The evening was so slow, it felt like time was standing still. The last massage client had left along with Gloria, the massage therapist. She’d heard when the yoga class had left, leaving her all alone in the store.

She filled her time reading a book she’d had in her bag.

When the bell chimed, she plastered on a smile, then gasped when Chad walked towards her through the store.

“What…” She felt her heart sink, then anger replaced fear quickly. “What are you doing here?”

He looked skinnier than before. There were dark circles under his eyes and she wondered if he was high on something.

“Do you know how long it took me to find you?” He moved to the other side of the counter.

“Answer me.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“I’m here for you and my son.” His eyes narrowed.

“Why? You already have a wife and a baby on the way,” she replied, thinking about reaching for her cell phone and calling the cops. She stopped when she realized he wasn’t doing anything wrong. Yet.

“Kimberly died during childbirth. The baby was stillborn.”

Her heart broke a little. “I’m sorry.” She reached her hand out and touched his just as the bell chimed again.

Rowan walked into the store. A frown quickly replaced the smile when he noticed her hand on Chad’s. She jerked her hand back and tucked it under the counter.

“Kayla.” He stopped directly next to Chad, his eyes scanning the other man. She knew the instant he realized who it was. “You okay?” He turned to her, dismissing the man.

She nodded, not knowing what to say.

“I’ll let you deal with this… customer first.” Chad moved aside slightly. “But then you need to take a break so we can talk.”

“I’m not a customer,” Rowan added, but before he could say more, she jumped in.

“Rowan, can we have a minute? You can wait for me in your aunt’s office.” She handed him her keys.

He looked down at them, then back between her and Chad. After a moment, he nodded and disappeared towards the back.

“Who was that?” Chad asked.

“I’m sorry about… your wife and child. But why are you here?”

“Like I said, I’m here for my family.”

“We’re not your family.” She moved back. “We never were. We were a nuisance.” She moved around the counter. “I’m sorry you came all this way—”

“My parents have agreed to let me marry you. We can be a family.” He rushed over to her and took her shoulders.

Her eyes narrowed as she shook her head. There had been a point in her life where she had wanted nothing more than to be Chad’s wife, for Connor to have his father. But, now, she couldn’t even stand the thought.

Shaking her head, she took a step back. “It’s too late for that. I won’t let you tie my son up with—”

“He’s my son too,” Chad broke in.

“You were never there for either of us. You lost those rights.”

His arms moved back to her shoulders. “Think before you say something you’ll regret. Remember who my parents are. How much money and influence they have.”

She remembered the first time she’d found out who his parents were. She’d been shocked. Most people would have done anything to have that blue blood flow through their child’s veins.

“That doesn’t make you a good father. You weren’t there for us when we needed you. You’ll go home and forget all about us again.” She motioned towards the door. “Now, if you don’t mind”—the bell chimed as a couple walked in and started browsing around the store— “I have work to do.”

She watched Chad’s eyes narrow before he turned and left the store.

As she helped the couple out, she wondered if he was staying in town. Then she realized he hadn’t asked her where Connor was. After checking the couple out, she grabbed her cell phone and dialed her mother’s number just as Rowan appeared next to her.

“I already talked to your mother and told her I’d come get him.” He touched her shoulder. She wondered if he’d listened in on their conversation. Turning to him, she noticed the worried look in his eyes.

She set her phone down and sighed. “He can’t have him or me.” She walked into his arms.

“No,” he said, “he can’t.”

Every minute that passed after Rowan left to get Connor, she counted her heartbeats until she could hold her son in her arms. Customers came and went, but her mind was too consumed with seeing her son again.

Rowan had texted her when he had arrived at her mother’s and had Connor. She had relaxed a little, but still, her eyes were glued to the front door.

When they finally walked in, she’d composed herself. She didn’t want her son to see the fear.

“Mommy!” Connor ran across the store and wrapped his arms around her. She held onto him as she picked him up.

“Thank you,” she said to Rowan.

He moved over and wrapped an arm around her. “Anytime.” He sighed. “What do you say to going in the back and coloring with me?” he asked Connor. “Your mother packed these for him.” He held up a small bin of coloring books and crayons. “I figured we could hang out back there. When he gets tired, there’s a sofa.”

She took a deep breath. “No, I still have three hours. Now that I know he’s okay, why don’t you guys go back home?” She kissed Connor’s cheek again. “I’ll be okay, knowing he’s with you.”

Rowan reached up and touched her cheek with his hand. “You sure?”

She nodded and leaned her head into his hand. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Okay.” He took Connor from her. “You might want to call your mom. She was worried about you.”

“I’ll call her.”

She watched them leave, then went back to get her cell phone. She was just about to dial her mother when the door chimed again. Mrs. Tyler walked into the store and smiled when she noticed her behind the counter.

“Oh, I didn’t know you were working here,” the woman said, holding a shopping basket in her hands.

“Yes, I started last week.”

“How wonderful.” Robin Tyler had been one of the best looking female teachers in the school when Kayla had attended. The woman had aged very gracefully and still looked young and in shape.

“Can I help you find something?” she asked.

