She owed him. Big-time.

A lot more than the glass of icy lemonade she was bringing him now. Intending to give him the drink, say her piece and leave, she called his name. But when he turned around, the only sound she uttered was a gasp.

Nick had removed his shirt as he put together the swing set, and for the first time she saw his muscles and his broad chest. In the midday sun his pecs and six-pack abs glistened like Cortez’s gold. She stood there, her mouth agape, her mind blank. She’d wanted to tell him something, but couldn’t remember what.

She closed her mouth and swallowed, snapping herself out of her trance. “Thanks for doing this, Nick.”

He gave her that devastating smile. “No problem.”

It was a problem, all right. Her girls loved Nick, so she had to risk spending a little time with him. But could she resist the temptation?

Dear Reader,

Welcome to my new three-book miniseries, DALLAS DUETS, about three young women who live in the same fourplex in Dallas.

The first story is about a woman who feels rather alone in the world—that is, until she reaches out to some young children who really need a change in their lives. I was inspired to write this story because of something I’d seen on television about The Heart Gallery, an organization that enlists the help of the world’s top photographers to find homes for children who are up for adoption. You can find more information about them online.

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. As always, I hope you appreciate my view about the importance of family, whether it’s made up of people who are related by blood, or a family of your own making.

If you have any comments or questions, you can contact me at my Web site, www.judychristenberry.com.

Happy reading!

Daddy Next Door
Judy Christenberry

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MILLS & BOON

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judy Christenberry has been writing romances for over fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. A former French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full-time. She hopes readers have as much fun with her stories as she does. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two daughters. Judy lives in Texas.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter One

A suitcase in each hand, Nick Barry shoved open the front door to the fourplex on Yellow Rose Lane. The residential North Dallas neighborhood was exactly what he needed. A tree-lined street, freshly mowed grass and peace and quiet.

No wonder his aunt had loved this place. Too bad she had to leave it, he thought, but at least she’d sublet it to him. Between the low rent and the amenities, it was a sweet deal.

He was in the lobby, having used the key Aunt Grace had sent to get in the front door. Now he was trying to figure out which key unlocked his new apartment when he heard someone behind him. He looked over his shoulder but not seeing anyone, he turned back to his task.

Simultaneously he felt something around his ankle and heard a tiny voice yelling, “I found him! I found our daddy!”

Shock filled him as he stared at the little girl sitting on the floor with her short, thin arms wrapped around his left leg.

He’d been a little forgetful lately, what with the change in his life, but he was pretty sure he hadn’t forgotten a child.

“Missy? Missy, where are you?” This time it wasn’t a child’s voice, but a woman’s. And if the woman herself matched her tone, she was a beauty. The sound came from afar so he decided to encourage her to come closer.

“Um, I think Missy is with me in the entry hall,” he yelled. He looked down at the towheaded preschooler staring up at him. “You are Missy, aren’t you?”

She nodded brightly, not appearing at all scared.

“Missy?”

The woman was getting closer, but Nick called again. “She’s here with me in the lobby!”

When the door across from his aunt’s apartment swung open, Nick knew he’d been right: the flesh and blood woman matched her voice. The blond beauty rushed out. “Missy! I told you not to come out here without me! Get back inside at once.”

“But I found him!” Missy said indignantly, hugging his leg even tighter.

“Who did you find?” the blonde demanded.

Nick was finding the situation amusing until two other little girls appeared behind the adult. He’d forgotten three daughters? “Uh, I don’t think—”

“Missy, let go of—of whoever you are!” The blonde looked at him for the first time.

“Nick Barry.”

“Okay. Missy, let go of Nick Barry. He is not your daddy!”

“Whew! That’s a relief,” Nick said, grinning.

“This is not a laughing matter!” the young woman said sternly.

“Why can’t he be our daddy?” Missy asked, still not letting him go.

“Because I don’t even know who he is!”

“But we need a daddy!” Missy protested, her tone getting more indignant.

Nick looked down at the charmer hanging on to his ankle. He set down the two suitcases he’d been carrying and then bent down and picked her up. “Sweetheart, I’m sure wherever your daddy is, he’ll come soon. I can’t believe he’d ever forget you.”

Suddenly one of the older girls burst into tears and, sobbing, ran back into the apartment across from him.

“Was it something I said?” Nick asked, frowning.

The woman stepped forward and took Missy into her arms. “Why are you here?” she asked him, looking around. “And how did you get in?”

Ah. She’d finally started asking important questions. “I’m subletting this apartment.”

“Grace’s apartment? She can only sublet it to a relative and what happened to her? The last time I saw her she was doing fine!”

“She’s moved into an assisted-living facility. And I’m her nephew.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll deal with you later. Now I have to—”

“Jennifer, the stove is exploding!” another young voice called out from inside the woman’s apartment.

“What? Get out of the kitchen! I’m coming!”

Seemingly without thinking, she set Missy down and ran back into the apartment, frantic.

Missy grinned up at him. “Won’t you be our daddy?”

“Uh, no, but I will see if I can help your mommy. Come on.” He scooped up the little girl and entered the apartment. Missy showed him the way to the kitchen.

The blonde was on her way out of the room. “What are you doing in here?”

“You forgot something.” He nodded toward the child in his arms.

“Just put her down. I’ve got to see about Steffi!” Then, like a whirlwind, she moved on to another room.

“Who is Steffi?” he asked Missy once he’d set her on her feet.

“She’s my big sister,” Missy said solemnly. “You made her cry.”

“I did? How did I do that?”

Missy’s big brown eyes sobered. “She remembers our real daddy. And he’s dead.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“What’s dead mean?”

Nick stared at the precocious child. “Um, I think you need to ask your mommy.”

“She’s dead, too.” The little girl was beginning to tear up and Nick felt his heart breaking for her and her sisters. He tried to think of something to distract her.

“What was exploding in the kitchen?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Jennifer was making sketti for us.”

“Sketti? What’s that?”

“You know, long, skinny things with red stuff on it. It’s my favorite!”

With Missy’s description and from what he could see in the kitchen, he figured out their mother was making them spaghetti. The stove was turned off under the big pan of water and pasta. Nick was an expert on spaghetti, by virtue of the hundreds of pounds he’d eaten just in his adult life. He checked the spaghetti and determined it still needed to cook awhile. The sauce, in a smaller pot, was already getting cold. He put Missy in a chair at a nearby table and told her not to get down.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want you to get burned.”

“Oh.” The little girl seemed satisfied with that logic.

He turned on the burners and stirred the sauce as he watched the water begin to boil.

“I didn’t know daddies could cook,” Missy commented from the table.

“Some daddies can,” he muttered, concentrating on what he was doing.

