Finished reading, he tilted away from the computer in a contemplative mood.
“What do you think?”
“Not terrible. You’re a good writer.”
“But?”
“Some of the football language is missing and a few places you could summarize the number of tackles, the run and pass yards, other stats for each of the top players of the game instead of that long list of everyone.”
“Oh. Makes sense.” She pulled the screen back to her and set her coffee mug aside. As she read through, she saw what he meant and made changes here and there, trimming the extraneous words and getting to the point.
For the next forty-five minutes, they talked last night’s game and Lana rewrote. She was distracted at times, especially when Davis leaned in close to the small screen so they were practically cheek to cheek and that tantalizing scent she couldn’t quite name tickled her nose. But at fifteen minutes until ten, she had no choice other than to send the document to Joshua Kendle’s email address and hope it was good enough.
Breath held, she hesitated two beats and then hit Send.
“Do you think Joshua will like it?” she asked, rubbing the back of her neck, stiff now from tension and bending over the screen.
“He’s an easygoing guy. He’ll edit it for you.”
That wasn’t too encouraging. “I’ll do better next time.”
“The library might have some journalism books.”
“That’s a good idea. Online articles are helpful, but they’re all mostly the same. After who, what, where and when, I’m pretty much lost.”
He poured himself another cup of coffee and straddled a chair, arms folded across the back, mug cupped in both hands. “Do you remember Meg Banning?”
“No, I don’t think so. Should I?”
“Probably not. She’s in charge of the library.”
Lana snorted. “A place I once avoided like the flu. No wonder I don’t remember her.”
“Nice woman. She’ll help you out.”
Lana angled her chair in his direction and then wished she hadn’t. Having him in her space was...bothersome. “I take it you’re a big reader?”
“I’ve been known to pick up a James Patterson novel, but the kids are the main reason I go to the library. Meg is great with kids. She does a reading program and a lot of other activities, especially in the summer, and Paige is a certified bookworm.” He flashed that wide-open smile that told of his affection for his daughter.
“And Nathan?”
“Nathan likes the cookies Miss Banning hands out during story hour.”
A smile bloomed inside Lana and spread from her chest to her lips. “He’s the cutest little boy, Davis. Such a charmer.”
“Don’t let him hear you say that. He’s already half in love with you.”
Lana squelched the uncomfortable wish poking at the back of her mind and came up with a joke of her own. “There is no accounting for taste but he’s young. He’ll learn.”
“Hey! What is that supposed to mean?”
Lana felt the heat rush over face. “Nothing. A joke.”
Davis had to know exactly what she meant. He’d heard the gossip, most of which was true, at least back then.
“You’re still bothered by whatever Retta Jenner said last night, aren’t you?” He took her coffee cup and refilled it. As he set the cup in front of her, he placed a hand on her shoulder.
Comfort. Friendship. Mr. Nicest-guy-on-the-planet doing what came naturally.
Don’t read anything into it.
She shrugged him off. “A little, I suppose. People in a small town have long memories, Davis. I don’t care about me. But I want them to give Sydney a chance. She’s a great kid with the sweetest little spirit.”
“How’s she adjusting to the new school?”
“She likes her teacher but school is hard for her.” She didn’t relate the reasons for Sydney’s struggles. She took the blame for the problem. If she’d been more stable, more unselfish, more sober, Sydney wouldn’t have missed out on important learning. “Do you know if Miss Banning tutors in reading? Sydney could use some help.”
“I can’t say for sure, but you should ask. If she doesn’t, she’ll know someone.”
At that moment, her cell phone chimed with a text. One glance at the message and her heart fell.
Her editor, Joshua Kendle, wanted to see her.
* * *
Davis hoisted one end of the claw-foot tub while the middle-aged buyer hoisted the other. “Cast iron weighs a ton.”
“No lie, but my wife has wanted one of these things ever since we started building the new house.” The bulky man’s face darkened with effort. “Even if it costs me a visit to the chiropractor, it will be worth the money to see her expression on Christmas morning.”
