Her Every Fantasy (18 page)

They made small talk as they ate. The girls filled her in on their day at school and the new things they had learned. The only thing missing was James. She looked over at the empty spot where he would have sat and missed him instantly. Sitting around the table with the Feldons had her thinking about how life would be if this were a permanent situation. She wondered if James would want any more children. He already had a handful. She knew for sure that she would want at least one child. Looking up, she saw that Jenna had finished eating, and her eyes were starting to droop. Kayla stood and picked up Jenna’s plate.

“Why don’t we go upstairs and get ready for bed?”

Jenna nodded and headed out of the kitchen toward the stairs. Kayla put the plate in the sink before following Jenna.

“You two keep an eye on your grandfather.”

The words were barely out of her mouth when she heard a hand being slapped. Turning around, she saw that it was Jamie slapping Dennis’s hand. Smiling she turned around and continued out of the kitchen. By the time she made it upstairs, Jenna was sitting on the toilet taking off her shoes and socks. Kayla turned on the water.

“Would you like bubbles?”

Jenna shook her head. “I would, but I am too sleepy to play tonight.”

When the tub was half full, she turned the water off. “Give me a call when you need me to wash your back.”

She stopped outside the door knowing that it wouldn’t be long before Jenna called out to her. As she expected, Jenna called out, and she went back into the bathroom.

She washed Jenna’s back, then left the bathroom and heading to the room that she put Jenna in. A few moments later, Jenna entered, dressed in her pajamas and carrying her dirty clothes. Kayla took the clothes from her and placed them aside. She helped Jenna into bed and tucked the covers up around her little body. Trying to remember if there was ever a time when she was that small, she looked down at Jenna who was staring up at her expectantly.

“Would you like a bedtime story?”

Jenna looked toward the corner. “My tape player is in my bag.”

She gave her a questioning look but went over to the bag and found the tape player. “Why do you need the tape player?”

Jenna grinned. “Because Daddy recorded my bedtime story on it in case he was not able to tell it to me himself.”

Kayla sat on the edge of the bed and pressed the play button. A moment later, James’s voice filled the room as if he were sitting right there with them. Jenna was asleep by the time he finished the story, but Kayla let it play to the end, wanting to hear the rest of the story herself. When it was over, she rewound the tape. She placed the tape player aside still while marveling at the smart idea that James had come up with. It was amazing the things that one could come up with if it were absolutely necessary. With one last look at Jenna, she left the room and headed back downstairs.

When she entered the kitchen, she couldn’t help but to smile. Dennis was still eating his salad with a dejected look. Jana had just gotten up from the table and was putting her plate in the sink. Josh was still sitting on Jamie’s lap. He had a handful of pizza and a mouthful to match. He spotted her and held his arms out. “Up, please.”

She reached out and picked Josh up into her arms. He was a handsome little boy. Being a heartbreaker like his father was in his future. He offered her some of the pizza, and she took a mock bite making him giggle before continuing to the table and having a seat.

“Did you guys finish up your homework?”

Jamie nodded. “Dad made us do it once he found out that he had to go to Houston.”

She nodded, happy with the answer. “Well, you guys go ahead and get ready for bed. Then come back downstairs, and we can watch a movie.”

She could tell by looking at the kids that they were tired and not going to be able make it through an entire movie, but that was okay. She wanted the kids to relax and have a good time without worrying about their father being out of town. Even though James had told her that this had happened a few times, she knew firsthand what it was like be uprooted and to stay in a strange place even if it was with a person one knew.

The more time she spent with James, she realized just how tough it was to be a single father. He seemed to have a system down pat for everything and a backup plan in case things didn’t go as originally planned. She looked down when she felt Josh’s head hit her chest. He was fast asleep.

Jamie grinned. “He will wake up as soon as he hears the bath water.” Jamie stood up. “I will clean up the kitchen while you give Josh a bath.” She walked to the sink with a few plates before turning to look back at Kayla. “Don’t forget to line the floor with towels and pull your hair back.”

She appreciated the reminder, because she remembered the first time she had participated in his bath. Even though she’d been a safe distance back, a few well-placed splashes had come close.

With that said, Jamie began to straighten up the kitchen, stopping to slap Dennis’ hand when he reached for a slice of hamburger pizza. Kayla shook her head and smiled as she removed the pizza clutched in Josh’s hand and stood up. She would bathe him in her tub. That way she wouldn’t tie up a bathroom that needed to be used by the others. Heading up the stairs, she inhaled Josh’s scent. He was so precious, and she couldn’t help but to hold him closer. Looking down at him, she wondered what it would be like to have a child with James. Would their child be another miniature version of him like his other children, or would their child inherit a few of her exotic characteristics? Maybe one day she would find out.

“Once again you have saved us, James.”