“Jennifer says we don’t need no daddy.”

“Who is Jennifer?” he asked, expecting to be told Jennifer was one of her sisters.

“She’s our new mommy,” Missy said with satisfaction.

“Your new mommy?”

“Yes. She’s our new mommy today.”

“You’ve only lived with her today?”

“Yes. Steffi said she skewed us,” Missy said carefully.

“She skewed you? I don’t understand what that means.”

“You know, like when Superman skews a baby. He saves her.”

Ah, rescue, he reasoned. But how had Jennifer rescued these precious children? Treading carefully so as not to bring a second child to tears, he decided to back into his questions.

“So you watch Superman?” he asked.

“Yes, my last mommy played it on the television a lot. Superman skewed somebody every time—”

“So you’re saying your new mommy rescued you?” he asked, sparing Missy a glance.

“Yeah, that’s what Steffi said.”

He stirred the sauce as he watched the spaghetti boil. When he checked the spaghetti again, it appeared to be ready. He found a metal colander sitting in the sink, ready for him to pour the spaghetti and boiling water in it, so he did so. Steam rose in the air.

“Is that smoke?” Missy asked casually. “Jennifer says smoke is dangerous.”

“No, it’s steam. That’s a little different, but it can also hurt you if you’re not careful.” He wondered what he should do now.

Hearing a noise in the hallway, he turned in that direction. The blonde reappeared in the doorway. The adult blonde, that is. Jennifer. All three little girls were also blond. But then he’d originally thought Jennifer was their birth mother. Not according to Missy.

“Why are you still here?” Her demand wasn’t exactly welcoming, but he realized she was under a little stress.

“I thought I could lend a hand. Especially since it appears I caused part of the problem.”

“Part?” she said, giving him a direct look.

For the first time he noticed she had gorgeous blue eyes to go with the blond hair.

“I didn’t volunteer to be anyone’s daddy by just coming in the door, did I?”

“I guess not,” she said, not sounding happy about having to admit it.

“How’s Steffi?” he asked, afraid she was about to tell him to leave. He was strangely reluctant to do so.

Steffi peeked at him from behind her new mommy.

“She’s fine.”

“I’m glad. I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said to the little girl.

She nodded, then hid behind the woman.

“Well, the spaghetti is ready, and the sauce, too. And, hey, you’ve got hamburger meat in your sauce, you lucky girls!” he joked. During college, he hadn’t been able to afford meat for his spaghetti.

“You finished cooking it?” Jennifer asked in consternation. “I didn’t intend— That’s very kind of you. Uh, would you like to join us?”

Missy perked up at that invitation. “Yeah! You can have the daddy seat!”

“Missy, no, Mr. Barry is not the daddy. He’s a guest. We’ll welcome him to his new apartment and thank him for his assistance. Well?” she asked, looking at him again.

“Only if you’ll promise to call me Nick. I don’t like formality.”

She took a deep breath and he feared she was going to refuse, leaving him no option but to decline her invitation. And he didn’t want to do that.

“Of course, Nick. Steffi, can you and Annie get everyone a knife, fork and spoon?”

“Yes, Jennifer,” the oldest girl said.

“Is there anything I can do?” Nick asked.

“No, we’ll manage. You can entertain Missy.”

Nick grinned. He’d already entertained the little girl, but he settled in at the table beside her. “Looks like it’s you and me, Missy.”

“You and me what?”

“You and me who don’t have a job. We just get to watch.”

“Oh, yeah. I’m too little. But you’re old. How come you don’t have a job?”

Nick stifled a laugh. “Because I’m your guest.”

“Oh.” Missy rested her chin on her hands and seemed deep in thought.

“Is iced tea okay, Nick?” his hostess asked.

“Yes, that’ll be fine. Uh, Missy said your name is Jennifer?”

“Yes, I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Jennifer Carpenter, and these are my three daughters, Steffi, Annie and Missy, whom I believe you met earlier.”

“Definitely. Hello, girls. You sure look like your mother.” Okay, so he was fishing for information. He’d admit he was curious.

Steffi looked at him and calmly said, “Thank you.” Despite her earlier emotions she was now composed.

“Are you eight years old, Steffi?” he asked. He was pretty good at guessing the ages of children, since he’d been a schoolteacher and had several nieces and nephews.

“No, I’m only six.”

“Well, you seem much older.” From her slight smile she appeared pleased. “How about you, Annie?” he asked gently, realizing the middle child was much shyer than her older sister.

She stared at him, not saying anything.

Steffi spoke for her sister. “She’s five and Missy is three.”

He took another look at his hostess. She certainly didn’t look like the mother of three children. Her slender form, including a very flat stomach, would’ve fooled most anyone.

“You have a beautiful family, Jennifer.”

After sending the girls a special smile, she looked at him and said, “Thank you.”

She carried a platter of spaghetti covered in meat sauce, topped by grated cheese.

“You use cheddar cheese on your spaghetti?” he asked in surprise.

“Yes. The girls like it.”

Her voice was cool and he hurriedly said, “I’m sure I will, too.”

Since she added a tossed salad and warm garlic bread, he had no complaints.

As much as he tried to make conversation, there wasn’t much talking during dinner, nor the noise he expected with three young children. When they needed it, Jennifer corrected their table manners, but she was gentle and didn’t embarrass the girls. Despite the quiet, Nick couldn’t have enjoyed the meal more—unless of course Jennifer actually spoke to him. Still, he enjoyed stealing glances at her soft honey-colored hair and expressive blue eyes. He had time to find out her story, after dinner.

As soon as the girls were finished, Jennifer stood and said, “Thank you for joining us, Nick. We hope you like your apartment.” The polite version of “Here’s your hat. What’s your hurry?”

Deliberately he stayed put. “I’m sure I will. Do you know the owners?”

“Yes,” she said with some hesitancy, which made him even more curious about her.

“Do you think I need to contact them? Aunt Grace wasn’t clear about that.”

“No, the lease says she can sublet to a relative, so there isn’t anything the owner can do.” Diverting her gaze, she started to clean the table.

He stood up immediately. “Let me help you with that.”

She put a hand out to stop him, but when it landed on his arm, she yanked it back. “N-no thank you. I’ll clean up later, after I give the girls their baths and tuck them into bed.”

“I could do it while you take care of the kids.”

“No!” Then, apparently realizing the vehemence in her tone, she sidestepped him and regained her poise. “A guest never does the dishes, Mr. Barry.”

“Well, in that case, Ms. Carpenter, thank you.” As much as he didn’t want to, he walked to the door, his hostess behind him. When he reached the hall, she stepped out, too.

“Oh, look. I forgot you dropped your suitcases out here. I’m sorry.”

