Page 46 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

Myles nodded. He wanted to stay, to talk more to Anna, but it was already after nine and she had to work tomorrow.

“See you then,” he said, crossing the room. “Walk me to the door?”

It was only about ten steps, but he wanted one more kiss goodnight.

She went with him and looked up expectantly when they reached the door.

“I enjoyed dinner,” he said, leaning down to kiss her.

He’d only wanted to brush her lips with his, but once they touched, he felt desire rise. He wanted more. Anna was willing and opened her mouth at the first hint.

Wrapping her in his arms, he kissed her as he had in the kitchen. Ending the kiss too soon, he rested his forehead against hers.

“Thanks again for dinner,” he said.

“Thanks for watching my son,” she replied, her eyes luminescent.

Myles rode the elevator down to the lobby. He wasn’t sure he was going about this the right way. He wanted Anna in a totally different way than merely getting to know the woman who had adopted his child.

And to feel guilty about not telling her about his relationship to Zack.

It was becoming complex when all he’d started out to do was glimpse his son. Now he knew him, knew he was happy and thriving.

Anna had been unexpected. As were the growing emotions and attachment he was feeling for her.

How would she take learning he was Zack’s biological father? Would she send him packing? Become distant but allow him to continue visiting with them?

Or was she beginning to feel something more for him as he was for her? Could it lead to marriage?

Or would telling her end everything?

Could they make a family? It would be the perfect solution. Only she’d said she wasn’t sure she was ready to move on. The bond between her and Tom apparently hadn’t been broken when he died. As evidenced by all the photos all over the flat and her constant references to him. To see how far they could explore this relationship, she needed to move on.

What could he do to help? He didn’t want to feel second best. If their relationship developed, would she ever care for him as much as for her first husband?

Would he end up accepting whatever she gave just to stay near?

Chapter Six

By Tuesday, Myles knew he loved being a dad. He and Zack had spent Monday going to the park in the morning. He fixed them both peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch and read him a story before his nap. That afternoon, they played at the park again. The more time they spent together, the more Myles knew he was doing the right thing in connecting with his son. What would it be like to be with him until he grew up? To have a part in molding him to manhood?

He looked forward to the evening when Anna returned home. Together, they’d prepared dinner. The meal proved lively. Zack hopped from one topic to another. Laughter was common. Myles enjoyed watching Anna when she talked. Her eyes didn’t hold as much sadness as he’d once seen. Her laughter was light and delightful. He did his best to keep it going.

And after Zack was in bed, the two adults had a time to talk. Edith was on the mend. She told Anna she’d be ready to watch Zack again in a day or two. Which meant only a couple of more days alone with his son.

His scheduled trip to the U.N. to see where Anna worked was postponed while he watched Zack. But he’d reschedule when things were back to normal. He wanted to see her in her workplace, see who she worked with, what her friends were like.

He had the Wednesday meeting at the school to attend, which would give him more insight into her life. Once he worried he couldn’t fit in with her and Zack, but now he was willing to try.

Tuesday, while Zack napped, Myles attempted to read. But his gaze was drawn again and again to the many photographs of Tom Tucker that were scattered around the living room. He’d also noted an enlargement of one by Zack’s bed. Were they there for Zack’s sake, or Anna’s? Myles wasn’t sure.

He was drawn to Anna, and she seemed receptive to his kisses. Yet last weekend, she’d clearly stated she wasn’t ready to move on. It was obvious from the pictures that the three of them had been a very happy family. Wistfully, Myles wondered if he’d ever find that kind of happiness.

It was too soon to suggest to Anna that she consider marrying him. He’d only known her a couple of weeks. Yet the rightness wouldn’t go away. It all depended upon Anna.

Anna unlocked the door, excited to see the two males in her life.

Myles had been a tremendous help these two days. Zack had adored having Myles watch him. That morning he’d gone to preschool and Myles had called to check in with her in the afternoon and told her he’d felt like an elephant in a china shop, but had persevered, running the gauntlet of mothers. She laughed at his comments.

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