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“What’s a sweet pea?”
He laughed and stroked her soft brown hair. She didn’t pull away this time. “It’s a pretty little flower that your grandma likes to grow.”
“Oh. That’s okay, then.”
Progress. And he had the new nanny to thank.
Chapter Three (#ulink_213bbb96-c2e4-59ee-86f3-871f05f647f2)
Julie pulled into the Montgomerys’ driveway Wednesday morning and stopped beside Gil’s Tahoe. She’d arrived early today, a result of her sleepless night. Her dreams had been filled with an assortment of odd images. Light, dark, happy, sad, all underscored with a deep sense of frustration. Her assignment wasn’t going as she’d envisioned. Seeing her baby girl again was what she’d ached for since the moment they’d taken her away. She’d been eager to spend time with her child, but Abby was more inclined to retreat to her room with her backpack. She’d tried everything over the past two days to draw her out, with little success. All she’d managed to discover was that she liked hot chocolate, sugar cookies and chicken nuggets. They’d watched her favorite movie, Cinderella, but she refused to talk about school, or her mother or much of anything. She retreated to her room until supper, then went right back. The only thing she’d ask about was when she was going to get her puppy.
Julie ached for her. If she could get her to talk, to open up a little, she might be able to find the path to help Gil and his daughter connect. It was clear they needed each other, and she had only a few days to accomplish that goal.
Gil answered the door when she knocked, a deep frown on his face. He was usually so together when she arrived. But today he clearly wasn’t ready. His hair was damp and uncombed. His face was slightly red from shaving, and the strong scent of his freshly applied aftershave wafted through her senses. The disheveled look worked for him. Abby’s father was a very attractive man, with high cheekbones and a jawline cut from granite. But he was a man with a burden.
“Good. You’re here. We’re running late. I could use your help with Abby.”
She followed him down the hall to the kitchen, keenly aware of his masculine appeal. Julie shut down that train of thought the moment she stepped into the kitchen. Abby was huddled over her cereal bowl. “Good morning, Abby.” The little girl muttered a soft reply and waved her fingers.
Gil disappeared into the family room, returning a few moments later, looking more like the man she usually saw in the morning; his cotton button-up shirt now neatly tucked into the dark twill slacks, and his hair tamed.
“I have a conference call this morning. If you could help Abby get ready for school...”
“Of course.”
He said goodbye to his daughter, placed a kiss on the top of her head then shrugged into his corduroy sport coat. Julie walked with him to the back door. “Have a good day.” She smiled, her eyes locking with his. He stared back at her in surprise, as if no one had ever said those words to him before. Odd. Didn’t everyone say that?
“You, too.”
Moving to the counter, she poured a cup of coffee, studying her charge across the rim. She was such a lovely child. This morning her brown, sleep-tangled hair fell around her soft cheeks. When she finished her cereal, Julie placed the empty bowl on the counter. “Would you like me to fix your hair today? We could pull some of it over to one side so it wouldn’t be falling in your eyes all the time.” Abby nodded.
Julie followed her upstairs to the bathroom and picked up the brush, gently pulling it through the soft strands, then gathering the top section in a clump and fastening it with a small rubber band. Resting her hands on Abby’s shoulders, she looked at their reflection in the mirror. “How do you like that?”
Abby nodded, a small smile on her lips, then she met Julie’s gaze in the mirror and Julie’s heart stopped. Her lungs seized. Abby looked exactly like her. The texture of her hair, her cheeks, her wide brown eyes and her narrow chin. Abby was a miniature version of her. It was so obvious Julie wondered why Gil Montgomery hadn’t realized immediately who she was. What would she do now? Her throat squeezed shut. How could she stay here when it would be obvious to everyone that she was Abby’s mother?
She sucked in a breath, causing Abby to turn and look at her. “We’d better get a move on. Don’t want to be late for school.”
Julie focused all her attention the rest of the day on her online students and the upcoming move to France. A long talk with DiDi had convinced her that she was overthinking the situation. Lots of people had brown hair and brown eyes. Besides, if Gil hadn’t noticed yet, then he probably wouldn’t. She would see him for only a few minutes in the morning and evening. She’d make a point to leave quickly when he came home. It was only for a few more days, and she wasn’t ready to give up this time with Abby. Selfish but there it was.
By the time she picked Abby up from school, she was feeling confident again. Enough to attempt a small outing. Maybe putting her into a new environment, where she couldn’t hide in her room, would encourage her to open up. “It’s really chilly today. I thought we might go to that coffee shop downtown and get some hot chocolate. How does that sound?” Abby shrugged. “They serve cookies, too.”
