Marty focused on work for the next few days, avoiding Jake as much as possible. She sketched out plans for Bonnie's room, delighting in the fairy tale theme. She was going to use a color scheme of pinks and lavenders, misty greens and baby blue. One corner would feature a huge tree with branches spreading on either side of the wall. A swing hung from a branch and a little fairy with blonde ringlets and big blue eyes sat there swaying back and forth. If the fairy had a distinct resemblance to Bonnie, that was on purpose.

Soon after breakfast each day Marty made her way to the little girl's room and started painting. She was happiest when she was working. She threw herself into the scene, carefully creating tiny pink flowers scattered across the grass, lavender blossoms wrapping around the stump of a tree. Birds frolicked overhead and a happy bunny took shape peeping from around a bush covered in pale blue blooms.

Late one afternoon, Marty stopped and stretched. She'd been at it for hours and her muscles protested as she moved to clean up her supplies. It was time to call it a day.

"Hi." Jake's voice startled Marty out of her reverie, making her jump at the unexpected interruption. "I just thought I'd come and see how you're doing."

"Oh, hi. Come on in and take a look." She motioned for him to enter, suddenly feeling shy at the thought of him critiquing her work.

He walked into the room and stared at the walls she was painting. He just looked for a long moment, not saying anything. She held her breath. Somehow his approval seemed more important than that any other client.

"It's magic," he finally said, and Marty felt her breath rush out of her. Thank goodness. She didn't know how she would have reacted if he'd disapproved.

"It looks so alive, so real."

"Thanks. I try to make it feel like you've walked into the picture."

"And you've succeeded. It's wonderful." He turned and eyed her seriously. "You are very talented."

Marty felt hot color rise in her cheeks. "Thank you."

"Did you always want to do murals or would you rather do canvasses?"

Marty shrugged. "I think every artist would like to do canvasses but they have to sell if you're going to make a living. I love murals…and they sell."

"I know what you mean. My real love is composing songs, but until I made it big singing nobody wanted my songs." He grew thoughtful, rubbing a hand across his stubbled chin. "That's why I think I can cut back on my appearances now and focus more on writing. I've even got a recording studio out back. That's where I spend a lot of my time."

"That's great, Jake."

"I think it's best for the kids, too. They need some stability, including an adult they can count on." His voice was soft, his eyes filled with concern. "I worry about them."

Her heart clenched at the thought of the twins. "They've been through a lot. Do you know Brody wants his room done in cops? He says it'll help remind him that the cops took his Daddy away and he won't ever be able to hurt them again."

Marty instinctively reached out a comforting hand, laying it on his lower arm. "Well, for what it's worth, I think you're doing a wonderful job with the kids." The contact sent a sizzle burning through her. She dropped her touch as fast as possible, stuffing her fingers into the pocket of her denim shorts.

"Thanks, Marty. I appreciate that. This is a whole new ball game for me." He forced his mind back to the subject at hand. "They seem to really like you, too."

Marty grinned. "I'm glad, because I'm crazy about them. They're just as cute as they can be."

He smiled back. "I think so. Hey, I promised to take them to the zoo this week. How would you like to come help corral the little critters?"

"Oh, I couldn't. I need to keep working in order to get finished on schedule."

"You can take a day off. You know what they say about all work and no play." He winked at her. "The kids would be thrilled. And it will be so much fun watching them enjoy the day. Besides, I could really use your help keeping an eye on them."

She would love to see them visiting with the animals…and the two of them might be a handful for one lone man. But still, she hesitated. It would mean being alone with just him and the twins for an entire day.

Of course, it's not like he could try any funny business with two curious preschoolers along.

Drawing in a deep breath, she finally nodded. "I'd love to go with you."

A wide grin split Jake's face. "How's Thursday sound?"

The day after tomorrow. So soon. Well, might as well get it over with.

"Great. Thursday."