The Single Dad Finds a Wife (19 page)

She laced her fingers together, stared at them for a moment, then glanced over at him. “David, I have a confession to make.”

“What's that?”

“I told CeCe our secret.”

“I know.”

She punched him in the arm.

“Ow!” He rubbed his arm where she'd hit him. “That hurt.”

“It was supposed to. I work out just about every day at my sister's gym. And how did you know?”

“The other day she winked at me and said, ‘Welcome to the family, honey boy.'”

Spring laughed. “She is like a fourth sister to me.”

He lifted her left hand and ran a finger along her ring finger, which remained bare of an engagement ring. “Are you sure you want to keep us just between us?”

She nodded. “For now. This is Summer's time. I don't want our news to overshadow her engagement party. She's already stressed about it. It's turned into an incredibly huge to-do. Cameron threatened to snatch her and go to Hilton Head or Savannah for a justice of the peace service and honeymoon on Tybee Island.”

“And deny your mother her country club wedding and social event?”

Spring shook her head. “I feel bad for Summer and Cam. Lovie is delighted to have a wedding to plan, flowers to order, menus to see to and whatnot. And Cameron's mother is just as bad as she is. Between the two of them, this engagement party is likely to rival the actual wedding next year.”

He smiled at her, an indulgent and loving smile that made Spring's insides tumble.

“That's what moms do,” he said. “Indulge their kids. I know one who gave her son a teddy bear as big as he is.”

Spring laughed out loud. “Something tells me we're going to end up outfitting a teddy bear for a tuxedo.”

“Probably,” he said.

* * *

More than 125 people milled through the formal garden at The Compound, Lovie Darling's large home.

Lovie and Carol had gone all out for the engagement party of their daughter and son. They were both dressed in identical summer suits with lace insets, Lovie's suit peach colored and Carol's in honey yellow.

Guests nibbled on finger foods, including miniature stuffed mushrooms, assorted bruschetta and spinach-and-goat-cheese tartlets.

Autumn Darling snagged a fat shrimp from Winter's plate and chomped on it.

“You can put the coach in a dress, but you can't make her a lady,” Winter said, moving her small plate out of her sister's reach.

“Back at ya,” Autumn said.

She, Winter and Spring, all dressed in feminine summer shifts and heels, stood together near an arbor that, like all the garden's shrubbery and the tent's support beams, had tiny white fairy lights twinkling. The garden, always beautiful under the care of Lovie and her landscapers, was enchanting this evening. The sisters surveyed the crowd of friends and city movers and shakers and watched their sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law mingle with their well-wishers.

“By the time people finish with the appetizers, they'll be full,” Autumn noted. “Do they know that Lovie has carving stations and enough food to feed half the city?”

“They're called hors d'oeuvres,” Spring said.

“Thank you, Dr. Magnolia Supper Club,” Winter intoned.

Autumn groaned. “Please, guys. Let's not have
that
fight tonight.” She nudged Spring. “Who is that over there talking to David?”

Three pairs of blue eyes focused in on a tall man with shaggy hair who threw his head back and laughed at whatever David had just said. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties and had a casual air about him that differed from the men in suits all around him. Although he wore a suit jacket, he seemed to have just a T-shirt on underneath it.

“My, my,” Autumn said. “Is he one of David's architects?”

Spring shrugged. “I don't know.”

“He is a looker,” Winter said. “And tall, too, just the way I like them.”

“I called dibs,” Autumn protested.

Spring rolled her eyes at her sisters. “I'm going to go mingle. Why don't you two do the same instead of acting like you're thirteen?”

As she started to head off toward David, a tinkling of silver on crystal drew the guests' attention to a portable microphone near the arbor.

“May I have your attention, please,” Cameron said. As the guests quieted down and turned his way, Spring reached David. She slipped her hand in his.

“Your mom knows how to throw a party,” he said.

“That's what she majored in in college, being a gracious Southern hostess. She graduated summa cum laude in it.”

He smiled. “They make a nice couple,” he said, nodding toward Cameron and Summer, who stood beaming together as Cam talked.

“They do,” Summer said. “And so do we.”

At the arbor, Cameron was asking their mothers to come forward.

Summer hugged Lovie, and Cameron kissed Carol on the cheek.

“We love you both very, very much,” Summer said, her voice catching. “Thank you for this beautiful party.”

Lovie dabbed at her eyes, and Summer pressed a small hankie into her mother's hands.

“Isn't that your minister?” David asked Spring. “What's he doing up there?”

Spring's eyes widened as she peered at Summer and then toward her other sisters, whose expressions told her they seemed to be coming to the same conclusion as she had.

“Oh my.” Spring took an involuntarily step forward, taking David with her. “No, she didn't do what I think she's doing.”

