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Falling for Her Boss
Bonnie K. Winn
From Nanny to Mom Tessa Pierce moves to the small town of Rosewood, Texas, hoping to forget all about romance. But her handsome new boss, Morgan Harper, is making that difficult. And his little girl is winning Tessa's heart more and more every day. The hardworking widower barely has enough time for his child, and certainly none for his beautiful new assistant. But when Tessa steps in to help take care of his daughter, she shows Morgan the close-knit family they could be. If he doesn't want to lose her, Morgan will need to unravel her mysterious past and prove to Tessa that her future should be with him.


From Nanny to Mom
Tessa Pierce moves to the small town of Rosewood, Texas, hoping to forget all about romance. But her handsome new boss, Morgan Harper, is making that difficult. And his little girl is winning Tessa’s heart more and more every day. The hardworking widower barely has enough time for his child, and certainly none for his beautiful new assistant. But when Tessa steps in to help take care of his daughter, she shows Morgan the close-knit family they could be. If he doesn’t want to lose her, Morgan will need to unravel her mysterious past and prove to Tessa that her future should be with him.
“I didn’t know you were home.
“I could have kept Poppy up long enough for you to see her,” Tessa said.
“I just got here. I’m sure she was too tired to stay up any longer.”
“Would you like a cup?” Tessa asked.
Baffled, Morgan didn’t reply.
“Of tea?” she added, holding up a mug.
“Uh, yeah. That’d be fine.” His thoughts were crowded. He couldn’t get the image of Tessa and Poppy out of his head. There was a…sweetness in the way she interacted with his daughter.
He’d sat in this kitchen late in the night when he couldn’t sleep, but he’d always felt alone. Tessa had changed that.
She brought over the mugs, joining him at the table.
Tessa was evoking something else, something he hadn’t felt since Lucy died. Startled by the thought, he jerked back his hand, overturning the cup.
She grabbed a napkin, blotting up the spilled tea.
“Sorry, let me get that.” He reached for the napkin but caught her hand instead.
She froze.
Her hand was soft beneath his, and it took him a few moments to release it.
An author of thirty-six historical and contemporary romances, BONNIE K. WINN has won numerous awards for her USA TODAY and Amazon bestselling books. Affaire de Coeur named her one of the top ten romance authors in America. Fourteen million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Formerly an investment executive, she shares her life with her husband as well as her son and his family, who live nearby.
Falling for
Her Boss
Bonnie K. Winn


www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Arise, my love, my fair one,
and come away;
for lo, the winter is past,
the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of singing has come.
—Song of Solomon 2:10–12
For my beautiful butterfly, Liberty.
Contents
Cover (#ub638d4cf-9f30-5367-8541-511a8b7451cd)
Back Cover Text (#u4586691d-b97a-5b3a-845d-955f662ad69a)
Introduction (#u10d53fb7-df82-516c-98bd-1a04c5e309b7)
About the Author (#u366ec5b8-4eff-5bfb-8483-04206a741c39)
Title Page (#u4346d6b0-a60e-5c85-9f4a-3eff8df48943)
Bible Verse (#ua784a05e-3d4b-5347-81d9-fa15bfe16aa4)
Dedication (#u970c0940-aca9-5d2f-b68a-75e2dd67c092)
Chapter One (#ud0fb6fde-545f-5783-be45-70dda8496851)
Chapter Two (#uaededc94-d73a-5a07-94f1-692b24ce2760)
Chapter Three (#uacd5877c-2c07-5518-887a-28260c0c9de0)
Chapter Four (#u2316720b-65d6-5b00-8197-8c6847addadb)
Chapter Five (#ubfde8c7a-b793-506c-a2a0-8de0bc1f01fe)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty-One (#litres_trial_promo)
Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter One (#ulink_dae0e395-99ed-5f39-9f7b-b25fcad9e0fe)
Tessa Pierce crossed then recrossed her legs. For the past ten years she had been on the other side of the desk during interviews, but that wasn’t the reason she was uncomfortable. Morgan Harper, owner and president of Harper Petroleum, didn’t so much make her nervous, just more on edge than she’d expected. She knew the workings of oil and gas companies, how to work for a single-minded boss. Mr. Harper affected her in a different way.
“My assistant, Miss Ellis, knew exactly how I wanted things done,” he was saying. “She worked for my father, then me, so she had years of experience. Retiring was—” he paused “—appropriate considering her age. But I don’t have time to train someone new in every aspect of my business.”
Tessa tilted her head in the direction of her résumé, laid neatly on his desk. “As you can see, I’ve had considerable experience in most areas of the oil and gas industry. Through its subsidiaries, Traxton has a hand in all stages of production.”
Morgan didn’t glance at her résumé. Tessa had the uncanny feeling that he had memorized the document. “Ten years with one employer is unusual for someone your age.”
“I joined Traxton Oil right out of college. And they promote from within.”
Morgan placed two fingers at one temple, indenting the skin as though trying to ward off a headache. “You’ve been with them this long, so why make a change?”
It was a question Tessa had prepped for and the truth had never failed her. “I want a new start because of my divorce.”
His eyebrows lifted. “Houston’s a pretty big place. Not enough room in it for you and your ex?”
“No,” she replied simply, evenly, definitively.
He stared at her, his dark eyes appearing to bore for truth or deceit. “Cindy Mallory told me you intend to relocate to Rosewood. That the cottage that comes with the job is a big incentive. You should take into consideration that Rosewood’s nothing like the city.”
Her voice remained even. “That’s what I’m counting on.”
“If your references check out, when can you start?”
“Immediately. I’ve already worked my two weeks’ notice.”
“And if I don’t hire you?”
“With my experience, someone in oil country will. But I would enjoy having a good friend here in town. Cindy and I have known each other since we were kids. And I like what I’ve seen of Rosewood. Houston’s invigorating, constantly busy. I’m not—” she cleared her throat “—in need of that right now.”
“Bad divorce?” he asked.
Her lips tightened.
“Sorry. Not in the accepted lineup of interview questions. Then again I’ve never met anyone who claimed to have a good divorce, so I think I have my answer.” Abruptly he stood.
Tessa stood as well, waiting for his decision.
“If we can work out an acceptable salary and employment contract, I assume you’ll need some time to get moved.”
“I brought the necessities. I can send for the rest of my things.”
He glanced down at the calendar. “Since it’s Thursday, plan to start on Monday.”
So it was a yes. She exhaled, fighting the urge to slump in relief. Perfect situations weren’t plentiful. And this one promised to be near ideal. Although Cindy had offered her guest room, Tessa didn’t want to impose. Since the divorce, she had needed a lot of downtime. Alone time, she admitted, hating that it was true. Time when she didn’t have to talk about her ex, Karl, why everything had gone so wrong. Why she was now alone.
Morgan frowned. “Do you have transportation?”
“My car,” she replied.
He opened a drawer in his desk, then fished out a key. “Dorothy is my housekeeper. She’ll show you to the cottage.”
Holding her portfolio and purse with one hand, she extended the other.
He dropped the key into the palm of her hand. “I don’t know what Cindy told you, but the cottage isn’t anything elaborate. Miss Ellis was comfortable there, but I doubt it’s what you’re used to in Houston.”
Tessa lifted her gaze, meeting his. “I’m sure it will be fine.” Anything without Karl, without memories, would be welcome.
Morgan glanced at his watch. “You’ll find Dorothy in the rear hall. She’s expecting you.”
Tessa drew her dark eyebrows together. “You were that sure I’d be right for the job?”
He neither smiled nor scowled, but she saw a flicker of disapproval in his eyes. “Dorothy is just that good.”
Tessa slipped the key into her jacket pocket, then extended her hand. “I look forward to Monday.”
His handshake made her swallow. Silly. She was accustomed to shaking plenty of hands during business hours. Still... Tessa turned toward the doorway of the study, trying to focus on where the rear hall would be.
* * *
Morgan watched her walk away. Efficient. That had been apparent from her résumé and the first words of her interview. He had expected her to be. Cindy and Flynn Mallory were good friends and he knew they wouldn’t oversell Tessa’s abilities. But something else had also been apparent. Tessa was guarded. Very guarded. He had never been divorced, but he guessed it was an ugly process. For a woman who had been very rooted in her career and life, Tessa was acting like an outlaw on the run. Cindy had unconsciously reinforced that impression when she had told him that Tessa was solid and dependable. Ten years with Traxton. No moving around.
Morgan hoped he hadn’t made a hasty decision. But piles of work were growing daily. Miss Ellis had been so efficient he hadn’t completely grasped how much work she took on. He rubbed his temples, wishing the headache away. He didn’t want to take more aspirin. They did little to help any longer. Get rid of the stress. Words his doctor repeated, his parents advised, his friends cautioned. As though he could wrap up the stress and mail it away like a package.
“Daddy!” Poppy called out as she skipped through the doorway.
His expression softened. “Right here.” Reaching out, he picked her up and settled her in his lap.
“Guess what?” she asked in her most dramatic four-year-old voice.
He infused his response with interest. “What?”
She leaned close, as though imparting a state secret. “There’s a pretty lady in the back hall.”
“Really?” he asked, managing to sound puzzled. “I have always thought Miss Dorothy was pretty.”
“No, silly! Another lady!” Poppy’s big blue eyes widened.
“Did you meet her?” he questioned, loving the joy Poppy found in everything.
“Nope. I hid behind the drapes. In case she wasn’t ’posed to be in our house. She’s all dressed up like she’s going to church, the way Dorothy does.”
Morgan flinched. Church wasn’t a subject he ever wanted to dwell on again. “Ladies dress that way to go to work, as well.”
