The Swear Jar (37 page)

Walking quickly to his car, Duncan
said, “Thanks!  Don’t be late, Miss Meara.  There are consequences for
tardiness.”

Meara’s face went blank.  “Yes, Mr.
Phillips.”

Duncan arrived first.  Tom and Lucy
arrived next.  Meara was still on time, but the last to arrive.  Meara and Anne
lugged their bags into the library.  Anne ran ahead to Meara’s office.  Duncan
stood in front of the Circulation Desk, tapping his watch.

“Cutting it a little close today,
aren’t we, Miss Meara?”  Duncan frowned.

“If someone hadn’t played dirty
pool and dragged Diana into this, I’d have been first.  And I wouldn’t get so
cheeky, Mr. Phillips.  I still have to make your breakfast and coffee.  You
wouldn’t want me to slip some poison into them, would you?” Meara scowled, her
eyes dancing.

Duncan stepped closer to her,
feigning annoyance.  “You would poison me after this morning?  Fine, last time
I agree to a quickie with you.”

She shrugged her shoulders.  “Take
your chances.”

His voice softened.  “Will you make
the coffee how I like it?  Nice and strong?  For someone who doesn’t drink coffee,
you make one hell of a cup.  And you’re not a bad looking dish either.”

He swatted her on the butt.  Meara
looked around.  Tom and Lucy were busy in the Circulation Office.  Anne was not
in sight.

“Thank you, Mr. Phillips.  You’re
not so bad looking yourself.”  She kissed him and made a run for it.  “Coffee
and a bagel, coming up.”

A party atmosphere reigned at the
library.  The day before a holiday was always hectic.  It was easier to embrace
the chaos instead of fighting it.  Meara set up breakfast for everyone. 
Coffee, bagels, and pastries made everyone happy.  Meara served Duncan’s
coffee, hot and strong, in his favorite mug.  The mug read Kiss Me, I’m a
Librarian.  She hadn’t been able to resist buying it for him.  Duncan was
standing at the Circulation Desk with Tom when she handed him the mug.  Duncan
offered his cheek.  Meara winked at Tom and kissed Duncan on the lips.  Meara
left without looking back.  Duncan blushed.

Tom roared with laughter.  “I guess
she showed you.  What time is the family descending on your little paradise?”

“One o’clock.  I’m sure Andrew and
Lisa will love Meara.  I’m not sure about Sean.  Any advice?”

“Last time I gave you advice, you
wanted to punch me.  But you asked, so here’s my advice.  That woman has
changed your life for the better.  That doesn’t come along every day.  Whether
they like her or not, don’t lose her.  Don’t give her up.”

“I agree with you completely.  I
have no intention of letting her get away, ever.”

“That sounds pretty serious.  Are
you thinking of what I think you’re thinking?”

Duncan turned to Tom.  “Let’s keep
that quiet for now.  I’m still working on the details.  Let’s get through today
and we’ll see what happens.  She may have poisoned my coffee.”

“If Meara wanted you dead, she’d
take the direct route.  You’d see it coming.  She wouldn’t use something
subtle, like poison.  Her Jeep, maybe.”

“Yes, I could see that.”  Duncan
laughed, watching Meara and Anne walk towards the meeting room.

Meara and Anne were setting up for
the storytime.  Meara knew it was early, but keeping busy took her mind off
meeting Duncan’s family.  Anne needed to be put to work before she became
bored.  Meara gave Anne tasks until they ran out.  Then Anne was sent to the Circulation
Desk to see if they needed any help.  Luckily, they did, and Anne was given a
cart of picture books to reshelve.

Lunchtime approached.  The party
atmosphere called for pizza.  Duncan called in the order and they descended on
the kitchen when the pizza arrived.  Meara was forced to eat a slice because
Lucy and Sherrie knew she was nervous.  Anne ate heartily and asked for a
pastry to top off her lunch.  Meara turned green thinking of the contents of
Anne’s stomach.

The library filled up with children
and their families awaiting storytime.  The grandfathers and single dads had
given up hope Miss Meara’s attentions would be turned to them.  They had
figured out Miss Meara’s heart belonged to some lucky guy.  Meara was glad the
attention had died down.

Duncan had liked Meara’s black cat
outfit at Halloween.  He still called her his hellcat or his little sex
kitten.  He sometimes asked her to wear the outfit again.  She liked to dress
for him, but not for anyone else.  She dressed comfortably because she worked
with children, but she tried to catch his eye from time to time.  Today, she
dressed as demurely as possible.  She wanted to make a good impression on his
family.