Summer and Cameron clasped hands and faced the Reverend Dr. Graham, pastor of First Memorial Church of Cedar Springs.

“Dearly beloved,” he said. “We are gathered here today...”

Gasps rolled across Lovie Darling's garden as the two hostesses and all of the engagement party guests realized just what was happening right before their eyes. Then applause and laughter broke out. Autumn let loose with a catcall whistle that drew chuckles.

“Summer Elaine Darling, what are you doing?” Lovie asked, her voice quavering between delight and dismay.

“Exactly what you think I'm doing, Mom.”

That comment earned more laughter from the impromptu wedding guests.

“Now that everyone is settled down,” Reverend Graham said after a moment, “shall we continue?”

As Cameron and Summer exchanged vows under the flower-covered arbor, David and Spring gazed into each other's eyes.

“For always?” David asked her.

“For forever,” Spring said.

And then he kissed her.

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from WINNING THE TEACHER'S HEART by Jean C. Gordon.

Dear Reader

Thank you for visiting Cedar Springs with me. It's a fictional small city in North Carolina, but it feels real to me. Through the years, readers have asked how long I've lived in Carolina. The answer is never. It's a Southern state that resonates with me. I was born in Pennsylvania and have lived there and in Ohio, and now for many years Virginia has been home. But something about North Carolina draws me. So I hope you enjoy visiting as much as I enjoy writing about it.

In this, my second Cedar Springs novel for Love Inspired, I explored the concepts of single parenthood and second chances. As the eldest of the four Darling sisters, Spring believed she was responsible for setting an example for her sisters. That theme frequently plays out in real life among adult children and their younger siblings. But as Spring discovered when she fell in love with architect-consultant David Camden, you have to let go and let God have His way in your life, whether it is following a call to a ministry, being a witness or a community volunteer or finding a mate.

I love hearing from readers and welcome your comments. I can be reached at Love Inspired Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 USA.

Until we meet again in the pages of an inspiring novel, may God's richest blessings be yours.

Joy and peace to you,

We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

You believe hearts can heal.
Love Inspired
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Chapter One

“L
ook out, Paradox Lake. The Donnelly brothers are back in town.”

Jared Donnelly fist-bumped with his younger brothers. He didn't know about Connor and Josh, but if things worked out as he planned, he was back in the small Adirondack Mountains town for good.

“What do you think got into Old Man Miller?” Josh asked.

Jared studied a spot on the floor between him and Josh. That was a mystery to him, too. Bert Miller, their former neighbor, had unintentionally been a major factor in Jared's professional success. At least Jared thought it was unintentional, although they'd become long-distance friends of a sort over the years since Jared had left Paradox Lake.

“Not that I'm complaining,” Josh said. “Without him, I'd be paying my student loans for the next two decades. But after Dad...”

Jared stiffened. Their father was one of the reasons he was back.

“You know,” Josh added, “Dad gave him nothing but grief.”

“Dad gave everyone nothing but grief,” Connor said. “And sometimes we weren't much better.”

Jared eyed his youngest brother. “You've got that right.”

Connor eyed him back. “I'm not surprised Mr. Miller set up a fund for Hazardtown Community Church. He was a lifelong member. I was surprised this morning when the lawyer said that the gift was added in a recent codicil to his will, made after I was called as pastor.”

Josh leaned back against the doorjamb and crossed his arms. “Connor gets money for his church. I get my student loans paid off. Jare, I think you got shortchanged. All he left you is that raw land in the Town of Schroon on the west side of Paradox Lake. No water frontage, not even a house.”

“Yep, just what I need,” Jared said more to himself than to his brothers.

“What?” his brothers asked in unison.

“The land's good. I may have a use for it once I get a few details worked out.” He wasn't going to leave himself open to any expectations, other than his own, until he was sure his plan to build a motocross track and school—sort of a Boys & Girls Club program—was solid. “But for now, I'd better get over to Gram's. I've been in town since yesterday and haven't seen her yet.”

“Right.” Connor laughed. “If you don't get over there, she'll be tracking you down.”

“Later,” Jared said as he pushed open the screen door and stepped into the bright afternoon sun. He grabbed his helmet from the back of his customized KLR650 motorcycle, slammed it on and threw his leg over the seat. The purr of the engine when he turned the key in the ignition got his blood rushing. He gave the engine a couple of good revs and raced off on the windy mountain roads to his grandmother's house.

Fifteen minutes later, Jared slowed to take the turn off the state highway onto the side road Grandma Donnelly—Stowe—lived on. He still had trouble thinking of her as Stowe, even though she and the also-widowed Harry Stowe had married several years ago. She was on the porch waiting for him when he pulled up in front of the house.