He grinned and shook Stephen’s hand. He was one of founders of Lockhart, Collins, and Vickers law firm. The contract work that he’d been completing for the company was enjoyable.

“That is what you pay me to do.”

Stephen nodded. “And you do it very well.” Stephen indicated for him to have a seat. “I called you in here to thank you for your speedy work and to make you an offer.”

He took a seat and wondered what the proposition would be. His current contract with the company was already lucrative, and they understood his need to relocate to Georgia. With his promise that his quality of work wouldn’t change, they had been more than willing to accommodate him.

“Collins, Lockhart, and Vickers want to offer you a longer contract. We also want to increase what we are paying you.”

He felt his eyebrows rise, unable to keep the look of surprise off of his face. His contract wasn’t up for another year, and he was already being paid a substantial amount of money.

“We want a five-year, exclusive contract with you with a forty-thousand-dollar increase.”

He had to lock his jaw to keep it from dropping to the floor. That would put him well into a six-figure salary, and he would be set with work for another six years. This was a deal that he couldn’t pass up. Yet, it sounded too good to be true. “That sounds like a very lucrative deal. What would be required on my part other than what I currently do?”

Stephen smiled. “I don’t think there is anything too demanding.”

He watched as Stephen reached into his desk drawer. He pulled out a contract and handed it to James. “Take a look at this, and if everything is agreeable sign, and get it back to us.”

James went to agree, then paused frowning as he recalled an earlier conversation with Richard, another partner in the firm.

“Richard mentioned relocation as a possible requirement several months ago. Is that still something that you guys want?”

Stephen nodded. “Yes, it is. We know that your father is still recovering and that your family is young, but it would be nice if you could move out here to our main location by the end of summer. However, if you sign that contract, it won’t be effective until your current contract it up.”

He had to lock his jaw again to keep it from dropping open. That would be a very sudden move if he were to agree to do it prior to his contract ending. Would he really mind the move? Not really. He was not so certain that the kids wouldn’t mind. His father was also another issue. His father had grown used to him and the children being around, and he liked it. Whether he would admit it or not was a different story. He would hate to uproot his family again, but they could make a life in Houston. And this time, the move would be during the summer.

Stephen checked his watch then stood. “I hate to be brief, but I have a meeting with a client.”

James stood and exchanged another handshake with Stephen. “Thank you for your time.”

Stephen smiled. “No, thank
you
. Hopefully I will be seeing you again but under different circumstances.”

 
“Yes, you will.”

Stephen escorted him back to his personal receptionist. “Susan, can you take care of Mr. Feldon? He will let you know what all he needs.”

Stephen shook his hand again. “Have a safe trip back.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Stephen left him standing in front of Susan’s desk, and the executive assistant had
him
boarded on the private jet within the hour. He checked the time and saw that the kids were in school. They would be out by the time he reached town.

Picking up the phone, he called Kayla’s cell and was not surprised when it went to her voice mail. He left a brief message stating that he was on his way back and would be in later that evening. Hanging up the phone, he leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. It had been a long week, but it had been worth it. He’d talked to the kids every night since he’d been gone. Each time had been interesting. They were having fun at Kayla’s and were minding her as he’d hoped they would. His kids were good kids, but they had their moments. He had really missed his kids. This was the longest that he’d been away from them, but the financial audit had been a nightmare.

Thankfully, it was over, and he could get back to life as he knew it. The kids were going to be excited about a possible move to Houston. Hopefully, this would be the last move. He wanted to give his children a stable life. He sighed. A good nap was what he needed before he reached Baxley. The next thing he knew, the pilot was calling his name. He gathered his items. It was a very nice and luxurious plane. He hoped that he would get to take several more trips on it but under different circumstances. Thankfully, the drive to Kayla’s home wouldn’t be long. He thanked the pilot for the safe trip and headed toward his SUV. When he pulled up into Kayla’s driveway, her car was there. The corners of his mouth curved upward as he stepped out of the SUV. He was excited to see his children again. He rang the doorbell. His smile widened when he heard Jenna’s shriek.

The door flew open, and Jenna and Kayla stood there. Jenna jumped up into his arms and rained kisses on his cheeks. He stepped inside the house, and Kayla closed the door behind him. Within minutes, all of his children were surrounding him and he had fifty questions being thrown at him at once. Kayla clapped her hands loudly a few times before clearing her throat. The kids quieted at once, even Josh.

“Your father has had a very long trip, and I am sure that he doesn’t mind the questions, but one at a time.”

His eyebrows rose as his girls actually heeded what Kayla said. They all went into the living room. The questions ranged from how had his trip gone to what had he brought any gifts back.

By the time the last question was answered, it was time to eat dinner. Everyone pitched in, and dinner was ready within the hour. Jamie and Jenna set the table. With the table set, they sat down and began to describe how their week had gone so far. During the middle of dinner, James decided to share his good news. He
clinked
his fork on his glass, and all turned their attention toward him.

