“He’s a beautiful child,” Jack whispered.

Rachel didn’t answer. She didn’t want to break the spell.

As they stood side by side gazing down at the sleeping baby, she suddenly felt an amazing closeness.

This is what it would be like if Charlie had a father, she thought. It would be good to share this beautiful boy with someone who loved him as much as I do. With someone who loved me, too.

Jack slowly turned towards her and looked into her eyes, as if he could read her mind. His hands rose and gently touched her hair.

If there was a time to step back, this was it.

But she couldn’t move a muscle.

KATE LITTLE

claims to have lots of experience with romance – “the fictional kind, that is,” she is quick to clarify. She has been both an author and an editor of romance fiction for over fifteen years. She believes that a good romance will make the reader experience all the tension, thrills and agony of falling madly, deeply and wildly in love. Kate enjoys watching the characters in her books go crazy for each other, but she hates to see the blissful couple disappear when it’s time for them to live happily ever after.

In addition to writing romance novels, Kate also writes fiction and non-fiction for young adults. She lives on Long Island with her husband and daughter.

Dad in Disguise

Kate Little

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Chapter One

You never know what’s going to happen when you wake up in the morning.

You think you do…but you don’t.

That’s what Jack Sawyer believed now. Less than a week ago, he’d opened an innocent-looking envelope and his life changed in the blink of an eye.

Settled at his desk on a typical Monday morning, he was sorting through a pile of mail while sipping his coffee and a letter marked “Personal & Confidential” caught his eye.

He tore it open, read it and—bam!

A meteor might have landed smack dab in the middle of his sleekly decorated executive office. In the middle of his sleekly decorated life.

The letter had come from a firm called Dynamics, Inc. He couldn’t place it at first. When he finally did, he cringed.

Dynamics, Inc. was a sperm bank where he’d impulsively made a donation two years ago. It had been a bleak, frightening moment in his life. Diagnosed with an inoperable tumor, the prognosis had been grim. Given only a few months to live, Jack faced a sad truth. For all his accomplishments and worldly success, he wondered if he’d achieved very much at all. For one thing, he’d never married and had children, a fact he deeply regretted at that moment.

There had been plenty of lovely, marriageable women in his life and plenty of chances for commitment. Maybe too many choices. Jack didn’t know why, but something always held him back. Somehow, at the last minute, he always sidestepped walking down the aisle, claiming he wasn’t ready. Or deciding that the woman in question just wasn’t “The One.” Maybe he just didn’t want to make the changes a real commitment would demand.

His lifestyle wasn’t suited to marriage…and maybe his temperament wasn’t either, he thought. He’d bounced around foster homes most of his childhood, some kind and some cruel.

He’d never felt part of a real family and had never known close, loving ties. No wonder he thought relationships were hard. Work was easy and life was never boring, traveling to the world’s greatest cities, where his skills and vision as an architect were always in demand.

But during that dark time, Jack couldn’t kid himself. No one really cared who designed a skyscraper or even a monument. Children were the real legacy. Without that bequest to the future, all his worldly accomplishments didn’t amount to much.

Or so Jack had felt as he faced his mortality. Donating to a sperm bank seemed some small consolation. There had been some extra scrutiny, due to his medical situation, but finally, he was accepted as a donor. Jack had been thankful and relieved. If he was going to leave this world without having children the traditional way, at least his DNA—and perhaps even some portion of his spirit—would live on.

A few weeks later, Jack happily learned he wasn’t a doomed man after all. A cloud on his MRI had caused his condition to be misdiagnosed and his tests results had been inaccurate. With luck, he would live a long life and had time enough to marry and have children if he wanted…the usual way.

Jack sat back and had a good laugh. A sperm bank? What in the world had he been thinking?

He contacted Dynamics, Inc. immediately and withdrew his donation. The organization told him that his genetic material was never given out and Jack was relieved to hear it.

And that was that.

Or so he thought.

Now, two years later, the laboratory had written that they’d made a mistake. A recent audit revealed that Jack’s sperm had in fact been administered at least once before it was removed from the bank.

It took Jack a few moments to consider the full implications. Once he did, he was nearly blown out of his cushy leather desk chair.

Some unknown woman out there could have become pregnant with his “donation” and given birth to his baby!

What did this all mean? What should he do? Could he even find out this woman’s identity and what had happened to her?

Within seconds, Jack was on the phone to his attorneys. “Why look for trouble?” he was told. “The chances are incredibly slim, Jack. Less than one in a million.”

Jack had to agree. But he couldn’t let it rest. He felt nagged by a strange stirring, down deep in his gut. He had to know for sure if this particular long shot had come in. The information was confidential, but the high-powered law firm that represented him was good at pulling strings and coaxing open sealed files.

After a few days of anxious waiting, his gut instinct was validated. Jack was stunned to learn that he was indeed a father.

Rachel Reilly was the child’s mother and the baby, a little boy born about ten months ago, she’d named Charlie. But the investigators hired by Jack’s attorneys had found out precious little more.

Rachel Reilly was single, twenty-nine years old, a clothing designer who specialized in children’s wear. She’d been living in Manhattan and working for the same clothing company since she’d graduated college. But a few months ago, she sold her city apartment, pooled all her savings—including a small inheritance from her mother’s recent death—and bought a house in Vermont. The small village she’d chosen was just over the New York state border. She’d quit her job and moved there.

Jack couldn’t believe it. All these months, at least until recently, he’d been living in the same city as this Mystery Mom and his own son. He could have passed them on the street, sidestepping the baby’s stroller. Now that he’d known they existed, they were in the middle of nowhere. Where in the world was Blue Lake? He’d dug out a road atlas and could barely find it, a tiny dot in the midst of the Berkshires.

Barely twenty-four hours after receiving the investigator’s report, Jack was on his way, and the same map sat crumpled on the passenger’s seat beside him. Against all the good advice he’d been given, Jack refused to send a professional investigator. He knew had to follow this trail himself, wherever it might lead. He had to see his son and this mystery mother firsthand, not the blurry image taken through a telephoto lense.

He’d been driving for hours and had turned off the highway some time ago, traveling now on narrow two-lane roads that wound through the mountains and valleys of southern Vermont. It was late September and cooler than it had been down in New York City, the hillsides looking as if they’d been lightly touched with a paint brush.

He drove through wooded stretches and small towns and through valleys where the view opened up to green pastures dotted with big red barns and lazy-looking cows. Lush green trees arched over head and handmade signs on the roadside advertised Pick your own apples and Fresh Eggs, Milk & Cheese, reminding Jack he hadn’t eaten anything since he’d left the city early that morning. But he didn’t want to stop, too intent on reaching his destination.

He knew he had to be close to Blue Lake by now. Close to seeing his son.

Charlie. He liked the name. He said it out loud to himself in the car, over and over again.

