Miracles and Dreams (8 page)

Like a life with Misty. Being near her again rekindled all he’d ever felt. It had been there the whole time, deep inside him, just waiting for a warm whisper to coax it back. He couldn’t imagine spending the rest of his life without Misty—or Allie.

The kid was amazing. It awed Jack that he’d managed to create something—someone—so smart and giving and
perfect
.

Along with Misty’s help, of course. He could rack up most of the credit to her. She was a great mom; that much was evident. But did it end here…with three people, two homes, and no family?

And could he even manage a family? Where would they live? How would they make it all work? Mike had phoned him three times today with details to handle. Jack had to get back to California soon to close the deal. But how? He couldn’t imagine tearing himself away from Misty and Allie now.

The fact that Jack considered such questions made his gut twist inside out.

Lord, I know how this all started, and I know where I’d like it to end. I also know I don’t deserve it, but I need Your help here. Please, show me what to do through the middle…how to make this all right. I really want to make it right.

The prayer set up residence as Jack drifted, finally, into a fitful sleep.

****

Misty padded to the coffeemaker and refilled her cup. She had no decaf, only full-throttle, which was most likely the reason her heart stuttered as she added a splash of cream and a half-teaspoon of sugar to the mix. She wrapped her hands around the filled mug, thankful for the warmth.

Lucky yawned and stretched from the corner of the room, where he’d sprawled for a nap. He cocked his head to the side and gazed at her as if trying to figure things out.

Misty felt the poor cat’s pain. Confusion reigned all the way around.

The Web-design project was finished and ready for her to present to Spence Tucker in a handful of hours—thanks to Jack’s generous offer to take Allie to the park. Misty figured, as Jack loaded Allie’s car seat into his rental, that they’d return inside an hour. Surely he’d realize what an enormous undertaking having a soon-to-be six-year-old actually was, and he’d come running back in surrender. But they’d stayed gone most of the afternoon and into the evening. He’d even called to check in and let Misty know they were OK. She appreciated that. Even so, she knew he had a job to get back to in California. She’d expected him to board a return flight by midnight.

But Jack didn’t—he hadn’t. He was sleeping across town at the Lawson’s Bed and Breakfast, staying in Mill’s Landing for at least another day. The very idea sent a wave of warmth, coupled by a shiver of dread, through her. How could her emotions be so conflicted?

With the design project finally completed, the weight should be lifted from Misty’s shoulders, and she should, right now, be REM deep in the throes of sleep.

But sleep refused to come.

Maybe the call from her mom had something to do with it. Mom hadn’t said, “I told you so.” Hadn’t even hinted at it. She wasn’t that way. Still, her words lurked in Misty’s heart. How many times, since Jack first left, had her mom tried to coax her into contacting him, asserting there may have been some kind of mix-up or misunderstanding? Misty had refused, time and time again. Now, she understood just how steep was the price of her stubbornness—and pride. She could blame Jack all day long for his absence. But she knew she carried the lion’s share of responsibility, as well.

And Allie had suffered dearly as a result of Misty’s willfulness. When Misty should have surrendered to God’s will, she’d relied only on her own.

Could He ever forgive her, and could she learn to trust His will in all of this, now?

Misty stepped through the French doors overlooking the back deck and leaned into the rail, letting the cool breeze kiss her face. The mountains, veiled in moonlight, rose to hug a sleepy horizon while fireflies danced along the pasture. Misty was swept up in the beauty of the night. She’d always loved it here in Mill’s Landing, had felt a tug on her heart that just wouldn’t let go.

Could she let it go now, if it meant sharing a life with Jack and giving Allie the family she deserved? She’d always leaned on her own perception of what was best for her and Allie. Control—her need for control in everything—was a daily struggle. Perhaps it was time to surrender that control to the One who truly knew the desires of her heart. Even if it meant swallowing her own pride…as well as whatever doubts and insecurities remained.

