Startled for a moment, Shelley realized that Laura must have told Sam about the hearing. News traveled from many directions to the ROMEOs.
“We’ll take all the luck we can get,” said Shelley. “Thanks.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THE HEARING HAD been set for eleven o’clock in the morning. Shelley received a call the night before, however, asking if she could appear an hour earlier.
“A request from Mr. Anderson’s counsel,” said her attorney. “If you can’t do it, that’s okay, too, as long as we’re there by eleven.”
“I can do it,” said Shelley with no hesitation. “The sooner the better.”
She hung up the kitchen phone and looked at Daniel, feeling very optimistic. “Think it’s a good sign? Maybe they want to drop the whole thing before going in front of the judge.”
“Maybe,” said Dan, taking her in his arms. “But I wouldn’t count on it. As much as I hate to take that smile from your face, I have to be realistic. They probably want to work out some terms before going into the courtroom. Most judges appreciate receiving a possible compromise created by the parties involved before listening to them in their courtrooms.”
Shelley sighed and leaned against him. “Hold me tighter,” she whispered. “Hmm,” she said. “This is nice.” Her eyes closed.
“No sleeping yet,” said Dan, bending down and nuzzling her neck. “You need to tell Laura about the time change.”
She jumped out of his embrace and grabbed the phone. “Mission accomplished,” she said a minute later. “And I’m not tired. In fact,” she added, her fingers playing with his ear, stroking his cheek, “I have a great idea.”
He caught her hand and kissed the palm. “If it requires a blanket, and I sincerely hope it does, you’ll have to wait till your folks show up again.”
“Do I really?” she whispered. “When there’s a perfectly good couch going to waste in the living room, and the kids are sleeping.”
Dan slapped his hand to his head, his face a mask of comic woe. “The woman just wants to use me!”
I want to love you for the rest of my life. “You’re my boytoy now,” she teased, pulling him by the hand, “so take it like a man!”
“You bet I will.”
And he did. His kisses were uncompromising. Full of passion, full of hunger, hard and searching. She responded with an eagerness that made her blood surge. And heat! Heat from the inside out. And she wanted more.
But suddenly, she was free, slightly off balance. Dan stood in front of her, breathing like an exhausted runner, his hands on her shoulders to steady her. “I’m not sure the couch is a good idea, and I’m not continuing what I can’t finish,” he said in a hoarse voice. “Think you can sleep now?”
He had to be kidding.
“Then take a cold shower.” He chuckled without humor. “Just like I intend to.” He kissed her hard once more and left.
Shelley locked the kitchen door behind him, taking little comfort that his misery equaled hers. She went to her bedroom, dropped on the mattress and closed her eyes, consciously slowing her breathing until she was calm. Inhale, exhale. She allowed herself to relax and drift off.
The morning sun woke her. She glanced at her watch and bounced out of bed. Three hours to go. She was ready.
“THAT’S THE BUILDING,” said Dan, pointing ahead of them to a columned edifice shining in the morning sun.
“Figures,” said Shelley. “Cold white concrete. Huge flight of stairs. They want to intimidate us before we go in.” But then she flew up the outside staircase as though gravity didn’t exist.
Dan was right at her side. “Ha! I can see how much they’ve scared you. You’re like a gorgeous thoroughbred, impatient at the starting gate.”
She turned toward him when they reached the top. “Would you hold that thought until later when I can appreciate it?”
He nodded. “Absolutely.”
She saw the admiration in his eyes, but now she needed an objective appraisal. “Do I look professional enough?” She wore a simple green summer dress, the only fancy item she’d brought with her to Pilgrim Cove, and small gold jewelry. Lipstick and mascara. Nothing ostentatious, but not frumpy, either.
“You look perfect.”
So much for an unbiased assessment. But a boost to her confidence. And for some reason, she did feel confident today. Or maybe she just felt great relief that the wait was over.
“We’re earlier than early,” said Dan as they approached the entrance. “It’s only nine-thirty. Your legal team is probably not here yet.”