Jack couldn’t wait to see the little guy with his own eyes. To touch him, or hold him. To hear the sounds he made, even the crying. He didn’t have any trouble picturing the boy. It was simple. Jack envisioned a miniature version of himself. Logically he knew it may not have turned out that way, but he couldn’t help it.

He did have trouble picturing Rachel Reilly. What did she look like? Was she tall or short? Dark or fair? Slim or curvy?

More importantly, what kind of woman was she? What kind of woman opts to get pregnant through a sperm bank, anyway? Some homely, lonely, forever single type, without any hope of having kids the usual way? Some radical Amazon who holds a grudge against men on principle? Some uptight prude who just hates sex, period?

He didn’t want his son to be raised by any of the above. He wasn’t sure what his rights were in the situation, but he had money. Plenty of money. For better or worse, it’s not the best man who wins, Jack had learned, but usually the guy who can afford the best lawyers.

Even if she wasn’t some nut case or recluse, what kind of mother was she? Jack had barely known his own mother before being dumped into the social service system. He couldn’t stand the idea of his boy being raised by any woman who was less than ideal—who wasn’t warm, nurturing, loving. All the things a mother should be.

If Rachel Reilly wasn’t a good mother—wasn’t a great mother—he’d get his son away from her before you could say X chromosome.

No matter what it took.

Finally, a sign for Blue Lake appeared on the roadside. Jack turned and found himself driving down the town’s Main Street. He cruised down the avenue slowly, surprised to see the quaint, old-fashioned architecture—well-kept shops and restaurants on a busy main thoroughfare. There were awnings and flower boxes, wrought-iron street lamps and a town square with a big white gazebo in the middle.

If Rachel Reilly had to stick herself in the middle of nowhere, at least she picked a pleasant middle of nowhere. He scanned the numbers on the doorways, trying to find her address. Finally at the end of the thoroughfare, he came to number 533, a Queen Anne style Victorian with a wraparound porch and a turret on the third floor.

Freshly painted, the house was an eye-popping combination of pale pink with magenta shutters and a yellow door with touches of violet blue and bright white trim. Just this side of overdone, but the English style garden in front and white picket fence lent an overall effect that was fanciful and stunning.

A hand painted wooden sign hung from a post in the middle of the garden:

Pretty Baby—Unique treasures for babies & toddlers ~ Clothing, Toys, Furniture and More! ~ Made with a loving touch.

A loving touch. He liked that phrase. So far, so good.

But Rachel Reilly might not have anything to do with this store. He couldn’t jump to conclusions.

There was plenty of space to park in front, but Jack drove down the street and chose a spot out of sight. His car—which cost more than most people made in a year—seemed as conspicuous as a rocket ship. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself if he could help it.

The information from the investigators hadn’t included anything about a baby store. He studied the house some more, deciding there must be an apartment on the second and third floor. Maybe she lived up there. Maybe he should just sit and wait for her to come in or out of the building, like a real PI would do.

But Jack had never been big on patience. He’d driven all day and was dying to catch even a glimpse of his son. Maybe someone working in there could give him some information.

He checked his image in the rearview mirror. Chocolate brown eyes stared back at him. He never had trouble attracting women and more than a few had told him he was handsome. But Jack didn’t see it. Especially not today.

He’d started the drive early and now looked worn out and even needed a shave. Well, there was no help for it. The grubby look was sort of country-like, wasn’t it? Helped him blend in with the scenery?

Pocketing his car keys, he and climbed out. At the last minute, he pulled off his leather jacket, trading it for a gray sweatshirt he spotted behind the driver’s seat. He tugged it on and pulled up the zipper. There, instant “working man,” he thought. His black T-shirt was expensive but nondescript. His jeans had cost a small fortune, but had the fashionable worn out look that wouldn’t give him away.

He didn’t like the feeling of going “undercover” like this. Deception wasn’t part of his character. But under the circumstances, it was probably wiser. He didn’t know anything about this woman beyond the bare essentials. He had to find out more about her before he could decide what to do.

She held all the cards in her hand.

She had his son.

* * *

The sound of the bell on the shop door made Charlie stir in her arms. He’d just about dropped off but the noise disturbed him. Now she’d have to pace a few more moments—while singing a few more verses of “Rockin’Robin”—before he would conk out and she could set him down in his portacrib.

This mother-shopskeeper juggling act was tricky. Some days it seemed like a complete disaster. But she had made the right choice, Rachel kept reminding herself. Things would work out. Eventually.

Having Charlie with her in the store hadn’t seemed to hurt sales any. Most people enjoyed seeing a real live baby amidst the baby paradise she’d created in Pretty Baby.

If some customers got impatient or even walked out, what could she do? Charlie was her priority. She’d purposely designed the shop—designed her entire life—so that her son came first. He was with her all day and had his own daycare room where he could sleep, eat, play and do everything a ten-month-old needed to do.

Besides, it was best to let them browse a while before she pounced. There was so much to look at, most people forgot what they’d come in for.

Rachel hummed and paced and soon felt Charlie’s body heavy and slack, his breathing deep. She set him down gently and tiptoed to the doorway.

“I’ll be right with you. Just one more second,” she called out softly to her customer.

“No problem” a deep male voice called back.

Rachel returned to Charlie and pulled a light blanket over him. Men shopping alone at her store were unusual. They rarely had any idea of what they wanted, or even the age and size of the baby they were buying for, looking a little lost among the tiny outfits and fluffy toys. They would put themselves totally at her mercy and take just about anything she suggested.

It was tempting, but she never took advantage of them.

Sure that Charlie was finally asleep, Rachel lightly kissed his forehead, inhaling his sweet baby scent, then stepped out into the shop. She spotted her customer wandering around the toy section. He didn’t look the type who would whip out a gold Am Ex card and put her in the black for the month. But there hadn’t been much business today and she welcomed the sight of him. And what a sight indeed.

He was tall, with thick dark hair and impossibly broad shoulders, outlined by a gray sweatshirt jacket he wore over a T-shirt and worn jeans. The floppy velour bunny in his hand—one of her handmade originals—seemed totally out of synch with his dark intensity. He looked over at her, his brown eyes curious, taking her in, his expression unreadable.

Rachel felt self-conscious and pushed her curly hair back from her face with her hand. Between the store and Charlie, she didn’t have much time to bother about her appearance. The past few months, she’d gone from urban chic to basic hygiene. But what could you do? Out here in Blue Lake, she didn’t worry about things like that. Not the way she did while living in the city.

Rachel quickly checked her T-shirt and denim long skirt, looking for apple sauce or spit up stains. All clear. That was some comfort. Summoning her best shopkeeper smile, she stepped forward. “Hi. Can I help you with something?”

He didn’t answer right away. He looked at the stuffed rabbit in his hand and quickly put it down.

“I’m just browsing. I was passing through town and thought I’d stop in and take a look around. The store is very…eye-catching.”

