His gaze skimmed her tanned legs encased in white shorts. “I can see that. What are you doing for lunch?”
“Lunch!” She laughed. “What's lunch? I can't remember the last time I took a lunch break.”
“Then it's high time you started. I thought Dory might enjoy an outing. Want to grab an ice-cream cone?”
She looked as if she wanted to accept.
“I don't know, Dave. It's been pretty hectic around here this morning.”
“Come on. Mrs. Wilcox can handle things for an hour, and Peter could use an extra hour's pay. Let's do something crazy.”
She shrugged, grinning. “Why not? Give me a sec to get the baby.”
“Don't forget the diaper bag,” he called to her retreating back.
“Did you call Loyal?”
“Called him.” It was settled. She was locked into a five-year lease.
Â
“OOH, DORY! Look at the pretty kite.” Jenny pointed to the sky, and Dory squealed with delight. “Oops! Watch it, Uncle Dave! You nearly lost it.”
“Never! I'm a champion kite master. You want to take over?” He ran a short way along the shoreline, then backed up, pulling the kite in all directions.
“No.” She settled on the blanket and yawned. “Looks too much like exercise to me. I try to avoid that sort of thing.” She pulled Dory's bonnet over the baby's head. Dory immediately yanked it off with a fussy squeal. What was she doing here? She had hours of work piled up, and poor Mrs. Wilcox would be inundated. She smiled at Dave trotting along the shoreline, flying the Alien.
“We want ice cream, Dave,” she called.
He nodded and began winding the kite string in. “In a minute!”
When he returned, she was sitting cross-legged on the blanket in front of Dory, studying the baby's tiny fingers.
“Hello, ladies. Miss me?”
“Something terrible.”
Dropping on the blanket beside her, he gazed at Dory. “What are the two of you doing? Complaining about men?”
“Certainly not. We like men, don't we, Dory? I was just marveling over her perfect little fingernails, all rounded on the ends. ”
“You'll have to get her to give you the name of her nail tech.”
Jenny grinned. “Babies are truly God's miracles.”
She watched him roll to his back and stare at the flawless blue sky, thankful that he seemed relaxed and at peace with the world. The picnic had done him a world of good. She was glad she had agreed to come along.
“Want another piece of chicken?”
“No, thanks.” She redid her ponytail, aware of his eyes on her. Was he interested in a relationship? Was it too soon for him? Did memories of one failed marriage color his perspective of another? She wrapped the band around her hair and formed a tight knot. “We want ice cream, huh, Dory?”
The baby bucked and grinned.
Ten minutes later he returned with three drippy cones. “Okay, sports fans, here it is.”
“It's about time,” she teased. “I was about to start whining.”
A few short weeks ago, sitting on a blanket and eating ice cream with a man and a baby was the farthest thing from her mind. Yet here they were, lapping up strawberry ice cream as if they hadn't a care in the world.
Leaning on one elbow, she watched Dave spoon-feed Dory, more melting down her chin than down her throat. Licking her cone, she was reminded that this could have been her and Brian with their child. Brian. Suddenly she had trouble making the picture fit. No, Brian wouldn't be spoon-feeding a baby. Brian would be off doing his own thing. He'd never had time for children. She always felt that would change once they married, but she knew now what a foolish concept that was. Children were high maintenance.
Laughing, Dave glanced at her. “She loves this stuff. I can't shovel it in fast enough.”
Jenny pulled a baby wipe from the box and made a couple of swipes at Dory's mouth, then put the baby's sun bonnet in place. Dory twisted her head sideways and jerked the bonnet off again.
“Oh, Mom,” Dave mocked, “quit it. What's a little sunburn between friends?”
She glanced up. “What'd you call me?”
“MomâSorry, I was only kidding.”
“No, I liked it. Mom.” She thought about it. “Yeah, has a nice ring to it, don't you think?”
Dave spooned more ice cream into Dory's open mouth. “I'm sorry I said you weren't qualified to care for a child. The way you've been with Dory, I think you'd make a wonderful mom.”
She slapped her hand over her heart, mocking a near faint “Dave Kasada thinks I'd make a good mom?”
He slung a spoonful of ice cream at her. It landed on her cheek and slid down the neck of her blouse.
“Why, you...” She took what was left of her cone and smeared it across his face.
He grabbed her arm and wrestled her to the blanket, leaning down to wipe his gooey face against hers. They had a friendly wrestling match before he pinned her, their lips only a breath apart. She could feel every contour of his body molded against hers and she liked it. Far too much. Dormant feelings suddenly sprang to life and frightened her.
