A Mother For His Twins

Nick reached for his arm. “Use your manners, son.”

“Sowwy.” He put the treat back onto the red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and fidgeted in his seat.

“Yeah, Daddy, Miss Kelliher has a twin sister.” Tyler took a sip of his water. “But they’re not identical like us.”

Growing up, Nick remembered Joy wishing she and Faith were identical. Her twin was good in math while Joy struggled. She always thought it would be nice if Faith could take her place on the days they had a test. “Yes, I know.”

The boys looked at each other with crinkled brows. “How?” they asked in unison.

Nick wasn’t ready to tell the boys that, once upon a time, he and their teacher had had plans to marry. “Miss Kelliher and I grew up running around in our diapers together.”

The twins covered their faces and giggled.

“That’s funny,” Jordan said. “I like huh.”

“She’s really pretty.” Tyler spoke up. “Don’t you think, Daddy?”

Nick hesitated.

“Yeah, Daddy, don’t you think so?” Jordan asked.

Nick’s heartbeat quickened. Their mother and Joy were both the most beautiful women he’d ever known. Different in their own ways, but the one common denominator was their loving and compassionate hearts. His stomach twisted at the thought of Michelle suffering in silence from complications of Crohn’s disease. He should have noticed. Since she’d passed away a year ago last November, the guilt had gnawed away at him each day, but more so at night.

Nick shook off the negative thoughts. “Come on now and finish up your ice cream so we can get your supplies.”

The boys exchanged a quick glance.

Nick watched Jordan as he pushed his bowl aside. He hoped bringing his boys back to Whispering Slopes wasn’t creating more anxiety over their mother’s death.

Thirty minutes later the bell on the door chimed as Nick and the boys entered Buser’s General Store. Nick’s heart warmed. Just like One More Scoop, it was as though time had stood still. The scent of cinnamon swirled in the air. He’d always loved the swizzle candy sticks sold in the giant jar. The sound system played a continuous playlist of songs from the 1950s. He smiled when he spotted a young boy and girl, probably in high school, sharing a cream soda at the counter. How many times had he and Joy sat in that same spot, excited about their future?

He turned when the door tinkled. The trip down memory lane came to a screeching halt.

“Miss Kelliher!” All smiles, Tyler and Jordan sprinted across the room.

Nick swallowed hard while he observed the obvious attachment budding between the boys and their teacher. This concerned him. What if he didn’t secure the job as principal? Would he once again uproot the twins? Could he stay in Whispering Slopes and be happy just teaching? He’d worked hard to obtain his master’s degree, at the expense of his family. Of course, he needed to focus on keeping his own attachments to Joy in check, too. But that could be difficult since their classrooms would be directly across the hall from each other. He’d never imagined when he’d applied for the open teaching position that she’d be working at the school they’d attended together. One thing he did know: she wasn’t going to be happy when she learned he’d be interviewing for the principal position. He couldn’t help but wonder if she’d be applying. After all, her father had held the job for most of his career.

“We came to get everything on your list,” Tyler called out. He flashed the sheet of paper as the group walked back toward Nick.

Her long brown tresses hung straight to the middle of her back. She quickly tucked a stray strand behind her ear. “I thought you’d stop by after your ice cream. That’s why I came.”

“You did?” Nick couldn’t imagine why she’d want to see him, especially after he’d surprised her earlier at the school. It was obvious she wasn’t thrilled to have him back or that she’d be teaching his children. Who could blame her? As far as she knew, he’d never tried to make contact after his father moved their family. But he had. She just didn’t know because, unbeknownst to him at the time, his letters had never been mailed. More than anything, he’d wanted to call Joy and explain, but his father didn’t want anyone in Whispering Slopes to know their dark secret. Although almost a man, Nick had been torn between his loyalty to his family and his hometown sweetheart. But earlier today, Joy had been a professional and kept her emotions in check in front of Mr. Jacobson. Now, when she looked in his direction, her brow arched, making her look tenser than earlier...if that were possible.

She reached into her camel tote bag and pulled out two red mittens.

“My mittens.” Jordan gave a questioning look. “Why do you have them?” He reached inside of his coat pockets.

