Anna stumbled, grabbed hold of Myles, and stared at him in astonishment.
“What did you say?”
“I was going to wait. I should take you out to dinner and maybe a carriage ride around Central Park after dark. That would be more romantic. It just came out. I know you never thought about it. But think about it now, okay? Just think about it. Don’t say no right away.”
She listened to him, amazed she could concentrate when her heart raced so.
Myles had just asked her to marry him.
She didn’t know what to say. She kept quiet as he kept explaining away the casual comment as they walked along. He’d planned to ask her. He’d actually thought about what would be romantic and had planned it. This wasn’t some knee-jerk reaction to the thought of her having to work.
At first, she couldn’t speak. No, was her initial response.
Automatic.
I love Tom.
But as she watched Myles grow more and more flustered as he tried to explain, her heart blossomed. She’d worried about his leaving. Now he was asking her to marry him, to make a home with him.
Suddenly she realized he’d stopped talking and was watching her closely.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“Surprised,” she said.
Slowly she released the grip on his arm, smoothed the wrinkled shirt watching as she did so, trying to get her reeling senses under control and find an answer.
Yes or no?
Keep him forever in her life or refuse to share hers with him?
“We haven’t known each other long,” she began.
Don’t let me make a mistake here, she prayed.
“You’re right. Forget it. It was too soon.”
He turned and took a step.
Anna remained where she was.
“Forget it? Did you or did you not ask me to marry you?”
He turned, tilting his head slightly as he studied her.
“I did. Badly, but I did.”
“I never expected to get married again.”
“Why not? You’re young and pretty and fun to be with. And you have an adorable child who needs a father.”
She nodded.
“A lot of men don’t want to raise someone else’s child.”
“I’m not a lot of men.” He looked back toward the preschool. “I enjoyed working at Zack’s school, using talents I have for something besides earning a living. That’s a good group of people, working to make life better for their children.”
Tell her, something inside urged. She needs to know.
“That’s certain.” She glanced at him, glanced away. “I’m not sure I can give you an answer right now.”
“Forget about it. Let’s keep on as we’ve been and see what develops,” he suggested.
Tell her, tell her.
She met his gaze.
“I won’t ever forget. You caught me by surprise, that’s all.”
He nodded. Taking a deep breath, he turned. Soon, they were both walking back to the apartment. Anna knew she’d disappointed him. He’d obviously been thinking about this for a while and had obviously hoped she’d immediately accept.
Why hadn’t she? The last weeks had been special. Myles was special. Why was she hesitating?
He’d had more excitement in his life than she’d ever see, yet was willing to settle down with her and make a family. At least, that’s what she thought.
“Do you plan to quit working abroad?” she asked.
“Yes. I wouldn’t marry and leave you,” he said.
“Settle here or back in Chicago?” she asked.
“Here. Or in the vicinity at least. I was thinking maybe something in Long Island. I’d like to be near the water after all the desert living I’ve done. But I’m flexible.”
Anna looked ahead, seeing her apartment building in the distance. If she married Myles, it’d mean a drastic change. Moving from this neighborhood wouldn’t be a problem. It worried her that Zack would have to grow up here.
But to marry Myles, make a home with him? It would be completely the opposite of anything she’d expected.
The question remained: Would she be happy with Myles?
Yes.
So what was the problem?
Zack?
Myles seemed to enjoy being with him as much as with her. And Zack clearly adored Myles. Would they be a perfect match?
She cleared her throat.
“Actually, you haven’t seen Zack when he throws a tantrum. He can be less than endearing sometimes.”
Myles looked at her. The words were ready to be spoken. Would it make a difference?
Instead, he said, “All kids throw temper tantrums. That doesn’t change how we feel about them. Are you worried I won’t love him?”
He’s my son. I’ll always love him.
“No. I…you caught me by surprise, that’s all. Give me a couple of days, please? I don’t want to make a spur-of-the-moment decision.”
They reached the apartment building.
“I won’t come in,” Myles said, looking down the street. “I need to get back to the hotel.”
“Come tomorrow for dinner?” she asked.
He looked down at her.
“How about I treat you to that dinner and carriage ride?”
She smiled. “I’d like that.”
Reaching up, she brushed her lips against his.
“I may even have an answer for you by then.”
Turning, Anna ran up the three stairs to the lobby and into the apartment building.
She hugged Zack when she entered her apartment a few minutes later. Looking at Edith, she longed to share the situation, but kept silent. This was one decision she’d have to make on her own.
Later, Anna took a long hot bath to ease tense muscles. She closed her eyes, remembering Myles massaging her shoulders. Wishing he was here now. She could use an all-over body massage.