“Doesn’t look like a problem. Don’t you worry.”

“Well, then, good night.” She turned and walked back into her apartment, but something made him stop her. For some reason he felt an overwhelming urge to get to know Ms. Jennifer Carpenter. He reached out and grabbed the door before she could close it.

“I…wanted to ask you…” He searched for some innocuous question to prolong the evening. “Are the other renters nice?” How glib, old man. With lines like that you’ll dazzle her with your wit.

“Very nice. In fact, your upstairs neighbors will welcome you most heartily. They’re six flight attendants.”

He let his eyes slowly appreciate her face. She was a beauty, with soft, wavy blond hair that shone like the sun, and flawless skin. With a neighbor like this, he wasn’t sure the women upstairs could even compete. But she was obviously sending a message: Look elsewhere for your entertainment.

He had no choice but to comply. For now.

RIGHT NOW. SHE NEEDED TO get Mr. Nick Barry out of her mind right now. Her new neighbor had no business occupying her thoughts when she was in soapsuds up to her elbows and watching three little girls in the bathtub. Her attention had to be totally focused on her children.

But it was difficult. Not the bathing. The thinking. Every time she reined in her errant thoughts, they found a way back to Nick.

Truth to tell, the man was charming. Handsome. Great with the girls.

Not now, Jennifer! Now was the time she’d waited for, wanted so desperately. Her with Steffi, Annie and Missy.

One by one she took them out of the tub and helped them dry. “Did everyone get a clean nightgown and panties?”

Missy slapped a hand over her mouth. “I forgot!”

“Missy!” Steffi complained.

“It’s all right, Steffi. Come with me, Missy, and I’ll help you.” She’d carefully showed the girls where she’d put their new clothes earlier that afternoon.

She’d found out three days ago that she’d been approved as the girls’ foster mother while she waited for the court to approve her application for adoption.

As soon as she’d gotten work, she’d bought them each a couple of outfits and underwear and nightgowns to wear until they made a real shopping trip.

Missy clutched the clean clothes to her chest as they walked back to the bath. “Do I get to keep these?”

“Yes, of course, sweetie.”

“And I don’t got to share them?”

“No, Missy, these are for you all by yourself.”

“Good.”

She was learning a lot about children in foster homes. Missy and Steffi had regaled her with stories, many of which nearly broke her heart. Annie, on the other hand, didn’t say much, but she was the reason Jennifer had requested to foster the three little sisters until the adoption went through.

And probably the reason her request had been granted.

That and her uncle—a judge in the Dallas juvenile courts.

“Are you going to take more pictures of us?” Missy asked as they reached the bathroom.

“Of course I will. But not tonight.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“It’s too late for pictures tonight. You need to get in bed so you’ll get enough sleep to grow.”

Missy immediately stretched up as high as she could reach. “I’m going to grow this big!” she exclaimed.

“No, you’re not, Missy! Stop exaggerating,” Steffi said, always the big sister.

Jennifer chuckled. “Actually, Steffi, she probably will. Just not tonight.” She turned on the faucet. “Brush your teeth, girls. I bought each of you a new toothbrush.”

“Really?” Missy asked in awe. “A new nightgown and a new toothbrush?”

“Yes, Missy,” Jennifer said, laughing again.

She made sure Missy knew how to brush her teeth and helped the other two. Then after the girls dressed for bed, Jennifer led them to their room. She’d originally thought about giving the eldest child, Steffi, a separate room, since there were three bedrooms. But she changed her mind and bought a shiny red bed that was full on bottom and twin on top. That would allow all three sisters to be together.

For them, it was something new.

“I love our new bed, Jennifer,” Steffi told her as she tucked them in.

“I’m glad, sweetheart. I wanted you to have something that you’d like. And red makes me smile.”

“Me, too. And I like living here with you and my sisters.”

Jennifer bent over and kissed Steffi’s cheek. “I love it, too, honey. We’re going to be happy together.”

“Me, too!” Missy called. “Will we get to see our daddy tomorrow?”

Jennifer sighed. Why did Missy have to remind her of Nick? “That man is not your daddy, sweetie. We don’t have a daddy here. It’s just us girls.”

“Yeah” came softly from Annie.

Jennifer ducked down and kissed Missy’s cheek, too. Annie was on the far side, but Jennifer reached over to kiss her also.

“Good night, Annie. Sleep tight.”

The little girl stared at her with big brown eyes, a solemn look on her face. A look too old for a five year old.

Jennifer gave her a smile and then tiptoed to the door, turning out the light.

“See, the night-light keeps the room from getting dark. Is everyone okay with that?”

Missy and Steffi assured her they were fine with the night-light. Annie said nothing.

“Good night,” Jennifer called one last time before she walked quietly down the hall.

After she cleaned up and made herself a cup of instant decaf coffee, she sat down and sighed. She’d made it through the first day of her new life.

She’d picked up the three sisters this morning at ten o’clock and brought them back to her house after three days of frantic planning and shopping.

But the change had been set in motion three weeks ago, when she’d volunteered, as a professional photographer, to take photos of foster children. The program was called the Heart Gallery and was taking place all over the country. These professional, quality photos replaced the horrible mug shots that had been all potential families had to look at.

It had seemed a more than worthwhile project to Jennifer. When she’d drawn three sisters to photograph, she’d been enchanted to find such beautiful children as her subjects. She planned to spend the day with them, photographing them, treating them to lunch, making a good memory for them. Since she and her mother were estranged, she thought it might make a nice memory for her, too.

Jennifer admired the bond between the sisters, even envied it. She herself had no siblings, except for a half brother whom she’d met only once. Her father, after divorcing her mother, had no intention of ever having anything to do with Jennifer or her mother. But since his death, she had thought about contacting her half brother. Spending the day with the three little girls convinced her. Jennifer’s heart broke when she recalled the photo shoot. Two of the three children smiled broadly, their personalities coming through the camera lens. It was the middle child Jennifer had trouble capturing. She’d coaxed and cajoled Annie, even taken the five-year-old in her arms. But Annie pulled away, as if in pain. That was when Jennifer discovered the bruises all over Annie’s body.

The child wouldn’t tell her how she’d gotten her bruises. Steffi finally said that the “bad man” who lived in the foster house did that to her if she didn’t obey him fast enough.

Jennifer had called Child Protective Services and demanded that the girls’ welfare worker come at once. Six hours later, the overworked welfare worker arrived at her door. When Jennifer showed the woman the bruises all over Annie’s body and demanded the child be removed from her home at once, the worker had said she had nowhere to put her.

Without hesitation Jennifer had offered to take her. On a temporary basis, of course.