“Thanks.” Rachel smiled, not sure he meant it as a compliment. “I thought the painted lady look might be too much. But it does attract attention.”

He nodded. “Just about stops traffic. Is this your shop?”

Rachel smiled proudly. “I opened about a month ago.”

“Very nice. You make all this stuff yourself?”

“I design most of the clothes and toys. I look for other items that are handmade or really unique. And I paint all the furniture. I do room murals, too,” she said, glancing over at the far wall that was painted with a scene of a nursery rhyme, “Hey Diddle, Diddle.” The opposite side of the store was painted with the tea party scene from Alice In Wonderland and behind the cash register, there was a magical, misty garden, filled with flowers and fairies.

“You’re very talented.”

Rachel smiled and shrugged. “I’m okay. Painting is the fun part. I haven’t gotten any calls yet for the wall murals, but business is picking up.”

He didn’t say anything, just slowly smiled, deep dimples creasing his lean cheeks that were touched with five o’clock shadow. He had a dimple in his chin, too, she noticed. Just like Charlie. She wondered if her son would grow up to be half as handsome as this guy. She’d have to teach him not to be a heartbreaker.

“Do you own the building, or just lease this space?”

The question seemed a little odd, but maybe the guy was into real estate or thinking of opening a shop in town himself. “I own the building,” she said simply.

Before she could say more, Charlie’s sharp cry cut through the air. The man turned to listen, his expression shocked, as if he’d never heard a baby before.

“That’s my son. He’s taking a nap. Or was taking a nap. Can you excuse me, please? I’ll be right back.”

“That’s okay… You’d better go check on him.” The man watched her dash off. Still looking stunned. Surprised she had her baby with her? Maybe…

Rachel ran back to the nursery and scooped Charlie up in her arms, patting his back to comfort him. She checked his diaper and found it dry. His pacifier subdued the sobs, but there seemed no sense trying to settle him down again. The little stinker was wide awake. And she had a customer waiting. She grabbed his comfort toy, a white dog with a spot over one eye, and dashed out to the shop again.

Her customer stood near the counter, right where she’d left him. He had his back to her, but quickly turned when he heard her steps.

“This is Charlie. He likes to be where the action is,” Rachel said, introducing them.

“Hello, Charlie. Hey, guy…I’m your…I’m Jack. ”

He spoke quietly, staring at Charlie in the oddest way. Then looked up at her and blinked, his eyes suddenly glassy. The color drained from his lean cheeks and he suddenly looked pale as paper. Rachel feared he was about to faint.

She reached out and touched his arm. “Are you all right? Do you want to sit down?”

He forced a smile and shook his head. Then took a deep breath and straightened to his full height again.

“I’m okay. Honest. I’ve been driving all day. Must have drunk too much coffee.”

“Maybe,” Rachel agreed, still feeling concerned. “Would you like some water?”

“No, thanks. I’m fine now. See?” He smiled at her again, looking embarrassed at his momentary lapse.

Wow, he was handsome. It had been a boring day, but this guy sure made up for it.

He was looked down at Charlie again, then met her gaze. He swallowed hard before he spoke. “Your little boy is beautiful. How old is he?”

“Ten months. I made a nursery for him down here in the shop so he can hang out with me all day.”

“That’s nice… So, you don’t believe in daycare?”

Rachel shrugged. “I used to work in an office and Charlie was with a nanny. Nine to five, and even longer. I hardly saw him. After a few months, I knew I had to figure out something different. Something that was right for me. I’m all he’s got,” she added.

She wasn’t sure why she’d told him that last part. What did it matter to him if she was single, or not? She usually preferred not to even go there. People had too many prying questions.

He didn’t though, luckily.

He didn’t say anything in reply, but was still staring at her, studying her with that odd, amazed look on his face. It made her feel self-conscious. Maybe she reminded him of somebody?

“By the way, my name is Rachel Reilly.” Rachel set Charlie down in a seat on the counter top between them. Jack watched as she strapped the baby in.

“Jack Sawyer,” he said. “I’m pleased to meet you, Rachel.”

His expression seemed serious again. His dark gaze met hers and held it. Rachel felt something flash between them. Some flash of attraction that went deep, the kind she hadn’t felt in a long time.

The phone rang, calling her back to reality. Rachel looked over at it, but didn’t pick it up. Jack Sawyer had been her only customer this afternoon, but so far, she’d spent little time trying to sell him anything.

“You can pick it up if you like. I’m not in a rush.”

Rachel hesitated a second, then reached for the phone. Jack turned his full attention to Charlie, who had grasped his stuffed dog in two hands and now kicked his feet so hard one of his blue and white striped socks was slipping off.

Rachel picked up the phone, answering it with a smile. “Pretty Baby. May I help you?”

“Miss Reilly? It’s George Nolan. Sorry it took so long to get back to you.”

Rachel’s good mood instantly curdled. “Mr. Nolan, thanks for finally returning my calls,” My many, many calls. “So, what’s going on? Are you going to do the roof or not?”

Rachel could tell from the long silent pause on the other end of the line that the answer was not going to be the one she hoped for. She’d hired George Nolan to put a new roof on the cottage at the back of her property and fix the water damage inside. He’d been due to start the job last week. He’d put her off with a hundred excuses and finally, just stopped answering her phone calls.

“I’m sorry, Miss Reilly. I have to be straight with you,” he began. It’s about time, Rachel thought.

“A big renovation job ahead of yours got backed up and I’m down two men on my crew. I’m not going to get over to your place before, say…three, maybe four weeks.”

“Three or four weeks? That’s impossible. You said the work would done by then.”

“Sorry about that, but it can’t be helped. Excuse me a minute. I’ll be right back.”

Rachel gave out a long frustrated sigh. It was annoying enough to be totally dissed by her contractor. Then to be put on hold while he weaseled out of the job seemed too much to bear.

But he was a man, what could you expect? Even the seemingly nice ones couldn’t be trusted. That’s the lesson she’d learned.

Charlie would be different. She’d make sure of it. He’d be the one man in a million a woman could trust and depend on. She gave him a loving glance as he squealed and tossed his dog. Rachel moved to pick it up, but Jack was faster. He quickly retrieved the stuffed animal, carefully brushed if off with his large hand and gently offered it to the baby again.

Charlie grabbed it and Jack sat back with a big silly grin.

“Great reflexes. You’re going to be some athlete. A pitcher or maybe a full back?” Jack’s deep soft tone was both admiring and serious.

Charlie stared at Jack, then tossed the dog again, this time even harder. Jack tilted his head back and laughed. He picked up the toy once more and gave it back to Charlie.

“He’ll make you do that all day if you don’t watch out,” Rachel warned.

Jack looked up at her, smiling. “I don’t mind. He’s got a great arm. You’ll have to get him into Little League right away.”

Rachel laughed. “Absolutely. I think he has to learn walk first though. I don’t think he can try out if he has to crawl around the bases.”

