Rekindled Romance. Lorraine Beatty

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      Chapter Three

      Matt closed the lid on the Insect Man lunch box and set it beside the matching backpack. A quick glance around the kitchen revealed an escaped homework folder peeking out from under the stack of mail and flyers for his mom’s city council campaign. He pulled it out and unzipped Cassidy’s pink plaid backpack, sliding the folder inside as he called her name. “Cassidy. It’s time to go. Hurry it up, please.”

      Kenny skidded to a halt beside the kitchen island, holding up his hands and baring his teeth for inspection. Matt turned the little palms over, then tilted his son’s face upward. “Looking good, sport.”

      Kenny smiled and reached for his backpack. “Do we still get to go to Miss Ellen’s after school?”

      Matt masked his concern with a forced smile. “Yes. And I expect you to behave yourselves.”

      “Will Miss Shelby be there?” Cassidy slung her backpack over her shoulder and looked at him with expectant eyes. He stared down at her. Something was different. Her hair was sticking out on one side. He’d learned the hard way not to question his daughter’s fashion sense too vigorously. Maybe she meant it to look like that. “Uh, I suppose. But I’m sure she’ll be busy with her work, so don’t bother her. Miss Ellen is your babysitter.” And if he could make other arrangements he would. He wanted as much separation between Shelby Russell and his kids as possible.

      “Okay, everyone to the van. We’re running out of time.”

      Kenny’s eyes widened. “You mean we get to ride to school in the Handy Works van?”

      “’Fraid so. I left my car at Grandpa’s store yesterday.”

      Cassidy’s shoulders sagged, and she exhaled a disgusted whine. “Can’t we go get our car first? The van is ugly.”

      “Ugly or not, it’s your only mode of transportation this morning.” Matt touched her shoulder, steering her toward the door.

      “At least I’ll get to see Miss Shelby when I get home.”

      Matt groaned inwardly. He had no choice about babysitters for the next couple of days, but he fully intended to beat every bush and look behind every tree until he found someone else to watch his kids.

      Pulling the door closed behind him, Matt followed his kids to the van. Confident in his plan.

      * * *

      Shelby stared out the kitchen window at Matt’s house. She’d been forced to alter her assumptions about him. Not only had Matt left Dover, but he’d had a successful business and a wonderful marriage. Losing his wife had wounded him deeply. The grief reflected in his eyes still haunted her. As did his very pointed warning.

      Did Matt think she would deliberately hurt his kids? Probably. He was assuming that she would walk out on them the way she had him. He wasn’t going to forgive her, and she had no one to blame but herself. She was finally reaping what she had sown.

      So how was she supposed to babysit and still keep her distance? Hopefully, most of the babysitting duties would fall to Gramma and she’d keep a very low profile for the next few weeks.

      The mantel clock in the living room struck the half hour, jerking Shelby rudely from her computer screen. Two-thirty. She’d worked through lunch, and now Cassidy and Kenny were due home soon and Gramma wasn’t home yet. A rush of anxiety warmed her blood. Where was she? After dialing Ellen’s cell number, Shelby waited impatiently. No answer. She tried again a few minutes later with the same result. This was not good.

      Shelby paced the living room, her gaze darting through the front window to the end of the driveway. Matt would not be happy if she ended up being the babysitter today. With a nervous sigh Shelby stepped out onto the front porch and stood at the edge of the steps. There was nothing she could do but make sure Matt’s kids were safe and sound when he came home. How hard could that be? She really liked his kids. She’d lost her heart to them the moment she’d met them. If it wasn’t for his staunch disapproval of her, she’d be looking forward to spending time with them.

      The low rumble of a diesel engine sounded in the distance. Shelby moved down the porch steps to the sidewalk, watching as the big yellow bus stopped and opened its doors. Kenny was off first, his little legs breaking into a run that sent his backpack bobbing up and down. He waved, a huge happy smile on his face as he raced toward her.

      “Hi. I beat Cass. She walks too slow.”

      Shelby laughed out loud. She was shocked to realize it had been a very long time since she’d known any true joy. The bus pulled away, and Shelby watched as Cassidy waved to someone then started toward her.

      “Hi. I’m glad you’re going to watch us.”

      The child’s comment sent a rush of warmth through Shelby’s heart. “Me, too. I’m looking forward to spending time with both of you.” It was the truth. Whatever problems Matt had, whatever reservations he held, he’d have to handle on his own. She wasn’t going to close herself off from these adorable children just because he harbored an old grudge.

      “Miss Ellen left you some cookies. Are you hungry?” The responses were unanimous. Shelby followed the energetic СКАЧАТЬ