Page 66 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

“From Myles Riker. I think I mentioned him before.”

“Mentioned is all. I had no idea you were so involved. Isn’t this sudden?”

“A bit. But I’m sure. He’s sure. You’ll like him, Mom. He’s steady and thoughtful.”

And sexy, but she wasn’t sure that was something her mother would want to hear.

“And he’s very good with Zack.”

“You aren’t marrying him because he likes Zack, are you?” her mother asked sharply.

“No, Mom. I’m marrying Myles because I love him. Very much. And I hope you and Dad will as well. But it won’t matter in the end. It matters only that I love him.”

“Your father and I will be up next weekend to meet this young man. We can discuss wedding preparations then.”

“I hadn’t thought about a wedding. I had such a fairy-tale one with Tom. I don’t need another. We can get married at a judge’s chambers.”

“Is this Myles’s first marriage?”

“Yes.”

“Then maybe he needs one,” her mother suggested gently.

“Oh. You’re right. Though he may not want one. He has no family. He grew up in foster homes.”

“But he has a good job?”

“He’s a structural engineer and, for the last decade, has worked major projects in the Middle East. Now he’s going to settle down here and find something that will allow him to come home every night. He wants to buy a home on Long Island.”

“This seems so sudden.”

“I know. He caught me by surprise, too. Tonight, he’s taking me to dinner and a carriage ride in the park. We’ll have lots to discuss.”

She counted the minutes until she’d see him again.

“Keep me posted. We’ll take the ten o’clock flight from Orlando and get there in the early afternoon on Saturday.”

“We’re still scheduled for preschool work. Edith will be here with Zack.”

“So your Myles is helping at the preschool renovations.”

“He’s been a major help. He got all the materials donated by his company, brought a couple of other engineers to help the first day, and works harder and faster than any of the parents who’ve shown up.”

“I like the way you stand up for him. Shows you care.”

“Of course I do. I love him.”

The more she said it, the more Anna wondered why she’d doubts. She loved him and could envision a long, happy life together.

Anna could scarcely concentrate on anything all day long. She kept watching the time. Did the clock hands always move so slowly? She wanted to see Myles. Tell him her answer. Discuss their future and kiss him silly.

Finally. She dashed home, changed into another dress, and freshened her makeup. Brushing her hair, she let it fall down her back in waves. A touch of perfume and she was ready.

Edith had agreed to watch Zack. Anna didn’t know what she’d do without Edith. Which brought up the question of what would Edith do when they moved?

Some of her happiness dimmed. For two years Edith had stepped in as a surrogate grandmother, watching Zack, helping Anna. She’ll be lost if they moved, Anna thought.

She went into the living room to visit with Edith until Myles arrived. When he knocked on the door, Zack ran for it, stopping and yelling, “Who is it?” He put his ear against the door. Satisfied with the answer, he opened it.

---