Just a Little White Lie(66)

And it hit him. Smacked him right between the eyes. Life didn’t get any better than this.

This was what he wanted. Right here in this yard. It was all here. But none of it was his. Dread grew heavy in his stomach.

If he persisted in settling the score with Darling Enterprises, he’d risk any chance he might have of ever winning this picture-postcard life. Yet if he didn’t push ahead, how could he live with himself?

He must have made some sound of distress, because Lucy stopped fooling around with Sammy and the dog and sat up.

“Gosh, I didn’t see you, Jake.”

“Uncle Jake!”

“Hey, guy. How are you and the mutt doing?”

“Good.” Sammy sent him a wide grin. “Lucy said you’re gonna go to my game tonight.”

“You betcha!”

Lucy regarded him speculatively. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“You look…I don’t know. Upset, maybe.”

“Nah. I’m fine.” He walked toward them as he glanced around the yard. “Where’s Birdie?”

“Oh, she’s running a little late. Somebody came in at the last minute for a trim.” She waggled her brows. “Personally, I think someone was there for something else entirely. If you know what I mean.”

Jake groaned. “I don’t even want to go there.”

“Why, Uncle Jake? What’s wrong?”

“Nothin’, tiger. I just hate to think of your mother workin’ so hard.” He met Lucy’s eyes over the boy’s head.

She grinned. “Little ears. While we’re waiting for Birdie, I fixed us some macaroni and cheese. It’s out of a box, but it’s not bad if I do say so myself. Want some?”

He had to laugh despite the apprehension he’d felt only moments earlier. The expression on her face was one of such pride, such pleasure. Because she’d fixed a boxed dinner and fed herself and a small boy. Lucinda Darling had changed, was in fact becoming his Lucy. Maybe there was hope after all.

He wasn’t the least bit hungry, but how could he resist an offer like that? “One of my favorite foods. I’d love some.”

“I helped,” Sammy said.

“Bet you did.” He ruffled the boy’s sweaty hair.

“I showed Lucy where Mom keeps the pans and the spoons and the milk.”

Jake threw one arm over Lucy and one over Sammy and the three of them walked into the house, Swiffer nipping at their heels the entire way.

Lucy was right. The macaroni was good. He’d just dumped his dish and silverware in the dishwasher when Birdie flew through the door, breathless.

“Sorry I’m late. Something came up at work that I had to deal with.”

Jake watched the silent communication between the two women. “I’ll bet something did come up at work.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” his sister asked.

“It means I know Zane’s back in town.” His voice was calm, his gaze steady.

Birdie lifted her chin. “So?”

“So nothin’,” Jake said. “Just saying. At least till he gives me a reason to—Ouch! Jeez, Lucy.”

He rubbed his belly where she’d elbowed him.

“I think this conversation should maybe be held later. In private.” She nodded toward Sammy, who sat on the edge of a chair, his elbows on the table, head resting in his hands, drinking in every word they said.

Jake rubbed his wounded stomach again. “Yeah, you’re right. Next time, though, be a little nicer.”

She sent him the phoniest grin he’d ever seen.

Ten minutes later, Birdie had grabbed a quick shower and changed. Sammy was dressed in his uniform, his equipment gathered and stashed in a duffel. Swiffer had been put out for one last potty break, rounded up again and brought back inside.

They were ready to go. Finally. Frazzled, Jake felt like he’d done ten rounds in Judge Sweeney’s courtroom.

“Sammy, come on. We don’t want to be late.”

The boy hopped in the car, waving the length of the street to him and Lucy, as he and his mom pulled away.

Jake mounted his bike and held his breath as Lucy crawled on behind him. Her scent filled his senses; her arms wrapped around his waist and felt so good. So right.

Again he recognized how scary these feelings were. Or should be.

Then he remembered what he’d put in his jeans pocket. He lifted himself slightly, keeping the bike braced between his legs. Sliding a hand in his pocket, he dug out Lucy’s ring.

The evil thing as he’d come to think of it.

Handing it over his shoulder to her, he said, “Here. You said you wanted this.”

“I didn’t say I wanted it.” She plucked it from him and slipped it on her finger. “I said we needed it if we were going to keep up the pretense.”