“That’s okay. Early works for me. I’ll be cool, calm and collected when Carl shows up. Totally unruffled and unrufflable.”
Dan’s arm came around her as he guided her inside. “You’re one hell of a woman,” he whispered. “Very cool.”
She was running on nervous energy, but Dan imbued her with more self-assurance every time he spoke. Even if he were merely teasing, his words carried both affection and support.
They walked through the front door, passed through security and approached a bank of elevators.
“There are usually a few benches on either end of the hallway,” said Dan as they rode to the third floor. “We can sit there, or if you want a cup of coffee, we can get some. It’s not too late.”
But Shelley shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m feeling fine right now. Don’t want jitters.”
The elevator doors opened. “Damn it,” whispered Shelley, taken aback when she saw Carl and several men already gathered in the hall.
“Not to worry,” said Dan. He nodded at the group, but led Shelley toward the other end of the corridor. “Without counsel present, you’re not required to speak with any of them.”
Shelley took a deep breath. “I’m okay,” she said. “It was just the surprise.”
Within five minutes, one of the men approached. “I’m Kevin O’Connor, Carl’s campaign manager.” He looked at Shelley. “I believe we spoke on the phone.”
“Yes, we did.” Shelley tilted her head to meet his gaze, wishing she were taller, or had purchased some very high heeled shoes. “And frankly, I’m disappointed. I thought you’d act on my idea regarding the campaign, which would have eliminated the need for this meeting.” To her delight, her voice was rock steady.
The man nodded. “Seems you’ve planted your seeds everywhere,” he said. “And made a good point. Now Carl understands how beneficial being a conscientious single dad could be to the campaign. Not to mention being eligible for a new relationship.” His words were slow and deliberate, and Shelley understood him perfectly. The blonde had come through after all.
Dan’s gentle squeeze on her arm caught her attention. His gaze, however, remained on Kevin O’Connor. “What he’s not saying, Shelley, is that Carl’s stubbornness in going after the children has not worn well with his supporters in the party. A custody battle between two decent parents will make unwanted headlines and won’t make sense to the voters. The party wants to back a winner.”
The man coughed. “Let’s just say some people were unhappy, and we…that is, Carl, is willing to drop the petition.”
Those blessed words! Drop the petition. Euphoria beckoned. She couldn’t speak. Her whole body quivered as she hovered on the verge of happiness. Dan squeezed her arm again. “Wait. He’s not finished.”
“You’re right,” said O’Connor. “We’re willing to drop the case if Carl can have access to the children during the campaign even if our schedule doesn’t coincide with the prearranged weekend visits.”
Shelley stared at the man in disbelief. Felt her temper start to rise. “Which weekends are you talking about, Mr. O’Connor? The ones he remembers or the ones he forgets?”
Next to her, Dan burst out laughing. “Be nice, Shelley, and maybe you’ll get what you want.”
The other man gave Daniel a look of gratitude. “We’re conducting a clean campaign here, and we believe in Carl Anderson’s vision for his district and for the state.” He shrugg
ed. “Divorces happen. It’s not a crime. But we need a successful divorce. A cordial relationship between the parents with the children as first priority.”
“I don’t believe this,” said Shelley, looking at Daniel. “He’s lecturing me about putting the children first!”
She turned quickly back toward the campaign manager. “Get the candidate over here,” she demanded. “I’m not doing this twice.” Then she spoke to Dan again. “As far as I’m concerned, my conversation with Carl is private with no need for attorneys at all.”
“It depends what you say. I’ll be right here and will stop you if necessary.”
Standing straight, with shoulders back and chin up, she felt like a general going into battle. For her children, she’d emerge from this skirmish wearing five stars.
Carl approached, stopping two steps in front of her. Shelley moved into his space, her body taut, ready to take him on.
