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My palm itches to bend her over my knee. “There’s nothing wrong with a woman wanting a career. There’s also nothing wrong with wanting to raise children more than you want a career. You just need to make sure you discuss that early in a relationship. Make sure you have a man who can give you that dream. That he’s someone who can properly cherish you. I had a friend over last night, Elijah, and we were just talking about this.”
She visibly swallows.
“You’re a smart guy, Jayce. What we want from our daughters and our wives doesn’t always line up. Why haven’t we hung out more? You summed up my girl… All fired up when she decides she wants something. I suppose every dad wishes for more than the average guy for his little girl. Hard to believe Brett wasn’t the one.” He pauses to laugh. “I’d say we need to find a good guy like Brett’s dad for you, Madi.”
He just threw gas on the fire. I feign nonchalance.
“Thank you, Mister Shepherd. Your opinion means a lot to me.”
“Don’t let it go to your head, Jayce. Every man has his faults. For you, it’s that damned third story you want to put on your house. I’m still filing complaints with the city. I can’t let you block my gorgeous view.”
“Are you sure that’s the most gorgeous view?”
“Nothing beats these mountains and the lake.” He looks out the window.
I shift my attention to Madison. “Gorgeous beyond compare.”
Roarke stands and extends a hand. “You’re a good guy, but I’m not fooled for a second. You won’t be getting that third story.”
I follow his lead and keep our handshake civil. “You might be in luck. There may be something I want more. I’m going to have my business partner over again to discuss it. Good talking to you.”
Resisting any kind of contact with Madison, I nod and wink at her. “Give those decisions serious thought. Then don’t let anyone stand in your way.”
Seven
Madison
Lockingmyselfinmybedroom, I slump against the door, finally able to breathe. My legs are too weak to support me and I slide to the carpet.
Oh. My. God.
Did Jayce just say that he wants to cherish me and give me babies?
It was barely a week ago when Brett smashed my dream of children, or even a relationship, into a million pieces. His father just glued them all back together. In front of my dad.
The damn curtains call to me. I’d cursed them and the window and all of my bravado when Jayce closed the blinds last night. I’d wallowed in rejection. I hated him. And his son. And all men.
Now I get it. He wanted commitment. I think.
Can I be certain that’s what just happened? Yes, I can.
Elijah.Jayce is a clever one. Same time, same place?
I really do need to finish setting up my classroom. School starts Wednesday, a short week. Keeping the windows closed while I get dressed, I’m caught up in how surreal my life suddenly feels.
I’ll do what Jayce said and give my decision serious thought. Devoting a few hours to finish setting up my classroom will give me time for that.
The tedium of organizing books by skill level and stapling cute teddy bears with each student’s name to the bulletin board allows me to consider which names I’ll give our kids. I’m way past giving the relationship a yes or no. I don’t even know Elijah yet, but I’m sold. This definitely clenches that I’m not wired right.
My thoughts are way too many steps ahead. I’m still a virgin.
Ouch!I staple my finger. Grabbing a Band-Aid from my desk drawer, I tend to my injury. I better focus. I can deal with the virgin thing later. It won’t be a deal-breaker, will it?
Checking off task after task, I step to the doorway of my classroom and admire the bright colors, the cozy reading nook complete with a futon pad and lots of cushions, and all of the tables with students’ names on placards. It’s beautiful.
And it’s not enough.
I toy with the teddy bear cut-outs I slipped into the pocket of my sundress. Each one contains one of the names I want to use for our kids: Marly, Max, Maya, Mason, Maggie, and Maddox. Will Jayce and Elijah be okay with our kids’ names all starting with M-a?