“Great Christmas gift idea.”
“That’s what I thought. I hope her mom doesn’t let the secret slip. She’s hiding the tub in her garage until then.”
“Sorry you have to hold on to it so long but I’m hoping to get as much of Lana’s major work done as possible before the holidays. I need this out of the way.”
“No problem, man. You’re still on schedule to finish my tile work by Christmas, aren’t you?”
“Plan on it.”
The truth was, Davis was snowed under with work and adding Lana’s to the list was overload, but he couldn’t seem to say no. She had asked him to recommend subs, but why should he when he could pop up the street a few hours at a time and do the work for half the price? Lana didn’t seem to be rolling in extra money so why not help out where he could? Being neighborly and all. He couldn’t wait to see her amazement when he told her how much money he’d gotten for the old tub.
As he and the buyer started down the narrow hall, bumping walls and straining, Lana suddenly appeared in the opening. “Guys! Wait a minute. Let me help.”
An hour ago, she had lit out of here a bundle of nerves. She was so worried about losing her job that he’d started worrying, too. She’d been on his mind for the entire time she’d been gone to the newspaper office, but from her behavior now the meeting must have gone all right.
“We’ve got it.” Besides, what good could she do? She probably didn’t weigh a buck twenty.
“Let me add my muscle.”
Before he could laugh, she grabbed onto the side next to Davis and lifted. Davis felt the shift in weight instantly and, impressed with the strength in such a small woman, was glad he’d had the good sense to keep his mouth shut.
“You balance,” he said, admiring her effort. “I’ll work the dolly.”
With plenty of grunts and maneuvering they managed to get the old tub out of the house and loaded into the back of Ted’s truck.
After Ted drove off, Lana opened the folded check and gasped. “Davis! He paid this much for that old tub and the fittings?”
Davis couldn’t stop the smile that pulled at his mouth. “Happy?”
She turned those sparkling blue eyes on him at full wattage. “I can’t believe it. This is enough to buy all new bathroom fixtures with a little money left over for Christmas.”
Just as he’d imagined, she was thrilled. Beyond happy. Impressed.
Davis resisted the most powerful urge to toss an arm over her shoulders and hug her against his side. Last night’s football game coupled with this morning’s session at the computer must have rattled his brain. Not the game or the article exactly. The woman.
He shrugged, pretending a nonchalance he didn’t feel. “Sydney needs to have an extra good Christmas this year. Moving to a new place is tough on kids.”
Lana pocketed the check as she bumped his shoulder with hers, teasing. “How would you know? You’ve lived in the same town all your life.”
Davis liked when she teased. The meeting with Joshua Kendle must have gone really well.
He thought she looked great in a red sweater thing that came to her thighs and a pair of dark navy jeans tucked into her boots, her mink hair shining a
round her shoulders and her eyes happy. She was standing incredibly close, there in her front yard on that cloudy, gray November morning. A chill was in the air. Winter was breathing down their necks.
He gave in to the urge and dropped a casual arm over her shoulders. He felt her stiffen, just for a second, and then relax. But the reaction was enough to make him remove his arm. That was the second time today she’d pushed him away.
Get a clue, Turner.
“Where are the kids?” She stared around as if she’d lost them.
“Out in the backyard chasing Ruffles. Or being chased.”
“Your poor dog must be worn out.”
“Don’t worry about Ruffles. He’s in his element. Kids and more kids.” Davis started up the steps. “Thanks for letting us bring him over.”
Lana followed, hands stuck in her back pockets. “Sydney wants a dog so badly. It’s nice of your kids to share Ruffles.”
“Puppies make good Christmas presents. Cheap and easy. Adopt one from the pound.”
She paused on the steps, head tilted. “Is that where you found Ruffles?”
“Yep. She was this bundle of white, matted fur, probably the ugliest little dog in the place.” He cupped his hands in a gesture indicating her size and shape. “Both my kids went directly to her. She curled up in Paige’s lap with this kind of sad, beleaguered sigh, and that was that. Puppy love at first sight.”