Which she could get if they married.
She sat up, feeling breathless.
He’d really asked her to marry him. What was there to debate? She loved him. She longed to be with him, to hear him speak, to watch his eyes when they lighted in amusement, or turned soft when kissing her.
He was a good man. Steady and reliable.
He was a stranger. Someone she’d bumped into the day Zack had run away from preschool.
His actions were sound. He could have said no, he hadn’t seen a child and moved on. Instead, everything he’d done had been helpful.
And his kisses were wonderful. She smiled in remembrance. She wouldn’t mind a few more of those right now.
How would Zack react to having Myles become part of their family?
How would her parents?
Ohmygosh, she’d have to call them in the morning and clue them in that she was considering marrying Myles Riker. A man they had never met. A man she’d only met a few short weeks ago.
She was truly considering marrying Myles. It took a moment for the truth to sink in. She should have said yes on the sidewalk. If he changed his mind, she’d die.
She loved him. Once she went beyond thinking there’d only be one man in her life, she knew Myles was the man for her now.
They’d have a brief engagement, she hoped. She couldn’t wait to start their family life together.
Laughing in glee, she sank to her chin, smiling in delight. She was going to marry Myles Riker.
First thing the next morning, Anna called her parents.
“Is everything okay, dear?” her mother asked. “It’s early for a call. How did the work at the preschool go?”
“Everything’s fine, Mom. We accomplished more than the headmistress thought we would. And I received a proposal of marriage.”
“That’s nice, I’m glad—wait. Did you say you got a proposal? For marriage?”
Anna heard her father’s exclamation in the background.
“From Myles Riker. I think I mentioned him before.”
“Mentioned is all. I had no idea you were so involved. Isn’t this sudden?”
“A bit. But I’m sure. He’s sure. You’ll like him, Mom. He’s steady and thoughtful.”
And sexy, but she wasn’t sure that was something her mother would want to hear.
“And he’s very good with Zack.”
“You aren’t marrying him because he likes Zack, are you?” her mother asked sharply.
“No, Mom. I’m marrying Myles because I love him. Very much. And I hope you and Dad will as well. But it won’t matter in the end. It matters only that I love him.”
“Your father and I will be up next weekend to meet this young man. We can discuss wedding preparations then.”
“I hadn’t thought about a wedding. I had such a fairy-tale one with Tom. I don’t need another. We can get married at a judge’s chambers.”
“Is this Myles’s first marriage?”
“Yes.”
“Then maybe he needs one,” her mother suggested gently.
“Oh. You’re right. Though he may not want one. He has no family. He grew up in foster homes.”
“But he has a good job?”
“He’s a structural engineer and, for the last decade, has worked major projects in the Middle East. Now he’s going to settle down here and find something that will allow him to come home every night. He wants to buy a home on Long Island.”
“This seems so sudden.”
“I know. He caught me by surprise, too. Tonight, he’s taking me to dinner and a carriage ride in the park. We’ll have lots to discuss.”
She counted the minutes until she’d see him again.
“Keep me posted. We’ll take the ten o’clock flight from Orlando and get there in the early afternoon on Saturday.”
“We’re still scheduled for preschool work. Edith will be here with Zack.”
“So your Myles is helping at the preschool renovations.”
“He’s been a major help. He got all the materials donated by his company, brought a couple of other engineers to help the first day, and works harder and faster than any of the parents who’ve shown up.”
“I like the way you stand up for him. Shows you care.”
“Of course I do. I love him.”
The more she said it, the more Anna wondered why she’d doubts. She loved him and could envision a long, happy life together.
Anna could scarcely concentrate on anything all day long. She kept watching the time. Did the clock hands always move so slowly? She wanted to see Myles. Tell him her answer. Discuss their future and kiss him silly.
Finally. She dashed home, changed into another dress, and freshened her makeup. Brushing her hair, she let it fall down her back in waves. A touch of perfume and she was ready.
Edith had agreed to watch Zack. Anna didn’t know what she’d do without Edith. Which brought up the question of what would Edith do when they moved?
Some of her happiness dimmed. For two years Edith had stepped in as a surrogate grandmother, watching Zack, helping Anna. She’ll be lost if they moved, Anna thought.
She went into the living room to visit with Edith until Myles arrived. When he knocked on the door, Zack ran for it, stopping and yelling, “Who is it?” He put his ear against the door. Satisfied with the answer, he opened it.
“I waited until you said Myles,” he told the man proudly.
“Good job.”
Myles smiled at him, his gaze immediately searching for Anna. She rose and came to greet him.
