Rekindled Romance

The ever-present knot of anxiety in her stomach grew. What would she do if she lost her job? How would she survive? Her mind churned with a frightening list of possible disasters. Her heart rate quickened, and a steady pressure began to build in her chest. She closed her eyes against a wave of fear. Was she having another heart attack or an anxiety attack? The doctor said the symptoms were similar. She’d been oblivious to her first episode, so how did she know if this was serious or not?

“Please, Lord, don’t let this be another one.” She’d experienced these symptoms before—the light-headedness, then a clammy sensation and a strange sense of foreboding. Her first thought had been a brain tumor. When the symptoms persisted, she’d gone to the clinic, but they’d sent her home with instructions to cut back on caffeine and sugar.

A second episode sent her to the hospital, where extensive tests had been run. That’s when Dr. Morgan had delivered his diagnosis and his ultimatum. Time off or face the consequences. She couldn’t afford to ignore this any longer. Not when death was the option.

Inhaling a slow, deep breath, she breathed a sigh of relief when her pulse slowed to normal once again and the tension eased. Frustration and anger quickly took its place, driving her outside onto the wooden porch swing. Her favorite refuge. The gentle back-and-forth movement settled her thoughts. It wasn’t fair. All she’d ever wanted was to work for a magazine. Her whole life since high school had been geared toward her career. She’d studied hard and sacrificed much to achieve her goal. Now it was all being taken away. Why was God doing this to her? Was this her punishment for ignoring Him all this time?

Tears stung the backs of her eyes. She squeezed them shut, unwilling to give in. She never cried. But since her diagnosis she’d started bursting into tears at the drop of a hat. It was infuriating.

“Chester!”

She looked up at the shout to see a small, scruffy gray dog dart up the steps of the porch and stop at her feet. The little dog growled and barked, inching forward then back as he defended his territory.

Shelby chuckled softly. “Oh, hush. I’m not going to hurt you.” Slowly she opened her hand, palm up, and inched it toward the dog. “See, it’s okay.”

The dog stopped growling and studied her. He retreated, then cocked his head and slowly moved forward. “There. Nothing to be upset about.” The dog’s tail began to wag furiously and he licked her hand. “Good doggie.” She stroked his small head. It was soft and warm.

“Chester! You’d better get yourself back over here before you get in trouble.”

Shelby looked up as a young girl came toward the house from the driveway. She appeared to be about eleven years old.

“Chester!” She hurried up the steps, placing her hands on her waist when she saw the dog. “You are in big trouble, mister.” She glanced at Shelby. “I’m sorry he barked at you, ma’am.”

“That’s okay. I think we worked it out. He’s a good watchdog. He knew I was a stranger so he was probably trying to protect you.”

The girl shrugged. “I guess.” She studied Shelby intently for a long moment. “Does Mrs. Bower know you’re here?”

Shelby smiled. “Yes. I’m going to be staying here for a while. I’m her granddaughter.”

The girl frowned. “I don’t remember you.”

“I’ve been away a long time. I live in New York City.” Shelby swallowed the regret that had been nagging at her since coming home. “My name is Shelby. And I take it this is Chester?”

“Yeah,” she groaned in disgust and frowned. “I didn’t name him. My brother did. My name is Cassidy.”

Shelby couldn’t help but smile at her grown-up indignation. “Nice to meet you, Cassidy.” Footsteps sounded on the steps, and a little boy joined them. He was out of breath.

“Aw, Chester you are in tra-bull. You can’t come over here.”

Cassidy rolled her eyes. “This is my little brother, Kenny. He’s six.”

Kenny stared at her.

“I’m Shelby. I’m staying here with my grandmother, Mrs. Bower.”

“Oh.” He smiled, displaying two deep dimples at the sides of his mouth. “She makes us sugar cookies.”

“I know. She made them for me when I was little. In fact, she made some for me today. Would you like one?”

Cassidy took hold of Chester’s collar. “Thanks, but we can’t take food from strangers.”

Shelby was momentarily taken aback. Then common sense kicked in and she smiled at the children. “That’s a good rule. You’re right. Maybe after we get to know each other, we can share some cookies.”

