Happily Ever Afters Guaranteed

8/2/2019 Happily Ever Afters Guaranteed

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HAPPILY EVER AFTERS GUARANTEED

A short story collection

By Lacy Williams


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Copyright 2012 Lacy Williams

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given

away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase anadditional copy for each recipient. If youre reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not

purchased for your use only, then please return to the site where you bought it and purchase your owncopy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.


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Other books by Lacy Williams

MARRYING MISS MARSHAL

THE HOMESTEADER'S SWEETHEART

HEART OF GOLD


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A note from the author:

I hope you enjoy this collection of short stories.

Im giving it away as a sort-of birthday gift and I want to give my readers more gifts, too! If you purchase

a copy of my book THE HOMESTEADERS SWEETHEART during the month of May 2012, you canreceive free bonus gifts from myself and other authors.

Visit www.megamaybirthdaybash.com for full details.Thanks for reading!

-Lacy Williams
http://www.megamaybirthdaybash.com/http://www.megamaybirthdaybash.com/


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Title page

Copyright page

A Birthday To Remember

Harvest Moon

Green Peas SneezeKate's Valentine

Part OnePart Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

The Bluestocking and The Blueblood

Sneak peak - Marrying Miss Marshal

Sneak Peak - The Homesteader's Sweetheart


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A BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER

By LACY WILLIAMS


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TUESDAY

Still no package.

Anna Larsen batted away her disappointment as she flipped through the stack of bills and junk mail.

She dodged a soccer ball rolling down the hallway and detoured to the trashit definitely needed to beemptiedand added the bills to the stack to pay later tonight, when things around here settled down a

little.Mom!

Ginas tattling!

The two voices overlapped as the sound of feet thundered toward the kitchen, followed by plaintive

barking.

She wasnt ashamed to admit her birthday wishmade during yesterdays brunch with her two best

friends, also young motherswas for a few hours of peace and quiet. Plus a dozen roses, an hour

massage, and the new romance novel shed been waiting to buy.

Shed settle for one of her wishes. Her sister Misty had promised to babysit for a couple hours

tomorrow, Annas actual birthday.

And Anna was hoping her parents had mailed her the novel since they were away on a cruise.

It was times like these she missed Ted the most. Hed loved cooking up surprises and doing big

things for birthdays. It just wasnt the same when you had to throw the surprise party for yourself. And,although hed left behind a nice insurance settlement so she didnt have to pinch pennies exactly she

tried to be frugal with the money so she might be able to help the kids pay for college. Not that she

needed to worry about that now.

Gina, Mikey, she stalled their wild flight into the kitchen with both hands raised.And the loud buzzing powertool from the house being remodeled next door kicked on, igniting

Annas headache. Couldnt the carpenter take a break for one day?

Whats going on? she asked her kids. Both six-year-old Mikey and four-year-old Gina sucked in

breaths, but before they could start talking over each other, Anna said, Gina first.

Mikey painted on the wall Her daughter, dressed in a long, lavender tutu, a t-shirt and sneakers,

started speaking.

Its a present for you, Mom! Supposed to be a surprise! Her sons exclamation was punctuated by a

bark from Molly, their six-month-old Border Collie puppy who had a suspicious orange streak across herback.

Anna was only surprised that thiswhatever hed paintedwas the first creative surprise her son had

given her this week. Last Saturday it had been mud pies baked in her oven.

Youd better show me this surprise, Anna said.

Happy birthday, Mom.

The R and H in birthday were both backwards. The words glared at Anna from the upstairs hallway,dripping down the once-white wall several feet below the family photos that lined the hallway.

Oh, Mikey

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Ill get it! chirped Gina, darting back downstairs before Anna could grab her t-shirt to stop her.No, Gina! Let mommy see who it is first!

Anna followed her daughter, but tripped on a doll on the bottom stair and landed hard on her rump inthe entry hall, just as Gina pulled the door open to reveal a tall, broad-shouldered man wearing faded

jeans and a tool belt.

The man Anna least wanted to see. And, apparently, the carpenter from next door. Kelly Cartwright.

You all right? he asked, flicking his sky blue eyes in Annas direction, though he didnt step over

the threshold.

She nodded, wincing with both chagrin and what was sure to be a bruised tailbone in the morning.

She pushed herself off the floor and moved to stand behind Gina, putting a hand on her daughters

shoulder.


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Those blue eyes didnt miss the protective gesture, and his hands fisted at his sides. Hello, he said

to Gina.

Im Gina Marie Larsen. Im four and I will be five in three more months. Who are you?

He smiled and it turned his face from plain old gorgeous to Tom Cruises younger brother

handsome. Annas heart thumped once loudly, same way it had every time hed smiled at her back incollege. My name is Kelly and Im thirty years old and two months.

Im six and a half.Anna glanced over her shoulder to see Mikey peeking around the edge of the stairway, Molly at his

feet.

My son, Mikey, Anna offered.

Hi, Mikey.

And thats Molly! Gina chimed in, her tendency toward wanting the spotlight asserting itself. And

Mommys birthday is tomorrow. Shes going to be

Gina. Anna clapped her other hand onto the girls other shoulder, halting her words. Too late.

29. I remember. Kellys gaze intensified as it shifted from daughter to mother.

Annas heart thumped again, painfully this time. She didnt want the bad boy from her college days to

remember her birthday. She wanted Ted back. Comfortable, good old Ted.

Is there something I can do for you? Anna wanted Kelly gone from her front porch before things

dissolved any more and Gina invited him in.I actually, um He looked sheepish, an expression shed never seen on him before. Hed always

been confidentTed had called him arrogant. I was coming out of the driveway to head to the hardware

store and I backed into your mailbox.

He pointed over his shoulder and Anna followed his finger with her gaze. Her mailbox lay on its sideand an ugly hold gaped in her yard next to the curb. So this wouldnt be an easy fix.

Mikey, can you take Gina upstairs and play, please? Annas kids shuffled up the stairs and she

thought to call after them, No more painting!

Kellys eyebrows rose as she joined him on the porch but she didnt explain. She pulled the door

almost all the way closed, so she could still hear the kids if they needed her.

Im really sorry, Kelly said, and he looked it. But shed been the recipient of one too many of his

apologies before and wasnt sure she could believe it.

Its not the first time its happened, she admitted, crossing her arms over her middle. I think theoriginal builders shaped the cul-de-sac wrong.

Since I was heading to the hardware store anyway, Ill just get a bag of cement and a new post. If I

get it set tonight, I can reattach the box first thing in the morning.

Its okay. My mom and dad are out of town, but dad can do it when he gets back. She didnt really

want Kelly hanging around, even to fix something hed broken.

I dont think the postman will deliver your mail without a box. His voice didnt betray any tension,but Anna knew him well enough to see his tellsstiff shoulders and still-clenched fists. It was my fault

for rushing. Shouldve been paying attention. Id like to fix it for you.

Shed prefer he didnt, but then she remembered her awaited birthday packaged and shrugged. Fine.

The kids go to bed at 8:30 though, so I dont want you to make a lot of noise after that.Sure. His easy smile returned. Im actually kind of glad this happened.

He was? Anna frowned, stomach clenching as she imagined what he might say.Ive seen you at church a few times since I moved back home a few months ago, but I always seem

to miss you.

She knew. Shed rushed the kids out of the sanctuary a couple of times to avoid him.

I heard about your husband and I wanted to say Im sorry for your loss. Ted was a good guy. He

squinted and looked out into the yard, as if the words werent easy for him to say. I

I should really go in and check on the kids, she interrupted, afraid of what he would say next.

She reached for the door but his hand closed over her wrist, surrounding her skin with heat. She

yanked away and he held up both hands in front of himself.


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Please. He cleared his throat. Im probably only going to get the courage up to do this once.

Heart pounding loudly in her ears, Anna desperately wanted to turn and rush back into the house, but

the thread of desperation in his voice held her captive.

I need to apologizeyou might not even remember thisthe night of your wedding reception

She knew exactly what he referred to. How could she forget, even seven years later? It had been theworst twenty minutes of the best day of her life and had caused the first fight between her and Ted as a

married couple. She could still hear Kelly over the mic hed snagged from the best man. You married thewrong guy, Anna. And Teds later comment, I cant believe youve been friends with that lowlife since

freshman year.

She hadnt stayed friends with Kelly after that.

You really dont have to she started.

Actually, I do have to. Apologizing and making amends is part of the recovery program I follow.

His eyes met hers, a serious, deep blue this time.

I didnt know youd joined a program.

Five years now, he said, rocking back on his heels, still considering her.

She didnt know what he wanted from her. Thats great. Im glad for you, Kelly.

But just because he was sober didnt mean she wanted to hang out with him. She had two kids to take

care of and a lot of other things going on in her life.

He finally looked away after a long beat of silence, his gaze going out into the yard again. Its okayif you cant forgive me for ruining your wedding reception. I know its a lot to ask.