“You look beautiful,” he said, taking in her dress and shoes.
“You look wonderful,” she murmured, suddenly feeling shy.
How did a newly almost-engaged woman greet her soon to be fiancé?
“You two have a nice dinner,” Edith said, waving at Myles from the sofa.
“Can I go?” Zack said, clinging to Myles’s leg.
“Not this time. You’d be bored at the restaurant I’ve chosen. I hope your mom will like it, though,” Myles said.
Anna did. It was a delightful restaurant near the heart of Central Park. With dining inside and out, it was lit with thousands of tiny lights. It looked like a fairyland.
They were shown a table near the windows, inside where it was warm, but with an unobstructed view of the outside.
Myles ordered champagne and, when it was delivered, offered a toast.
“To us.”
“To us,” Anna repeated, the rim of her flute touching his.
Myles said nothing more about his proposal, but told her about calling for a medical release and getting an appointment two weeks from now.
“I wanted to be released immediately. I guess to the company, two weeks is immediately.”
“So you’ll be here for another two weeks, at least.”
“Plenty of time to finish the preschool renovations. I talked with Mrs. Harper and I can go over some afternoons when they’ll combine classes to give me room to work.”
“That’s great. But shouldn’t you take advantage of the two weeks left to rest up?”
“I’ll only be working four hours a day. Hardly enough to give me a problem.”
His dark eyes gazed into hers.
“Tell me about your day.”
“I called my parents. They’re flying up this weekend to meet you.”
“I thought we were working at the preschool.”
“I told my mom that. They’ll go right to the apartment and visit with Zack until we get there.”
“Maybe I’ll bring a change of clothes to the school,” Myles said.
She laughed.
“I think they’ll excuse messy clothes knowing you’ve been helping at their grandson’s school. In fact, they’ll love you to death for being so nice to me and Zack.”
“And you?”
“I’ll love you to death, too,” she said seriously.
He raised his glass to hers and they both drank a sip.
As soon as dinner ended, Myles steered them to the carriage ride concession. They climbed aboard and were tucked in with a lap robe. It was cool in the evenings. As the horse started its rounds, Myles pulled Anna closer and kissed her.
“Anna, will you marry me?” he asked seriously when he ended the kiss.
“Yes, I’ll be thrilled to marry you,” she replied, reaching up to kiss him again.
She felt giddy and excited and a bit scared. Not about her relationship with Myles, but the fact life came with no guarantees. She hoped they’d have fifty or sixty years together—even more. But she’d take whatever time they had together and relish every moment. She refused to take anything for granted again.
Myles couldn’t believe she’d said yes. After her reaction yesterday, he was sure he’d blown it. He wanted to tell the world. Which, of course, they would do when they got the marriage license and could get married.
“How soon?” he asked.
She laughed. “Soon. I can’t wait to be your wife. And have you all to myself every night.”
“Not as much as I want you for my wife. I’ll have to fly back to the Middle East to wind things up. Which shouldn’t take more than a few days. I’ve told the company I’m not returning even when I get the medical release. They’re searching for a replacement for me.”
“You’re giving up a lot,” she said.
“No, nothing worth keeping. Not compared to what I’m getting.”
“Zack’s going to be thrilled,” she said. “I didn’t tell him. I thought we should be together to do that.”
“It’s too late tonight,” Myles said.
It was already past nine, and Zack went to bed at eight.
“Tomorrow? I can come over after you finish work.”
“Perfect.”
“Once we’re finished with the preschool projects, I’d like to start looking for a place for us. Any preferences?”
“Just close to transit. I don’t want to drive into the city every day.”
“I thought you might like to stay home with Zack. Maybe even consider having more children.”
She tried to see him in the dark. His eyes were focused on her.
“It was what I wanted before. I stayed home until I had to go to work when—”
She stopped so suddenly Myles knew she’d been about to mention Tom.
“It’s okay to talk about him. He was your husband for several years, an important part of your life. Before now.”
He refused to be jealous of a man dead for months. But much as he wished he could have been first in Anna’s life, he’d have to settle for being last.
“Now, you are the important part of my life,” she said. “I’d love to stay home with Zack, at least until he’s in school. And if we have other children, I’d want to be home with them when they’re young. Then I can decide what to do. I could teach German, you know. If I got a teacher’s job, I’d be home when Zack had school breaks.”
“You decide. I have enough money that whatever you want is fine.”
“I’m worried about Edith,” she said slowly.
“Why?”
“She’s been such a help to me these last two years, but I’ve also helped her with the baby-sitting money. She has a tiny pension and with prices rising, it’s tough.”