“I heard you coming.” She shooed him inside. “The black flies are still bad this year, even though June's almost over.”

“That's one thing I haven't missed. But you're one I have.” He gave her a big hug and kissed her cheek.

“Save your flirting for someone who's flattered by it.” The pleasure radiating from her face contrasted with her words and raised a jolt of guilt in him for all the times the racing circuit had brought him near the Adirondacks, and he hadn't had the guts to make time to come to Paradox Lake.

He released a snort at the thought of what his fans would think about big, bad international motocross champion Jared Donnelly dreading a visit to his hometown.

She tilted her head. “Don't think I don't know what you've been up to. I read the magazines.”

Jared cringed. He didn't know if he should be disturbed or flattered that she followed him in the media. “Aw, Gram, you don't believe all that drivel.”

“No.” She smiled. “I know you better than that. Join me for lunch? Harry's at one of his rental houses getting an estimate on some repairs. He said he'd get lunch at the diner in Schroon Lake so we'd have time for a nice visit.”

“Sounds good.” Considering her husband Harry's penchant for talking and knowing everyone from his years as a teacher and principal at Schroon Lake Central High School, he and Gram probably would have all afternoon for visiting.

“Come on in the kitchen. I figured you'd stop over after you and your brothers got back from the lawyer's. I have iced tea all made. I just need to put some sandwiches together.”

A brief rap, followed by a cheery “hello” and the creak of the screen door opening made Jared and his grandmother turn around in the kitchen doorway.

His chest tightened so he could barely draw a breath. Becca Morgan—Norton—stood in his grandmother's living room looking as pretty and as untouchable to him as she had in high school.

* * *

Becca looked Jared over from his tousled chestnut hair to his strong square jaw and muscular physique. He was taller and more filled out than he'd been in high school when she used to secretly watch him—watch him with the knowledge that despite Schroon Lake High School's small student body, he didn't seem to know she even existed. Her cheeks pinked when her stare met his.

“Oh.” She stopped midstep. “I didn't know you had company. I brought the dishwasher detergent you asked me to pick up for you in Ticonderoga.”

“Thanks again. I don't know why the grocery store in Schroon Lake quit carrying it.” Edna Stowe bustled into the living room and took the bag from Becca.

“Mom!” Becca's son, Brendon, lined up beside her, followed by his sister, Ariana. “That's the guy in my motorcycle magazine Grandpa Norton bought me.”

She cleared her throat. “Yes, that's Jared Donnelly.”

“Right here at Mrs. Stowe's house?”

Edna laughed. “Yes, Brendon. Jared is my grandson. Jared, this is Becca's son, Brendon, and his sister, Ari.”

At the mention of her name, Ari wrapped her arms around Becca's leg and peered across the room at Jared, sort of like Becca had at school when she'd known Jared wasn't looking. But that was a long time ago in another life.

“Mr...Mr. Donnelly. If I get my motocross magazine, will you sign it next to your picture?”

“Sure.” Jared hooked his thumbs in his jeans pockets.

“It's in the car. I'll go get it.” The boy raced out.

“And I'm going to go back in the kitchen and finish making our lunch. Do you and the kids want to join us?”

“No, thanks. I treated them to fast food after we finished shopping.”

Jared moved out of the doorway to let his grandmother through and sauntered over to Becca. “Your son's a motocross fan?”

“Since last month when his grandfather bought him a magazine at the chain pharmacy in Ticonderoga.”

“Sheriff Norton.” Jared's tone was flat.

“Former sheriff. He and my mother-in-law—ex-mother-in-law—are retired and thinking about moving to Florida. The North Country winters are getting to them.” Becca rubbed Ari's shoulder. Why was she running on about Matt's parents? What would Jared care if they were moving to Florida or to the moon?

“Winter is something I'm going to have to get used to again,” he said.

Becca's mouth went dry. That sounded as if Jared intended to stay in Paradox Lake for a while. Not that she cared. She'd barely known Jared before he'd left here as a teen. She certainly didn't know the man who'd filled the doorway when she'd first arrived. She looked over her shoulder at the creak of the door opening.

“Here it is. I got it.” Brendon waved his magazine at her as he raced across the room. “And Mom's pen from the car.”

“Let's see what you have there,” Jared said.

Her heart warmed when he squatted down to her son's level. She didn't know or care whether the interest on his face was real or feigned. Brendon's father gave him so little of the quality attention her son needed and wanted. Jared's attention would make her son's day.

“That's one of my favorite magazines. The writers stick to the important stuff, the real motocross news.”

The edge she caught in his voice made her think of a derogatory comment the kids' grandfather had made about Jared's offtrack life being splashed on the front of another magazine he'd seen at the store.

Brendon leafed through the magazine. “Here.” The nine-year-old tapped the page several time. “This is you.”