Cassidy smiled. Her thickly lashed, dark blue eyes triggered something familiar in the back of Shelby’s mind, but she couldn’t place it.

“We have to take Chester home now.” Cassidy tugged the dog toward the steps. “Our aunt will be wondering where we are.”

“Okay. Nice to have met you. You and Chester are welcome here any time.”

“Thanks. I’ll tell my dad.” Cassidy waved goodbye.

Shelby stood and walked to the edge of the porch, watching the children tugging the little dog back home. She’d wondered who lived next door in the duplicate house. Gramma had told her Mrs. Marshall had passed away several years ago and the house had changed hands a couple of times. Obviously a family lived there now.

As the children neared the porch of their home, an old battered van pulled into the driveway. The sign painted on the side read “Handy Works.” Decals of various tools decorated the side panels, proclaiming some sort of handyman business.

Shelby watched as the children hurried toward the van. The door opened, and a man emerged. Tall and well-built with dark brown hair, the deep blue knit shirt he wore emphasized strong, broad shoulders and muscular arms. Faded, well-worn jeans hugged his long legs like an old friend. Dusty, work-scuffed Western boots completed the masculine picture.

He turned, arms open as the children ran to him. He lifted them off the ground in a tight hug, swinging them back and forth playfully. Shelby smiled. Not only was the man ridiculously attractive, he obviously adored his children. A lethal combination. Cassidy and Kenny began chatting away. She could hear their little voices across the wide, shared driveway. Kenny suddenly pointed toward her, and she smiled, raising her hand. The father turned and faced her. Her heart froze. Blood drained from her face.

No. It couldn’t be. Please, Lord, don’t do this to me. The man staring back at her was the last man on earth she wanted to see. Cassidy and Kenny’s father was Matthias Durrant, the fiancé she’d jilted for her career fifteen years ago.

Chapter Two

Matt Durrant turned his back and followed his children into the house, his jaw clenched, his gut in knots.

Shelby was back.

He never expected to see her in Dover again. Ever. She’d made her opinion of small-town life abundantly clear the day she gave back his ring. “I don’t want a small-town man with small-town dreams.”

Shelby Russell had broken his heart and abandoned him when he’d needed her most. He’d counted on her love and support to sustain him through a difficult time in his life. But instead she’d cut and run, giving back his ring, accusing him of breaking his promise. But what about her promise to him? Her own future had been more important than their future together. He’d finally come to terms with her rejection, though he’d never understood her sudden change of heart. Never understood how she could claim to love him one minute and walk away the next. It was only several years later, when he’d met Katie, that he’d been able to put Shelby’s rejection behind him and move forward.

So why, after all this time, did his heart still sting from Shelby’s rejection? And why had that brief glimpse of her hit him like a lightning bolt, filling his mind with things he thought he’d forgotten? He remembered her brown eyes had small specks of gold in them. He remembered the silken feel of her long brown hair, now worn shoulder-length and soft around her face. He remembered the impish, self-conscious smile that would make his heart skip a beat.

The girlish figure he remembered had given way to soft, womanly curves. Maturity looked good on her. He hated himself for noticing. He hated more that she could still cause a reaction in him after all this time. After what she’d done.

“Daddy, she was really nice.” Cassidy’s blue eyes were bright with excitement. “And she’s from New York.”

Matt frowned. He’d been bombarded with his children’s disjointed conversation from the moment he’d climbed from the van. Something about a lady and cookies. When he glanced over at the house it had all become clear. He rubbed his forehead in irritation. “How did you meet her?”

“I told you,” Cassidy explained, her tone tinged with irritation. “When Chester ran over to her house. She was sitting on the swing, and Chester was barking. I guess he thought she was a stranger so he was trying to warn us. Only she wasn’t a stranger. She’s Miss Ellen’s granddaughter and then—”

Matt placed a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Okay. I get the picture.”

Cassidy smiled. “She’s nice.”

Matt set his jaw. That’s not how he’d describe Shelby Russell. Self-centered. Insensitive. Career-driven, yes. But nice?

“She was going to give us sugar cookies, but Cassidy said no ’cause she was a stranger,” Kenny complained.

“Who’s a stranger?”