The welfare worker said she would have to be approved and that could take weeks. That was when Jennifer had called her uncle and demanded he do something.

With his help she was allowed to keep all three girls overnight, and the next morning she received approval to keep Annie. But by then she’d seen the love and need the three girls had for one another, and though it meant a huge change in her own life, she’d asked for custody of all three.

And today her new life had begun.

Only to be interrupted by her new neighbor, Missy’s “daddy.”

Chapter Two

The new apartment felt like home fairly quickly.

He’d unpacked his two suitcases in record time and had put his toiletries in the bathroom. Aunt Grace’s personal items had been removed, so settling in was easy enough.

He smiled warmly when he thought of his aunt. He had such fond memories of the elderly woman. Though she hadn’t wanted to leave Yellow Rose Lane, she was simply unable to live by herself any longer. The assisted-living facility was close by, so Nick could visit her often.

Meantime she’d offered him the apartment for the remaining eleven months of her lease. It was all the time he needed. Grace had called the fourplex home for ten years, and her rent had never been raised the entire time, making his payment much less than what he was shelling out every month for a small place in Lubbock. He felt a little bad about taking advantage of the owners, but he didn’t know them. Aunt Grace had told him to talk to her neighbor across the hall.

Jennifer.

Truthfully, he’d like to do more than just talk to the pretty blonde. But yesterday’s meeting hadn’t gone too well.

He fought the urge to go back to her apartment. He had things to do—like go to a grocery store and lay in some food. That was what a responsible man would do. He wouldn’t interrupt the beauty across the hall just because of his curiosity. That was the reason he gave himself.

Of course, he wouldn’t.

But when he opened his door, he didn’t go out to his car. He crossed the hall and knocked on her door.

He heard the sound of little feet running and Jennifer’s voice cautioning Missy not to open the door.

When the door opened, it was Jennifer, not Missy, who stared at him.

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry to bother you. I need to go buy groceries, and I wondered if you could tell me where the closest grocery store is.”

“Yes. There are two close by.” She began giving him directions, and he sent her a bewildered look.

“I’m afraid I don’t know the roads around here. Could you draw me a map?” he asked politely. Then he noticed little Missy peeking around the door. “Hi, there.”

The giggle he received in response brought a smile to his lips.

Jennifer didn’t appear amused at his greeting. “Missy, go back and finish your breakfast.”

Little fingers curled in a wave and Missy ran back down the hall.

With a sigh, Jennifer said, “Come in and I’ll draw a map.”

“I really appreciate it,” he assured her. As he followed her into the kitchen, he sniffed the elixir he needed each morning.

“You made coffee? I mean, uh, what kind of coffee do you buy? It smells good.”

Another sigh. Okay, he hadn’t been subtle, but he hadn’t expected to smell coffee.

“Would you like a cup?” she offered.

“I’d kill for one,” he admitted in a low voice. Somehow, saying that even jokingly in front of such innocent ears didn’t seem right.

“Have a seat,” she said, gesturing to the breakfast table where the three girls were eating.

He joined them, trying not to look at the pancakes they were eating. He should’ve found a grocery store last night, but his stomach had been full. And he’d been tired.

Jennifer brought him a cup of steaming hot coffee. “Bless you,” he said.

She gave him a knowing look and turned away.

He closed his eyes as he sipped wonderful coffee. Without a doubt, he needed to know what brand she used. When he opened his eyes to ask that important question, he saw that she was occupied at the stove again.

She turned around and put a plate of pancakes in front of him. Then she got him a knife and fork. “Butter and syrup are on the table.”

“I didn’t mean— You didn’t have to cook for me!” he exclaimed, feeling embarrassed.

“I was cooking for the girls, anyway. Eat them, don’t eat them. Your choice.”

He immediately reached for the butter and syrup. “I won’t turn them down.”

She was still at the stove and he realized she’d given him the pancakes she would’ve eaten. “Hey, let me cook those and you come eat.”

“No, I’m fine. Don’t let those get cold.”

He spread butter over his pancakes and added syrup. Then he took his first bite. “Wow, these are great, aren’t they, girls?”

Three little heads bobbed up and down.

“They just gave you a rave review, Jennifer, but their mouths were full. You couldn’t hear them,” he said, smiling at the kids.

“I know. They already told me.” She dished up her pancakes and joined them at the table. “This is a special breakfast today.”

“Ah, first breakfast since school got out?”

“Nice try, but I know Missy told you I was their new mommy. Did you think I kidnapped them?”

He smiled at her. She looked beautiful, dressed in Bermuda shorts and a knit shirt. “If all kidnappers looked like you, no victims would ever complain.”

She glared at him.

“Just teasing. No, I didn’t think you kidnapped them. I figured I’d find out eventually what was going on.”

She took a bite of her pancakes and chewed slowly.

Nick said nothing else, enjoying his pancakes and coffee and giving her time. He’d learned that silence was a greater prompter than any words he could say.

Finally, she said, “I’m adopting the girls and right now I’m their foster mother. But soon I’ll be their real mother.”

“And they really are sisters?”

Missy giggled again, but it was Steffi who answered. “Yes, we’re all sisters, but we didn’t get to live together until yesterday.”

“You didn’t?” He turned to Jennifer. “You mean, the system split them up, or did they move into different homes because they, uh, became available at different times?”

“No, their parents…had an accident. Unfortunately no one foster home could take all three, so they split them up.”

“That’s barbaric!”

For the first time since he’d met the lovely Jennifer, she smiled warmly at him. “I thought so, too.”

“So how did you find them?”

She explained about the photographs for the Heart Gallery.

“And you decided to adopt them at once?”

“Sort of. I’ll explain later,” Jennifer said in a low voice that made him think of silk sheets and dark nights.

“Uh, okay. These sure are good pancakes.”

“I love ’em,” Missy said in agreement.

Since she had syrup smeared over half her face, Nick believed her.

“Thank you, Missy,” Jennifer said with a smile. “Have you finished?”

Missy nodded.

“How about you, Steffi, Annie?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Steffi said. Like Missy, Annie just nodded.

“Okay. I want you to go to the bathroom and wash your face and hands. No sticky parts, okay?”

They nodded, their eyes big.

“Then go to your bedroom. I laid out the clothes for you to put on. If you need help, call me,” she added with a warm smile.

Nick thought any kid would want to receive that smile. It certainly worked on the three little girls. They ran out of the room to do as she’d told them.

Again, Nick remained silent. He wasn’t sure she would still tell him about the girls.

She looked up. “Do you need more coffee?”

“Yeah, but let me serve you for a change.” He picked up her almost empty cup, as well as his own, and refilled them. Then he sat back down.