Chapter Forty-Two

At one o’clock, Meara and Anne
opened the doors to the meeting room.  Familiar faces as well as new faces
filled the room.  Storytime had a Thanksgiving theme, so Anne insisted on
braiding and sticking feathers into Meara’s hair.  The children were mesmerized
as they read stories and sang songs.  The children laughed and sang along.  The
parents were having fun too.

One particular mother watched Meara
closely.  Anne recognized the woman’s son from the picture Duncan had shown
them back in August.  This was Duncan’s daughter-in-law, Lisa, and his
grandson, John.  Anne knew Meara was going to meet Duncan’s family for the first
time today.  Anne wasn’t telling Meara they were there because she was nervous
enough already.

Lisa looked from Meara to her son,
John.  John was enchanted.  Meara presented a flannel story where all of the
children placed felt pieces on the flannel board.  John was shy, but Meara
managed to get him up and put the turkey on the board.  Impressed, Lisa smiled. 
Anne exhaled in relief.

When storytime was over, Lisa and
John looked for books.  Books would keep John happy on their long trip.  Ever
since his birthday, John had wanted someone to read to him every day.  As Lisa
watched Meara and Anne after storytime, the affection between them was
obviously genuine.  Several children ran over to Meara as she made her way back
to the office.  They all wanted to hug her.

Lisa liked her and wondered if
Duncan had asked her out yet.  She had loved Brenda, but she could see why he
was attracted to Meara.  It was obvious she was younger than him, but if she
was as gentle and kind as she appeared to be, then Lisa would be happy.  All
Lisa wanted was for him to be loved.  Lisa smiled to see Meara still had
feathers in her hair and didn’t seem to notice.

Tom, Lucy, Andrew and Sean chatted
at the Circulation Desk.  Lisa and John had slipped into storytime.  Duncan stood
quietly, hoped it went well, and Meara wasn’t nervous.  He spotted her heading
to her office, Anne trailing behind carrying the flannelboard easel.  He was
amused to see her hair braided and full of feathers, obviously Anne’s
handiwork.  He chuckled.

Turning to see why Duncan was
laughing, Sean whistled.  “Who’s the cutie?  She’s a little older than I’m used
to, but I wonder if she’d go cougar for me.”

Duncan’s temper flared.  “Sean,
watch your mouth.  Miss Meara is a member of my staff and deserves respect.”

Sean flinched.  “Sorry, Dad.”

Andrew spoke soothingly to Duncan. 
“Did you say Miss Meara?  Is she your friend, Dad?”

“Yes, Andrew, she’s my friend.  I’m
going to ask her to step down here and meet you.  I’ll be right back.”  He
stalked away.

“Dad’s dressing better.  He’s lost
weight, but he looks very healthy,” remarked Andrew.

“He’s been getting quite a workout
lately,” Tom quipped.

“Tom!  Behave yourself,” Lucy
snapped.

“He joined a gym with Meara.  They
go often,” Tom said, throwing up his hands in self defense.

“Maybe losing weight has made him
cranky,” said Sean.

“No, you insulted his friend,” Lucy
said, always able to put Sean in his place.  “Meara is important to your
father.”

“Wait!  THAT’S Meara?  What
happened to the glasses-wearing, bun in the hair, homely, bookish librarian
stereotype?  She’s closer to Andrew’s age than Dad’s,” said Sean in disbelief.

“Shut up, Sean,” Andrew snapped.

Andrew watched Duncan speaking with
Meara.  Duncan’s body language changed.  Meara flashed a radiant smile.

“He loves her,” Andrew murmured.

“Yes, he does,” said Tom quietly,
so Sean couldn’t hear.  “And she loves him.  They’re discreet, but they love
each other very much.”

Andrew watched, fascinated.  Duncan
touched Meara’s cheek.  She tilted her head towards his hand.  Duncan reached
up to pull a feather out of her hair.

“She’s more than just a friend,
isn’t she?” asked Andrew, wide-eyed with surprise.

“That’s for them to tell you,” said
Tom.

“Uncle Sean!  I had fun in
storytime!” John squealed, jumping into Sean’s arms.  “Miss Meara is nice!”

“The jury is still out on that one,
little guy.”

Lisa stood next to Andrew and Tom. 
“She’s really impressive.  I like her.”

“Our Miss Meara is very special. 
She can work miracles.  Give her a chance,” Tom smiled.  “Lisa and John like
Meara.  Sean’s on the fence.  How about you, Andrew?”

“I’d like to meet her before I
decide,” Andrew said thoughtfully.

Duncan and Meara walked over to the
Circulation Desk.  Meara hung back shyly.  John wiggled out of Sean’s arms and
ran to her.

“Miss Meara!  Thank you for letting
me put up the turkey!”  John hugged her legs.

