Her Small-Town Cowboy (19 page)

“Aw, come on,” he chided with a knowing look. “Don’t I get a hug or something?”

“I wasn’t sure you wanted one, here in front of so many people.”

Turning, he gazed down at her with genuine affection warming his eyes. “From you, I’d take one anytime.”

She was only too happy to oblige him, and as he held her close, he murmured, “Thank you, Lily.”

Pulling back, she noticed he didn’t seem ready to let go of her, which suited her just fine. Standing there circled in those strong arms, she smiled up at him. “For what?”

“Everything. I don’t think you realize how much you’ve done for Abby and the rest of the family since you got here. Especially me,” he added in an uncharacteristic show of emotion.

Delighted by the revelation, she felt her pulse zoom up several notches, and it took everything she had to keep her voice steady. “I’m glad to hear that, because you’ve all done a lot for me, too. Especially you.”

“Crazy, huh?” Chuckling, he shook his head. “We’re like night and day.”

“It takes both those things to keep life on Earth moving along on an even keel.”

“Well, you’re the teacher,” he drawled with the lopsided grin she’d come to adore. “I guess you must be right.”

After enduring so many years of derision from people who didn’t understand her commitment to teaching, it was wonderful to find someone who not only approved but valued her accomplishments. When Mike looked at her, he saw so much more than what was visible on the surface. He’d been the first man to do that with her, and she’d always be grateful to him for that.

“Just remember that next time we’re arguing,” she teased.

The grin widened, and his eyes twinkled with the humor she’d seen a lot more of lately. “Yes, ma’am.”

Chapter Ten

L
ily paused outside the school district office, trying to shake off the feeling that she had no business being here. She didn’t have an appointment, but she definitely had an agenda, and she was counting on the good reputation she’d built for herself while filling in for Mrs. Howard to get her in the door. While she composed herself, it struck her that the building was practically empty and silent as a tomb compared with the constant buzz of activity that occupied it during the school year.

Quit stalling,
she scolded herself sternly. Pulling herself up to the formal bearing she’d learned for her debutante ceremony, she reached out and resolutely turned the knob that led into the outer office. She figured this might well be her only chance to snare a teaching position in the town she’d come to think of as home. Being timid wasn’t going to get her anywhere.

“Good morning, Mrs. Nelson,” she greeted the lone occupant with a smile. “How’s your summer going so far?”

“Very well,” the plump middle-aged woman responded in kind. “I hear you’ve been busy yourself. My granddaughter Kennedy is one of your riding students, and she can’t stop talking about the horse show. We can’t thank you enough for giving her such a fun summer at the farm.”

“I’m so glad to hear that. She’s done a fabulous job with her lessons, and all the ponies love the apples she brings them.”

They chatted back and forth about children and how quickly they grow up, until the motherly woman gave Lily a knowing look. “Since you’re all dressed up, I’d imagine you’re here to see Mr. Allen.”

“Yes.” She almost added “only if he has time,” but managed to stop herself before she backpedaled right out the door. Instead, she tightened her grip on the handle of her briefcase and waited while Mrs. Nelson called into the principal’s private office on the intercom.

“Go right in, dear.” She pointed down a short hallway and added, “I’ll say a little prayer.”

The kind offer eased some of her nerves, and Lily smiled back at her. “I’ll take it.”

Mr. Allen’s door was open, and strains of a Mozart piano concerto drifted out into the corridor. When she knocked, he stood and greeted her with a warm handshake. “It’s wonderful to see you, Miss St. George. I hope you’re enjoying the lovely weather we’ve been having.”

“Very much, thank you.” He motioned for her to sit, and she gratefully sank into a chair opposite his desk. He had to know why she was here, she thought as he sat down and folded his hands on his leather blotter. But should she launch into her spiel, or let him start the conversation?

To her great relief, he gave her the same look his receptionist had earlier. “Can I assume you’re here about a job?”

