A Mother for His Twins

by Jill Weatherholt

  “I’m not sure I believe you.” He hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I know you’re worried about Faith, but there’s something more. Isn’t there?”

  She shook her head in response.

  “Come on, Joy. I’ve known you since we were kids. I think I know when something is bothering you.”

  She wasn’t sure if it was years of keeping her feelings locked deep inside of her heart, or if it was the sweet sound of a voice she’d once loved so deeply. Whatever the case, her emotions swelled like a tsunami. “You know how much I love my sister, don’t you?”

  “Of course. She’s your world. She always has been.”

  A sense of realization filled her. This man sitting beside her knew her better than anyone in the world, besides Faith. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Sometimes I’m so jealous of her it’s painful to be around her and her family.” Her gaze locked with his. “That’s horrible, isn’t it?”

  He ran his hands down the tops of his thighs. “Why do you think you feel this way?”

  “Because she has everything I’ve ever wanted. She has the love and admiration of a man who absolutely adores her.” She blew out a breath.

  “And?” Nick asked.

  This was so hard. What a horrible person for thinking these things, and even worse, now she was confessing them, but she had to let it out. “She has a family and right now it’s growing even bigger. It’s what I always wanted—the love and security of a big family.” Her lip quivered. She didn’t want to cry in front of him, but the tears peppered her eyelashes.

  When he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close, the feeling it evoked frightened her. But at the same time, she didn’t want it to end. How could this be?

  “Joy, please. Don’t do this to yourself. You’re a good person. You deserve to have everything your heart desires, and you will. One day, you’ll have the family you’ve always dreamed of. I promise you.”

  Silence filled the waiting room for several minutes.

  She wiped her eyes and looked at him—the man who’d once been her entire world and knew everything about her. Now she carried a secret, one she could never reveal to him. “Thank you for calling Whippy.” She pushed away the lock of hair that partially covered her eye. “I appreciate it, but if you need to get back to the boys, you don’t have to stay.” She turned her gaze to the window across the floor.

  Nick reached out and cupped her chin, directing her face back toward him. “I know I don’t need to...but I want to.”

  His words touched her heart. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  She didn’t want to bring up sad memories for him, but she felt a strong desire to know. “What did you like the best about being married?”

  Joy studied his sharp profile as he pondered her question for several moments.

  “I don’t think I can answer that question. I wasn’t a good husband, Joy. There are some things about my marriage I haven’t shared with you. I want to, but I’m afraid it will change how you feel about me.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t imagine you being anything but a wonderful partner.” In her dreams, he was always the perfect mate. She imagined him to be much like Joshua, loving and attentive.

  “Unfortunately, that’s not true. My wife, Michelle, was dying right before my eyes and I didn’t do anything to help her. Even Jordan noticed, a child, but her own husband didn’t. Michelle was supermom. She did it all...took care of me, the twins and the house. She volunteered and tutored students, always going a hundred miles per hour. I assumed that was why she was losing weight. She’d been on medication for her disease and never complained of symptoms. I assumed the drug was working for her.” He paused and raked his hand through his hair.

  Joy raised an eyebrow. “From what I know about Crohn’s disease, its symptoms aren’t always easy to hide.”

  “Exactly. I should have seen the signs. I was a poor excuse for a husband, Joy...a poor excuse for a man.”

  “I’m sure you did the best you could. You’re being too hard on yourself.” Her heart ached for him. Nick was a good man, as good as they came. She knew he’d never deliberately ignore his wife’s illness.

  He shook his head. “I was too wrapped up in my own world, trying to get ahead and make something of my life. I didn’t realize until it was too late, I already had everything, Joy. I was the richest man in the world with a loving wife and two beautiful children. I was selfish—plain and simple.”

  She gently placed her hand on his. “Please, don’t do this to yourself, Nick. You can’t change what happened. Blaming yourself won’t bring her back.”

  “I only cared about getting my master’s degree and advancing within the school system. I wanted the status of being the principal of one of the top schools in Chicago.”

