Twice Upon a Time

Using his finger, he slit open the letter and drew out the papers inside. He caught his breath.

Weddings by Woodwards had plans to open a new store in Chicago. Reese had scouted the location, chosen the perfect site on Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile. He’d lobbied the owners for a long-term lease and revised his terms several times. In fact, just yesterday he’d requested more changes to ensure his grandmother’s requests for the new store were met on every level.

Apparently he’d hesitated too long.

Dear Mr. Woodward:

I apologize for taking this extreme measure to contact you, but I felt you should know immediately of Mr. Garver’s untimely passing this morning. You will understand that the family is extremely emotional at this time, but Mrs. Garver is most insistent that I notify you at the earliest possible date of her intentions. Those intentions include liquidating all her real estate assets, meaning she will put the Chicago property up for sale. Because of the amount of time you and her husband spent discussing a possible lease, and because Mr. Garver thought very highly of you, Mrs. Garver is granting you first offer of sale. I have enclosed the amount and terms she’s requesting. You should know that she intends to move to be nearer her daughter in France as soon as can be arranged, and thus wishes to close the sale on the property this month. I would be most appreciative if you could let me know your decision as soon as possible…

Reese’s breath whooshed out of him as if someone had plunged a fist into his solar plexus.

His family was counting on a smooth transition. He’d reassured his grandmother only this morning that he would get everything she’d requested, that there would be no problems with this property, that he’d chosen the best possible building. Because of him, they hadn’t even looked at other possibilities, content to let him nitpick over every detail because they trusted him.

If only he’d stopped haggling and agreed to sign the lease sooner!

There was no way they could buy the property. Renovations on the Denver store had exceeded their budget. A tripling in costs of organza and silk had affected Winifred’s latest collection and their bottom line because the pricing had been preset for the catalogues. If that weren’t enough, a fire in the sewing factory two months ago had taken its toll on Weddings by Woodwards’ bank account.

Yet time after time Reese had reassured each family member that he had everything in Chicago well in hand. How stupid they’d been to trust him.

His grandmother’s favorite phrase echoed in his head.

God’s in His Heaven, all’s right with the world.

Well, where was God now?

Chapter Three

Olivia loved the first pink rays of dawn. She especially loved sitting on the patio, hugging a big mug of coffee close as the flamingo fingers of dawn crept over the mountains and colored the sky with promise.

The thought of having a job to go to wasn’t bad, either.

She’d been working at Byways for two weeks now, and each time she walked through the door she still felt the same rush of anticipation. She still relished the young faces that came looking for something. She still caught her breath at the possibility of once more sharing something good, fulfilling and satisfying.

“Thanks for being the God of second chances,” Olivia whispered, her heart overflowing.

She was certain now that Byways was where God wanted her. In truth, she’d known it the day she’d toured the place with Reese. But she’d waited; both for the rock-solid certainty that now nestled inside her heart and the latest report from her friend, Nancy, to be certain that no one was nosing around the last place she’d lived, asking for an interview, demanding to know how her tragic life had moved on.

She picked up the phone on its first ring.

“Did I wake you?” Nancy sounded out of breath.

“No. I’ve been sitting here watching the sunrise.” Her fingers squeezed around the phone nervously. “Is anything wrong?”

“No. But I have information I thought you should know. Olivia, two reporters have been digging into your past. One contacted me. Apparently, he’s doing an anniversary story on Anika and Trevor. You know the kind of thing—three years ago today…” She stopped, unwilling to repeat the horrible tragedy aloud.

“Okay. Do they know where I am?”

“No, I’m pretty sure not. I just wanted you to be aware.”

“Thanks, Nancy. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I’m sorry this has put you out so much.”

“I’m at my favorite coffee shop talking to my best friend. No problem.” Her voice softened. “How are you?”

“I’m healing. I’ve found a job I love and it’s mostly perfect.”

“Mostly?”

“Well, there is this thorn in my side named Nelson. But I’m coping.” They chatted for several more minutes, catching up on each other’s lives. Then Nancy had to go. “Is there a number where I could reach you at Byways in case something else comes up?”

Olivia hesitated, but finally recited the number.

“Remember, I’m Olivia Hastings now.”