“I found them on the floor of the coat closet in my classroom.”

Nick noticed the tears in his son’s eyes. “Are you okay, buddy?”

Jordan’s hand shook as he reached for the mittens. “My mommy made these for me,” he sniffled. “I’d be sad if I evuh lost them.”

“How did you know they belonged to Jordan?” Nick asked, but then he remembered.

“His name is sewn on the inside of each one.” Joy looked down at Jordan and smiled. “Obviously your mommy was smart. She knew how easy it is to lose track of these.”

Was. The boys had told Joy about their mother.

Jordan slipped his tiny hands inside each mitten. “I’ll nevuh forget them again. I pwomise.”

Nick rested his hand on his son’s shoulder. “I know you won’t, Jordan.” Although the boy had almost outgrown the garments, Nick knew how special they were to him.

“Let’s go check out the candy aisle, Jor!” Tyler motioned for his brother.

Jordan turned to Joy. “Thank you, Miss Kellihuh. I don’t know what I would have done if I’d lost these.” He gave his teacher a quick hug around the waist and took off toward the treats.

Nick’s heart squeezed as he turned to Joy. “Thank you for making a trip over here.”

Her smile was warm. “It’s on my way home. Besides, we can’t have his little fingers freezing. It can get really cold here, especially in the morning when they’re headed off for school.”

She seemed nervous. He remembered how she used to blink her eyes repeatedly when she was in an uncomfortable situation. “That’s thoughtful of you. Speaking of... The boys told me how you helped them get over their first-day-of-school jitters. I appreciate that,” he said with hopes of making their encounter a little more comfortable.

“It goes with the territory of being a teacher.”

“You’re obviously great with children.” He glanced at her ring finger, wondering if she’d gotten married, but it was bare. Still, he couldn’t help but ask, “No doubt you have several of your own by now?”

He watched as her shoulders stiffened and both brows crinkled.

“I’m sorry... That was rude,” he stuttered.

Joy’s gaze turned to the boys before looking back in his direction. “So, how are your parents?”

Heat prickled up the back of his neck. Now it was his turn to be uncomfortable. There was so much he wanted to tell her—needed to tell her. The reason for his sudden departure...and then the silence on his end. She deserved an explanation, but this wasn’t the place. Of course, he wondered if there would ever be the right time or place to tell her. How could he explain how quickly he’d moved on with a new life? “They’ve both passed on.” Nick swallowed hard, in need of a glass of water.

“I’m sorry to hear that—really, I am.” She placed her hand on his forearm.

Nick recalled his mother’s agonizing death. She’d fought a long battle with her addiction to painkillers—pills that her doctors handed out like candy following her back injury.

The cuckoo clock hanging behind the counter sounded.

“It was a rough period in my life—those years after my family left.” After his mother passed, it got even worse. Watching his father turn to alcohol to mask the pain of losing his partner had been overwhelming for Nick, but it made him realize he had to grow up fast.

“I suppose you have some peace knowing your parents are together with the Lord,” she said softly.

That was exactly what had carried him through the most difficult time of his life. Watching his father turn into someone he no longer knew was hard, but then the cancer was discovered in his father’s pancreas. It took him fast. He didn’t suffer, so that was a blessing. “You’re right. My parents are together again.”

Following a moment of silence, the twins ran toward the adults.

“Can we go back to the hotel, Daddy? I want to go swimming,” Tyler pleaded.

“Hotel?” Joy looked at Nick with an arched brow.

“Yeah, we get to live in a hotel with room service and everything. They even have an indoor pool,” Tyler said.

Nick turned at the sound of footsteps pecking across the hardwood floor.

“You can’t raise these boys in a hotel,” an elderly woman stated.

Sporting the same tight perm, although now snow-white, she looked exactly how he remembered. His heart warmed at the sight of the woman who’d watched him grow up. “Mrs. Buser, it’s so nice to see you.” He strolled toward her and hugged her tight.

She took a step back, gripping his arms. “Nick Capello, I knew you’d come back one day.” Glancing at the twins, she smiled then returned her attention to him. “Why are you and these cute youngins living in a hotel?”

Joy watched with her arms folded.