11

Jack wound his way through the sleepy town toward the Landing. Mist rose from the river, giving an ethereal look to the waking morning. Through the length of the park and across the road, floodlights illuminated the grounds around Precious Miracles preschool. A glow through the windows of the hardware store told him Old Man Lawson was already at work there, as well. Saturdays were always good for business.

A neon sign in the window of Julian’s Bakery announced the pastries were fresh and hot. He parked the car and went inside where small talk with Mrs. Julian was followed by an order for a half-dozen donuts. Jack was sure to get a few of the chocolate-glazed cream puffs Misty loved, as well as several dusted with rainbow sprinkles for Allie. He was particular to the jelly-filled, so, as an afterthought, he implored Mrs. Julian to toss in a couple of those, as well.

The morning was perfect for a walk. Jack placed the pastry bag in the rental car and started along the river, following the jogging trail until he came to Myers Drive. A quick right brought him to the sign—and the property—Old Man Lawson had mentioned. Jack surveyed it from the road before stepping into the bush-hogged weeds to walk the length of it. He knew, from experience, that a good walk was the only way to get a true feel for the land. It didn’t take long to realize that this parcel was exceptional, prime commercial. The old man was spot-on. Jack grinned as he made a mental note to phone Luke in a bit and gather some details.

Back in the car, he drove toward Misty’s place. It was early, sure, but he’d promised to stay with Allie while Misty went to her meeting this morning for the Web-design project.

With Spence Tucker. He and Spence had once been friends, so it wounded that Spence had swooped in with Jack barely out of the picture. Was the project Spence’s way of trying to claim Misty for his own? Jack didn’t like the idea—no sir, not at all.

Soft lamplight glowed through front windows, washing over the lawn as Jack rounded the corner and approached Misty’s house at the top of the quiet cul-de-sac. He pulled into the drive and sat for a moment, surveying the Currier and Ives scene. OK, maybe not so Currier-and-Ives…the lawn needed a mow and the detached garage could use a coat of paint. Blossoms from a trio of Bradford Pears scattered along the gutters and a few shingles had come loose from the roof in the recent storm.

But Jack would rather be inside than sitting out here in the drive, alone. The house had a certain personality, and the woman inside…well, he loved her.

How could he make her see?

The front door swung open, and Misty loped across the yard to meet him. “Good morning, Jack. Are you going to come in?”

He was captivated as the breeze caused dark wisps of hair to dance over her cheeks. The linen suit she wore hugged her curves in all the right places while silver teardrops that dangled playfully from her earlobes caught the sunlight.

“You look beautiful.” Jack swallowed the lump in his throat as he slipped from the car. “Do you always dress like this for meetings?”

“Depends on the meeting…and the client. I’ve worked hard to build my business, and Spence is my most important client, thus far. I strive to maintain a professional image where he’s concerned.”

Jack caught one of the teardrops between his fingers and watched it reflect the light. His gaze shifted to her mouth. It almost seemed a shame to mess up the perky pink gloss she’d applied oh-so-perfectly along the plump outline of her lips.

“I want to, Misty…I have to.” He leaned in, his pulse hammering.

“I do too, Jack.” Yet, she took a step back. “But we shouldn’t, at least not yet.”

Did that mean they might…later?

“Ouch.” Jack waited for the ground beneath his boots to solidify once again, for his heart rate to slow to a non-explosive cadence. He released the teardrop and took a giant step back himself. “But, I suppose you’re right. We shouldn’t rush things.”

But he wanted more…oh, how he wanted to share more than a bit of banter with her.

“Allie’s waiting for you in the kitchen. She hasn’t had breakfast yet because she said you promised to bring doughnuts.”

“That’s right.” Jack turned to reach into the car through the open driver’s window and retrieved the bag. “I brought one for you, too.”

“Thanks, but I have to go now.” Misty nodded. “Yes, I think it would be wise for me to go—now. I’ll be back…as soon as I can.”

****

Walking away from Jack’s kiss was one of the hardest things Misty had ever done. Her hands trembled as she slid into her car, and she gripped the steering wheel until her knuckles whitened in an attempt to steady them.