“Miss Ellis didn’t,” Poppy pointed out.
No, Miss Ellis was the last of a dying breed. She had worn shirtwaist dresses to work each and every day. Unlike Tessa, who sported a chic contemporary silk suit. He guessed her dark hair was long but she had swept it up, so he couldn’t be sure. Went well with her aquamarine eyes that seemed to lighten and darken at will.
Morgan pulled himself back to the child he adored. “Miss Dorothy should have your lunch ready pretty soon.”
“She said I could have chocolate milk if I eat my little trees.”
Morgan hid his smile. Broccoli. Dorothy cooked it at least once a week for him, as well. He didn’t set a very good example, pushing it around his plate without eating a single stalk. Dorothy, being Dorothy, never gave up.
He couldn’t have made it without Dorothy. His parents were already retired when Poppy’s mother, Lucy, died. They had rushed home from their latest journey and had been there for him and his infant daughter. For the first three years, they had put their own dreams and plans on the back burner so they could help him care for Poppy. But he knew they longed to pursue the travels his father couldn’t make when he had been running Harper Petroleum. Morgan didn’t intend to let them postpone their adventures a day longer.
After they returned to their travels, he, Dorothy, her husband, Alvin, and Miss Ellis had pulled together to care for Poppy. He had tried hiring a nanny, but that had felt too impersonal. Not really knowing the woman, Morgan wasn’t comfortable having her as Poppy’s primary daytime caretaker. Not that his parents needed to know he’d let the nanny go. They would no doubt feel compelled to come home.
“Who is the lady?” Poppy questioned.
“She’s taking Miss Ellis’s job.”
Poppy frowned. “Miss Ellis was real old.”
And she hadn’t possessed Tessa’s beauty. The thought flew into his mind from left field. He hadn’t cared what any woman looked like since Lucy. “That’s because Miss Ellis had the job for a long time.”
“Is the new lady going to get old here?”
Morgan smiled. “I don’t think so.”
Poppy digested this. “Can we fly my kite?”
He glanced at the pile of work on his desk. “It’s almost your lunchtime, short stuff.”
“Dorothy said it’s in thirty hours.”
Morgan did a quick mental translation. “Thirty minutes to an hour?”
She nodded, an emphatic up and down of her head. “And Dorothy said you have to come eat, too.”
Considering he’d known Dorothy since she had changed his diapers, their roles of employee and employer blurred, but never in a way he minded. He hugged Poppy, then set her down. “Now, you’d better scoot.”
She blew him kisses, which he caught in an upraised hand. If only all of life could be so sweet.
* * *
Tessa trailed Dorothy around the compact cottage. She hadn’t expected much by Morgan’s description. Pleasantly surprised by gently worn French country furniture and the terrazzo patio, she sighed.
“Something you don’t like?” Dorothy asked.
“Just the opposite.” Tessa turned in a semicircle. “It’s so inviting. The soft colors and materials...”
“Miss Ellis wanted to redecorate. Well, back before her arthritis got so bad. Said this looked old.”
Tessa lifted one shoulder. “That’s part of why I like it.” She touched the edge of a cabbage-rose drape. “The history. It could have been this way a century ago.”
Dorothy cocked her head, indicating Tessa’s slick suit, one that had fit in perfectly in downtown Houston and definitely in the twenty-first century. “And you like that it looks old?”
“How I dress and how I like to live don’t exactly match, do they?” Tessa smiled, a small smile. “I’ve lived with hard-edged, supermodern furniture before.” Because Karl liked it. “Seemed...brittle.”
Nodding, Dorothy plucked an invisible speck from a plump pillow. “When I put my feet up at night, I want them resting on something comfy. My husband, Alvin, would have a fit with glass tables and whatnot.”
“I agree with Alvin.” She paused. “Do you mind me asking where you and your husband live?”
“In the big house. On the main floor, past the kitchen and the butler’s pantry. We have our own set of rooms. There are two other cottages on the property, but it’s a lot easier on us to live in the main house. Taking care of a family isn’t an eight-to-five kind of job.” Dorothy plopped her hands on her hips. “Say, did you bring your overnight things?”
“I packed a small bag. I’ll be sending for my clothes.”
“Well, if there’s anything you need, that you maybe forgot, I’m bound to have it or know how to get hold of it.”
“Thank you, Dorothy.”
“New job and new place to live all in one day.” Dorothy shook her head. “That’s a lot to take on.”
Tessa firmed her chin so her lips wouldn’t tremble and give her away. “It’s all good.”
“Even so.” She hesitated. “If Morgan’s a little gruff, don’t let it get to you. He’s been that way since... It’s just his way. Well, wash up. We’ll eat lunch in about twenty minutes. Casual dress.”
“I’m not very hungry—”
“Need to eat something,” the housekeeper insisted with a parental look that didn’t invite protest.
When the door closed behind Dorothy, Tessa slipped off her jacket, then kicked off her heels. She loved the feel of her bare feet against the cool heart of pine floor.
Padding across the main room to the kitchen, she opened a cupboard and found a teapot and supplies. Loose-leaf tea, Tessa noticed with interest. Also a variety of herbal teas. The former tenant had clearly been a tea lover, as well. Having kept herself together to appear cool and collected for the interview, Tessa felt drained. It was difficult to appear upbeat and enthusiastic when she wanted to crawl under the covers and never come out. A hot cup of herbal tea and the comfortable-looking chair near the window seemed like a perfect way to lift her spirits.
She had hoped to escape lunch with her new boss, but at least she could cut the meal short, using the valid excuse that she needed to send for her belongings. They wouldn’t amount to much. Karl could keep the furniture in their condo. She had taken the precaution of packing her sentimental items and bringing them along. Clothes could be repurchased, but good memories were irreplaceable. But how many good memories did she really have connected with her marriage? Few, she now realized. And even those were single-sided.
After a quick call to Cindy to let her know she’d gotten the job, Tessa enjoyed a cup of tea. Sighing, she knew she had to change for lunch. She truly wasn’t hungry, but didn’t want to offend Morgan or Dorothy.
Opening her bag, she retrieved a pair of jeans and a cotton blouse. Glancing in the mirror, even she could see the fatigue traced through her expression. Eyes now constantly dry from crying herself to sleep looked red and raw. It was a wonder she had gotten the job. She rummaged in her makeup bag and found the eye drops. Some fresh blusher and lipstick helped a bit.
She just had to remember to keep upbeat, to squash the unhappy note that colored her voice these days. Tessa leaned closer to the mirror. “You’re a mess, you know. Perk up.” She probably should have chosen coffee instead of herbal tea for the caffeine pickup. Too late now.
Tessa decided she preferred entering the big house through the kitchen rather than ringing the bell at the set of big doors in the front. It was the route Dorothy had taken them to the cottage. She knocked lightly. A small child appeared in the doorway.
Not expecting her, Tessa drew in her breath. “Ah. Hello. I’m Tessa. Dorothy is expecting me for lunch.”
“Daddy, too,” the poppet replied, holding a well-used stuffed dog in one hand, staring intently at Tessa.
“Yes.” Tessa paused, remembering what Cindy had said about the motherless child. “I’m going to be working for him.”
“But not like Miss Ellis,” the girl informed her.
“No?”
The child shook her head. “Miss Ellis got old here and you aren’t going to.”
“Okay, Poppy, that’ll be enough,” Dorothy said, coming up behind them in time to hear the child’s last remark.
“But Daddy said—”
“We don’t repeat what others say, do we? Now, wash up and we’ll start lunch.” Dorothy lifted her gaze. “Morgan’s having a plate in his study. He tends to...focus on his work. But we’re still glad to have you join us.”
“I don’t want to be any trouble,” Tessa reminded her. “I’m not that hungry.”
“Then hopefully, you’ll appreciate a simple meal. I made sliders.”
Tessa raised her eyebrows, thinking the term was a progressive reference, one she hadn’t expected.
Dorothy reached for a dish towel. “Now, I know they’re just small hamburgers, but Poppy had them at lunch in Houston with her dad and thought they were so much better than full-size hamburgers.” Dorothy rolled her eyes. “So, now we have lots of little burgers. I made a salad in case you eat healthy. I sneak veggies in, too.”
“Sounds good. I don’t have any dietary restrictions. I suppose I should, but I pretty much eat what I like. Then I run or walk long enough every day to burn some of it off.”
Dorothy’s eyes were observant but kind. “Doesn’t look like you need to.”
Tessa had lost weight unintentionally since the separation and divorce. These days nothing perked her appetite. But she didn’t want to seem ungrateful.
“Can I sit next to you?” Poppy was asking, having returned to gaze up at her intently.
“If it’s all right with Dorothy,” Tessa replied, swimming in uncertain waters.
“Lunch is always casual,” Dorothy replied. “Unless it’s some do, which we haven’t had in a long time.”
“I saw you all dressed pretty,” Poppy chimed in. “Before.”
The child must have silently darted in and out earlier. Tessa was certain she wouldn’t have forgotten this little one. Poppy smiled, dimpling her cherubic face. “Can I sit by you?” she asked again.
Tessa melted. What a little charmer.
Dorothy deftly changed the positions of the settings so that they were side by side rather than across the table from one another.
Tessa noticed only the two plates. “Aren’t you and your husband having lunch, too?”
Shaking her head, Dorothy placed a colorful bowl of salad on the table. “Alvin’s in town running some errands. Probably sounds silly, but I’ll eat with him when he gets back. After being married over forty years, I’m used to seeing his face across the table from me.”
Incredibly sweet. The kind of future Tessa had always envisioned for herself. “I...I think it’s nice.”