  Joy watched a tear trail down Nick’s cheek. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting more in order to provide for your family.” Was this why he’d come back to Whispering Slopes to apply for the job? So all of the time he’d spent away from his family wouldn’t have been for nothing?

  Nick leaned forward and pressed his fingertips to his forehead. “There is when you turn a blind eye to your wife’s health. She was emaciated, Joy. I can see that now, but I didn’t want to see it then. I could have saved her life... My sons could still have their mother.”

  Joy shivered when the overhead vent blew a shot of chilly air, but she wondered if it was because of Nick’s words. It seemed they both carried shameful secrets from their past that they were unable to escape. She took his hand, and for the next hour, the pair who’d been voted favorite couple in high school sat together in silence. Joy couldn’t help but wonder if either of them would ever have the kind of relationship Faith and Joshua shared.

  * * *

  Shortly past midnight with a full moon shimmering overhead, Nick navigated his SUV into his garage. It felt good to be home. Between the birth of Faith’s twins and telling Joy his ugly secret about his wife, he was spent. He was somewhat relieved she knew the truth, but he couldn’t help but think it would change the way she thought of him. After the babies were born, Joy had expressed her thanks and sent him home. Part of him wished she’d asked him to stay, but he was touched when she’d told him she wanted to make sure he got some good rest before his interview this afternoon. He’d told her not to worry. If his plan went accordingly, they could both fulfill their dream.

  The laundry room door squeaked as he entered the house and strolled down the hallway toward the family room. He smiled when he spied Whippy sound asleep in his leather recliner. Not having the heart to wake her, he removed the afghan from the sofa and gently covered her. She stirred for a moment, but then resumed her soft snoring.

  He flung his leather coat onto the piano bench and headed toward the boys’ room. As expected, both were snuggled in their beds and hopefully having sweet dreams.

  Nick stepped across the hall and poked his head into the guest room. The owl night-light plugged into the receptacle next to the bed cast a light onto Bella’s cherubic cheeks.

  “Mr. Nick,” the tiny voice said as he turned to leave the room.

  “Bella, you should be sleeping.” He walked to the bed and took a seat on the edge.

  “I couldn’t sleep. I was worried about Mommy and the babies, too.”

  The fear in her eyes tugged at his heart. He tucked the sheet up underneath her chin. “You don’t have to worry, sweetie. Your mommy is doing just fine. In fact, she’s probably sound asleep in her bed at the hospital.”

  She squirmed under the covers and smiled. “What about the babies?”

  “The babies are perfect. You are now the big sister to a baby brother and sister.” How privileged he felt to be the one to share this glorious news.

  Her smile lit up the room. “One of each? That’s so cool!” She started to climb out of the bed
. “Can I go meet them now?”

  Nick tucked her under the covers. “Not tonight. You need to get a good night of sleep, first. Your aunt Joy will be by in the morning to take you to the hospital so you can meet them.”

  She bit her lip. “But what about school?”

  “Your new family comes first.” His stomach twisted at his words. Yes, family did come first. Why hadn’t he realized that sooner?

  Bella bounced in the bed. “I’m too excited. I don’t think I can fall asleep.”

  “Well, not if you keep moving like that,” he laughed. “Just close your eyes and I guarantee you’ll have sweet dreams of your brother and sister.” He leaned over and gently kissed her forehead.

  As he watched the child slowly drift to sleep, she spoke in a drowsy state. “I love you, Mr. Nick. I hope one day you’ll marry my aunt Joy... You’d make a great uncle.” Her words swirled in his mind and caused his heart to race. Deep down, he knew this was what he wanted, too. But would Joy want a life with him now that she knew what kind of husband he’d been?