The Square Cup coffee shop on the town square was more charming than the pictures on its website. Tucked into a corner where two buildings intersected, the shop sported a red-and-white-striped awning over a sheltered outdoor eating area. Planters filled with pansies welcomed customers. Julie regretted she wouldn’t be around in the warm weather to enjoy the spot.
A rush of warm air welcomed them in from the cold, wrapping them in the aroma of coffee and pastries. After placing their order at the counter, Julie steered Abby toward a table in the corner with a measure of privacy. Abby clutched her backpack on her lap, her gaze directed out the window. Julie couldn’t blame her. Dover was a picturesque nineteenth-century town, with the courthouse as the centerpiece, surrounded by a park and ringed with charming brick stores on all sides. She longed to wander past the shops and explore the merchandise, but there wouldn’t be time enough for that.
When their order arrived, Abby immediately started scooping out the marshmallows, eating them one at a time as she studied Julie’s bag.
“Why do you have such a big purse?”
Julie smiled. Conversation at last. “My friend gave me this for my birthday, so it’s special and I have a lot of important things I keep with me.” She pointed to the backpack in Abby’s lap. “Why do you carry that with you everywhere?”
Abby rubbed the top of the canvas bag. “It has my treasures in it. Mommy got it for me before she got sick.”
She nodded. Now she understood. It was her last contact with her mother. “Treasures are important. So is schoolwork. Do you have any homework to do?” Abby dropped her chin to her chest, hugging the backpack, a sure sign she was avoiding something unpleasant. “Abby?”
Slowly she unzipped the bag and drew out a red folder with a label on which her name was printed. Abby’s bottom lip pushed out.
For a brief second Julie hesitated to open the folder. She suspected there was either a bad grade or a parent note. Gil should be the one to address the issue, but Abby had given it to her. She opened the folder and found a note from her teacher, Mrs. Taylor, attached to the first page, expressing her concern that Abby was not interacting with the other students and not participating in classroom activities. She requested a conference as soon as possible.
The observation came as no surprise to Julie. She’d dealt with similar issues with some of her students. Moving to a new town, a divorce or death in the family often sent children into withdrawal. She grinned at Abby, hoping to ease her fears. “Would you like me to give this to your father when he comes home or would you like to do it?”
“You.”
Her whispered reply was barely audible.
“Abby? Abby Montgomery? Hello, darling.”
Julie glanced up at the middle-aged woman with the friendly smile approaching the table. “I’m Nancy Scott, your neighbor. Remember, I brought you and your daddy brownies last week?” She pointed at Julie. “And you must be the nanny. Francie hated that she had to leave Abby just when they got her back, but she had go to England to be with Bethany.”
Mentally, she sorted out the information. Francie would be Gil’s mother, and Bethany probably the sister who danced. “Julie Bishop. I’ll be filling in until her grandmother gets back.” She had the impression the woman wouldn’t leave without at least a brief conversation. “Won’t you join us?”
“Well, just for a moment. Nice to meet you, Julie. I’m in the brick house right next door. If you need anything or you want some company, don’t hesitate to drop by. My husband and I own the jewelry store catty-corner from here. Scott’s Fine Jewelry. We’ve been friends with the Montgomerys for years. So sad about Dale’s passing. Gil’s father. Happened this past September. Such a shock.”
“I didn’t know.” Losing his father might explain some of Gil’s dark mood. Losing his father and his former wife would be painful.
“That’s a lovely necklace you have on.”
Julie touched the silver heart, willing herself not to look at Abby. “Thank you.” Noticing a stack of papers in Mrs. Scott’s hands, she steered the conversation in that direction to avoid further discussion on the necklace. “Are you handing out fliers?”
“Yes, I am.” She handed one to Julie. “It’s for the annual Father-Daughter Night at Peace Community Church. I’m the chairperson this year.” She looked at Abby. “You’ll have to ask your daddy to take you. There’s a lovely dinner and a talent show. I know you’d enjoy spending an evening with your daddy, wouldn’t you?”
Julie noticed Abby’s confused look and diverted Mrs. Scott’s attention again. “Talent show. That’s a big job. I coordinated our school talent show for a few years.”
Nancy inhaled, laying her hand on Julie’s. “You did? I could certainly use your expertise on this event.”
“Oh, that’s very nice, but I’m only in Dover for the week.”
