Little arms clung to his neck and he swore no one would take away his son. He’d kill Kathy first. He hardened his heart against Anna’s sobs and stormed out the door with Isaac.
Ray had a beer waiting when he returned to the house. “You look like you need this.”
With Isaac tucked safely in bed, James drained the bottle in two gulps and reached for another. “Call your cousin.”
“The one that works on the drug task force?”
“Yeah.” James collapsed in the recliner and twisted the top off the bottle. “Tell him about Kathy’s deliveries via the local drive-thru and whatever else he wants to know.”
“Are you sure? She is Isaac’s mother.”
James scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’m sure.”
~~~
The next morning, James stopped by a toy store and let Isaac choose a gift for Andrew. While they waited for the present to be wrapped, they bought Isaac a new toy truck.
On the drive across the causeway, Isaac chattered about the party. Guilt slammed James. Next year, Isaac would have more than a store-bought cake served with chips and beer.
Isaac dropped his truck on the floorboard and wrinkled his forehead. “Where’s Joni? Is she with us?”
“She’s busy. Maybe we’ll see her tomorrow.” Vehicles packed his sister’s drive. Hopefully, Mark wouldn’t say anything about last night.
Isaac unbuckled himself and hefted the blue-wrapped box. The paper ripped as he dragged it up the sidewalk, but he refused help. James opened the front door and held it for him.
“There’s grandma’s darling.”
Isaac was snatched up in a hug and made a face. He wiggled down and propped his arms on his cousin’s gift. “Where’s the party? Where’s Andrew?”
“Sorry we’re late.” James hugged his sister and kissed his mom’s cheek.
“It’s okay. I’m glad you made it home in time for Andrew’s birthday.” Sara lifted Isaac and carried him and the package toward the backdoor. “He’s waiting for you out on the patio.”
James’s mother clung to his arm and led him to the couch. “Sit with me and tell me what’s got you frowning.”
“Kathy’s sister paid ten grand in hopes of adopting Isaac.” The words jumped out of his mouth without thought.
His mother sucked in a breath. “How could a parent contemplate such an idea? You didn’t agree, did you?”
“No.” James propped his feet up on a blue ottoman that matched the couch. “They can’t do anything without my signature. I told ‘em they wasted their money. I’ll never sign.”
“Thank God.” She patted her hair. “James, you’ve been reluctant to accept my help, but that’s what families are for. I know you want to be a good father, but I’m a nice grandma.”
“Thanks Mom. I’ve got three weeks before my next shutdown. Monday, I’ll call my attorney and see what’s holding up the custody issue. We’re moving out of the house. I don’t want Kathy to know where we are. Technically, we have to stay in Mobile County, but can we stay with you until we find an apartment?”
“Of course you can. No need to ask. I pray for you and Isaac daily.”
He stood and kissed his mother’s cheek. “That’s not necessary. I’ve got everything under control. Now let’s go eat some cake and ice cream.”
He looped his arm across his mom’s shoulders as they strolled out to the party. The few people he knew, he greeted by name, and then escaped from Mark’s piercing scowl to a lone chair away from the crowd. When James finished eating, he dropped his empty plate into a black garbage bag and walked to the kid table to check on Isaac. Andrew’s birthday cake was smeared all over his son’s fingers. A lady handed him a baby wipe.
“Hold still.” Isaac needed soap and water. The wet square was a joke. He’d never be clean. James’s hand halted in midair as Joni walked through the patio door carrying a frilly gift bag.
Her stage makeup was flawless. Her hair was slicked back and twisted on the back of her head. A stick of a woman in her mid-fifties followed.
Sara waved her over to the adult table. “Joni, you made it.”
“I can’t stay.” She placed her offering with the others on the table. “But I wanted to give Andrew his gift.” Joni introduced her mother to his mom while her eyes searched the crowded plastic-covered tables. Was she looking for him?
“That’s our girlfriend!”
James shoved the disposable wipe across Isaac’s mouth a few seconds too late. Her smile tripped his pulse. Isaac escaped and barreled around the table. She knelt and stretched out her arms.