“Maybe another family will move into your apartment and need her services.”
“Maybe. If I keep working, maybe she could get an apartment near us and continue to watch Zack.”
“You’d go back to work to keep her employed?” he asked.
“I like my job, actually. And he’ll be in school before long. It’s hard to leave her. She’s part of the family.”
Myles thought about it for a moment. Edith was part of Anna’s extended family. She cared more for the woman than as a mere babysitter.
“Maybe we can find a home with one of those in-law units. Edith could move with us. And be available when you and I want to get away.”
Anna beamed at him.
“That’s a brilliant solution. So you’re thinking you and I might want to get away?”
“For dinner some nights. Maybe a few weekends in the city to see a play or something. But I don’t plan to be gone from home and family for more than a few days at a time. I’m going to want you all to myself,” Myles said, and pulled her closer for another kiss.
The carriage ride was a dream. Myles couldn’t believe she’d said yes. The only doubt was telling her about his relationship to Zack.
Should he do it now?
Or wait until she confessed he was adopted? She’d have to know. He had to tell her. But the ride was as romantic as he could get. He didn’t want to shatter the moment.
He had the hurdle of meeting her parents and passing their inquisition. But even if they didn’t approve, he’d push to get his way.
He wanted Anna more than he ever expected. The future would be bleak indeed if he lost her and Zack.
Anna was almost floating as they returned to her apartment. They had discussed getting married in June, less than six weeks away.
Myles hadn’t been that sold on a formal wedding, but remembering what her mother had said, Anna suggested a small wedding in a chapel. She’d splurge for a new dress and maybe a picture book hat with a small veil. She wanted to always remember this wedding as special. As special as the man she was marrying.
“I can’t wait until we tell Zack,” she said as they rode up the elevator. “He’s going to be thrilled, I know it.
Edith greeted them and then looked at them both closely.
“Something’s up,” she commented.
“We’re getting married,” Anna said with a rush, then went to hug her friend. “Be happy for us.”
“I’m delighted,” Edith said, returning her hug.
Then she looked at Myles.
“Take good care of this woman…she’s very special.”
“I will. With your help. We’d like you to consider moving when we do. We’re going to look for a house with an in-law unit.”
“Oh, my.” Edith looked as flustered as Anna had felt when Myles first proposed. “It’s so unexpected. Are you sure?”
“His proposal was unexpected, and we’re both sure. Both about getting married and having you move with us. Zack and I will still need you.”
“Oh, my.”
The older woman gave a tremulous smile.
“I’d be delighted.”
She extended her good wishes to them both and left.
Myles glanced at his watch.
“It’s after eleven,” he said, taking her into his arms again.
“I don’t want to go, but you have to get up for work tomorrow.”
She snuggled closer, savoring his muscular arms around her, the beat of his heart against hers. She felt cherished. It’d been a long time on her own. She loved this man, loved being half of a couple. She hated to say goodnight.
“So before long, you and I won’t have to say goodnight and part,” he said, practically reading her mind.
Or was it he felt the same?
“I can hardly wait,” she said, tipping her face up for another kiss.
The next evening, Anna came home to find Myles had arrived a few minutes ahead of her. He was talking with Edith while Zack played with some toys on the floor of the living room.
“Hi,” she said, tossing her purse on the small table and shedding her coat.
Myles smiled that sexy smile of his and rose to cross over to kiss her.
Zack ran to greet her, too. After Myles’s kiss, Anna picked Zack up and kissed him on the cheek. “Hello to you, my man. How was your day?” She shifted her gaze to Myles.
“Me and Edith went to the park. I went way high on the swing.”
“Good for you.”
“I’ll be running along. Myles and I had a pleasant chat. I had best get started weeding through things I don’t want to move and getting ready,” Edith said with a happy smile.
Once she was gone, Anna carried Zack into the living room and sat down, holding him on her lap.
“Myles and I have something to tell you,” she said, smiling at Myles.
“What?” Zack asked.
“We are going to get married. Myles will live with us after that and we’ll be a family.”
Zack swiveled around and looked at Myles.
“Are you my new daddy?
Myles glanced at Anna, then nodded.
“I’ll be your new daddy,” he said.
Zack looked at his mother.
“He doesn’t look like Daddy. I have a picture. Myles’s not my daddy.”
“No, he’s not Tom. But when we get married, he’ll be your new daddy,” Anna explained. “Your first daddy went to heaven, remember? Now you’ll have a second daddy.”
“I’ll always love you, Zack. You’ll see how good I can take care of you and your mommy,” Myles said, reaching to ruffle his hair.