“What a shame. Well, I’d better get back to work. Lots of fliers to hand out. Nice to meet you, Julie. ’Bye, Abby. I’ll see you again real soon.”
Julie’s smile quickly slid into a grimace of astonishment when the woman disappeared from sight. “She sure likes to talk, doesn’t she?” Abby’s eyes brightened in understanding, and she nodded before taking another sip of her cocoa.
On the ride home, Julie tried to get more information from Abby about her class and the other kids, but she barely responded. With no homework, she went directly to her room and closed the door. Julie placed the note in the center of the breakfast room table. She’d make sure to give it to Gil the moment he came home. In fact it might be a good idea to have a conversation with him about his daughter. If she was going to help Abby overcome her insecurities, she needed to know what she’d been— Julie put her hands on her cheeks. She had to stop that train of thought. She had to remember this was temporary. Like Cinderella at the ball, the clock would strike soon and it would all end. No one could ever know who she was. Ever.
* * *
Gil pulled his SUV into the drive Thursday evening and shut off the engine. He managed to get home early tonight. In the three days since Julie Bishop had been working for him, he’d had to stay at the office until late, and he hadn’t had a chance to talk with her at length about Abby since she’d given him the note from Mrs. Taylor. Julie had wanted to discuss it with him right then, but he’d blown her off. He didn’t need any outside help. Julie had taken it upon herself that second night to prepare supper, and the welcoming aromas had triggered memories and old dreams he’d long buried. A warm meal, a woman waiting, his child happy to see him. Knowing it could never be had soured his mood. Thankfully Julie never stayed to eat with them, claiming the early darkness of winter made her eager to make the long drive back to Jackson before it got too late.
He’d met with Mrs. Taylor this afternoon and wasn’t happy with her comments. The teacher was concerned about Abby’s shyness, the chip on her shoulder and her overdependence on her backpack.
If only his dad were here, or his mom. He could go to them about anything, only now he’d have to figure it out on his own. He knew he should talk to Julie about the situation, but the idea rubbed him the wrong way. Knowing that his child had been reluctant to give him the note, and had given it to Julie instead, left a heavy weight on his mind. Was she afraid he’d send her away?
Girlish giggles greeted him the moment he opened the kitchen door. He stopped, stunned at the sound. The soft laughter was from the nanny. The giggles? He moved into the room, his gaze searching out his daughter. She was up on her knees in a kitchen chair, leaning over a board game in the center of the table. He stared at the pair. Abby turned over a card and squealed. “Sorry. Sorry. You have to go back.”
The nanny made a great show of disappointment, laughing and moving her game piece slowly around the board.
His heart contracted. Abby was laughing. He’d thought he’d never hear that from her. “What’s going on here?”
Abby jerked her head in his direction, a smile lighting her face. “Hi, Daddy. I’m winning.”
Gil couldn’t speak around the lump in his throat. Instead he walked to his daughter and rested his hand on her head, staring at her sweet happy face. “You are? That’s great. What are you playing?”
“Sorry. Miss Julie taught me.” He looked over at Julie. Her hands were clasped in front of her mouth and moisture glistened in her eyes. His temporary nanny had a soft heart for those in her care. He started to ask her what she’d done to cause Abby to laugh, but the front doorbell chimed.
Julie stood and reached for her purse, glancing over her shoulder at him. “Pizza delivery. Abby, can you put the game away, please?”
Abby looked up at him. “We’re having pizza. You want some?”
He brushed a few strands of hair off her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “Sure. That sounds nice. So you and Miss Julie had fun today?” Abby nodded. “Your grandma and your new cousin, Evan, like to play this game. Now you can play with them.”
Gil helped place the lid on the game box and set it aside. When he looked back up, Julie was placing the pizza box in the center of the table. The aroma made his stomach growl.
“I hope you like everything on your pizza.”
“I do. Is there something I can do to help?”
“Drinks? Abby, sweetie, will you get the plates and napkins?”
He watched in amazement as Abby happily did as she was asked. He’d deliberately not asked much of her, believing she needed the freedom to adjust, but maybe leaving her to do as she pleased wasn’t the best way either. His mood sagged. He should know that. He was her father. But this young teacher was far more adept at caring for his child than he was.
Julie fit easily into their life. In the past few days he’d looked forward to seeing her when he came home, even if it was only a brief encounter. She was always smiling and upbeat. No wonder Abby adored her. She would be an easy woman to love. Julie turned and caught him staring.
“Is something wrong?”