“So it is,” Jared agreed with a smile.

“Sign here on your motorcycle.” Brendon gave the page another stab.

Jared signed with a flourish, hamming it up for her son's benefit.

“Mommy!” Ari pulled her attention from Jared and Brendon still bent over the magazine, Jared's dark hair a sharp contrast to her son's fair hair. “Can I go get my storybook from the car so the man can sign it, too?”

“The man is Mr. Donnelly.”

“Jared.” He raised his head, his deep blue eyes challenging her to object.

“Can I have Mr. Donnelly sign my book?”

Good girl.
She could always count on Ari to do as she was told. Becca caught the sparkle in Jared's eyes.
Maybe too much so.
She reminded Becca so much of herself at Ari's age when her parents had separated temporarily after their third child had been stillborn. The uncertain feelings, wanting to do everything right so Daddy wouldn't leave, too, and Mommy would come back.

Jared rose and flexed his knees. “You don't want me scribbling in your book.”

Ari's face crinkled.

“I have a better idea. You and your mommy go get the book and I'll read it to you. I used to read to my little brother all the time when our mom worked nights,” Jared added as if to explain his offer.

Becca swallowed the protest she'd been about to make about keeping him and his grandmother from their lunch. She hadn't known his mother worked nights, only the town gossip about his father's partying. Jared was the oldest. He must have watched his brothers for her.

“You two go and get the book,” Jared said. “I'll tell Gram to hold lunch for a few minutes.”

“Thanks,” Becca mouthed over Ari's head before they walked out to the car.

Jared and Brendon were on the couch looking at the motocross magazine when they returned. Jared patted the seat beside him and Ari looked up at her for an okay. Her chest tightened as she nodded. Ari scrambled over and plopped her book on top of the magazine.

Becca hung back, feeling as out of place as she had in high school when she hadn't been insulated by her small circle of friends. She shook it off. She'd been a cheerleader, an honor student, part of the popular group at school. She'd worked hard to never show how shy she really was. Now, she was a tenured high school teacher, mother, homeowner. What was it about Jared Donnelly that put her off-kilter?

“Becca.” Mrs. Stowe motioned her from the kitchen doorway. “Come out to the garden with me while Jared's reading. I planted far too much lettuce and spinach as usual. Pick some to take home with you.” The older woman handed her a basket in the back hall behind the kitchen and led the way to the large garden.

“Take as much as you want. Harry is tired of salads. My kids have their own gardens, and my only grandkids who are still around here are Jared's brothers. They aren't vegetable fans. I hate to see good food go to waste.”

“Since you put it that way.” Becca filled the basket.

When they got back inside, Jared was just closing the book.

“Mommy, Mr...
Jared
—” Ari said, looking up at him with a sheen in her eyes that could only be described as adoration “—read the story twice because you were taking so long. But that's okay. It's a good story and he's a good reader.”

Brendon rolled his eyes and the three adults laughed.

“Get your book and thank Mr. Donnelly. We need to get going so he and Mrs. Stowe can have their lunch.”

“Okay. Thanks for reading my story.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Brendon tilted his rolled magazine toward Jared.

“You're both welcome.” Jared stood and walked out to the porch with them.

The kids waved to him as she turned the car around, and she sensed his gaze on her as she pulled to the end of the driveway. She glanced back and he waved. Jared Donnelly had finally noticed her—at the absolutely worst time possible.

* * *

Jared took his time joining his grandmother in the kitchen. Becca's kids had seemed to like him. But they were young and full of hero worship. He wasn't anyone's hero. He was simply very good at motocross racing, something he was going to use to help his hometown and show everyone he and his brothers weren't cut from the same cloth as their father.

“Everything's ready,” his grandmother said as he sat at the kitchen table across from her.

He picked up his sandwich.

“Would you say grace?”

“Sure.” He placed the sandwich back on the plate and blessed their food. “I got out of the practice on the circuit,” he apologized. “Even with the pit pastors as a reminder.”

“Yes, I read the article on Team Faith you emailed me. I'm glad you had the fellowship of other Christians, especially with what you went through after your friend was killed.”

“I knew you would be.” His out-of-control actions following his best friend and mentor's death in a crash had made Jared wonder if he had more of his father in him than he cared to admit.

“And I knew not to believe what I saw in the grocery store scandal sheets, even—or I should say, especially—when some people around here ate those stories up.”

“What could you expect given how Dad was?” Jared's fingers tightened around his glass of tea. He wasn't going to have an easy time changing people's minds about him. Bert Miller's bequest would be a big help, though. For whatever reason, Bert had had faith in him when no one except his mother and grandmother had. And sometimes he wasn't so sure about his mother. Not that he could blame her.