“When I got ready to photograph the girls, I had some outfits for them to put on, just for fun. Annie was reluctant. When I reached out for her, I discovered she was covered in bruises. I was so upset, I scared her. She wouldn’t tell me how she got them. Finally Steffi told me the mean man at her house pinched her if she didn’t do as he said at once.”

She swallowed convulsively. “You’ve seen Annie. Do you think she’s a discipline problem?”

“No! How could— Hadn’t anyone seen the bruises?”

“Apparently not. I demanded the welfare worker in charge of Annie come at once. She made it six hours later. She, too, was upset by what she saw, but she said she had nowhere else to put Annie. And the charges would have to be investigated.”

“So they took her back to the same place?”

“No. She came home with me.” She explained about her uncle and all he’d done.

“Do you think you’ll be approved to adopt them?” he asked. When she glared at him, he added, “No offense, but I thought a single parent wouldn’t be— I mean, usually they look for a couple.”

“I’ll be approved. My uncle told me they don’t turn down qualified applicants.”

“I believe the girls will be fortunate if they get you for a mother, Jennifer. I didn’t mean any insult.”

“I’m a little touchy. My mother— Never mind.”

He sat there silently, waiting, hoping she would finish that sentence.

Finally, she said, with a bitter laugh, “My mother thinks I’m ruining my life by adopting the girls.”

“She isn’t happy to have three granddaughters?”

Again that bitter laugh. “My mother? She isn’t interested in being a grandmother in the first place and certainly not a grandmother to children that didn’t have her exclusive blood.”

“Ah, one of the blue bloods, is she?”

“Yes, of course! She was born and bred in Highland Park,” Jennifer said, naming an exclusive neighborhood in Dallas, full of prestigious homes and wealthy owners.

“I bet you were a debutante,” Nick guessed with a grin.

“Yes. I had no choice. But after I graduated college, I refused to play that role any longer.”

“Good for you. Did your mom withhold money to persuade you to change?”

“She tried. I got a job and paid my own way.”

“Well, you’ve certainly done well. These are nice digs.”

“Yes, but I wouldn’t be here without my grandmother’s help.”

“Good for her. And you’re a photographer?”

“Yes. Not well known yet, but, hopefully, I will be.” She took a sip of coffee before she asked, “What do you do?”

He paused, debating his answer. Which one of his careers did he choose? Remembering his agent’s stern warning, he chose the less interesting one. “I’m a teacher.”

“So you’re only here for the summer?”

“Maybe. I’d been thinking about moving to Dallas for a while. I’m going to see what’s available.”

“You realize if you try to renew the lease next year, the rent will go up, don’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“I thought I should tell you since I know teachers don’t make a lot of money.”

“Like unknown photographers?”

She stiffened. “I told you I had help from my grandmother.”

“Sorry, that was out of line, anyway. If you’ll make me a map, I’ll get out of your hair.”

“Of course. I’ll get pen and paper,” she said, still stiff, showing she hadn’t forgiven him. Rising, she left the room.

Nick cleaned off the table and loaded the dishwasher.

“What are you doing?” Jennifer asked as she returned.

“Hoping to get you to forgive me,” he told her, offering his best smile.

“There’s nothing to forgive,” she assured him, not meeting his gaze.

“Yes, there is. You’ve taken me in and fed me twice, and I’ve repaid you by being rude.”

“Please,” she said, pushing her chin-length hair behind her ear, “it doesn’t matter.”

“Jennifer,” Missy called out and they both heard the patter of her little feet. Before they could turn around to look, she was in the kitchen with them. “Don’t I look beautiful?” Missy demanded, glowing.

Jennifer laughed, a sound full of joy. “You absolutely do, but you should wait for me to tell you, instead of asking.”

“But what if you forget?” Missy asked, puzzled by that social rule.

“Well, then I think you could ask.” Jennifer reached out to hug the little girl. “Where are your sisters?”

“They’re still getting dressed. They had lots of buttons,” Missy assured her.

“Okay, maybe I should go help them. And we have to brush your hair.”

“Oh.” Missy didn’t look very happy about that chore. “Sometimes it hurts.”

“Bring me the hairbrush and I’ll be gentle,” Nick promised, smiling at Missy.

“No, I’ll take care of it, as soon as I help the others finish dressing,” Jennifer assured him, and jumped up from the table to go to the little girls’ bedroom.

Nick sat there for a minute, knowing he hadn’t gotten his map, but he’d gotten so much more. Just as he started to stand and leave, Missy returned with the hairbrush.

“Don’t pull!” she ordered sternly, at least as sternly as a three-year-old could be.

“I won’t. Let’s move in here,” he said, leading the child to the living room. He sat down and pulled Missy onto his lap. “Okay, now, I’m going to be gentle, but if it hurts, tell me.”

“Okay!” Missy agreed. She was holding herself stiffly, reminding him of her new mommy. But as he worked on her hair, as he once had his little sisters’ hair, she gradually relaxed.

“There, you’re all done. Do you have a bow or a barrette to put in your hair?”

“Yes, I have a bow. I’ll go get it.” She hurried out of the room.

Nick hoped she returned before Jennifer did. When she came running down the hall, he thought he’d be able to finish his job before Jennifer appeared. But she called for Missy just before she reached Nick.

“Missy? Where are you? I need to brush your hair, too.”

“Nick did it, Jennifer!” Missy called out and kept running to Nick. She handed him her bow. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Definitely beautiful.” He gently pulled the long hair back and put the bow in place. “Perfect,” he said, and bent forward to kiss her on the cheek.

To his surprise, the little girl wrapped her arms around his neck and said, “I love you.”

“Missy!” Jennifer said sharply over Nick’s shoulder.

The child, with no fear, jumped down and ran to Jennifer. “Don’t I look beautiful?” she demanded with a big smile, using what appeared to be her favorite word.

“Yes, sweetheart, you do. I hope you thanked Nick for his hard work.”

“I did. Can he come with us?”

“No, we’re going to be shopping for clothes, and men don’t like to do that. Besides, he needs to go to the grocery store.”

“I could do my grocery shopping later,” he offered, watching her.

“No. It would be absurd to drag you along on our shopping trip. You’d hate every minute of it.”

“Actually, as the oldest child, I had three little sisters, and my mother put me in charge of them often. I would enjoy the shopping trip and you might need help with three of them.”

“Please, Mommy?” Missy said, surprising both him and Jennifer.

“That’s the first time you’ve called me Mommy,” Jennifer said, looking teary-eyed.

“Is that okay?” Missy asked.

“Of course it is, sweetie,” she said, scooping the child up into her arms.

