Page 72 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

In fact, he hoped all the neighbors would become family friends. Anna would blossom in such a setting. He’d need her help to become comfortable, but was making inroads with Brad and the other fathers working on the preschool projects.

Brad and Betsy Singleton were already at the school when Myles and Anna arrived. Splitting up to go to their separate tasks, Myles watched her walk away. He wished they were working together.

“She’s a looker,” Brad commented as he watched Myles watching Anna.

“She’s agreed to marry me,” Myles said quietly. The wonder was still there.

“Hey, man, that’s great.” Brad socked him on the arm. “We’ll have to celebrate.”

In no time, everyone helping knew of the new engagement. There were many congratulations, men and women even coming outside to speak with Myles while he and Brad worked on the playground equipment. From the comments flying, Myles knew they were happy for Anna.

He was pretty happy himself.

It was after three when he and Anna broke away from the work and headed back to her apartment. He’d washed up in the hallway bathroom of the preschool, doing the best he could with limited resources. He wanted to make a good impression on Anna’s parents.

For a moment he stared at himself in the mirror, remembering back to changing foster houses. He’d always wanted to make a good impression in hopes the people would keep him. It felt almost the same.

If her parents didn’t approve, would Anna still marry him?

Chapter Nine

Anna’s parents were at her apartment when Anna and Myles arrived. Edith was talking with them, while Zack sat in his grandma’s lap. He struggled off when he spotted his mother.

“Grandma and Poppa are here. They came to visit,” he said, jumping up and down.

Anna picked him up and gave him a hug.

“I see they are. Are you being a good host?”

“What’s a host?”

“Someone who has company over. Hi, Mom, Dad.”

They both rose and crossed to greet their daughter and the man who’d soon become part of the family.

“This is Myles Riker. Myles, my parents, Amelia and Tony Molina.”

Tony shook Myles’s hand. Her mother surprised her by hugging Myles.

“Welcome to our family,” she said. “I hope you will always keep my daughter happy.”

“I’ll do my best,” Myles said.

Edith stayed only a little while before leaving.

Zack loved being the center of attention and acted up a little until Anna warned him a time-out would be forthcoming if he didn’t settle down a little. He looked at Myles.

“Your grandparents are going to be here for a while. There’ll be time to spend with just them,” he said.

Zack nodded and went back to sit in Amelia’s lap. Soon he was dozing.

“Edith said he didn’t have a nap,” Tony said, watching the little boy. “We got here shortly after two. We had a great drive in from the airport.”

“I’ll put him in his bed,” Myles said.

Once he’d left the room, Anna looked at her parents.

“Well, what do you think?”

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