“You and your people want me to cooperate after you had the nerve to hound us with a private investigator? A man who couldn’t even stay hidden? Who harassed us for no reason? You want my cooperation after you tried to intimidate me with threats? And worst of all, after you took the kids all over Boston with insufficient supervision and no breakfasts?”
She poked him in the chest with her index finger. “Now you listen to me, Carl Anderson, because I’m calling the shots. If you want the kids while you’re campaigning, you will provide a nanny. In fact, a licensed nurse would be even better. And I will meet this person first and approve her. Furthermore,” she said distinctly, “this item is not negotiable.”
Stunned silence was the immediate reaction. Then Carl reacted. “A licensed nurse! That’s not necessary. The kids aren’t sick.”
“Then we’ll just have to wait and see what the judge says,” replied Shelley, holding his gaze. “When it comes to the health and safety of our children, I’m not budging. You’ve proved that your judgment can’t be trusted.” Her voice was strong with conviction.
The campaign manager looked hard at Carl, seeming to send him a silent message. Carl nodded briefly, then looked at Shelley. “You win.”
“We all win,” replied Shelley, “but you’re too blind to see that. Here’s a free tip for Boston’s most eligible bachelor—if you want your next relationship to succeed—try sitting on your ego. It would make a nice change.”
She scanned the small crowd. “So, where’s an attorney when you need one? I want this agreement in writing and witnessed, legal and tight. And until I get it, the kids aren’t available.”
“For God’s sake!” said Carl. “Listen to the lioness roar.”
Laughter bubbled up inside her. “That’s the nicest thing you could have said to me,” replied Shelley. “But the sad part is, Carl, I shouldn’t have to.”
She stepped closer to Daniel. “Is there anything else we need to do here?”
He shook his head, his eyes twinkling. “You’ve handled it all, Counselor. I’m taking lessons.”
“Oh, Daniel,” she whispered, squeezing his hand. The guy made her feel ten feet tall just by being himself.
The elevator door opened, and Dan’s colleagues emerged. “Perfect timing,” said Shelley. “If you guys could just wrap this up, we’ll all be on our way.”
She would have loved to leave the building right then and let the attorneys do what they had to do. But the judge was expecting her to appear, and until she heard and saw the words she wanted, she wasn’t going anywhere.
With nerves on edge, Shelley maintained her composure and vigilance through the judge’s final words reinstating the current custody arrangement plus amendments for child visitation during Carl’s campaign, including the presence of a nurse. She listened, she spoke, she focused. She sometimes remembered to breathe.
But when she and Dan were alone again, outside the building in the sun, she started shaking so hard, she had to sit down on a concrete bench.
“I can’t believe we did it,” she said. “I can’t believe the good guys won.”
“Not ‘we,’ honey. You did it. You.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “But you don’t understand. I’m just a kindergarten teacher. I don’t like conflict. I teach children how to play together, how to share. I live a calm life.”
Dan’s laughter silenced her words. “You, my dear, are not ‘just’ an anybody. You’re ferocious!”
She didn’t feel ferocious! “I never want to go through anything like that again.” She shivered at the thought.
“Daniel,” she said, placing her hand on his arm. “No matter what happens between us in the future, I want you to know that it wasn’t only about the children. Carl was going to tear your reputation to shreds if he could…living upstairs and all.”
He kissed her lightly on the mouth. “Thank you. But I wasn’t worried about it. Not a bit.” He started chuckling again. “With you in my corner, how could I lose?”
She liked the sound of his laughter and silently vowed to help him laugh more often.
They debarked the ferry in Pilgrim Cove almost two hours later. “I’ll rephrase my recent argument,” said Dan, pointing at the crowd on the pier. “With those guys in your corner, how could you lose?”
Laura had spread the word again. Bart Quinn and the ROMEOs, with every thumb up, had come to welcome them home.
WITH CARL TOTALLY OUT of the picture, there was nothing to stop Daniel from making his move. Except…Shelley seemed so happy with the way things were between them. All the joy was back; no shadows darkened her expression anymore. Within mere days, the children were infected with their mom’s lightheartedness and started to blossom before his eyes.