Annas thoughts went to the night two years before thatbefore shed even started dating Ted. If she

probed, would Kelly apologize for that night, too?

Did she want to say anything? Afraid if she brought up their disastrous firstand onlydate, Kellywould read something into it, she chickened out. Its really okay. Water under the bridge and all that. An

apology is way better than what I thought you were going to say, anyway.

His questioning expression made her think better of her statementshe knew hed badger her until

she told him what shed thought, so she rushed forward without thinking. I thought you were going to

ask me out.

A flash of hurt crossed his features before he quickly schooled his face into a blank mask. She hadnt

meant to hurt him, but she just couldnt go there, not with everything that had passed between them. Not

with two kids to look out for.Id better get on to the hardware store, he said with a wan smile. Thanks for listening. His

shoulders were tense again as he took the steps off the porch. He didnt look back.

Bye, Anna whispered.


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TUESDAY EVENING

The kids finally in bed, Anna watched Kelly from behind the kitchen curtains as he mixed and poured

the concrete and put the new mailbox post in place. He was far enough from the house that he wasnt

making much noise.She felt kind of bad, because hed been workingshed heard the power tools going againall

afternoon since hed returned from the hardware store, and he hadnt taken a dinner break or anythingbefore hed started working on her mailbox.

Part of her thought she should go out and offer him a glass of water or a sandwich or something, but

she wasnt sure she could face having a conversation with him again.

Theyd met in Freshman English at university and hit if offbeen nearly inseparable that first

semester. When hed asked her out to a bonfire with a group of friends, shed been elated. Shed had such

a crush on him.

Shed been so nave.

Hed picked her up, and as usual, theyd talked and joked the whole way out to the local campground,

barely pausing for breath. Having fun.

But one of his buddies had brought a cooler of drinks and as the evening progressed, Kelly had

visited it more and more. By the time shed insisted on driving home, hed been too drunk to protest,

though it hadnt stopped him from stealing a slobbery, awkward kiss.The next afternoon hed apologized for going overboard and asked her if they could try again.

Shed been polite but refused on the grounds that she thought they were better off as friends. Theyd

had several classes together before graduation but never regained their former closeness. After Anna

started dating Ted at the end of her sophomore year, she and Kelly had drifted even further apart.And after hed made a fool of himself at her wedding reception she hadnt spoken to him again.

Until earlier today.

She was glad to know he was in a recovery program and had been sober for years. But she just didnt

think she could risk having a friendship with him again.


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WEDNESDAY

Kelly and the U.S. Post Office said shed have no mail today because her mailbox wasnt fixed. That

meant no package. Not even a birthday card.

Anna tried to squelch her disappointment and hold onto her temper as she followed the kidsscreaming voices into the living room. Her two usually-good kids had turned into recalcitrant monsters

and seemed determined to ruin her birthday today. A fight over the last of the cereal had made breakfastinto a free-for-all, and theyd both been cranky and petulant since.

Was it really only ten a.m.? She couldnt wait for Misty to get here.

What is going on in here? she asked, after raising both hands to silence the kids.

Mikey wont let me watch the princess show, Gina whined, big crocodile tears that Anna was sure

were fake shining on her cheeks.

Its my turn to pick, Mikey insisted, holding the remote control out of his sisters reach.

How about you both go into the kitchen and feed Molly her breakfast? Make sure she has water,

too.

Aw, mom They both mumbled and drug their feet but finally went.

Anna started to follow them but the phone rang. She answered quickly before Gina tried to come get

it.

Anna, Im sooo sorry, Mistys voice rang out over the line. Mrs. P called me in to work. I couldntget out of it and Im not going to be able to babysit. I know I promised but shes my boss and I couldnt

say no.

Her sister wasnt coming for the kids.

So much for carving a few relaxing hours out of the day for her birthday.Could anything go right today?

Mikey called for her from the kitchen and Anna slipped into the hall coat closet, wiping away a stray

tear. She just needed a moment without chaos to get ahold of herself.

Pressed against the winter coats, standing on top of the vacuum cleaner, she hiccoughed and tried to

calm down even as she heard a shouted Mom! from somewhere in the house.

Couldnt she even have a few hoursminutesof peace on her birthday?

Mom! Mommy! Her kids shouts echoed more urgently, but she couldnt get ahold of herself

Mom!Finally she stepped out of the closet, hoping she could keep a lid on her tears. Whats the matter?

Mikey skidded to a stop in the entryway, face panicked. Mollys gone! We went in the backyard to

get her and the gate was open. She ran away from home!

Gina ran forward and threw herself at Annas legs, wrapping her little arms around Annas knees.

Just what Anna needed. Something else to go wrong today! She prayed that the dog hadnt gotten far

as she disengaged Gina from her legs and headed for the front door.She was opening her mouth to yell for Molly as she hit the front porch when a familiar figure came

up the walk and halted her words.

Kelly, carrying a panting, squirming Molly in his arms. Looking for something? He ruffled the

dogs ears and chuckled as she licked underneath his chin, wiggling with joy.He took one look at Annas face and his smile faded. Whats wrong?

Molly! Mikeys voice rand out and his footsteps slapped against the porch steps behind her.Anna didnt want to break down in front of her kids, she really didntand she especially didnt want

Kelly to see her cry. But her relief that Molly was safe sent her teetering emotions reeling and hot tears

filled her eyes. She turned to the side and raised one hand to shield her eyes as Mikey rushed past her.

You found Molly!

Actually, she found me. I left the front door open and she came wandering in and right to me.

Anna sensed Kelly kneeling down to Mikeys level, but tears still blinded her as she tried to get ahold

of herself.

She seems hungry, Kellys baritone rumbled.


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Yeah, Gina and I were supposed to feed her and thats when I saw the gate was open. We musta

forgot to close it last night after we put our bikes up.

Anna was surprised by Mikeys chatter. He was usually more reserved with people he didnt know

well.

Well, next time youll know to check the gate, wont you? Do you think you should go feed Mollynow?

Yeah! Cmon Molly. You too, Gina.Anna heard them scamper off into the house. Theyd be distracted by feeding Molly for at least a few

minutes. Now if she could just escape Kelly without making a total fool of herself

She heard his clothes rustle as he stood from his crouched position. Is there anything I can help

with?

She shook her head, sniffled. No. Im fine. It might have sounded more believable if her voice

hadnt shaken with emotion.

Anna. He said her name and her heart gave another one of those funny lurches.

I just She couldnt tell him everything that was wrongno birthday gift from her parents, no

sister to babysit, no Ted to make a big deal out of her day It would sound like whining. Could you just

watch the kids for a few minutes? I might take a short walk.

His hand closed over her elbow briefly. Take as long as you need.

She meant to only go partway down the block and come back, just a few moments to calm herself,but by the time she felt composed, it had been more like a half hour and shed walked all the way around

the block to the neighborhood park.

The house was quiet when she came in. Not a good sign. And what was that smell? Gina? Mikey?

she called out. Kelly?A soft woof from somewhere in the house reassured her.

Hello? she tried again. Noisy feet scrambled around somewhere above her head.

Were upstairs, Kellys voice answered.

Curiosity piqued, Anna climbed the stairs. She stopped close to the top, when she came face-to-face

with two grinning kids and a carpenter with a movie star smile.

Surprise! Gina and Mikey shouted, jumping up and down and rattling the plastic they stood on?

Thats when she noticed the walls. Bare of pictures. Brightly white. With no birthday wishes scrawled

on them. No orange paint.What happened? she asked faintly.

Gina came forward and pushed a folded piece of construction paper into Annas hands. Happy

birthday, Mommy!

Anna unfolded the handmade card to see Happy birthday, Anna written inside in a heavy,

masculine scrawl. Beneath the words, both Mikey and Gina had printed their names. Beneath that was a

kids drawing of a house with several stick figures and a stick puppy. One of the figures held balloons.We fixed the wall, Mikey said proudly, bringing her attention back up to the pristine white hallway.

Mr. Kelly let me help put together the paint roller and lay out the plastic.

And I made the card! Gina chirped.

But she looked closely at the wall and couldnt even see the orange paint through the new whitelayer. I wasnt gone that long.

Kelly stepped forward, his blue eyes serious behind his smile. Its a fast-drying paint plus primer. Ihad an extra half-gallon left over from the neighbors place He jerked his thumb toward the house

next door as if she didnt know where all the noise had been coming from for the last few weeks. All

your pictures are laid out on the floor in your bedroom. I marked the spots where they all went

Kelly pointed to several small, dark marks on the wall, showing where the family pictures needed to

be re-hung. Hed thought of everything.

Anna couldnt speak past the lump that had returned to her throatthis time from gratitude. Shed

pretty much blown Kelly off yesterday when hed tried to apologize and today hed done this wonderful

thing for her.


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I hope its okay I didnt overstep, did I?

Kellys real concern was echoed by Mikeys soft, Mom, dont you like it? and pleading brown

eyes.

