Elizabeth August - Truly, Madly, Deeply

“You need more than luck to survive in the real world. When you crash land, my door will be open and your room will be waiting just as you’ve left it.”

She scowled. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Nodding toward a note on the refrigerator, she said, “I left my new address and phone number.” Then not waiting for him to continue to attempt to undermine her determination, she’d strode out the door.

Backing out of the driveway, she’d noted that he hadn’t even stepped outside to watch her leave. “No doubt he’s more concerned about finding something for his breakfast,” she’d muttered, then shoved him out of her mind and turned her thoughts to finding Judd Graham’s home.

Now lying in bed her first night there, she vowed never to allow herself to be used or manipulated again. From this moment on, she would always face the truth and never deceive herself or allow others to deceive her.

She drew a long, deep refreshing breath, then released it. Smiling, she turned to Travis. “I’m in charge of my own destiny now and I like it.” Then snuggling into her pillow, she slept.

Chapter Four

Two weeks later, Minerva sat at the breakfast table doing her part to see that the majority of the food got on the inside rather than the outside of the triplets. Wanda Johnston had not found her another position and after the first week, Minerva had stopped asking. The truth was, hard work had never bothered her and she was growing very fond of the children.

The ringing of the phone momentarily startled the triplets into silence. Then it was forgotten as their father rose to answer it.

“Minerva, the phone is for you,” he said, laying the receiver on the counter and returning to the table to take over her position amidst the triplets.

She heard the edge of displeasure in his voice and frowned as she rose. Surely he couldn’t begrudge her a simple phone call.

“Congratulations,” Wanda Johnston greeted her cheerfully as soon as Minerva picked up the phone and said hello. “You’ve stuck it out longer than anyone I’ve sent.” In her usual hurried manner, she didn’t wait for a response but continued in a rush of words. “And while I’d like for you to stay so I don’t have to find someone else to send into the lion’s den, I am a woman of my word. I was going to call you yesterday but got caught up with other things so I figured I’d call you early this morning. Anyway, a teaching job has just opened up at one of the most prestigious boarding schools in Georgia.”

As she named the school and continued with the job description, Minerva looked toward the table. Getting out from under Judd Graham’s watchful eye would be a relief. Then her gaze traveled to the triplets and to John. The worry that whoever replaced her wouldn’t take good care of them tormented her.

“Well what do you say?” Wanda asked, coming to an abrupt halt. “I thought you’d be gushing with delight.”

Wanda was right, Minerva told herself. She should be gushing with delight. This was a terrific opportunity. Then she saw Henry’s playful smile. In the next instant he’d grabbed Judy’s favorite doll from beside her. Judy started to cry and all Minerva could think about was comforting her. “I really appreciate the offer but I’m going to pass on it. I’m sort of settled in here. Thanks for everything, Wanda. Goodbye.” Hanging up, she returned to the table as Judd returned the doll to Judy and the tears ceased.

“Thanks for staying,” Judd said, rising from her chair.

The open gratitude on his face shocked her. Since her arrival, he’d made her feel as if she was constantly on trial. The fact that he obviously approved of the job she was doing brought a rush of pleasure. Stunned by its intensity, she told herself that it was only normal to be pleased to be told you were doing a good job. Still, as she felt herself being drawn into his dark gaze, her heart began to beat double time.

Suddenly panic showed on his face, breaking the spell. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Henry’s cereal bowl perched precariously on the edge of the table. Don’t let yourself get so distracted, she admonished silently, catching the bowl just before it fell.

“Nice move,” Judd complimented.

Again Minerva experienced an intense rush of pleasure. Taking her seat at the table and forcing her attention back to the triplets, she admitted that Judd Graham was a distracting man. When he was in the house, she was always aware of his presence. Because I’m constantly looking over my shoulder to find him watching me, judging me, she’d complained to Travis on several occasions. But this morning had been a whole new experience. Approval had replaced his judgmental air and she was still basking in its warmth.

The ringing of the front doorbell sounded above the children’s breakfast clatter.

“This appears to be our morning for early callers,” Lucy said, already pushing her chair back. “I’ll get it.” Taking the long way around the table, she paused beside Minerva’s chair and gave Minerva’s shoulders a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re staying, too,” she said, then hurried on her way as the bell rang again.

Calm was reigning at the table when Lucy returned. “You have a visitor, Minerva,” she announced.

Looking past the housekeeper, Minerva was surprised to see her father following Lucy into the kitchen.

“Thought I would stop by on my way to work and see how your new job is coming along,” Peter said.

Judd rose and extended his hand to the newcomer. “Judd Graham,” he introduced himself.

“Peter Brodwick,” Minerva’s father returned, accepting the handshake.

Judd made a quick introduction of the children and Lucy, then offered Peter a cup of coffee.

“No, thanks,” Peter said in refusal. “I just came by to check on my daughter. Looks like she’s got her hands full.”

“She’s managing very well,” Judd assured him.

Minerva recognized the polite mask on her father’s face. Beneath it, she knew he was finding fault with everything he saw.

“I was wondering if it would be possible for me to speak to Minerva privately,” Peter requested.

Realizing that she had not missed her father... that she had been enjoying life without his constantly finding fault with her or trying to manipulate her into doing his bidding, she had no desire to talk privately with him. “I’m really very busy,” she protested.

Clearly not wanting her to feel she could not take a few minutes out of her duties for her family, Judd said, “Lucy and I will take over for a while.”

Knowing it would look impolite and possibly raise questions if she refused, Minerva thanked him and led her father back through the house to the living room. Once there, she braced herself. “So to what do I owe this visit?”

“Honey, I love you. And as your father, I felt I should check up on you and make certain you were okay.”

His voice was soft, warm and fatherly. How many times had she allowed herself to believe he really cared for her when he’d talked to her that way only to have him undermine some plan she’d made for her future that didn’t serve him? “I’m doing very well, thank you,” she assured him.

“Looks to me like they’re working you ragged.” He placed an arm around her shoulders. “I just want you to know that you’re welcome to come home anytime you want.”

She worked her way free. “I’m really very happy here.”

“You’re still angry with me for marrying Julianna.” He sighed. “Your mother’s been gone a long time. Surely you didn’t want me to spend the rest of my life mourning her.”

“I am not angry with you for marrying Julianna. In fact, I’m pleased. Now I can have a life of my own.”

He frowned patronizingly. “I wouldn’t call this much of a life.”