“It’s only temporary—until our furniture arrives.” The moving company had called the day he and the boys were leaving Chicago. They’d promised to have the delivery here in twenty-four hours... That was two days ago. Apparently a bad snowstorm had caused the delay. He made a mental note to call once they were back at the hotel. “I’m sorry—how rude of me. These are my sons, Tyler and Jordan.”

The freckled twins smiled at Mrs. Buser. “We like living in the hotel... We don’t have to make up the bed.” Jordan giggled as his cheeks flushed.

The adults broke out in laughter.

“Come to think of it, I could use a week or two in a hotel.” The elderly woman tightened the strings on her apron. “Ever since my dear husband passed, I haven’t had a moment’s rest. But really, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“You should hire some help, Mrs. Buser. At least you could take a day off now and then.” Joy voiced her concern.

“I rest on the day of the Lord—that’s enough. Besides, running this place has been one of my greatest joys.” She glanced at Nick and then Joy. “Seeing the two of you growing up and then falling in love—”

Nick looked toward the boys, relieved to see they had wandered over to the snack aisle.

The elderly woman’s face flushed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make either of you uncomfortable.” She paused and placed her hand to her heart. “It’s just... I always thought you two would get married.”

Joy’s face reddened as she adjusted her purse strap on her slender shoulder. “Well, I’d better get going. Tell the boys I’ll see them in class on Monday.”

Before he had a chance to respond, she skidded out the door. Relief settled in when he heard her car pull away. He wanted to talk with her. She deserved an explanation as well as an apology. But not here—not now.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

The guilt the woman wore on her face caused his heart to squeeze. “Please, don’t worry about it. I know people in this town will have a lot of questions about my family’s sudden departure and why I’ve returned,” Nick said.

Mrs. Buser rested her warm wrinkled hand on Nick’s arm. He turned to her. “Joy is the only person in this town who deserves an explanation. As for the rest of us, it’s really none of our business.”

Nick swallowed the lump in his throat. “My father loved this town. The hardest thing he ever had to do, apart from burying my mother, was to uproot me and my sister and leave a lot of unanswered questions. He’s gone now and it’s time for my family to start a new life.”

A silence lingered before Mrs. Buser cleared her throat. “So, where do you and the boys plan on living? And your wife?”

“My wife passed away. It’s just me and my sons now.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“I appreciate that. We’re doing okay. I found a quaint little house with a wonderful wraparound porch located in Whisper Hill.” Before leaving Chicago, Nick had searched available rentals online for several weeks.

He took note of the half smile that parted her lips. “What are you grinning about, Mrs. Buser?”

“Nothing, really—it’s just kind of a coincidence.”

He scratched his temple. “What is?”

She placed her hand on his forearm. “Why, that’s where Joy lives, dear.”

Nick couldn’t believe his ears. When he’d made the decision to move back to Whispering Slopes, he knew he’d see Joy. She loved this town and the chances of her ever moving away were slim, but never in his wildest of dreams would he have imagined he’d be living so close to his first love. He wanted a new life. It was just him and his boys now, and that was the way it had to remain. He’d had his chance to share his life with someone, but he’d blown it—big-time. He didn’t deserve another partner. But didn’t his boys deserve the opportunity to grow up with a mother? Should they suffer because of his past mistakes?

Chapter Two

Joy drummed her fingers against the granite countertop, willing her teakettle to hurry up and whistle already. It was Saturday morning and she’d been awake since four o’clock and had already completed her early run. Even a long, hot shower couldn’t clear the thoughts of Nick and his boys that had whirled through her head all night. It was bad enough that in two days she’d be working across the hall from Nick, but the news of her first and only love interviewing for the principal position drove her out of her down feather bed. Could Nick take away the only dream she had left, to sit behind the desk in the same office where her father once worked? But more important, a chance to fill the void of being told she’d never have biological children of her own. She’d gone into teaching to be near children—have an impact on their lives, but as principal, she’d have the opportunity to work with and protect all of the children in the school, not only those in her classroom.

The sound of the kettle’s whistle pulled her from her thoughts. She needed to keep her focus. Today she had planned to study for the online exam coming up later in the week. She also wanted to do some preparation for her interview. She’d worked hard to earn her master’s degree and she was getting closer to fulfilling that goal.

