Minor Opposition Page 6

  “A bit dusty.” She wouldn’t permit her fear to frighten him. She rose and brushed off her khaki slacks. “I thought I was headed for a bath in the lake. Don’t you worry about falling?”

  He shook his head. “Daddy says I’m part mountain goat.”

  Laurel chuckled. “In Switzerland, I saw goats balance on small ledges.”

  “You seen ‘bout everything.”

  “Not really.” She inhaled. She’d been to foreign countries and seen many marvels, but she hadn’t experienced the things that mattered most.

  “You squashed your lunch.”

  “So I have.”

  Moments later, Johnny pointed to a gaping hole in the hillside. “We’re here.”

  She ducked and followed him into the cave. Though she had expected darkness, a beam of light shone through a hold in the rocky overhang and illuminated the small cave.

  “Isn’t this neat?” Johnny asked. “The other ones are dark and scary.”

  “You’re right.” Laurel sat on the ground and opened her lunch. The sandwich had been flattened and the pouch of strawberries squashed. Surprisingly, the box of juice and the cookies remained intact. While they ate, Johnny edged closer until his jeans brushed her slacks. Laurel held in the desire to pull him closer.

  “He’s wary of women, even me,” Megan had said. Alex had expressed surprise at Johnny’s response.

  No need to rush the rapport, she thought. Let Johnny set the pace. The boy had recognized a kindred spirit. For now, that was enough. And for tomorrow -- She gulped a breath.

  Johnny finished his lunch and added the wrappers and the bag to Laurel’s. He moved away and returned with a wooden box. “My treasures. Want to see them?”

  “Of course,” she said.

  “A button from my bunny’s eyes.” He sighed. “The old washer chewed him up. Daddy found this rock for me. See how it shines.”

  One by one, he revealed his treasures. The box contained trinkets from the Rodgers, Jenessa and her husband, Megan, his grandfather Carter. What about his mother and her parents? Hadn’t they bought him presents?

  Resentment curdled her thoughts. How could Rhonda have ignored her son? Hell-bent on pleasure had been Megan’s assessment. Laurel sighed. What greater pleasure could there be beyond possessing the love of a husband and a child? What greater delight than having a home?

  Johnny leaned against her. The ache in her chest grew acute. What would she give to have this child as her own.

  “Do you like my treasures?”

  “Very much. When my boxes arrive, I’ll have something to add.”

  “What?” His dark eyes glowed with anticipation.

  “You’ll have to wait.”

  He covered his mouth to hide a yawn. “Can I have three guesses?”

  Laurel chuckled. “You can have a hundred, but I won’t tell.” She rose. “I think it’s time for my nap.”

  “Mine, too.” He scrambled up the hill and waited by the gate for her.

  As Laurel followed, she wondered if some kind or railing could be placed beside the path. Maybe a rope fastened to metal poles. Who should she ask? Would Alex and Jake think her fears were foolish? Maybe they were. What did she know about being a child with the freedom to explore? For her, there had been brick walls and caretakers who had never allowed her to stray more than a few yards.

  When they reached the house, Johnny ran inside. “See you later,” he said.

  “At dinner.”

  “Okay.”

  Three hours later, after her second bath of the day in the bathing pool, Laurel entered the kitchen. Johnny’s excited chatter made her smile. He bounded up and down on a chair. “Hi, Laurel. Ask her, Daddy, please.”

  Alex held Laurel’s chair. “Is something wrong?” His warm breath flowed across her neck and she sighed.

  “Johnny and I were wondering if you’d like to go to the zoo with us Wednesday afternoon.”

  The invitation took her by surprise. “I’d like that very much.”

  Alex took his place across from her. “I figure you’re bored with being stuck out here.”

  “Bored. Hardly. Johnny keeps me amused.”

  Alex glanced away, but not before she caught a glimpse of envy on his face. Why? He had more than she ever dreamed of having.

  *****

  On Wednesday morning, Alex completed hospital rounds and drove to his office to take care of the ever-present paperwork. He opened the front door of the converted ranch house. All morning, stray thoughts of the planned outing with Johnny and Laurel had broken his concentration. When he recalled her delight over the invitation, he grinned and leaned against the door.