“Yes, sir.” Even to her own ears, that sounded meek, and she tapped into some of the moxie she’d inherited from her free-spirited mother. “As you know, my peer reviews from the teachers were outstanding for the short time I was in charge of Mrs. Howard’s class. The environment here at Oaks Crossing Elementary, with its small classes and dedicated staff, would be ideal for any teacher. I’d very much like to continue making a contribution here.”

Her heart was pounding so hard, she was nearly out of breath by the time she reached the end of her pitch. Fortunately, she’d practiced it so many times, it had ended up sounding as confident as humanly possible when her pulse was racing along like a hummingbird’s. Hyperventilating during an interview wouldn’t go over well, so she forced herself to breathe slowly. Not only did it settle her nerves, it gave her something to focus on besides how long it was taking him to respond to her proposal.

“I’ll be honest with you,” he began in an apologetic tone that didn’t bode well. “We don’t currently have any positions open anywhere in the district. Most of our teachers are parents of children attending school here, and they’re committed to staying for many years to come.”

He paused, and she realized it was her turn to speak. Hoping to appear professional, she nodded. “I understand.”

“That being said, you have exceptional credentials, not to mention a terrific rapport with our students. I’d hate to lose someone of your caliber simply because we refused to think outside the box.”

This was her opening, she realized, and she sent up a quick prayer of thanks that he’d offered it to her. “I’m willing to consider any ideas you have.”

“I’m not familiar with your financial situation, rent, student loans, that sort of thing. Would you have to work strictly full-time?”

She sensed that he was winging this, and she was more than happy to help him out. “I do have loans, but I rent a studio apartment in town. I’m sure I could make do with whatever salary you have in mind.”

He gave her a long look, then rocked back in his chair with a pensive expression. “A few days ago, Mrs. Howard and I were discussing her situation. She wants to continue teaching, but at a reduced level, to give her more time at home with her children. Would you be open to a team classroom scenario with her?”

“Absolutely,” Lily blurted, then took a quiet breath so she’d sound more measured. “If she’s willing to try it, then I am.”

“Let’s find out what she thinks.” Picking up his phone, he dialed the number from memory and put the call on Speaker. After relaying his idea, he said, “You don’t have to answer now, but I thought it was best to get right on this so Miss St. George can make other plans if necessary.”

“Not necessary at all,” the woman assured him with a light laugh. “I’d love to team teach with you, Lily. You’re great with the kids, and I’ve heard nothing but raves about you from everyone at school. What do you say?”

“It’s a deal,” she replied, beaming at the man who’d made one of her dreams come true. “Thank you both.”

After hanging up, the principal spread his hands in a satisfied gesture. “Well, then, welcome to Oaks Crossing Elementary, Miss St. George. I’ll get your paperwork together and call you back next week to make it official. Sound good?”

“It sounds wonderful,” she assured him as she stood and shook his hand. “I couldn’t ask for more.”

“Well, you could have,” he corrected her with a chuckle, “but I couldn’t have given it to you. This way, we both get some of what we want.”

Win-win,
Lily thought as she left the office feeling as if she was walking on air. It just didn’t get any better than that.

* * *

When Dana came through the door of the Oaks Café, every male head in the place turned. And stayed turned, Mike noticed with a wry grin. Whatever her faults might be, there was no denying the woman had the kind of looks that could stop a semi. Too bad they were her best quality.

In his mind, he heard Lily warning him to be nice, and he rose from his seat, waving to get Dana’s attention. He’d chosen a table near the window, because he assumed that by now, every busybody in Oaks Crossing knew his ex had blown into town to see him. Rather than hide in a dark corner, he figured it was best to hold this little powwow out in the open where they’d be seen. Tongues were going to wag, anyway, he reasoned. No sense in giving them more to talk about than absolutely necessary.

“Thanks so much for calling,” Dana said in a slightly breathless voice. “I wasn’t sure you’d be willing to talk to me, much less meet in person.”

Recognizing that she was going to push some of his buttons even without meaning to, Mike had rehearsed their reunion while he went about his morning chores on autopilot. He’d considered the possibilities from every angle he could think of, and he was relieved to discover he felt a lot calmer than she looked. “Are you hungry?”