“Poppy and I are going to make chocolate-chip bars after lunch. Be good for dessert when Alvin and I eat.”
“I get to mix ’em,” Poppy told her. “And the most bestest part—put the chocolate in the bowl.”
“A few of the chips always take a detour,” Dorothy admitted cheerfully.
Poppy smiled brightly, huge blue eyes staring up at her, unblinking.
If she and Karl had adopted, it was possible she would have a child just Poppy’s age by now. Tessa swallowed the growing lump in her throat.
Cindy had told her that Poppy’s mother died when she was only a few days old. Fate could be cruel. Here she sat, next to a child who would never know her mother, while Tessa herself would never have a daughter.
Damaged. The word was like a curse, blanketing her in desperate pain. Had Lucy Harper been similarly cursed? Because, for the life of her, Tessa couldn’t understand why their places hadn’t been exchanged. All of her own dreams had been filled with a husband and family. And for a few fleeting days, Lucy Harper had had that. Now, Tessa was sitting next to the beautiful child and silent wishes stirred the air, pierced her heart.
Just then Poppy touched her hand. Baby soft and sweet. And Tessa made herself smile, wondering if her smile would ever inwardly blossom again.
Chapter Two (#ulink_1cd186b2-7081-5860-a47d-d48f6447ff40)
Early Monday morning, Morgan studied the lengthy contract. His attorney would examine the legal wording, but Morgan had to be certain the terms profited Harper Petroleum. Big oil was still big business in Texas. And along with oil came petroleum transportation companies that were huge in comparison to his own operation. Harper was one of the few independents left not swallowed up by the deep pockets of corporate greed. And even though his company’s size made it challenging for him to stay competitive, he was determined to remain independent.
Morgan knew the names of all his drivers, gaugers, mechanics, hub and office staff. He’d never viewed them as a lump of people. Each was an individual. Nearly all had families depending on them. And all depended on Harper Petroleum for their jobs. While his company wasn’t a nonprofit, it had never undercut salaries to ratchet up the profit margin. He knew that wasn’t the case with a lot of his competitors.
With the exception of Poppy, the past four years had been a nightmare. Every day, it was a struggle to keep his head above water in the cutthroat business, while balancing home and work. He never wanted to shortchange his daughter, which was why he spent so many days working from home. There had always been a fully equipped office at the house, dating back to when his grandfather had been at the helm. But it had been used only when necessary, not as a routine practice. The offices in town, needed to impress clients, were still kept up. Entering them, no one would detect that he wasn’t often in residence.
The aching in his head increased. Try to forget, to let go. Advice that he neither asked for nor wanted was offered on a continual basis. Lifelong friends thought he should compartmentalize his feelings, allowing his love for Poppy to flow while at the same time shutting off his continuing love and grief for his late wife. His daughter was a miniature replica of her mother. Lucy would have adored her beautiful, winsome child. He could imagine the twin sets of matching eyes that twinkled, mouths that would burst with laughter.
But there had been no laughter within him since she died. Well...with the exception of when he was with Poppy. She could coax a smile from him when he was certain his heart had turned to stone. And, along with the love, he had developed a protective streak that was near manic.
He hadn’t told Tessa, but he’d run a full background check on her prior to the interview. Initially, everyone who worked at the house full-time and part-time had been with the Harper family for years and could be trusted. Since Poppy’s birth, every new hire, regardless of position, went through the same background check.
Miss Ellis had told him he was overreacting, but that was what he’d been told when he had seen the first signs in Lucy’s eyes that something was wrong. Of course she was tired, the doctor had assured him. Brand-new mothers were exhausted. But Lucy wasn’t simply tired. The aneurism that had blasted through her brain was sudden and final.
He hadn’t believed it at first. God wouldn’t be that cruel. Give with one hand and grab with the other fist. Lucy had been one of the kindest people in the world. Her death just didn’t make sense in any possible way. There was no lesson to learn, no grievance that had been satisfied. No, his beautiful wife had been snatched away just when her dearest dream, a baby, had come into her life.
A light knock on the study door startled him. He whirled around, eyebrows drawn downward, his mouth forming a ferocious frown. “What?”
“Excuse me, Mr. Harper,” Tessa began tentatively. “You didn’t say what time you wanted to begin today. I can come back if you’re busy.”
“No!” Realizing he had barked at her, Morgan made himself breathe, push the past away for the moment. “I have a contract for you to study. And it’s Morgan.”
“Fine.” She hesitated. “Can I bring you some coffee? Since it’s early?”
“Early?” Belatedly he realized she didn’t know he hadn’t slept, that he’d worked deep into the night, then progressed into the world of memories. He glanced out the windows at the weak fingers of first morning light. “You don’t have to begin this early.”
“I couldn’t sleep,” she confessed. “I ran out of coffee in the cottage and thought I’d see if I could borrow a cup. I didn’t think to ask where the grocery store in town is.”
“Dorothy’s up before the sun,” Morgan replied. “And she’ll have coffee brewing.”
“She does.” Tessa held up her steaming mug.
“Of course, you saw her when you came in.” He smoothed the deepening ridge in his forehead.
“I’ve seen her up early every morning since I’ve been here.”
“Which means you’ve been up early, as well.”
His comment made her look uncomfortable. “Just restless in a new place.”
“Everything okay?”
She stiffened. “What do you mean?”
“The cottage. Is it all right?”
Again she was discomfited. “Yes—fine, I mean.”
“Don’t let me keep you,” he said as he turned toward his computer screen.
“Keep?”
“Your coffee,” he reminded her.
“I don’t know what you take in yours,” she queried.
“A touch of sugar. But you don’t have to bring me coffee. I hired you for your brains, not to be my personal assistant.”
“I’m going to get more coffee anyway,” she replied, “and I never mind bringing back an extra. It’s not as though I’m stepping and fetching.”
After she left, Morgan ran one hand over his disheveled hair. He could imagine what she’d thought of his rumpled appearance. She, on the other hand, looked perfectly polished, dressed in a deceptively simple dress that he was certain cost more than most administrative employees could afford. Perhaps she had done well in her divorce settlement.
Then again, she had been making good money at Traxton. Rather extraordinary that she would leave them after ten years just to get away from her ex.
Houston, a sprawling giant, could almost guarantee there would be no chance meetings. Unless her ex-husband had also worked at Traxton. Even so, she could have found work in Houston’s Energy Corridor or downtown. Something more had sent her scuttling all the way to Rosewood.
Must have been some divorce. Even though she hadn’t divulged the details, it had clearly been a bad experience. A flash of familiar pain traced through his gut. He couldn’t understand how anyone could throw away a marriage. What he would give to have his late wife back...
Tessa’s footsteps were light on the pine floor, then virtually noiseless on the thick woven silk rug that padded the room. The decor hadn’t changed much since his father’s day, even his grandfather’s day. A massive mahogany desk dominated the space. And his leather chair was worn in just the way Morgan liked it.
A wall of built-in bookcases held everything from a dictionary to volumes of law regarding royalty rights for the oil. Most people didn’t know it was the transportation company that calculated and paid landowners their portion of the oil revenue. Harper had an entire department devoted to that duty.
“Dorothy said I should use china cups,” Tessa told him as she carefully set his coffee on the desk.
“My mother insisted on using the good dishes every day. Said if they were appropriate for company, they were appropriate for us, too.”
Tessa chuckled. “I’m afraid I’d have a collection of chips, cracks and pieces if I followed that policy.”
“We do. Every now and then we have to buy replacements. Dorothy keeps up with them.” Morgan mentally dismissed the less than stimulating subject, refocusing on work. “All of the state reports are up-to-date—barely. It’s the third week of the month and they’ll be due on the first.”
Tessa nodded, transitioning smoothly between the unrelated subjects. “Is the computer on my desk networked with yours?”
“Yes. I’ve written down your password. It’s in the top middle drawer. Familiarize yourself with the setup, then we can go over questions.”
“And the report you want me to study?”
“Front and center on top of your desk.”
“All right, then.”
* * *
Work had never intimidated her. But she had taken her advancements one rung at a time, building on what she learned in each position. She’d never vaulted to the top man’s office in one giant leap. But this wasn’t the time to become faint of heart.
Near the end of her first week, Tessa found the work challenging but she was learning everything she could about Harper. The morning disappeared one computer screen after another. Tessa didn’t realize it was lunchtime until a small hand tugged persistently on her sleeve. Poppy waited to be recognized.
Tessa smiled at the child’s serious expression. “Well, hello.” She noticed a stuffed dog in the child’s hand, remembering she had seen it on her first day. “And who’s this?”
“Freckles,” Poppy replied seriously. “He’s my best friend.”
If true, that was terribly sad. “He looks like a fine friend.”
“Dorothy says it’s time for lunch.”
Automatically, Tessa lifted her wrist, glancing at her watch. “So it is. Have you told your dad?”
“Daddy’s not here.”
Hiding her frown, Tessa wondered why he hadn’t let her know he was going out. Fielding phone calls would be more effective if she knew when he wasn’t available. A second frown settled between her eyebrows. The phone hadn’t rung all morning. Leaning forward, she checked the digital readout, which said all calls had been forwarded to the main office for the day. Morgan Harper was proving to be a difficult study. Evidently he felt he’d taken care of what was necessary. Accustomed to being her boss’s right hand, it was unsettling to see how self-sufficient this particular boss was.
“Are you coming?” Poppy questioned.
Sensing a touch of uncertainty in the child, Tessa grinned widely. “Can’t keep me away. Do you know what we’re having?”
“Fried catfish and chocolate pudding.”