A diesel engine rumbled out front, rattling her porcelain salt and pepper shakers. Joy pushed herself up from the kitchen table and headed toward the bay window in the front of her house. She flipped open the plantation shutters to take a peek. Through the planks she spotted a large truck across the street. The logo that ran along the side of the vehicle read Cross Country Movers.

Moments later a Lexus SUV pulled into the driveway. That must be the new tenant. The Clarks’ rental property had been empty for the past six months. She kept her gaze on the vehicle.

Her stomach turned upside down when she spied two identical boys and a caramel-colored puppy bounding from the SUV.

Heat blanketed her face. She raced to her bedroom and yanked on a pair of faded jeans. Stripping off her pink terry cloth robe, she grabbed a wool sweater balled up in her favorite comfy chair. The cold wood floor reminded her she’d need to put on some shoes. Reaching for her running shoes, she jammed her feet inside. Once dressed, she ran a comb through her tangled locks and headed out the front door.

Outside, her feet crunched on the early morning frost as she inhaled the cold air deep into her lungs. She crossed the street and ran up the sidewalk toward the front porch, her heart pounding against her ribs as she took the steps two at a time. She found the front door slightly cracked open, but even in her frantic state, she thought best to knock. “Hello... Anyone in there?”

Giggles sounded through the doorway. “Miss Kelliher!”

Dressed in matching blue-and-white-striped polo sweaters and jeans, the twins skidded to a stop. “How did you know we live here?” Tyler asked as a smile blossomed.

She couldn’t have missed the huge truck that rumbled into the neighborhood. “I saw you pull up. My house is right over there.” She pointed over her shoulder.

Immediately the boys began to jump up and down, celebrating the fact that they were neighbors.

“This is so awesome! Our favorite teacher ever is right across the street. We can visit you every day!”

Her anger eased as Tyler’s words crept inside her wounded heart. But how could she ever live so close to Nick and his boys? A constant reminder of what could have been and what would never be because she was broken...unable to do what should come naturally to a woman—bring new life into the world.

“What’s all the commotion?” Nick came up behind his sons, dressed in black jeans and a Northwestern University sweatshirt. As always, he looked startlingly handsome.

Who looks that good when they’re moving? Joy’s heart fluttered for a split second, until she remembered the reason for her visit. She folded her arms across her chest. “What are you doing here?”

Nick placed his hands on his sons’ shoulders. “This is our new home. We’re renting now, but the owners are thinking about selling.”

This was getting more unbelievable by the second.

“Mrs. Buser mentioned yesterday that we’d be neighbors. I guess it’s true what they say about it being a small world.” He scratched the side of his head and crinkled his brow.

Neighbors? What was that old saying she’d heard? Good fences made good neighbors—or something like that. That was it... She’d build a fence as high as her homeowners association would allow. She was president—she should know the restrictions. She’d have to check the covenants. Even still, building a wall around her property wouldn’t keep Nick out of her heart. “But this is my neighborhood. I moved here after college.”

“She lives right over there, Daddy,” Tyler announced, pointing in the direction of Joy’s one-story ranch home. “Isn’t that cool? Maybe she’ll invite us over for dinner sometime.”

This definitely wasn’t cool. Dinner? Absolutely not. How would she avoid Nick when he’d be just outside her door? At that moment she’d give anything to have the old neighbors and their barking Jack Russell back in the house.

“I know I’m probably the last person you want as a neighbor, but we’ll just have to make the best of it. This was the only house available that was close to the school.”

Right...the school, where he’d be working. “Yes, I suppose the principal wants to be nearby, of course.”

Nick’s shoulders stiffened. “How did you know I was applying for the position?”

She tilted her head toward the boys. “They mentioned it yesterday while we were out on the playground.”

Joy felt a tug on her sweater and looked down at Jordan.

“I’m glad you live so close, Miss Kellihuh.” He blushed. “If I get stuck on my homework I can just come ovuh for your help.”

Her pulse relaxed when she looked into Jordan’s eyes. “You’re welcome anytime, sweetie.” She turned her attention to Nick. “I’m sorry I came charging over here. I guess I was kind of caught off guard...or maybe I’ve had too much coffee.”