A week ago—two days ago—she would have called anyone crazy who remotely suggested the scenario that had just unfolded in her driveway. Her reaction to Jack’s advances—his attempt to kiss her—was just as insane. But, the longing in his eyes was real, and the skitter of her pulse couldn’t be denied.

What was she going to do about it?

She glanced over to watch Jack climb the porch stairs and enter the living room. It should feel weird…just plain weird to see him go into the house—
her
house. But something about it felt right, too. He’d spend the morning with Allie, and that was right, as well.

Seeing the two together made Misty realize just how much Allie needed Jack. They shared so many of the same mannerisms, the same easygoing and inquisitive disposition. Yes, Allie needed Jack.

But did Jack need—or want—Allie?

Misty backed from the drive and started toward town. She couldn’t think about it all now. If she let all the twists and turns get to her, she’d blow the project presentation, for sure. And she couldn’t afford to do that. It was just too important to her future—and Allie’s.

She’d just have to trust God that the rest would work itself out.

****

“That was a yummy donut, Daddy.” Allie wiped rainbow sprinkles from her lips. “Can I have another one?”

“Would your mom let you have two for breakfast?”

“Prob’ly not.”

“Then, I guess the answer’s no. How about some apple slices?”

“No thanks. I guess I’m pretty full.” She rubbed her tummy.

“How’d you like to be my assistant then, on a very important project for your mom?”

“Yes, Daddy.” Allie wiggled in the seat, clapping her hands. “What is it?”

“Come on out to the car.” He took her tiny hand in his. “Help me gather my tools, and I’ll show you.”

Sunlight washed over the lawn as Allie scampered alongside him across the drive. The moment Jack opened the trunk and she saw the wood-encased pane of glass mingled along with the tools he’d borrowed from Old Man Lawson, she burst into a flurry of excited little hops.

“Are you gonna make a window for Mama’s office?”

“You’re a very smart girl, princess.” He tweaked her nose. “And, yes,
we’re
going to make a window for your mom—together.”

“But, I don’t know how.”

“It’s not very hard. I’ll show you. We’ll work on it together.”

“OK, Daddy.” Allie took the hammer and a box of nails he handed her, then watched as he latched the tool belt across his hips and gathered the jigsaw and the window frame. “Show me what to do.”

The words struck Jack.
Show me what to do
…

That was a big chunk of being a dad, wasn’t it, to show Allie what to do. And, so far, he’d failed miserably. He aimed to fix that, starting now.

Jack had taken measurements yesterday, marked off the exact spot for installation. So he knew where to begin. Allie covered her ears as the jigsaw shrieked.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

“I’m sure, princess.”

“Can I saw?”

“No, but you can use the level, make sure the window’s set flush.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’ll show you.”

They worked together, side by side, and the constant change of tasks held Allie’s attention. She shot Jack a round of questions, peppered by her signature childlike banter.

“How did you learn to make windows, Daddy?”

“My father taught me. He was a builder, too.”

“I never met him.”

“He died before you were born.”

“How?”

“He liked to fly, and he owned a single engine prop plane. One afternoon he and Grandma were coming home when the plane went down.”

“That’s sad, Daddy.” Allie rubbed his arm as if she fully understood his pain. “Do you miss them real bad?”

“Yes, I do. The accident happened a long time ago—almost eight years ago. But I still miss them a whole bunch.”

“Did Mama know them?”

“Yes. And they loved your mom very much.” He smiled at her. “They would have loved you, too.”

“Do you have a picture of them?”

“I do. Why?”

“I’d like one for my family tree.”

12

Though her head throbbed, Misty smiled as she rounded the corner and saw Jack standing on the front porch of her house alongside Allie. A tool pouch was slung low on his hips, and the very sight made her heart skitter.

She parked the car and switched off the ignition before rushing over the grass to meet them.

“You’ve got sawdust in your hair, Allie.” Misty knelt to hug the child, and then stood and turned to Jack. “You do, too. I’ve only been gone a few hours. What have you been up to?”

“You first.” His eyes locked with hers. “How’d your meeting go?”