“Take care of yourself, sweetie. Keep trusting God.”

“I am. Thanks for calling.” Olivia hung up before she allowed the tears to fall.

One splashed against the photo propped in her lap. Anika and Nancy’s daughter Cara had played together like sisters. Trevor and Nancy’s husband had been high school buddies. Everything had been so perfect.

“I miss you, darlings,” she whispered, tracing one fingertip over the ruggedly handsome face of the only man she’d ever loved. “You were the best part of me, Trevor. You kept me focused on the important things. I know you’re glad I’m at Byways.”

A little girl with a gap-toothed smile and hair the exact shade of Olivia’s snuggled on her daddy’s knee, beaming. Olivia couldn’t stop the tear that tumbled down her cheek, even though she knew these precious ones were beyond hurt and pain, in a place where love lived.

“Be happy, baby. Look after Daddy, okay?” Olivia carried the photo inside, set it on her mantle. They were at peace now. And she was slowly finding serenity for herself. At last Olivia felt ready to move ahead with her life.

But to truly move ahead, she needed to put down roots. The condo was nice, but it came furnished. There was nothing of Olivia in it. Maybe this weekend she’d contact a real estate agent to initiate her search for a place to begin again.

Olivia dressed carefully, wondering what negative remark Nelson would find to object to her plans today. Not that he would be loud and obnoxious. He wasn’t. Nelson was more like a toothache. Annoying, painful and always there, pressing on your last nerve.

Still, it wasn’t the first time Olivia had had to work with an unhappy coworker. It wouldn’t be the last. It was just that with Nelson, life was trying when it didn’t have to be. All Olivia wanted was for Byways to be the most effective youth center in the city. That meant doing away with some of the old ways and adopting a few new ones.

Unfortunately therein lay Nelson’s biggest problem. He took affront with every suggestion she offered. Soon she’d be walking on pins and needles to avoid raising his hackles. And that would make her less effective—something that bothered Olivia. A lot.

“Give me strength today, Lord,” she prayed as she drove. “Let me be a peacemaker. Most of all, help me meet the kids’ needs.”

By the time she arrived at Byways, the bloated red sky had altered, now blooming a funny purplish shade. The air hung heavy with the cloying humidity that portended a storm. Hopefully the tempest would only be on the outside of Byways.

“Good morning everyone,” she said brightly as she stepped into the office.

Glowering silence greeted her. Not a good sign. Olivia sighed.

“What’s wrong?”

“I understand you’ve canceled today’s outing and substituted something else,” Nelson said.

“Yes, I did.”

“Perhaps you don’t understand how things work around here, Olivia.” Nelson’s icy tones brimmed with patronization. “As activities director, I make the arrangements for events inside and outside this building. You were hired to take care of counseling. You do not override my plans without a good reason.”

Oh, brother.

“I do when the chairman of the board asks me to, Nelson,” she said quietly. “Since some of the permission slips were not returned, Reese asked me to organize something else. Which I’ve done. Because you weren’t here.”

“I was busy managing fifty kids on a field trip!”

“Nor did you answer your cell phone, which is against the rules,” she reminded quietly, “or I would have apprised you of the situation ahead of time. As it was, all I could do was to leave you a note.”

“Reese asked you?” His eyebrows arched. “You two are getting pretty tight. Something you want to tell us, Olivia?” His voice sneered her name.

Olivia glanced at her secretary for a hint, but Casey only rolled her eyes. Time to face his antagonism head-on.

“Innuendo doesn’t work with me, Nelson. If you have something to say, then say it. Otherwise let’s get busy.” She waited a moment, pinning him with her best “teacher” look. When he said nothing more, she marched past him to her office.

Casey followed a few seconds later with the mail.

“He’s a royal pain—”

“Is everything arranged for the party this afternoon?” Olivia asked, cutting off the diatribe about to spill. The heavy weather outside seemed to seep in and swell the sense of unease filling the building. She didn’t want to add to it.

“All taken care of, boss. The kids are gonna love it.” Casey prattled on about the events planned for the afternoon. When the phone rang, she grabbed it. “Byways. This is Casey. Oh, sure. Just a sec.”

Casey held out the phone.

“For me?”