“That’s quite a combination,” Tessa managed to reply without giving away her amusement. “What’s your favorite part?”
“Pudding,” Poppy replied without hesitation.
“Mine probably will be, too,” Tessa confided.
The kitchen was homey, warm, filled with the quiet current of voices. Dorothy and Alvin stood by the sink, shoulders leaned in, touching. Just a simple gesture, but it told of a deep connection.
“Can I do anything to help?” Tessa offered.
Dorothy turned her head. “Everything’s already done. It’s nothing fancy, not like what you’re used to in the city.”
Tessa laughed without mirth. “I practically live on coffee when I’m working, so you’re right, this isn’t what I’m used to.” She sniffed the enticing aroma of freshly cooked fish, but she still couldn’t work up an appetite.
Four place settings were on the table. Dorothy inclined her head in their direction. “When we eat in the kitchen we keep it casual.”
Tessa interpreted that to mean when Morgan didn’t join them. She wondered if he ever got lonely eating on his own. Silly thought, she chastised herself. Men who ran entire companies didn’t lack for company.
Fresh iced tea filled the glasses and a large bowl of crisp salad sat beside the platter of fish. Local catfish, Alvin had informed her.
“Store-bought rolls,” Dorothy muttered. “Means I’m getting old. Never used to buy them, always made my own.”
“I like bakeries,” Tessa confessed. She used to love buying pastries on weekend mornings to share with Karl. Seemed ridiculous that she had believed all was fine in those days.
Alvin dried his hands. “Dorothy makes the best bread in the county. Won the blue ribbon for that and her cinnamon rolls five years straight at the county fair. But the town bakery’s okay. They bake fresh every day.”
Dorothy looked a tad embarrassed at the praise. “Poppy likes their cookies. They make all kinds of fancy cartoon shapes.”
“But Dorothy’s taste goodest,” Poppy declared. “And she lets me help.”
“You’re probably the best part,” Tessa told her as they shared a smile.
The back door opened and they all turned toward it. Morgan entered, his unguarded face weary.
“Daddy!” Poppy exclaimed happily.
For a moment pure love eclipsed the fatigue in Morgan’s face. “Hey, you.”
Hopping down, she ran to him, visibly delighted when he swept her up and nuzzled her cheek. “How’s my girl?”
“Hungry,” she replied cheerfully. Then she leaned even closer. “And we’re having pudding,” she added in a loud whisper.
He pretended delighted surprise. “But what will we have for dessert?”
“Oh, Daddy!” She giggled and he swung her up again.
Morgan looked reluctant when he set her back down.
But Poppy immediately tugged at his hand, chasing away any possibility of escape. “You have to sit by me.”
Just then he looked up, seeming to notice Tessa for the first time. Unconsciously she straightened, then smiled tentatively.
His gaze gave nothing away and she couldn’t tell if he was displeased by her presence. No one had mentioned whether she would be taking her lunches with the family. Dorothy had insisted the first day and she had continued coming to the kitchen for lunch, but now Tessa wondered if she was intruding. Standing, she pushed back her chair.
“Where are you going?” Morgan asked.
“Well, you’re here now and I know Poppy wants to sit with you and—”
“There’s plenty of room and from what I hear, plenty of pudding.” He reached into a cabinet and pulled out a plate. Dorothy had already collected another setting of silverware.
“You can sit by Daddy, too,” Poppy informed her. “I get to sit on this side.” The child indicated her favorite spot.
Tessa felt like the last pickling cucumber being shoved into an overstuffed jar. Not that the table was small, but it had already been set up to serve four. An extra setting put it out of balance. The thought barely formed when Poppy tugged Morgan to the middle seat between herself and Tessa.
Proximity immediately changed. Tiny Poppy hadn’t taken up much space in her chair. But Morgan, tall with broad shoulders, filled the area. Tessa hugged her elbows to her sides, trying to minimize contact. Instead of making her less visible, her tactic caused Morgan to glance her way. Feeling like a fool, she straightened again, accidentally brushing her arm against his. Startled, she almost withdrew, reconsidered and tried to look unaffected. Glancing across the table at Dorothy and Alvin, Tessa immediately saw from their expressions that she had failed miserably.
“Pudding?” Morgan asked, extending the salad bowl. He leaned close, his voice low. “Poppy has decreed all courses include pudding.”
“I...I love pudding.” Tessa sought to make her voice sound bright as she reached for the tongs.
He looked at the tiny serving she scooped out and frowned. “Not your favorite flavor?”
“I want to save room for all the courses,” she improvised, knowing she wouldn’t finish even the small amount of food she would put on her plate.
To her relief, Morgan didn’t pursue it, instead turning to his daughter. “Extra olives?”
“Yes, please.”
He carefully plucked a generous helping of black olives from the bowl along with a portion of the greens and tomatoes. Tessa guessed Dorothy had loaded the salad with Poppy’s favorites.
She wasn’t sure how or why, but Morgan’s presence had changed the entire dynamic of their little gathering. Poppy was aglow, her connection to Morgan deep and visible. Alvin and Dorothy seemed more content somehow. And she...she wasn’t sure what she was. It was no longer easy and light. Tessa realized she was being silly, that she had eaten more business lunches with employers than she could count. No need to be nervous.
“Daddy, you promised to take me to ride Cornflake,” Poppy pleaded.
Morgan paused, his fork midair. “Today?”
The child’s head bobbed up and down as though attached to a string.
Tessa was tempted to offer to cover for him for the afternoon if he needed the time with his daughter, but she wasn’t sure how the gesture would be taken. And, in truth, she didn’t know enough about Harper Petroleum to cover for him.
Morgan glanced her way. “Cornflake is Poppy’s pony.”
“Ah,” she replied, picturing the cute child on an equally cute pony.
“All work and no play,” Dorothy mused, passing the platter of fish.
The forces had gathered. Graciously, Morgan bowed to them. “After lunch. That doesn’t mean we skip the fish, either.”
Poppy’s face crinkled, her plan apparently quashed.
Tessa couldn’t suppress her own smile as she imagined Poppy bolting her pudding, then tearing upstairs to change into riding gear.
Morgan caught her eye, apparently interpreting her smile. “Experience,” he explained succinctly.
Poppy practically danced in her chair as she gobbled down her lunch. Tessa wondered if their outings were that rare or if she was just excited. A glance that morning at the company’s structural chart had indicated that Morgan carried the bulk of the executive load. There wasn’t a tier of vice presidents to allocate the work to. Despite having help at home, he was a single parent. One she guessed spent a great deal of time working if what she’d seen so far was any indication.
In record time, Poppy finished her lunch. “May I be excused?” she asked breathlessly, already sliding off her chair.
“Yes.”
Grabbing her stuffed dog, the child ran from the room, her shoes clattering as she crossed the entry hall and reached the staircase.
Morgan pulled out his cell phone, checked his missed calls, then sighed.
“Anything I can do to help?” Tessa questioned, now that Poppy was gone.
He shook his head. “Even if you’d been here long enough to know these people, they’re calls I have to deal with myself.”
“Don’t you have another executive who can handle some of your duties?” she questioned, hoping she wasn’t crossing a line.
“No.”
“And he should,” Dorothy chimed in, tipping the pitcher, refilling glasses.
Morgan shot the housekeeper a look that might scorch the skin off some, but she remained unperturbed. He laid his napkin on the table. “I’m going to change. Tessa, I assume you noticed that the calls are rerouted today. When I get back from the ride, we can go over the state reports.”
She nodded. “I hope you and Poppy have a good time.”
His gaze was reflective. “No need for you to worry. Poppy’s my concern.”
Tessa tried not to take offense. He was her boss, not a friend. He was right. His personal life wasn’t her concern. But she’d never worked in a situation quite like this one. An office in his home, her cottage on his property. It was a major change from working for a big corporation. Then again, everything in her life was changing. She’d never thought she would leave her hometown. Her marriage was supposed to last forever. And children...they were supposed to be part of her future. How would it be to have a lovely girl like Poppy to spend the afternoon with? One whose face lit with love when she spotted her parent?
Tessa blindly turned her attention back to her plate, not seeing what it contained, not caring. There was no hint of tears. When Karl had tossed her away, she’d cried until all her tears were gone. Instead, there was emptiness, a great cavern nothing would ever fill. It was only in the dark of night, when she should be sleeping, that the tears dampened her pillow, refusing to remain inside.
Morgan spoke quietly with Dorothy and Alvin, their voices filling in the silence Tessa isolated herself in. She had accepted that her life had changed, had embraced the finality of moving away from Karl. But in her plans for building a new life for herself, she hadn’t counted on missing one essential factor: hope in the future. Because from where she sat, that seemed unbearably bleak.
* * *
Morgan watched Poppy skip toward the house, her short legs lifting in the early-evening dusk. He had planned to keep the outing short, but Poppy had been so taken with Cornflake that they’d extended the ride. She even elicited a promise from him that he would take her to ride Cornflake every week.
Dorothy had been nagging him to spend more time with Poppy. So when she pleaded for ice cream he gave in. One delicious but messy cone later, she had insisted that she was still hungry. So, he’d caved and they ate dinner at the café. Poppy loved going out. Anywhere, anytime. His parents had catered to her, taking her with them constantly. He didn’t have that luxury. Too many employees were counting on him to keep Harper solvent, to make sure their jobs were safe.
Cutting through the side lawn, he paused, glancing ahead. Tessa walked slowly away from her cottage. He wondered where she was headed. His property line extended a good distance. His great-grandparents had purchased the property as acreage that amounted to four large city lots. One of the cottages was their original home before the big house had been built. His great-grandfather had been a pipeline gauger, then an oil lease hound, taking a small investment and making it grow. The generations that followed kept building the business. During those years, a larger house had been needed to entertain clients.
