Page 23 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

Anna remembered flat hunting with Tom. They’d had such fun picking out locations, arguing about floor plans, always with a future eye on a baby. The flat they’d shared had been perfect. She was glad they’d had those years together.

Glancing around, Anna knew Tom would have hated this place. It was small, dark, and not at all like the one they’d chosen.

Which drew her up short. She was on her own now. She did the best she could, and that was that. She refused to sink into a pity party—especially when there was an intriguing man on the phone.

Myles was talking again.

“After our outing on Sunday, I was hoping I could convince you and Zack to join me for dinner Friday night. I saw a pizza place close by you that has games for little kids. Does Zack like pizza?”

“I think little boys are born liking pizza. I know the restaurant you mean.” She’d rarely gone inside, but had ordered home delivery from the place several times.

“When do you get home from work?” Myles asked.

“Usually around five forty-five to six. Give me a few minutes to change. We can be ready to go around six-fifteen if that works.”

It was only pizza. Not a date. Men didn’t take little kids on dates. The three of them would have a pleasant time together and it would be one less lonely night for both adults.

She’d see him the day after tomorrow. Anna didn’t know whether to be delighted or nervous. For once, looking at Tom’s photograph didn’t help her with the answer.

Chapter Three

Myles hung up questioning if he was making a mistake, continuing to see Anna. She was so unlike the women he’d dated over the last dozen years she fascinated him. He was curious to know if she was a sleepyhead in the mornings or if she bound out of bed raring to face the day.

Did she prefer coffee or tea? The one time he’d brought coffee, she drank it black.

Did she like long walks? He was growing addicted to them. They made him feel better, even when he was tired afterward and needed to rest.

What were her routines? Her favorite activities? Did she like action movies? He and the men on the job sites loved fast-paced action films. He himself also enjoyed mysteries. Did Anna?

He frowned. He was getting too involved. Tiffany had been the epitome of a party girl—always out for a good time. The kind of woman he’d liked to date. She’d known the score—no commitment, no ties. His job over the last decade had not been suitable for any kind of long-term relationships.

But Anna was totally different. She was a forever kind of woman. And a devoted mother. Despite the difference, he liked her. Leaning against the pillows, he gazed out the window at the minuscule view from his room. Lights gleamed in the night. New York never slept. Rising, he went to stand by the window. He was too high to hear more than a low hum of sound from the street. The lights glittered from towers and apartments and, far below, from cars zipping along.

He wondered what Anna was doing right now. He enjoyed watching her expressions. She didn’t seem to hide a thing. When she laughed, her entire face lit up. But, more often than not, he’d caught her looking sad.

She didn’t deserve it. She and her husband should have had fifty or more years together. They’d adopted Zack in good faith. There were no guarantees on a happy ending in life, but he wished that for her. And Zack.

He walked to the small wet bar to get something to drink. The evening loomed long and lonely. He missed being on the job site where there was always work to be done or places to see. Guys to hang out with in the small bars that sprang up at all sites.

But even if he were back, he wasn’t sure that would suit him now. The land mine had changed his perspective on what was important. Or was it learning he had a son? He popped open the can and drank. Some of each, probably.

Now that he’d met Anna and Zack, heard the love in her voice, Myles knew his son was better off than he’d have been with Tiffany. She’d definitely not been the maternal type. If Tiffany had told him before she’d given birth, he’d have come home to take his child. But would it have worked out for the baby? A single guy working in a foreign locale? How would he have managed?

He knew Anna was an excellent mother. He could see Zack was doing fine. Another visit or two and then Myles would pull back. No sense getting too caught up in their lives. It’d make it that much harder to leave when the time came.

Thursday evening, when Anna returned home, Edith Wade had started supper for her. Zack ran to meet her, waving an envelope.

“You got a note from my teacher,” he said, jumping up and down.

Edith smiled as she gathered her things.

“I think he believes that is good news.”

“Are notes from teachers ever good news?” Anna asked as she slipped her finger beneath the flap and tore the envelope open.

“Not when I was teaching,” Edith said. “Good night, Zack. See you tomorrow.”

“’Kay,” he replied, his eyes full of excitement as he watched his mother pull out the sheet of paper.

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