“Reese Woodward.” Casey winked before giving her the receiver. “I’ll get back to my desk and head off Nelson if he comes near.”

“Thanks, Casey. Hello, Reese. Is everything okay?”

“Hi, Olivia. I had a phone call from another board member. There’s been a bad accident a couple of miles from you. Apparently they’re going to cut power in your area while they do some extensive repairs. The electrical disruption is expected to last until near dinnertime, which makes this afternoon a no-go.”

“That’s a shame.”

“Yes. I suggest you put up a sign canceling whatever you’d planned in place of Nelson’s outing and go home. It’s going to storm anyway. Thankfully our area should be okay, which is good because I need some heavy-duty computer time.”

“Thanks for the warning. I’ll get Casey to put up some signs right away.”

“Good.” He sounded tired, fed up.

“Reese?”

“Yeah?”

“Is everything okay?” She felt stupid for asking. They were acquaintances. Boss and employee. But she heard a tone in his voice, a tinge of defeat he couldn’t quite mask, and it bothered her. “Surely you’re not having to race around and find a place for a wedding today? Who gets married on a Monday?”

“You’d be surprised. We actually do about eighteen Monday weddings per year,” he said. “But I’m not even at work yet.”

“Why not? Kids sick?”

“They’re healthy as hogs. No, it’s the same old nanny problem and since the day care I use is on your side of the town, it’s also shutting down for today. I’m trying to juggle things.” He rasped a harsh laugh. “Between filling your job at Byways and trying to keep a nanny, I’m starting to feel like an employment agency.”

“I’m sorry.” That sounded woefully inadequate.

“Yeah, me, too. But thanks.”

“Reese? Would it be okay—I mean, since I have the day off and everything.” Olivia paused, squeezed her eyes closed and counted to ten. “What if I took care of the twins today? I have nothing else planned, so it’s not a problem.”

“Really? You wouldn’t mind?”

“I’d love to see the boys again.” She meant it. But she also wanted to see him, too.

For some reason Olivia couldn’t quite dislodge Reese’s face from her mind, though she’d told herself to get over it a thousand times. She was not interested in a romantic relationship and there was a good reason for that. Being the fodder for gossip tabloids meant everyone you came into contact with was a target. Granted, few people outside New York would remember her, but Brett and Brady were totally photogenic. As was their father. Add in the notoriety of Weddings by Woodwards and who knows how big an enterprising reporter could make the story.

Stop worrying. Nancy said no one knows where you are.

Silence gaped across the phone connection like a chasm too wide to cross.

“Reese?” She regretted offering. After all, they were strangers. She’d only been a bridesmaid in his sister’s wedding. “Never mind—”

“If you’re really sure, I’ll be forever grateful.”

“I’m really sure.” Funny how sure she was.

“Then thank you.” A crash sounded in the background. “Want to change your mind, Olivia?” he murmured.

She laughed.

“No. But I’ll need directions how to get there.”

Reese told her, then added, “Drive carefully.”

Olivia hung up the phone, smiling at the ruckus she’d heard in the background.

“So now you’re babysitting his kids.” Nelson leaned against the door frame, his face expressing his displeasure.

“I don’t think it’s polite to listen in on other people’s conversations, do you?” Olivia stared at him for a second. Seeing no remorse she gathered her bag and her jacket. “I was about to tell you and Casey that we have to cancel out today. Reese says the power’s going to be shut off and will probably stay that way till this evening, so we’re to close up shop for the day. I hope that won’t put you out too much.”

“That’s not exactly true, is it, Olivia?” A sneer stretched his lips, marring Nelson’s good looks. “You really don’t care if my plans are ruined at all.”

“You’re wrong about that. But I’m not going to argue with you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She paused outside her office, waiting for him to leave so she could lock the door.

Nelson made her wait a few seconds before ambling out of the room. He stood watching her, as if memorizing the way she turned the deadbolt and checked to make sure the door was locked.

“Secrets protected, Olivia?”

“I have nothing to hide.” But I don’t want my life on the front page anymore.

“Sure you don’t. How come nobody’s heard of you?”

“Lots of people have heard of me.”

“I heard your references were rather skimpy.”

Frustration vied with anger. Olivia fought to keep both from showing and sent a prayer for help heavenward. Composing herself, she slid the handle of her bag over one shoulder and dug her keys from the outside pocket.