Its wonderful, she said, pulling Gina and Mikey into a brief hug. Thank you.

Gina looked up, chin still pressed into Annas stomach. Can I have a snack? Im hungryMe too!

No wonder, since both children hadnt eaten a good breakfast after fighting at the table. Sure, thing.They ran down the stairs, sounding like a herd of elephants. Whooping, hollering elephants.

Your pup is in the laundry room. Thought it might get us in more trouble if she got paint footprints

all over the house, Kelly said as he joined Anna on the staircase.

Good thinking.

She wished she wasnt so aware of him as their shoulders brushed on the way down. She slowed so

that he moved in front of her as he stepped of the last stair and into the entryway.

Thank you, she said. For more than just painting the hallway.

His eyes were still serious even though he smiled when he turned back to her. Ive learned its okay

to need help sometimes. Im glad I could be here.

Embarrassment heated her cheeks. Im not usually I dont do that. Break down.

Kelly shrugged. Its understandable. Having a birthday has to be one of those occasions that you

really miss someone youve lost. He glanced at the large, framed picture of Anna and Ted with the kids,laughing in the park. It had been taken a few months before the accidentGina was just two months old

in the pictureand hung prominently in the foyer. Was it Annas imagination, or did Kellys jaw tighten

as he considered the family portrait?

Your kids are really something. Ted wouldve been proud.She swallowed the lump that remained in her throat and whispered, Thanks. They usually are. Today

theyve been a little challenging.

He chuckled. Id better get back to work.


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WEDNESDAY EVENING

Anna had just sat the kids down with mac and cheese and hot dogs when the doorbell sounded. Gina

started rise, but Anna motioned her back into her seat. Ill get it.

Misty grinned and waved through the front window.What are you doing here? Anna asked as she pulled open the door. I thought you had a date

tonight?Your birthday only comes once a year. I felt bad about having to back out of watching the kids this

morning, so I cancelled. You can still sneak out of the house for a couple hours. Oh, and I forgot! Mom

asked me to give you this.

Misty put a small package in Annas hands. Ripping open the paper revealed the novel Anna had

been expecting, plus a special surprise tucked in the front jacketa gift card for a one hour massage at a

place shed wanted to try out for awhile.

Her parentsprobably her momhad known just what she needed for her birthday.

Get out of here. The kids and I will be fine.

A glance out the window showed Kelly hauling something from his truck to the neighbors house.

Anna remembered the poignant, longing look on his face as hed glanced at the family portrait earlier.

She suddenly knew what she wanted to do with her now-free evening.

After running upstairs to put on some lip gloss and grab her purse, she stepped outside. She washalfway across the neighbors lawn when Kelly emerged from the house carrying a load of used lumber.

Something wrong? he called out when he saw her. Dog out again?

He carried to the wood to the curb and deposited it on the ground with a loud clatter.

No, she replied, suddenly nervous. Her tongue cleaved to the top of her mouth and she had to clearher throat before more words would emerge. Do you want tomy sister came over to babysit. Anna

motioned over her shoulder to Mistys car in the drive. I thought I would go have a bite out to celebrate.

You know, birthday dinner and all. Do you want towould you like to go with me?

His look of surprise was quickly followed by a tentative smile.

Im not really dressed He glanced down at his jeans and sweat-dampened t-shirt. I could run

over to my apartment and change. Its not far.

I wasnt planning to spring for The Steakhouse or anything, Anna replied with an ornery smile.

Ive still got two kids to feed, you know. I was thinking more along the lines of Mels Place. The cafwas much more casual than the fancy steak restaurant shed named, but they served the best milkshakes

in town. And Mels would make this seem less like a date. It wasnt a date. Just dinner between two

people who used to be friends.

Thats right. Youve probably forgotten what its like to eat at a four star restaurant with those two

little tykes around.

At least Mels doesnt have a climbing gym inside, she joked.He laughed, a deep, hearty sound that vibrated all the way to her bones. Their gazes clashed and for a

moment it was like being back in college again, before everything had changed between them.

Kelly broke the connection first, turning toward his truck. Ive at least got a clean shirt in the truck.

Ill just run inside and put it on.Anna nodded, face heating. Youre not in college anymore, she reminded herself sternly. But it was

hard not to be attracted to a man as handsome as Kelly was.He returned after locking up the house, dry shirt safely covering those muscled shoulders. He acted as

if nothing had passed between them, boosting her into the truck and talking animatedly about the

remodeling project he was working on for her neighbors.

She gave him a hard time about his noisy power tools. He ribbed her about almost losing Molly.

It was like old times. But she was completely aware that Kelly was a different person. His confidence

seemed deeper quieter, somehow. He didnt radiate the kind of nervous energy he had in the past

there was no constant tapping of his fingers on the wheel or jiggling of his knee. Behind his jovial

demeanor, he seemed more settled.


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He asked a lot of questions about Ted and the kids while she sipped her milkshake and they waited on

their food.

Over the meal, she asked about his parents.

They split up when I was in high school, he told her, stealing an onion ring from her plate.

She snitched a French fry from his. I didnt know that. Why didnt I know that?Kelly looked away briefly but then visibly forced himself to meet her gaze. I never talked about it in

college. Not to anyone. Its taken me a lot of time to work through my issues with my parents.For a long time, I felt responsible. I guess a lot of kids feel that way. And then, too, when I was

growing up, everyone always told me I was just like my father. After he left, my mom was so closed

off I thought, if she didnt love him anymore, how could she love me?

Oh, Kelly She couldnt help herself. She reached across the table and touched his hand.

It also didnt help that I was a selfish jerk, too worried about what people thoughtwhat you

thought about meto be straight with you about my personal life.

Well, youre certainly more open now.

He grimaced self-consciously. Yeah, well, Ive learned you can hide all you want, but the ugliness

lives inside you.

But when she looked at him, she didnt see anything ugly. God had changed Kelly through the

recovery program.

Im really proud of you.Thanks. Other than from my mentor, I dont get a chance to hear that very often.

Their serious conversation was interrupted when a crew of waiters arrived with a candle-lit cake to

sing a birthday song for Anna. She rolled her eyes and mock-glared at Kelly, but was secretly pleased by

the attention.Hed managed to make her feel special today. From painting her hallway and interacting with the kids

this afternoon, to his open, engaging dinner conversation shed completely changed her mind about

having Kelly back in her life.

It was that decision that led to her ask, Could we do this again sometime? when they were almost

back to her house. The intimacy of the darkened cab of his truck began to feel oppressive as he didnt

answer, and didnt answer

He pulled into her drive and Anna was ready to jump from the truck, her face flaming with

embarrassment. Obviously, he didnt feel the same way she did, the same connection.I dont know if thats such a good idea, Anna. His soft words held her captive, though she kept one

hand on the door, ready to escape.

His hands flexed on the steering wheel. Im He took a deep breath, his exhale loud in the silence

between them. This is really hard. After tonight Im falling in love with you again. If we see each

other, Im afraid it might get worse.

She gulped and gathered her courage enough to warble, Again?He still didnt look at her. I thought you mightve guessed back in college. I pretty much fell for you

that first day in Freshman Comp. I was so nervous that night we went out

I couldnt tell.

Really? Not even when I kept going back for more and more beer? I thought having a couple wouldtake the edge off, and then I saw you getting uncomfortable and I knew I was ruining everything but I still

couldnt stopShe couldnt seem to take her eyes off him, but he still hadnt looked her way.

When you wouldnt go out with me again, I knew why, but I kept telling myself that I could clean

up and have another chance. Then you started dating Ted and I saw you slipping away Inside, I knew it

was my own fault for the doing the things I was doing, but I blamed anything and everyone else. I just

kept thinking I could change, but then you were married

Her face was still hot, but now for a different reason. Shed had no idea hed cared so much.

I messed up back then, he said, starting at his hands gripping the wheel. I was so jealous of Ted

Im still jealous. I know he was a good guy, know you mustve loved him a lot, and I cant live up to that.


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I know you have the kids to watch out for and I just if we see each other again, if we start a

relationship, Im afraid of messing up again. And the last thing Id want to do is hurt you.

Now he turned to face her, eyes vulnerable. He was leaving it all out on the tableand all up to her.

If she decided she didnt want to see him again, she knew he would keep his distance.

In the dim light from the dash, she watched the tiny lines around his eyes tighten as she gave seriousconsideration to his declarationafter all, she had to think about Mikey and Gina.

But she also had to think about herself. She couldnt ignore the sparks that had reignited betweenKelly and herself tonight. She felt valued, her heart felt alive for the first time since Teds death Her

heart reached out for his and she reached out and linked their fingers together.

Technically, you still owe me a kiss, to make up for the one you botched before.

She saw the teasing words register, saw that he knew exactly what she was talking about. And the

hope blooming in his eyes matched her own. She wasnt afraid of living any more.

But I dont kiss on the first date, she warned with a grin. So I guess youll have to take me out

again.

