Page 71 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

The idea of spending all day with Zack was extremely appealing. She felt she missed so much while away at work. Little children grew at an amazing rate, learning new things every day and exploring their world.

One change would be in preschools. For a moment she felt a wave of sadness. The teachers at his preschool were wonderful. Working on the renovations made her feel a genuine connection to the goals of the establishment. They’d be leaving that behind when moving.

On the other hand, the neighborhood they’d find would be so much safer for children. She’d make sure they looked for a good school district. Zack started kindergarten in another year.

Myles helped by putting Zack to bed that evening by reading him his story. When Zack was asleep, Myles returned to the kitchen, where Anna was just finishing the dishes.

“He’s out like a light,” he said, leaning against the doorjamb, watching her.

She was graceful in all she did, including dishes. He felt a contentment at the sight. Being with Anna made him happy. They didn’t have to go to fancy nightclubs, constantly seek outside entertainment. Being with her was enough. He liked to watch her, hear her laughter. He hoped he could make her happy. As happy as she made him.

He wasn’t sure he’d it in him to be a good father. But he’d watched George Zumwalt. He knew how a good husband cherished his wife. As he cherished Anna.

He’d risk everything for the chance at making a life with Anna.

Anna turned and gave him a mock frown.

“You could come help,” she said.

He smiled and let his gaze roam over her.

“You’re handling that like a pro,” he teased.

She folded the dish towel and hung it over the rod nearby.

“I want a dishwasher in my new house,” she said.

“Done.”

“His name could be Myles,” she said slyly, turning to grin at him.

He laughed. He hadn’t been teased in a long time. It felt good.

“Or its name could be Whirlpool or LG. Especially if you want all your dishes in one piece by the end of the week.”

She sashayed across the room, her gaze never leaving his. He could feel his heart rate increase as she drew near. When her toes almost touched his, she put her hands on her hips and tilted back her head.

“I think you are better with your hands than that,” she said.

He uncrossed his arms and slowly drew her against him.

“I’d love to prove the point.”

He lowered his mouth to hers, giving her a deep kiss that rocked her back on her heels. Her arms encircled his neck, and she pressed even closer, relishing every inch of him that touched. She couldn’t wait until they were married.

Saturday, Myles arrived in time for breakfast and brought croissants and coffee from the coffeehouse near his hotel. Anna prepared pancakes for Zack and he was licking the syrup from his fork when Myles walked into the kitchen.

“I have pancakes,” Zack said.

“So I see. I brought your mommy something else.”

He set his bag and tray of coffee on the table.

“Ready to paint again?” he asked, kissing her.

“As I’ll ever be,” Anna said. “I checked the flights and my parents are still due to arrive mid afternoon. I told Mrs. Harper we might to cut out early.”

When they found a place to live, he hoped the neighbors would be as friendly and accepting as the parents at Zack’s preschool.

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