Wanting to avoid a disaster, James said, “Be careful, he’s sticky.”
She lifted him into her arms anyway.
Andrew piped up. “She’s not your girlfriend.”
“She is too. Ain’t that right, Daddy?” His son’s words caused a lull in the adult conversation, and the kids’ attention was keen on the argument between the two boys.
James searched for something to say. He wanted to claim Joni as his, but he’d embarrassed her enough.
She turned bright red and stepped toward the house. “Isaac, let’s go wash your hands.”
“Joni, dear. We don’t want to be late.”
“It’s okay, Mom. I’ll just be a minute.”
Isaac wrapped his sticky hands around her neck. “Aren’t you my girlfriend?”
James held his breath.
“Of course I am.” She kissed his cheek and smoothed his hair.
Isaac turned back and stuck his tongue out at Andrew. “Told you.”
James sighed with relief and poured himself a glass of coke. The adults stared at him, especially Mark and Joni’s mother. He swallowed and abandoned his plastic cup. “Excuse me. I’d better help clean Isaac.”
In the house, he followed the sounds of running water to the half bath under the stairs. His fears were confirmed when Isaac said, “Sure you can. Ray’s girlfriend sleeps in his room. You can take turns sleeping with me and Daddy.”
His loudmouthed son stood on the closed toilet lid, while Joni washed his face. Her cheeks resembled the red towel in her hand.
Isaac spotted James and held up his arms. “She won’t live wif us.”
He lifted his son and sighed at his bluntness. “No. I guess not.”
“But we can look at her on the computer.”
Great. James held his smile and set the blabbermouth on his feet in the doorway. “Go play with Andrew.”
“But Daddy…”
“Now, Isaac.”
“See you tomorrow, Joni.” Isaac reached on his tiptoes and she bent and kissed him.
Isaac grinned out the door.
James shuffled his feet. “I’m sorry if he embarrassed you. He’s only four.”
Her giggle danced in his ears. “It’s okay. That’s what little boyfriends are for.”
“I’m glad you’re here. I thought you couldn’t make it.”
“I can’t stay. We’re on our way to Pensacola.” Her smile blinded him. “But I don’t play until six and I wanted to see you.”
“I wanted to see you, too.” He stepped into the small space and caressed her hair. A huge glob of icing clung to the silky strands at her temple. “Isaac left his mark on you.” He reached around her and snagged the hand towel. “You have icing in your hair.”
Her giggle made him smile.
“Hold still.” He took his time removing the icing and stood as close to her as possible. With one hand under her chin, he titled her head left then right. He leaned in for a kiss.
Sara’s voice interrupted from the kitchen. “Joni, your Mom asked me to hurry you along.” The unmistakable suction of the freezer door followed.
Joni swallowed and exhaled a ragged breath. “I have to go. Mom’s not a patient person.”
“Right.” James stepped aside but Joni’s arm brushed his.
She glanced over her shoulder and he watched until the door hid her from his sight. Seeing Joni stirred a hunger in him. He kne
w he should let her go but… He brought out his phone and texted her. Have dinner with me tonight.
He paced the floor until she replied, Cant. Wont get back until late.
At least she didn’t outright say no. He tried again. Tomorrow?
Sunday. Church. Come with me.
James slapped his phone against his palm. Could he do it? What if conviction fell? He didn’t want anything to do with God, but if that’s what it took to spend time with her, he’d survive. You’ll sit with me and let me buy lunch afterward?
Yes. Bring my other boyfriend with you.
James decided not to tell his mother or sister. He didn’t need anyone preaching at him before the service.
After the party, on the way to his mom’s, he and Isaac sneaked by the mall and bought identical suits. It had been a while, but James knew how to dress for the church crowd.
The next morning, Joni waited in the church foyer. Her smile greeted them. “There’s my handsome boyfriends. I was afraid you’d changed your mind.”
Isaac reached for her and she hugged him close. Walking down the aisle, James leaned near and whispered, “Where’s my hug?”
Red-faced, Joni slipped in the pew. “Don’t tempt me while I’m in church.”
