Читать книгу A Mother For His Twins - Jill Weatherholt - Страница 14

If the rancid coffee was an indication of the day ahead, perhaps Joy Kelliher should have stayed in bed. Settling into her favorite leather chair in the teachers’ lounge at Whispering Slopes K-12, she leaned toward the frosty window, pushing her thick brunette hair away from her face. She treasured the early morning hours before the school bustled with children. It was the second week in January, and the Virginia mountain community, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, had yet to experience their first major snowfall of the season. Smiling, Joy eyed a white-tailed deer as it meandered across the playground, leaving its footprints in the dusting of snow that had fallen overnight. Spooked, it raced off into the forest that lined the school grounds. Fear. She knew it well.

A knock at the open door jarred the first-grade teacher before her mind spiraled down that dark road.

“Joy, I’d like to introduce you to your two new students.”

Mr. Jacobson stood in the doorway. A small, thick man with thinning gray hair, he’d taken over as principal after her father passed away when she was only two years old. With his retirement date nearing, her dream to work with and protect all of the children in the school, not just those in her classroom, could finally come true. She’d begun preparing for an interview the moment Mr. Jacobson had announced his retirement.

“This is Jordan and Tyler Capello,” he said, guiding two brown-haired, rosy-cheeked boys into the room.

Capello. No, it can’t be. Joy rubbed her eyes. The wood chair screeched as she pushed her slender frame from her seat. Was she seeing double?

The principal chuckled. “Yes, they’re twins. Identical. You’ll have your hands full.” He turned toward the door. “I believe you know their father.” He extended his right arm. “Nick, don’t be shy. Come on in, son.”

Heat prickled the back of her neck. She gripped the edge of the chair to steady herself. Nick Capello. This couldn’t be happening. Not after fourteen years of silence—of heartache.

Her heart pummeled against her rib cage as he slowly approached her—all six feet five inches of him. No longer the boy she remembered. With his Italian good looks, he’d grown into a strikingly handsome man who could still make her knees wobble like a newborn colt’s.

“Hello, Joy.” He reached for one of her hands, which she kept fisted at the sides of her thighs.

She swallowed once and then again before risking another glance in his direction. The lump lodged in her throat didn’t budge. “What...? Why...? What are you doing here?”

The once extended hand raked through his dark hair. His piercing blue eyes locked with hers. “This is my home. It’s always been. My boys are going to experience the joys of growing up in a small town, just like I did. I want that sense of community for them.”

His home? How could he call Whispering Slopes home? He and his family had moved in the dark of night, leaving a small town asking questions and her heart smashed in a million tiny pieces.

Her shoulders squared. “This isn’t your home.” Once it had been, but that was a lifetime ago.

One of the twins with a slightly larger frame stepped forward and flashed a smile that revealed two missing front teeth. “I’m Tyler, and this is my brother, Jordan. He might not talk much, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you—he’s just shy, that’s all.”

Her heart squeezed as she studied the boy with freckles that dotted his nose. He was the spitting image of his father at that age. She would know. She’d known Nick all of her life. They’d grown up together and had fallen in love. During their senior year of high school they’d made a plan. After graduation, they’d marry and have a house full of children. Joy had never been happier...and then it was all stripped away.

Nick placed his hands on Tyler’s shoulders and eyed Joy. “I’m sorry if I’ve caught you off guard. Maybe I should have called first.”

In order to maintain her professionalism, she drew in a slow and steady breath. She’d worked too hard to establish her reputation at this school. She forced a smile as she glanced at the twins. “Welcome to Whispering Slopes, boys.”

Mr. Jacobson cleared his throat. “Nick, why don’t we leave the boys here to get better acquainted with Miss Kelliher? We’ll go down to the office and get them registered. Then we can get your paperwork taken care of so you can start subbing on Monday.”

Joy’s head spun toward the principal. “Excuse me?”

“Nick’s going to take over Mrs. Murray’s classroom while she’s out on maternity leave.” Mr. Jacobson smiled at Joy. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have former students teaching at the school. You two will be right across the hallway from each other.”

