Page 62 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

Soon, Myles and Anna were alone.

“Do we go? I think you’re really tired,” he said, enjoying the feel of her slight frame in his hands.

Her muscles were tense, but he gently worked on them to loosen them up. He knew she wasn’t used to this kind of work.

“We go,” she said with a sigh.

Stepping away, she turned.

“Thank you. That feels wonderful.”

He leaned over and kissed her.

“That feels wonderful,” he said.

In only moments, they were out front with the others. Mrs. Harper was opening and closing the gate in delight.

“This is wonderful. We can keep the children in no matter what, and keep out those we don’t want wandering in.”

Anna looked at Myles. “Did you fix that?”

“I remember Zack running away. What if another child did?. It wasn’t hard to do.”

“But not even on the list of things to repair. As a grateful mother, thank you.”

“Brad pointed out that if it had been fixed before, I wouldn’t have met you,” Myles said.

Her eyes widened at that.

“I can’t imagine not knowing you,” she said involuntarily.

“Hold that thought for later,” he said.

The group who went to dinner together walked to the same pizza place Myles had taken Anna and Zack.

They crowded around two tables pushed together. The conversation was lively and full of laughter. Parents told stories about their children. They all lauded the work of the preschool. And twice, Myles was asked about his own work and how he volunteered with their group. He found the evening entertaining. He laughed with the others and kept glancing at Anna. She seemed to enjoy herself as well.

When they walked home, it was by themselves. He reached out to take her hand, linking their fingers.

“Tired?” he asked.

“Yes. I sure wish I didn’t have to go to work tomorrow. I’d love to take a hot bath before bed and then sleep in until noon.”

“Take a day off,” he suggested.

“No, I have to save my time in case Zack gets sick or something.”

“You wouldn’t have to do that if you stayed home with him, would you?” Myles said slowly.

“No, but that’s not possible.”

“It would be if you had a husband to take care of earning the income while you took care of Zack. And the husband, of course,” he said, testing the waters.

His gaze was fixed on her as they walked. She stared straight ahead.

“But I don’t have a husband.”

“You would if you marry me.”

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