“If you let him come with us, I would hold Nick’s hand so he wouldn’t get lost,” Missy said, her arms around Jennifer’s neck. “And he can tell me I look beautiful!”

The other two little girls came down the hall, all neat and tidy, and Nick took the opportunity to praise their appearances also.

“I don’t— This is ridiculous!” Jennifer said under her breath.

Nick, however, had an angle he didn’t think she would refuse. “Have you ever thought that it might be good therapy for…someone, to know a man who isn’t bad?”

“How do I know you aren’t bad?” Jennifer demanded.

“I’m just a teacher who helped raise his three sisters. I’m used to girls. Besides, I’m Grace’s nephew.”

“Don’t you have something better to do with your time?”

“Actually, I don’t. This way I’ll get to see lots of Dallas and find out where things are.”

“Please!” Missy added to his cause.

“Oh, all right, but don’t blame me if you get bored!” Jennifer said. She picked up her purse from a nearby table. “Are we ready, girls?”

“Yes,” Steffi said, taking Annie’s hand. Missy struggled out of Jennifer’s hold to come collect Nick. “I’ll take care of you, Nick.”

“Thank you, Missy,” he said, trying to sound like he needed a three-year-old’s watchful eye.

Jennifer rolled her eyes and headed for the door.

TWO HOURS LATER, NICK was impressed with Jennifer’s endurance. She still seemed to be enjoying herself. Missy, however, was worn out. She sat curled in his lap while the other girls continued to try on clothes in a nearby dressing room.

“I’m hungry,” she complained.

“Me, too. How about I take us all to lunch?”

“Yeah! Can we go to McDonald’s?”

“I’m not sure Jennifer would like McDonald’s. We’ll see.”

Just then Jennifer and the other two girls came out of the dressing room.

“Mommy, Nick said he would take us to McDonald’s!” Missy said, scooting out of Nick’s lap to reach for Jennifer.

“I’ll buy you lunch when it gets—” She stopped to look at her watch. “Oh, I had no idea it was almost two o’clock. We’d better take a lunch break, girls.”

“Do you have more shopping to do?” Nick asked.

“Yes, but—”

“Then why don’t we go to the food court? I’m sure they’ll have things the girls will like, and maybe something we can tolerate, too.”

“Yes, that’s a good idea. Come on, girls. We’ll go have lunch. Then we’ll shop some more.”

When they reached the food court, Nick noticed the McDonald’s nearby. “Do you mind if the girls have McDonald’s?”

“No, that’ll be fine. If you’ll stay here with the girls, I’ll go get their food.”

“You stay with them and I’ll go get the food. This meal’s on me. It’s definitely my turn.”

In no time he was back with three Happy Meals and drinks. Then he looked at Jennifer. “Now, what would you like?”

“I’d like a grilled chicken salad and a diet Coke.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be right back.”

He returned with two salads and two drinks.

“I didn’t mean you had to get a salad,” Jennifer protested as she saw he’d gotten himself the same thing.

“I like salads, too. Though I don’t eat a steady diet of them,” he assured her with a smile.

“How old are your sisters?” she suddenly asked.

He grinned. “Seven years younger than me.”

“All three of them?” she asked in surprise.

“Yeah. My mom had trouble getting pregnant after I was born, so she took fertility drugs and ended up with triplets.”

“Oh, my. I guess you do have experience,” she said in amazement.

“Yeah. It wasn’t until I went away to college that I got to do much of anything by myself.”

“What’s triplets?” Missy asked.

“It’s when your mommy has three babies at the same time,” Jennifer said.

Missy nodded, but Steffi looked puzzled. “You mean like us only all the same age?”

“That’s right. It makes everything much more difficult. With you being older, you can help your sisters. But Nick had to help all three of his sisters.” Jennifer grinned at him. “If you’d told me that earlier, I would’ve been easier about your helping with the girls.”

“I didn’t want to brag,” Nick said, trying to look modest.

“Yeah, right!” Jennifer said with a laugh.

“How’s your hamburger, Annie?” Nick asked. The little girl had yet to speak to him. He wasn’t sure she would speak to him now.

“Good,” she replied very softly.

“I’m glad. And yours, Steffi?”

“I like it. And I got a car as my toy.”

“Lucky you,” Nick said. “And, Missy? What did you get?”

“I got a cat, I think.” She held up a plastic figure.

“That’s Sylvester the cat. I think they’re bringing out a new movie about Sylvester the cat,” he said.

“Can we go?” Missy immediately asked.

Her suggestion put a pleasant thought in Nick’s head. He and Jennifer in a darkened movie theater—with the girls, of course. Still, he looked straight at Jennifer when he said, “I promise we will.”

Chapter Three

“I don’t think you have the right to promise that, Nick,” Jennifer said, her voice starchy.

“I didn’t think a movie would hurt.”

Jennifer, however, was more focused on the girls. “Have any of you ever been to the movies?”

Steffi shook her head. Annie just stared at Jennifer, wide-eyed. But Missy nodded.

“When did you go to the movies, Missy?” Jennifer asked suspiciously.

“Once, my old mommy took four of us to the movies and we had popcorn and candy and a Coke!”

“What did you see?” Jennifer asked, watching Missy closely.

“A movie. And we had to be real quiet!”

“Do you remember what happened in the movie?” Nick asked, hoping to help Jennifer.

Missy hung her head.

“Missy?”

She finally looked at Nick and confessed, “I threw up and my old mommy was mad because she didn’t get to see all the movie.”

“Missy, if it made you sick, why do you want to go again?” Jennifer asked.

“’Cause it was fun. It’s real dark and—”

“Never mind. We’ll discuss going to the movies when that movie comes out and I can decide if it’s appropriate for you.”

“What’s appropriate?” Missy asked.

Nick answered that question. “If it’s a show that’s good for you to see. Some of the movies are made for adults and you wouldn’t enjoy them.”

“Will you let me sit next to you, Nick, if we go to the movies?”

“Sure. We can even hold hands,” he told the little girl with a smile.

“We can’t expect Nick to come with us, Missy,” Jennifer said sternly. “So far, we’ve managed to take all his time since he arrived. I’m sure he has lots to do. He probably can’t come to the movies with us.”

Missy turned to Nick, her brown eyes wide, “Please, Nick?”

“I’ll try, Missy. But you know how it is. My schedule might get crowded.” He stared at Jennifer as he lied to Missy. He thought that was what she wanted.

“Okay. Has everyone finished eating?” Jennifer asked in a cheery voice. When the girls all nodded, she suggested a trip to the bathroom. “Nick, can you guard our bags?”

“I can, but if you’ll give me your keys, I could carry them all to the car and put them in the trunk. Then we can load up again when you buy other things.”