Nick’s gaze burned the side of her face. She couldn’t look at him. Not now. The pain from the past bubbled to the surface like cooking oil poured into a pot of boiling water. No. She wouldn’t cry in front of him. Too many tears had been shed over this man.

Nick knelt in front of his boys. “Are you two going to be okay?”

“Sure, Daddy,” they replied in unison as their father stood.

Jordan didn’t look as certain as his brother. Tyler had spoken the truth. He appeared to be more timid than his twin.

“Okay, then. I’ll be back to pick you up at three o’clock. We’ll go out for ice cream and you can tell me all about your first day.”

She watched as the boys’ eyes lit up, shaking off the memory of how Nick’s eyes had done the same whenever she’d entered a room. They’d been so in love. She almost smiled at the memory.

“See you later, Daddy.”

Nick turned to Joy. “Right across the hall, so I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.” He flashed a crooked smile.

She remained silent. Fourteen years had passed and Nick had been silent, too. He’d never once called or even sent a letter to explain why one minute he’d been in her life and then he’d vanished. It took years for her to get past the pain. But really, had she ever stopped hurting? Did the constant yearning to feel his arms around her one more time ever really go away? Seeing Nick now, she realized the wounds remained fresh.

He dropped his gaze to the ground. With his shoulders slumped, he left the room.

Painful memories surged like a massive lightning bolt on a steamy August afternoon. Lord, how can You let this happen? I can’t teach these boys. Is this some sort of punishment? Didn’t I suffer enough on that night fourteen years ago?

She watched as the twins peered out the window toward the playground, chattering in whispered tones. I can do this. She exhaled. “So, would you like to go outside and play for a while?”

They both turned and eagerly nodded their heads.

“We’ve got half an hour before class starts.” The sun had already begun to melt the dusting of snow. “Make sure you zip up your coats.”

Outside on the playground, Joy used a paper towel to wipe off the bench closest to the swings and took a seat. Tyler took the towels she’d given them and cleared the teeter-totter before helping his brother climb aboard. She smiled. He definitely was his brother’s protector.

Inhaling the brisk mountain air, she pulled her phone from the pocket of her jacket to call her twin sister, Faith. Having lost their parents at a young age, they leaned on each other in difficult times. Throughout their lives, Faith had served as Joy’s lighthouse, guiding her through every storm, especially after that horrible night. Her twin was the only one who knew about the attack, but nothing more. Before that evening, Joy had always shared everything with Faith, but what happened weeks later was something she couldn’t bear to tell anyone—not even her closest confidante. As she punched the number for the resort, she kept a close eye on the boys.

“Thank you for calling the Black Bear Resort. This is Faith.”

What was formerly a small inn had grown into a larger resort. Her sister was living her dream, running the business along with a wonderful man, Joshua. They’d married last year and now they were expecting twins. Bella—Faith’s daughter from her first husband, who’d died tragically fighting a fire—was thrilled to know two babies would soon join their family.

“Hey, can you talk?”

“What’s up, sis?”

“Well, I’m sitting here on the playground watching my two newest students... Twins.” Joy pressed her palm into the arm of the cedar bench. “They’re Nick’s kids.” Saying it out loud made it more real.

“Oh, my. I always knew he’d come back, but I didn’t expect him to return with children.”

Joy hadn’t anticipated either scenario. “Why did you think he’d return to Whispering Slopes?”

Faith laughed. “Because of you, of course.”

“That’s crazy. He’s got children, so he must have a wife. Besides, he’s come back to teach.” The thought of working so closely with him seemed like a bad dream. “I can’t believe this is happening. His presence makes everything feel like it just happened yesterday.” Her words sparked a shiver.

“You need to talk with him and tell him what happened to you, Joy.”

Her stomach rolled over at the thought. How could she ever talk to him about that night she’d been waiting for him at the pond? “I don’t think I can. Besides, what’s the point?”

“Talking about it might help with the healing process. It’s been fourteen years... You’ve got to let it go.”

Sprigs of partially frozen fescue flattened underneath her feet. “I don’t think I can. I’m too ashamed. Besides, it won’t change the past. Can we move on to another subject? I want to forget about Nick Capello.”

“That’s going to be a little hard given the fact that you’ll be teaching his kids and working together.”