“Maybe after we talk. You start.”

Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

The Almighty’s advice rang in his mind, and he figured it was best to get that part over with. Maybe if he led with that, she’d be satisfied and leave them alone. As soon as that thought passed through his mind, he recognized it for the hopeless last-ditch option it was. Hey, a guy could dream.

“Okay. First off, I want you to know I’ve had a lotta time to think about what happened with us. While I still don’t understand why you left, I know you didn’t do it to hurt Abby or me.”

It took her a few seconds, then her eyes welled with tears. “You mean, you forgive me?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s just— I don’t know what to say,” she murmured, taking a napkin from the dispenser to dab at her eyes. Looking over at him, she gave him a shaky smile. “Thank you, Mike. You have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that, after what I did. You’re right that I didn’t intend to hurt either of you. I honestly believed you’d both be better off without a mess like me around.”

Her voice trembled with genuine anguish, and he realized the girl he’d rescued from the roadhouse was still very much a part of Dana’s character. Maybe she always would be. But he’d lost his willingness to carry that anger around with him anymore. Instead, he felt sorry for her and everything she’d lost because she couldn’t find a way to leave the past behind her and move on.

The way he needed to do, he realized with a certainty that startled him. Now wasn’t the time to examine that too closely, though, so he brought his focus back to why they were here. “That was a long time ago, so we need to let it go. We have something more important to talk about now.”

“Abby.” When he nodded, Dana gave him a fearful look. “Lily told you what I want?”

“Yeah, but I wanna hear it from you.”

After a deep breath, she said, “My mom died earlier this year.”

That was the last thing he’d expected to hear, and he frowned in sympathy. “I’m sorry to hear that. Was she sick?”

“Very, so it was actually a blessing when she—” Fresh tears sprung up, and she sipped some water. “Anyway, I was going through the house and found a bunch of photo albums, scrapbooks, stuff like that. One day it hit me that I don’t have anything like that for Abby, because I wasn’t there when those things happened. That’s when I decided that I had to see her.”

Sniffling, she got another napkin before fixing him with a desperate look. Mike’s first instinct was to protect his daughter, no matter what. But in the face of Dana’s wrenching confession, he simply didn’t have the heart to play the villain. He didn’t used to have a problem with that, and to be honest he wasn’t thrilled with the change. Again, he blamed Lily.

“Well, I talked to Abby about it yesterday, and she’s okay with meeting you. At the farm, and with me there,” he said.

“That’s fine. I’m just glad she wants to see me. And that you’ll let her,” Dana added with sincere gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Mike.”

She reached across the table for his hand, but he pulled it back in a very clear message about where they stood. He might have forgiven her, but he wasn’t at the forgetting stage just yet. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure he ever would be. Opting not to voice those thoughts, he took two menus from the metal stand and offered her one.

“Water’s fine,” she said.

Same old Dana,
he thought with a grin. If she had more than a few dollars in her wallet, he’d be amazed. “It’s on me.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know.”

She flashed him the grateful smile he recognized from their first date nearly seven years ago. Except this time, it didn’t hit him in the gut the way it had back then. Now it was just a nice smile from a woman he had absolutely no romantic interest in. The difference was striking, and he realized that was his proof that he’d finally gotten past being stomped into the ground and left behind in the dust to raise their daughter on his own.

He had a lot to look forward to these days, he mused as a waitress came to take their lunch order. It was time to quit looking back.

As if on cue, his cell phone started playing the country ringtone he’d assigned to Lily. She’d gone into school to talk about a possible job, and he assumed she was calling for congratulations or sympathy, depending on how it had gone.

“I should take this,” he said as he stood. “I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time. I’m not in a hurry.”

Mike went out the door onto the sidewalk for as much privacy as you could get in a place where folks paid attention to everything going on outside their windows. And reported it faithfully to their friends, who passed it along at the first opportunity. “Hey there. How’d it go?”

“I was going to wait and tell you in person, but I’m too excited.”