Nick nodded and cleared his throat. “Speaking of coffee, I just started a pot. You must be freezing... Why don’t you come inside?”

Practically frozen and not wanting Jordan to think she was still upset, she ignored what her head was telling her and stepped inside. “So you’ve already unpacked your coffee maker?” She smiled.

“Of course. I have my priorities.” Nick winked.

As the two movers scurried past Joy, carrying boxes marked “boys’ room,” she scanned the open floor plan of the two-story home. She’d only been inside a few times when the previous owners had been out of town and she’d offered to care for their dog.

“Do you want to come see our room, Miss Kelliher?” Tyler reached for her hand. “Daddy bought us bunk beds that look like race cars. They got delivered yesterday while we were at school.”

“Let’s get that coffee first.” Nick headed toward the kitchen.

A whimper sounded behind the closed laundry room door as Joy and the boys trekked toward the aroma of the freshly brewed beverage. “Is that your puppy I hear?”

“How did you know about Maverick?” Jordan asked.

“I saw him when you got out of the car. That’s a great name.”

“It’s from a TV show back in the old days. My daddy likes to watch the reruns.” Tyler approached the door.

Joy had a vivid memory of her and Nick on his parents’ sectional sofa, watching old Western movies with an oversize bowl of popcorn sitting between them.

Tyler glanced toward his father. “Is it okay if I let him out, Daddy?”

“Sure—why not? But remember, the movers have the front door opened, so keep an eye on him. We don’t want him to run outside without his leash.”

Tyler pushed open the door and out sprang a tiny golden nugget of energy. Maverick raced straight to Joy’s feet and jumped up and down as though his big paws were springs.

Kneeling down, she extended her hand, which he immediately covered with sloppy, wet kisses. Her heart melted. “He’s adorable. What breed is Maverick?”

Nick reached down and stroked the puppy’s head. “A labradoodle, and, boy, is he ever a handful. The boys were a little apprehensive when I told them we were moving. I thought Mav would help with the transition.”

“He likes you, Miss Kellihuh.” Jordan smiled.

Growing up, Joy and Faith had always wanted a dog, but being raised by a grandfather with severe allergies had made that impossible. She scooped Maverick up in her arms and nuzzled his face against her own. “If you ever need a sitter, I’m definitely available.” Obviously the adorable fur ball had impaired her thinking. She couldn’t pet-sit for the animal. She needed to stay as far away from Nick as possible.

“Excuse me, Mr. Capello, but where would you like the piano?”

The group turned to the short, muscular man standing down the hall.

“How about underneath the window in the living room—is that okay, Jordan?”

The boy nodded. “That’s good.”

When the mover scurried out the door, Joy turned to Jordan, who seemed more quiet than usual. “Are you the piano player in the family?”

Jordan’s cheeks flushed. “Do you think it’s only for guls?”

When Tyler silenced a giggle, Joy knew that Jordan had probably been teased about playing the piano. “Of course it’s not. There are a lot of well-known pianists who are men. I actually play, too, and I give lessons.”

“Weally? My mommy used to play.” Jordan glanced at the hardwood floor, looking as if he’d lost his best friend.

Joy noticed Nick’s jaw tense. “Boys, we better put Maverick back in the laundry room. We don’t want him to get in the movers’ way.”

Her heart broke for Jordan and Tyler, but also for Nick. One day your life was perfect, complete with a family, and then it was taken from you. Although she wanted to keep her relationship with Nick strictly business, Jordan tugged on her heartstrings. “You just let me know if you’d like for me to give you some lessons.” She tipped her thumb under the boy’s chin. “I’d better get home. You all have a lot of unpacking to do. Besides, I’ve had enough coffee this morning. I’ll see you all on Monday.”

As she walked toward her empty home, thoughts of the two freckle-faced boys and the rambunctious puppy flooded her mind. Nick’s family. Her heart squeezed. It was as though she was seeing a flash of her life as it could have been. It would have been a wonderful life. When she reached for the icy doorknob on her empty home, she couldn’t help but wonder if it would be that easy to keep things on a professional level.