Jack Sawyer smiled briefly but didn’t reply. Rachel hadn’t meant to be sarcastic, but it was typical of a guy to make that sort of comment. Men were so competitive. Always trying to force boys into sports. She wouldn’t be like that with Charlie. He’d only play sports if he wanted to. It didn’t matter to her one way or the other.

“Miss Reilly? You still there?” George Nolan came back on the line.

“I’m still here, Mr. Nolan.”

“I’m sorry about this delay. But it can’t be helped. If you can find another outfit to do the job for you, I won’t hold you to our agreement. Believe me.”

“But Mr. Nolan, can’t you fit the work in somehow between the other—”

“I’m sorry. Got to run. There’s a lot going on here.” Rachel heard lots of hammering and sawing in the background. Still, she doubted George Nolan was desperately needed by his work crew. The noise level did give him an easy out, though.

There was clearly nothing she could do. She promised to let him know if she still wanted him to do the work and said goodbye. Then she angrily hung up with phone, slamming it into the cradle.

She turned to her customer, still playing toss the dog with Charlie.

He glanced up at her, his dark eyes sympathetic and she knew he had overheard every word. “Bad news?”

Rachel shook her head. She hesitated answering him. It didn’t seem professional to tell this customer her whole life story. What did he care about her contractor problems?

But his expression was so sympathetic and the look in his brown eyes willed her to just…vent.

“Yes, it was bad news. I hired a contractor to work on the cottage behind this house. It needs a new roof and there’s water damage that needs repair. He was supposed to start last week and kept putting me off. Now he tells me he’s backed up with another project and can’t start for another month. I don’t know if I can even find anyone now to do it before the winter. And he did have the lowest price. I really need to rent that space out. It’s part of my plan.”

“Your plan?”

“I was counting on the income to cover some expenses when I bought this place. Just until I get some momentum with the store.”

“Oh, I see.” Jack nodded with a thoughtful expression. “And where do you and Charlie live, upstairs?”

“That’s right. There’s an apartment on the upper floors.” Rachel had that part of the building renovated before she moved in. The duplex was a very charming space, more than double the size of her apartment in the city.

Jack didn’t say anything and Rachel felt suddenly self conscious. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bore you with all this stuff. I’ll figure it out somehow.”

He looked down at Charlie again. The baby smiled up at him and gurgled.

“Maybe I can help. I do that type of work myself.”

“You do?” Rachel wasn’t entirely surprised. She’d guessed he was in some blue collar job by the way he was dressed. If he could really take on this work, it would definitely be her lucky day.

“Could you take a look now and let me know what you think?”

He nodded. “Sure, lead the way.”

Rachel picked up Charlie and grabbed her key ring from under the counter. She led Jack out a side door at the rear of the shop, which opened at the back of the porch, and then down a few steps to the gravel drive. They walked across the sloping lawn. Jack dipped his head as he passed beneath some trees. They looked like apple or cherry, but he couldn’t be sure. He imagined they brightened the property in the spring, when they blossomed.

“It’s pretty back here,” he said.

“It’s very quiet. And private. I’m going to make a big garden over there by the fence…if I ever get a chance.”

He glanced at her and smiled. She had plans, this woman. He had to grant her that.

“I’m sure you will,” he said.

They came to the cottage at the back of the property and Jack walked around it slowly, then climbed a ladder propped against the building. He examined the roof, pushing aside a blue tarpaulin that was covering the leaky patch. He felt around with his hands and pulled off a few rotten roof shingles.

Rachel stood back in the shade and watched him work. He’d shrugged off his sweatshirt at some point en route through her backyard and the thin black fabric of his T-shirt outlined every rippling muscle in his shoulders and back. Rachel knew she was staring—and drooling, just a little—but with his back turned, she allowed herself the tiny indulgence.

The cottage was as old as the house but far more run down. It hadn’t been used for years but had loads of potential. Julia Martinelli, the Realtor who had sold Rachel the house, had promised that the space could bring in a very good rent once it was renovated. Rachel had bought the house, depending on the extra income to keep her financially afloat. Business so far had been promising, but she still wasn’t making any profit. She didn’t want to panic. But the truth was, she seemed to need the cottage income more and more each week.

Julia was the first person Rachel had met when she came to town, nearly six months ago. She’d found Rachel the house, helped her set up her business and had quickly become one of Rachel’s dearest friends, most trusted advisor and Charlie’s favorite aunt. Rachel had never had a best friend like her before and she was sure she’d have made it this far in her new life without Julia’s friendship and support. And her zany humor.

She couldn’t wait to tell Julia about Jack Sawyer. It was going to be a two latte coffee break, at least.

Jack came down the ladder and brushed his hands together to rub off the dirt. “Not so bad. Let’s see inside.”

Cheered by his diagnosis, Rachel quickly headed for the front door. With Charlie in her arms, she handed Jack the key. He twisted it around a few times but the door wouldn’t budge.

“Are sure this is the right one?”

“Here, let me try. It’s pretty temperamental. You need to sort of twist and push down. Can you hold Charlie a minute?”

Jack looked surprised at the request, then quickly nodded. He held out his arms and Rachel handed the baby over. While she fiddled with the key, she couldn’t help noticing the way Jack held Charlie, very carefully and gently, as if cradling an armload of Baccarat crystal. His face wore an amazingly tender expression, which didn’t change one bit when Charlie started climbing up his chest and tugged at his hair.

Rachel gave the door the necessary twist and jiggle and it finally popped open.

“There we go,” she said leading the way inside. “I know it doesn’t look like much. I’d just like to fix it up enough so that I can rent it out. ”

Jack carefully handed Charlie back, then walked in and looked around at the large, main room. “Okay, let’s see what we have in here.”

A small kitchen was built in one corner, separated from the rest of the lay-out by a snack bar. There was a wood-burning stove on one wall and a short hall that lead to a bedroom and bath.

After touring the layout he returned to the main room where she waited. “The walls and ceilings in the back rooms don’t seem to have any damage. A fresh coat of paint back there should do it. This room, though, is pretty bad.”

He stared up at the ceiling, then reached up to push at the tiles on the ceiling. Once again, she was treated to a view of his great body in action. Long lean legs and slim hips, broad shoulders and long, muscular arms. It had been awhile since she met a man so totally, blatantly attractive. If he really took this job, she’d have to see him every day. What a distraction that would be.

Did she really want that? She wasn’t looking for a man in her life right now. That wasn’t in her plan.

Get a grip, Rachel. A guy like that definitely has as girlfriend or a wife. Or some significant other lurking around.

He turned to her suddenly, and Rachel felt her face flush, as if he could read her thoughts.

“I have a few ideas about what we could do in here. Would you like to hear them?”

Rachel felt her mouth go dry and didn’t answer at first. Charlie grabbed her earring, and she shifted him in her arms. “Sure. Go right ahead.”