“’Kay,” Zack said.
He struggled to get down and went to play with his toys.
Anna laughed nervously.
“I guess it hasn’t sunk in yet. Once we’re living together, I think he’ll understand better.”
As Anna prepared the meal that evening, she thought about the changes coming. She’d never liked this poky little apartment, but it was the best she could afford. Now Myles was talking about moving to Long Island and buying a house with a yard, and an in-law unit for Edith. She wouldn’t have to work outside the home if she didn’t want to.
The idea of spending all day with Zack was extremely appealing. She felt she missed so much while away at work. Little children grew at an amazing rate, learning new things every day and exploring their world.
One change would be in preschools. For a moment she felt a wave of sadness. The teachers at his preschool were wonderful. Working on the renovations made her feel a genuine connection to the goals of the establishment. They’d be leaving that behind when moving.
On the other hand, the neighborhood they’d find would be so much safer for children. She’d make sure they looked for a good school district. Zack started kindergarten in another year.
Myles helped by putting Zack to bed that evening by reading him his story. When Zack was asleep, Myles returned to the kitchen, where Anna was just finishing the dishes.
“He’s out like a light,” he said, leaning against the doorjamb, watching her.
She was graceful in all she did, including dishes. He felt a contentment at the sight. Being with Anna made him happy. They didn’t have to go to fancy nightclubs, constantly seek outside entertainment. Being with her was enough. He liked to watch her, hear her laughter. He hoped he could make her happy. As happy as she made him.
He wasn’t sure he’d it in him to be a good father. But he’d watched George Zumwalt. He knew how a good husband cherished his wife. As he cherished Anna.
He’d risk everything for the chance at making a life with Anna.
Anna turned and gave him a mock frown.
“You could come help,” she said.
He smiled and let his gaze roam over her.
“You’re handling that like a pro,” he teased.
She folded the dish towel and hung it over the rod nearby.
“I want a dishwasher in my new house,” she said.
“Done.”
“His name could be Myles,” she said slyly, turning to grin at him.
He laughed. He hadn’t been teased in a long time. It felt good.
“Or its name could be Whirlpool or LG. Especially if you want all your dishes in one piece by the end of the week.”
She sashayed across the room, her gaze never leaving his. He could feel his heart rate increase as she drew near. When her toes almost touched his, she put her hands on her hips and tilted back her head.
“I think you are better with your hands than that,” she said.
He uncrossed his arms and slowly drew her against him.
“I’d love to prove the point.”
He lowered his mouth to hers, giving her a deep kiss that rocked her back on her heels. Her arms encircled his neck, and she pressed even closer, relishing every inch of him that touched. She couldn’t wait until they were married.
Saturday, Myles arrived in time for breakfast and brought croissants and coffee from the coffeehouse near his hotel. Anna prepared pancakes for Zack and he was licking the syrup from his fork when Myles walked into the kitchen.
“I have pancakes,” Zack said.
“So I see. I brought your mommy something else.”
He set his bag and tray of coffee on the table.
“Ready to paint again?” he asked, kissing her.
“As I’ll ever be,” Anna said. “I checked the flights and my parents are still due to arrive mid afternoon. I told Mrs. Harper we might to cut out early.”
When they found a place to live, he hoped the neighbors would be as friendly and accepting as the parents at Zack’s preschool.
In fact, he hoped all the neighbors would become family friends. Anna would blossom in such a setting. He’d need her help to become comfortable, but was making inroads with Brad and the other fathers working on the preschool projects.
Brad and Betsy Singleton were already at the school when Myles and Anna arrived. Splitting up to go to their separate tasks, Myles watched her walk away. He wished they were working together.
“She’s a looker,” Brad commented as he watched Myles watching Anna.
“She’s agreed to marry me,” Myles said quietly. The wonder was still there.
“Hey, man, that’s great.” Brad socked him on the arm. “We’ll have to celebrate.”
In no time, everyone helping knew of the new engagement. There were many congratulations, men and women even coming outside to speak with Myles while he and Brad worked on the playground equipment. From the comments flying, Myles knew they were happy for Anna.
He was pretty happy himself.
It was after three when he and Anna broke away from the work and headed back to her apartment. He’d washed up in the hallway bathroom of the preschool, doing the best he could with limited resources. He wanted to make a good impression on Anna’s parents.
For a moment he stared at himself in the mirror, remembering back to changing foster houses. He’d always wanted to make a good impression in hopes the people would keep him. It felt almost the same.
If her parents didn’t approve, would Anna still marry him?