Then she looked him squarely in the eye.

“The board was completely satisfied with my references.” She exhaled and tried again. “I don’t know why you’re acting like this, Nelson. I’m not at Byways to ruin your world or make your life difficult. I am here for the children. I intend to do the very best I can for them, for as long as I’m here. And nothing you can say will sway me from that goal.”

“Uh-huh.”

Olivia paused a fraction of a second longer, maintaining eye contact. Then in her softest voice, “Excuse me.”

Nelson stepped back, waved her past.

“Of course. I’ll lock the place up for you and make sure all the other details are seen to while you go off and have your date with the chairman.”

It took every ounce of strength Olivia could muster to keep walking. She found Casey, told her the plan, then left. When she finally reached her car, she kept her back to Byways as she drew in deep cleansing breaths.

“I didn’t mean to listen to your conversation, Olivia.” Emily stood behind her. She danced from one foot to the other. “But I heard what my brother said in the hallway. You’re going to Mr. Woodward’s.”

“Yes.” Olivia felt sorry for the thirteen-year-old. Having Nelson for a brother must be difficult. “I’m going to look after the twins for the day. Their nanny quit.”

“Can I go with you? Please? I’m used to babysitting them, I could help.” Emily tracked Olivia’s gaze back to the building where her brother stood on the top step, watching them. “Please? I really want to go.” She sounded nervous. “I need to.”

Need to? Olivia studied the young girl, saw shadows in her eyes.

“Is anything wrong, Emily?”

“No.” It came out too quickly. Emily darted another glance over her shoulder. “I just need to get away from here today,” she said, desperation edging her voice. “I promise I won’t cause any trouble. I’ll do whatever you want me to. But please, let me come.”

The look crouching at the back of Emily’s eyes reminded Olivia of her own feelings when cameras had been shoved in her face, harassing her, intruding into her grief. All she’d wanted was to escape. Emily’s face bore that same fear.

“You’ve babysat the twins before. Maybe you should go instead of me,” Olivia murmured, stalling for time. Nelson was still watching them.

“I—I don’t want to babysit all alone. I’m kind of—tired.” Emily’s jerky voice came out in little gasps. “I was up late last night.”

“How come?” Olivia didn’t understand why the girl wanted to escape, but she recognized the extreme anxiety in Emily’s voice. The way she kept checking to see if her brother was still watching them was curious. It wasn’t that Olivia wouldn’t welcome the extra help with the two busy boys, but she had a feeling allowing Emily to come with her would only irritate Nelson more and she did not need that. “Were you sick?”

“No.” Emily blurted the word out too fast. “I was busy doing—stuff. It took longer than I figured. You could phone Mr. Woodward and see if it’s all right, couldn’t you?” Emily’s big eyes implored her to say yes. “I wouldn’t be any problem. I promise.”

“I’m not worried about that, honey.” Instinct was telling Olivia that Emily had come to her for help. She didn’t know why yet, but she did know she could not fail the girl. “Look, I’ll call Reese and get his approval while you check with your brother. I have to have Nelson’s permission to take you with me.”

After a long pause, Emily agreed. As she slowly walked across the parking lot, Olivia pulled out her cell phone and explained the situation to Reese. He sounded puzzled.

“So I get two babysitters. The twins are going to be ecstatic. They’ve been talking about you constantly.” He chuckled. “Of course Emily can come. In fact, if she wants, she can babysit on her own. I’ve been trying not to ask her because I know she loves being with the other kids at Byways and babysitting fulltime is no way for a thirteen-year-old to spend her summer.”

“She loves Byways, but she adores the twins.” At Byways, Emily was also with Nelson most of the time, and Olivia was no longer certain that was a good thing.

“Hey, if she comes today, you’d be free to do other things.”

“I suggested that, but she said she was too tired to babysit on her own. I think something’s wrong between her and Nelson, though I’m not sure what that might be.” Olivia reassured him she’d do her best to find out the problem. “Maybe she’ll relax with the twins and tell me what’s wrong.”

“Maybe. They probably had an argument.”

“I think it’s more than that.”

“Such as?”

