by Cindy Kirk
He wasn’t sure what he’d find when he drove up, but when he saw Finley and Michelle in the driveway, shooting hoops, his lips widened into a grin. He pulled into the garage, then quickly hopped out and joined them.
“That was R,” Finley called out to Michelle.
“Are you sure?” Michelle argued. “I think I was only at O.”
“Hey, Dad.” Finley pulled the ball close to her chest and sauntered over to him, giving him a one-armed hug. “Welcome back.”
Michelle was only steps behind. “Was it a good trip?”
“It was.” Gabe glanced from the woman to the girl, liking the smiles on their faces and their ease with each other. “I was glad I went, but it’s good to be back.”
“Did you know Michelle used to play college ball?” Finley asked him, clearly impressed.
“I think she mentioned that to me,” he said with a smile.
“She told me I have potential.” Finley glanced at Michelle and she nodded. “She offered to help me with my jump shot.”
“That’s nice of you,” Gabe said to Michelle. Warmth rose inside him. He’d hoped the two would get along when they were alone, but never had he imagined this easy camaraderie.
“We had fun,” Michelle said with a decisive nod.
“We went to Hill of Beans last night and got vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream on top of the blueberry cobbler. We were such pigs,” Finley said with a happy smile.
“Pigs, huh?” Gabe shifted his gaze from his lanky daughter to Michelle’s voluptuous figure without an ounce of visible fat. “Guess it’s a good thing you’re working off all those calories.”
“What time is it?” Finley asked abruptly.
“Almost eight.”
“I’m going to run inside and call Addie real quick. I want to see if she’s feeling better and will be in church tomorrow.”
When Finley handed him the basketball, Gabe expected her to immediately take off for the house. Instead she turned to Michelle.
“Thank you for letting me stay with you.” Finley followed up the polite words with a quick hug. “I had an awesome time.”
Without another word, the girl headed inside.
Gabe stared at Michelle. “Wow, I never imagined things would go so well.”
“It surprised me, too,” Michelle looked positively misty-eyed. “She’s a great kid.”
With those four words, suddenly all was right in Gabe’s world.
“What’s the matter?” she asked.
Michelle wore biker shorts and a faded T. A strand of hair had pulled loose from her ponytail. There was a smudge of dirt on one cheek. He’d never seen her look more beautiful or loved her more. He took a step closer. “I missed you.”
Her bright smile wobbled. “Ditto.”
Without taking his eyes off her, Gabe flung the ball on the lawn. It rolled for a few feet, then stopped. With his hands finally free, he did what he’d wanted to do since he’d driven up and seen her in the driveway in those cute black shorts and T-shirt showing all that skin. He grabbed her hand and tugged her close.
She resisted, but only a little.
“Someone will see,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Let them,” he growled. “I can’t go another second without kissing you.”
Michelle lifted her face to his. “In that case...”
When her body molded against him, it was as if she was the other half he needed to make him whole.
He settled his hands on her hips, trying to bring her even closer. “Thank you.”
“I told you,” she whispered, sliding her fingers into his hair, “Finley was no trouble.”
“No. Thank you for being you.” Gabe’s eyes met hers. “I was beginning to think I’d never find you.”
His mouth closed over hers and suddenly close wasn’t close enough. Michelle must have felt the same way because she pressed her body even tighter against him and opened her mouth to his probing tongue.
“Dad.”
His daughter’s voice was like a splash of cold water.
Michelle stiffened and jerked away.
Gabe turned, grateful the increasing darkness hid the tightness of his jeans.
Finley’s face gave nothing away. “Addie’s parents want to know what we’re doing for the fourth.”
“Uh, tell them I’ll call them tomorrow if I don’t see them in church.”
Finley’s gaze shifted from him to Michelle. “Okay.”
She disappeared back into the house, pulling the door shut behind her.
“She saw us, you know.” Michelle sounded concerned.
“It’s for the best.” Gabe realized it was past time he talked with his daughter about his feelings for Michelle. “I want her to know that you’re important to me. That I care about you. That I—”
Michelle’s fingers closed over his lips, stopping his words. “We’re friends.”