He reached for her and when she went into his arms, tucked her head beneath his chin. They clung to

each other, and she realized he was shaking.

Are youare you sure? he asked gruffly.

Yes.

And she was.

THE END


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HARVEST MOON

By LACY WILLIAMS


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PART ONE

Jesse Parker held tightly to his son Joshs hand as they navigated the crowded country drive. He tried

not to step on any goblins, fairies, superheroes or sports stars and was glad his son had chosen a

Halloween costume without a mask, just in case they got separated in the crush of families.Someone bumped Jesses shoulder and he juggled the Jack-o-lantern cradled in his other arm.

Dont drop it, daddy! Josh chided, as serious as a five-year-old could be. I want to win thecontest!

I wont, buddy. And remember what I said the other night. You might win the carving contest or you

might not.

I know. Joshs exuberant grin lightened Jesses heart, but nothing could budge the rock settled deep

on his lungs. It was guilt, plain and simple. For something hed done a year ago, words spoken in the heat

of anger. Words he now wished he could take back.

There she is! Josh exclaimed, pointing across the crowd. Theres Miss Olive.

I see her. And he did. Once Jesse spotted the blonde head bent over a makeshift table, all his senses

narrowed to a pinpoint, focused on Olive Thomason.

Same way they had ever since high school.

Hed thought the six years shed been away from the small farming town of Peaceful, Oklahoma,

would be enough to curtail his silly reactions to her, but her arrival last year after her grandmas strokehad quickly disabused him of that notion.

He hadnt thought shed stick around. And therein lay the rub. She had.

Miss Olive! Josh burst through the last of the costumed munchkins and ran up to Olive, Jesse

following.Shaking her short hair out of her eyes, the petite blonde looked up and beamed at his son. Jesses

heart pounded and she hadnt even looked at him yet.

Hiya, Josh.

Jesse straightened his shoulders when her blue-eyed gaze skipped up to him.

And Jesse.

He cleared his throat. Touched Joshs shoulder. The boy quivered with excitement under his

superhero cape.

Olive. How are you? I guess you know my son from his kindergarten class. And it was Jessessincere prayer that she wouldnt hold blame for his behavior against his son.

Miss Olive, daddy and me carved a punkin for the contest. I drew the design and daddy cut it for me

cuz Im too little to use the knives. Thats okay, right?

She glanced at the pumpkin in Jesses hand, a half-smile crinkling her strawberry lips. Hmm, yes its

fine, Josh. Thats nice that your daddy helped you. Lets fill out this entry form Youre just in time,

too, because the judging is going to start in about ten minutes.Jesse set the pumpkin on the table among about fifteen others with different degrees of art carved into

them, ranging from simple triangles for eyes to really intricate art designs.

His attention half on filling out the quarter sheet of paper that Olive slid across the table to him,

Jesses heightened awareness tracked Olive to where she now stood with one hand on Joshs shoulder.Did your daddy make you dig out all the pumpkin seeds? Olive asked Josh, tone serious.

Yes, and it was really goopy and gross!Josh let out a sudden giggle and Jesse glanced up to see a large black and white Border Collie had

approached and was licking his sons face. Oooh, Darby blech!

Jesse knew his son didnt really mind the doggie kisses, not after hed heard story after story about

the mutt.

Daddy, this is Darby. Shes the dog that visits my class with Miss Olive.

Jesse crouched to greet the dog and noticed it had on a bandana complete with skeletons and

scarecrows. How festive. It extended its paw in a polite shake and Jesse couldnt help but chuckle.


19/99

Miss Olive says Darby is the smartest dog ever because shes been to school for five years in a row.

Thats a lot in doggie years. Miss Olive says I should finish my school too so I can be smart just like

Darby.

Miss Olive says was a common refrain in the Parker household. Josh had been enamored with the

lovely volunteer and her shaggy companion since theyd begun visiting his kindergarten class weekly atthe beginning of the semester.

Jesse knew his son desperately needed a mothers touch. Was the boy imagining Olive in that role?Oh, Daddy, I see Cassie from Sunday school! Can I go say hi?

Jesse couldnt say no. He stood up, hands in his pockets, supremely conscious that hed been left

alone with Olive. He watched his son run up to a little girl in a princess costume, saw the girls mother

wave at him that shed watch Josh for a few minutes. He nodded his acquiescence.

What should he say to Olive? He didnt know how to approach the subject of how wrong hed been a

year ago.

Hes been excited since breakfast, hasnt he?

Yep. Didnt want to go to bed last night, either. Jesse glanced at the woman that still made his heart

sound like it needed a tuneup just by standing there. She had a yellow sun, complete with smiley face,

painted on one cheek. Festive, just like her dog.

Olive shuffled a pile of papers in front of her, face downcast. Did she want him to go away? He really

should apologizeSo you volunteer once a week at the school? he asked.

She looked up, almost seemed surprised that he was still standing there. He probably deserved that

after the awful way hed treated her last year.

Twice, actually. The kids really love it and Darby does too. Her hand crept down to rest on thedogs head.

Im surprised you have time, what with running your grandmas farm and doing Jesse swept his

arm in an arc to encompass all the activity going on around them. all this.

She started loading the pumpkins into a wheelbarrow he hadnt noticed behind the table. I make time

for whats important.

He wasnt sure if her words hid a double meaning, but he let them go for now.

Jesse lifted a large pumpkin from the front of the table and rounded the corner to put it in the

wheelbarrow for her. She nudged a cardboard box in his direction and he assumed that meant to fill it up.He did.

Josh is a sweet kid.

Jesse looked around mock-frantically, then heaved a sigh. Dont let him hear you say that. No,

seriously, he can be a terror sometimes but he has his sweet moments. He gave her a wry smile. Kinda

surprising, since hes my kid, huh?

Her eyes met his for the first time instead of flashing away. No. You have your moments, too.


20/99

PART TWO

Olive kept her eyes averted, but she couldnt turn off her awareness of the way Jesses muscles

bulged as he maneuvered the wheelbarrow piled high with jack-o-lanterns over the bumpy farm lane to

the display shed set up on her Grans porch.She couldnt believe shed blurted out that she thought he was sweet. Shed been prepared for him to

turn tail and walk off had expected it after the last conversation theyd had one year ago but hedflushed under his tan, averted his expressive brown eyes, and insisted on helping her tote the jack-o-

lanterns over to be judged.

She was just as much of an goober over him now as she had been at eighteen. Why couldnt she get

over this inappropriate crush?

Darby followed at their heels, although the registered therapy dog kept sneaking glances at the

yummy foods right at her level some held precariously by uncaring children. Olive snapped her fingers

to keep the dogs attention where it should be.

Jesse rolled the wheelbarrow right up to Grans front steps and released the handles. The rancher

wasnt even sweating.

Thanks, she said, putting down the smaller box she carried and wiping her dusty hands on her

jeans.

Anything else I can do? Was him rubbing one hand down the back of his neck a sign ofnervousness? What did he have to be nervous about?

Um, Angies going to set these out and do the judging. Here she comes now. She waved to her

neighbor who was heading their way.

Jesse looked like he wanted to say something else, but at that moment Josh ran up to his father.Daddy, daddy! Theyre doing hayrides! I want to go, I want to go! Cassies going, and Tommy

Jesse laughed, interrupting his sons chatter. He swung Josh up in his arms and then there was a mad

scramble as the boy settled in for a piggyback ride. All right. He looked right over at Olive, his gaze

intense.

Oh, Miss Olive! Can you come too?

She signaled Darby to stay in step with her. Ill walk with you. Im supposed to drive the truck,

though, so I wont be able to sit in the back.

They talked of mundane things with Josh present, Shed settled in the cab of the well-used pickup borrowed from another neighbor relieved to be out of Jesses intoxicating and confusing presence.

The passenger door creaked open and the object of her thoughts slid in, shoving Darby into the

middle seat. Its way too crowded back there. Mind if I navigate?

She blinked. I guess not. Will Josh be okay without you?

Oh, hes fine.

Olive twisted to see through the back window. Josh was surrounded by friends and two responsible-looking adults sat nearby. She shrugged and started up the truck. In addition to being well-used i.e. old

it was a diesel and plenty loud. Maybe she wouldnt have to talk to Jesse during the ride.

Theyd made it past her mailbox and onto the dirt-packed country lane when Jesse spoke. Shouted,

really.Im sorry about what I said to you about you not having what it takes to stick it out in Peaceful.

She glanced at him, trying to gauge his sincerity. Shed gotten real good at that had to over theyears.

Jesse kept his face mostly averted, eye out the passenger window. His neck and cheekbones were

endearingly pink-tinged.

Im glad thingsve worked out for you and your grandma, he continued, still speaking loud over the

trucks roar and the rattle that came from driving on a rutted dirt road.

Worked out? she cried. Worked out?

I mean He quickly tried to backpedal. Youve worked really hard


21/99

Exactly right, I have! She smacked the steering wheel, her action matching the force of her words.