Matt glanced over at his younger sister, Laura Durrant, who had come to stand at the boy’s side. She’d been watching the children after school each day. He had a full schedule of classes this semester, which meant he wouldn’t get home until supper time. But she’d informed him two days ago that he’d have to find someone else. “That was the right thing to do, son.”

Kenny’s shoulders slacked. “Yes, sir, but Mrs. Bower made them. You always let us have her cookies. How come we couldn’t have any this time?”

“Because you didn’t know Shelby, that’s why.” Matt struggled to maintain his patience.

Laura frowned. “Shelby Russell?”

Matt jammed his hands into his pockets. “She’s back. She’s staying with Ellen Bower.”

“Oh. I’ll bet Miss Ellen is excited. Shelby hasn’t been home since you two broke up, has she?”

“I wouldn’t know.” He could see his little sister’s mind digesting the news.

“Hmm. Wonder what brought her back to Dover after all this time?” She glanced at him sideways, an ornery smirk on her face. “Maybe she came to look up old friends and acquaintances.”

Matt forced a smile over clenched teeth. “Why don’t you ask her?”

Laura raised her eyebrows and tilted her head. “I think I might. You know, I heard she’s an editor at some big magazine in New York. Mom ran across her name in an article someplace. Looks like our Shelby has reached the top of the career ladder. Good for her. It’s what she always wanted.”

“It’s all she ever wanted,” Matt muttered softly.

Laura winced. “Is that the sound of sour grapes being trampled? You know—” she pointed a finger at her brother “—they say you never forget your first love. Well, kids, I’m out of here.” She gave Cassidy a hug and Kenny a fist bump.

“You want to stay and eat?” Matt offered the invite as she moved to the door.

She winked. “Not this time. I’m booked for the evening. Oh.” Laura turned back to her brother. “Have you found someone to watch the kids yet? I hate that I had to bail on you so suddenly, but I couldn’t turn down the restoration job in Mobile. It’ll be a huge boost to my company.”

“Don’t worry about it. But to answer your question, no, I haven’t found anyone yet.” Matt ran a hand down the back of his neck. “Normally, I’d ask Mom, but since she’s running for city council, she doesn’t have the time.”

“What about Ellen Bower? Doesn’t she watch them for you sometimes?”

“Yes, but she’s so busy with her volunteer work I rarely see her. Besides, watching the kids for a short time now and again is different from watching them every day. It might be too much for her.”

Laura picked up her backpack, fishing out her truck keys. “Well, you could always ask Shelby. She’s right next door.”

Matt gritted his teeth and followed his sister to the door. “Yeah, but for how long? She’ll probably be gone before you can blink.”

Laura turned to face him. “What’s bothering you, big brother?”

“Nothing. Forget it.” Matt smiled at his baby sister. Looking at her, no one would ever guess the slim, petite woman was a skilled and licensed carpenter and builder. Her company specialized in restoring old homes and buildings. Laura couldn’t stand to see anything neglected and ignored.

Outside on the front porch, they both looked over at Ellen Bower’s house.

Laura, glanced sideways at her brother. “So. Are you going to go say hello?”

“Why?”

Laura shrugged. “She’s right next door. Aren’t you the least bit curious why she came back after all this time?”

“No.”

“You’re going to act like she isn’t there?”

He glared in response. It sounded like a good idea to him.

Laura hoisted her backpack onto her shoulder. “You’re being childish.” She turned and started down the front steps to her truck.

Matt stood on the porch after Laura drove off, staring at the Bower house. Why was Shelby back, and how long was she staying? She’d made it clear long ago that she had no interest in small-town dreams. He’d known Ellen was Shelby’s grandmother, but the subject of Shelby had never come up. Besides, the likelihood of her showing up in Dover was not great—or so he’d believed.

“Daddy, can we have mac and cheese for supper?”

Matt glanced down at his son’s face, and the eager smile chased away his concerns. “I think your aunt Laura left us some chicken and noodles. How does that sound?”

“With biscuits? Yum.” Kenny turned and raced back into the house, shouting the news to his sister. Matt took one last glance at the house next door and followed his son inside. He had more important things to worry about than Shelby Russell’s presence in Dover. Like who was he going to get to watch his kids for the next several weeks?