  He shook his head to clear away an incessant fantasy. How could he trust her? Like Rhonda, Laurel was an heiress. He couldn’t believe her upbringing had been any different than his dead wife’s. Private schools, expensive summer camps, European vacations, every wish granted. Yet, nothing in Laurel’s behavior confirmed his fears that she was spoiled, selfish and yearned for exciting places and wild company. She had been ill. Now that she had recovered, he didn’t think she would remain in Eastlake.

  He strode across the waiting room and picked up the stack of mail his secretary had left on the corner of the desk. The return address on the first letter shook him. He hadn’t heard from Rhonda’s father since the tersely worded letter informing him of her death and all but naming him as the cause. Those words had reinforced his belief in his failure as a husband.

  He strode down the hall to his office and sat in the chair behind the desk. Inhaling deeply, he pulled the letter from the envelope. The first sentence made him choke.

  “It has come to my attention that you are cohabiting with a young woman. While I understand you have normal male appetites, I do not believe your current living arrangement provides the proper environment for my grandson.”

  Who had spread such a tale? How could anyone imply that Laurel’s presence in the guest suite was an improper arrangement? He crushed the paper and then smoothed it to finish reading.

  “Therefore, I have decided to petition the courts for custody of Johnny.”

  Alex wadded the letter and threw it at the wall. How dare Richard think he would allow him custody of Johnny? In the three years since the divorce, Richard had seen Johnny a handful of times. What did Marisa think of this? When she had called on Johnny’s birthday, she hadn’t betrayed a hint of her husband’s intentions. Surely Richard wouldn’t act without his wife’s knowledge.

  He reached for the phone and dialed a familiar number. Moments later, his friend and attorney answered. “Brady, I need some advice.” Quickly, he explained the situation.

  “The man’s joking,” Brady said.

  “Not Richard Cooper. He thinks money can buy anything.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. How does he expect to prove you neglect Johnny? Man, you live a clean life. Work and your son. No women, alcohol or drugs. How come I haven’t heard about your live-in girlfriend?”

  “Because she’s not.” Alex told Brady the reasons for Laurel’s presence in the guest suite. “I don’t know who distorted the truth. What should I do?”

  “Send her on her way.”

  He could, but how would Johnny react and what would Megan say? “I’m not ready for a lecture from my sister. Laurel has no place to go. Her next of kin is a bank.”

  “That’s weird. Why a bank?”

  “I understand there are no relatives, even distant ones.”

  Brady chuckled. “What a bonus. No in-laws. I’ve a great idea. Marry her. Then Cooper won’t have a chance.”

  “Marry? Are you crazy? She’s an heiress. I’ve done that before.”

  “Just kidding. Look, don’t worry about a thing. Bring me this letter. I’ll plan a strategy and try to arrange a conference. You haven’t forbidden him to see Johnny, have you?”

  “Never. He and Marisa seldom bother to come.”

  “Good. Shouldn’t take too much to show what nonsense this is.”

&nb
sp; “Don’t be so sure. Richard Cooper won’t hesitate to buy witnesses against me. When he wants something, he’s ruthless.”

  “Don’t panic.”

  Alex hung up. How could he keep from worrying about this threat? His ex-father-in-law had inherited a fortune and doubled it. Alex remembered listening to Richard boast about the ways he’d bent the law to gain his desires.

  He reached for the next envelope. The small seed Brady had planted sent forth a shoot. Marry Laurel. Of all the foolish ideas. Alex pushed the thought aside and dealt with the remainder of the mail.

  After delivering the letter to Brady’s office, Alex drove to the school for Johnny. His son skipped down the walk. “The zoo. We’re going to the zoo. Laurel said she’d buy special food for the elephants. Do you think I could ride on one? She did.”

  Alex chuckled. “I don’t think elephants can be ridden. There are ponies though.”

  “Do you think Laurel is ready?” Johnny sighed. “She’s ‘most as good as a mommy.”