And the cottages were handy, he thought, watching Tessa through the gauzy twilight. Her hair was definitely long. No longer neatly pinned up, the dark strands tumbled past her shoulders. She had changed from her stylish suit to a long cottony-looking dress. Aquamarine, he decided, squinting in the dimming light. The color of her eyes, he remembered. Funny the details that stuck out in his memory.
Tessa turned just then as though sensing someone watching. But the low-hanging branches of a crepe myrtle camouflaged his presence. As she tipped her face up, the dying light of the day’s sun silhouetted her features. The picture solidified in his thoughts as he drew in a breath. And he suspected the image wouldn’t soon fade.
Chapter Three (#ulink_8b0c6e94-d3a7-57df-82bb-dcc631db93b0)
Days, then weeks toddled by as Tessa kept upping her learning curve. By her fourth week, she had grasped two things—the rudimentary elements of Harper Petroleum and the fact that Morgan didn’t spend enough time with his daughter. He rarely made it to family meals. And he was out of town often, meeting with his field supervisors and contractors and performing various other tasks Tessa believed he could turn over to someone else. She understood the current thinking—that middle management was an unnecessary drain on the company’s financial resources—but Morgan needed help. She hadn’t met all the office staff, but surely he employed someone either in the field or office whom he could promote, then delegate some of his work.
Dorothy let Morgan know that he needed to be home more often, but he didn’t change his behavior. Today was the first Saturday Tessa hadn’t worked. Morgan had gone to Jefferson in East Texas to check on a new pipeline installation.
Fortunately her friend Cindy Mallory had a free day. Her husband, Flynn, had taken all their kids to the skating rink. And Cindy insisted a girls’ day out was exactly what she needed.
“How are you settling in?” Cindy asked, picking up a shoe, turning it around to inspect the heel.
“Fine.”
Cindy raised one eyebrow. “How’s Morgan as a boss?”
“Fine.”
“We aren’t going to get far with this line of questioning if you stick to one-word answers.” Cindy smiled. “Spill. What do you think of the job?”
“I think I like it.”
“Think?”
“It’s different working for one man instead of a corporation and there’s the proximity to his home, the office in his house.” Tessa thought of all that was new in her life. “I like the cottage. And, in ways, it’s comforting to know there are people nearby.”
“But?”
“Not exactly a but. Just that I’m treading on a lot of undefined territory. I don’t want to offend Dorothy by not eating lunch with them. On the other hand, I don’t want Morgan to feel that I’m intruding.”
“I think the world of Morgan, but he isn’t exactly restrained when it comes to giving his opinion. He wouldn’t hesitate to let you know if you were crossing a line.”
Tessa stared at a pair of navy shoes. “Does it worry you that Morgan doesn’t spend enough time with Poppy?”
Cindy stopped in her tracks, throwing back her gleaming red hair as she spun around. “Where did that come from?”
“Just that Morgan spends all of his time working. Since I’ve been here, he’s only taken Poppy out once even though he promised he’d take her to ride her horse every week.”
Frowning, Cindy paused. “Morgan adores her.”
“Oh, I can see that. And it’s mutual. But, not having a mother, it seems that Poppy needs extra parent time, not less.” Tessa replaced the navy shoe without having really looked at it. “I know I don’t have kids, so it’s not as though I’m an expert.”
“That’s not what I’m questioning.” Cindy looked perplexed. “Just that Morgan’s devoted to Poppy.”
“I think so, too, but that doesn’t stop her from being lonely. The poor kid even hangs around me when I’m working. Dorothy and Alvin give her all the attention they can, but they’re busy taking care of the house and grounds.”
Cindy cleared her throat. “Does it...bother you? Having Poppy around, I mean.”
“Just because I can’t have one of my own doesn’t mean I’ve gone off children. I’m just worried that she’s getting the short end of the stick.” Tessa rubbed her forehead. “This really isn’t any of my business. Morgan’s my employer, not a friend.”
“There’s nothing wrong with caring,” Cindy reminded her gently, her calm voice belying the crop of flame-colored hair that framed her face.
“If I had a daughter like Poppy...” Tessa shook her head. “Do you think I’m being judgmental because I’m jealous?”
“Are you feeling jealous?”
“I don’t think so.” Tessa thought of the sweet child. “What I keep feeling is the irony. Poppy’s mother had everything to live for and...”
“You don’t?” Cindy put a comforting hand on Tessa’s elbow. “Just because Karl’s a jerk doesn’t mean you won’t have a full future with everything you want in it.”
“Because there are so many men out there who want to marry a woman who can’t bear his children.”
“I want to believe that sort of thinking is in the past, Tessa. You just have to pick the right man.”
“I thought I had,” Tessa replied dully. “And since I’m so good at picking them, we should have every confidence that I can find another winner.”
“Give it time. I never believed Flynn would come around. I still marvel that he ever did.”
Flynn had fallen in love with Cindy’s sister, Julia. They had married and were raising their triplets when Julia had died. It was a blow that shattered them all. Lacking any other family, Flynn had moved with his daughters to Rosewood so that Cindy could be in their lives.
Ironically, Cindy had initially moved to Rosewood to escape Flynn and her continued feelings for him. Cindy had met him first, fallen in love with him first, but Flynn had chosen Julia, the steady, responsible sister. It took time, faith and a depth of love to learn that Flynn had made that choice because of his family background and pain-filled past.
Once she had unraveled Flynn’s past, Cindy was able to understand what Flynn needed. Now they were raising a family together, and their love had only deepened over the years. But she could remember being on the outside as Tessa was now. How alone and unloved she’d felt.
“You and Flynn are perfect together,” Tessa was saying. “Your family...well, it’s perfect, too.”
“Now,” Cindy reminded her.
Tessa remembered all that Cindy had gone through, how difficult it had been for her to uproot her entire life in Houston and move away. She’d left behind the only family she had along with all her friends. At least Tessa had her family. Her parents lived close to Houston, but they were still in her life.
They had been supportive when Karl ended the marriage. Her parents hadn’t been thrilled that she’d chosen to relocate but tried to understand. Like most people, they thought Houston was big enough for her to avoid her ex-husband. But they liked Cindy and knew she would be a good anchor. Her father had extracted a promise that she would return to Houston if things didn’t work out in Rosewood, if she wasn’t happy.
Happy. A funny term. One she had taken for granted most of her life. She’d always felt pretty blessed. With her family, her job, finding a man she thought she could share her life with...
Cindy turned from the shoes. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a cup of tea.”
Tessa didn’t care about shoe shopping. She was really only tagging along. “Sounds good.”
“We’ll go to Maddie’s, the place I told you about.”
“The Tea House?”
“Tea Cart. But yes. Best tea in the world. Maddie mixes her own blends. And her lemon bars are to die for. She makes them with real shortbread.”
Still not having much of an appetite, Tessa nodded. “I do love tea.”
“I know.”
“Cindy, I’m sorry. I’m being a real downer. You’ve given up a Saturday and I’m about as much fun as a rain-soaked picnic.”
Cindy smiled. “I didn’t come out today to paint the town. I’m fine with having a low-key day. It’s great having you live so close again. I’ve missed you. You’re going to love Maddie. She’s a native to Rosewood. And she’s an inspiration. Takes care of her mother, who has dementia, and she has become a great mother to her husband’s niece.”
Tessa shook her head. “You don’t see it, do you? You’re an inspiration, Cindy.”
Predictably, Cindy protested. “Just living my life.”
“Which includes supporting and sponsoring the Children’s Home, raising your three nieces, adopting a parentless child, raising your own children, being a great friend...”
Embarrassed, Cindy’s ivory cheeks reddened. “Stop that. You make it sound like more than it is.”
“Afraid not. But I am happy about finding a new place for tea. Does she sell any of her blends?”
“Yes! I have three favorites, couldn’t pick just one.” Cindy opened the door and they stepped out onto the sidewalk. “Typical. We love things in threes.”
After college Tessa and Cindy had reconnected over tea. Both had been invited to a luncheon for women in the oil industry. Tessa had been new to Traxton, and Cindy was representing her family business. Squeezed together at one of the last tables, they had caught up over a pot of spiced orange pekoe. College had taken them in opposite directions. Destiny brought them back together.
Ironic that Rosewood had become a sanctuary for them both. Right now Tessa didn’t relish the thought of returning to Houston, something that worried her parents.
As though reading her thoughts, Cindy asked about them.
“They just want me to be happy,” she summed up, thinking she would have to invite them for a visit when she could handle it. The thought of entertaining anyone, even her parents, was exhausting.
“Natural.” Cindy hesitated. “If you’d like, I could invite them for a weekend.”
“The cottage has a spare bedroom.” Tessa took a deep breath. “I know you’re just trying to help, but I’m not quite ready for a weekend visit.” Especially because some days it was difficult just to breathe, to force herself to go to work, to interact with anyone.
“I remember days of curling up in bed, wishing the world would go away.” Cindy’s eyes darkened in reflection. “I just want to help.”
“This—” Tessa snagged her friend’s elbow “—this, spending time with me even though I’m not fun. It’s helping...more than I can tell you.”
Cindy squeezed Tessa’s hand in return. “Fun isn’t a friendship requirement. I don’t remember being much fun several years ago. But that didn’t stop you from being there for me.”
“It was all a plan so I could disappear from Houston.” Tessa dredged up a laugh. “And to find a new tea source.”
“That I can promise.” They had reached the Tea Cart. “And after today you’ll wonder how you lived this long without Maddie’s specialties.”
