Unexpected Family

by Jill Kemerer

  Stephanie watched them run away as she reached for her phone.

  Don’t do it. Stay strong.

  “Hi, Stephanie.”

  Uh-oh. She tried to hide her annoyance as Robert, single dad to Max, neared. He stood a little too close. He always stood a little too close. She inched away. “Hi, Robert.”

  “How are your classes going? If I remember correctly, you’re almost done.”

  She exhaled. He was a nice guy. Tall, on the gangly side, but with dark blond hair, amber eyes and a ready smile. The other single moms loved him, but she kept her distance, or tried to anyway. “I’ll be finished the end of April. Then I’m off to grad school.”

  “Off?” He frowned, leaning in until she could see the faint nick on his cheek from shaving. “Don’t tell me you’re moving?”

  Maybe he had personal-space issues. He didn’t seem to understand the proper boundary. She backed up a step. Into a chest. A rock-hard one at that.

  “Oof! I’m sorry.” She turned, looking up into Tom’s sharp face.

  “Well?” The gleam in Tom’s eyes sparked her indignation. “Are you?”

  “What are you talking about?” Who was he to show up late and skewer her with his gorgeous blue eyes?

  “Moving. Are you moving?” A hard edge glinted in his tone. He put his hand on her arm. Possessive.

  She stiffened and shifted away from him. “I’m not sure what my plans are yet.”

  Robert narrowed his eyes at Tom but extended his hand. “Robert. Max’s dad.”

  “Thomas Sheffield. Macy’s dad.” He shook Robert’s hand. Neither appeared pleased.

  Did Tom think she was flirting with Robert? She drew her lips together. If he did, who cared? She had nothing to be ashamed of. Not this time anyway.

  “I’ll let Macy know you’re here.” She leveled a stare his way. “She’s been waiting.”

  He opened his mouth to reply, but she spun on her heel and searched for Macy.

  Adrenaline mounted with each step. He had no right to be angry. If anyone did, it was her. Sneaking up like that. Giving her the look. Interrupting her conversation. Working out all the time and having a superfit body. Should be a crime.

  She spotted Macy in a corner with a group of girls. “Macy, your dad’s here.”

  “He is?” Macy’s face lit, and she sprinted into Tom’s arms.

  Naturally, he picked her up and kissed her. Like some sort of hero. She snorted. Easy to be a hero when you could show up whenever you wanted. And it wasn’t as if he’d had to wrangle the brush through Macy’s hair or wash her face or squeeze her legs into tights all while trying to whip up a box of mac and cheese. He had it easy, that man did.

  Adjusting her features out of irritation mode, Stephanie resumed her spot between Tom and Robert. They were discussing the latest case Robert worked on as a corporate law attorney. After a few minutes, she cleared her throat. Robert instantly closed the gap between them. “Is your throat dry? I’ll get you some punch.”

  “Macy,” Tom said. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your teachers?”

  “Yes, Daddy.” She dragged him over to two teachers by the desk.

  Near the refreshment table, Stephanie listened with half an ear to what Robert was blathering on about, but she kept Tom in her sights. It didn’t escape her notice that most of the women there kept Tom in their sights, too.

  She sighed. He was too handsome. The poor man didn’t even realize it. The teachers he chatted with practically fluttered when he spoke. They might need nerve medication after tonight.

  “So what do you say? Should we get the kids together for a playdate while you and I catch up over coffee?” Robert was saying. The invitation in his eye warned her a playdate wasn’t all he was after.

  “I’m pretty busy with school and all. Oh, there’s Jen—could you excuse me?” She sidled up to a group of moms and introduced herself to a straggler. The interaction was over before it began. Robert glued himself to her side.

  When did this open house end? If she had to spend even five more minutes watching women fawn all over Tom while she tried to avoid Robert, she was going to flip out.

  The rock star of Parents’ Night himself stood between two of Macy’s teachers. One of them cackled at something Tom said. “We are delighted you came tonight, Mr. Sheffield.”

