Her Valentine Family (11 page)

“How could He forget the best mother in the world?” Chad asked, pronouncing her with the very words that he always used to describe Mae Martin, and meaning every syllable. He loved her with all of his heart, appreciated everything she'd done for him more than he could ever express, and he wanted her to have everything he could give her and more. And the thing that was most important and that he believed would help her find true happiness…was God.

She sniffed, patted Lainey's back. “Hey, you're going to be late, and this is an important night.”

Chad moved closer, kissed her cheek. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, too.” She started across the kitchen toward the hall.

“You'll think about it? Church on Sunday? Because I'm planning to take Lainey, and Jessica will be there with Nathan, I'm sure. It's important that I meet him, but it's important for him to know you, too.”

“I'll think about it,” she promised, and Chad nodded. For now, that was all he could ask. That and one more thing.

God, be with me tonight. Give me the courage to tell Jessica about everything that happened with Kate. And help her to trust me enough to talk to me, really talk to me, about what happened to her over the past six years. Help us to nurture this bond we have and help it be
even stronger than it was back then.
He heard the water starting in the bathroom, listened as Lainey woke to the sound and started chatting about her bath.
And God, be with Mom. Help her to find You again, and help her to find happiness again. Let her see how a real family can be, with me.

J
essica was glad that her work at the day care center kept her busy throughout the day. She could literally feel her anticipation for her date…and for the conversation that she would have with Chad tonight. Right now he knew he wanted a relationship with Jess and knew that he wanted to meet her son so they could introduce their children to the idea of the two of them together. In a few hours, he'd realize that the introduction was much more than that.

He would be introduced to his son.

“Jessica, are you okay?” Her mother stood at the doorway to the kitchen, her face showing unhidden concern. “Honey, it'll be all right. You've been planning to talk to him and tell him about Nathan for years. And it's the right thing. He should know that amazing little boy, and Nathan is going to adore his father.”

“I know, Mom, but I also know how much it would have meant to Chad to be there for Nathan—and for me—the entire time. I don't know how he's going to handle the fact that I kept him from Nathan, even if I did what I believed was best at the time.” Sitting on the
couch, Jess fiddled with the belt on her dress. “Should I change?”

Her mother smiled. “You've changed twice already, and each outfit was fine. I like that dress. You've always looked good in red, and now is no different. Besides, Chad is going to think you're beautiful no matter what you're wearing.” She moved to sit in the rocker facing the couch. “He was always in love with you, honey. And I can't imagine those feelings will be any less than they were back then, in spite of the years between. The two of you shared a special bond, and you share a son together, even if he doesn't know that yet.”

“What if he can't forgive me?” The question had been at the heart of every thought Jess had throughout the day, and she couldn't shake it now.

Her mother eased out of the rocker, moved to the couch and scooted close to Jess. “Honey, you need to have faith in Chad and faith that God will help you through this time. Chad will forgive you.”

“I don't know, Mom. I've kept him from his son for nearly six years. What if it simply isn't possible for him to forgive that?”

“I have a question for you. Who was it that said, ‘With God, all things are possible?'”

Jessica swallowed. “Christ.”

“Exactly. I tell you what, the best thing we can do right now is pray—pray that God will be with you tonight, right beside you when you have that tough conversation and pray that he will allow Chad to see the truth, that you did what you thought was best for him back then and that the best thing for both of you, and for your children, is to move forward.”

Jessica nodded. “You're right.”

Her mother took Jessica's hands in hers and prayed, “Dear Heavenly Father, be with Jess tonight. Help her to find strength in You as she tells Chad the truth. And be with Chad, that he opens his heart to the forgiveness she desires and to the love that she feels for him. Bless their relationship, Lord, and bless their children. In Christ's name, amen.”

Footsteps sounded on the porch, and Jess quickly brushed away the tears that had pushed free during her mother's prayer.

“He's here,” she whispered, as a solid rap knocked against the front door. “This is it. I've been waiting for this night since Nathan was born. And now it's here.”

Her mother gave her hands a comforting squeeze and whispered, “Everything will be fine. Nothing's impossible with God on your side.”

“You know what? You're right.” Jessica smiled, aware that her nerves had eased with their prayer. In fact, she stood and walked to the door without any apprehension whatsoever. Oh, she was still anxious, but she was anxious to see the man on the other side of the door. Anxious to see the only guy she'd ever loved. Anxious to see the father of her son.

