LITMIR.BIZ

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Connie said, “there’s something different about you since I last saw you.”

      “Probably the pregnancy glow,” she said wryly. “Although I think that’s an old wives’ tale. I haven’t got the energy to glow.”

      “Don’t be so sure. There’s a sparkle in your eyes. Could it be because of Scott Matthews?”

      “I think someone’s been whacked with the whimsical stick,” Thea said. “I’m the same as usual. Besides, Scott joked about wanting to be alone when his daughter goes to college. But I think many a truth is spoken in jest.”

      Thea could tell him, alone wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be. She wouldn’t share that with her friend and give her any ideas. But the truth was, as a caterer, she cooked for many people, but no one special. There was no one waiting for her at home, no one to take care of, no one to talk about her day with.

      “No one’s whacked me with anything,” Connie said. “I just know you. What does Scott Matthews look like?”

      “Oh, come on—”

      “Humor me.”

      Thea let out a big sigh. “He’s tall. Dark hair. Blue eyes.”

      “Not bad. What does he do for a living?”

      “Kendra told me he’s a building contractor,” Thea answered. “And if his house is any indication, he does all right financially.”

      “So you had this communication thing going on, yet you’re blowing him off?”

      “He was annoyed that I met with his daughter behind his back. For Whom the Bell Toils didn’t get the job. I have no reason to see him again. That doesn’t constitute blowing him off. There’s nothing to blow off.”

      She heard the ding-dong from the reception area indicating someone had come in the front door. “Anyone here?” The voice was decidedly masculine.

      “I’ll get it,” Connie said, untying her apron.

      “No. I’ll go. Saved by the bell.” Thea stood and grinned at her friend. “Now I know how Kendra felt when her father started in on her.”

      Thea walked through the door and was surprised to see the father in question standing there. Her stomach did a funny little shimmy. She knew it was too early for that movement to be about the baby. So it had to be all about Scott Matthews. She hadn’t expected to be attracted to a man again. She’d thought that part of her had died with her husband.

      She smiled at Scott. “Hello again.”

      “Thea.” One corner of his wonderful mouth quirked up. “Or should I call you Obi-Wan?”

      “Excuse me?”

      “You did see Star Wars?”

      “Of course. But I don’t get the reference.”

      “The teacher and the student. Are you sure you don’t have children?”

      None that she’d cop to just yet. “No. I mean yes, I’m sure. Why? What are you talking about?”

      “Wise you are, as well as beautiful,” he said, imitating one of the movie characters.

      “I think that’s Yoda-speak. But if it was a bona fide compliment, thank you.”

      “It was. And you’re welcome.”

      “Why am I wise?” she asked, refusing to acknowledge the beautiful part of that compliment.

      “I managed to talk to Kendra without anyone leaving the room in hysterics, including me.”

      She laughed. “What happened?”

      “I took your advice and simply listened and asked questions. I tried not to lecture or offer advice.”

      “And that didn’t make you hysterical?” she couldn’t resist asking.

      “Of course it did. I’m a guy. And I build things. So the need to fix it now is especially strong. But I was a brave little soldier and didn’t let it show.”

      “Wow. Congressional Medal of Honor material.”

      He leaned a jean-clad hip against her desk and half sat. “It almost killed me not to bring up the pregnancy test, but I tried it your way.”

      “And?”

      “She admitted she feels bad when there’s an event and her mother isn’t there. Which proves your theory—listen you must, then talk to you she will.”

      Thea laughed. “I didn’t say it like that.”

      “No. But the message was the same. I hope by not lecturing this time, she’ll be more open to talking about it when I bring up the subject of the pregnancy test. Which I plan to in the very near future.” He frowned and worry lines bracketed his nose and mouth.

      “Good instincts. Pick and choose your battles. Figure out which hill you want to die on.”

      “Actually, I’d prefer not to die on any of them. But I suppose a single battle isn’t critical as long as I win the war.”

      “Well said, General Solo.” She saluted. His responding grin hit her in the midsection like a fireball. She backed away and rested her backside against Connie’s desk.

      “I—I’m glad you think I helped,” she said, hoping he hadn’t noticed her stammer. And especially hoping he didn’t get that her reaction to him caused it. “But, really, I didn’t do anything. There should be some kind of a medal for raising a terrific young woman like Kendra. I’m sure your older daughter is just as wonderful.”

      “Gail,” he said.

      She nodded. “She’s in college and on her way, thanks to you.”

      “I don’t know how much is thanks to me. She’s just a good kid. So is Kendra.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I always thought I was doing a good job as both mother and father. That they wouldn’t miss their mother too much. After listening to my daughter, I realize I was wrong. She missed a lot.”

      “It’s not your fault, Scott. You shouldn’t feel guilty.”

      “No? I picked the woman who walked out so who else is there to blame?”

      “You couldn’t make her stay. Any more than—”

      “What?” he prompted.

      She’d been about to say any more than she could prevent her husband from dying. But this conversation wasn’t about her. It was about a breakthrough with his daughter. Thea knew saying something about her own loss would completely shift the topic to her. Talking about herself could get awkward.

      “I was going to say you couldn’t make her stay any more than you could keep your girls from growing up.”

      “Isn’t that the truth?” A tender look stole into his eyes. “But I wanted to give my kids everything, every advantage. And I couldn’t give them a mom, which is what they needed most.”

      The words were like a stone pressing on Thea’s chest. She’d made a choice to do everything humanly possible to ensure that a part of her husband went on. Now she was well on her way to keeping her promise. But she’d never stopped to consider the child’s feelings. Scott’s ex-wife was alive and well somewhere and, if she had a change of heart, could be involved with her girls. But there was no way her child would ever know its father.

      How profoundly sad was that? When she and David had first started trying to have a baby, she’d had dreams about parenting together. She so very much wanted to share the experience with him. But fate had other plans. Now she was in this alone. And Scott was alone, too. For a long time now. Why was that? A good-looking guy like him. Was he commitment-phobic? If so, she certainly couldn’t blame him.

      “Thea?”

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