“I’d put a new roof on, of course. The building is so small, it’s worth it to do the whole roof, not just a patch job. The renovation in here could be interesting….”

He picked up a scrap of paper and a pencil from the counter and sketched out the floor space. Then showed Rachel how he would remove the damaged ceiling tile and open the space to expose the rafters and make a vaulted ceiling, with a skylights in the main room and kitchen.

“Wow, that sounds great.” Rachel looked up at him. “But what’s that all going to cost? I think it might be too expensive,” she said frankly.

“Well…let’s see. What was the other contractor charging you?”

Rachel told him the figure, sure that this job would be at least double.

Jack looked down at his sketch again. “Sure, I could do it for that much.”

“You could?” Rachel looked at him with disbelief. His ideas were the most creative she’d heard from any of the contractors she’d spoken to. George Nolan was reliable, but a real no-frills outfit. Jack Sawyer had a much more artistic perspective. How could his price be so low? Something wasn’t quite right here.

“Are you sure that’s a realistic price? I mean, there won’t be any surprises for me later when I get the final bill?”

“I work on my own. I don’t have a big crew to pay and a lot of overhead costs that larger outfits have to figure in. And I have some great cheap sources for my materials.” Sensing that she wasn’t totally convinced, he added, “And I need the work. The job I had lined up for this month just fell through. I could start in a day or so, and be done in a few weeks.”

“Really?’

“Absolutely.”

He suddenly looked a little anxious about her reply. She guessed he really did need the work. Then he smiled at her and met her gaze with his soft dark eyes. A reassuring look that said, Trust me. I’m a nice guy.

Rachel did want to trust him. Still, she’d learned better by now. Or hoped she had.

“I’ll need references. And a written estimate and a contract,” she said. “You’re licensed and bonded, right?”

“Of course. I’ll have the references for you tomorrow.… So, we have a deal?”

“Yes, it’s a deal.” Rachel extended her free hand. He looked surprised at first, then took it in his own. His grip was strong and warm. His touch was…distracting. He gazed down at her, a warm light dancing in his eyes.

By the time he’d let go of her hand, Rachel felt her pulse speeding double time.

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all, she thought. But beggars couldn’t be choosers. His sudden appearance, just when found herself in a bind, seemed like a gift from the universe. She’d just have to get her hormones under control.

Maybe some speed walking in the early morning would help. She needed the exercise anyway to burn off the last of her baby weight.

He’d better not take his shirt off while he was working. Maybe she’d have to write that into their agreement.

“I just need to take some measurements in here for the estimate. I don’t have my tool box with me, though. Can I use this?” He picked up a metal measuring tape and yard stick that had been left on the counter top.

“Of course. Help yourself. I’ll wait for you outside, okay? It’s a little stuffy in here.”

“Sure. I won’t be a minute.” He smiled at her again and Rachel knew her need for fresh air didn’t have anything to do with being in the cottage.

Rachel headed for the door, brushing disturbingly close in the small space before she stepped outside again.

Once outside she gulped in a few breaths of cool, fresh air, eager to clear her head. She stepped over to the cool shade and set Charlie down on the grass, then sat down beside him.

She was glad to have a moment on her own, to get herself together. It wasn’t like her to get all rattled just because some hot guy smiled at her. She didn’t like the feeling. Not at all.

He soon stepped out of the cottage and closed the door. Then he stood a moment looking at her and Charlie where they sat. A slow, warm smile spread over his face and Rachel felt completely undone again.

She scooped up Charlie, forcing a bland expression and hoped she wasn’t blushing again.

Jack followed Rachel back into the store. She went behind the counter and then handed him a business card. “Here’s my phone number, in case you need to call. Do you have a business card, Jack?”

“Sure…” He took out his wallet and flipped it open. Then suddenly flipped it closed. “I’m sorry… Looks like I’m all out. Here, let me jot down my cell number for you.”

Rachel nodded, handing him a pen and paper. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“I’ll be here around noon, is that okay?”

Rachel nodded. “Sure, that will be fine.”

He’d said he was just passing through and now she wondered if he lived far away. Would he need to take a room someplace in order to be back here in the morning?

Well, that wasn’t her problem. Considering her experience with George Nolan, she wondered if she’d really see Jack Sawyer again.

But something told her she would.

He was smiling down at Charlie again and lightly touched the little boy’s hand. “So long, Charlie. I’ll see you soon, okay? We can play that game again.”

The tenderness in his tone caught Rachel’s attention. She had to smile up at him when he finally looked her way. She realized she hadn’t sold him anything from the store. But that didn’t seem to matter.

“I’m glad you decided to drop in and look around,” Rachel said with a laugh.

He nodded, but barely returned her smile. “So am I, Rachel.”

Then he turned and left the store. The bell on the door rang as he walked out. Then suddenly, it seemed very quiet.

Rachel picked Charlie up out of his seat and held him in her arms. Her little boy looked drowsy and she wondered if she should try a nap again. Jack had given the baby quite a work-out with their dog tossing game.

There was something about Jack Sawyer. Rachel couldn’t put her finger on it. He was good looking. Smart. Even had a surprisingly kind side.

But still, there was something a little…off. That didn’t quite fit.

She wondered if his references would check out. If they did, she’d hire him, of course. She’d never find anyone else to do the job at that price, or at this late date so close to winter. Besides…she did sort of like him. Even though she knew she shouldn’t let herself.

Rachel rocked Charlie on her shoulder and slowly walked back to his nursery, humming “Rockin’ Robin” again. She could hardly wait for him to fall asleep so she could call Julia.

Jack walked down to his car, slipped inside and drove down the quiet, shady street. By the time he’d reached the corner, he felt a strong impulse to pull a screeching U-turn, go back to Rachel Reilly and come clean with her completely.

Why did she have to be so damned beautiful?

Of all the mental images he’d had of his son’s mother, he’d never expected her to be such a damned knockout. He’d expected anything but. He thought of her, standing in the buttery sunlight in her shop, with her soft, curly hair and creamy complexion, and those big hazel eyes. Her figure was curvy, a bit more voluptuous than the lean, slinky model types he usually dated. But those curves were amazingly enticing. He wondered now what he’d been missing.

She’d looked like an angel holding Charlie in her arms. Then later, sitting under the apple tree, she could have been posing for a softly hued painting by some romantic nineteenth century artist.

Why in the world did a woman who looked like that go to a sperm bank to get pregnant? She could have men waiting in line to bed her. The minute he’d set eyes on her, he’d felt like getting in line himself.

Wasn’t this situation complicated enough?

It had been sheer madness to even suggest that he do the work on her cottage. He didn’t know what had gotten into him. Of course he could do the work. It might even be fun. He’d worked his way through college on construction crews and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He could easily come up with the references and credentials she wanted. That wasn’t any problem either.

The problem was lying to her. She seemed a nice person. A reasonable person.

But of course, you never know. She might go berserk if she heard the donor dad of her child had searched for, and found, her and the baby. She might decide she’d never let him see him Charlie again.