“Jennyâ”
Her mind protested the kiss that was about to take place, but her body and soul met the challenge eagerly. She felt his breath warm her cheek just before his lips closed over hers. Like in an old movie, music played, drums rolled, bombs exploded and a million bright lights flickered a myriad of colors.
A long moment later, he pulled back and gazed into her eyes. “What the hell was that?”
She closed her eyes, plagued with the sinking feeling she knew exactly what it was. She was falling in loveâor something pretty darn close.
In thirty-one years, she had never felt like this with a man. Breathless, giddy, wildly irrational. Dangerous territory. Involvement with him would only complicate her life. Besides, she knew nothing about him except he was a kite maker, a good father, antimarriage and possessed looks and charm that could make a grown woman cry. She had to get a grip. Dave was the first honest man she'd met. He shot straight from the hip, and she should do no less with him. She had to pull back, retreat before it was too late.
She rolled from beneath him and sat up. “It's getting late. I need to get back.”
Disappointment crossed his face, but he complied.
As she tried to tie Dory's bonnet on, he caught her wrist. “I'm sorry if I offended you.”
“You didn't.” She laughed, afraid she'd cry. “One kissâbig deal.” On top of everything else, she was becoming a gifted liar. It
was
a big deal. She wasn't sure she could even stand up.
He began gathering Dory's toys and stuffing them in the diaper bag. “How about a real date some night? Dinner. Name your favorite restaurant.”
“I don't think so.”
“Why not?”
“People will talk.”
“So what? We're of age.”
“No, I mean
talk
talk. They'll have us sleeping together and picking out our silverware pattern. You know how people are. Nothing against you personally, I just don't have time right now for a relationship.” She picked Dory up and kissed her on the cheek.
She could lie with the best of them.
7
“W
ANT TO HEAR a funny joke?” Dave asked.
“How crude is it?” Jenny replied.
“It's not crudeâit's dumb.”
“What?”
“Haven't you ever heard a dumb joke?”
“How dumb?”
“There was this guy and his dog watching a movie, and the dog was laughing so hard tears were rolling down his cheeks. A man next to them said, âIs that your
dog
laughing?' The man said, âYes, and I don't understand it. He
hated
the book.'”
Jenny looked at him strangely. “Well, that answered my question.
Extremely
dumb.” She groaned as they walked into Fudgeballs. “I can't believe you think that's funny.”
“I didn't say I thought it was funny. I asked if you wanted to hear it. Want to hear another one?”
“Not today. One's enough.” She laughed. She and Dave had had such a good time together. She was glad to have him as a friend and wasn't going to wish for anything more.
Dory was nodding on Dave's shoulder, her tiny arm draped around his neck. The tip of her nose was pink from the fresh air and sunshine.
Jenny's smile faded when she saw Rob and Teensy standing behind the glass counter. Their appearance was so unexpected she felt her legs threaten to buckle.
Rob smiled. “Hey, like, hello.”
A knot formed in the pit of Jenny's stomach. For a moment she thought she was going to be sick. “Rob. Teensy,” she managed to say.
“They showed up not ten minutes after you left.” Mrs. Wilcox slid a pan of fudge into the display case. “I didn't know exactly where you were, or I would've sent someone to get you.” Shuffling to the register, she speared receipts on a spindle.
“It's okay.” Jenny motioned for Dave to set Dory in the playpen. He gently settled the sleeping infant, looking to her for a reaction. What did he expect? For her to make a scene, start bawling and say it wasn't fair for them to run off and leave the child with someone who was going to fall in love with her and not want to give her up?
That's what she wanted to do, but she kept quiet, swallowing her disappointment.
Dory belonged with her parents. Jenny had known that all along. Their return was just so sudden, so unsettling.
Teensy rushed around the counter to claim Dory. The infant raised a fuss as her mother showered her neck, face and chin with kisses. “Hi, baby. Mmm, kissee, kissee, kisseeâdid you miss Mommie?”
Rob joined her. The knot in Jenny's stomach tightened as she watched the display of family affection. She should be thrilled Rob and Teensy were back. Now she could get on with her plans. She wouldn't have to worry about mixing formula in the middle of the night, strained carrots on her best blouse and teething. She should be overjoyed, so why wasn't she? Instead, she felt like going on an eating binge.
Dave somberly stood aside to allow the parents access to their daughter.