Meeting Maddie, Tessa tried to relax.
“I hope you’ll come here often,” Maddie told her.
The bell over the door jangled. Being Saturday, the shop was busy. They found a table by the window, affording a view of Main Street. Tessa had immediately taken to the Victorian town that still looked as though horse-drawn carriages could travel its cobblestone streets. Thriving businesses populated the original buildings. Unlike so many towns that had dried up because of a superstore’s dominance or that catered strictly to tourism, Rosewood maintained its own identity. On the sidewalk directly outside, café tables sat beneath a canopy of aged trees and nineteenth-century streetlamps.
A few young couples sat at these tiny tables, absorbed in each other. Just as young love, any love, should, Tessa realized. Had she and Karl ever stared at each other with such devotion?
It wasn’t something she remembered. Why hadn’t she noticed that back then? Had she really not paid attention to the details of her marriage? It was one of the questions that itched in her thoughts, robbed her of sleep, resonated in her loneliness.
“How do you like your tea?” Cindy asked.
Tessa pushed away the nagging thoughts and picked up her cup to taste. Surprisingly, the effect was immediately piquant. She took another sip. “This really is good.”
“I knew you’d like it.” Cindy put her own cup in a saucer. “It doesn’t seem like it today, but the time will come when little things like this will make you smile again.”
Tessa didn’t think they would.
“I know you don’t think so right now,” Cindy continued, echoing Tessa’s thoughts. “But I wouldn’t try to convince you if I didn’t believe it.” Her cell phone rang and she glanced at the screen. “Sorry. I have to take this.”
Tessa sipped her tea while trying not to listen, but she couldn’t miss the distress in her friend’s voice.
“Something wrong?” Tessa asked as Cindy clicked the phone off.
“An inconvenience really.” Cindy’s face filled with regret. “It’s the Children’s Home,” she began, referring to the organization she had founded that fostered children. She had established the home as an outgrowth of a class she taught at church. It all began with one unwanted child, which led to forming the Rainbow class for kids who needed extra attention. The group had grown, then taken on a life of its own. Cindy’s house had been adapted as a permanent home for children without homes of their own.
“Something you need to take care of now?” Sensing her friend was feeling bad because their outing was about to be cut short, Tessa made an impulsive offer. “What if I come with you? That is, if I can help at all.”
Cindy’s face brightened in an instant. “What a wonderful idea! I’m sorry to cut our tea short, but the kitchen at the home is stocked with Maddie’s goodies, so I can brew us a pot of fresh tea. I make a run at least twice a week.” She reached for her purse and pulled out some cash. “This is mine.”
Seeing how pleased her friend was at the offer to join her, Tessa swallowed the regret her impulse was now causing. Surely she could take herself out of her own worries to help. Feeling ashamed of herself for the regret, she picked up her own purse.
Cindy left a generous tip on the table. She acted so naturally that Tessa often forgot that Cindy came from wealth. As they drove toward what had once been Cindy’s home, Tessa guessed much of her inheritance had been spent on the children she took in.
It didn’t take long to reach the neighborhood, which was just on the perimeter of Main Street in one of the oldest areas in the town. The house was an aged Victorian that wore its years well. Tessa could picture Cindy at home here, taking on a dozen tasks as she was wont to do.
Children spilled out of the doorway like errant sunbeams. Tessa felt the tugging ache of knowing none would ever be hers. As a single woman, she understood the difficulty of adoption, reluctantly acknowledging that if possible every child deserved two parents. Certainly more than a lone parent who worked sixty-plus hours a week.
However, it was nearly impossible to hold on to the pain as children rushed toward them, toward Cindy.
“So many smiles!” Cindy greeted them. “Saturday smiles?”
“Miss Cindy!” the voices chorused. Several hands tugged at hers. Tessa swallowed, wondering at these little ones who were so fond of her friend.
The door stood open and slowly they traveled up the walk and inside. It was impossible to hurry with so many little bodies pressed close.
“Who wants to run and get Miss Donna?” Cindy asked them.
“Me, me!” was shouted as several headed toward the kitchen.
“Do they all live here?” Tessa asked when there was a semiquiet moment.
“No. Some are here for the day. It’s one of our programs to help single and/or working parents. And the full-time residents enjoy the company.” Cindy hung her purse on a tall coatrack in the hall.
Tessa followed suit, noticing the exquisite detail in the moldings and woodwork. The floor appeared to be made of rare longleaf Texas pine. “This is just as pretty as you told me.”
“You should have come and visited while I lived here,” Cindy replied. “It made a wonderful home.”
“Do you miss it?”
“Not really. I still see it so often. And my heart is with Flynn and the kids. Wouldn’t matter if we lived in a bamboo hut. Wherever they are, it’s home.”
Genuinely glad for her friend’s happiness, Tessa didn’t feel any envy. Just puzzlement. Why did some people get it so right the first time?
Cindy caught her gaze. “Something heavy weighing on your mind?”
“Didn’t realize I was so transparent. Just wondering how some people choose the right person first time around.”
“If you’re thinking of me, remember I was on a very twisted path for a very long time.” Cindy’s green eyes darkened. “I was basically in love with what should have been the worst person possible—my sister’s husband. I can remember that feeling of wondering if I’d ever be part of a couple. Seemed as though the whole world had paired off. Except for me. To me it looked as though I was going to have a lifetime of being alone. Don’t compare yourself, Tessa. Your situation is unique. You are unique. And that’s a good thing. I don’t know why the Lord has given you this challenge. I don’t know why He gave me mine, but I trust it’s for the best. Mine has turned out to be.”
“My faith isn’t in question,” Tessa replied quietly.
“Of course not! But sometimes it’s hard not to question what happens. I did.”
Uncertainty seized her. “You did?”
“Constantly.” Cindy’s eyes were steady. “I couldn’t understand why the Lord wanted me to be alone, to love someone I couldn’t have.”
“You never said...”
“It seemed so wrong. Julia was happy. I loved her. I didn’t want to do anything to change her happiness. But I couldn’t get Flynn out of my heart.”
Tessa nodded, remembering the sweetness of her own romance when she was young. “Karl seemed so different at first. I never dreamed...”
“Which is why you can’t stop dreaming. I don’t think you have to marry to be happy, but I do think the Lord has someone for you.”
“Hiding in plain sight?” Tessa tried to joke.
The determination in Cindy’s gaze didn’t waver. “Just might be.”
Sounding like a thousand little footsteps, the kids returned. Cindy reached down to pick up the shortest child.
“This little sweetheart is Sandy.”
“Hi, Sandy.”
The little girl looked at Tessa steadily. “Who are you?”
Surprised at the child’s grasp on language, Tessa smiled. “Wow. How old are you?”
“Four.”
“We’ve had some challenges, didn’t we, Sandy?” Cindy responded, giving the child a hug.
Challenges that had stunted her growth, no doubt. She looked no more than two at the most. Tessa swallowed, wondering if the little girl had been malnourished. Over the years, Tessa had donated small amounts to the home. It was what Cindy always requested in lieu of birthday and Christmas presents. It hit Tessa why supporting the home was so important. Immediately she felt guilty for her own self-pity. These kids had real problems. Problems that a move or new job could never fix.
“Who are you?” Sandy repeated.
“I’m Tessa.” She smiled, pleased when Sandy smiled back. “A friend of Cindy’s.”
“Me, too,” Sandy replied with utter sincerity.
A youngish woman swept into the room, holding a baby. Tessa guessed the little one was perhaps a year old. “Thanks for coming, Cindy. I’m sorry for the short notice.” She smiled in Tessa’s direction.
Cindy made the introductions. “Don’t worry. We can’t control accidents.”
“My daughter took a tumble,” Donna explained. “My husband’s with her at the ER and it looks as though her arm is broken. And she’s wanting Mommy.”
“Of course,” Tessa murmured. “I’m free today and can help.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Donna exclaimed. “We have a lot of kids today, so all hands are appreciated.”
“Donna’s one of our best volunteers,” Cindy said. “And we couldn’t manage without her. Today she should have had backup.”
Tessa realized that taking the day to spend with her had been a real sacrifice on Cindy’s part. Shopping and tea didn’t rate on the same scale as helping children. “Oh.”
“Normally I could handle it. Just didn’t expect a broken arm.” Donna untied her apron. “I’ll grab my purse and take off, then. I don’t know how long I’ll be.”
“I do,” Cindy replied. “We’ll see you on your next volunteer day if that works. Your daughter needs you. Flynn has the kids and they’re fine.”
Tessa watched the exchange and an unexpected seed of determination sprouted. If these women could devote time to help the kids, she could, too.
Chapter Four (#ulink_4df0216d-24a3-5a4b-998f-1e73dc6596da)
Tessa closed the book, finishing what must have been the dozenth one she’d read. In an instant another landed in her lap as a young boy handed her a Berenstain Bears book.
“Another?” she questioned, having already read two tales of the bears’ exploits.
“Uh-huh.” He nodded his head earnestly.
“Time to get to sleep,” Cindy said over her shoulder. “Miss Tessa is spoiling you to pieces.” There was fondness in her voice.
“I think word got out that I read more than one book each,” Tessa admitted.
“I think you’re right.” Cindy laughed, not sounding a bit tired despite the hours she’d spent organizing, cooking, playing, reading, supervising and getting children ready for bed.
Pitching in, Tessa hadn’t felt tired. Usually at the end of the day she was exhausted. The result of depression, she suspected. She’d done enough reading on the subject to recognize the symptoms. But today, tonight, reenergized, she felt she could easily go on for another eight hours. The young boy snuggled down after she read him another story.