“Oh, I know where everything is. I swear I can’t get enough of these.” She put a few bottles into her basket. “Helps you stay young, which keeps the marriage alive,” she added, her eyes moving over her slowly. “Of course, you’re still so very young yourself.”

Kayla smiled, unsure of what to say as she started to ring the woman up.

“So, you are back in town to stay?” she asked, her smile slipping a little as her eyes scanned hers.

“For now.” She thought about seeing Chad again and knew that she wasn’t prepared to leave town because of him.

“How nice. I’m sure your mother is enjoying having you back in town, along with all the available men in town.”

Kayla nodded and gave the woman a polite smiled.

“I ran into your husband at the bakery the other day.”

“Did you?” The woman’s eyes narrowed. “He didn’t mention it.”

She shrugged as she ran the credit card. “Are you still teaching?” she asked, hoping to change the subject.

“Yes, we both are.”

Kayla handed the woman the receipt and bag. “Have a nice night.”

“You too.”

When Mrs. Tyler left, Kayla quickly dialed her mother’s number.

“Are you okay?” Her mother sounded worried.

“Yes, I’m sorry to cut your first night with Connor short.”

“It’s okay, Rowan explained… about Connor’s father. Honey, I wish you would have told me.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” She sighed.

“JT gets back tomorrow and he asked if we would come out to his place for dinner. Maybe you and I could have some time beforehand, without working, to talk?”

“That sounds wonderful,” she responded quickly. “Mom? I’m really sorry.”

“I know, sweetie. I’m glad you’re okay.”

After hanging up with her mother, she busied herself by straightening the store up in between helping customers.

She knew she hadn’t seen the last of Chad. She just hoped he wouldn’t show up at her work again. She thought about calling him but decided she would wait until the following morning.

She had locked up and was walking to her car when she heard a sound behind her. Turning, she watched Chad step out of a rental car.

“I told you—”

“I heard, I just wanted a moment to talk to you. You know, I never got to apologize, for… things.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him.

“Seeing… Kimberly and the baby… It’s changed me. I just wanted a chance to have my own family.”

“Connor and I can’t be that for you, not now.” She felt her shoulders fall slightly.

“I…” His eyes moved around. “I had hoped… things could go back to how they were before we moved to Florida.”

She shook her head. “That’s in the past.”

“Can I see my son?” he asked and she heard his voice crack.

“Let me think about it,” she said after a moment. “Will you be in town?”

He glanced around. “I got a room at the Best Western off the highway.”

She nodded. “I’ll contact you.” She turned and tossed her bag into the car.

“Kayla,” Chad called out, causing her to glance over her shoulder. “How is he?”

“He had a broken arm. It’s been in a cast.”

Chad looked like he’d been punched in the gut. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I… tell him I’m sorry.” He shook his head and she thought she saw a tear fall down his face.

She took a step closer to him. “Are you okay?” she asked, not sure why, but the look on his face told her that he was in pain.

His eyes met hers. “I’m… okay.” He turned and walked away.

She watched him get in the rental car and drive away. As she was getting into the car, she thought she heard footsteps, but when she glanced over, the parking lot was empty.

She watched her rearview mirror as she drove home. The streets were dark and quiet. When she parked behind Rowan’s car, she felt emotionally drained.

Rowan met her at the door and had it opened before she got up the front porch stairs. She was engulfed in his arms.

Just the smell of him, the feel of him holding her, had the tears flowing.

* * *

“Stay with me tonight,” he said when they walked inside. “Connor’s asleep upstairs already. I packed him some clothes.”

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“I need to learn to do this on my own,” she said, keeping her eyes closed.

“What?” he asked, taking her hand and tugging until she sat next to him on the sofa.

“Life,” she said, looking at him.

He pulled her legs up onto his lap, then tossed her shoes off her feet and started rubbing them. They were so small, and he could feel the tension slowly drain away as he rubbed the muscles.

“You don’t fight fair.” She leaned back against the cushions and sighed.

He chuckled. “When it’s something I want, why would I?”

His hand traveled up her leg, and he watched desire flash in her eyes. When she licked her bottom lip, he smiled and knew she had been convinced.

“Rowan,” she whispered.

“Hmm?” he said when he reached the edge of her panties.

“Make love to me.” She leaned forward and reached for him.

“Music to my ears.” He dipped his fingers under the silk and watched her eyes close and her head roll back.

He enjoyed playing with her, teasing her, and hearing her moans of pleasure.

He was just about to move, but she surprised him by climbing over and straddling him. Her skirt hiked up, her body pushed against his as her mouth took what she wanted from him.

Her fingers reached for his shirt buttons, pulling and tugging until she pushed his shirt off his shoulders. Her mouth left his, leaving a trail down his neck until her teeth sunk lightly into his shoulder.

“You’re going too slow.” Her hands moved down to his jeans, fumbling until she finally released him.

His muscles jumped as her fingers ran over them slowly. When he pushed the shoulder of her dress down, his eyes were glued to the exposed flesh. Then his mouth was on her, taking everything he could.