“What a great story. I’ve never had a dog.”
“Seriously?” He stopped. “You’ve never owned a dog? Don’t you like dogs?”
“Yes, of course, I like dogs. I always wanted one but my mother said she was allergic, and since then...” She shrugged. “A dog wouldn’t have fit my lifestyle. We moved too much.”
“You should get one. I’m sure I could find a couple of eager young volunteers to go with you to the pound.”
He held the door open for her, trying not to enjoy the sway of her hair and the smell of her flowery perfume as she moved past him. They were doing construction work. Dirty, nasty construction. Ripping out the old. Loading trash. Cleaning. Granted she hadn’t helped all that much, but still, she smelled better than a flower garden. Looked better, too.
“I don’t know,” she said. “What if something happens and I have to move again?”
He paused in the living room to stare at her. “Why would you have to move again?”
She shrugged. “You never know how things will work out.”
He wished he didn’t understand her concerns but he did. Last night while she’d taken the girls to the ladies’ room, his sister had made a point to corner him. As he’d expected, Jenny had been none too happy to see him sitting by Lana Ross. In fact, she’d insinuated he was damaging his children, subjecting himself and the entire Turner family to unnecessary gossip. Regardless of his plea that he was only helping out as spotter, Jenny had pleaded with him not to associate with Lana for the sake of his kids.
Yet, here he was. His kids were having a grand time, safe and sound. So was he. He felt good about helping Lana get the old house in shape. And yes, he liked her as a person. She wasn’t the tough girl of old, though a thread of strength ran through her, a determination that, even if he didn’t quite understand, he could admire. He didn’t know where she’d been or what she’d been doing all these years, but Lana Ross was no longer a troubled teenager.
Yet, if his sister, a good woman who gave to charities and headed the benevolence committee at church couldn’t see past Lana’s youthful indiscretions, how would the rest of Whisper Falls treat her?
“You should make up your mind to stay, for Sydney’s sake, no matter what. This is your home.”
“For the most part I have made up my mind. Sydney’s never really had permanence. I want that for her.” Her boots tapped on worn and faded linoleum as they entered the kitchen.
“But you’re holding back a reserve.”
“I’m avoiding a puppy,” she insisted with a pointed finger. “That’s my only reserve. I don’t have time for an animal right now.” She opened the fridge and handed him a bottle of water. “I’ll just borrow yours. Okay?”
“Deal. For now.” He unscrewed the cap and swigged. “You gonna tell me what happened at the newspaper office?”
She took a water bottle for herself but didn’t open it. The refrigerator shut with a soft whoosh of cold air. “He said the article was okay for a first-timer.”
“That’s it? That’s the only reason he called you in?”
“He gave me some pointers and advice, showed me how he expected future articles to look, things like that. He was very kind.” She widened her eyes in a grimace. “I was relieved not to get fired.”
“See? Told you.” He was ridiculously glad for her.
“Yeah, you did. Thanks for the boost of confidence and the help. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
He liked that more than he should.
“Speaking of getting fired,” he said. “I’d better start that tile work or the boss will not be happy.”
“She’s a real slave driver.” Her quick, easy smile warmed him. “A willing helper, too. Let’s get to it.”
He started to protest, to remind her that he could handle the job alone while she did something else. But the truth was he wanted her company. He wanted to know more about the woman his children wouldn’t stop talking about.
Inside the old bathroom, a tedious job awaited. Over the years, home owners had layered linoleum over the original wood. Subsequent owners had added additional layers. He had removed all those layers before installing the backer board. He’d started on the open areas while awaiting the tub buyer’s arrival and fortunately the bathroom was small.
Conversation was comfortable and mostly centered around the remodeling work, but Davis found Lana an easy person to talk to. She was witty, in a self-critical way that made him even more curious about what made her tick. Regardless, he liked her company.
Jenny would have an attack if she could read his mind.
