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“It’s obvious to me, not necessarily to her, and I don’t think this has anything to do with her mother. Anyway, there’s a difference between knowing someone loves you and thinking you aren’t wanted, or are at least inconvenient.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
Kayla mentally counted to ten to keep from losing her temper. “You asked my opinion and I gave it to you.”
“Well, I don’t agree, so let’s drop it.”
“Fine.”
But Kayla had a sinking feeling she wasn’t wrong. She’d spent a fair amount of time with Morgan over the past week and a half. It was impractical to talk much while running, but they’d chatted when they’d gone to the showers, done dishes together or happened to be hiking next to each other.
Once in a while the teenager would say something that sounded eerily familiar, echoing shades of Kayla’s own childhood. Carolyn had often called her daughter a burden. Sometimes it had been the booze talking—in that respect, Morgan’s situation wasn’t the same—but the feelings seemed similar.
Just because Kayla was certain Jackson loved his daughter didn’t mean Morgan felt it.
Kayla turned her head and watched the passing scenery. She’d abandoned her original idea of leaving for Seattle after the camping trip. DeeDee and Alex still hoped their two best friends could come to Schuyler for a few days, and she was going to call Sandy’s and Keri’s parents to discuss it. While Kayla had doubts about being around Jackson for extended periods, perhaps the time would be useful for thinking about making some changes in their lives.
After the divorce, she’d kept the home she had chosen with Curtis, thinking it would be easier for the children to adjust. But if there was one thing seeing Jackson again had accomplished, it was making her recognize they might be stuck in a rut. Buying a new house could help them push forward with their lives.
“What are you thinking about so seriously?” Jackson asked.
“Hmm?”
“You appear to be weighing the fate of the world.”
She glanced at him; he seemed to have forgotten his ire. “Hardly. I was thinking about real estate. We’re still in the same house where we lived with Curtis. I’m considering looking for a new one that won’t have so many complicated memories.”
“How would Alex and DeeDee feel about that?”
Kayla made a face. “Opposed, I’m sure. DeeDee has always lived there and Alex barely remembers any other home. But it could teach them that change isn’t always bad.”
“Is it hard to keep up a house without a husband?”
“Not in my case. Curtis didn’t do yard work or repairs, and I was usually the one who called in a professional service.”
“Oh.”
“Did you think it was a case of the poor little divorcée trying to roof the house in the rain by herself?”
Jackson snorted. “I wish you wouldn’t say such ridiculous things. I’ve known several women who had trouble managing after they were left alone. And with kids, it’s even harder. I’m not saying it wouldn’t be tough on a guy, as well.”
Kayla decided to give him a break. “Okay, some single moms have trouble getting by, but that isn’t synonymous with the condition. I just get tired of the assumptions.”
* * *
“ME, TOO.” JACKSON SHUDDERED. “People seem to think a divorced guy lets the housework go down the tubes and his kids eat nothing but sugary cereal and pizza.” More than one woman had decided he needed help being a father...along with helping to spend his trust fund. “I headed off the marriage headhunters by hiring a housekeeper.”
“Marriage headhunters?”
“That’s how they came off to me. It took a while for them to accept that I’m not sticking my head in the noose again.”
“That’s sad.”
“Sad because I’m not willing to get married again?” He snorted. “As I recall, you feel the same way.”
Kayla took a swig from her water bottle. “I have my reasons, but that doesn’t mean I’ve generally lost faith in marriage or relationships.”
Hmm. Though she’d mentioned being reluctant to fall in love, she really hadn’t explained why. “What reasons?” he asked.
“I don’t seem to be good at picking the right guy, and I’m not...” She let out a heavy breath. “Never mind. Anyway, you hired a housekeeper, and my company is quite profitable, so I can pay for any work needed on my house.”
Jackson’s gut churned. Clearly Kayla didn’t have money problems—her car was pricey, she wore quality clothing, and while the kids weren’t spoiled, they obviously enjoyed the advantages of a comfortable lifestyle. Hell, maybe he wanted to believe she was struggling because it would give him something to contribute to Alex’s life. He didn’t seem to be needed for anything, financial or otherwise.