Isaac crawled into his surprised grandmother’s lap. James stretched his legs and smiled as Joni bit her bottom lip. He covered her hand resting on the pew. He turned it over and traced the lines of her palm before threading his fingers with hers. “You insisted on coming here.”
She smiled and shook her head. “Hush. The service is starting.”
The pastor titled his message “The Unexpected Blessings of God.” When he issued an invitation to pray, Joni led James down front and he knelt beside her.
For the first time in years, he spoke directly to his Heavenly Father. You know I’m only here for Joni. If you want to bless someone, bless her. She deserves them. I don’t.
He tarried until he thought enough time had passed before he stood. Quickly walking up the aisle, he waited for her near the door.
~~~
The hostess led them through a beaded curtain to a room filled with hanging sombreros and tequila bottles. Latin music danced through the speakers hidden in the ceiling. She stopped at a middle table. “Is this fine?”
James nodded at the corner. “Actually, Isaac does better in a booth.”
She smiled and gathered the menus from the table. “Follow me.”
“Would you like a booster seat?” Though the question was aimed at Joni, James answered. “No thanks, he wouldn’t sit in it anyway.”
Isaac climbed in beside Joni. James slid in opposite of them and removed the bottle of hot sauce from little hands. “Behave.”
Joni opened the three-pack of crayons and Isaac doodled on the kids menu as James reached for his ringing phone.
“Hello?”
“James Preston?” The unfamiliar voice held no emotion.
“Yeah. Who is this?” He turned the receiver away from his mouth and gave the waitress his drink order.
“I’m calling on behalf of Kathleen Davies…” Papers shuffled in the background.
Joni caught his gaze. “Can Isaac have caffeine?”
“Hold on.” He held the phone down and answered Joni. “Yeah. Order him a cheese quesadilla and get me the steak and shrimp fajitas.” He lifted the cell phone to his ear and tuned out the waitress. “Who are you and what do you want?”
“I’m sorry, sir. What I’m about to disclose is confidential information. I need to make sure I have the right person.”
“You have the right person. What has she done now?”
Across the table, Joni lifted a brow. James covered her hand with his and winked. He wouldn’t let anything come between them.
The voice on the phone continued. “Kathleen was arrested last night for possession with the intent to distribute. I’m a local bondsman. Her bond was set at one hundred thousand dollars. You can come by my office or I can meet you at Metro. I require ten percent, cash or cashier’s check only, and then I’ll start the process of getting her released.”
“She’s in jail?” James picked up Isaac’s red crayon and wrote Kathy’s name on a paper napkin for Joni to see. “That’s the best news I’ve heard in months.”
The bail bondsman didn’t give up. “Mr. Preston, Mobile Metro is not a pleasant place. And might I remind you, Thursday is Thanksgiving.”
“I don’t care. There’s no way I’m paying ten thousand dollars to bail her out, but thanks for the information.” He pocketed his phone with a smile and accepted his drink from the waitress. When she was gone, he kissed Joni’s fingers. “Do you know what this means?”
Her eyes sparkled across the table. “Yes. God’s unexpected blessings are real.”
~~~
Three hours. Not enough time to shop and too much time to spend in the library dodging the unwanted advances of the super intellectuals. Joni stepped off the sidewalk as a speed demon on a bike raced past. Relaxing at the Kappa house for the lapse between classes wasn’t an option since she’d moved out. Maybe she’d drive to the park and watch the ducks from the warmth of her car. With a destination in mind, her feet quickened their pace and then stumbled to a halt.
James. He jumped off her car’s hood and jogged toward her. She met him halfway. Slivers of gold flamed in his brown eyes. Joni shivered as his gaze zeroed in on her mouth.
Stretching on tiptoe, Joni pressed her lips against his. His mouth devoured hers and she melted. She clung to his shoulders to stay upright. “James.” She wanted another kiss, but he looped an arm around her shoulder and led her a few spaces down.
The truck door creaked open. Gentle fingers lifted her chin. “Get in before you freeze.”
She mumbled something and climbed in the truck.
