The parking lot was full the next morning as Valerie pulled up to the church. She and Hailey had left the house on time and were both in good moods—something that hadn’t happened often over the past week. Maybe it was due, in part, to the good time they’d had with Wade and his children yesterday. Hailey’s friendship with Issy was growing and the girls had played happily for hours. Valerie’s friendship with Wade was also growing and she hadn’t realized, until now, how much she wanted more friendships.
“Can we sit with Issy’s family again?” Hailey asked as they got out of the car and walked toward the church.
“That’s fine,” Valerie said.
“And can we go to their house for Thanksgiving?”
Valerie let out a sigh. As much as she liked Wade, and enjoyed his friendship, she wasn’t sure if going to his house for a holiday was a good idea. What might people think if they found out? Would they assume she and Wade were dating? Worse—what would Wade think? She suspected that he was attracted to her—and he probably noticed she was attracted to him—but she couldn’t let it go any further. Spending a holiday together might give him the wrong idea.
Worse, it might give her heart the wrong idea.
“I don’t think so,” Valerie said. “We can—”
“Why?” Hailey asked, stopping in the middle of the cold parking lot.
Snow had fallen the night before, creating a winter wonderland in Timber Falls. It painted all the surfaces with crystal-white powder.
Valerie glanced around the parking lot. Thankfully there was no one within earshot. But she stepped closer to her daughter, just the same. “This isn’t the place to talk about it.”
“Why can’t we go to their house?” she asked, her blue eyes wide with confusion. “I don’t want to be alone.”
“You won’t be alone,” Valerie said. “You’ll be with me.”
“Mom and I always had a big Thanksgiving meal with our friends. Why can’t I be with my friend Issy?”
Valerie didn’t always give in to Hailey—especially when it came to things that really mattered, like safety and health—but this wasn’t one of those things. Was it? It was a simple holiday meal. People may talk, though that wasn’t her problem. And she could be upfront with Wade if he showed any sign of romantic interest. They could keep things on a friendly basis.
They had to.
“I’ll talk to Issy’s dad,” Valerie said to Hailey. “But I’m not making any promises.”
“Yay!” Hailey ran toward the church doors and pulled one open for Valerie. “Can we bring pumpkin pie? I love pumpkin pie.”
“I do too,” Valerie said, surprised again by what she and her daughter had in common. “With whipped cream topping.”
“Me too!”
They entered the church and Hailey ran off to find Issy and some of the other girls she’d become friends with the past week at school. Valerie saw her friend Liv Harris near the coffee bar and walked her way.
Liv was on the Timber Falls Christian School board and had been one of the people who had interviewed Valerie when she applied for the principal’s job. They had hit it off immediately and Liv had been a good friend ever since.
“Hey, Valerie,” Liv said as she turned from the coffee bar and blew on the cup of coffee in her hand.
“Hey.” Valerie smiled.
“How are things going with Hailey?” Liv asked, watching Valerie carefully. She was perceptive and a good listener. Valerie valued both those things.
Valerie let out a sigh and Liv put her hand on Valerie’s arm. “That bad?” she asked.
“No. I’m just a little tired. I don’t know how you do it with three children.”
Liv smiled. Her oldest daughter, Miley, was almost thirteen and her second daughter, Alexis, was eight. Her youngest daughter, Natalie, was just two years old and was with Liv’s husband, Zane, just a few feet away. “I’ve had some time to get used to being a mom,” she said, though Valerie knew she hadn’t been doing it for long. Liv had given birth to Miley when she was in high school. Liv had given up her rights to the little girl—never knowing that her boyfriend at the time, Zane, hadn’t. He’d raised their daughter on his own and ten years later, their paths had crossed after he’d been married and then widowed. Alexis was his late wife’s daughter. But as soon as he and Liv had married three years ago, Alexis had become her daughter, too.
“It’ll take some time to get used to,” Liv told Valerie. “I’m sure you never dreamed you’d become a mom to a ten-year-old girl.”
Valerie shook her head—though there had always been a part of her that had wondered what it would be like. She hadn’t expected her mom to drop Hailey off without warning—but it wasn’t a complete surprise, either. After all, Hailey was her daughter.
“I had a lot to get used to when I married Zane,” Liv continued, “though, I wasn’t doing it alone. You need to give yourself some grace, Valerie.”
Valerie tried to smile and nod. She wanted to tell Liv the truth—to tell someone—but could she trust Liv with the truth? She had a feeling Liv would understand, maybe more than most people. More importantly, Liv had proven to be trustworthy.
“There’s more to the story,” Valerie conceded as she glanced around to make sure no one was listening.
Liv took a step closer, curiosity in her gaze.
“I need to tell someone,” Valerie said. “Hailey isn’t my sister, as I’ve led people to believe.” She lowered her voice. “She’s my daughter. My mom has been raising her, but left her with me to get remarried.”
Understanding radiated from Liv’s kind eyes. “You must be feeling a lot of things right now. Can I ask why you haven’t told people the truth?”