“Hey, Dave.” Rob flashed a good-natured grin. “How's it going?”
“Good. How about you?”
With his arm around Teensy's waist, Rob gazed at her. “Awesome, man. Really awesome.” ,
Jenny finally found her voice, trying to keep a neutral tone. “I was worried about you. You left so suddenly.”
“Sorry about that.” Teensy's earthy kiss severed Rob's response. The lovers engaged in a heated kiss that embarrassed Jenny. As the lip lock went on and on, she glanced at Dave, who discreetly looked the other way. Obviously, whatever problems the couple had encountered had been settled. If Dory hadn't started crying, Jenny was prepared to go for the hose and break up the passionate embrace.
“Ooh, is Mommie's wittle angel fussy?” Teensy gathered an out-of-sorts Dory in her arms, smoothing tendrils of baby hair from the infant's face. “Ooh, your nose is all pink. Have you been in the sun too long?”
Jenny looked away. “She wouldn't keep her hat on.”
Customers were pouring into the shop. Jenny realized the reunion was blocking traffic. “I'll take Dory into the back room andâ”
“Jenny?” Rob stopped her, his features sobering.
Jenny glanced over her shoulder. “Yes?”
“We, uh, can'tâWe just stopped by to pick up Dory.”
The knot in her stomach turned into a fist. A big, angry fist threatening to shut off her air supply.
He shrugged, his eyes offering a silent apology. “We're on our way to New York.”
The news echoed like a gunshot. A hush fell over the room. Shoppers quietly selected purchases while keeping a guarded eye on the scene playing out before them. They couldn't know how the announcement would affect her, yet instinct told her they knew something was amiss.
“Oh?” Jenny tried to keep her response upbeat. “Going to spend a few days with your parents?”
“No, going there to look for work.” He glanced at Teensy. “We've stayed in one place too long. It's time to move on.”
The pain grew. It was his rightâtheir right. She had no reason to feel as if she was being victimized. Six weeks ago, Dory had been just a cute baby who belonged to the couple who worked for her. Why did it suddenly feel as if her child was being threatened?
She looked to Dave for emotional support, praying he could help. He said nothing, but she could see he was warring with his emotions. They had allowed themselves to get too close, started thinking they were a family, acting like family, going on picnics and eating strawberry ice cream together. Flying kites.
Jenny automatically waited on clientele, ignoring Teensy's incessant cooing. Mrs. Wilcox had steered clear of the discussion, waiting on customers while Jenny dealt with the situation. As she weighed and counted fudgeballs, she watched Rob and Teensy move about, gathering personal belongings and stuffing them in knapsacks. Dory's bibs and diapers were packed, her two carriers and playpen folded and laid beside the other items. Teensy juggled the baby, as if unaware of the chaos they were causing.
Dave walked around the counter, and a moment later Jenny felt his hand at her hip, the soft brush of his breath against her cheek as he leaned close and whispered, “I'm next door if you need me.”
“Thanks.” She blinked back tears, trying to read the numbers on the scales. She didn't want to think how this would affect their relationship. From the moment Rob left, she and Dave had shared responsibility for the child. When Dory was no longer around, how often would he stop by to visit?
As he was leaving, Dave paused to tweak Dory under the chin. “So long, Munchkin.”
Dory giggled, thrashing her feet.
He focused on Teensy. “She's got a tooth.”
Blowing a gum bubble, Teensy's face brightened. The bubble popped. “She does?” She poked a finger in Dory's mouth, searching for proof. Dory bit her, and she jerked back, laughing. “Look, Rob. She does!”
“If you look close, you'll see the beginnings of another one,” Dave encouraged.
“Two! Awesome!”
Dave stepped to the door. “Jenny took picturesâyou'll want a copy before you leave.”
“Cool,” Rob said.
It took less than fifteen minutes for the happy couple to collect their personal belongings. “That about does it,” Rob announced as he emerged from the back room. He paused, catching Teensy for another long, involved kiss.
Jenny wiped her hands on her apron and stepped to the register. She opened it and removed a check. Tapping Rob on the shoulder, she said, “You'll need this.”
Rob glanced at the check as he broke off the kiss. “Thanks.”
“Don't thank me. I owed you for a week's pay when you left”
Rob pocketed the check, then picked up the carriers, playpen and knapsacks. “Later, dude.”