When she’d stepped out of that back room carrying his son, Jack had thought for a second he was actually going to faint.

Jack had expected to feel moved by the sight of his son. But feeling his heart so full of love it was about to burst… well, that was a totally unexpected experience. And one previously unknown to him.

When she asked him to hold Charlie and he felt him so close, breathing right into his ear…his entire body was trembling. His son, his very own flesh and blood. In his arms for the first time.

He wasn’t a man to break down crying. But this was different. This was the real thing.

Jack knew in an instant Charlie had forever sealed his fate. Forever marked his life’s course. Charlie was his lodestar now, his touchstone.

He’d nearly lost it completely and told her everything.

But it hadn’t been the right time. The right way to do it.

It was more important than ever to find out for sure if she was a good mother before he could determine his approach. Sure, she seemed nice. But first impressions could be deceiving.

Case in point. Look how he’d just deceived her.

Until he knew more about her, he couldn’t jump to conclusions. And he certainly couldn’t let his hormones distort his judgment. There was still a lot to find out.

But was planting himself on her property, disguised as some down-and-out handyman, the right way to go about this? Jack didn’t think so. It wasn’t ethical. Or fair.

Oh, who was he kidding? Sure, he wanted to find out about her. But it was the boy. His boy. The temptation of being near his son every day was hard to resist. Watching him play, laugh, sleep. Not just hard. Impossible.

Still, Jack wasn’t sure if he should return to Rachel Reilly’s store tomorrow, as he’d promised. He could just call and make some excuse to her. Or just disappear without any word of explanation.

Yet it was funny how that had all come together though, just at the moment of his visit. Jack wasn’t a very spiritual man, yet this all seemed like some sort of gift from the universe. Should he really just pass on the opportunity?

Either way, whether he returned to work for her or disappeared into the blue, she would eventually find out who he was and why he’d come to visit today. Jack didn’t even want to think far enough to imagine her reaction.

The entire situation presented as many problems as it solved. He almost regretted coming here and not taking the advice he’d been offered.

Almost, but not quite. Not at all, when he thought back to Charlie.

Jack didn’t know for sure what he would do. Or should do.

He did know he was hungry, exhausted and this day of all days had shaken him to core.

At least he had all night to figure it out.

Chapter Two

“I love this place. I could live here. Honestly.”

Julia Martinelli strolled around the shop, surveying the wares with a wistful sigh. No matter how many times Rachel’s best pal dropped in at Pretty Baby—and she visited nearly every day—she always wore a look of wonder…and longing.

It was a short walk down Main Street to Pretty Baby from Home Sweet Home Realty. If Julia didn’t come for a morning coffee break, she often brought lunch. Like today.

Rachel was hungry, but her stomach felt jumpy, too. Nerves about seeing Jack Sawyer again, though she hated to admit it. He said he’d come by noon and it was now about half past. That wasn’t a good sign, she thought. But she didn’t want to spin her wheels about it. If he came, he came. He did seem to be too good to be true…and maybe, he was.

Julia had wandered over to the infant wear. She picked up a pair of fuzzy pink knitted booties, stuck them on her fingers and wiggled them around like tiny feet.

“These are adorable? So sweet…” She sighed and put them back again. “Can’t you please fix me a little room in the back, like Charlie’s? I’ll even pay rent.”

“Sorry, I need the extra space for storage. But maybe you can rent out the cottage when it’s fixed up. I’ll even give you a discount.”

The bright-eyed blonde glanced at Rachel, then sat down across from her at the counter. She opened the two bags she’d brought and began to spread out their lunch.

“Thanks, pal. I’ll think about it. So, what’s the story with the roof repairs? I’m sorry I wasn’t able to call you back yesterday.”

Rachel had called Julia soon after Charlie went down for his nap. But her friend had been busy with a client and was out last night on a date, so they’d never caught up.

“George Nolan left me hanging for a week, then bailed out on me totally. He said he was backed up on a bigger job and wouldn’t get to the cottage for a month or more.”

“You’re kidding? That’s the last time I recommend him for a job. I’ll tell him myself, too. Here’s your salad. And if that’s too healthy for you, I also brought some chocolate chip cookies from the bakery.”

“Thanks. This looks great.” Rachel flipped the container lid and took a bite. Julia did the same.

“There must be someone besides George who could do it.” Julia shrugged. She speared a hunk of lettuce with her plastic fork. “Do you need some more names to call?”

Rachel’s well-connected pal knew just about every guy in town who owed a hammer or knew how to handle a paint brush. Without Julia’s advice and recommendations, Rachel never would have been able to renovate her house and set up her shop in so short a time. But everyone on Julia’s list for the roofing job had either been booked solid, not interested in such a small project, or asked too high a price.

“I found someone.”

Julia squinted at her. “Already?”

Rachel nodded. She knew Julia was surprised that she’d managed that feat without her help. “He’s even dropped off his estimate, references and a contract.”

Rachel had found the thick manila envelope stuffing up the mail box when she’d opened the store that morning.

“He said he needs the work and I know he wants to start quickly. He’s either efficient and responsible…or totally desperate.”

“Maybe a little of both,” Julia offered. “How did you find this guy again?”

“He just walked into the store. Yesterday afternoon. He was standing near the counter when I took the phone call from George, so he heard everything. We started talking and it turns out he does that type of work and is in between jobs. He looked at the cottage and had some really great ideas, too. He showed me how he could open up the ceiling to show the rafters and add skylights. That would really look nice, don’t you think?”

“Definitely.… What’s this guy’s name? Maybe I know him.”

“Jack Sawyer.”

“Hmm…not ringing any bells.” Julia sipped her coffee and Rachel couldn’t tell what she was thinking. Probably that it wasn’t wise to hire a guy who just walks in off the street, from out the blue. Even if he does have good ideas. “Is he from around here?”

“I’m not sure,” Rachel said honestly. “I mean, I didn’t ask. His letterhead has a local P.O. Box. But his references were all from Connecticut and New York.”

Julia glanced at her, but didn’t say anything. They both knew that could mean anything. Anyone could get a post office box.

She reached for a roll, unwrapped it and then broke off a small bite. Julia was a few years older and sometimes took on a protective attitude. Not in a bad way, though. It was just that Julia had lived in Blue Lake all her life, except for college, and was totally familiar with small-town ways. Which were mostly friendly and helpful…but sometimes not. Especially to someone considered an outsider.

“Can I see his card? Maybe I’ll recognize the name of his company,” Julia said.

“He didn’t have a card handy.” Rachel forced a small smile. That didn’t sound very good either, did it? “But all of his paper work looked in order—the estimate, the contract. He gave me some references, too.”

“Did you call them?”

Rachel nodded. “They all checked out fine. Glowing reports. Said he was reliable. Neat. Creative.”

Julia shrugged. “Sounds like you caught a good one, Rachel.”