“I don’t know. Yet.” She changed the subject. “Are you trying to do me out of a day with those two sweethearts, Reese?”

“No way. If you’re sure, come on over and bring Emily. She can probably use a break.”

“I’m sure. We’ll see you in a bit.” Olivia snapped the phone shut.

Her gaze slid to brother and sister, who stood facing each other on the stairs. She couldn’t hear what Nelson was saying, but Olivia could see the effect it was having on Emily. Her whole body sagged as if she’d been physically hit. Her chin dropped to her chest, her pretty face lost all animation as she stared at the ground.

Olivia fumed. Nelson could be as miserable to her as he wanted, but he was not going to take it out on his sister if she could help it. She tossed her handbag in the car, slammed the door and started forward.

“Is there a problem with Emily coming with me, Nelson?” she called. “I’ll be responsible for her.”

For a moment it looked as if Nelson would argue. But then he said something to Emily, some whispered remark that Olivia couldn’t hear. Emily backed away, but she nodded quickly, obviously agreeing to whatever he stipulated.

“Fine. Emily can go. But I expect her at home by seven. No later.”

“Not a problem. Thanks, Nelson.” Olivia grabbed Emily’s hand, found it icy cold. “Come on, Em. Let’s blow this place,” she said, and pulled her toward the car.

“I’ve never heard you talk like that.” Emily clambered into the car. The relief on her face did not need translating.

“You’re going to hear lots of stuff today. I’ve never babysat twins before.” Olivia switched on the engine and shifted into gear. “Hang on to your hat. Time to get to work at the Woodward house.”

The Kirsch siblings’ relationship had bothered Olivia ever since she’d come to Byways. Now a niggling worry would not be silenced. Something was clearly wrong between Emily and Nelson. Olivia needed to find out what.

“Mr. Woodward said it was all right for me to come?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t he want you to come over?” She glanced sideways, but Emily would not meet her gaze.

“I thought maybe since the boys got in the water at the wedding, that Mr. Woodward wouldn’t want me around them so much.” Emily turned to stare out the window.

“I’m sure you’re wrong about that. Reese told me you’re great with the twins. He wouldn’t lie about that and if he didn’t want you with them, he wouldn’t have said you could come today. He sure wouldn’t have enough faith in you to try to send me home.”

“Send you home?”

“He thought you’d be okay to babysit by yourself. That doesn’t sound like he blames you for anything. Does it?”

“I guess not.” Something was definitely wrong.

“Emily, you know that if you ever need to talk to someone, about anything, I will always listen, don’t you?”

Emily kept staring out the window. A moment later she reached up to scrub her knuckles against her cheek.

“Thanks,” she whispered.

Olivia’s misgivings grew. But she said no more, leaving it to Emily to initiate conversation when she was ready. A few minutes later the girl relaxed enough to point out interesting things along the way. Soon she was chatting freely, and by the time they arrived at Reese’s house, she seemed perfectly comfortable.

“I am so glad to see you. Both of you.”

Olivia didn’t think the look on Reese’s face was relief, but she couldn’t quite decipher what it was, other than to say it made her heart rate increase and her skin feel warm.

Though he was dressed in his usual business attire, Reese did not look as polished as usual. His sandy hair stood up in unruly tufts. There was a green streak marring the perfection of his pristine white shirtfront—marker perhaps?—and evidence of white hand prints on his knee. A splotch of red decorated the underside of his jaw.

The twins raced outside and enveloped them in jubilant hugs. Olivia hugged them back, genuinely glad to see the children again.

“Can we go jump on the trampoline, Mr. Woodward?” Emily had each child by the hand, holding them back as they strained to pull her inside the house.

“Sure.” Reese nodded. “Sure. But make sure the netting is fastened around the side.”

“I always do.” Her giggles burst out as the twins pulled hard on her arms. “I’m coming, Brett. I’m coming!”

“Hold on a second, guys. Don’t I get a hug before I go?”

Olivia’s heart gave a bump of longing as Reese’s big strong arms gathered his sons’ wriggling bodies to his chest. Her arms ached to hold her own child again, to feel the bliss of baby-soft skin against hers, to breathe the sweaty aroma of a busy child on a warm day, to hear a certain voice chirp, “I love you, Mama.”