Valerie nibbled her bottom lip, both happy she’d finally told someone and apprehensive. She didn’t want anyone else to learn the truth and then hurt Hailey. “No one knew the truth—just my mom and me. Hailey learned the truth just a few weeks before she came to me and she’s still struggling. She’s the one who doesn’t want people to know and I’m trying to honor her wishes—but I’m starting to think maybe it’s not a good idea to keep it hidden.” Her thoughts strayed to Wade and how disappointed he’d be in her when he learned that she’d kept the truth from him.
“I’m sorry you’re going through this right now,” Liv said as she put her hand on Valerie’s arm. “No one knew about Miley, either. Just my immediate family. I couldn’t tell anyone the truth. I came to Timber Falls after I gave birth to her and finished my senior year here. No one had any idea I had given up a baby. After college, I came back to take care of my aunt and started a design firm and a wedding-and-events business with Piper. I hadn’t even told her—my best friend—that I had a baby. It ate me alive, Valerie. So, please know that I understand, and your secret is safe with me. When it’s the right time, you and Hailey will know, and people will understand.”
“I hope you’re right. I don’t want to hurt anyone else. I’ve already hurt Hailey more than I ever intended.”
“She’ll understand—maybe not today—but someday. She’ll be an adult and she’ll realize that life isn’t as easy as it seems when you’re a kid.” She smiled. “Thank you for trusting me with the truth. I’m here for you if you want to talk.”
Wade entered the church with his kids and their gazes locked on each other almost immediately. Warmth and happiness filled her chest—but she tried to push the feelings aside. She couldn’t act on them—for her sake and for Hailey’s.
“Thank you,” Valerie said to Liv. “I’m sorry if I burdened you.”
“Please don’t worry,” she said. “I really do understand.”
Wade moved toward them, and he smiled. “I hope I’m not interrupting something important.”
Valerie shook her head. “Of course not.”
“I’m going to take Natalie to childcare,” Liv said to Valerie after saying hello to Wade. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
“Thanks again for taking care of the kids yesterday while I worked at your place,” Wade said to Valerie after Liv had left.
“My pleasure. We’re looking forward to having you over for lunch after church so you can finish up the project.”
“Issy and Brayden have not stopped talking about how much fun they had yesterday, and how much more fun they’ll have this afternoon.” His smile was bright. “We might have to look for excuses to get them together after I’m done on the tree house.”
“I don’t think it’ll be hard.” She returned his smile. “Since the girls see each other every day in school.”
He nodded as the three kids found them near the coffee bar.
“We’re going to sit down,” Issy said to her dad with a little giggle as she looked from him to Valerie. “We’ll save you two spots right next to each other.”
The girls ran off, their giggles following them.
Wade turned to Valerie with an apologetic shrug, and she suddenly understood the giggles.
Issy was playing matchmaker—and by the look on Hailey’s face, Valerie suspected that Hailey was in on it, too.
That wasn’t good. She couldn’t let her daughter down again, and as soon as Hailey learned that Valerie had no interest in dating—or getting married—she’d be upset.
Valerie would have to let her daughter know it wasn’t going to happen—and perhaps she had to tell Wade, too.
Though that prospect left her feeling more nervous than ever.
Wade stood in the large tree house and made a final inspection. The sun was starting to dip toward the horizon, and it would soon be dark. He had spent the past four-and-a-half hours finishing up the interior repairs to the tree house and wanted to make sure everything was done before he called Valerie and the kids up to inspect it.
Whoever had originally built the tree house had done an incredible job. It was about eight feet by eight feet and was tall enough for him to stand up comfortably. There were two windows opposite each other, one looking at the backyard and the other looking toward the alley behind the house, with the rooftops of neighboring homes crowding the view. A small deck at the front could hold two grown people and a ladder had been cleverly built up the trunk of the tree to the deck. Wade had fixed a couple of the ladder rungs and a few of the floorboards, but the rest of the structure was solid. It wasn’t warm, but the walls, windows and roof kept the worst of the wind out and it was somewhat pleasant. In the summer, it would even be nice.
He climbed down the ladder and put his tools inside his toolbox before heading toward the back door.
Valerie was in the kitchen, which is where he had found her almost every time he came into the house. She seemed happiest there, cooking or baking. The rest of the house was quiet, which meant the kids were probably upstairs. Valerie was leaning against the counter with a cookbook in hand—but when she looked up at Wade, her smile stopped him in his tracks.
Her cheeks were pink and her blue eyes sparkled. He liked to think they shone for him—but he knew better than to make assumptions. She appeared to like him—but she had given him no indication that her feelings ran deeper. And it was better that way.
“I’m finished,” he said. “Want to check it out before we let the kids know?”
“Sure.” She set her cookbook on the counter. “They’re watching a movie in my bedroom—I hope that’s okay.”
“That’s okay by me. They’ve been busy this weekend. I’m sure they are enjoying a little quiet time.”
She nodded. “I’ll grab my coat.”
A couple minutes later, she was climbing up the ladder in front of him and they were soon standing on the deck of the tree house.
“Wow,” she said as she looked at her yard and house. “I hadn’t realized how high this was. It’s a good thing I’m not afraid of heights.”