With a wink, he closed her door, and she turned on her phone. Trembling hands scrolled through her text messages. She smiled as she read three from James.
He slid under the wheel, started the truck, and flipped the heater on high. Scooting across the seat, she linked her arm through his and pressed her lips against his sleeve. He kissed the top of her head and shifted into reverse.
Music played softly and she was content to snuggle against his side for the next fifteen minutes. As long as she was with James, their destination didn’t matter. Until he pulled into an apartment complex off Hillcrest Road.
“What are we doing?” Joni voiced her thoughts without thinking.
He parked in front of the office and shut off the engine. “Apartment shopping.” The flash of his pearly whites sent her pulse dancing.
“You and me?” He couldn’t be serious. “We’re apartment shopping?”
“Yep.”
She stared unseeing at the dashboard until he opened her door and tugged on her hand. Her shoes stuck to the concrete. James lifted one brow and studied her. “The apartment is for Isaac and me, but you can move in anytime you want.”
“Oh.” She breathed a sigh of relief as her hands slipped around his neck and played in his hair. “I knew that.”
He dipped in for a kiss and then winked. “We are fifteen minutes from campus.”
Heat crept up her face. “Stop teasing.”
“Who says I’m teasing?”
They walked hand in hand into the rental office. “I’m James Preston. We have an appointment.”
The lady smiled from her desk. “You’re late.”
He flashed his flirty smile. “Sorry, couldn’t be helped. Joni’s professor likes to hear himself talk.”
The manager waved a ringed hand at the two empty chairs in front of her desk. “Please.”
James kept Joni’s hand secure in his as she perched on the edge of her seat.
“I have an apartment available the thirtieth of November. From what you’ve told me, it’ll be perfect for you. It’s across from the playground and pool. Would you like to see it?”
At his nod, the manager opened her desk drawer and selected a k
ey. “This way.”
His arm came around Joni’s shoulder and a kiss landed on her temple as they followed the short-haired woman out the door and down the sidewalk.
“We have an Olympic-size and a two-foot kiddie pool.” Wedge heels clicked as she moved on. “Playground.”
The smell of fresh paint wafted along in the breeze. At least the maintenance was good. Joni pressed close against James’s side. “I can picture Isaac playing here.”
He stopped on the sidewalk and watched a woman push a toddler on the swings. “Yeah, he needs more kid time.”
The manager had crossed the street. James’s arm slid from Joni’s shoulder and tugged on her hand. They quickly caught up and Mrs. Efficient led them up wooden steps. The maroon paint flaked but the stairs were sound. At the top, a concrete walkway led to two apartments. One on the left. One on the right. She turned to the left and inserted the key.
Joni missed James’s simple touch as he released her hand and reached for the smaller door on the outside. “Is this for storage?”
“Yes.” The manager smiled again and unlocked that door as well.
He leaned in and flipped a switch. A light flicked on overhead. “Hmph.” He turned the light off and shut the door.
“The apartment opens to the living area. The carpets will be cleaned next week.”
Joni kept silent as the lady showed them a simple floor plan. One floor of her parents’ home was bigger than the entire apartment. Standing in the walk through closet between the full bath and the master bedroom, the lady addressed Joni. “There are washer and dryer hookups in here, if, you can afford to lose the closet space. Otherwise, we have a coin laundry on the backside of the pool house.”
Joni stuttered a reply. “Oh, I won’t be living here.” The lady ignored her comment and marched up the hall. Joni blew out a breath and shrugged. “She didn’t believe me.”
James coughed in his hand. “I like it. What do you think? You ready to move in?”
Without a word, she walked off and left him standing alone. In the second bedroom, she opened the closet. It was tiny. James propped in the doorway.
Joni surveyed the room. “Does Isaac have a twin bed?”
“Yeah, why?”
“’Cause, I don’t think you could get a full in here and have room for him to play.”
Strong arms wrapped around her. “Joni, he’s used to a hotel. He’ll love this.” He kissed her cheek. “Come on. There’s one more thing I want to check before we decide.”
The hall was too narrow for them to walk side by side. He let her go first. “Where am I going?”