You have no idea. No idea. The farm was almost bankrupt when I got here. If I hadnt figured out this

co-op with the neighbors and these different festivals, Gran and I would probably be out on our tails. And

thats after I talked everyone into it, handled all of the marketingdid you know we have an online

presence now? Did you? And then planning four events in the last four months. She took a breath, butshe wasnt done yet. Do you realize that it took me two months of cajoling, begging and then bribing to

talk Mr. Thompson into doing the corn maze?Bribing?

Argh! Thats all he got out of her whole diatribe? She spoke through gritted teeth. Yes, with several

of my grans pecan pies.

By now theyd reached the end of the dirt lane and Olive carefully pulled a u-turn before heading

back to the festival grounds in her driveway. Jesse was blessedly silent, but Olives thoughts and

emotions churned.

She stopped the truck and trailer well outside the rope fenced area, so there was less chance of

running over any kiddos, fully expecting Jesse to hop right out of the car and escape the awkwardness that

descended with the silence when she turned the truck off.

He didnt. Jesse blew out a gusty sigh. I really admire you.

What? Had she heard him right? Never in a million years would she have expected those words to

come out of Jesse Parkers lips. Her face flamed.Youve done good since youve been back in town. Im happy that things are going well for you. I

really am.

She held her breath; she could tell something else was still coming.

I guess He forked his fingers through his thick brown hair and spoke to his lap. When I saw youlast year, it brought back I mean I realized I still had feelings for you.

She swallowed hard and tried to formulate a reply, but she couldnt seem to find any words. Jesse

Parker had feelings for her?

I thought all my feelings, the word seemed to be hard for him to say, had disappeared when you

left right after graduation. I met Carrie, we got married, Josh came and then after Joshs mom died I

was too busy raising my son to feel much of anything, but when you came back

Olives chest felt as if a heavy weight rested there, crushing the air from her lungs. Shed known

Jesse would move on after she left Peaceful right after high school, but she hadnt had a choice. Shed hadsecrets, and if Jesse had known them back then she felt sure he would have thought differently about her.

If he knew her secrets now, it still might change his feelings for her.

Jesse went on, oblivious to the turbulence of her thoughts. Everything else did too. At the time, I

wanted you gone thought if you didnt stick around then things could go back to normal for me and

Josh.

The weight on Olives chest turned to fire. He didnt want her around?But now

At that very moment, Joshs head popped up in the window at his fathers side. Daddy that was sooo

fun! Can we go to the maze now? Please, can we?


22/99

PART THREE

Olive practically ran from the truck, claiming she had to check on the soundstage, but Jesse thought it

was probably an excuse the country music blaring from the speakers set up around the perimeter of the

guest area was plenty loud for his tastes.That hadnt gone well. Shed bolted.

Again.If he blinked long enough, he could pretend he was back in high school. Hed been on an adrenaline

rush from getting through graduation; hed thought the world was his oyster back then.

After the graduation ceremony, hed done the unthinkable for a shy, quiet guy like him hed invited

the prettiest girl to take a ride in his truck. Theyd never made it out of the parking lot, had sat on the

tailgate outside the high school gym until the sun came up. Just talking. Hed flown higher than ever

before.

And crashed. The very next day, Olive had left Peaceful and taken his heart with her.

Evening, young man.

Jesse looked up from his depressing thoughts to see he and Josh had walked right by Olives

grandma, sitting on a rocker on her porch.

Hi, Mrs. Thomason.

Josh scampered up the porch steps for a hug Olives grandma had been his favorite Sunday schoolteacher before shed had her stroke.

Whatcha doin? Josh asked, standing at the old womans knee.

Why, Im guarding these prize-winning Jack-o-lanterns. Hafta make sure no young rascals mess up

the ribbons or knock them over.By the time shed finished speaking, Josh had already turned to examine the display of what looked

like forty or fifty Jack-o-lanterns spread on a stair-step shelf.

Daddy, theres our punkin! He has a ribbon! Whats it say?

Jesse came up the porch steps to stand behind his son and read the green ribbon glued to the top of

their jack-o-lantern. It says: honorable mention.

Whats that mean?

It means you did a wonderful job on your jack-o-lantern, Mrs. Thomason answered before Jesse

could. And the judge thought it was special.Oh, wow! Josh bounced twice, feet thudding on the porch. Thats so cool!

Jesse gave an internal sigh of relief that Josh wasnt too disappointed they hadnt won. He didnt

point out to his son that all the pumpkins that hadnt won had green ribbons on them.

Josh moved to the end of the porch to look at the winning jack-o-lanterns and Jesse leaned one hip

against the porch railing, crossing his arms over his chest.

You look too serious for an event like this, Jesse. I saw you with my granddaughter earlier. She dosomething to upset you?

No. No, of course not. No, hed done it, by making a fool of himself over Olive. Again.

Hmm. You know, my granddaughter has been through a lot of pain. Id be obliged if youd tread

carefully with her heart.He didnt know how to respond to that. What about his heart?

A cell phone jangled nearby and Jesses head came up in time to see Olive round the corner of thehouse, carrying a couple of paper plates piled with slices of pie. Smelled like blackberry. She handed one

to her Gran and juggled the other while trying to fish her phone out of her jeans pocket. Finally he took

the pie from her and she shot him a grateful half-smile.

It was better than no smile.

Whats up, Sue Ann? Youre kidding. Olive groaned loud enough to turn even Joshs head from his

pumpkin-watching.

The boy came to stand next to Jesse, both of them watching her finish her conversation.

Uh huh. Im on my way.


23/99

She clicked her phone closed.

This for me? Jesse asked playfully, holding up the pie plate.

You can have it. She hardly glanced at him, knelt next to her grandma. Someone lost their kid in

the maze. Im going to go help look for him. You okay here?

The older woman nodded and Olive kissed her worn cheek, then turned to go.Wait Jesse followed her off the porch steps. He motioned to himself and Josh. Well go with

you. Maybe I can help find whoever got lost.Daddy, I dont wanna go.

Jesse looked back to his son, now clinging to the arm of Mrs. Thomasons rocker, torn between his

duty as a father and his desire to help Olive. I thought you wanted to do the maze?

I changed my mind. Spoken like a five-year-old. I dont want to get lost, too!

Dont worry, young man, Mrs. Thomason put in. Joshua can stay here and help me guard the jack-

o-lanterns. Well wait for you to get back. She patted Joshs hand and he beamed at her.

It was all Jesse needed to see. He jogged off after Olive, who was already weaving her way through

the crowd toward the banner that read Maize Maze on the far side.

He realized he was still carrying that piece of pie.

You mind if I eat this? Jesse asked, waving it in Olives direction. She shook her head and he

scooped the dessert up with his fingers, not bothering with the plastic fork tucked underneath it. The

warm, gooey deliciousness melted in his mouth.Mmm, mmm! he hummed, mouth full.

She shot him an amused glance over her shoulder and shook her head. If I remember right, you

always did like my Grans pies. Seems like you bought one or two at every bake sale since fifth grade.

It was true. Your Gran bakes like no one else in the world.He disposed of the paper plate in a nearby trash can and when he turned back to Olive, found her face

turned a pretty shade of pink.

Um, I made the pies. The blackberry ones. Sue Ann from down the lane made the peach cobbler.

Really? Wow. Then I guess Id better turn on the full power of my charm and convince you to marry

me, he teased.

When she looked miserable instead of cracking a smile, Jesses own smile faded. Nevermind. Lets

just find this kid were looking for.

He tromped forward into the mouth of the maze made of corn taller than he was. Better hope the kidhad stayed on the path or they were in for a very long night. The sun was already getting low in the sky,

turning the low-lying clouds all shades of orange, pink and red.

Jesse. Olive touched his arm and his senses went on red-alert. This way.

He followed her on the westerly of two paths, and the deeper they went into the maze, the quieter it

got. As if theyd left everyone behind. He kept his eyes peeled for a child wandering by themselves, but

so far they hadnt seen a soul.When I left Peaceful six years ago, I had a secret. Olives surprising statement hung in the air

between them for a long moment.

Jesse wondered if her secret had to do with the painful past her grandmother had mentioned.

I left becausewell, it wasnt because of you. Not directly.Not directly? What does that mean?

She touched his hand and nodded toward another path they hadnt tried yet. When she started to moveaway, Jesse tangled their fingers together and held on. And she let him.

Do you remember graduation night?

Of course I do. It gave this nerd hope that I could date a pretty girl someday.

She half-laughed, half-snorted. You werent a nerd. Then, seriously, You were the first man who

ever made me feel like I was valuable. As a person.

He swallowed the knot of hope that suddenly formed in his throat. Because I talked to you instead of

making a move? I really wanted to kiss you that night.

She nodded. You know what my reputation was like back in high school. The fastest girl around.


24/99

He squeezed her hand. I never believed those rumors.

You should have. Before I met Christ, I was a mess. She inhaled deeply. A tremor ran through

her arm and down her hand. When I left Peaceful, I was three months pregnant.