  Another shoot grew. Alex fought to eradicate the thought of marriage and Laurel, but like a weed, the roots were deeply embedded.

  *****

  Though the sun shone bright in the blue sky, a cool breeze made the late May afternoon perfect. They had begun their visit in the children’s section of the zoo. Johnny had seen a number of farm animals and rode a pony. He held Laurel’s hand and tried to pull her into a run.

  “The elephants. Hurry.”

  Laurel brushed back strands of hair that had escaped from her French braid. “Don’t be in such a rush. They won’t disappear.” When they reached the enclosure, Johnny pressed against the railing.

  “Wow, I forgot they was so big.”

  Laurel wrinkled her nose. Or smelled so bad. She put coins in a vending machine and handed Johnny a bag of food pellets.

  Johnny reached for his father’s hand. “If I ride on one, I could see far away.”

  Laurel listened to Alex’s third attempt to explain that the elephants couldn’t be ridden. The sound of his deep voice, the sight of his sun-bright hair and the subtle scent of his aftershave threatened to destroy the calmness she’d built during the ride to the zoo.

  “Want to ride.” Johnny stamped his foot.

  Laurel stooped until she was eye-level with him. “There are no howdahs.”

  “What’s that?”

  “A special seat that fits on the elephant’s back. Some have curtains and reminded me of little houses.”

  Johnny thrust out his lower lip. “Let’s go buy one.”

  Laurel straightened. “I think they only sell them in India. That’s a very long trip.”

  “Oh.” He moved to the railing and stared at the elephants.

  Alex touched Laurel’s arm. As though she’d been goaded by an electric probe, she jumped. Her awareness of him as a man became acute.

  “Thanks,” he said. “I thought he was headed for a tantrum. Sometimes he can be beyond stubborn.”

  Laurel nodded. “I’ve noticed. Maybe I should stop telling him stories about elephants.”

  “Don’t. It’s wonderful to watch him emerge from the shell he’s pulled around himself. Even his teacher mentioned how animated he’s become.”

  Laurel moved away. Being so close to him had become unbearable. She needed no stimulus to dream of more.

  Johnny emptied the bag of food. He took his father’s hand and then Laurel’s.

  For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine they were a family. Knowing her emotions were written on her face, she stared at the elephants. She had no desire for him to see her feelings and reject her again.

  “Want to see the snakes now, and then the lions and monkeys,” Johnny said.

  Laurel shuddered. “I’ll pass on the snakes.”

  Alex raised an eyebrow. “Afraid?”

  “If you’d ever found a cobra in your sleeping bag or watched a boa feed, you’d be wary.”

  Johnny looked up at her. “Daddy will protect you.” He let go of her hand. “He can hold your hand ‘stead of mine. Auntie Megan would like him to make you safe.”

  “I bet she would,” Alex said.

  The hint of sarcasm in his voice caused Laurel to step back. Alex captured her hand. A thousand volt charge electrified her nerve endings and sent heated messages to her brain. Alex’s expression changed. Laurel closed her eyes. Had he felt the same shock?

  After the snakes, they watched the monkeys and then strolled past the big cats. Alex retained his hold on her hand and Laurel fought infusions of warmth and yearning.

  When they left the zoo, they drove to a nearby restaurant. Johnny’s chatter failed to keep her from dreaming of the impossible. A man to love, a family, a home.

  She swallowed the last bite of a hot fudge sundae and wiped her fingers. Instead of dreams, she had to grasp reality.

  Johnny yawned. Alex lifted his son from the chair and carried him to the car. “Time to go, buddy. It’s been a big day.”

  Five minutes later, Johnny fell asleep. Laurel glanced at Alex. The stiff set of his shoulders showed a return of the unease between them. She cleared her throat. “Thanks for inviting me.”

  “Johnny insisted. He’s very fond of you.”

  “He’s wonderful.”

  “But insecure. He’s not over the trauma of being abandoned by his mother. I wonder if he ever will be.”

  Was he warning her? “I won’t leave without letting him know.” She turned to look at him. “He took me to his secret place and I’d like --”

  “Don’t tell me. When he’s ready, he’ll take me there.”