“Right, let’s hope.”

She nearly blurted out that he was absolute eye candy. Though she didn’t know yet if that was a plus or a minus.

Rachel had finished her salad, but hesitated reaching for the bakery bag of cookies. Wasn’t she supposed to start a diet today, to take off the rest of her baby weight?

Funny how a few friendly smiles from a handsome guy could get you motivated about your appearance again. Rachel knew she’d even gone to a little more trouble getting dressed this morning. Jack Sawyer had caught her yesterday looking like a total mess.

She sighed and reached for the cookie bag. “How did it go with Gary? Did you have a good time?”

Julia fiddled with her fork, then tucked a strand of her golden hair behind her ear. “It was fine. We had very nice time. It was…nice.”

“That bad, huh? I’m sorry,” she said sincerely.

“Gary can be very funny. He makes me laugh. I mean, that’s why I agreed to go out with him in the first place, you know?”

Rachel nodded. She knew Julia certainly had not starting seeing Gary Kramer because of his looks. He wasn’t awful looking. Maybe even cute, in a geeky way. Just not the type of man she’d match with Julia, who was more than pretty. Gary looked every inch an accountant, which was still at least an inch or two shorter than her tall, leggy friend who was over five feet ten in heels. It wasn’t just his looks. Rachel wasn’t so superficial to judge people on those terms.

There was just something lacking about Gary, a passive quality maybe that didn’t seem a match to Julia’s vibrant personality.

It was a mystery to Rachel as to why Julia couldn’t meet the right man and find a serious relationship. She was a tall, lithe blonde with a big blue eyes, intelligent, successful and the sweetest, most loyal soul in the world. If that wasn’t enough, she was a great cook, too.

But just like so many single women their age, Julia was stuck on the dating treadmill, putting in a lot of time and effort, but getting nowhere. Julia had been married once, right after college to her high school sweetheart. If not for that choice, she may have never returned to Blue Lake. But now she was settled here, with a successful business, not to mention her sweet but flighty mother who needed Julia’s level-headed supervision.

Julia thought she’d kissed just about every frog in this very small pond and still hadn’t found her prince. All she wanted was to meet a nice man, get married and have a baby. Why was that so hard? Rachel thought it was so unfair that the happiness so many women found so easily seemed to constantly elude her friend. She never lacked for dates. But nothing ever lasted.

Rachel knew the feeling. She’d been through it all herself the last few years. Then she’d met Eric Rowland at a party and it seemed she’d finally met the perfect man. They’d gotten very serious very quickly and soon made plans to marry. But Eric had called off their wedding at the very last minute. Rachel was devastated and disillusioned.

After Eric, she didn’t have the heart to start dating again and she’d lost all her trust in the opposite sex.

Rachel mourned the new life she had hoped to start with Eric. But one night, she decided she’d make a new life herself—rich, fulfilling, meaningful life with everything she ever wanted. Her own home, her own business and her own children. Without the help of any man.

She knew that Julia hadn’t reached that point yet. But sometimes it seemed she was getting close.

“Are you going to see Gary again?” Rachel asked.

“Oh…I don’t know. He said he would call. I usually have a three date rule. In Gary’s case, I might reduce it to two.” Julia sighed. “Maybe I should just do what you did, Rachel. Skip the husband all together and go straight for the baby.”

Rachel would have laughed but Julia sounded so glum. She reached over and patted her friend’s hand. “I’m not sure, Jules. Only you can answer that one. I will say that I just have this feeling the perfect guy is still out there waiting for you. I don’t know why…I just do.”

Julia smiled and rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. Now you sound like my mother!”

“Well, maybe for once, your mother is right.” Rachel laughed and Julia rolled her eyes again. “What’s Lucy up to? I haven’t seen her in a few days. Has she married anyone this week?”

“Not that I know of. But I haven’t checked my phone messages this morning.”

Rachel loved Julia’s mother; she was fun and full of life. She’d accepted and befriended Rachel and Charlie with no questions asked, and had even become Charlie’s surrogate grandma.

But Lucy had this funny little habit of getting married. It had become the talk of the town.

In the small social circles of Blue Lake, Lucy Martinelli was known as “The Merry Widow.” Though, technically speaking, only two of Lucy’s four husbands had died. Husbands number two and four had been divorced. Which didn’t bode well for Number Five. It seemed to Rachel the odd-numbered husbands had a very high mortality rate.

Julia seemed to be used to her mother’s reputation, even found it amusing. But Rachel knew her mother’s funny little habit worried Julia. They joked about Number Five, but Rachel wondered how Julia would really react if he ever materialized.

Knowing Lucy, it was more a question of when, rather than if.

“She actually is dating someone now. His name is Lester and of course, she claims it’s true love. Again.” Julia sighed and shook her head. “She did promise me they were going to take it very slowly though. I think she learned a lesson with Number Three.”

“Number three?” Rachel had trouble keep Lucy’s marriages straight.

“Roscoe Whiteburn, the guy she married in Vegas?”

“Oh…right. I remember now.” Rachel nodded and grinned.

“Too bad for my Mom that husbands you marry in Vegas don’t stay in Vegas,” Julia said.

“If you ever get tired of real estate, your mother’s romances would make a great TV movie.”

“Don’t think it didn’t cross my mind. I’m waiting for a few more husbands. Did Henry the Eighth have seven wives or eight?”

“Six, actually,” Rachel replied.

“Wow, she’s really getting close now.” Julia took a bite of her cookie, chewing with a thoughtful expression.

Rachel smiled and gathered up the trash from their lunches, then dumped it in the garbage. Julia whisked the crumbs off the counter top with her hand, then put on some fresh lipstick. Rachel could tell she was getting ready to return to her office.

Charlie had eaten earlier and was in the midst of his post-lunch snooze. She glanced at her watch and saw it was nearly one. Time to get him up soon.

“Well, back to work. I have to show the Wilcox’s place at one-thirty. Joe Wilcox is so stubborn though, I’ll never sell it. The place is a wreck and he won’t budge a nickel on his price.”

Rachel didn’t envy Julia her work, dealing with difficult buyers and sellers all day and competing for sales with other brokers. Her friend made it look easy, though.

“I’m sure you’ll work it out with him, Julia. We all know you could talk a dog off a meat wagon.”

Julia grinned and picked up her bag. She knew it was true, but didn’t like to flaunt her special talent. “Sincerity, kid. Once you can fake that, you’ve got it made.”

Rachel was laughing when the bell on the shop door rang and Jack Sawyer walked in.

His gaze swept across the room and met her own. She struggled to mask her pleasure at seeing him. He smiled back in a way that seemed to say her struggle was in vain.

He walked towards her, wearing the same jeans and gray sweatshirt as yesterday, but with a white T-shirt underneath. Looking even better than yesterday, too. If possible.

She was surprised to see him. His cover note had said he’d call later, to see if she had any questions.

