindy pulled away. “I’m okay. It’s just that sometimes Daddy doesn’t know what to do with me, being a girl and all.” She swiped her hand across her cheeks and erased the evidence of her tears. “There’s just times I wish I had a mommy, but I can’t tell Daddy that.”
Jesse’s heart constricted, making her chest feel tight. There were times she was sure Nate wished he had a father, but she could never see herself married again. Mark had been a wonderful husband, her childhood sweetheart. She could never find another love like they had. She had been lucky once. She couldn’t see settling for anything less than the kind of love she had with Mark.
Please, Lord, help me to be there for Cindy as I was for Nate. Guide me in the best way to help Cindy. She’s hurting and I want to help her.
With her arm still loosely about Cindy’s shoulder, Jesse asked, “Does your father have any lady friends?”
The little girl shook her head. “He’s always too busy working when he should be resting.” She glanced toward her house. “That’s what he’s doing right now. We’re supposed to be on vacation, but he’s been on the phone for hours.”
A plan began to materialize in Jesse’s mind. “Maybe we can do something about that.”
Cindy’s eyes brightened. “What?”
“I’ll have a party and invite some friends to introduce you all to Sweetwater.”
“You will?”
“Yes. How does tomorrow night sound?”
“What about tomorrow night?”
Nick’s question surprised Jesse. She hadn’t heard him approaching and to look up and see him standing only a few feet from her was unnerving. Her heart kicked into double time. She surged to her feet, smoothing down her jean shorts that suddenly seemed too short.
“Cindy and I were planning a party to welcome you to Sweetwater.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I want to. So pencil me in.”
His eyebrow quirked.
“It won’t be a large gathering. Just a few people.” Jesse heard herself talking a mile a minute. She stopped and took several deep breaths. “How about it? I’m a great cook.”
“After tasting your cookies, you won’t get an argument from me. They were delicious.”
“Yeah, Daddy had half the plate eaten before I even had a chance to eat one.”
Jesse laughed. “Then I’ll make some more for dessert tomorrow night. My son loves chocolate chip cookies, too. They’re a staple around our house.”
“But not your husband?” Nick asked, a lazy smile accompanying the question.
“He loved them, too, but he died four years ago. A freak accident. He was struck by lightning.” There she went, telling a person more than he asked.
“I’m sorry.”
“Daddy, Bingo can do all kinds of tricks. Watch.” Cindy stood. “Roll over.” After the dog performed that task, she said, “Sit. Shake hands.” The little girl took his paw in her hand. “Isn’t he terrific? Dogs make good pets.”
Nick tried to contain his grin, but it lifted the corners of his mouth. “I’m sure they do, princess.”
“Then we can get one?” Cindy turned her hopeful expression on him.
“I’ll think about it when we return to Chicago.”
“You will?”
“That isn’t a yes, young lady. Just a promise to consider it.”
Cindy leaned close to Jesse and whispered loudly, “That means we’ll get one when Daddy says that.”
“I heard that, Cynthia Rebecca Blackburn.”
“Oh, I’m in big trouble now. He’s using my full name.” The little girl giggled and began petting Bingo.
“Would you like to throw the ball for him? He loves to play catch.” Jesse retrieved a red ball from the flower bed loaded with multicolored pansies along the front of her house.
“Yes.” Cindy moved out into the yard and tossed Bingo’s toy toward her yard. The dog chased it down.
“I didn’t want to say anything in front of Cindy, but I know where you could get a poodle puppy.”
His dark gaze fixed on her. “Thank you for not saying anything in front of Cindy.”
“Then you aren’t interested?” She heard her disappointment in her voice and grimaced. She never liked fostering her ideas onto another—well, maybe she did. Anyway, pets were good for children and clearly his daughter loved animals.
“I don’t know. I—” He looked toward Cindy. “I’ve never had a dog before. Or any pet for that matter.”
For just a few seconds she glimpsed a vulnerability in his expression before he veiled it. “If you decide to get one, I’ll help.”
“Until we go back to Chicago.” A self-mocking grin graced his mouth. “Then, I’m on my own.”
“It’s not that difficult. Love is the most important ingredient.”
“Isn’t it always?”
“Yes, it is.” She couldn’t help wondering where his world-weary tone came from.
He took a deep breath. “I’ll think about the puppy. I’ll have to consult Boswell, too, since he’ll be taking care of the dog.”
“Is that the older gentleman I’ve seen leaving your house?”
“Completely bald?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s Boswell. I don’t know what I’d do without him. He takes care of the everyday details of my life as well as Cindy’s.”
