Rekindled Dreams (Moon Child) (8 page)

“How much cash are we talking about? I may be able to float a loan.” He could ask Aunt May for some of the money she’d set aside for him. Today or even next week wouldn’t be the best time. Matt named a figure. Simon whistled. He had to find a way. Accepting his aunt’s offer should give him enough. One thing he knew he wanted to be his own boss. That way, the only asshole would be Simon Parker.

“Partners,” he said.

Matt grinned. “Knew you would,”

“When will you need the money?” If today he faced a quandary.

“Not until you complete the training. Takes from six weeks to three months depending on how hard you work. Sit back while I make the call.

Moments later, Matt spoke to someone giving Simon’s name and information. A short time later he handed the receiver to Simon.

Simon answered dozens of questions about his time in the Marines and on the police force. “Yeah, I quit. Lasted two years on Narcotics, the last as undercover. They brought in an incompetent to head the department. Partner killed. I was shot because the man knew nothing.”

“I’ve have enough info,” the voice in the other end of the line said. “Matt will pull up some forms. Fill them as completely as possible. There’s a training session starting in about a week. We’ll arrange transportation. Are you available for three months?”

“I am. Matt mentioned the course could take less time.”

“Depends on how you score on the prelim tests and how hard you’re willing to work.”

“Good enough. See you next week.”

Simon went to the computer and filled out form after form. After sending them he rose and stretched. “That’s done.”

Matt handed him a mug of coffee. “What now?”

“Back to the city and take care of a number of things while I wait for news of the flight.”

“What about living space here? Planning to move in with Dana?”

Simon shook his head. “Have a huge fence to tear down. Years ago when I took off I never looked back. The other evening at the funeral home was our first meeting since graduation night.”

Matt arched a brow. “Good luck there.”

“Right.” Simon frowned. “All in time. Need to pull my life together first.”

“You will.”

“About living space here. I’ll need an apartment on a monthly lease if possible.”

“I may know of a couple in a new complex. I’ll make a call tomorrow and even put down the security deposit to hold one. One bedroom or a studio?

“One bedroom.” Simon finished the coffee and walked to the door with Matt. “Thanks. See you in seven to nine weeks.”

“Optimist.”

“Hardly. Just setting a goal.”

When he reached the apartment in the city he ordered a pizza and called Dana. He ate while telling her all about his plans. “Won’t see you for awhile.”

“Guess Matt’s offer pleased you.”

“Sure did. I’ll be leaving in a week or less to start the training program. Could be as long as three months but I intend to shorten the time.”

She laughed. “That’s you. Always in a rush. Will you come back before you leave?”

“I’ll try but I make no promises. Expect a call every night. I’ve a lot to do. Pack the apartment, find a storage place, find a bank with a branch in Fern Lake.”

“I’m glad things are working for you.”

“Hey, I’m not going to vanish this time. We’ll have a lot to discuss when I return. Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Promise.”

“Yes. Bye.”

Simon hung up and grabbed another slice. If he went to see her now, the affair would become a forest fire.

* * *

Simon’s nightly calls gave Dana hope for the future. She sympathized with his many projects involved in settling his affairs in the city. The time grew closer for him to leave.

Five days after he left, Dana pushed the stroller into the family room. Simon’s voice sounded from the answering machine. She snatched the receiver. “I’m here.” His deep laughter made her smile.

“I’m glad I don’t have to leave a message. I’m at the airport waiting for a page. How’s Jenny and how are you?”

“She’s growing. Still waking at two and six but I manage an afternoon nap. I’ve seven clients. Soon I’ll be able to sell this house.”

“That’s great. What I want to tell you is I’ll be busy for the next six to eight weeks.”

“Didn’t you say three months?”

“I intend to push the pace so if I don’t call know it’s because I’m busy.”

“I’ll miss our talks.”

“So will I. If you need me for anything, tell Matt. He’ll know how to get a message to me.”

“I’ll try not to bother you.” She didn’t mention that hang-up calls that had begun several days ago. He might postpone his trip. As long as she knew he was returning she would be fine.

“Damn, I just heard my name paged. Got to go.”

“Good luck.”

“You, too. Kiss Jenny for me.”

Dana smiled. He cared. Maybe he didn’t love her but she had hope for the future.

* * *

A week of a series of hang-ups had Dana wondering if she should change her phone number and become unlisted. The calls had stopped and she relaxed.

One afternoon during the second week of Simon’s absence, she returned from a walk with Jenny. The message light on the answering machine blinked. She hit the button and after the first few words, her body shook.

“Don’t think I’ve forgotten.” The voice belonged to Patricia. “Just because you had a girl doesn’t mean I don’t want Randy’s child.”

The message ended. Panic made Dana erase the message. Jenny was hers. Randy had denied being the father. Should she call Matt to have him reach Simon? She couldn’t disrupt his future. Could she leave Fern Lake and seek refuge elsewhere? Patricia had no right to Jenny but who knew when alcohol ruled her former sister-in-law’s life what she would do.

