Page 53 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

In the days since they’d met Myles, Zack hadn’t run after a stranger once. For that, she was grateful, but wondered what he’d do when Myles left. She hoped her little boy wouldn’t be heartbroken again.

The morning sped by. Anna was glad for the lunch break. Her shoulders hurt from pushing a paint roller. Since the day was nice, the pizza was served in the playground with a long table set up holding the food and beverages.

Myles joined her once they both picked up their plates. They sat on one of the benches lining the playground. Betsy and her husband shared the bench.

“Brad Singleton,” he introduced himself to Myles and Anna.

She introduced them both and settled in to eat.

“You really know what you’re doing,” Brad said to Myles. “I think we’d all be floundering around without you and your buddies helping.”

“This is a straightforward project,” Myles said.

He took a bite of pizza, chewed it, and then took a long swallow of the soft drink he’d chosen.

“I’m surprised at how many parents turned out. Looks like most of them, would you say?”

Brad glanced around.

“At least. And there are two teenagers from our church helping. Plus your two friends. We might get it all fixed up before the time frame Mrs. Harper estimated.”

“Could. Once the men are shown what to do, they manage fine,” Myles said.

“Not something we’re all used to. You’re in construction, I think I heard someone say.”

Myles nodded, glancing at Anna. She smiled at him.

“Glad to have someone aboard who knows what to do.”

“Apparently Mrs. Harper thinks so,” Anna added. “She’s asked Myles to be the contact guy for the building inspector.”

“Hey, that’s cool. I’m sure you know what to do to get us passed first time. We can’t afford a different preschool for Bethany. I’d hate for her to lose this chance at getting a jump on schooling.”

The discussion veered to talking about the children. Anna was amused to find Myles listening for all he was worth. He contributed little on that topic, but twice agreed when he remembered something Zack had said or done.

Lunch went by too fast.

The afternoon turned out better as everyone got into a rhythm. The festive atmosphere continued as everyone knew they were pulling together for their children and the sake of the school.

Promptly at four forty-five, Mrs. Harper began her rounds, advising people to finish up so they could leave by five.

“Tomorrow we’ll start at one to give everyone a chance to sleep in or go to church. I’m amazed at all that’s been done today.”

She came over to Anna.

“And it’s all thanks to your friend, Myles. He’s been a marvel. He works twice as fast as the others and the work is impeccable. And he got all the supplies and tools donated. I can’t tell you what that means. It’s amazing. We won’t be in the red at the end of the school term. And we’ll have one of the nicest preschools—and safest—in this area. And so I told him.”

Anna felt a warm glow of pride for Myles’s sake. He was volunteering when he should be recuperating. He spent his Saturday helping a school where he had no one attending. Only the son of a new friend.

Maybe more than a friend?

At five, Myles wandered into the classroom, examining the painting.

“Excellent job, ladies,” he said with a smile.

The women beamed at his compliment. Anna grinned. Forgotten was her tiredness. She was glad she could help.

“Ready to go?” he asked her.

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