“We’re more than friends.”
Her lips curved upward. “Perhaps.”
“There’s no perhaps about it,” Gabe insisted stubbornly.
“It’s important we take this slow. There’s a lot at stake for both of us.”
“Tell me what you’re really saying.”
“We take it as slow as it needs to go. Until you’re sure.” Her eyes were clear and solemn. “Until I’m sure. That means no declarations of feelings and no promises.”
“I don’t like it.”
“I’m not sure I do either.” She kissed him on the mouth. “But for now it’s the wisest course to take.”
Chapter Eighteen
Gabe couldn’t remember what he’d done last year on the Fourth of July, but this year’s celebration was off to a great start. Michelle had accompanied him and Finley to the pancake breakfast in Town Square put on by the Jaycees every year. She’d even made it through much of the parade that followed before getting called to the hospital.
But that was almost two hours ago. Apparently things in labor and delivery were moving slower than she’d anticipated. She’d promised to meet them once the baby made its appearance at Alpine Field for Music in the Hole, an annual event put on by the Grand Teton Music Festival.
Even though Finley had initially acted put out that Michelle would be coming with them, the two had gotten along great all morning. When Michelle had asked him why he was smiling, he’d told her because it was such a beautiful day. The truth was, seeing her and Finley having fun together was a dream come true.
“I’d hate to be a doctor.” Finley appeared irritated by the fact that Michelle wasn’t yet back. “Michelle never has any free time.”
“There are things she has to give up,” Gabe admitted, reflecting on everything Michelle had told him about her career. “But I know she finds it very rewarding.”
“I hope that baby doesn’t take all day to get born.” Finley cast a pointed glance at the picnic basket in her father’s hand. “Otherwise we’re going to be stuck with a ton of food.”
Gabe shot her a wink. “Maybe I can invite my friends over for a party.”
“Or maybe—” Finley’s eyes took on a teasing glint “—I can invite my friends over for a party. After all, Michelle and I did make most of the food.”
“Yeah, what did you spend, like a whole day cooking and baking?”
“Just one evening, Dad.” Finley rolled her eyes, but there was a smile on her lips. “Fried chicken—”
“Gabe Davis.” A tall woman with dark hair stepped in front of him, an astonished look on her face. “I haven’t seen you in years.”
It took Gabe a second. He did know her. Something about her smile tripped his memory. “Lisa Sindelar?”
“Lisa Delperding now.” A little laugh escaped her bright red lips. Her smile faded when she saw Finley.
Finley shifted from one foot to the other, a tentative smile on her lips. She didn’t know the woman. Couldn’t have known her. Gabe’s acquaintance with the brunette went back to a time before she was born.
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“This is my daughter, Finley.” Gabe placed a hand on his daughter’s shoulder before completing the introductions.
Lisa’s curious gaze turned sharp and assessing. “I see Shannon in her eyes.”
Beneath his hand, Gabe felt Finley’s shoulder stiffen. He should have known Lisa would bring up Shannon. The two had been on the same cheerleading squad and good friends.
“Do you know my mother?” Finley surprised him by asking.
Gabe couldn’t believe Finley was pursuing the conversation. Normally she turned and hightailed it the other way whenever her mother was mentioned.
Lisa’s smile broadened as if she’d been pulling up to a red light that had suddenly turned green. “I’ve known Shannon for years. We ran around together in high school. We even pledged the same sorority in college.”
Finley’s smile froze on her face. She was old enough to realize that Shannon’s sorority pledge had come mere months after leaving her.
“I wasn’t aware you’d moved to Jackson Hole,” Gabe said when the silence lengthened.
“We still live back in Philly.” Lisa appeared oblivious to the tension in the air. “I’m here with my family on vacation. That’s my husband, Steven, over there with our two little ones.”
Gabe glanced in the direction that Lisa indicated and lifted a hand in greeting to the blond man holding the hands of a preschool boy and a baby wearing a bright pink hat in his arms.