Jesses breath froze in his lungs.

Olive pulled her hand away and turned to face him. The setting sun cast long shadows, and hecouldnt read her closed expression.

Thats part of why I left. I couldnt stand it if your reputation suffered because of me. Everyone intown knew you, loved you. No one even cared when I left.

He had.

Mommy! A high-pitched cry came from nearby, breaking the trance that seemed to surround them.

A little girl walked into view seconds later. The missing child.


25/99

PART FOUR

Olive escaped Jesses presence after returning the missing little girl to her very relieved mommy. She

made her way to the trick-or-treat booths shed set up this morning to make sure the farmers, people from

church, and her neighbors had enough candy.She greeted her friends and forced a smile she didnt really feel. Her thoughts ran over and over

Jesses reaction.She hadnt seen the censure shed been so sure of all these years. But his eyes had still darkened,

something had changed in the way he looked at her when shed admitted her reason for leaving Peaceful.

And he didnt even know shed given the baby up for adoption.

It hurt more than it should.

She found Grans still on the porch and stood with her to watch the kids parade by in their costumes.

Her eyes kept straying to Super-Josh and his daddy, and each time she caught herself watching them, she

berated herself for wishful thinking.

She wanted Jesse to love her. Wanted to be a part of his and Joshs life.

Jesse had wanted to be her friend in high school and more, according to him when her reputation

had been questionable at best. Now that he knew the truth, was there any chance of a future together? She

just didnt know.

When Olive couldnt bear the ache in her chest anymore, she took a small gas lighter and snuck outbehind the house where nearly five hundred jack-o-lanterns lined a path down to the small pond and the

bonfire that would be lit at twilight. It was almost dark, she might as well start lighting. Sue Ann would

be arriving to help her in a minute.

Dark fell just as she lit the last of the jack-o-lanterns. The extra stadium-type lights theyd rigged upnear the house went dark, and all that remained were the twinkling jack-o-lantern lights and the bonfire

crackling behind her. Olive slipped behind the table laden with smore-making supplies, intending to hide

there until the evening was over.

She watched people meander down the lit pathway in groups and clumps, parents often toting their

smaller, exhausted kiddos. A pang of jealousy speared her. She wanted a family of her own.

As much as Olive tried not to watch for Jesse and Josh, her eyes kept drifting through the new arrivals

anyway. Maybe theyd already gone home.

Then something caught her attention, a leaf crunching under his boot? a soft sound from the sleepingbundle he carried? It didnt matter, because Jesse was there, Josh conked out and held protectively on his

dads shoulder.

Come sit with me, Jesse murmured.

She started to shake her head but he nudged her elbow with his and nodded his head toward an empty

pair of lawn chairs at the back of the crowd gathering around the fire.

Heart thundering in her ears, she followed. She would regret it for the rest of her life if she didnt atleast see what he had to say. She perched gingerly on the edge of the chair next to Jesse, careful not to

bump the booted legs he stretched out in front of him.

I know how he feels, Jesse whispered, jerking his chin toward Josh. Im pooped.

You shouldve gone home.Cant. Not done with our talk.

She didnt want to have this conversation here, out in public. A blush heated her cheeks. Then again,they were talking so quietly to keep from waking Josh that probably no one else could hear. She hoped so

anyway.

Josh wants a mom, Jesse said. And I think hes picked you.

It was so not what she expected him to say that her mouth fell open.

He talks about you all the time, Jesse went on.

That doesnt mean he wants me to be his mommy! Olive hissed.

No, I knowwe just read a lot of books about mommies. He chooses them, not me.


26/99

Jesse Olive couldnt help the tears that sprang to her eyes. He was talking about one of her most

cherished dreams I cant

Just hear me out. He shifted Josh in his arms, freeing up one hand that quickly slid over and

grasped Olives. I think its clear that we both have there was that cough again, feelings for each

other.She smiled a soggy smile. Are you trying to say you love me?

Jesse cleared his throat. Yeah. Im not that great at talking about mushy stuff. Do you love meback?

She nodded, shaking all over now. He loved her. But, Jesse, my past

He squeezed her hand. Honey, weve all got ugly stuff in our past. You can tell me all about it, and

Ill listen. But when you accepted Jesus, He made you clean and new again. Thats all that matters to me.

His words were too good to be true. A soft sob escaped Olives lips and, embarrassed, she tried to get

her hand back from Jesse so she could cover up her face.

He didnt let her. Instead, he pulled her out of her chair and against his chest, where at least she could

hide her face.

Josh squirmed and his sleepy voice said, Daddy? You and Miss Olive are squishing me. Whys she

crying?

Jesses voice was a rumble under her cheek. Im pretty sure its cause shes happy. Olive?

She nodded, chin rubbing against the material of Jesses jacket.Whats going on? Whys she happy?

She laughed through her tears, pushing back from Jesses hold and ruffling Joshs hair. Jesse caught

and held her eyes, his own joy shining bright enough for her to see clearly.

Son, I think shes happy because shes going to be your mommy.Really?

Yep.

She kissed both of them for good measure.

THE END


27/99

GREEN PEAS SNEEZE

By LACY WILLIAMS


28/99

DAY 0, AFTERNOON.

ATTEMPT 1.

The door opened before Sarah Fortini was ready.

Hey! Brand Turners smile always made her knees weak and today was no exception. His blue eyescrinkled at the corners, just so, and his brown hair was stylishly disheveled.

She resisted reaching for the doorframe, praying her wobbly legs would support her.Thank goodness youre here. Cmon in.

Um

He disappeared and she had no choice but to follow him inside the gorgeous two-story brick home.

She knew the houses in this upscale Austin, Texas neighborhood were expensive, but she wasnt

expecting the ornate furniture or shiny wood floors. It was enough to make her lose her nerve. Shed

come to ask Brand to marry her, and she was praying hed say yes.

Sorry, he called over his shoulder as he led the way into a well-appointed living room. I just found

out the office wants me to come in for a couple hours. Jerry Brand caught a shrieking boy as he

jumped from the back of the couch.

Dont even think about it, Brand ordered with his finger pointed at Josh, age three, who knelt on the

opposite sofa. Sarah knew the little boy from Bible class. He didnt jump off furniture in Bible class.

The baby jabbered nonsense and rammed its round walker-thingie into a side table, apparentlywanting in on the action.

Youre Sarah, right? From Joshs class?

At least he remembered her name. Did he also remember the hour-long conversation theyd shared at

the last singles retreat? It had changed Sarahs life. Made her realize what was really important in her life.And that she didnt currently have it.

Im glad youre here.

He was? Sarahs insides fired up.

Brand waved her into the room right off the living area, a kitchen messy and all three boys

followed them.

All the other candidates have been old or scary, Brand went on.

Yeah, scary, echoed Jerry with a five-year-olds wisdom.

Piercings, Brand mouthed, motioning a circle over his own face.What? She had no idea what he was talking about. Candidates?

Can you stay with the boys for an hour or so? That way I can take care of this meeting. If you make

it through, the jobs yours.

Um, job?

They pays good it has to be for these hooligans Brand nudged the babys carrier-ma-jig over

the threshold into the kitchen while using the reflection in the toaster to loop the tie he picked up off thecounter around his neck. She hadnt noticed before that he wore slacks and a dress shirt. But we can

discuss all that when I get back.

He picked up a briefcase from the top of the fridge. Jerry! Keys?

Sarah jumped at Brands unexpected exclamation.The oldest boy pointed to the counter. Brand snatched up a keyring tucked behind a cereal bowl with

spoon still in it.He was leaving? He was leaving!

Will you Marry me?

Thanks, Brand called over his shoulder, blowing a kiss in her general direction.

Sarah was left starting at three boys, all looking back at her.

She had no idea what to do with them.


29/99

DAY 0

EVENING.

A neighbor had come earlier to see what all the screaming was about, but left when she saw Jerry

chasing his brothers through the living room.Sarah was surprised no one had called the cops yet.

And that she still had some hearing left after three hours of nonstop shouting.The screaming changed tone with Brand came in the garage door.

Cheeks flushed from embarrassment that she hadnt been able to control the situation, Sarah yelled

out to him over the ruckus, How do you get them to stop?

Brand shrugged and let out a roar, forming his hands into claws and giving chase, losing his jacket

and tie as he went.

Well.

At least the noise had moved out of her general vicinity.

He poked his head back in the doorway. Will you stay for dinner?

When the boys were finally in bed a couple of hours later, Sarah stood at the sink, absently drying the

last of the dishes. She put it carefully silently on the counter. Yes, the quiet was nice.

You didnt have to wash up.

Brands voice startled her and she whirled, the dish towel snapping in her hands. She put one handover her now-racing heart and glared at Brand, who leaned against the far counter, hair disheveled.

Its no big deal, she replied when she was sure her voice wouldnt squeak.

Trust me, it is. Ive been meaning to get the dishwasher fixed, but I havent had time.