“I’ll just treat him like any other parent or coworker.” Joy knew convincing herself of that would be easier said than done.

“But he’s not.”

The truth in Faith’s words stung. “He’s a stranger to me now.” She spied the boys climbing off the teeter-totter. Once again, Tyler assisted Jordan. “I’ve got to go. Thanks for listening.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah—I’ll be fine.” Joy ended the call just as the twins approached. The knot in her stomach squeezed a little tighter knowing she hadn’t been truthful with her sister. From now until the end of the school year, she’d have a constant reminder of a love lost. But it wasn’t fair to the boys for her to treat them differently. Despite the resemblance, somehow she’d have to forget their father was the love of her life. “It’s a little cold. Are you ready to go inside?”

They exchanged a quick glance with one another. Tyler spoke first. “We’d rather stay out here with you.”

She knew that look... Fear. “Don’t you want to meet your new classmates? I’m sure they’ll be excited to welcome you.”

Jordan kicked his tennis shoe into the wet ground. “They pwobably won’t like us.”

Joy noticed Jordan struggled with the letter r. She rested her hand on the boy’s shoulder. “What makes you say that?”

Tyler hopped up on the bench next to her. “The kids at our old school didn’t.”

What was not to love about these enchanting children? “Could it have been your imagination?”

Jordan took his brother’s lead and plopped on the other side of his teacher. “No, they didn’t.” He spoke softly.

Tyler glanced up toward the sky. “They said we were different because we looked alike.”

Kids could be so cruel sometimes. “You know what I think?” Joy stood and then knelt in front of the bench. “I think maybe they were jealous because they knew you were guaranteed to always have a best friend.”

Tyler’s eyebrow arched exactly how his father’s always had. “What do you mean?”

“When you’re a twin, you’ve got a best friend for life. You know someone who always has your back. I’m a twin. Not identical like the two of you, but I know what I’m talking about.”

Grins washed across their faces.

“If anyone ever teases you again you tell them you’re so special, God had to make two of you.”

In one swift movement, the twins wrapped their arms around her. She pulled back—frightened by the tug she felt on her heart. “So, you haven’t told me anything about yourselves. Where did you live before you came to Whispering Slopes?”

“In Chicago.” Jordan answered first.

“That’s where our mommy was born.” Tyler’s smile faded.

“She died there, too,” Jordan added.

Joy had wondered about their mother and why she hadn’t come with Nick to registration. Now she knew. The tear that puddled in the corner of sweet little Jordan’s eye caused her heart to squeeze. She knew the pain of losing a parent at a young age.

“We didn’t really want to move, but Daddy wants to teach where he grew up,” Tyler explained as he jumped off the bench at the sound of the school bell. “He’s going to be the new principal, too.” The child reached for her hand as they strolled toward the building.

What? That was impossible. The boys must have misunderstood. Nick couldn’t be here for that job. The knot in her stomach squeezed a little tighter. She’d been studying hard to obtain her master’s degree and had nearly completed the program. There was only one opening for a principal in Whispering Slopes—and it belonged to her.

* * *

“Here’s the list of school supplies we need. Miss Kelliher said to go to Buser’s General Store. They’ve got the best prices.” Tyler pulled the crinkled piece of paper from his superhero backpack and handed it to his father.

Nick smiled at his son. He always liked to be in charge, while Jordan seemed to follow his brother’s lead.

The twins’ half-eaten ice cream sundaes were turning into milky soup. Since they’d arrived at One More Scoop, they’d chattered nonstop about their first day of school.

Seeing his boys so excited helped to ease some of the painful memories and the guilt that haunted him. Nick smiled at the familiar chalkboard hanging on the wall behind the register. The menu listed all of the specialty flavors of ice cream. They still made Coke floats. Everything looked exactly how it had when he was a kid. It even smelled the same, like a sugary waffle cone on a boardwalk during the height of summer.

Jordan scooped a spoon of the melted dessert from his bowl and held it to his lips. “All of the kids wuh weally nice.”

Nick laughed as the treat dribbled down his chin. It made him happy to know his son had had a good day. Jordan struggled at times in social situations due to his speech impairment. Nick yanked a napkin from the holder and passed it to his son. “Here, I think you need this.”