“Cindy said something about you working this afternoon. What do you do?”
“I’m CEO of Blackburn Industries. We’re into a little of everything it seems.”
“And you live in an apartment?” she asked without really thinking. Her picture of his home obviously wasn’t right.
&n
bsp; A sheepish look fell over his features. “I guess it isn’t your idea of an apartment. It takes up the top floor of the building I own on the lake in downtown Chicago.”
She chuckled. “No. What pops into my mind is maybe four or five rooms at the most.”
“Okay, maybe I have space for a pet. I just think dogs should have a yard. All I have is a terrace. Not the same thing.”
“If you don’t think a dog is a good idea, I know a lady in town who has some kittens she wants to find a home for.”
“I get the distinct impression that if I want something, you’re the lady to come to.”
Jesse warmed under the smile directed at her. The laugh lines at the corners of his eyes deepened and his stance relaxed completely. “I do know what’s going on around Sweetwater. If it’s to be had, I can probably get it for you.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“A kitten can be a totally indoor animal.”
He threw up his hands. “Enough,” he said, laughing. “You’ve convinced me, but I still need to talk with Boswell. Thank you for showing Bingo to Cindy. I haven’t seen her smile like that in a while.” He turned to leave, then glanced back at her. “You know, I could use a negotiator like you working for my company. If you ever think about moving to Chicago—”
Jesse shook her head, the idea of a big city sending a chill through her. “No, that will never happen. My home is here. I’ve lived here all my life and can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
“Oh, well, you can’t blame a guy for trying.” He started toward his daughter.
“I’ll see you at six-thirty tomorrow night.”
He stopped and swung back around, a question in his eyes.
“The dinner party. Casual attire. And Cindy is invited, too, as well as Boswell.”
Cindy pulled on his arm. “Can we come, Daddy?”
“Sure, princess, if it’s not too much trouble.” He peered at Jesse.
“No problem. A piece of cake. I throw parties all the time.”
Jesse watched the father and daughter walk away. If he only knew about her famous little dinner parties, he might pack up and leave in the dead of night. Tara Cummings would be perfect for him. Cindy needed a mother and Nick needed—well, he seemed awfully lonely. He masked his vulnerability well, but she’d glimpsed it. Besides, any man who worked all the time needed to loosen up. There was more to life than work. Tara was definitely the person to match him with, especially after Clint broke off their engagement. Jesse hurried inside to call her friend.
CHAPTER TWO
“Tara, you’re early,” Jesse exclaimed when she opened her front door to find her friend standing on the porch.
“I wanted all the juicy details before I meet this man. I heard the Millers weren’t coming this summer to Sweetwater Lake. It’s your new neighbor, isn’t it?”
Jesse turned away from Tara. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Jesse Bradshaw, we all know when you throw one of these little dinner parties it’s to fix someone up. I’m single and recently out of a relationship. Perfect target for your matchmaking.”
“I invited Susan Reed tonight, too. You won’t be the only one single.”
“If we exclude you, I’ll be the only single woman here under the age of fifty. Right?”
Jesse slid her gaze away. “Cindy’s coming.”
“Who’s Cindy?”
“My neighbor’s almost-seven-year-old daughter.”
“I knew it! You’re up to your old tricks. Okay, tell me about your new neighbor. I’ve heard he is dynamite-looking, some kind of millionaire, and besides having a little girl, he has a manservant. He’s from Chicago and is only here for a couple of months.”
“Where did you hear all that?”
“The usual.”
“Susan Reed?”
Tara nodded. “The best source of info in this town. Far better than our newspaper.”
“There isn’t much else I can add.” For some reason she didn’t feel right gossiping about Nick. Tara would have to discover for herself how vulnerable he was, how lonely he was, how attractive—whoa, stop right there, Jesse Bradshaw! A little inner voice yelled.
“Susan said something about you talking to him yesterday. Is he nice?”
“I wouldn’t have invited you if he wasn’t.”
Tara brushed her long black hair behind her shoulders. “I knew that. I guess I’m a little nervous. Ever since Clint ran out on me, I’m a little gun-shy.”
Jesse put an arm around her friend and began walking her toward the kitchen. “Perfectly understandable. Clint will regret his hasty decision one day.”
“I just don’t understand why he left.”
Jesse patted Tara’s arm. “Neither do I.”
“Do you think he was overwhelmed with the wedding preparations? He kept asking me to elope with him and end the madness. I should have listened to him.” Tears filled Tara’s eyes.