“And I was even farther up on the roof.”
“Are you afraid of heights?”
“It’s hard to be when you’re in construction for a living.” He opened the door into the tree house. “Ladies first.”
She preceded him inside and her eyes grew wide. “This looks amazing! I had no idea how nice this was inside here.”
“I replaced a few boards but, for the most part, it’s pretty solid. I think Hailey will love it.”
“I’m sure she will—I might even confiscate this tree house for myself. It’s so peaceful up here.” She stood at the window and looked out at her yard. “I could get used to this.”
“I’m glad that you’re happy,” he said, enjoying watching her reaction to the tree house.
She turned and her pleasure was evident in the slope of her smile. “Thank you for all your hard work.”
“My pleasure. Hopefully, we can get the kindergarten classroom done soon and then I can get out of your way.”
Something flickered in her gaze—something like disappointment. Didn’t she want him out of her way?
He was suddenly aware of how alone they were—and the tree house, which had felt large before, seemed a lot smaller.
“It’s been so nice getting to know you,” she said. “You haven’t been in my way at all.”
“I’m happy to hear that.” He hadn’t brought up Thanksgiving dinner again—but maybe now was a good time. “Have you had time to think about Thanksgiving?”
She lowered her gaze—and disappointment sliced through Wade stronger than he expected. Had he really gotten his hopes up that high?
But when she lifted her beautiful blue eyes, he saw something else there—excitement, yet uncertainty. “I appreciate your invitation.” She lifted her chin and he saw that look she’d given him when they first met, and she was the principal. Discipline. “Hailey and I would be happy to accept, but I need you to know—I’m almost embarrassed to say it—but it’s important.”
“What?” He frowned. What could be so serious?
Her cheeks colored and she looked down at her hands for a moment. “I don’t want you to think that my acceptance is an indication that I’m interested in you romantically.”
His mouth slipped open in surprise as he stared at her. “I didn’t—I wouldn’t.”
“I didn’t think so, but I couldn’t take the risk.” She spoke quickly—embarrassment coloring her words. “I just needed to be up-front, so there wasn’t any misunderstanding.”
His own embarrassment filled his chest with heat, and he shook his head. “No misunderstanding here.”
“Good.” She nodded. “I like you, Wade—very much—but I can’t date my student’s father. And with Hailey recently coming to live with me, I don’t have space in my life for—”
“You don’t need to say anything more, Valerie.” He lifted his hand to stop her from embarrassing both of them further. “I am in the same place.”
She smiled—but it was an awkward, stiff smile. “As long as we’re both on the same page. I just find it’s better to be up-front at the beginning, even if it’s uncomfortable, so there are no hurt feelings or misunderstandings.”
His embarrassment faded and amusement soon followed. “It’s refreshing to meet someone who is honest and up-front. It’s not something that most people are good at.”
She lowered her gaze again—as if she was uncomfortable being called honest and up-front.
“I hope I didn’t offend you,” he said quickly.
“No. Of course not. I appreciate honesty, too.” She paused, as if she wanted to say more, but then smiled instead.
“I’m happy that we could have this conversation,” he said. “I really do appreciate that you felt comfortable enough with me to be straightforward.”
“I think the girls will be good friends for a long time,” she said. “I think it’s important that we can be frank with one another and figure things out as we go.”
“I agree.” He leaned against the windowsill and said, “So, you’re coming to Thanksgiving dinner?”
“If you’ll have us,” she said.
“Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Can I bring anything?”
“Whatever you’d like to contribute.”
“How about some pies?”
“That would be great. I’ll take care of the rest—but I can’t promise it’ll be anything compared to your cooking.”
Her smile returned and she said, “I’m sure it will be wonderful.”
Knowing that Valerie and Hailey would join them made it the best Thanksgiving he’d had in a long time—and it hadn’t even happened yet.
He appreciated her honesty—even if he was a little sad that she wasn’t interested in more.
But it was best this way—at least, that’s what he had to keep telling himself.
“Should we get the kids?” she asked. “And show them the tree house?”
“Absolutely.”
They climbed down the ladder again and went into the house to get the kids.
A few minutes later, with coats and boots on, the kids ran out of the house and climbed the ladder ahead of Wade and Valerie.
Even before they entered, the kids were exclaiming with excitement.
“Wow!” Hailey said. “This is all mine?”
“It’s all yours,” Valerie said as she turned to Wade, a look of concern in her gaze. “Can this tree house hold all of us?”
“I don’t see why not,” he said.
“Can I sleep up here?” Hailey asked Valerie.
“Um.” She squinted. “I don’t think so—at least, not until you’re a lot older.”
“How old?”
“Thirteen?”
Hailey threw back her head and groaned. “That’s forever away.”
“We can play up here all the time,” Issy said to Hailey. “We can play with our dolls and make believe it’s our own house.”
The girls began to dream and scheme about all the things they’d do in the tree house and Wade could only smile to himself. He was thankful Hailey had come into Issy’s life—and that Valerie had come with her.
Even if they were only going to be friends, it was enough.
At least for now.