Page 78 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

“Almost as bad. Leaving here, I mean. It’s been good working with you.”

“Likewise, man.”

Together, Myles and Brad did an inventory of all the changes made. Myles double-checked that everything had been brought up to code, and he had the documentation in order for the building inspector’s visit on Monday. The school was in better shape than it had been in a long time.

“Want to go for a beer after this?” Brad asked.

“I heard that,” Betsy said, coming into the hall. “What about us?” she asked as Anna stepped up beside her.

“Of course I meant for you two to be with us. How could we bear to be apart?” Brad said dramatically.

She cuffed him lightly on the shoulder.

“Good answer. How about it, Anna, got time?”

“Up to Myles. I have a babysitter who’s there for the entire day if I need her.”

“And will move with them when they go,” Betsy added for her husband’s sake. “We have the Jablonsky twins. And your niece when we need her.”

“I know, but they’ll all graduate from high school before Bethany is old enough to watch herself. So who’ll fill in then?”

Myles watched the interaction, enjoying the camaraderie. He’d had that at his work sites, but this was different. Couples with similar goals, working together. Usually, when he had paid leave, he’d date the prettiest woman he could find with no strings attached. And certainly no feeling of belonging, of building something for the future together.

“Zack’s okay. I checked before I came here,” Myles said.

“Devoted daddy already,” Betsy said. “Lucky you.”

“I know. And not just for that,” Anna said, joining Myles.

Several couples went out for a late lunch together. Myles enjoyed spending time with them—no dangers of mines, no endless sand without a spot of shade to be had. He especially enjoyed being linked to Anna. Everyone liked her and seemed to share in her happiness.

He was almost sorry the job at the school was over.

Not that there wasn’t a lot to do in the next six weeks. Changes on every front.

On Sunday, Myles rented a car and drove them all to look at houses. Anna sat in the front. A car seat was provided for Zack and he and Edith sat in the back. The older woman had protested she didn’t need to go, but Myles had insisted. It was going to be her home as well, and he wanted her to have a vote.

“Well, I never,” she said, smiling mistily at him. “Thank you, young man.”

Anna grinned and reached out to hug him.

“You’re so special,” she whispered in his ear.

He’d do all he could to make her happy.

They drove slowly through the little towns to see what amenities they offered. Many had merely a supermarket and gas station. A couple had movie theaters and larger shopping areas. When they reached West Islip, he drove around, finding the schools and the churches from the map the real estate agent had sent him.

At last, they met the agent and toured three houses. It was a long day. Zack ran around each one, not understanding the implication. Anna loved each kitchen and couldn’t wait to try out some of her mother’s recipes in them. Edith was enthusiastic about the in-law suites. One property had a pool, which Anna suspected would need to be constantly monitored lest a small child fall in.

On the drive back, Myles asked which she liked best.

“The second one, I think. Which did you like?”

“I liked that one. And the first.”

“The first was way too big for our family.”

“We may have more children,” he reminded her.

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