  Five hours and a restless night of tossing and turning later, Nick sat on the edge of his bed thinking about the past twelve hours. He knew Bella’s comment about her aunt was part of the reason he’d been unable to sleep. When he had dozed off for a little while he had a dream that he and Joy were married. She was sick with the flu and he tended to her every need. He’d brought her soup and fluids, remaining by her side until the fever broke. Of course, it had only been a dream. The reality of the kind of husband he’d been in the past weighed heavy on his heart, and for the first time since Michelle had died, he prayed to God for His forgiveness.

  When the weight he’d been carrying on his shoulders eased, he pushed himself off the bed, the aroma of bacon filling his room. He threw on a pair of jeans along with a T-shirt and shuffled into the kitchen to investigate. The meat sizzled in the skillet as Whippy scurried around the room looking as though she’d been up for hours. She’d set a beautiful table and she’d even put some artificial flowers out as a centerpiece. This woman was a dream.

  “Good morning.” She turned, wearing a flowered dress and a bright smile. “How are Faith and the babies?” She whirled around to give the strips of bacon a quick flip.

  He headed straight for the coffee maker. With a packed schedule today, a great deal of caffeine was on the agenda for this morning. “Everyone is healthy.” Grabbing an oversize mug, he poured the steaming hot beverage and took a sip. “Boy, you make a great cup of coffee, Whippy.” He set the cup onto the granite countertop. “It was late when I got in last night. You looked so peaceful sleeping. I didn’t want to wake you.”

  Her face turned crimson. “I hope I wasn’t snoring.”

  He smiled as he recalled the tiny sounds that escaped through her lips last night. “Oh, no, you were quiet as a church mouse.”

  She brushed her hand in the air. “I doubt that.”

  “I’m happy to report, as of last night, there’s another set of healthy twins in Whispering Slopes. Faith is doing well and she delivered a boy and a girl, by cesarean section.” His heart warmed as he recalled Joshua’s excitement last night when he came out to tell them the good news. Nick remembered that feeling and often wondered if it was something he’d ever experience again in his life.

  Whippy clapped her hands together. “There’s nothing more special than a new life coming into the world...and two...that makes it extra cause for celebration.” She headed over to her pocketbook and pulled out a writing pad. “I’ll go shopping for new outfits and receiving blankets this afternoon. I can’t wait to meet them!”

  Nick knew that one day soon she’d be babysitting those twins. “I better go get the kids up. Joy is coming by to take Bella to the hospital, but the boys and I have school.”

  “Breakfast will be ready by the time everyone is dressed,” she said as she took a carton of eggs out of the refrigerator.

  An hour later, Nick was showered and shaved and eating the last bite of his pancakes along with two crispy strips of bacon. Obviously his upcoming interview this afternoon had no bearing on his appetite. He was excited to finally get the board’s reaction to his idea. “Whippy, this breakfast is delicious.” He leaned back in his chair and rested his hands over his stomach.

  “These are the best pancakes I’ve ever had,” Tyler said as he speared another piece.

  The sound of the doorbell filled the room. “That’s Aunt Joy!” Bella announced as she ran toward the door. “We’re going to go see my new brother and sister.”

  Nick stood and walked toward the front door. Joy waited in the foyer, dressed in a pair of black jeans and a wool coat with fur around the collar, looking radiant.

  “You certainly don’t look like you’ve been up all night,” he said.

  She reached for her head. “My hair is a mess this morning.”

  Nick didn’t agree. It was bunched up in a loose bun with a few strands of hair falling around her face, and he thought it looked great.

  When she blushed, he knew his stare had overstayed its welcome. “Can I get you a cup of coffee?” He finally spoke.

  She fingered her necklace. “That sounds wonderful.”

  They headed into the kitchen. Bella skipped beside her aunt. “Do I really get to miss school today to meet my brother and sister?” Her grin spread from ear to ear.

  “Yes. Today is a special day.”

  Nick filled a mug and handed it to her. “Did you get any sleep last night?”

  She took a sip. “Ah...that’s good, thank you. I think I got about an hour or so of rest. I stayed at the hospital until about four thirty this morning.” Joy peered around the room. Bella was busy chatting with the twins. “After you left, Faith’s blood pressure spiked again,” she whispered.