By the end of the third week after the last call from Simon there had been no further calls from Patricia. The nightly calls had begun again. Dana wished Simon would call. She’d begun to think his unexpected appearance in her life meant nothing.

On the day of her six week check-up, Dana woke thinking about Simon. What was he doing and when would he return? Would he want to see her?

She rose and showered. Then she dressed her daughter for the day in one of the outfits May had sent. Moments after eating breakfast, the doorbell rang.

Madge entered the foyer. “Hard to believe six weeks have passed.”

Dana grabbed her purse. “I’d better go. If she wakes and seems hungry, there’s a bottle of breast milk in the fridge. Just warm it to room temp.”

Madge’s dandelion curls bounced. “We’ll manage. I owe you this and more. I’m so glad I have today off.”

“You’ve been great.”

Madge followed her to the door. “My cousin is coming this weekend. I could bring him over. He’s a great guy and is looking to relocate.”

Dana shook her head. “Not ready for a social life.” She looked away. Not when Simon was ever in her thoughts even though hope had faded to a wisp.

“He’ll visit again.”

“I’ll see where I am then.” Dana waved and went to her car.

An hour after reaching the doctor’s office she left with an okay to resume all activities. She arrived home in time to feed Jenny before she ate the lunch Madge had prepared.

Madge filled glasses with iced tea. “What are you going to do now?”

“Call a realtor and list this house. Hunt for a smaller place. I’ve been looking on line and have found at least four possibilities.”

“What kind of house?”

“Smaller than this one.” Dana laughed. “There are rooms here no one has ever used and they’re unfurnished. I’m leery about the pool when Jenny starts walking. Actually there’s no place for a child to play.”

“I’ve noticed that.” Marge put a scoop of chicken salad on a piece of bread. “What will you do with all the furniture?”

“Take what will fit the house I buy. Won’t be much. Randy liked big and splashy. I’ll sell most of it. Already had a few offers.”

Madge lifted her sandwich. “I’m off next Saturday if you need a sitter.” She paused. “Don’t know what’s going on at the nursing home. Rob and his father got into a shouting match. Shame the door was closed.”

Dana leaned forward. “Off the record.”

“Do you know something?”

Dana shook her head. “Just know May was worried about something the day I went to the funeral home. Also when she stopped by last week.”

“If you learn anything, let me know. Don’t want to be out of a job.”

“Will do.” Dana finished her sandwich. “Don’t want to rush you but it’s back to work for me.”

* * *

Two weeks later Dana sent off the last bills of the week. The doorbell rang. Her heart pounded. Had Simon finished his course? Would she open the door and be swept into his arms? She had so much to tell him. About the hang-up calls and the call from Patricia. Randy’s sister hadn’t called again but Dana thought she’d seen the red car in the neighborhood several times.

She opened the door. May held a package in her arms. Disappointment filled Dana’s thoughts. “Come in.”

May handed Dana the bag she held. “A dress for Jenny. I just couldn’t resist.”

Dana took the gift. “You don’t have to bring something for her every time you visit.”

“Buying her new things pleases me. Can I see my granddaughter?”

“Of course. She’s sleeping in the cradle.”

May entered the family room and stood beside the cradle. “She looks so much like you. I see little of my son.”

“In looks but she’s more active than the stories I remember my mother telling me about my infancy.” Why had May come? This was her second visit this week.

“Simon’s back.” May made a face. “We spent yesterday running from lawyer to the bank and back. He’s now a partner in Matt Gray’s firm.”

Dana’s smile faded. Why hadn’t he called? “I guess he’ll be living in town.”

May nodded. “His furniture was delivered this morning. Matt found him an apartment in that new complex.”

Dana didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t coming. She had lived since the night Jenny had been born with dreams blown away by reality. “I wish him luck."

May patted her hand. “He’ll come to see you. Just give him time to settle.”

Jenny woke. Dana changed her daughter. This was her family. Though she wanted Simon, she needed no one but the baby. She carried the infant to the couch and reached for the shawl. “It’s feeding time.”

“How I envy you,” May said. “Robert refused to let me nurse Rob for longer than six weeks. The twins were premature and remained in the hospital for two months.” She walked to the doorway into the foyer. “I’ll see myself out. As for Simon, be patient.”

Dana but her lower lip. She wouldn’t cry. She wouldn’t be angry. If he came she’d act as a friend.

The doorbell rang.

Chapter 7

Simon stared at the stunned expression on Dana’s face. Didn’t she believe he would return? He groaned. How could she? They hadn’t spoken since he’d boarded the jet for the training facility. He hadn’t let her know he’d landed safely. The moment he’d entered the complex he’d become so focused on carving days from the schedule he’d put the rest of his life on hold. Other than a call to his aunt about the money, he hadn’t even spoken to Matt until he boarded a plane for his return. Yesterday when he’d landed at the small airport outside town, Matt had been waiting. They’d begun and ended the partnership process, gone to see the apartment and he’d crashed at Matt’s house.

“I’m a jackass.” He raked his hair with one hand. “Can I come in?” He needed to explain. He needed to hold her and convince her he was in town to stay and to become part of her family. Would she listen?