She knelt down to embrace John. 
“You’re very welcome, John.  Thank you for coming to storytime.  I hope you
have a good Thanksgiving.”

Andrew was amazed.  John didn’t
warm up to strangers easily.  Tom was right.  Meara was special.  Duncan held
Meara’s hand.

“Andrew, Lisa, Sean.  This is Meara
Martin.  She’s my Head of Youth Services.  She’s also my girlfriend,” Duncan
stated simply.

Meara gripped Duncan’s hand
tightly.  Her smile faded, her heart beat wildly and her eyes grew wide.  She
didn’t understand why he would make that announcement.  She thought he was
merely introducing her so they would get to know her.  She sighed and bowed her
head.  He held her hand firmly and squeezed it reassuringly.

Lisa shook Meara’s other hand. 
“Anyone who can enchant my son is all right in my book.  Dad, you said Meara
was your friend.  Now you’re saying she’s your girlfriend?  You’ve been keeping
things from us.  Bad Dad!  But if you’re happy, then I’m happy.  Andrew?”  Lisa
prompted him to say something.

Clearing his throat, Andrew shook
Meara’s hand.  “It’s nice to finally meet you.  Dad has been keeping you a
secret.  I can respect that.  Why aren’t you coming with us for Thanksgiving?”

Tearing up, Meara spoke softly. 
“Thank you, Andrew.  I didn’t want to go where I might not be welcome.”

Worried he had hurt her feelings,
Andrew replied, “You’d be welcome.  I’ve never seen Dad so happy.  Won’t you
come with us?”

Duncan squeezed Meara’s hand. 
“Meara has a prior commitment for this holiday.”

She grimaced.  “Yes, I do.  My
mother has commanded a royal audience.  There are two queens dowager awaiting
my arrival.  If I don’t show up, I’ll be persona non grata.  Or she’ll call the
police and fill out a missing person’s report.  She threatens that every now
and then.”

Andrew smiled.  “Then we’ll expect
to see you for Christmas.  Christmas Eve is at Dad’s house.  Right, Sean?”

Andrew stepped aside so Sean could
come forward.  Duncan gripped Meara’s hand.  She leaned into his arm.  He
braced himself, hoping Sean would not be rude to her.

Smirking, Sean shook hands with
Meara.  “It’s nice to meet you, Meara.  You’ve managed to win over everyone
else, but I’m not as easily impressed as John or as willing as Andrew to
overlook the fact my father didn’t tell us he was dating someone.  It’s also
difficult to take someone seriously when she has feathers in her hair.”

Duncan and Andrew took a step
closer to Sean, both wanting to punch him.  Lisa’s jaw dropped while Tom and
Lucy shook their heads.

Pointing to her head, Meara
scowled.  “Do I still have the stupid feathers in my hair, Sean?  Oh crap,
thank you for telling me.  I would have walked around all day with them and
looked like an idiot.  Duncan?  Why didn’t you tell me?  Thanks, HONEY.”

Andrew stepped back uncertainly
while Duncan grinned mischievously.  Lisa froze while Tom and Lucy shook their
heads.  Sean laughed.  Meara dropped Duncan’s hand while she fished feathers
out of her hair.

She sighed.  “Trying to make a good
first impression while looking like a lunatic.  I’m surprised any of you could
keep a straight face.  And don’t think you’re forgiven, Mr. Phillips.  I’ll get
you.  Sean, you’re entitled to your opinion.  No one can change it but you. 
Feel what you feel.  I would expect no less from you.  I only hope we can get
along in the future.”

Startled, Sean’s grin disappeared. 
As much as he tried not to, he liked Meara.  She had a great sense of humor. 
She had repeated the same advice Brenda had given him before she died.  Feel
what you feel, Brenda had said.  Sean wasn’t into signs, but even he couldn’t
ignore this push from his mother.  He wasn’t against Duncan dating.  He just didn’t
want his mother replaced by a younger, attractive woman who obviously adored
his father.  Brenda had said Duncan might find someone to share his life.

Brenda said Sean should be
protective of his father, but let Duncan love again.  There was something about
Duncan and Meara Sean didn’t like.  Sean watched as Duncan took the last
feather from her hair.  He brushed her cheek with the feather when he thought
no one was looking.  Sean feared Duncan loved her more than he had loved
Brenda.  If he loved Meara more than Brenda, Sean wondered if he had even loved
Brenda at all.  Sean wondered if Duncan loved him.

Sean said, “We’ll see you at
Christmas, Meara.  Shouldn’t we be hitting the road soon so it’s not dark by
the time we get there?”