The McNabs, the couple who lived at the house and worked full-time for the Children’s Home, had returned from a weekend away. Most of the volunteers worked daytime hours. A few could be counted on for occasional night shifts but the bulk of that time was covered by the paid staff.
Tessa pulled the blanket up over the boy’s arms. So sweet. He had been relentless during dinner, teasing the girls. Now, though, there was something about the peacefulness of a sleepy child... Swallowing, Tessa abruptly stood. Out of nowhere her breath caught, coming with difficulty. Everything was suddenly too much. Too close.
The boy’s hand tugged hers. “Are you coming back tomorrow?”
Tessa tried to sound normal, not as though she felt pinched from the inside out. “I’m not sure.”
Cindy apparently recognized her discomfort. “We can finish up. The McNabs have everything under control.”
“Good.” Tessa nodded. “Yes.”
Cindy took her elbow, guiding her to the stairs. “It’s been a long day.”
Tessa swallowed, hating that the hurt was attacking in waves. She’d conquered it for hours. It had even seemed to go away. But now every poignant moment was an assault.
Blindly, she navigated the stairs. Cindy was close behind, grabbing their purses from the hall tree. She didn’t really remember how, but she was in the car, Cindy driving.
“Would you like to stay over?” Cindy was asking. “Tomorrow we could have a nice breakfast before church.”
Tessa shook her head, knowing instinctively that she needed to be alone.
“Okay, well, I’ll take you home. But if you change your mind I can be over in a tick. It’s no trouble.”
Sanity returned. “You’ve been gone from your family all day. You really don’t have to babysit me.”
Cindy took her gaze from the road for a moment, staring. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just that you don’t have to be alone. We’re here for you.”
“I know. And it’s truly appreciated. But I need to be able to handle an evening alone.”
“I shouldn’t have thrown you into the middle of the kids,” Cindy fretted.
“I volunteered,” Tessa reminded her.
“Yes, but I know it’s a tender subject. I wasn’t thinking.”
Seemed they were each determined to take the blame.
Tessa dug deep and found a tiny smile. “At least we’re not blaming each other.”
Cindy saw the smile and laughed. “I have days when I feel that I’ve jumped in the deep end before I learned to wade in the shallows.” She turned, heading toward Morgan’s home, which was close. “Will you promise me something?”
Tessa took a deep breath, still feeling the twitchy beat of her heart. “Depends on what it is.”
“If you’re lonely or just bored, call me. If you don’t feel like coming over or having company, we can talk on the phone.”
“I can’t promise to do it every time,” Tessa replied truthfully. Most days she felt she used up all her words during working hours and had few left for anything else. It was why her cupboards were relatively bare, her cottage virtually unchanged since she moved in. Talking required an energy that she couldn’t seem to sustain. Her parents had commented on her sparse communications. Tonight’s pain was subsiding, nearly extinguished. Suddenly exhausted, she rubbed her eyes. It seemed as if years had passed since her divorce.
“Okay,” Cindy conceded. “I hope you’ll feel like going to church tomorrow.”
“I’ll see.”
Sensing Tessa’s reluctance, Cindy was silent as she drove the short remaining distance.
Morgan’s broad driveway was empty, all the cars enclosed in the garage, so it was difficult to determine just who was home. But it didn’t matter. After saying goodbye to Cindy, all Tessa wanted to do was disappear into her cottage. Skirting the front of the house, she took the shortcut that led her past the rose arbor.
“You’re home early for a Saturday night,” Morgan spoke from the darkness.
Startled, she jumped.
“Sorry. Thought you saw me.”
“No, I wasn’t looking out into the yard.” Tessa collected herself, gazing into the night, finally seeing that he sat on a curved stone bench. What is he doing out in the dark alone? Should she ask? Undecided, she hesitated.
“The smell of the roses,” he explained, apparently sensing her curiosity. Morgan stood, moving into a patch of moonlight. “It’s more distinct at night when it’s still. The heat of the sun brings out the aroma and the cooler air seems to capture it.”
It was a romantic notion, one she hadn’t expected of him. “Oh.”
“Did you have a good time?”
“A good time?” she echoed. “It wasn’t exactly that kind of day. I was having tea with Cindy when she got called to the Children’s Home. Wound up working there this afternoon...well, and this evening.”
“What did you do there?” he questioned.
“Cooked, read stories. Stuff with the kids.”
“Oh.” He looked perplexed.
She wondered why. “Is that so amazing?”
“You don’t have kids.”
Tessa stiffened. “No, I don’t.”
He held up one hand. “It wasn’t an accusation. Just seems like an unlikely way to spend a Saturday.”
“Don’t you want to spend Saturdays with Poppy?”
“I do as often as I can. Not as often as I want.”
The day’s ventures emboldened her. “Why not?”
“My job doesn’t end at five o’clock on Friday. Pipelines leak, trucks break down. You know that.”
Tessa still didn’t understand why he insisted on such hands-on management. “Surely you can hire someone to help with your workload.”
“Do you know how many small enterprises like mine are gobbled up every year? I have to make sure that doesn’t happen to Harper. If I delegate away all the problem solving, I might not know if we’re facing a major obstacle.”
“Is it really that likely?” she questioned.
“Adair Petroleum built a large regional office here several years ago to handle their pipeline and trucking operations. The recession hit. Now one of the majors owns it. And most of the local people who worked at Adair found themselves out of jobs. I took on the ones I could, but I didn’t have enough jobs to go around. If something happened to Harper, it would be devastating to this town. I won’t let that happen on my watch.”
“Oh.”
“Yes. Rosewood thrives because we, the community, made a conscious decision to keep it alive, to keep out big business and superstores that shut down local mom-and-pop operations. The bed-and-breakfast has been in the same family for generations, the same for the café, bakery, drugstore, hardware... Well, you get the idea. This community takes care of its own. And I’m part of that—I have to be, with so many employees dependent on me. It’s not easy, but if it’s important it’s worth the effort.”
All admirable, Tessa realized. Still... “What about Poppy?”
He frowned. “What about her?”
“She seems a little lonely.”
“Lonely?” he scoffed. “She has me, Dorothy, Alvin, my parents when they visit.”
“It seems she’s only around adults,” Tessa said carefully, hoping not to anger him. “I mean she doesn’t have playdates, the kind of thing other kids do.”
“I didn’t have playdates when I was growing up. My parents were growing the business. I turned out reasonably okay.”
Tessa sensed she wasn’t gaining any ground and was about to be told to mind her own business. “True.” She hesitated, remembering Dorothy’s comment about Morgan no longer attending church. “Does Poppy attend Sunday school?”
“No. Why?”
“Just thinking. There are other kids to interact with. They sing, hear stories, sometimes make an art project.” Wincing, she gave in to another impulse. “I go every Sunday. She could come along with me.”
“I don’t know...”
Not sure of his religious convictions, she tried to be subtle. “Like I said, it’s mostly a social thing. I think Poppy would really like it. I see Cindy and Flynn there.”
He seemed to waver. “What about the church session?”
“She could go to junior church,” Tessa replied. “Lots of singing. Unless you have plans to do something with Poppy tomorrow.”
“No. I have to meet with a pipeline supervisor, Ronnie Broussard. He’s a key man in the field—East Texas. He’s tied up all the time putting out figurative fires. We need this meeting.”
She waited.
“I suppose it would be all right,” he conceded, “for her to go with you tomorrow.”
She wondered if the roses had softened him.
“But no preaching.”
Or not.
“I don’t want her to grow up with false promises,” he continued, “and to believe everything’s going to be all golden.”
Tessa frowned, hating to think the child would be denied the joy of hope. “No?”
“Life has a way of squashing things. It’s ridiculous to believe it can all be changed or fixed.”
“It’s not ridiculous,” she replied quietly. “It’s faith.”
“It’s pointless,” he replied, bitterness infusing the words.
“You must have loved her a great deal.”
Silence was sudden and thick.
“I don’t need your amateur psychology or your meddling.” He turned, his boots a distinctive thud on the stone walkway.
Morgan seemed to take the rose-scented air with him when he left. Too much emotion had been staked out on display today. She wasn’t sure why she’d felt the need to prod him about Poppy, to question him about his late wife.
Following the puddles of moonlight, she made her way to the cottage. But, despite her best intentions, she turned around, watching as Morgan disappeared in the night.
* * *
It was plain to see Poppy was excited to wear her best dress and shoes by the way she eagerly smoothed the skirt. Her dress was blue, almost an exact match to her eyes, broken up with large white polka dots. Along with white tights and glossy white shoes, she was a picture. Her small fingers curled in Tessa’s, sending a responding curl of warmth to her stomach. Such innocent trust in the gesture. If this little girl was hers, Tessa knew she would take walks with her just to capture her hand and hold it close.
“Are other kids gonna be there?” Poppy questioned again.
Tessa smiled, not minding the repetition. “Yes. Lots. You’ll have a good time.”
“Why didn’t Daddy want to come?”
“He’s busy with a special meeting.”
“He always has work,” Poppy replied.
Tessa squeezed the small hand. “But he misses you when he does,” she improvised. Surely that was the case. “You’re way more fun than work.”
Poppy screwed her face into a puzzled frown. “You sure?”
“Very.” Tessa led her small charge into the Sunday school building.
Rosewood Community Church had been constructed in the late 1800s. Weathering storms and even a fire, the faithful congregation kept the building well maintained. True to the Victorian age in which it was built, the lines of the church were classic. And, in Tessa’s opinion, classy. She loved that the floors were constructed of local wood, original to the building. Designated on the historical register, the church conveyed its beautiful spirit visually, as well.