But Jenny didn’t run his life. She might be his sister and she might have his best interest at heart, but he was a grown man. He’d been making his own decisions for a long time. Granted, they all hadn’t turned out well, but he was responsible.
His wife’s untimely death flashed into memory. Prayer had absolved him of guilt, but he still wondered sometimes if he’d done the right thing. If Cheryl would still be alive...
He shoved the trowel under a chunk of ancient linoleum and pried it loose. On his knees, with Lana not three feet away also scraping at old, well-stuck glue, Davis let the rhythm of his work soothe his troubled thoughts.
The trio of children trooped to the entry and stayed a while to watch the adults sweat and work. Sydney, curly hair frizzing around her head like a halo, cradled Ruffles as she would a baby doll. The happy dog lay with eyes closed, head back, legs sticking straight up, being her usual rag-doll self. The little girl needed a puppy. He’d have to work on Lana about that.
“Whatcha doing, Daddy?” Nathan asked. He had dirt on his elbows and knees.
“Getting ready to lay out Lana’s tile design.”
“How long does that take?”
Davis sat back to look at the trio. “Why? Are you getting hungry?”
“A little,” Paige said. “We were thinking maybe the five of us could go to the Iron Horse for hot dogs.”
“Oh, you were, were you?” Davis shot an amused glance at Lana.
She was already shaking her head. “I don’t think I can make it today, kids. Too much work to do.”
Davis scooted a box of tile into place and ripped open the cardboard top. Dust motes flew from the movement, sending the dank smell of old wood into his senses. “Tell you what? How about I order a pizza from the Pizza Pan?”
The children looked at each other and grinned. “Yes! Pizza!”
“You mind, Lana?” he asked.
Lana, sweeping bits of old vinyl and other trash into a dustpan, paused and leaned against the br
oom. “Sounds good to me. I skipped breakfast.”
To prove the point, her stomach growled. The kids cracked up laughing.
“Okay, pizza it is.” Davis took out his cell phone, a little embarrassed that the Pizza Pan was in his list of contacts. But what could he say? He was a single father. Pizza emergencies happened. Often.
“Daddy?” Nathan said again after the food and drink was ordered.
“What?” He removed several pieces of tile from the box and began arranging them in a pattern in one corner. Lana had chosen a marbled tan and sand with waves of off-white. The soothing, classic color had been a surprise. He’d expected something more flamboyant from someone who’d hobnobbed with famous entertainers.
“Can Sydney come to church with us tomorrow?”
Davis’s head shot up. “Church? Sure, if Lana doesn’t mind.”
“Can Lana come, too?” Paige asked.
“If she wants to.” He found Lana’s eyes and held on.
She paused in her clean-up to say, “We need to find a church.”
His heart jumped with gladness. Lana wanted to go to church. “Great. You can ride with us if you want.”
Her smile did funny things to his stomach. Or was that hunger?
“Perfect. We’d love to, wouldn’t we, Sydney?”
The little girl shifted Ruffles to her shoulder and nodded. Ruffles slouched forward with a sigh and settled her nose in Sydney’s neck.
“And afterward,” Paige announced with a clap, “we can all go out to Grandma’s for Sunday dinner.”
The unexpected comment not only surprised him, it put him on the spot. Davis didn’t know what to say. Jenny would be there. Worse, he had no idea how Mom and Dad would react to him bringing any woman besides Cheryl to Sunday dinner, much less Lana Ross.
Little Miss Paige needed a good talking to.
He chanced a quick glance at Lana. She was busy loading a wheelbarrow nearly jammed full of trash and old flooring.
“Sydney and I have plans after church, Paige, but thank you for asking,” Lana said as she shoved a long piece of red vinyl into the wheelbarrow. Did he detect stiffness in the answer? Had she noticed his consternation?
“Rain check?” he asked. Clearing the way with his family was a necessity before he could invite Lana—or anyone—to a family gathering.
A Child's Christmas Boxed Set: Sugarplum HomecomingThe Christmas ChildA Season For Grace Page 8