Matt barely heard what his children said as he prepared the evening meal. He was too distracted by the search for a babysitter to pay much attention. He’d made a few calls to women he knew at church and the mothers of a couple of Cassidy’s friends, but no one was available long-term. By the time he sat down at the table he was nearing desperation. He glanced down at his empty plate. He had no idea if the meal had been good or not.

“Can Chester sleep with me tonight?”

“No, Kenny, he can’t. You know the rules.” Matt rose from the table and carried his plate to the sink. He had only one option. Ellen Bower. If she turned him down, he’d be forced to look into a professional child-care service. Not something he felt comfortable doing.

“Okay, you two. Time to clean up the kitchen.”

“Daddy, now that we know that lady, can I have cookies if she asks?”

Matt gritted his teeth. He didn’t want his kids getting too chummy with Shelby. But then, he probably didn’t need to worry. Whatever her reason for coming home, Dover couldn’t hold her attention for long. She’d run back to her all-important career after a few days.

“I guess that would be all right. But I’m sure Miss Russell will be very busy. You probably won’t see her much.”

Kenny frowned. “But I like her. She likes Chester.” He bent down and hugged the dog’s neck.

Matt exhaled a huff of irritation. His son liked Shelby. It must be some sort of weird gene in the Durrant family that drew them to her. His father and brother had liked her, too. Fifteen years ago, Matt had been engaged to her. For twenty-four hours.

“Okay, kids, finish up your chores and then you can watch television while I run next door for a few minutes.”

“Are you going to say hello to Miss Shelby?” Cassidy’s smile reflected her delight.

“No. I have to see if Miss Ellen can watch you after school from now on.”

Cassidy emptied her glass into the sink. “Why can’t Aunt Laura stay with us?”

“She’s going to be working out of town.” Matt pointed at Kenny. “You make sure you feed Chester and give him fresh water.”

Matt made his way to the front door, mentally battling with his emotions. It would be easy to pick up the phone, call Ellen and avoid seeing Shelby. But his little sister was right about one thing. Trying to ignore Shelby, act like she wasn’t right next door, was childish.

A small voice inside warned him about being near Shelby. She’d always had a powerful effect on him. She’d made him feel strong and protective. He shoved the thought aside. He was a grown man. Not a lovesick college kid.

He’d speak to Ellen, acknowledge Shelby’s presence then come home. Besides, this wasn’t about him. He had to protect his kids. His children had spent only a few minutes with her and she’d already cast her spell over them. With Shelby right next door, his kids would likely grow deeply attached, and then what would happen when she skipped town without warning? Broken hearts, that’s what. He couldn’t let that happen. She needed to understand how emotionally vulnerable Kenny and Cassidy were since their mother’s death. All he was asking was that she keep her distance for the few days she was here. It wasn’t an unreasonable request. Merely a “good fences make good neighbors” conversation. Setting some boundaries. That’s all.

Cassidy stuck her head out the front door. “Will you tell Miss Shelby I said hi?”

Matt nodded and set his jaw. Okay, maybe a wall instead of a fence. “Will do.”

* * *

Shelby closed her laptop with a firm snap and shoved away from the dining room table. Trying to work was useless. She couldn’t get Matt’s image out of her mind. She’d stood on the porch earlier immobilized, watching as Matt turned his back and walked away. His message loud and clear. They had nothing to say to one another.

Her insides burned with the rejection. What had she expected? That he’d be glad to see her? She’d run out on him. Told him he wasn’t good enough. Her conscience stung when she remembered her cruel words to him that night. She had been so arrogant, so disdainful of what she perceived as his lack of ambition. How could she make him understand that breaking their engagement was the hardest thing she’d ever done? But he was the one who had reneged on all their dreams. She’d had no choice.

She stood and went to the kitchen and searched for something to munch. A bowl of apples sat on the counter. Common sense told her to eat one. A healthy choice. What she wanted was chocolate.

Closing her eyes, she fought the urge to look out the window at Matt’s house, hungry for another glimpse of him. He was even more handsome than she’d remembered. Age had broadened his shoulders, deepened his chest and chiseled the planes of his face. There was a masculine confidence in his bearing that couldn’t be ignored. And the gentle, tender heart she’d fallen in love with was displayed in the unabashed love of his children.