“Yeah, and no one teased us about looking alike either,” Tyler added.

Jordan wiped his mouth as the whirl of a blender charged from behind the counter. “Even if they had, Miss Kellihuh told us what to say. She’s weally nice.”

Nick’s ears perked up at the mention of Joy’s name. There was a part of him that had hoped he’d run into Joy, but when he’d made the decision to move home, he never imagined his first love would end up teaching his sons. “What did she tell you?”

“She said if someone teased us to tell them we were so special God made two of us,” Tyler said, wearing a huge grin. “She’s really cool.”

He closed his eyes for a second and pictured Joy’s face. Her response to the boys was exactly what he’d expect. It’s what he’d loved most about her. She always knew what to say at the perfect time. “She’s right, you know.”

“She’s a twin, too.” Jordan picked up his bowl and started to drink the melted ice cream.

Nick reached for his arm. “Use your manners, son.”

“Sowwy.” He put the treat back onto the red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and fidgeted in his seat.

“Yeah, Daddy, Miss Kelliher has a twin sister.” Tyler took a sip of his water. “But they’re not identical like us.”

Growing up, Nick remembered Joy wishing she and Faith were identical. Her twin was good in math while Joy struggled. She always thought it would be nice if Faith could take her place on the days they had a test. “Yes, I know.”

The boys looked at each other with crinkled brows. “How?” they asked in unison.

Nick wasn’t ready to tell the boys that, once upon a time, he and their teacher had had plans to marry. “Miss Kelliher and I grew up running around in our diapers together.”

The twins covered their faces and giggled.

“That’s funny,” Jordan said. “I like huh.”

“She’s really pretty.” Tyler spoke up. “Don’t you think, Daddy?”

Nick hesitated.

“Yeah, Daddy, don’t you think so?” Jordan asked.

Nick’s heartbeat quickened. Their mother and Joy were both the most beautiful women he’d ever known. Different in their own ways, but the one common denominator was their loving and compassionate hearts. His stomach twisted at the thought of Michelle suffering in silence from complications of Crohn’s disease. He should have noticed. Since she’d passed away a year ago last November, the guilt had gnawed away at him each day, but more so at night.

Nick shook off the negative thoughts. “Come on now and finish up your ice cream so we can get your supplies.”

The boys exchanged a quick glance.

Nick watched Jordan as he pushed his bowl aside. He hoped bringing his boys back to Whispering Slopes wasn’t creating more anxiety over their mother’s death.

Thirty minutes later the bell on the door chimed as Nick and the boys entered Buser’s General Store. Nick’s heart warmed. Just like One More Scoop, it was as though time had stood still. The scent of cinnamon swirled in the air. He’d always loved the swizzle candy sticks sold in the giant jar. The sound system played a continuous playlist of songs from the 1950s. He smiled when he spotted a young boy and girl, probably in high school, sharing a cream soda at the counter. How many times had he and Joy sat in that same spot, excited about their future?

He turned when the door tinkled. The trip down memory lane came to a screeching halt.

“Miss Kelliher!” All smiles, Tyler and Jordan sprinted across the room.

Nick swallowed hard while he observed the obvious attachment budding between the boys and their teacher. This concerned him. What if he didn’t secure the job as principal? Would he once again uproot the twins? Could he stay in Whispering Slopes and be happy just teaching? He’d worked hard to obtain his master’s degree, at the expense of his family. Of course, he needed to focus on keeping his own attachments to Joy in check, too. But that could be difficult since their classrooms would be directly across the hall from each other. He’d never imagined when he’d applied for the open teaching position that she’d be working at the school they’d attended together. One thing he did know: she wasn’t going to be happy when she learned he’d be interviewing for the principal position. He couldn’t help but wonder if she’d be applying. After all, her father had held the job for most of his career.

“We came to get everything on your list,” Tyler called out. He flashed the sheet of paper as the group walked back toward Nick.

Her long brown tresses hung straight to the middle of her back. She quickly tucked a stray strand behind her ear. “I thought you’d stop by after your ice cream. That’s why I came.”