She nodded. In her few hours at the home, it was clear there were several things that hadnt beenchanged since his late wifes death. An outdated calendar on the fridge. Magazines on the coffee table,

stained and water-wrinkled.

It made her wonder if he was still mourning his wife, and thats why the things had been left undone.

It wasnt a good feeling.

Maybe she shouldnt ask him

You didnt come here today to be my kids nanny, did you?

Her eyes flew to his face. He looked exhausted. Funny how she hadnt noticed the lines bracketing

his mouth, though shed watched him all through dinner. Or maybe hed been smiling so much the lineshad blended right in.

No, I came The words stuck in her throat. She cleared it. I didnt realize you were going back to

work.

He exhaled, fanned a hand through the hair at his nape. Have to. Only half time, though. The

insurance money is just about gone.

The coffee machine beeped and Brand looked at it like hed never seen it before.Sarah pulled out a mug shed located them when putting all the dishes away and filled it with the

aromatic brew. Though you might need it. When shed seen the pile of paperwork hed set aside with

his briefcase. How could he work and take care of the three boys and the household chores all on his

own?He accepted it with a grateful sniff. I will. Thank you.

He took a long drink, leaned his hips against the counter behind him. This close, she could reach outand touch him if she wanted. And she wanted. She just wasnt sure how hed react.

He stared off into space, expression pensive. I havent had a cup of coffee this good since before

Gina died.

The heaviness in his voice was her undoing. Her hand was on his arm, a simple touch on his forearm

and she felt it all the way to her bones. His eyes met hers; she let her hand slip off his sleeve.

Im sorry. Was she apologizing for his loss or the touch? The emotions rioting through her made it

impossible to tell.


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He shifted his feet, rand his hand over his face. Thanks. But you didnt come here to listen to me

whine. Why did you come here?

Again, the words just wouldnt come out. Maybe I could help with the boys until you find someone

else. You said there werent any good candidates today, but you can keep looking, right? And my job is

pretty flexible. It was. Thats one of the main reasons she ran her own company, an IT support business.His shoulders lifted. Really? Youd help us out?

Yeah. And so much more, if he would let her.Well, great. Can you come tomorrow?

Sure. Theres only one problem. I dont know anything about kids.


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DAY 1, MORNING.

ATTEMPT 2.

You really werent kidding, were you?

Shed dreamed about the last few moments with Brand all night, including the rich-as-chocolatechuckle hed gifted her with before ushering her out the door, so it seemed natural to Sarah that their

conversation flowed right from where theyd left off.As natural as it could while she held a gurgling baby with green goop smeared all over his face.

No, I wasnt kidding. But she couldnt keep from responding to Brands smile. She laughed.

Can I ask how you ended up helping in Joshs Bible school class? Brand slapped a sandwich into a

baggie and tossed it into the briefcase located, once again, on top of the fridge.

Its the only place they cant reach, he explained when he caught her open-mouthed look.

A friend Gale roped me into it. All I do is give the kids Cheerios and keep them from taking each

others toys. Gale does the real work.

Well, the sharing thing is a good strategy to start with. I wrote down a couple other things, in case

you were serious last night. Good thing, too.

She smiled, knowing it was wan. Are you sure you trust me with your kids?

Yup. He pressed a half-piece of notebook paper into her hand.

Sarah glanced at it. Not much of an instruction manual. She was used to hefty tomes with specificinstructions. At least on most software programs there was a HELP function she could use for

troubleshooting. Or she could Google it.

Did Google find instructions for dealing with kids?

Brand was heading for the door at an alarming rate and she wasnt sure she trusted herself with theboys.

WaitBrand

Sorry to rush off, but I have an early conference call

The door shut and Sarah looked at the goo-covered baby on her hip. He sniffled.

Well, here we are. Its Jamie, right?

He let out a wail.

I know just what you mean, kiddo.


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DAY 2

AFTERNOON.

Jerry hated her. Josh copied his older brother in everything, so she spent the day dealing with two

recalcitrant boys. Luckily the baby seemed to love everyone, even those who had no idea how to wranglelittle kids into a semblance of order.

The boys didnt like the lunch shed made grilled cheese and soup.Naps were for babies and they wouldnt take one, even though Josh was clearly cranky. She was

exhausted. Why werent they?

By the time Brand pulled in the driveway, she knew there was a major hurdle to overcome before

they could get married. His boys needed to be won over.

How did it go? Brand whispered after sneaking into the kitchen; the boys were still in the living

room. His quicksilver grin made it all seem worth it. She didnt want to mention her despair.

Jer and Josh and I didnthit it off so well. Understatement.

His brows came together in puzzlement. But they loved you last night.

Yeah, well, last night I didnt try to make them take a nap.

Just then, two shrieking boys, followed by one babbling baby rushed into the room with cries of,

Daddy!

Clearly, she was an unwanted female presence.Until Brand raised his head on the way out of the room, boys under each arm, Stay for dinner

again?

###

I didnt mean for you to cook dinner again. Brand collapsed on the wicker porch swing next to

Sarah, leaving the boys to play in the sprinkler under their watchful eyes.

Twilight was falling, making the moment seem romantic. Except for the screaming.

Its okay. I put the roast in earlier so there wasnt much left to do.

He rolled his head on the back of the seat and look at her. His gaze felt palpable. She kept her eyes on

the boys playing.

Its a big deal to me. Just like the coffee. The boys need more home-cooked meals and Im not much

of a chef.Im not either. I just found a recipe and followed the directions.

Mmm. You seem to be good at that. Following directions. I noticed you kept number five on my list.

Keep the boys safe and happy.

There wasnt a number five on your list. She knew, because shed gone back to the list of

instructions several times, wondering if shed missed something. And they werent exactly happy.

Happy enough.What about your happiness? she asked, feeling braver than she had the first day when shed

knocked on his door. Who worries about that?

He considered her question seriously, head tilted to one side while he watched the boys. I guess the

honest answer is no one.She really wanted to touch him. Just a hand on his arm like shed done last night, but she clutched her

hands in her lap, unsure if hed want that.Do you think thats healthy? What if you get burned out?

He leaned his elbows on his knees, pressing both index fingers against his lips. I dont have all the

answers, Sarah. I just try to get by one day at a time.

She inhaled deeply. Now or never. Have you ever consider, erm remarrying? It wasnt exactly

the question she wanted to ask, but it was close.

His blue eyes flickered up to meet her gaze, which he held for so long she lost her breath.

I have, but

Sarah caught her exhale.


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I couldnt consider anyone unless my boys loved her as much as I did.


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DAY 16, AFTERNOON.

ATTEMPT 3.

Youre not my mommy!

Sarah flinched at Jerrys defiant proclamation. The boy must have sensed the flash of hurt that passedthrough her, because he went on.

You cant tell me what to do.Sarah inhaled on a prayer for patience, which she sorely needed today. I know Im not your mommy,

but I am in charge. That means you have to do as I say.

She took hold of the now-screaming boys arm and propelled him down the hall to his room.

Five minutes in time out, Sarah said, voice firm.

She desperately needed a time out of her own.

For the last two weeks, the boys had run her ragged during the day. But each day was worth it when

Brand came home and they all ate together. Shed been making inroads with Josh and Jamie. Last night

both younger boys had snuggled on her lap for their bedtime story.

Only Jerry remained aloof. Today hed been downright insubordinate.

And this morning shed received a call on her emergency phone. Only two clients two high-paying

clients had that number. Shed been trying to call Mr. Smith back all day, but each time something had

interrupted her. Maybe now that Jerry was contained in his room and the other two boys played quietly inthe living room

Sarah sidled into the nook in the hallway, dialing her phone. She leaned her head against the cool

wall, enjoying the warm wood floors on her bare feet. She loved this house. Loved the boys, even Jerry

and his challenging ways. Loved BrandHi, Mr. Smith, she said when her client picked up. Sorry I havent gotten back to you yet.

At that moment, Josh came barreling out of the living room, holding up a singing bear. And Jerry ran

down the stairs, toward her, screaming.

Brand rounded the corner from the kitchen. He mustve arrived early from work. Whats going on?

he demanded.

A squawk came from the telephone, held out from Sarahs ear.

She burst into tears.

For one moment, Brand looked panicked, but then he took charge.Jerry, Josh, living room, he ordered. He took Sarahs phone from her nerveless fingers. Shell call

you back, he said into the receiver before snapping it shut.

Sarah tried to turn her face away, so he wouldnt see her silly tears, but Brand simply took her into his

arms, tucking her head against his shoulder. Ssh.

His hand rubbed circles on her back. Nice.

When Sarah felt more in control of herself, she reached up to wipe the wetness from her cheeks, andBrand stepped back.

Okay? he asked.

Mmm. She would be, when she got over the humiliation of breaking down in front of Brand and the

boys. She never cried.Sorry, she muttered, keeping her gaze down.

Im just surprised youve lasted this long without breaking down. Dealing with three boys will dothat to you.

