Page 25 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

Myles closed the door and looked at Anna. She wore slim slacks and a pretty green shirt. A sweater was slung over her shoulders. She looked a bit tired, but almost—happy to see him?

A man could hope.

“I’m a bit early,” he said.

“We’re almost ready. Come in and sit down. I’ll be right back.”

She fled down the hall after Zack. Myles stood where he was, listening to the murmur of voices, watching as Zack ran back toward him a moment later. Love filled him for this small child he scarcely knew. Had things been different, Zack would run toward him, calling Daddy.

In less than two minutes, they were in the elevator and on their way to dinner.

“This is such a delightful treat,” Anna said as they stepped into the early April evening.

Shadows filled the canyons of the streets. The air was cooler than it had been. He watched as she took a deep breath and seemed to relax before his eyes.

“Tough week?” he asked, glancing from her to Zack. His son had taken his mother’s hand and then reached for his. He looked up at Myles.

“Swing me,” he said.

“What?”

“Oh, Zack, not now. Myles isn’t up to that.”

“What?” he asked again.

“Zack likes to swing between two adults who are holding his hands. But it’s the last thing you need with a shoulder injury.”

“I don’t think swinging a little boy is going to put me back in hospital.”

“Is one side stronger than another?” she asked.

He shrugged. It felt odd to have someone concerned about him. He’d been making his way alone for a long time.

“So what do I do?” he asked.

“Hold on tight and on three, we’ll swing him forward and then back. One time, that’s all.”

Zack shrieked with laughter at his swing.

“Again.” he demanded.

“No, Zack. That’s it.”

Anna was firm.

Zack shot her a frown, then spied several pigeons ahead of them.

“Can I catch the birds?”

Anna laughed.

“No, we are on our way to dinner. What would you do with them while we ate pizza?”

Myles looked at her.

“He could catch them?”

“Of course not. Didn’t you ever chase pigeons when you were a kid? He thinks he can catch them and I don’t want to rain on his parade. Childhood is a fragile time. One to be cherished and to keep dreams alive as long as we can. We’re a long time adults.”

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