“You did?” Nick couldn’t imagine why she’d want to see him, especially after he’d surprised her earlier at the school. It was obvious she wasn’t thrilled to have him back or that she’d be teaching his children. Who could blame her? As far as she knew, he’d never tried to make contact after his father moved their family. But he had. She just didn’t know because, unbeknownst to him at the time, his letters had never been mailed. More than anything, he’d wanted to call Joy and explain, but his father didn’t want anyone in Whispering Slopes to know their dark secret. Although almost a man, Nick had been torn between his loyalty to his family and his hometown sweetheart. But earlier today, Joy had been a professional and kept her emotions in check in front of Mr. Jacobson. Now, when she looked in his direction, her brow arched, making her look tenser than earlier...if that were possible.

She reached into her camel tote bag and pulled out two red mittens.

“My mittens.” Jordan gave a questioning look. “Why do you have them?” He reached inside of his coat pockets.

“I found them on the floor of the coat closet in my classroom.”

Nick noticed the tears in his son’s eyes. “Are you okay, buddy?”

Jordan’s hand shook as he reached for the mittens. “My mommy made these for me,” he sniffled. “I’d be sad if I evuh lost them.”

“How did you know they belonged to Jordan?” Nick asked, but then he remembered.

“His name is sewn on the inside of each one.” Joy looked down at Jordan and smiled. “Obviously your mommy was smart. She knew how easy it is to lose track of these.”

Was. The boys had told Joy about their mother.

Jordan slipped his tiny hands inside each mitten. “I’ll nevuh forget them again. I pwomise.”

Nick rested his hand on his son’s shoulder. “I know you won’t, Jordan.” Although the boy had almost outgrown the garments, Nick knew how special they were to him.

“Let’s go check out the candy aisle, Jor!” Tyler motioned for his brother.

Jordan turned to Joy. “Thank you, Miss Kellihuh. I don’t know what I would have done if I’d lost these.” He gave his teacher a quick hug around the waist and took off toward the treats.

Nick’s heart squeezed as he turned to Joy. “Thank you for making a trip over here.”

Her smile was warm. “It’s on my way home. Besides, we can’t have his little fingers freezing. It can get really cold here, especially in the morning when they’re headed off for school.”

She seemed nervous. He remembered how she used to blink her eyes repeatedly when she was in an uncomfortable situation. “That’s thoughtful of you. Speaking of... The boys told me how you helped them get over their first-day-of-school jitters. I appreciate that,” he said with hopes of making their encounter a little more comfortable.

“It goes with the territory of being a teacher.”

“You’re obviously great with children.” He glanced at her ring finger, wondering if she’d gotten married, but it was bare. Still, he couldn’t help but ask, “No doubt you have several of your own by now?”

He watched as her shoulders stiffened and both brows crinkled.

“I’m sorry... That was rude,” he stuttered.

Joy’s gaze turned to the boys before looking back in his direction. “So, how are your parents?”

Heat prickled up the back of his neck. Now it was his turn to be uncomfortable. There was so much he wanted to tell her—needed to tell her. The reason for his sudden departure...and then the silence on his end. She deserved an explanation, but this wasn’t the place. Of course, he wondered if there would ever be the right time or place to tell her. How could he explain how quickly he’d moved on with a new life? “They’ve both passed on.” Nick swallowed hard, in need of a glass of water.

“I’m sorry to hear that—really, I am.” She placed her hand on his forearm.

Nick recalled his mother’s agonizing death. She’d fought a long battle with her addiction to painkillers—pills that her doctors handed out like candy following her back injury.

The cuckoo clock hanging behind the counter sounded.

“It was a rough period in my life—those years after my family left.” After his mother passed, it got even worse. Watching his father turn to alcohol to mask the pain of losing his partner had been overwhelming for Nick, but it made him realize he had to grow up fast.

“I suppose you have some peace knowing your parents are together with the Lord,” she said softly.

That was exactly what had carried him through the most difficult time of his life. Watching his father turn into someone he no longer knew was hard, but then the cancer was discovered in his father’s pancreas. It took him fast. He didn’t suffer, so that was a blessing. “You’re right. My parents are together again.”