He cleared his throat and shut down his wayward thoughts. “No. I could never get her to help with anything. She always sulked and went to her room.”
Julie smiled, flashing her lone dimple. “I didn’t give her a choice. We all have to pitch in. I think she enjoys it now.”
He got the hint. That’s the way it had been in his family. Everyone did his or her part. No options available. But none of them had been through what Abby had. He didn’t want to do anything to upset her or cause more distress.
Seated at the table, Gil let the peaceful feeling seep through him. Julie did most of the talking, telling him what she and Abby had done in the afternoon, how Abby had won the most games of Sorry and some of the funny things her online students wrote in their papers.
“When are we going to get my puppy?”
He’d been enjoying the meal so much he’d forgotten about the weekend plans. “Saturday morning. Your uncle Linc and I are taking you and Evan to the shelter in Sawyer’s Bend so you can pick out your pets.” The big smile and bright eyes on his child’s face stole his breath. If only he could make her this happy every second of her life.
Julie chuckled softly. “Have you thought about a name for your dog?”
“Not yet. But I’ll know after I pick it out.”
After cleaning up the kitchen, Julie sent Abby upstairs to get ready for bed.
Gil called after her as she left the room. “I’ll be up to tuck you in, sweet pea.”
“I want Julie to do it,” Abby said.
All the blood drained from his face. Of course she did. “Good night, then. Sleep tight.”
He glanced over at Julie. The tenderness in her eyes drew him. “No Father-of-the-Year awards for me.”
“Be patient. It’ll take time. She’s gotten used to me, and she hasn’t seen much of you this week.”
His defenses kicked in. “I couldn’t help it. Our business is on life support right now. We would have lost the company if my brother hadn’t stepped in. I need to be there.”
“That wasn’t a reprimand. I’m just pointing out she’s spent more time with me, that’s all. But I have a suggestion.” She pulled a sheet of paper from the counter. “Your church is holding a father-daughter dinner soon. You could take Abby. It would be a special outing for you both. I think she’d like that.”
Gil studied the paper. What would they talk about over dinner? “I’m not so sure, but I’ll think about it.” He could tell she wasn’t pleased with his response, but he had more important things on his mind.
She tilted her head, a half smile causing her dimple to briefly appear. “How did the meeting with Mrs. Taylor go?”
He rubbed his temple. Another sore spot. It had been a lousy day—except for coming home and hearing Abby’s laughter. “She seems to think I should force Abby to participate in school and make friends.”
“Is that really what she said? I’m a teacher, and we only send notes like the one she sent when we have concerns for the student’s well-being.”
“How can she know what’s best for Abby after only a few weeks?”
“Experience.”
“Seems to me she’s just putting more pressure on her.” Gil glanced up when Abby called for Julie from upstairs.
“I’ll be right back. But you should go and say good-night, too. Later.”
“She doesn’t want me.” Julie caught him off guard when she rested her small hand on his arm. The warmth of her touch soothed his disappointment.
“Go anyway.”
Gil retreated to the office, hoping to sort through his emotional turmoil. In a short span of time he’d gone from irritation to joy to hurt. He’d never anticipated the hostility and rejection from his daughter. Or that she would latch on to a stranger. Clearly Julie had an ability with children he lacked. Yet every inroad she made left him feeling resentful. He needed advice. Direction. Things his parents had always provided, but Dad was gone and Mom was out of the country. He glanced at the clock. Not a good time to call his mother. Not a good time for much of anything.
* * *
Julie tucked Abby in and said good-night, telling her that her father would be up to see her soon, gently reminding her how much he loved her. The kitchen was empty when she returned, so she went in search of her employer and found him in the office off the family room. She’d never been inside. The door was usually closed, but not this evening. The room was predictably masculine with a dark wooden desk and brown leather chair. There was a drafting board set to one side, where a round container held rolls of blueprints.
But it was Gil who drew her attention. He stood in front of the fireplace, his hands clutching the mantel edge as he stared into the firebox. The dejected slope of his broad shoulders said it all. Abby had hurt him deeply with her comments. Her heart went out to him. He wanted desperately to connect with his child, but he was floundering.
“Abby is all tucked in. I told her you’d be up to say good-night later.”
Gil straightened and faced her, shoving his hands into his pockets. He pressed his lips together. “She doesn’t want to see me.”
Julie’s heart ached. She didn’t know whom she wanted to comfort more, Abby or her dad. “That’s not true. She does, she’s just confused and uncertain. If you don’t mind me asking, is there more going on with Abby than losing her mother?”