“I received some very good news today. Collins, Lockhart, and Vickers offered to extend my contract for an additional five years as well as increase my pay.” Everyone began to chatter excitedly, but he continued. “They also want us to move to Houston.”

Silence fell around the kitchen. Jamie was the first to recover, but there was obvious shock on her face. “What did you say, Daddy?”

He grinned. “We will be moving to Houston.”

James was oblivious to the damper of everyone’s mood. Jamie set her fork down. “I would like to be excused from the table.”

Jana followed her, then Jenna. He
frowned
when Kayla stood up and left the table as well, leaving he, Josh, and father at the table.

James frowned at the reaction that he’d just received. “I thought that everyone would be excited about the news.”

Dennis frowned, his disappointment clear. “You thought wrong. The kids have finally found a place where they are happy, and you are taking them away from it. I won’t even mention what you have just done to Kayla. Don’t make the same mistake that I made, son.”

With that said, Dennis stood, picked up Josh, and left the kitchen himself. James shook his head in disbelief. What had his father meant by not making the same mistake that he had? Maybe he’d been fooling himself thinking that his family would be excited about this move. He’d thought that this would be a good thing for everyone. Evidently he’d been wrong. He had no idea how he was going to make things right. Turning down this contract was not an option. He would be out of a job in a year and, in this economy, that was something that he couldn’t afford.

Maybe they could work something out about the move to Houston, but he wasn’t going to completely turn down the job. He stood and headed upstairs to do damage control. He went to Jenna’s room first. She was lying facedown on the bed. Her little body was shaking, and he knew she was crying. He walked over to the edge of the bed and sat down.

Before he could say anything, Jenna turned to look at him. “Why do we have to move again? I like it here.” She paused to catch her breath. “Grandpa is here, my friends are here, and Kayla is here. I like it here.”

James scooped her up and placed a kiss on her forehead. He wiped away the tears that he’d caused. “I didn’t realize that you liked it here so much.”

“I do, Daddy.
We all do.”

James stifled a groan. He would find a way to bargain the move to Houston. Or maybe he could be out there full-time during the summer months. Yet, there was no way he would uproot his kids again when they were happy where they were. He had to figure out a way to make it all work out.

“I will find a way to keep us here. Okay?”

That quieted Jenna some. There was still a short pause before she agreed. After one last kiss on her forehead, he stood up. Leaving her with the instructions to pack her bag, he headed to talk to Jana. She was standing by the window with her forehead pressed against it. He called her name softly, and she turned to look at him. The sadness in her eyes made him pause for a second. He hadn’t seen her look this sad since Nicole passed away. It hit him hard, knowing that he was the reason behind that. When her gaze went back to the window, he moved toward her.

“I just wanted to come and tell you that we won’t be moving to Houston.”

She turned and looked at him with surprise. The expression turned to confusion. “Did you turn the job down?”

He gave a slight shake of his head. “No, I haven’t. But I may have to do that to keep us here.”

Jana dropped her head. “I really like it here, and I want to stay, but I don’t want you to lose your job because of it.”

James held out his arms, and Jana rushed into them. “I don’t want you to worry about that. I have always provided for you and always will.”

He had a pretty substantial amount of money set aside because he was well paid, and he had more money coming in than going out. He felt Jana nod against his stomach. “I will let you worry about the big stuff.”

The corners of his mouth curved upward at the comment. He had a habit of telling the kids to let him worry about the big things, and they would worry about the small stuff. It was his way of keeping his children in their state of childhood. Kids shouldn’t have to worry about adult problems. Jana’s arms tightened around his waist briefly.

“I love you, Daddy.”

He placed a kiss on her forehead. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

Pulling back, he gave her instructions to pack up because they would be leaving for home shortly. She nodded, and he took a deep breath then left the room. He was getting ready to deal with the toughest of his children. When he made it to the room that Kayla had put Jamie and Josh in, the door was closed.

He knocked on the door and was greeted by silence, but he entered the room anyway. Jamie was reclined across the bed with her head facing away from the door.
 

“Jamie—”

“Go away, Dad. I don’t want to talk right now.”

He sighed heavily. “I know that you are upset with me right now, but it doesn’t excuse rudeness. Now sit up, and talk to me. There are some things that I need to say.”

It took a moment, but Jamie finally sat up and looked at him. He closed the door behind him and sat on the edge of the bed beside his daughter. “I want to apologize for upsetting you with my surprise.” He shrugged. “I truly thought everyone would be happy.”

Jamie shook her head. “Before we moved to Baxley, we might have. Jana is happy, and she is smiling, Dad. How long has it been since you have seen her so content? She even told Kayla one of the jokes that you told her one time, although Jana’s version was funnier. This is home, Dad. Baxley is the place that we have all been looking for.”