“That’s good since this is only our first date.” His tone was still light, but his expression had turned serious. “Why, if I can ask.”
“I won’t get involved again until my children are grown.”
They’d reached the parking lot, and Tim pulled into a shady spot. He shifted in his seat so he could look at her. “Your children are really young, Rae. Isn’t that a long time for you to be alone?”
Rae moved to face him, debating with herself whether or not she should explain. She’d only confided in Jason. She studied Tim’s face. He wasn’t pressuring her and looked sincerely interested. And, she might never see him again.
“You’ll probably think I’m stupid, but I sometimes listen to Dr. Aurora. Have you heard of her?”
“I think my sister listens to her, but I don’t know more than that.”
“Well, she recommends waiting until the children are grown before getting involved after a split. She says the children already suffer when their parents separate. Too often, when you hear about cases of child abuse or neglect, it happens at the hands of the new significant other.” Rae stared out the window, thinking back to her friend. “It was my choice to bring children into this world. Just because their dad isn’t here anymore doesn't mean I can set aside their needs.”
“I guess I can understand your concern,” Tim said, looking thoughtful. “And I get that some people don’t do well stepping into the role of stepparent, but I think your Dr. Aurora is painting the situation with a pretty broad brush.Ihave a stepfather who adopted me when I was ten. My father had bailed on us a couple of years before Larry met my mother. He is one of the best men I know. I’d hate to think of you missing out on what my mom and he have in a misguided desire to protect your children. You can be smartandprotective.”
Even as Rae shook her head, a part of her argued that Tim was right. But it didn’t change the statistics. Before she could think what to say, her phone rang. It was Dylan.
“It’s my babysitter. I need to take this.” As Tim nodded, Rae accepted the call. “What’s up?”
“Sorry to interrupt your date,” Dylan said. “Beth woke up shrieking. When I went into her room, she’d thrown up. The boys helped me get it cleaned up, but she’s still vomiting. And she’s got a fever.”
“Poor baby. I’m sorry this happened on your watch.” Rae’s stomached knotted with alarm as she mouthed to TimI have to go home.He nodded and started the car again.
“It happens. Not to—” Before Dylan could say more Beth made a heaving sound. “Oh, princess, I’m sorry you’re hurting.”
“I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”
“Hey sweetie, your mommy’s coming home.” Dylan ended the call.
“My daughter’s sick,” Rae explained.
“I understand.”
She was preoccupied as he drove her to her car where it was still parked at the first restaurant. What had Beth caught? Would Preston get it too? And Jayden? Poor Dylan.
“I really enjoyed this evening with you,” Tim said as he pulled up next to her car. “I’d love to see you again, even if it’s only as friends. I think it’d satisfy my sister’s demands if I’m seeing a female—” He lifted his hands and made air quotes. “—friend. Would you be willing to go out with me again under those circumstances?”
“Yes. I think I’d enjoy that too.”
“Great.”
He hopped out and came around the car to open her door. It reminded her of Dylan, who was attentive to that kind of thing too.
“Thank you again, Tim.” Rae extended her hand. “It’s been a pleasure to make a new friend.”
“It has.” He shook it. “I hope your daughter feels better soon.”
“Thank you. Good night.” Rae jumped into her car, her focus on getting home to her daughter.
* * *
Still patting Beth’s back,Dylan slowly sank to the couch. The poor baby had finally stopped heaving and fallen into a troubled sleep. He was afraid any abrupt motion or noise would wake her again. The Littles had gone to bed without complaining, which was a miracle.
He couldn’t believe it had been fifteen months since Jayden had first come to stay with him. Dylan hadn’t dreamed then how it might become a permanent thing. Should he stay his nephew’s guardian or adopt him? It would make Dylan a father. He gently brushed aside one of the damp curls stuck to Beth’s forehead. He would like to do the same with her and Preston, but would Rae be opposed to it?
Of course, she’d have to agree to marry him first. Dylan gave a dark chuckle, which startled the little girl. He had to pat her back for a few minutes to quiet her.
He’d started to doze when he heard the sound of Rae’s familiar footsteps running up the stairs to their landing. He moved a hand to cover Beth’s ear so the sound of the keys in the door wouldn’t wake her. When Rae entered the living room, her gaze fell on him. With wide eyes, her expression turned even more concerned.