Another knock started as she turned the knob, and she pulled the door back to find Chad's fist balled and ready to pound again.

He laughed, dropped his arm and then snapped his mouth shut. Then he visibly took in Jessica's appearance, from her hair piled loosely on top of her head with long strands falling around her neck to the red dress, a wraparound jersey with crossover front that tied at her waist. “You look incredible.”

Her mind flashed back to the first time he'd ever
picked her up at this house, when she was merely sixteen and they were headed to a school basketball game. He'd said the same thing, and her stomach had fluttered the same way it did now.

And just like that, any bit of nervousness that remained disappeared. Jessica was with her friend, and consequently with the man she loved, and she would let God help her figure out the tough spots as the night went on. For now, she wanted to enjoy the fact that tonight was literally a dream come true.

“Thanks,” Jess said. Then, assuming turnabout was fair play, she took a small step back and eyed his appearance, too.

Chad, playing along, held out his arms and rotated for her review.

Stifling a giggle, Jessica took her time checking out his hair, the late afternoon sun drawing attention to the natural highlights. Then she noted how his deep green dress shirt matched the emerald in his eyes. And finally, the crisp khakis and dark leather shoes that tied everything together and made him look like he'd stepped off the cover of a magazine.

Or stepped right out of her dreams.

He tilted his head to the side and lifted a brow in an adorable
Well, do I pass inspection?
stance.

“You look amazing, too,” she said, unwilling to even pretend that she wasn't impressed.

Obviously overhearing their banter, her mother chuckled lightly from her place on the couch, and Jessica pivoted to allow Chad inside. He grinned as he stepped through the doorway, then focused on her mom.

“Hello, Mrs. Bowman, how are you?” he asked, extending his hand as he neared the sofa.

She shook his hand and smiled at him affectionately. Jessica's parents had always loved Chad, and her mother's words were undeniably the truth when she said, “Wonderful to have you back at the house again, Chad.”

He looked at Jessica. “Wonderful to be here again.” He looked around the room. “Is your father home? And how about Nathan? I'm looking forward to meeting him.”

Jessica had known Chad would ask when she recommended her father take Nathan to an afternoon movie. She did want him to meet Nathan, but she needed time to tell him everything first. Tonight, that would happen. She anticipated that, knowing Chad and that he would want to meet his son immediately after he learned the truth. So possibly, before this day ended, he would.

“Bryant took Nathan to the matinee,” her mother explained when Jess didn't offer a quick response. “But I understand that all of you are going to Hydrangea Park tomorrow, right? So you'll get to see our precious boy soon.”

“Yes, we're taking Lainey and Nathan to feed the ducks there tomorrow,” Chad said. “It's supposed to be nice outside again, like today.”

“I'm sure he'll have a fit over Lainey,” Jessica's mother said. “She was so pretty all dressed up at church. And Nathan loves feeling like the big boy. I know he'll enjoy taking on that role when you go to the park. I'll make sure to have some bread ready for him to take to the ducks. And I'll have plenty enough for him to share with Lainey.”

Chad quickly turned his attention back to Jessica, as though remembering something he'd forgotten. “I can't
believe I forgot to ask. How did it go today with Nathan's teacher? Did she talk to him?”

“Yes, and I'm sorry, too. After you helped me so much with that last night, I forgot to let you know after she called. I had a lot on my mind,” she said. Then she clarified, “I had our date on my mind.”

“Same here,” he agreed, grinning. “And I'm assuming since you're smiling, and since you're obviously still feeling like going out tonight, that you received good news from his teacher?”

“I did. It was almost exactly what you had predicted. It looks like I'm raising a boy genius.” Her laugh matched the one her mother emitted from the couch.

“Sorry.” Her mom stood from the sofa and held up her hands in a motion that asked forgiveness for her laughter. “It just seems a little strange to hear, even though I totally agree with everything Mrs. Carter said. Nathan wants a challenge, and from the sound of things, I believe she'll do her best to make sure he always has one.”

“I'll tell you all about it in the car,” Jessica said. “You said our reservation is at seven, right?”

Chad glanced at his watch. “Right, we better get going.” He opened the door for Jessica. “Nice to see you, Mrs. Bowman.”

“Very nice to see you, Chad,” she said, and she gave Jessica her best don't-worry-everything-will-be-fine smile.

Jessica felt better merely seeing it. “Thanks, Mom. Give Nathan a kiss good night for me, okay?”

“You know I will.”