“There, there. You’ll forget about him in no time.” Jesse continued to comfort her friend while she glanced up at the clock over her stove. Fifteen minutes and still so much to do. “You’ll see, tonight will be the beginning of something magical.”
Tara pulled back. “You think?”
“You know me. I have a sixth sense when it comes to matching people up.”
Tara gave her a skeptical look. “You’re the one who fixed me up with Clint last year.”
The heat of embarrassment singed Jesse’s cheeks. “We all fail every once in a while. Just a temporary setback.” She waved her hand in the air. “Look at Maggie and Neil. They’re getting married next month. It all started here one evening at one of my little dinner parties.”
“Don’t get me wrong, but they haven’t gotten married yet. They had a loud argument today at the bank. I wouldn’t be surprised if the wedding was called off.”
“They did?”
“Yeah. He was angry about the money she was spending on the wedding.”
The timer on her stove buzzed. Jesse jumped, startled by the sound, but glad for the interruption. She would check with Maggie tomorrow to see what was going on. Her reputation was obviously at stake here. “I’d better get these cookies before they burn.”
“Chocolate chip?”
“What other kind is there?” Jesse reached into the oven at the same time the doorbell chimed. “Can you get that? I have one more batch to stick in, then I’ll be in the living room. Just make Nick and his daughter feel at home.”
“It could be Susan Reed.”
“Nah. Gramps went to pick her up. You know he takes forever.”
Tara halted at the entrance into the kitchen. “Is there something going on there that I should know about?”
Jesse laughed. “Could be. They’ve been friends for a long time and are now finally dating. It’s about time that Gramps got involved with someone.” So he will stop meddling in my life, she added silently.
“Now I know why you asked Susan here this evening. You’re killing two birds with one stone, so to speak.”
The doorbell rang again.
“Go, before my guests decide I’m not home.”
“He sure is impatient,” Tara grumbled and made her way toward the front door.
While spooning cookie dough onto the baking sheet, Jesse tried to listen to the people in the foyer. It was awfully quiet for a good minute, then she heard Tara’s raised voice. Not a good sign. Jesse quickly finished her task and stuck the cookies into the oven.
When a man’s voice answered Tara, Jesse knew something had gone wrong. That wasn’t Nick speaking. She remembered his voice—how could she forget such a deep, raspy baritone that sent chills down her spine? Hurrying into the living room, Jesse came to an abrupt halt just inside the doorway. Standing toe-to-toe in her house, hands balled at their sides, were Tara and Clint, both furiously whispering to each other.
“Clint, what are you doing here?” Jesse asked, wiping her hands on her sunflower apron. I didn’t invit
e you, she silently added, visions of all her hard work that day going up in smoke.
He shot Jesse a narrowed look. “Coming to stop my woman from making a mistake.”
“I’m having dinner. How can that be a mistake?” Tara’s voice rose again. “And I’m not your woman. Not since you sped away from my house after calling our wedding off so fast you probably got whiplash.”
“We all know why Jesse has these little dinner parties.”
The doorbell sounded. Dread trembled through Jesse. Oh great, her guest of honor had finally arrived and World War III was about to erupt in her living room. “Shh, Clint. If you behave yourself, you can stay,” Jesse said as she scurried past the couple, smoothing her apron down over her white pants.
“And watch Tara flirt—”
“Clint Clayborne, you heard Jesse. Quiet.”
The man thankfully closed his mouth, but the mutinous expression on his face spoke volumes. This wasn’t going to be the fun-packed evening she’d envisioned, Jesse thought as she plastered a wide smile on her face and pulled open her front door.
“I’m sorry I’m late, but I got a last-minute call I had to take.”
Nick returned her smile with a heartwarming one that quickened her pulse. “That’s okay. Gramps isn’t back with Susan Reed yet. Come in.” Jesse stood to the side to allow Nick, Cindy and an older man, with a completely bald head, to enter. She offered her hand to him. “You must be Boswell.”
“Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bradshaw.”
“Please, Jesse.”
She eyed the man dressed in an impeccable black suit, even though it was nearly summer and the dinner was a casual affair. Boswell fit the bill perfectly for a proper English butler with a rich accent, she thought, and she decided her grandfather would have competition for Susan’s interest. That might shake things up a bit tonight—not to mention Clint sending her dagger looks every time she glanced his way.
“Mom. I can’t find Bingo.” Her son came to a screeching halt in the hallway.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet my son. Nate, this is Cindy, her father, Mr. Blackburn, and Mr. Boswell.”
“Just Boswell, madam.”
Barking followed by honking permeated the sudden silence. “I think Bingo is out back.”
A Mother for Cindy Page 2