“I hate to admit it, but Sean’s
right.  We need to get going.  Especially if we’re going to stop at Mom’s grave
first,” Andrew said, darting a glance at Meara.  “We usually go as a family at
least once a year.”

“Yes, I know.  Your father told
me.  I’m sorry about your mother.  She’s very beautiful.  I’ll be visiting the
graves of my husband and father with my family as well,” Meara replied softly.

Sean asked, “How do you know what
my mother looks like?”

“I’ve seen her picture at your
father’s house.  She’s beautiful.  I can see why you love her, especially your
father.  You have her eyes, Sean,” Meara replied.

Sean was shocked.  Duncan entwined
his fingers with Meara’s.  He silently pleaded with Sean to give her a break.

Sean nodded.  “I didn’t know you
were a widow.  We’re sorry about your husband and your father.”

Andrew and Lisa nodded agreement. 
Everyone marveled at Sean’s polite behavior.

“Thank you.  My niece is here
somewhere and if I don’t keep an eye on her, she’ll wreak havoc.  I wish all of
you a Happy Thanksgiving and it was nice meeting you.”  Meara turned to go, but
John stopped her.

“Aren’t you coming with us?” asked
John.

Meara knelt down beside John.  “No,
I’m not going with you, but you have lots of books.  Your Grandpa will read to
you.  Make him do funny voices as he reads.  I’m sure he packed his reading
glasses.”

“I will,” John said solemnly as he
hugged Meara.  “Will I see you again?”

Duncan said, “Yes, John.  Meara
will be at Grandpa’s house for Christmas.  We’ll make her do storytime for
you.  And we’ll make her sing.  She loves to sing.”

Meara shot him an ugly look. 
“You’re treading on thin ice already, buddy.  You must be feeling lucky.”

They all laughed.  Lisa and Andrew
hugged Tom and Lucy goodbye.  They shook Meara’s hand and bundled John out the
door.  Sean hugged Lucy and slapped Tom on the back.

Sean shook Meara’s hand.  “We’ll be
outside, Dad.  When you’re ready.”

Nodding thanks to Sean, Duncan led
Meara into his office.  He closed the door.  He pulled her into an embrace.

“I’m not the only one with magic. 
You’re winning Sean over.  I’ve never seen him this nice to anyone.”

Meara was quiet.  Her head was
buried in Duncan’s shoulder.  He lifted her chin.  Her eyes were filled with
tears.

She whispered, “I’m not worried
about Sean.  It’s like you said, if they don’t accept me, it’s their problem. 
I do like them.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

“I’m going to miss you.”  Tears ran
down her cheeks.

“I’ll miss you too.  You promise to
call when you get to your mother’s?  And once each day?  And if you have a
nightmare, you’ll call me immediately?  If you do, I’ll come for you right
away.  You promise me?”  He kissed away her tears.

“Yes, Duncan.”  She whimpered
softly.

“No more crying.  If you don’t
stop, I won’t go.  I’ll go meet your mother.”

“You poor, crazy, delusional man. 
I won’t subject you to that torture.  Maybe at Christmas when there are more
people around so we can lose her.  Go.  Spend time with your family.  I’m sure
they have lots of questions.  I should be mad at you for telling them I’m your
girlfriend, but you were right.  I’m mad about the feathers.”  Her tears dried
up and she pouted.

“You looked so cute.  I couldn’t
help it.  Now kiss me.  I can’t go four days without kissing you.”

Meara was right.  Duncan’s family
had a lot of questions.  During the car ride, he was a captive audience as
questions were fired at him in rapid succession, mostly from Lisa.  Sean was
quiet, listening intently.  Rolling his eyes, Duncan almost regretted telling
them Meara was his girlfriend.

“Where did you meet?  And you hired
her?  How long have you been dating?  Why didn’t you say anything?”  Lisa was
in top interrogator mode.

Grouchy, Duncan grumbled.  “What
difference does it make if I told you or not?”

Sean smirked, thinking Duncan
sounded a lot like him.  “Dad, if Meara is so important to you, why didn’t you
tell us?”

“Dad, you’ve never mentioned
anyone.  Now you’ve met someone you call your girlfriend and we know nothing
about her?” Lisa asked.

“At John’s party, I told you I had
a friend.  Sometimes the coddling and teasing bothers me.  I’m not an old
grandpa and Meara doesn’t treat me like one.  I need someone who sees me as a
person.  She loves me.  I love her.  It’s as simple as that.  I’m sorry if I
haven’t kept you in the loop, but it isn’t going to change how I feel.  It
would be easier if you liked her.  I love and miss your mother very much. 
Meara understands that and doesn’t want me to change how I feel.  I can’t let
Meara go.”