didn’t get much better. They still fought, mostly over me.”
“I’m sorry.”
Not about to get into how they’d turned him into a spy for each of them, he continued, “It was during this period that my aunt would whisk me away. She could see that I wasn’t happy. So she’d take me on day trips around the city.”
Kate waved away his idea. “I’m sure it was nice. But if I want to distract Molly and give her something to look forward to, it’s got to be better than a walk in the park and a push on the swings. Besides, when she gets out of the hospital, we’ll be heading back to Pennsylvania. This job is great, but it’ll be over soon. I have to think about either getting my old position back or finding a new one.”
He frowned at the thought that one day soon Kate would be gone. He was getting used to having her around. Not that he was getting attached to her or anything. He just liked having someone at home with whom to share a meal and make conversation.
Still, he’d like to see that Kate and her daughter had good memories to take home with them. His idea would take some convincing. However, seeing something with one’s own eyes was always more persuasive than a sales pitch.
Yes, that’s what he’d do—show Kate a good time.
* * *
The next morning, Kate was back working in the library, mulling over how to cheer up Molly. She liked that Lucas had been there pitching helpful ideas. Most of all, she liked that he’d opened up some about his childhood. Things must have been bad if his aunt felt she had to get him out of the house. Her heart went out to that little boy who’d been in such an unhappy situation.
“Let’s go.”
Her head jerked up at the sound of Lucas’s voice. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to pick you up.”
She straightened, not recalling that they’d had any plans. Yet he was standing there midmorning in a dark pair of jeans, which accented his athletic legs, and he’d unbuttoned his blue collared shirt and rolled up the sleeves. What in the world had gotten into him? And why did she find herself staring at him like some starstruck high-schooler? Probably because it should be against the law to look that good.
His blue eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, are you just going to stand there smearing paint everywhere?”
She glanced down, finding the paint stick she’d been using to stir the white paint for the trim dripping all over the drop cloth. She hurried to set it aside and put the lid back on the can. Something told her that she wouldn’t be doing any painting until Lucas left, not if she wanted to get the paint on the walls and not the floor.
That was one thing about this project that she really enjoyed, being able to work with her hands. At her old job she’d done the sketches, consulted with the owners and supervised the transformation. But she hadn’t rolled up her sleeves and dived in with the detail work. When she finished with this project, it truly would be the crowning accomplishment in her portfolio. First, though, she had to get it finished. Too many things were riding on her bringing this project in on schedule.
“I can’t go anywhere. I have work to do.” She pressed her hands to her hips.
“You need a break.”
“What I need is a few more hours in the day.”
“I thought you might say that so I’d like you to meet Hank and Mike.” Two men in white overalls stepped into the doorway. “They can paint or whatever it is you need them to do.”
“But I can’t just leave.”
Lucas grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the door. “We have to hurry—”
“Is it Molly? Did something happen—”
“No. Nothing like that. This is all good. I promise.” He sent her a reassuring smile that made her stomach dip. “Go get changed while I make a quick phone call. We have someplace to be.”
“I need to have a few words with these guys.”
Lucas frowned.
“It’ll only take a minute.”
“Hurry.” He turned and strode away.
Minutes later, dressed in fresh jeans and a pink blouse, Kate stepped outside. The bright sunshine warmed her skin. With just a gentle breeze, it was warm enough to venture out without a jacket.
As they made their way down the sidewalk, she couldn’t hold back her curiosity. She stepped in front of Lucas and turned. “I’m not going any further until you tell me where we’re headed.”
“Didn’t your mother ever teach you to wait patiently for your surprise?”
“My mother didn’t do surprises. Let’s just say she had an active social life and kids didn’t really fit into the equation.”
Lucas’s lips pressed into a firm line. “If it makes you feel any better, I know where you’re coming from. My mother wasn’t big into the parenting scene either, unless it fit some sort of social agenda.”
Their conversation dwindled as they started to walk again. Destination unknown. Kate gave up worrying about it and lifted her face up to the sun. The exercise and the sunshine were working wonders on her mood. The tension in her neck and shoulders eased away.
In no time at all, Lucas was taking her by the hand and leading her through Central Park. “Come on.”
This was his surprise? A trip to the park? Her good mood dimmed as she thought of how much Molly would enjoy this adventure. “What are we doing here?”
“I’ll show you.” He led her over to a beautiful white horse-drawn carriage and held out his hand. “We’re going for a ride.”
“Are you serious? But why?” She hesitated. “I shouldn’t be here.”
Lucas’s dark brows drew together. “Why?”
“Because it isn’t right. Not with Molly in the hospital.”
He nodded as though he understood. “I guess I didn’t think this through. Would you rather go see her?”
“Yes...but I can’t. This is Chad’s agreed time with her. And she likes having her dad around. And I...I don’t do so well with his occasional snide little comments.”
“Well, since you can’t see Molly yet, consider this a research project.”
“Research?”
“Sure. I’m showing you how to have a good time without spending a fortune. You didn’t believe me so I decided to show you.”
“This can’t possibly be that cheap.”
“You’d be surprised. It’s actually reasonable. Although the price does go up if you reserve a carriage for a specific time or have some extras thrown in.”
Kate was impressed as she climbed