The fire that had erupted several years earlier hadn’t stopped worship. Instead, they pulled together to rebuild. Members of other churches volunteered as well, offering materials, labor and donations. It was a church of the community and it had taken the whole community to repair the damage. But now the scars were scarce. Cindy told her they left one charred piece of timber, now enclosed in a case, to remind them of how fortunate they’d been not to lose the entire structure.
Once at her class, it didn’t take long for Poppy to meet her Sunday school teacher, then greet the other children.
Tessa unobtrusively lingered in the hallway to make certain Poppy would be okay. But the child was all smiles, so Tessa finally made her way to her own class.
Her thoughts remained with Poppy. After Sunday school ended, she darted over to check on junior church, but again, Poppy was fine. Still, Tessa fidgeted during the church service. Usually she appreciated the beauty of the stained-glass windows, the aged wood, the flowers that adorned the altar. It was a place for her thoughts to settle, for her mind to seek solace. But today she glanced at her watch more than her Bible. And the moment the congregation dispersed, she practically ran to the chapel to collect Poppy.
Relieved to see that she was still looking happy, Tessa released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “So, you had a good time?”
“Uh-huh.” Poppy waved a booklet. “And I have stories.”
“That’s great. If it’s okay with your father, we can read them later.”
“Can we come back again?”
“If your father agrees.” All Tessa had previously gleaned was that Morgan wasn’t a churchgoer. After last evening’s conversation, it was evident why. She’d known others who had gone through crises of faith because of a loss. She considered herself fortunate to have held on tightly to her own despite Karl, despite the disappointment of knowing she would never bear children.
“Tomorrow?”
Tessa smiled. “Well, not tomorrow. It’s called Sunday school because it meets on Sunday.”
“But the party’s on Saturday!” Poppy wailed.
Tessa noticed a sheet of bright orange paper stapled to the booklet. “Let’s check out what your teacher sent.”
Poppy was right. They were having a class skating party. She drew her eyebrows together. What would Morgan think of this? She had no idea. Which meant her best option was to distract Poppy so that she wouldn’t worry over it right now. “I bet Dorothy will have lunch ready when we get home.”
Shaking her head, Poppy lifted her gaze. “Sunday lunch is sandwiches. Daddy says Dorothy should have a day off.”
Tessa had scrupulously kept to her own cottage on the weekends except when they were working on Saturdays, having asked Morgan to phone her if she was needed. But he hadn’t called, so she didn’t know how the house worked on Sundays. “That’s nice. I love sandwiches. What about you?”
The small head lifted up, then down. “Uh-huh. Dorothy makes dessert on Saturday so we have good dessert for Sunday, too.”
“Do you help?”
“Uh-huh,” Poppy repeated.
Driving back to Morgan’s house, Tessa wondered when he would return. She would have to speak with him about Saturday’s party. Tessa might have successfully distracted the little girl for the time being, but it wasn’t likely that Poppy would forget about the party entirely.
Sure enough, as soon as Poppy spotted Dorothy, she rushed to show her the papers she’d brought home. Dorothy met Tessa’s gaze. She could see her own question in the other woman’s eyes.
“Can I have chips?” Poppy was asking Dorothy.
“Yes. But before lunch, let’s change out of your good dress.”
Poppy swirled, the full skirt responding to the pirouette, swishing prettily. “Okay. Can I wear my purple shirt?”
Dorothy concurred as they headed up the back stairs.
Tessa released her breath. She knew she was overly invested in the outcome of whether Poppy would be allowed to attend the party. She wondered how wise it had been to have pushed for Poppy to attend church.
Morgan was nowhere in sight. But she could imagine his expression when he learned about Saturday’s party. Last night he’d been downright grim at the prospect of Poppy attending church. She hated to imagine his reaction when he heard about a second outing.
Chapter Five (#ulink_a9a53d63-4e6b-5de2-aa0e-ac4f2e952a4a)
Morgan flexed his shoulders, but the knot between them didn’t dissipate. Weariness settled in his bones as he walked from the garage to the house. His quick meeting had turned into a marathon. New problems cropped up like dandelions in the spring.
Landowners weren’t happy about the cleanup from a recent pipeline leak in East Texas. Ronnie Broussard had consulted with him, followed procedure, but one owner had made a career of keeping his neighbors riled up. Not that Morgan expected people to be happy about oil spills. But Harper’s cleanup record was the quickest and most efficient for any size transporter. It was something he took pride in.
The dull ache beneath his eyebrows that never seemed to go away intensified. He didn’t want to believe the constant headaches interfered with his judgment, but on long days like this one he wondered. Had he done all he should on this last leak? Or had details become blurred? He couldn’t put the blame on anyone else. Ronnie had followed orders. Just as Tessa had.
She had surprised him with her utter efficiency and dedication to the job. He had expected a steeper learning curve, but her experience and expertise had eliminated the need. Instead, she had made certain that he knew about the leak immediately, then made the calls necessary for a complete and thorough spill cleanup.
If she had been at the helm during the Exxon Valdez spill, history would have been rewritten. Fortunately, Harper’s spills weren’t on that scale. He spent plenty on maintenance and bought the best steel pipe on the market for replacements. It wasn’t a popular choice these days. A lot of his competitors bought the cheapest steel possible. But he refused to endanger the environment. Poppy had to grow up in this world, and he wanted to make sure he did his part to maintain the land under his control.
Morgan remembered all the people who advised him to take the company public, leave these decisions to someone else. He shifted the computer tablet in his hand. That step wasn’t something he was prepared to do.
Still, the exhaustion weighed on him. The previous day had been twenty-two continuous hours. And today’s meeting had begun early, then lasted late. He had expected to be home around three o’clock, not eight in the evening.
Knowing the back door was unlocked, he pocketed his keys. Pushing the door open, he was surprised by the hum of voices. It was time for Poppy to be in bed. Searching the room, he spotted his daughter, decked out in her favorite jammies, sitting at the table. And for some reason Tessa sat with her.
Dorothy noticed him first. “Well, it’s about time.”
He smiled at her despite his fatigue. He knew she worried about him like a parent. “Took longer than I expected.”
“Now, that’s what I’d call an understatement,” she replied, smoothing the sides of her cross-stitched apron in place.
“What’s going on?” He caught Poppy, who had climbed down from her chair and launched herself at him.
“Tessa made special cocoa,” Poppy told him, her small arms encircling his neck.
“Oh?”
Tessa fidgeted. “Just a brand I especially like. My mother sent a care package.”
“She afraid you’ve landed in the boonies?”
Looking mortified, Tessa shook her head. “No, of course not. She just spoils me. Looks like I’m doing the same thing.”
“I told her we often have cocoa in the evening,” Dorothy added with a look that dared him to counter her words.
“Would you like some?” Tessa questioned. “You must be hungry.”
“Yes, you must,” Dorothy chimed in. “We had leftover stew for dinner. Guessed you might be late so I made sure to cook something that warms up even better than the original.”
How could he argue with someone as caring as Dorothy? He wasn’t hungry, but common sense told him he should eat. “Sounds good, Dorothy. Thanks.”
“It has baby carrots and baby peas,” Poppy told him. “And it’s really good.”
“Everything Dorothy cooks is really good,” he agreed, putting his tablet on the counter, glancing at the screen before he turned it off.
Tessa lit the burner beneath a pan of milk. “Won’t take a moment to fix another cup of cocoa.”
He started to protest, but the wall of goodwill was overpowering. And he didn’t have the energy to surmount it. Dorothy scooped some stew into a bowl. Once in the microwave, the warming dinner emitted aromas reserved for waking the deadest of appetites.
Only a few minutes later, Tessa set a mug of hot cocoa in front of him. “I hope you’ll like it.”
He nodded. It was something he’d usually skip, but he didn’t want to be rude.
“Taste it, Daddy. It’s real good.”
He took an obligatory sip. Surprised, he glanced up. “This really is good.”
“It’s bittersweet,” Tessa explained. “Most hot cocoa is milk chocolate, a little sweet for me.”
“She put lots of marshmallows in mine,” Poppy explained, adding a cocoa mustache to her face with another sip. “So it would be sweeter.”
“You’re pretty sweet already,” he told his darling girl.
She grinned. “You always think that.”
Yes, yes, he did.
Dorothy placed a heaping bowl of stew in front of him. “I know you didn’t get your three squares today.”
He’d taken off before breakfast. There was a vague memory of a few doughnuts and coffee. Endless cups of coffee. And he’d skipped lunch.
“I ate my stew at dinner,” Poppy informed him.
“It is good,” Tessa chimed in.
Dorothy looked down at him, then raised her eyebrows.
Picking up a spoon, he dug in, knowing it wouldn’t be wise to say he was too tired to eat. He swallowed a bite. “Delicious.”
Glancing up, he caught Tessa’s concerned stare. She met his eyes, then finally looked down. What was in her aquamarine gaze?
“I’m going to a party!” Poppy announced.
“Party?” He looked at his daughter. “What party?”
“At sunny school,” Poppy replied.
That had been today, he realized. But he hadn’t intended for it to be an ongoing thing. When Tessa brought up the subject, it had seemed harmless, a onetime outing. “What’s she talking about?”
Tessa cleared her throat. “The teacher gave her a handout. The younger grades are having a little party on Saturday. Should be fun with lots of kids.”
He frowned. “I didn’t sign on for a series of church events.”
Poppy’s lower lip began to quiver. “I wanna go, Daddy.”
His throat tightened. There was little in the world he could deny her. “I have to think about it.”
“It’s time for bed,” Dorothy said only a moment later, preempting tears and hurt feelings. “Freckles looks sleepy.”

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