He felt her fumble in his back pocket and he thought she sighed, “Score,” when she pulled out the condom.

He chuckled. “There’s more upstairs, in the nightstand.”

She shook her head. “Can’t wait.” She slid the protection over him.

He reached for her hips and helped guide her down over his length. She rested her forehead on his as he held her still.

“Why can’t I seem to get enough of you?” he asked, his lips taking hers once more. When she moved, he held onto her as she rode him. His fingers dug into her softness, and he wondered if he could hold out this time for her.

“Kayla,” he moaned as she ran her lips over his collarbone. He felt himself sliding and wanted to take her with him. He knew exactly where to touch her.

He watched her head roll back as she cried out his name. Only then did he allow himself to follow her.

He carried her up the stairs and crawled under the blankets with her, then held her tight in his arms as she slept.

When he woke next, it was to a three-year-old jumping up and down on his chest.

“Come on, Rowwww, wake up!” Connor placed his hand on his eyes and tried to pry them open, causing Rowan to laugh.

“My eyes are stuck closed,” he joked, grabbing the boy up. “You’ll have to kiss them to open them.”

He felt the featherlight kisses and popped his eyes open quickly, causing Connor to burst into laughter.

“Mommy said I’m not pasod to…”

“Supposed to,” Kayla corrected.

“That’s what I said,” Connor replied. “Paspode…”

“Supposed,” Kayla repeated slowly.

“Supposed,” he said slowly, then smiled when Kayla nodded and smiled, “to wake you, but it’s raining, and I’m bored and hungry.” He was talking quickly as he continued to bounce up and down on the bed.

“Well, how about we run and have breakfast at Roy’s diner?” He was watching Kayla. She was sitting across the room in the chair as she pulled on her shoes.

Her eyes met his as Connor continued to bounce.

“Can I get woffles?’

“Waffles?” He corrected. “Ed’s has some of the best waffles around.” He was about to get up, but the kid was sitting on his chest.

“You don’t sleep with no shirt?” Connor asked as his little hands patted his skin.

“Nope, I get too hot at night.”

Connor turned to his mother. “I get hot too.”

Kayla chuckled. “Until you’re as big as Rowan, you will continue to sleep in your pj’s.”

Connor frowned down at him and, at that moment, he would have agreed to anything to take the sadness from his eyes.

“Come on kiddo, let’s get dressed for the day and we can talk about pj’s later.” He shifted and pulled the kid up.

“We’ll just run next door and get ready.” Kayla took Connor from his arms. As she did so, he leaned in and kissed her on her lips.

“Morning.” He held onto her before she could walk away.

Her chin rose slightly. “Morning.” She smiled. “We’ll be ready in fifteen.”

He nodded and then watched them walk out.

Walking into Ed’s Diner less than half an hour later with Kayla and Connor beside him was the best feeling he’d had in a long time. He watched as people they knew turned towards them and smiled as he reached over and took Kayla’s hand in his.

They sat at a table near the front, where he and Connor ordered waffles and Kayla ordered an omelet.

“If I didn’t know any better”—she leaned closer and whispered across the table to him— “I’d say you invited us here to show the town we’re an item.” She smiled.

He leaned closer. “Is that a bad thing?”

She leaned back and shook her head. “No. Small towns have a lot of gossips. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone already knew.”

Their food had just been delivered when he noticed Chad walk in. He watched Kayla stiffen when she noticed him, then her hand reached for Connor.

Rowan stood as the man approached their table.

“Kayla.” Chad looked at his son and Rowan noticed sadness flood behind the man’s eyes.

“What are you doing here, Chad?” Kayla had a hand on her son’s cast.

“I’m here for some food. Just like you.” He glanced around.

Kayla relaxed slightly as Rowan sat back down when he realized they weren’t going to have problems with the man.

“Hi, buddy,” Chad said, looking at his son.

That was when Rowan realized that Connor had a look of sheer terror on his face. “Mommy.” The kid started crying instantly and reached for Kayla. The loud screaming caused everyone in the diner to turn towards them.

“What the—?” Chad took a step back as his eyes turned towards Kayla, who just shrugged and looked worried.

“Looks like he remembers you,” Rowan said in a low tone so no one else could hear.

Chad took another step back as he glanced around at all the eyes on him, then he shocked Rowan by turning around and leaving the restaurant without another word.

“Rowan,” Kayla said, standing up. “Would you…” She deposited Connor in his lap and nodded. “I’ll be… right back.” She disappeared out the front door.

Rowan held onto the crying kid and tried to get him to quiet down.

“Hey, kiddo,” he said softly as he held onto the boy. “What was that all about?” he asked when the piercing cries finally stopped.

“He’s a bad man. He hurt…” The kid took a deep breath as he hugged his broken arm close to his chest.

“It’s okay, now. He’s gone. I won’t let him hurt you anymore.” He placed a kiss on his head.

Connor nodded and snuggled deeper into his chest.

Rowan’s eyes scanned and found Kayla and Chad talking in the parking lot. She’d forgotten her umbrella and jacket, and he could see that she was getting soaked as she argued with Chad.