Jill Weatherholt - A Mother For His Twins

Giggles sounded through the doorway. “Miss Kelliher!”

Dressed in matching blue-and-white-striped polo sweaters and jeans, the twins skidded to a stop. “How did you know we live here?” Tyler asked as a smile blossomed.

She couldn’t have missed the huge truck that rumbled into the neighborhood. “I saw you pull up. My house is right over there.” She pointed over her shoulder.

Immediately the boys began to jump up and down, celebrating the fact that they were neighbors.

“This is so awesome! Our favorite teacher ever is right across the street. We can visit you every day!”

Her anger eased as Tyler’s words crept inside her wounded heart. But how could she ever live so close to Nick and his boys? A constant reminder of what could have been and what would never be because she was broken...unable to do what should come naturally to a woman—bring new life into the world.

“What’s all the commotion?” Nick came up behind his sons, dressed in black jeans and a Northwestern University sweatshirt. As always, he looked startlingly handsome.

Who looks that good when they’re moving? Joy’s heart fluttered for a split second, until she remembered the reason for her visit. She folded her arms across her chest. “What are you doing here?”

Nick placed his hands on his sons’ shoulders. “This is our new home. We’re renting now, but the owners are thinking about selling.”

This was getting more unbelievable by the second.

“Mrs. Buser mentioned yesterday that we’d be neighbors. I guess it’s true what they say about it being a small world.” He scratched the side of his head and crinkled his brow.

Neighbors? What was that old saying she’d heard? Good fences made good neighbors—or something like that. That was it... She’d build a fence as high as her homeowners association would allow. She was president—she should know the restrictions. She’d have to check the covenants. Even still, building a wall around her property wouldn’t keep Nick out of her heart. “But this is my neighborhood. I moved here after college.”

“She lives right over there, Daddy,” Tyler announced, pointing in the direction of Joy’s one-story ranch home. “Isn’t that cool? Maybe she’ll invite us over for dinner sometime.”

This definitely wasn’t cool. Dinner? Absolutely not. How would she avoid Nick when he’d be just outside her door? At that moment she’d give anything to have the old neighbors and their barking Jack Russell back in the house.

“I know I’m probably the last person you want as a neighbor, but we’ll just have to make the best of it. This was the only house available that was close to the school.”

Right...the school, where he’d be working. “Yes, I suppose the principal wants to be nearby, of course.”

Nick’s shoulders stiffened. “How did you know I was applying for the position?”

She tilted her head toward the boys. “They mentioned it yesterday while we were out on the playground.”

Joy felt a tug on her sweater and looked down at Jordan.

“I’m glad you live so close, Miss Kellihuh.” He blushed. “If I get stuck on my homework I can just come ovuh for your help.”

Her pulse relaxed when she looked into Jordan’s eyes. “You’re welcome anytime, sweetie.” She turned her attention to Nick. “I’m sorry I came charging over here. I guess I was kind of caught off guard...or maybe I’ve had too much coffee.”

Nick nodded and cleared his throat. “Speaking of coffee, I just started a pot. You must be freezing... Why don’t you come inside?”

Practically frozen and not wanting Jordan to think she was still upset, she ignored what her head was telling her and stepped inside. “So you’ve already unpacked your coffee maker?” She smiled.

“Of course. I have my priorities.” Nick winked.

As the two movers scurried past Joy, carrying boxes marked “boys’ room,” she scanned the open floor plan of the two-story home. She’d only been inside a few times when the previous owners had been out of town and she’d offered to care for their dog.

“Do you want to come see our room, Miss Kelliher?” Tyler reached for her hand. “Daddy bought us bunk beds that look like race cars. They got delivered yesterday while we were at school.”

“Let’s get that coffee first.” Nick headed toward the kitchen.

A whimper sounded behind the closed laundry room door as Joy and the boys trekked toward the aroma of the freshly brewed beverage. “Is that your puppy I hear?”

“How did you know about Maverick?” Jordan asked.

“I saw him when you got out of the car. That’s a great name.”

“It’s from a TV show back in the old days. My daddy likes to watch the reruns.” Tyler approached the door.

Joy had a vivid memory of her and Nick on his parents’ sectional sofa, watching old Western movies with an oversize bowl of popcorn sitting between them.

Tyler glanced toward his father. “Is it okay if I let him out, Daddy?”

“Sure—why not? But remember, the movers have the front door opened, so keep an eye on him. We don’t want him to run outside without his leash.”

Tyler pushed open the door and out sprang a tiny golden nugget of energy. Maverick raced straight to Joy’s feet and jumped up and down as though his big paws were springs.

Kneeling down, she extended her hand, which he immediately covered with sloppy, wet kisses. Her heart melted. “He’s adorable. What breed is Maverick?”

Nick reached down and stroked the puppy’s head. “A labradoodle, and, boy, is he ever a handful. The boys were a little apprehensive when I told them we were moving. I thought Mav would help with the transition.”

“He likes you, Miss Kellihuh.” Jordan smiled.

Growing up, Joy and Faith had always wanted a dog, but being raised by a grandfather with severe allergies had made that impossible. She scooped Maverick up in her arms and nuzzled his face against her own. “If you ever need a sitter, I’m definitely available.” Obviously the adorable fur ball had impaired her thinking. She couldn’t pet-sit for the animal. She needed to stay as far away from Nick as possible.

“Excuse me, Mr. Capello, but where would you like the piano?”

The group turned to the short, muscular man standing down the hall.

“How about underneath the window in the living room—is that okay, Jordan?”

The boy nodded. “That’s good.”

When the mover scurried out the door, Joy turned to Jordan, who seemed more quiet than usual. “Are you the piano player in the family?”

Jordan’s cheeks flushed. “Do you think it’s only for guls?”

When Tyler silenced a giggle, Joy knew that Jordan had probably been teased about playing the piano. “Of course it’s not. There are a lot of well-known pianists who are men. I actually play, too, and I give lessons.”

“Weally? My mommy used to play.” Jordan glanced at the hardwood floor, looking as if he’d lost his best friend.

Joy noticed Nick’s jaw tense. “Boys, we better put Maverick back in the laundry room. We don’t want him to get in the movers’ way.”

Her heart broke for Jordan and Tyler, but also for Nick. One day your life was perfect, complete with a family, and then it was taken from you. Although she wanted to keep her relationship with Nick strictly business, Jordan tugged on her heartstrings. “You just let me know if you’d like for me to give you some lessons.” She tipped her thumb under the boy’s chin. “I’d better get home. You all have a lot of unpacking to do. Besides, I’ve had enough coffee this morning. I’ll see you all on Monday.”

As she walked toward her empty home, thoughts of the two freckle-faced boys and the rambunctious puppy flooded her mind. Nick’s family. Her heart squeezed. It was as though she was seeing a flash of her life as it could have been. It would have been a wonderful life. When she reached for the icy doorknob on her empty home, she couldn’t help but wonder if it would be that easy to keep things on a professional level.