  Delighted? My word. She’d have to find the smelling salts for those ladies soon.

  “Call me Tom. Everyone does.”

  Giggling ensued. “Okay, Tom.”

  Giggling? Stephanie squinted. Was the woman blushing?

  “And don’t be a stranger. We love Macy. Such a bright and sweet little girl.”

  That did it. She marched to the hooks where she’d hung her and Macy’s coats. Tom couldn’t help he was gorgeous. He’d been friendly and everything he should be. So what really bothered her?

  The female attention?

  No.

  If she was brutally honest with herself, she resented his get-out-of-jail-free card in showing up late. No one seemed to mind. Not Macy. Not the teachers.

  Just her.

  “Not leaving so soon, are you?” Robert touched her hand. She jumped.

  “Oh, ah, it’s getting late.” She waited for him to move aside, but he didn’t budge.

  “Late?” He laughed. “It’s early. Stay.”

  “Hey, Steph?” Tom appeared at her side. “Do you mind if I come over?”

  Yes, she minded. Everything about Tom lit her nerves like a bonfire tonight, but creepy Robert didn’t have to know that. “Suit yourself.”

  Tom stood there a minute, then led her outside the classroom to the empty hallway. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing.” She adjusted the sleeves of her jacket and refused to look at him.

  “Could have fooled me.”

  “I’m mad, okay? Do you have any idea how worried Macy was that you wouldn’t come?”

  “I’m here now.”

  “Well, good for you.”

  Robert wandered into the hallway. The muscle in Tom’s cheek throbbed. “This isn’t a good place to discuss this. I’ll follow you home.”

  Stephanie nodded, then hurried to the bathroom, locking the door behind her. What was her problem? Tom was here. Macy was happy. So why did she feel like crying?

  She stared into the mirror and saw herself as a young girl. Felt the bullets in her heart from all the times her mom let her down.

  God, my heart still breaks for the little girl I was, and it’s never going to change. Mom will never be a real mother to me.

  Stephanie turned the faucet on and splashed cold water on her cheeks. She straightened.

  One thing she had now that she didn’t have then was a heavenly Father. One who wiped away her tears. One who would never let her down. But a part of her still hurt. A part of her would always hurt for her broken childhood.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Tom draped his coat on the back of Stephanie’s dining chair. From the bathroom, Macy belted out a tune about a rainbow and lollipops. Stephanie barely made eye contact. “I’m sorry I was late to the open house,” he said.

  “I need to finish getting Macy ready for bed.” Stephanie’s rigid back disappeared down the hall.

  He’d messed up. Earlier, when he’d arrived at the preschool, his lungs had seized at the sight of that Robert character. The guy had drooled all over Steph, clearly ignoring her get-lost signals. What Tom wouldn’t have done to drag his sorry excuse of a body out into the hall and explain the lady needed some space. But he’d had to stand there and grit his teeth because he had no right when it came to Stephanie.

  No right.

  And he wanted that right.

  Macy, in a Disney princess nightgown, ran into the living room. “
Can we read a bedtime story, Daddy? Please?” She hopped onto his lap and pressed his cheeks between her palms. “Pretty please?”

  He stood, lifting her high in the air. “If it’s okay with your mom.”

  “Can we, Mommy?” Macy shouted.

  “Just one,” Stephanie yelled from the hall. “A short one.”

  “Yay!”

  Tom carried her to her room and let her select a book, something about a kitten in the snow. After tucking her in, he sat on the bed and read. Then he kissed Macy’s forehead, said a prayer and went back into the living room, where Stephanie sipped hot tea.

  “Like I said, I’m sorry I was late.”

  “Okay.” Her posture and tone assured him it was not okay.

  “Bryan stopped by. He and I have been having some problems lately.”

  She set her mug on the end table. “Let me guess. About me, right?”

  He averted his gaze. This wasn’t going as planned. Well, he didn’t have a plan. Why had he come over? “Not really. We’re both at an odd place in life. It’s hard to explain.”