Josh acted like a typical eight-year-old with normal exuberance and normal downtimes. Many chips had fallen off his shoulders. No more suspicion or defensiveness. According to Shelley, he fell asleep within seconds at the end of the day. And Emily had turned into a chatterbox, making her wishes clearly known about everything.
It was as though a spigot of happiness had been turned on in Shelley’s house, and Dan had no wish to change anything, especially since he was part of it all. He and Jessie.
And that was the kicker. Shelley loved him. He knew she did, with every kiss, with every thoughtful act and loving gesture. But that didn’t mean she wanted to get married again. In fact, if he were in her shoes, he might very well avoid the married state for a long time. So, he said nothing for a week and simply enjoyed their relationship.
On a Saturday morning in early August, Dan joined Shelley and the kids for breakfast. Halfway through the delicious French toast, Josh pointed to the Parker Plumbing baseball team schedule that hung on the refrigerator. “Look, Mom. Tomorrow’s our last game. Darn! It’s over too fast.” His wistful tone reinforced his words.
“But we still have a couple of more weeks at Sea View House,” replied Shelley. “Summer’s not gone yet.”
“But…but…” The youngster shifted in his chair and looked at Dan. “Are we going to see you again…after…?” Now his voice trembled, and the question lingered in the air.
Dan seized the opportunity. “How about we discuss that while we take a walk? Or would you rather fish off the jetty?”
“Fish!” replied Josh, jumping from his chair. “Let’s go!” He glanced at Shelley. “Okay, Mom?”
“Y-yes.” Shelley’s color was high. The woman was blushing.
“I’ll get my rod, and I saved some bait in the door of the fridge. Be right back,” said Josh.
Confidence surged in Dan, and he stepped toward Shelley, his arms open. She walked into them. He leaned down until his forehead gently touched hers. “I’m going to tell him what I think he wants to hear. So, if a summer romance is all you want, stop me right now.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” she replied. “I’m not stopping you.” She tilted her head back, stood on her toes and kissed him. “I love you, Daniel. Emily already loves her Daniel p’fessor. So, go fishing with Josh. Throw in your line, and hook my son.”
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He couldn’t speak for several moments. Her permission was the greatest gift she could have given him. “I love you, Shelley Anderson.”
“I know,” she whispered, burying her face in the crook of his neck, then nipping his earlobe. “And I love you.” He shivered. A delicious shiver that reverberated down to his toes. He held her tighter, not wanting to ever let go. Not believing he could be this lucky twice in a lifetime.
“Are you ready, Daniel?” asked Josh, holding his fishing rod aloft.
“You bet, tiger. Let’s go.”
“Jess, too?”
“Absolutely.”
They walked two blocks along the shoreline until they came to the jetty, a concrete structure about ten feet wide and reaching a football field’s length into the ocean. They walked along the top, then dangled their legs over the edge as they baited their hooks with clams.
“Remember the question you asked me back at the house?” began Daniel.
Josh eyed him warily. “Yeah. I just wanted to know…you know…about later….”
“Yeah,” said Dan. “I’ve been thinking about that, too. And the truth is that I’ve had a great summer with you and your mom and Emily. I want to see all of you again—a lot.”
“Good.” Josh grinned, and threw his line out.
“In fact, I’m planning to see you guys every single day.”
That got the boy’s full attention. “Every day? Just like here in Pilgrim Cove? Are you buying the house next door to us?”
“Even closer than that.”
Dan watched the boy’s expressions change as he processed the information. Saw the exact moment when the connection was made. And saw a big question mark on Josh’s face as the youngster turned to face him. “You’re going to live with us?”
“I love your mom, Josh. Very, very much. And I love you and Emily, too. I would be honored to spend the rest of my life with all of you, living together every day.”
The boy’s hazel eyes brightened at first, but then turned dark green. His lips tightened. And he stared at Dan so intently, that Dan began to feel nervous.
No Ordinary Summer Page 20