She looked up, smiled wryly. Thankfully, he didnt seem too spooked by her tears. Thanks, I think.

Palm open for her phone, she said, I need to call my client back. I think he had an emergency this

morning. I just hope it wasnt anything big.

Brand showed her into his office his sacred room where the boys werent allowed to visit.

Fortunately Mr. Smith had grandkids and was very understanding. His problem was an easy fix she was

able to solve on the phone.


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When she finished her call, she went searching for Brand. She found all three boys in the kitchen with

their father, Josh and Jamie at the table with snacks, while Brand had pulled Jerry aside and knelt in front

of him. They appeared to be in serious conversation, so Sarah hung back just outside the kitchen

doorway.

Were you misbehaving for Miss Sarah today?Jerry stared at the floor, lips formed in a stubborn pout.

Jerry.Sarah was constantly amazed at Brands patience. Shed never seen him lose his temper with the

boys.

Dont you like Miss Sarah?

Jerrys lower lip began to tremble.

Doesnt she treat you good? Cook good food for you? Take you to your soccer games? Make

cupcakes for your church class?

Yes! The boy burst out. But shes gonna leave. I heard you say shed only here for awhile. I dont

want her to go!

Sarah couldnt stop herself. She rushed into the kitchen and Jerry ran into her outstretched arms. She

peppered kisses on his cheeks and forehead.

My sweet boy, she said, holding Brands gaze over the top of Jerrys head. Im not going

anywhere.


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DAY 16, EVENING.

FINAL ATTEMPT.

Sarah smoothed her blue skirt and white blouse with her clean hand, the other holding a spoonful of

Jamies baby food, mashed green peas.Im just gonna do it, she told her captive audience. Jamie in his high chair.

Do what?She shrieked and whirled, hand going over her heart. Brand! Dont sneak up on me.

He raised his brows. Its my kitchen.

Jamie cackled from behind Sarah, Jerry and Josh grinned from their places at the table.

See, the boys all agree. Now, what is it youre gonna do?

Sarah squared her shoulders. Ask you a question.

Jamie gasped and, distracted, Sarah turned to the boy, only for him to sneeze. All over her.

Silence fell on the kitchen.

Sarah looked down to see her pretty white shirt had been splattered with the peas Jamie had been

eating.

She laughed, and after a startled moment, all the Turner men joined in.

Brand ran water over a dishcloth and moved to wipe her cheek, which brought him close enough to

kiss. If she were of a mind to do that.For a second there, I thought you were gonna cry, he teased.

She rolled her eyes. If you wouldve come in five minutes later this afternoon, I wouldve had

everything under control.

He tapped her nose with his finger. I dont doubt it. His expression turned serious. I appreciateyou. Youre doing a fine job with the boys.

Well. Good. I think you should marry me and keep me around forever.

The corner of his mouth quirked up in a grin that set her heart to pounding.

You do, huh? Boys, what do you think?

Yeah! Jerry shouted. Josh and Jamie caught his excitement and started yelling too, though Sarah

doubted they knew what was going on.

Brand brought his mouth to her ear to be heard over the noise. Sure you want this crazy life

forever?She beamed up at him. Yep.

He kissed her to seal the deal.

THE END.


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KATES VALENTINE

A Choose-Your-Own-Romance Story

By LACY WILLIAMS


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PART ONE

Four oh two.

Brody flicked the curtain back in place, cutting off his view of the white truck with the logo of the

pool care company painted on its side. And the woman with the blond ponytail inside.He could count on Kate. She always arrived Wednesdays between three-fifty and ten after four.

And never accepted his invitations to stay for a few minutes and have a drink. Coffee, lemonade,water. Shed turned them all down, always offering the excuse that she had to stick to her schedule.

Always softening the excuse with a smile, one that charmed his socks off.

But today he wasnt going to offer her something to drink. Today he was going to ask her out.

Maybe.

Brody released the handbrake on his wheelchair and maneuvered through the house. The tile floors

common to this area of Florida were easy enough to navigate, and it hadnt taken long for him to

rearrange the furniture once he realized the wheelchair was going to be a permanent fixture in his life.

Two years after the accident, just in time for Valentines Day, he was finally getting his confidence

back. Mostly.

He paused just inside the double sliding-glass doors that led to the patio and pool area. He glimpsed

Kates slim figure rounding the house to where the hot tub controls were located. The old Brody wouldnt

have hesitated to ask Kate on a date. She was everything hed liked. Beautiful. Most of the time she woreher long blond hair in a neat ponytail or braid. Her blue eyes were filled with warmth and often, humor.

She was quick to smile.

The post-accident Brody noticed the quiet strength that permeated her attitude. And the changed

hopefully, improvedBrody also noticed her fearless mentions of her church family, her faith.It was funny how the things he valued had changed along with his body in two short years. From

shallow to what really mattered. Coming face-to-face with your own mortality could do that to a man.

Brody inhaled deeply and slid the door open. Kate looked up from where she crouched next to the

pool, a warm smile lighting her eyes.

He could do this. Maybe.

Hey, Mr. FI mean, Brody. Her cheeks pinked. Hed been asking her since her third appointment

to call him by his first name.

New wheels?He glanced down at his chair. Yeah. Therapist says I can use this all-terrain chair anywhere. Grass,

gravel. Im really hoping to get down to the beach, but well see

It was the thing he missed most about his loss of mobility. Having to be carried out like a child just to

touch his toes to the waves was worse than dreaming about surfing, his favorite pastime. He needed to get

back to the water. Had to

So youre erm, practicing?Brody jerked back to the conversation, silently berating himself. Today was not the day to lose his

train of thought!

Yeah. Therapist recommended I get used to the chairs movement in a familiar environment.

She nodded and hmmed as she extracted the little tube that would show the chlorine levels in hispool. He hoped he wasnt boring her. If he couldnt make it through one conversation to ask her out, how

could he expect her to believe hed be a charming dinner companion?His hands started to sweat.

Listen, Kate. I was wondering umm

Does Brody ask Kate out? GO TO PART 2

Does Brody wait for next time? GO TO PART 3


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PART TWO

Kate flipped her ponytail over her shoulder and looked up at Brody as he hesitated.

She hadnt heard him sound so uncertain since the first time shed encountered him after his accident.

Brody was a take-charge kind of guy, even without the use of his legs. Someone she could admire.She wiped her chlorine-wet palm on her uniform khaki shorts and straightened the collar of her red

polo. Wished she wasnt quite so aware of how she looked.Okay, so she had a huge crush on Brody! Where hed been tall and fit before the car crash, now his

shoulders and upper arms were defined through his t-shirt. She knew he worked his legs as well, even

though he couldnt stand.

His dark curls and ebony eyes had been haunting her dreams for months.

Too bad he was way out of her league.

Shed been born into a middle class family, but things had changed when her father had left. Kates

mom had done the best she could, but without any education or work history, supporting two kids meant

shed had to work three jobs for them to get by.

Kate had grown up mothering her younger brother, something he still complained of, until shed

gotten her first job at age fourteen.

Then her mom had gotten sick. Really sick. Cancer. And Kate dropped out of high school to take over

as provider for the family.She couldnt regret it, not when her mom was still alive and ornery. Even if it did mean Kate was still

working her way through night school at age twenty-five.

But it was a little hard to bear when she was faced with a man shed love to invite to her moms for

Sunday lunch. One who was a wildly successful author, had two degrees hung on his office wall, andwhose eyes sparkled with intelligence.

Way out of her league.

Kate finished the pH test and stood up.

Sorry, she said, face blazing. I kinda wandered off there. Did you want to ask me something?

Yes. Umm Brody closed his eyes for a brief moment, almost as if he was bracing himself for

something. Would you have dinner with me this weekend?

Does Kate agree to the date? GO TO PART FIVEDoes Kate decline? GO TO PART SEVEN


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PART THREE

Was that an engine? Brody shifted in his wheelchair, half-hidden behind a bush in his neighbors

yard.

A glance through the almost-bare branches showed his across-the-street neighbors approaching theirhome. Brody hoped the person he waited for arrived soonit was getting dark and he didnt want his

neighbors thinking he was crazy.Even if he was loitering in their yard.

He had to find out if Kate was his delivery fairy. People from his church had brought home-cooked

meals once hed come home from the hospital, but theyd tapered off after a couple of months. All except

Thursday nights. An anonymous donor continued to drop off mealslasagnas, chicken casseroles, even a

delicious rack of ribs oncebut hed never been able to catch the culprit in the act. The meals always

showed up on his front step between five and six pm, usually boxed.

And something Kate had let slip last weeka comment about a Thursday afternoon appointment

had made him suspicious that his delivery fairy might be her.

So now hed been hiding behind this bush for nearly an hour and he was starting to feel foolish. What

if he secret benefactor wasnt Kate, but an elderly widow from his church? If it was so important for the

person to preserve their anonymity, maybe there was a good reason.

But he really wanted it to be Kate. Hed chickened out

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