“Would you mind?” Jennifer asked. “That would be wonderful. We’ll be in the children’s department again.”

“I’ll see you there.”

He stood there watching as Jennifer led her three little girls to the bathroom. It reminded him so much of his childhood. When the triplets were four and he was eleven, their father had died, and he’d been responsible for the girls in the summer while his mother worked.

It had been hard on all of them, but they’d survived and forged a bond that kept them close. Two of them were married now and the third was living in New York City. He kept up with them, though; after all, it was what his mother asked of him before she succumbed to cancer a couple of years ago.

He shook off thoughts of his family and gathered up the shopping bags. He hoped Jennifer could afford all she was buying. Children were expensive in more ways than clothes.

When he got back to the children’s department in the store in which they’d been shopping, he didn’t see any of them. But as he drew closer to the dressing room, he heard their voices.

“I want to go outside with Nick,” Missy complained.

“Nick is putting our bags in the car. I need you to try on this outfit, Missy. I think it will look very nice on you.”

“But—”

“Missy, try on these clothes. Then we’ll go see if Nick is back and you can sit with him. Or maybe he can help you find some Sunday shoes and some sandals.”

“I get two new pairs of shoes?” Missy asked in astonishment. “But I already have these.”

He could picture Missy sticking out her feet to show Jennifer her tennis shoes.

“Just try on the clothes. Here, let me help you.”

He didn’t hear much until Missy spoke up again after a few minutes. “Now can I go see if Nick is back?”

“Yes, I’ll take you out there. Steffi, you and Annie stay here. I’ll be right back.”

“I’m here, Jennifer,” Nick called. “Just send Missy out. I’ll take care of her.”

Instead, Jennifer came out with Missy. “Would you mind taking her just across the aisle to find Sunday shoes and sandals?”

“Sure. About what would you like to spend?”

She looked at him blankly. Then she shook her head. “I don’t know what little girls’ shoes cost. Probably something under fifty. I’ll come pay for them in a minute.”

Nick shook his head as Jennifer went back into the dressing room. He guessed she didn’t have to worry about money. Fifty dollars for kids’ shoes? He could do better than that.

In fifteen minutes, he had chosen black patent leather shoes and white sandals for Missy. She was so excited, he had trouble keeping her from charging across the aisle to show Jennifer before he paid for them.

When they got back to the dressing room, he sent Missy in to find Jennifer.

Jennifer came out at once. “Did you tell them I’d be there in a minute to pay for them? I didn’t think—”

“I paid for them, but I kept the receipt so you can pay me back. It was just easier that way.”

“Oh. I shouldn’t— I didn’t think— Thank you. I’ll write you a check when we get a moment.”

“Good. Now, are you ready for me to take one of the others shoe shopping?”

Jennifer frowned. “Annie is ready, but…”

“I’ll be very gentle with her and bring her back at once if she gets uneasy, I promise.”

“I’ll go ask her.”

In a minute, Jennifer came back out, holding Annie’s hand. “See, Annie? The shoes are just over there. Nick will take you to try some on. Then you can come right back here if I haven’t gotten over there yet.”

“Okay,” Annie whispered.

Nick thought it was a big step for Annie to trust him. He smiled warmly and offered his hand. It would be the first time he had touched her. Her big brown eyes held a lot of fear and hurt, but she slowly put her hand in his.

“Same shoes for her?” Nick asked softly.

Jennifer nodded. “I liked your choices for Missy, by the way. I don’t think she intends to take the sandals off even when she goes to bed tonight.”

Nick grinned. “She did seem to like them. We’ll try to find shoes that will make Annie smile, too. Right, Annie?”

She just stared at him.

He led her over to the shoe section and they looked at what was available in her size. Nick patiently waited for her to make her selection, but she kept watching him, as if afraid she’d anger him if she made the wrong choice.

“Annie, all these shoes are what Jennifer wants you to wear, so you can choose whichever you want to try on. There aren’t any bad choices. Just pick the ones you like most.”

More silence.

He waited patiently.

Finally Annie pointed to a pair of the dress shoes.

“Good. Are there any others that you want to try on?”

She shook her head. Her hand was trembling in Nick’s. He knew this was a big step for Annie. He settled her in a chair and got the saleswoman to bring her size. He also asked for three pairs of sandals to be brought out, all in styles different from Missy’s. He’d learned with the triplets to get everyone something different, something that suited their unique personalities.

Annie was quite different from Missy. She showed her enthusiasm with a quiet smile, by touching the shoes in a way akin to a caress. In no time she approved the shoes and picked out a pair of sandals.

“I like these,” she whispered, looking down at her newly shod feet.

“Okay, good choice, Annie,” he told the little girl, and paid for her shoes. Then he took her back to the dressing room and let her go show Jennifer.

Jennifer came out without Annie. “You did a great job. She’s overcome with excitement.”

“She has quiet excitement, doesn’t she?”

“Yes. I worry that she’ll explode if she doesn’t learn to express her feelings more like Missy.” Then Jennifer grinned. “But I’ll admit I might enjoy her excitement better than Missy’s some of the time.”

“I know. One of the triplets, Elizabeth, was very quiet, too. But she blossomed later.”

“You really do have triplet sisters?”

“Yes. Did you doubt me?”

“It just seemed such a perfect story to make me accept you. I began to doubt it as I thought about everything.”

He smiled. “Well, it really is true. Is Steffi ready for shoes?”

“Yes, we all are. I’ll go get everyone.”

After Steffi made her choices and Jennifer bought the shoes, they headed for the car, loaded down with packages again.

“It’s a good thing I’m a great packhorse, isn’t it?” Nick teased Jennifer as they reached the car. “And a good thing that you have a minivan. Otherwise, all these packages wouldn’t fit.”

“They’ll all fit. If they don’t, the girls can put them under their feet.”

“I was teasing. But you did buy a lot.”

“But the girls had next to nothing. Their clothes were worn hand-me-downs. Missy was so excited last night that she didn’t have to share a nightgown.”

“They put two kids in one nightgown?” Nick asked in astonishment.

“No. Quit teasing me. They had a community pile of nightgowns. She didn’t get the same nightgown every night.”

“And now she has a choice of nightgowns, all belonging to her?”

“Yes, and her sisters do, too. They all have enough clothes for the rest of the summer. In the fall they’ll be fitted in school uniforms. At least, Steffi and Annie will. Missy will go to a preschool. They don’t wear uniforms there.”

“What school are they going to?”

“Hockaday. It’s where I went to school.”

“Okay, I don’t have to ask if you’re counting your pennies if that’s where you’re sending the girls,” Nick said with a laugh.

“I don’t think I ever said I was,” she replied stiffly.