  “What’s hard to explain about it? You’re fitting your daughter into your life, and you’re stuck dealing with me again. It’s not that complicated.”

  “I don’t consider myself stuck.”

  “But Bryan does, doesn’t he? He can’t understand why you’re nice to me. Not after all I put you through. Nailed it, didn’t I?” She let out a joyless laugh. “Face it, Tom. Your family will never accept me. Not after the mistakes I made.”

  “They already accept you.” He wanted to believe it.

  “Libby does? Bryan? Sure, Tom. If it keeps you warm at night, keep living in fantasyland.” She grabbed the tea again.

  Her mood confused him. Angry, hurt and bitter—but why? He hadn’t seen her like this...ever. Not even when they were married.

  “What’s going on, Steph? You’re upset. What happened?”

  “Macy worried you weren’t coming. And what could I say? I had no idea if you were or not. Do you know how many times my mother didn’t show up for me? How many times you didn’t? If you’re not going to come, don’t say you will.”

  “I did come. I wanted to come. I got held up.”

  “You could have let me know.”

  True. “You’re right. I should have texted you.”

  Neither spoke for a while. Loud clunks in the hall outside faded. The neighbors must have returned.

  “Did you think I was flirting with Robert?” Her stricken eyes met his.

  Taken aback, he shook his head. “No. He was all over you. He’s due for a lesson on reading a woman’s signals. Or a shot of pepper spray.”

  A smile flitted over her lips.

  Tom rested his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. “You don’t need permission to go out with Robert if you want to. You don’t owe me anything, you know.”

  “I see,” she murmured.

  “I wish—” He pushed off the couch and stood, rubbing his chin. The University of Miami packet on the coffee table caught his attention. He frowned as he picked up the letter, casting a questioning stare at Stephanie. “May I?”

  Her face paled, but she nodded, her chin high.

  Scanning the sheet, he held it for a moment, then let it flutter back to the table. He sat back on the couch. “You were accepted. And a scholarship.” His voice sounded normal, but inside he warred between what he wanted and what she needed. “What about Western?”

  She crossed one leg over the other. “I applied. Haven’t heard back yet.”

  “No?” He swallowed, unsure of his next move. Wanted to haul her into his arms and demand she stay. Admit to her he loved her. Ask her for another chance. Bribe her with his big house. But instead he prayed.

  Lord, I love this woman. I do. But all I can offer is here, and she wants to be somewhere else.

  “It’s a good deal.” He pointed to the letter. His heart cracked, but he had to see this through. “Do you think you’d be happy in Florida?”

  She smiled, and the tension in her face disappeared, leaving her younger, carefree. “I don’t know. I like to think I would.”

  That smile—that hopeful, forward-looking reaction—convinced him. “I want you to be happy. Don’t stay here for me or out of guilt. I’ll fly down as often as I can to see Macy. We’ll make it work.”

  Her cheeks caved in, and her eyes dulled. “What do you mean? You don’t want me to stay?”

  “Of course I want you to stay.” He speared his hand through his hair. “The thought of not seeing Macy is tearing me up. I want to see her every day.”

  “Macy.” She stood up, held one wrist with her other hand.

  He faced her, aching to take her in his arms. “And you. Maybe you don’t feel it. I don’t know, but I feel it.” He moved closer, ran the back of his hand gently over her hair. “You’re special. Beautiful.”

  Her lips parted slightly, and she moved closer to his hand. “I feel it.” The words were husky. She stayed near him.

  “Do you think about it—us, together again?” Inches separated them. He lowered his chin to claim her gaze. “A family.”

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  He couldn’t look away from her lips. “I would do things differently this time.”

  “Me, too.”

  He caressed her cheek, leaning forward and brushing her lips with his. Soft. So soft. Wrapping one arm around her waist, he pulled her close. His other hand crept behind her neck, fingers sliding through her silky hair, to explore the kiss. All the pent-up emotion from the past months bubbled to the surface, but he controlled it, not wanting to frighten her. Instead he poured every ounce of tenderness into his actions. Her sweetness floored him. Made his muscles tense, made him want to protect her.