Following a moment of silence, the twins ran toward the adults.

“Can we go back to the hotel, Daddy? I want to go swimming,” Tyler pleaded.

“Hotel?” Joy looked at Nick with an arched brow.

“Yeah, we get to live in a hotel with room service and everything. They even have an indoor pool,” Tyler said.

Nick turned at the sound of footsteps pecking across the hardwood floor.

“You can’t raise these boys in a hotel,” an elderly woman stated.

Sporting the same tight perm, although now snow-white, she looked exactly how he remembered. His heart warmed at the sight of the woman who’d watched him grow up. “Mrs. Buser, it’s so nice to see you.” He strolled toward her and hugged her tight.

She took a step back, gripping his arms. “Nick Capello, I knew you’d come back one day.” Glancing at the twins, she smiled then returned her attention to him. “Why are you and these cute youngins living in a hotel?”

Joy watched with her arms folded.

“It’s only temporary—until our furniture arrives.” The moving company had called the day he and the boys were leaving Chicago. They’d promised to have the delivery here in twenty-four hours... That was two days ago. Apparently a bad snowstorm had caused the delay. He made a mental note to call once they were back at the hotel. “I’m sorry—how rude of me. These are my sons, Tyler and Jordan.”

The freckled twins smiled at Mrs. Buser. “We like living in the hotel... We don’t have to make up the bed.” Jordan giggled as his cheeks flushed.

The adults broke out in laughter.

“Come to think of it, I could use a week or two in a hotel.” The elderly woman tightened the strings on her apron. “Ever since my dear husband passed, I haven’t had a moment’s rest. But really, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“You should hire some help, Mrs. Buser. At least you could take a day off now and then.” Joy voiced her concern.

“I rest on the day of the Lord—that’s enough. Besides, running this place has been one of my greatest joys.” She glanced at Nick and then Joy. “Seeing the two of you growing up and then falling in love—”

Nick looked toward the boys, relieved to see they had wandered over to the snack aisle.

The elderly woman’s face flushed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make either of you uncomfortable.” She paused and placed her hand to her heart. “It’s just... I always thought you two would get married.”

Joy’s face reddened as she adjusted her purse strap on her slender shoulder. “Well, I’d better get going. Tell the boys I’ll see them in class on Monday.”

Before he had a chance to respond, she skidded out the door. Relief settled in when he heard her car pull away. He wanted to talk with her. She deserved an explanation as well as an apology. But not here—not now.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

The guilt the woman wore on her face caused his heart to squeeze. “Please, don’t worry about it. I know people in this town will have a lot of questions about my family’s sudden departure and why I’ve returned,” Nick said.

Mrs. Buser rested her warm wrinkled hand on Nick’s arm. He turned to her. “Joy is the only person in this town who deserves an explanation. As for the rest of us, it’s really none of our business.”

Nick swallowed the lump in his throat. “My father loved this town. The hardest thing he ever had to do, apart from burying my mother, was to uproot me and my sister and leave a lot of unanswered questions. He’s gone now and it’s time for my family to start a new life.”

A silence lingered before Mrs. Buser cleared her throat. “So, where do you and the boys plan on living? And your wife?”

“My wife passed away. It’s just me and my sons now.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“I appreciate that. We’re doing okay. I found a quaint little house with a wonderful wraparound porch located in Whisper Hill.” Before leaving Chicago, Nick had searched available rentals online for several weeks.

He took note of the half smile that parted her lips. “What are you grinning about, Mrs. Buser?”

“Nothing, really—it’s just kind of a coincidence.”

He scratched his temple. “What is?”

She placed her hand on his forearm. “Why, that’s where Joy lives, dear.”

Nick couldn’t believe his ears. When he’d made the decision to move back to Whispering Slopes, he knew he’d see Joy. She loved this town and the chances of her ever moving away were slim, but never in his wildest of dreams would he have imagined he’d be living so close to his first love. He wanted a new life. It was just him and his boys now, and that was the way it had to remain. He’d had his chance to share his life with someone, but he’d blown it—big-time. He didn’t deserve another partner. But didn’t his boys deserve the opportunity to grow up with a mother? Should they suffer because of his past mistakes?