Jessica walked with Chad to his car and waited for him to open her door.

“You're getting more used to it now, hmm?” he asked, winking as she slid into his car.

“I guess I am.” A sense of first date giddiness flitted through her, and she giggled as he walked around the car to the driver's side.

The front door to the house opened, and her mother came out with a pink sheet of paper in her hand. “I nearly forgot to tell you about this,” she said, approaching the car. “I wasn't sure what you were planning after dinner, but they've decorated the park already, and I thought you might enjoy it.” She was a bit breathless from trying to catch them before they left, and she exhaled with a final “Whew” as she handed the pink flyer to Chad.

He took the paper and scanned the information on the page, printed beneath a sketch of the heart-shaped pond at Hydrangea Park. “I hadn't realized it was already time for the Valentine's display. I'd actually planned for us to go to a movie after dinner but this would beat a movie anytime. What do you think, Jess?”

The last time she'd been to see the Valentine lights display at the park had been over six years ago, and it'd been with Chad. “I think that'd be perfect.”

They drove to the restaurant, and she told him all about her conversation with Mrs. Carter. He laughed when she quoted Nathan saying, “Sometimes those kids just get on my nerves, and I need some time with just me.”

“That's hysterical. And even funnier because I know my mom heard something so similar when my teacher called her in.”

Jessica laughed and silently wondered how many other things he and Nathan would have in common.

By the time they arrived at the restaurant, they'd
thoroughly covered her conversation with Mrs. Carter. Throughout dinner, they discussed Lainey, or more specifically, Chad's new phone, a purchase he'd been forced to make due to Lainey's infatuation with the previous one. She liked to pretend she was talking, and Chad let her. But then she'd been carrying it around one minute, and the next minute, it was gone. Chad had it on silent mode, so there was no hope of finding it by merely dialing the number and listening for the ring.

Jessica swallowed a bite of her lasagna, then asked, “So what did you do?”

He fished a shiny new iPhone out of his pocket. “Got it this morning. I can't be away from her without being accessible, and I promised myself that this one will stay out of tiny little hands, no matter how much she likes to push the buttons.” He laughed, and Jessica did, too. He was obviously a terrific dad to Lainey, and he'd be a terrific dad to Nathan, too.

The waitress arrived with a plate filled with the dessert Messina's was famous for: fried strawberries.

“Oh, wow, I wish I hadn't eaten so much lasagna,” Jessica said, eyeing the bright red pieces of fruit, assembled in a heart shape on the plate. Powdered sugar dotted the berries and a swirl of heart-shaped strawberry sauce centered the plate.

Chad picked up a berry, held it to his mouth and then bit into the fruit. He then made quite a display of humming his contentment while he chewed and then continuing to sound his pleasure as he swallowed. “That's a shame, because they're as incredible as they were when I brought you here for Valentine's Day when we were in high school. Back then, I'm pretty sure you ate more
than me.” He picked up a berry. “I guess I'll get to make up for that this time.”

Jessica watched him eat the second berry, again enjoying every bit. She could smell the sweet fruit, see how juicy the berries were by the way he licked his lips between each bite.

She waited until he closed his eyes in his enjoyment and then slid the plate to her side of the table. “You're going to have to wait a second. I'm two behind.” And she made him watch her eat two amazingly delicious berries. “Oh, my, they're just as good as I remembered.”

Smirking, Chad reached for the plate, slid it back to the middle of the table. “Are you willing to share the rest?” he teased.

“Do I have to?”

He laughed. “And I wasn't sure whether that memory was correct, that you actually did outeat me that night.”

“Hey, they're good,” she countered, but she indicated the remaining berries. “But I'll share this time.”

They finished the remaining strawberries, then Chad paid for dinner and they left the restaurant. Once again, he opened her door, and once again, Jessica felt a sense of giddiness as she sat in the car. There was something heady about being pampered by Chad Martin.

Who was she kidding? There was something heady about simply being near Chad Martin.

When he slid into his seat, she was laughing.

“What?” he asked.

“I'm just…happy.” That was the best and simplest way to describe it.

He smiled. “I'm glad. I'm happy, too, happier than I've been in a very long time.” He moved the keys toward the ignition but then paused. “Jess.”

Her laughter was still subsiding, but she swallowed the last of it when she saw his face. He'd turned toward her, and those green-gold eyes were filled with emotion. Love, Jessica thought, but also something else. Something almost…sad. “Chad, what is it?”