“Rose is the same age as Abby, Doug and Shannon’s little one.” A smile lifted Lisa’s lips. “You should see how Shannon dotes on that baby. It’s so sweet.”
“I’ll find us a spot to sit.” Finley jerked from Gabe’s light grasp and stalked away without another word.
Normally he’d call her back, make her say a proper goodbye to an adult she’d just met. But Gabe had seen the stricken look on his daughter’s face. She’d been only seconds away from either lashing out or bursting into tears.
“Did you have to say that?” Gabe saw no need to couch his own irritation behind a mask of civility.
“Say what?” For a second the woman looked puzzled. Until her gaze settled on Finley’s back. She brought her fingers to her lips. “Oh, I didn’t think—”
“That’s right,” Gabe snapped, “you didn’t think. Shannon doesn’t think about Finley’s feelings either.”
With great effort, Gabe reined in his temper. It wasn’t fair to take out his frustrations about Shannon’s lack of interest in Finley on Lisa.
“I hope you enjoy your stay in Jackson Hole.” Without waiting for a reply, Gabe turned and hurried off to catch up with Finley.
* * *
Michelle texted Gabe as soon as she got to Alpine Field. With all the noise from the music and the crowd, she doubted he’d hear a cell phone ring.
He responded immediately with his location. Smiling, she began weaving her way through the blankets and lawn chairs to a point just south of a large red-and-white striped tent. It took a bit longer than she’d anticipated because she kept running into people she knew.
As she chatted and laughed, Michelle realized that life didn’t get much better. The sun shone bright overhead. The sky was a vivid blue. And she was going to spend the day with Gabe and Finley.
She’d discovered she enjoyed being with Gabe and his daughter. She and Finley had even spent some fun moments together since the girl had caught her and Gabe kissing. Not like Ed’s daughters who’d immediately brought out their claws when they’d realized her and Ed’s relationship was getting serious.
Michelle stopped to dutifully admire a baby she’d delivered three months ago. But even as she laughed and joked with the parents, her mind was miles away. Having Finley for a stepdaughter no longer seemed so abhorrent. In fact, she kind of liked the idea.
Her phone buzzed. She glanced down.
R U lost?
“Baby on the way?” the infant’s father asked.
“Actually, the friend I’m meeting is concerned I lost my way.” Michelle slipped the phone back in her pocket, said her goodbyes and started walking, determined not to get waylaid again.
She found Gabe and Finley just where Gabe had said they would be. They’d brought not only a blanket but also three lawn chairs. Michelle guessed the empty one to Gabe’s right was for her.
It didn’t register at first that Gabe and Finley weren’t talking. Music from the bandstand filled the air. It only figured they’d be listening to that.
“Hey, guys.” Michelle smiled as she walked up. “I’m here.”
“Finally,” Finley muttered and Gabe shot her a quelling glance.
A sense of unease traveled up Michelle’s spine. Something was going on here. She just wasn’t sure what.
Gabe offered his typical warm smile, but there were lines of strain edging his eyes. “How did the delivery go?”
“Figures. It’s all about her. Again.” Finley cast accusing eyes in her dad’s direction. “I don’t know why I’m even here. No one wants me.”
Michelle expected Gabe to crack down on the girl. Unlike Ed, Gabe had never allowed his daughter to speak in such a disrespectful manner.
“Fin, you know that’s not true.” His tone had a surprisingly gentle quality. His eyes looked more worried than annoyed. “I want you here.”
He smiled encouragingly at Michelle, but her throat had closed down. She wasn’t sure what he wanted her to do. Or to say.
“Michelle wants you here,” he continued in that same soft and understanding tone when she didn’t respond.
“Not really.” Finley’s eyes flashed blue fire. “She just wants you. I’m someone she has to put up with. If she had her choice, I wouldn’t be around.”
Michelle’s heart stopped.
“Michelle—” Gabe pushed this time “—tell her it’s not true.”