“No, but I did wonder as the number of packages grew.”

Straightening her back and lifting her chin, Jennifer turned on her heels, mumbling something about checking the girls’ seat belts.

What was it about her financial status that angered Jennifer? This was the second time she’d balked when he brought up money. He made a mental note to steer clear of any further comments.

He closed the back of the minivan and hustled around to the passenger seat. He figured he’d better get in before she drove off without him.

On the ride home there was no conversation, until Jennifer pointed out a grocery store.

“There’s the one where I shop,” she said. “It’s only a short distance from the fourplex.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll go later today.”

When they reached the fourplex, Nick began gathering packages to carry in to the apartment. Jennifer also came around to the back of the minivan with the girls and gave them each a package to carry in. She gave Steffi the key to unlock the doors.

“Sorry, I should’ve thought of that,” Nick said softly after the girls headed toward the apartment. “It was smart on your part to encourage them to help.”

Jennifer raised her eyebrows and put a palm to her chest. “You mean I did something right? With all your experience, Mr. Barry, I guess you would know, wouldn’t you?”

“Are you making fun of me, Jennifer?”

“Well, you do seem to think you know better than me.”

She was baiting him, but he refused to bite. Instead he complimented her. “Just goes to show that your instincts are good even if you’ve never had kids before.”

Before she could reply, another car pulled into the small parking lot.

“Uh-oh,” Jennifer muttered.

Nick looked at the other car. “Is there a problem?”

“Not for you. It’s just my mother.”

He looked at the woman getting out of the car. She had Jennifer’s blond hair, but hers looked artificial. She was dressed in a chic suit and heels, and she wore a lot of gold jewelry. She also wore a frown.

“Jennifer,” she called sharply.

“Yes, Mother?”

“Have you lost your mind?” her mother demanded, ignoring Nick, as she approached them.

“I don’t think so.”

“My brother just complimented me on my daughter’s social conscience! When I assured him I didn’t know what he was talking about, he informed me that you have applied to adopt three little girls! I won’t have it! You must stop this at once!”

“I won’t do that, Mother.”

“But I won’t have it! You’ll ruin your life!”

“I’m going to adopt the girls. I believe I’m doing the right thing. And I won’t let you tell me what to do!” Jennifer finished with passion in her voice.

“It’s your grandmother’s fault, isn’t it? She made this possible. Otherwise, I’d just cut off your allowance and you’d do what I said!”

“You tried that once, Mother, before Grandmother left me anything, and it didn’t work then. It won’t work now. I make my decisions, not you!”

“But, darling, you haven’t thought this through. What man will even look at you with three kids tugging on your coattails?”

“I would,” Nick said softly, hoping he wasn’t going to upset Jennifer.

Jennifer’s mother whirled around and stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. “Who are you?”

“He’s Grace’s nephew and he’s leasing the apartment across from me,” Jennifer said quietly. “He’s a teacher.”

“Oh, then he doesn’t count. That’s not what I have planned for you. Jonathan Davis has shown some interest. But if I tell him about the girls, he’ll change his mind.”

“Good. I have no interest in Jonathan Davis.”

“But, Jennifer, his father is the president of the CMX Corporation. He’s worth millions, and his father is worth even more! He’s perfect.”

“Then I suggest you marry him, Mother, because I have no interest in him!”

“Jennifer, have you lost your mind?” her mother demanded, her hands on her hips, glaring at her daughter.

With her lips pressed tightly together, Jennifer gathered up the last of the packages and closed the back of the minivan. “I have nothing more to say to you, Mother. I can’t invite you in because the children would be upset. I’ll call you sometime soon.”

“You mean I’m not invited into your home?” her mother screamed, outraged.

“That’s exactly what I mean! Come on, Nick.” Jennifer headed for the front door.

Nick did as she ordered, not bothering to argue with her. He certainly didn’t want to have any conversation with the woman who had blown him off. He might no longer be a teacher, but that didn’t mean he thought teachers should be so easily dismissed.

When they got into Jennifer’s apartment, she collapsed on the sofa, her energy apparently spent in the argument.

The girls came running in, eager to open the packages.

Nick said, “Girls, can you help me take the packages to your bedroom? Your mom is a little tired and needs to rest a few minutes.”

Missy and Steffi agreed at once and began gathering packages to take to their bedroom. Annie first went to Jennifer and touched her on her hand, looking at her with big eyes.

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” Jennifer said, hugging the little girl. “I just need a few minutes, okay?”

Annie nodded and picked up the leftover packages and silently followed her sisters.

On the way to the girls’ room, Nick gave Jennifer a warm, bolstering smile over his shoulder. That was when he noticed the tears glistening in her eyes.

BY EARLY EVENING, JENNIFER had pulled herself together and prepared dinner for her family. When she called the girls in to set the table, Missy asked, “Where’s Nick?”

“I’m sure he’s at home. He’s not part of our family, Missy. You know that.”

“But Nick is our daddy! He should be here for supper!” the child said firmly.

“I’ve told you before, Missy, he’s not your daddy. He’s our neighbor, that’s all.” And, she reminded herself, that was all he’d ever be. “Now, help your sisters set the table.”

When the phone rang, Jennifer grabbed the kitchen extension, which had a long cord so she could finish fixing dinner while she talked.

“Jennifer?” said a wavery voice she recognized at once.

“Grace, how are you?”

“I’m fine, but I need to pay my rent.”

“Uh, Grace, aren’t you at the assisted-living facility?”

“Yes, but it’s not as nice as my apartment.”

“But do you think you’ll be able to return to your apartment?” Jennifer asked, confused.

“Oh, yes.”

“Have you told your nephew that?” Jennifer asked. Grace Windomere had been a good friend of her grandmother’s, which was how she’d gotten the apartment.

“Why would I?”

“If you’re subletting the apartment to your nephew, you’ll need to tell him.”

“What nephew?”

Jennifer froze. Then she said, “Your nephew, Nick Barry. He said you sublet your apartment to him.”

“I don’t think I have a nephew.”

“Grace, are you sure?”

“Well, I should know.”

“Yes, you should,” Jennifer said, her mind racing. She found it hard to believe that Nick was a brazen liar. But it appeared he was.

Suddenly her breath caught and a wave of cold chilled her body. She’d left her children with the man. Whoever he was. She’d trusted him!

Putting the food on the table, she helped each child serve herself.

“Now, girls, I need to go say something to Nick. You stay here and eat your dinner. I’ll be right back. Okay? Steffi is in charge. You do what she says.”

With a backward glance, Jennifer hurried out of her apartment and banged on the door across the hall.

When Nick opened the door, she glared at him.

“Grace Windomere doesn’t have a nephew!”

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