“I was in the area, so I thought I’d just drop by,” he explained. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”

“No problem. We were just finishing lunch.” Julia kicked her under the table. Rachel blinked, but showed no other reaction. “Jack, this is Julia Martinelli, a good friend of mine. She runs the real estate office down the street.”

“Nice to meet you, Julia.” Jack nodded at Julia and smiled politely.

“Hello, Jack. I hear you have big plans for the cottage.”

His smile widened, attractive little lines fanning out at the corners of his dark eyes. “I’m not sure what you call big plans. I can put a new roof on and paint a few rooms.”

“Which is just about all I can afford,” Rachel added.

“Did you have a chance to look over the paperwork I left this morning?”

“Yes, I did. I called the references, too. Everything seems fine.” Rachel picked up the folder with the signed contract and handed it to him.

“Great. The final cost might even be a little lower than the estimate.” Jack shrugged. “I’ll do my best to save you a few dollars if I can.”

“I’m sure you will,” Rachel glanced at Julia.

Was this guy too good to be true…or what?

Julia’s answering look said, What are you complaining about?

“Well, I’ve got to run,” Julia said, slipping on her sunglasses. “I’ll call you later, okay?”

Rachel nodded, “Sure. Thanks for lunch.”

“Anytime.” Julia smiled at Jack as she walked past him on her way out. “Goodbye, Jack… See you.”

He smiled back at her. “Nice to meet you.”

When Julia reached the door, she slowly turned and caught Rachel’s eye. She pressed her hand to her cheek, soundlessly mouthing the words, “He is so hot!”

Luckily, Jack stood with his back turned to the door, looking through the contents of the folder. Rachel blinked, forcing a blank expression when all she wanted to do was break out laughing.

He was hot.

Totally.

It wasn’t just the subjective opinion of a woman who hadn’t dated in nearly two years.

Once the shop door closed and Julia disappeared, Rachel felt suddenly and utterly alone with him. She thought he’d have a few more words about the job and leave quickly, too. But he didn’t seem in any hurry.

“Where’s the little guy today?”

“Charlie? Oh, he’s still having his afternoon siesta.”

Jack nodded and smiled, a look of genuine tenderness in his eyes. “Tell him I said hello.”

“I will,” Rachel smiled back, thinking the remark had been sweet.

“How’s business today?”

Rachel shrugged. “A little slow,” she admitted. A look of concern flashed across his handsome face. Was he worried she wouldn’t be able to pay him?

“But it’s always slow on Wednesdays. I’m not sure why. It should pick up towards the weekend. People come to town for day trips—hiking, antique shopping, that sort of thing.”

“And what do you do on the weekend, Rachel? Besides work, I mean?”

Rachel felt flustered. It wasn’t so much the question as the way he was looking at her. Was he trying to find out if she had a boyfriend?

“Oh…nothing special. Spend time with Charlie, take him out to get fresh air, things like that.”

He smiled, seeming quietly satisfied with her answer. “I guess it’s not easy, running this business on your own and taking care of a little boy, too.”

Rachel smiled and sighed. She didn’t open up to strangers easily. Certainly not men. But there was something different about Jack. Something in his voice and the way he looked at her that broke through her natural reserve. He just seemed so…caring and sincere.

“It can feel overwhelming at times.” She met his warm dark glance a moment, then looked away. “But I love my freedom. And I love Charlie even more. It’s just the two of us, but that’s fine with me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“You sound very sure of that,” he said quietly.

His reply made her realize just how she had sounded—as if she was warning him off. Warning him there wasn’t any place in her life for anyone else. Like a man.

Well, there wasn’t. So maybe that was a good thing. She smiled at him, noticing he didn’t smile back.

“I am sure,” she said evenly.

He gazed at her, his head tilted to one side.

“You know, Rachel, the one thing I’ve learned about life is…you can never be totally sure. Of anything. It pays to expect the unexpected. Know what I mean?”

Rachel didn’t answer right away. Was he trying to tell her something? It seemed like he might be.

Then Rachel decided she was reading too much into the conversation. Perhaps he was just talking about his own life in a vague, general way.

Perhaps some surprising twist of fate had colored his philosophy. Maybe someday she’d find out what that was, but for now she was content to let it go.

Their friendly chat seemed suddenly too deep and serious.

“I’ll remember that, Jack. But you do sound a little like a fortune cookie,” she teased him.

“I had Chinese food for lunch.” He slowly smiled and she realized he was teasing her back. “I’ll be back to start the job on Friday. I need a day to square away some other business.”

Two days? It seemed too long to wait to see him again.

Rachel forced an easy smile. “Sounds good. See you then.”

“So long, Rachel.” He turned and headed for the door. She tried to look away but couldn’t take her eyes off him until he walked out of the shop.

The store seemed suddenly very quiet and empty. She turned on some classical music. Then stood at one of the display tables, folding baby sweaters. Unable to get Jack Sawyer’s image out of her mind. He had an effect on her.

Too great an effect. How was she going to manage several weeks of him working here? She had to get over this fast or she’d end up miserable.

Okay, he’s attractive. And nice. But he must be involved with somebody, somewhere. Men like that aren’t just running around, unclaimed.

If they are, there’s a reason. Not a good one, either. You’ve found that out the hard way.

The bell above the shop door rang, interrupting her silent pep talk. Two attractive, well-dressed women walked in.

Snippets of overheard conversation told her they were out for the afternoon, having lunch, getting manicures, shopping. She half-envied them. Then she reminded herself that at the end of the day, she didn’t have answer to anyone about what she did, where she’d gone, or what she’d spent.

Attractive men might come and go. As she’d just told Jack, she really did value her total and complete independence.

“Ladies? Can I help you with anything?” She walked over and greeted them.

“We’re invited to a baby shower and the mother-to-be said she registered here. Could you look up her Wish List?”

“I’d be happy to. I’ll print it out for you.”

Rachel trotted back to the counter and took her place behind the laptop. Only a handful of “mothers-to-be” had registered at her shop. But she tried to give a good impression and act as if the place was very popular and there were hundreds.

Rachel’s spirit suddenly lifted with the prospect of an easy sale. Or two. “Wish List” shoppers were her favorite, next to doting grandmothers. They rarely left the store without a shopping bag in hand.

Rachel was busy for the rest of the afternoon with more customers and catching up on phone calls. She locked the door at half past five and carried Charlie upstairs to their apartment, feeling weary, but content.

She’d made some good sales during the afternoon and the thought cheered her. She still had some savings from liquidating all her assets in the city, but she knew she couldn’t run the business at a loss forever. She needed to make a profit soon, or she’d be in trouble.

Renting the cottage would help. She felt relieved it would be ready in a few weeks. Maybe even by the end of the month.

She wasn’t sure where Jack Sawyer had come from, but he’d sure stepped through the door at just the right time.

Truth was, she could hardly wait to see him again.

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