“It’s—” For a second the words stuck in Michelle’s throat. “I like you, Finley. You know that. We had fun when you stayed with me. And we had a blast frying the chicken.”
“Yeah, we did,” Finley grudgingly admitted, gazing down at the ground, her shoulders still stiff.
“Look.” Relief filled Gabe’s voice. “There’s Nick and Lexi.”
Finley’s head jerked up. For the first time today, Michelle saw her smile.
“Addie.” Finley pushed up from her chair and went over to join her friend.
“If you’re looking for a place to sit, we have plenty of room right here.” Gabe gestured to an open area in front of them.
“Sounds good to me.” Nick glanced at Michelle. “If you’re sure you don’t mind some company?”
“Why would I mind?”
“Well, I’ve heard things have gotten kind of hot and heavy between you two lately,” Nick teased. “I thought you might like some time alone.”
“They can’t have time alone. I’m in the way,” Finley shot back, her tone a mixture of sarcasm and scorn. “Don’t you know that?”
“Finley,” Gabe spoke sharply.
“Addie and I are going to check out the orchestra up close.” Finley lifted her chin as if daring her father to challenge her.
He exhaled a heavy breath. “It’s okay with me.”
Nick and Lexi exchanged glances.
“Just don’t be gone too long,” Lexi said to her daughter.
“We won’t,” the girls said in unison as they hurried away.
“What’s up with Finley?” Lexi asked, juggling the fussy toddler in her arms. “She seems upset.”
But Lexi didn’t get her answer, because at that moment Joel and Kate strolled up with their kids. Soon after, Travis and Mary Karen and their five children arrived to shake things up even more.
For the next hour, Michelle almost forgot about Finley. It was her and Gabe and their friends, just the way she liked it. But when Lexi mentioned she’d like to stretch her legs and asked if anyone wanted to come with her to get a snow cone, Michelle volunteered.
They were approaching the concession stand when Lexi paused and pla
ced a hand on Michelle’s arm. “I’m sorry about Nick’s remark. I’m sure he’s embarrassed, too.”
“Where did he get the idea that Gabe and I—”
“—were a couple?” Lexi smiled. “It’s kind of obvious. The kiss under the mistletoe. Another hot kiss at the brewery the night of the ground breaking. Everyone is still talking about that one.”
“Oh.”
“And just so you know, Mrs. McGregor, your neighbor, has had her spyglasses out. She was regaling Nick and anyone else at the courthouse who’d listen about all the kissing you two do in your driveway.”
Dear God, it was worse than Michelle thought. She’d thought they’d been subtle, flying under everyone’s radar, but they’d fooled no one. Heat crept up her neck.
“I think it’s sweet.” Lexi squeezed her arm. “I’m happy for you. If you need a caterer for your wedding reception, be sure and keep me in mind.”
* * *
When flirting with a couple of boys from the youth group hadn’t been enough to lift Finley’s spirits, she knew even the Blue Hawaiian snow cone Addie had promised to buy her wasn’t going to make her feel better.
“My dad and I ran into a woman who’s a friend of Shannon.” When Finley had heard about the baby, she’d decided she was never going to refer to Shannon as her mother ever again. Shannon didn’t want her. Well, that made them even. Finley didn’t want Shannon either.
A puzzled frown furrowed Addie’s brow. “Shannon, as in your mom?”
“She’s not my mother anymore,” Finley said. “I used to think she just didn’t want to be a mother. Or that she was too young. But she has a baby now and she loves her. It’s me she doesn’t love.”
It was as if a giant force was squeezing her insides, bringing an ache to her heart and tears to her eyes, making it difficult to breathe. Finley blinked back the tears and concentrated on her breathing.
Addie’s eyes widened. “Your mom, I mean Shannon, has a baby?”
“A girl. Abby. And she really, really loves her.” Finley couldn’t stop the few tears that leaked from the corners of her lids. “But she can’t be bothered to send me a birthday card.”
“One day she’ll burn in hell.” Addie’s matter-of-fact tone was at odds with the sympathy in her eyes. “God wouldn’t want a monster like her in heaven.”