  “But --”

  “Let Johnny be the one to show me. It’s about trust.”

  Laurel stared ahead. “I don’t mean to intrude.”

  Alex shook his head. “I’m glad he likes you. I guess I envy you.”

  “But why? He adores you.”

  “It’s not the same. I’m his father.”

  Laurel leaned back. Her childhood experiences helped her understand Johnny’s insecurities. Thankfully, he had a more stable situation than hers had been. She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.

  The cessation of motion woke her. She rubbed her eyes. Alex lifted Johnny from his car seat. “We’re home, buddy. Just in time for a bath and bed.”

  “Story, too,” Johnny said. “Want Laurel to come.”

  “I think she’s tired,” Alex said.

  Laurel closed the passenger door. “Actually, I’m not. I’d enjoy telling him a story.”

  Johnny wiggled from his father’s arms. “Come on. Daddy, you can listen.”

  A short time later, Johnny appeared in his bedroom doorway. He wore red and white pajamas. Laurel smiled. “Why don’t I say good night and let your father read a story?”

  He shook his head. “You, please. Tell ‘bout the elephant and his trunk.”

  Alex leaned against the door frame. “A little Kipling. Be my guest.”

  “An edited version.” She sat beside Johnny’s bed and began the story. When she finished, she ruffled his hair. “Night.”

  He threw his arms around her. “You’re just like a mommy.”

  An ache filled Laurel’s chest. Her chances of marriage and children were small, especially when she loved a man who didn’t return that love.

  She kissed Johnny’s cheek and hurried past Alex. In the hall, she leaned against the wall and fought the swell of tears that filled her eyes. Regret for the life she’d never known and the dreams destined to remain unfulfilled brought more tears.

  Alex stepped into the hall. “Are you all right?” He put his hand on her shoulder.

  She nodded. “It’s just...I never...”

  “You will,” he said. “Someday, the right man will appear and you’ll have all you’ve dreamed about.”

  Except the right man had appeared and she had nothing.

  His fingers caressed her shoulders. She edged away. His sympathy wasn’t what she wanted. Not wanting him to see the yearning in her eyes, she f
led down the stairs. As she hurried across the lawn to the guest suite, she felt her dreams fracture.

  Chapter 5

  On Friday morning, Laurel woke early and quickly dressed. As she walked across the lawn to the kitchen wing, she rehearsed her request for a ride to town. The transfer of funds from the Mellwood Bank had been completed. She glanced at the cloudless sky. Today, she intended to put her life in motion. A job, a car, her own house. She inhaled a few deep breaths. Though she’d miss spending time with Johnny, seeing Alex every day and being torn between fantasy and reality had become too painful.

  She entered the kitchen, smiled at Sarah’s raised eyebrow, ruffled Johnny’s hair and sat beside him. Where was Alex? Usually, he and Johnny reached the table together. She was about to ask Jake to take her to town when Alex arrived. Her throat tightened. His dark gray jacked made his shoulders appear broader and his eyes darker than obsidian. She picked up the glass of orange juice and forced a swallow past the constriction in her throat.

  “Morning,” Alex said.

  Laurel put her glass down. “Could I hitch a ride to town with you?” She pushed the words out in a rush.

  Sarah put a plate of French toast in front of Laurel and another in Alex’s place. “If you’re needin’ anything, Jake and I are goin’ to town this afternoon. We can take you then. No sense pushin’ yourself.”

  “Thanks, but I have some business and shopping to do and I’m meeting Jenessa for lunch.”

  “Mall’s the place for shoppin’,” Sarah said. “Still, might do you some good to get away. Jake could drive you to the mall when it opens and Jenessa could meet you there.”

  Laurel looked at her plate. How could she explain without revealing her plans?

  Alex cleared his throat. “I’ll take you. Any place special you want off?”

  “The bank to sign some papers to open my accounts.” She watched the way his shoulders tensed and wondered why. The trip to town, the money, what?

  “You can come on the bus,” Johnny said. “We see the bank every day. Bobby’s mommy rides with us. You could go as my mommy.”