Jenny refused to look at him. “Yeah, later.” She weakened, her eyes riveted on Dory as Rob smiled at Teensy and motioned her toward the door. Grinning, Teensy manipulated one of Dory's arms to wave at Jenny. She waved back, smiling though tears. “Bye, sweetie.”
They disappeared though the doorway and she raced to the window to look out. The infatuated couple were holding hands, walking toward the dock to catch the two o'clock ferry.
“Life can hurt sometimes.” Mrs. Wilcox approached from behind. “I lost a young 'un once. Just a few days old, but a person can still get mighty attached to a baby in a very short time.”
Jenny's courage crumbled. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed. “I knew Rob would come backâI shouldn't have let myself get so close.”
“Aw.” Mrs. Wilcox awkwardly patted her back. “Don't be ashamed to cry, honey. Lovin' someone ain't bad, it's not lovin' that gets you in trouble.”
Â
SOFT, GOLDEN RAYS settled into the Mackinac Straits as day gently surrendered to evening.
Dave poured Coke into a glass of ice, then carried the drink to the flagstone patio where he pulled up a chair and propped his feet on the low stone wall to watch the sunset. The honeysuckle climbing along Aunt Mosie's lattice trellis scented the air and reminded him of Jenny. Was she as lonely tonight as he was?
A light breeze sprang up as he studied the tree line along the bluffs, thinking how complicated life had become. At one point, he'd thought he owned the world.
Without Megan, he felt empty.
Dory and Jenny had filled his empty places. For a while, he'd laughed again. Now Dory was gone. Without Dory, Jenny didn't need him. The empty places were back, deeper and darker.
Melancholy settled around his shoulders like a heavy mantle as he watched a songbird fly. What hurt more? Losing Dory or losing his reason to spend time with Jenny? The relationship had started out so innocently. When had his feelings become more substantial, more disturbing? He'd just come out of a bad marriage. The last thing he wanted was to open himself to hurt again. He'd had his fill of lawyers and shouting matches.
Dory had brought out paternal feelings, feelings he couldn't deny. Exactly where did Jenny fit in his life? Until they'd spent time together, she was merely an obstacle to overcome, a hindrance, someone who occupied space in his building that he wanted. The last few weeks, she'd become more. Tonight he was hurting for her, and he hated the feeling.
Leaning back in the wicker chair, he closed his eyes, soaking in the waning rays of sunlight. The house was so damn quiet tonight. He listened to the faint rustle of leaves, the melodic cry of the songbird, aware he'd never felt more alone. This was the hardest hour, the hour when he used to come home and play with Megan. They'd toss a ball around the yard, play jacks, his large fingers clumsy next to her tiny ones, or eat cookies and drink tea seated at her red and white table and chairs in the playroom. He bit back pain, wondering if it would get any easier. Would he ever stop waking up in the middle of the night, hearing the way her voice sounded? “Oh, Daaddy,” she'd say when he razzed her about her hair or about marrying the scrawny kid down the street.
What must Jenny be feeling right now? This was the hour she'd feed Dory, take her for an evening stroll, give her a bathâ
The doorbell rang, interrupting his thoughts. Wiping a hand across his face, he got up. When he opened the door, Jenny was standing before him, red-eyed.
They stood for a moment without speaking.
Tears slid from the corners of her eyes and dripped off her cheeks. Swallowing, he felt his common sense draining away. Hell. He always was a sucker for tears.
He opened his arms, and she threw herself into his embrace, her breasts pressing into his chest, her hands clinching behind his neck. “Now, now, what's all this?” he said, hugging her tighter. She glanced up and started to speak, but he silenced her with his finger.
“I understand. There's no need for words.” He knew she pressed her forehead against him to hide her tears. “You don't have to be tough for me.” His hand moved to her ponytail, and he removed the band, freeing the silky strands. He slipped his fingers into the golden curls and eased them to her shoulders.
“Oh, Dave, I feel so...so...”
“Empty?” He felt her nod, then shiver. “If I could take away your pain, I would. I know what empty feels like.”
Jenny took a step back, wiping her eyes. “I'm so sony.”
“For what? You haven't done anything to be sorry for,” he said, taking her hand in his. Tears streamed down her face, and he wanted to kiss them away. She was so very vulnerable. Tonight wasn't the time for apologies. It was a time to console. All he wanted to do was put a smile on her face.
Her voice sounded small and scared. “Until Rob and Teensy took Dory away, I could only imagine how you felt about Megan. Now I know, and what I imagined wasn't nearly as bad as this.”