Matt had been everything she’d ever wanted in a man.

She opened her eyes, staring across the drive. Part of her longed to see him coming toward the house to—what? Say all was forgiven? Let’s start over? But another part of her hoped he would stay on his side of the driveway and ignore her for the remainder of her stay. Confronting him would be too painful, no matter the outcome.

Her conscience stung again. Gramma was right. Avoiding conflict was one of her biggest faults. She was avoiding her illness, avoiding making the changes she needed. And now, hoping to avoid Matt.

Forcing herself to move, Shelby picked up an apple and took a bite, her mind bursting with questions. How had he come to live next door, and what had he been doing all these years? Obviously he’d married and had children. What was his wife like? Was it someone she knew from school? What about the Handy Works van? Was that what he did for a living? It would make sense. His father owned the hardware store where they’d met. She had noticed a large pickup in the drive as well, but it was gone now. Apparently he’d followed in his father’s footsteps.

Movement outside the window caught her attention. She froze. Matt. He was coming over. “No. Not now. I’m not ready. I can’t deal with this right now.” She held her breath, watching him come across the drive. She could still see the young man she remembered in his slow, easy gait. The male grace he’d displayed as a young man was still evident. The years had done little to diminish his attractiveness. She turned away, her stomach in knots, flinching when the knock on the door echoed through the house. He was coming to demand an answer for her breaking their engagement. What would she say? I ran because I was afraid I’d never get out of this place if I didn’t?

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and lost her breath. He didn’t look like the father of two. With his square-jawed good looks and athletic physique, he could have graced the cover of any magazine. His dark brown hair still lay in waves across his head. The cobalt-blue eyes with their thick lashes were still compelling and magnetic. The only thing missing was his smile. She doubted if she’d ever see that again. She cleared her throat, searching desperately for her voice.

“Hello, Shelby.”

“Hey.” It was all she could squeak out past the lump in her throat.

Shelby motioned him inside. He nodded and stepped over the threshold. She closed the door behind him, struggling to maintain a casual attitude while ignoring the tantalizing smell of his aftershave.

“I had no idea you lived next door.” She forced a smile. “It was a surprise seeing you drive up today.”

Matt frowned. “Ellen didn’t tell you?”

“No, but then she never knew we...” She faltered. “Gramma and Grandpa were on a mission trip the summer we dated.”

He nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Her heart pounded so fiercely she wondered if he could hear it. Now that he was here, all she wanted was to get it over with. “Would you like to sit down?”

“No. I need to talk to Ellen. Is she here?”

Shelby’s tension deflated like a punctured balloon. Matt wasn’t here to see her at all. She should have been relieved, but instead she swallowed a large gulp of disappointment. “She’s not here at the moment, but I expect her home anytime. You’re welcome to wait.”

Matt’s jaw worked side to side a moment, as if gauging his next words.

“How long are you staying?”

She blinked. That wasn’t the question she’d anticipated. Apparently he was going to get right to the point. Fine. She could take it. Raising her chin, she crossed her arms over her chest and faced him. Matt’s blue gaze pierced through her. Blue eyes exactly like Cassidy’s. Now she knew why they’d seemed so familiar. “Six weeks or so. My schedule is flexible.”

Matt planted his hands on his hips. A smirk curved one corner of his mouth upward. “Six whole weeks. You sure you won’t get bored so far from the big city? We pull in the sidewalk around seven, remember?”

“Yes. I remember.” Her heart burned. He was throwing her words from long ago back in her face.

“I’m sure you do. So, what brings you back to the small-town life?”

She ignored the flash of pain his sarcasm inflicted. “I had time accrued that I needed to use, and I wanted to spend time with Gramma.”

“Can the corporate world survive without you?”

She lifted her chin. He was really getting under her skin with his sour attitude. “It’s the wireless age, Matt. I can do my work from anywhere. Have laptop will travel. Clouds and smart phones are our friends. You do have those things here in your small town, don’t you?”

“I know all about working from home.”

“Really? So the world of hammers and nails is high tech now?” Her condescending words sent a hot rush of remorse along her nerves. She hadn’t meant to handle their meeting this way, as if she were eighteen and scared and confused. She’d wanted to face him as a highly successful, competent woman of the world.