  Nick moved in a little closer, catching a whiff of her floral and fruity perfume. He knew she didn’t want Bella to worry about her mother. “Is she okay?”

  “Yes. It came back down after an hour or so. It looks like she might need to go on medication for a while. The doctor would like to keep her and the babies for a few more days, but he seems to feel she’ll be fine.” Her fingers strummed the side of her cup. “So, are you ready for your interview?”

  His weight shifted from side to side. “I know one thing. I sure am ready to get it over with.” He grinned.

  “Just so you know, I thought about our conversation last night. I plan to go ahead with my interview next week.”

  Following a moment of silence, Nick noticed a look of disappointment flowed from her eyes as they shifted from him back to the floor. “I’m not really sure there’s much use, though. After they talk to you, I’m sure they’ll know they have the best candidate for the job.”

  Nick reached his hand out and placed it on her forearm. “Try not to worry so much. Everything is going to work out fine.”

  “Easy for you to say. You’re the one with the fancy degree.” She spoke and then bit down on her lip. “I’m sorry. That was rude.”

  He knew she was stressed about her twin. “There’s no need to apologize, but you could make it up to me if you really feel the need.” Nick flashed a mischievous grin.

  Joy’s neck flushed as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “And how can I do that?” A half smile crept across her lips.

  Bella’s words spoken to him last night had replayed in his head for hours. If he was ever going to stop allowing his past to control him, he needed to take action, and the sooner the better. He took one tiny step closer and whispered into her ear. “Let me take you out tonight...for a real date. No kids—just the two of us.”

  Her eyes widened. “But Bella—”

  He shook his head. “Don’t worry about her. We’ve got the dream babysitter standing right here in my kitchen.” He pointed to Whippy, who was busy wiping down the countertop. “Have you ever seen someone set the table so fan
cy for breakfast? She’s the bomb.”

  Joy laughed out loud, causing everyone in the room to look in her direction. “Sorry.” She blushed and turned back to Nick. “Do you think she’d be available to sit again so soon?”

  He swung his hand in the air. “Are you kidding? The woman obviously lives for this stuff. Watch. Hey, Whippy?”

  She turned as she placed another pancake on Bella’s plate. “Yes?”

  “Are you available to babysit for this crazy bunch again tonight?” he asked as he noticed the children’s faces lighting up like fireworks.

  “I’m always available for these kids.” She proceeded to clear away the boys’ dishes and scurried toward the sink, humming a little tune.

  “Yay!” Bella and the twins cheered loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear.

  Nick looked at Joy. “So, what do you say?”

  She remained silent for a moment, adjusting her leather belt that hugged her narrow hips. “I’d love to go out on a date with you, Nick.”

  Her answer made him happier than he’d been in a long time. Earlier, during his prayer time, he’d asked God for another opportunity to prove he could be a loving and supportive partner. Was Joy agreeing to the date God’s way of opening the door for a future with her? He hadn’t been there for her that night so many years ago or for his wife during her illness, but people could change...if they really wanted to badly enough. Couldn’t they? He gazed at Joy, and his heart spoke to him. He was looking at his future. One filled with love, trust and a houseful of kids. He only hoped she felt the same.

  Chapter Twelve

  Nick’s Monday morning class seemed endless. Finally, his lunch hour had arrived and he found himself fidgeting in a leather club chair inside the administrative office of Whispering Slopes K-12. Why was he nervous? Maybe it was because the last time he sat here he’d been waiting to hear his punishment. He and his best friend, Timmy Biddle, thought it would be a good gag to put glue on Suzie Harris’s chair while she did her oral book report in front of their third-grade class. Little did they know, their classmate had a severe allergy to glue. Poor Suzie had broken out in a terrible itchy rash that spread all over her legs. The two boys had spent the next week cleaning every eraser in the entire school at the end of the day.