  Then her arms glided over his shoulders, and everything changed. He wanted to give himself, his life, his future to her. Wanted to present himself as an offering.

  Slowly, he ended the kiss. His heart thumped over and over. He searched her eyes, recognizing fear and confusion mingled with hope.

  “I’d give you everything, you know,” he said, his voice raw.

  She blinked. “You already have.”

  The wistfulness didn’t cover the resignation in her voice. Tom stilled, not knowing what to make of her. Did she mean he gave her everything the first go-round and it wasn’t enough? Was his best, his everything, not enough for her?

  She ran her hand up and down her arm. “You have such a big heart. I want to, but—no, I can’t. I can’t do this to you.”

  * * *

  “Do what to me?” Tom’s cheekbones strained against his skin.

  Stephanie cringed. Her words had come out all wrong. If she could take them back, she would. “Forget it.”

  “What did you mean?”

  “It’s hard to put into words.”

  “Try me.”

  She lifted her eyes to the ceiling, trying to formulate her thoughts. The Tom she’d married had been self-centered but loyal. This Tom—the mature man in front of her—took her breath away. So he’d been a little late to the event tonight. He’d made it and showed Macy how important she was to him by coming home and tucking her into bed. This man would willingly give her, Stephanie, another chance.

  His kiss—so generous, so mind-blowing—said he wanted her. But what if his real attraction was the idea of a family? To be together for Macy?

  Stephanie wrung her fingers together. “It’s a big risk, toying with forever again.”

  “No clue what you’re talking about.” His legs had widened warrior-style, and he crossed his arms.

  She sighed, opened her hands. “Take Macy out of the equation. Would we be having this conversation?”

  “It’s not relevant.” He dismissed her word
s with a wave.

  “It is.”

  “We wouldn’t have crossed paths.”

  “No, but—” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “We’re in a unique situation. I don’t want to trap you with our daughter. I don’t want you waking up in two years resenting me.”

  “But what if I want our daughter? What if I want you and me and her together?”

  “I can’t ruin your life again.”

  He closed the distance between them, holding her biceps in his hands. “You wouldn’t. I’ve changed. You’ve changed.”

  “I know you’ve changed. But me? I’m scared.” She broke free, rubbing her arms. “What if I hurt you?”

  “Is that what this is about?” He straightened. “I’m still not enough for you, am I?”

  “You’ve always been enough for me.” She jabbed her finger into her chest, emotion rising. “I’m the one who’s not enough for you. Or for anyone. Why can’t you see it?”

  “What are you saying? No matter who you’re with, you wouldn’t be enough? What does that mean?”

  “I don’t know!”

  “Then what? Why are you blowing me off?”

  How could she put in words what she didn’t understand? This wasn’t about blowing him off. “I couldn’t live with myself if I screwed up again.”

  “So you don’t want to try. Got it.” Neither broke eye contact until finally his jaw shifted. He grabbed his coat and stalked out, slamming the door behind him.

  She didn’t move at first. The evening came into sharp focus but blurred when she tried to hold on to a moment. Maybe they were both right and wrong. When they were married, she’d wanted him home. And she clearly hadn’t been enough to keep him by her side or he would have made more of an effort.

  And now? They’d grown up. Their mistakes wouldn’t necessarily be repeated. Not if they both tried harder. He acted as if he loved her, as if he wanted them to be a couple again. But he kept mentioning Macy and being a family. The nagging voice in her brain kept whining Macy came first, and Stephanie only got thrown in as part of the package.

  After locking the door, she spun and headed to the kitchen. Filled the sink with soapy water. Tom’s kiss kept coming back, overloading her senses. His kiss was more than physical. He’d poured his soul into it, and she drank it up, remembering how magnificent it had been when she was his.