A Mother For His Twins. Jill Weatherholt

I take it you’re not really an admirer of the Big Bad Wolf.” He turned in her direction. “I don’t really remember you being afraid when we were kids,” he joked.

      Her shoulders stiffened. “What makes you say that?” She fingered her gold chain.

      “I don’t know. It seems like you got a little tense earlier whenever he was mentioned.”

      “I just wish Mr. Jacobson would have picked another fairy tale, that’s all.” She stared toward the stage.

      Nick thought best to change the subject. For some reason she wasn’t a fan of “Little Red Riding Hood,” but hey, he never cared for “Rapunzel.”

      “I wanted to apologize if Jordan put you in an uncomfortable position yesterday by asking about the piano lessons.”

      “Of course he didn’t. I had offered, remember?” Joy removed her reading glasses and placed them on top of her head. “Are you okay with it?”

      Nick worked his jaw back and forth. “I want Jordan to be happy.”

      “You seemed somewhat agitated the other morning when he brought up his mother and the lessons. Do you ever talk to the boys about her?”

      He knew he hadn’t been a good husband, but now he was a bad father. Was that what she was implying?

      Nick squirmed in his seat. “I don’t want to talk about this now.”

      Joy blew out a breath. “That could be a big part of your problem.”

      What? Did he have a problem when it came to his boys? He didn’t think so. “I’m not understanding, Joy.”

      “Your son needs to express his feelings. You need to open the door for conversations with Jordan and Tyler. It’s important they’re allowed to talk about their mother.”

      Nick felt cornered. She did think he was a bad father. “The last time I looked, you weren’t a parent, Joy. So please, don’t lecture me on how to talk with my sons.”

      The murmurs of the children on stage seeped into Nick’s ears as Joy remained silent. As soon as he’d spoken the words, regret washed over him. “I’m sorry... That was a low blow.”

      Joy folded her arms tight around her body. “No, you’re right. I don’t have children of my own, but I do have experience with those who have had tragedy in their life. Any professional will tell you that brushing it under the rug and ignoring the incident won’t make it go away. It’s not too late, Nick—trust me.”

      “But what if it is?” It was certainly too late for him and his wife. How would Joy react if she found out the truth...that his own children had known their mother was sick, but he hadn’t? Or had he chosen to ignore it? How pathetic.

      Nick flinched when he felt the tender touch of her hand on his own.

      “Please, don’t do this to yourself, Nick. You can’t change the past, but moving forward, you can do things differently.”

      He fought back the tears attempting to release. “I don’t even know where to begin. Sometimes when I see the boys watching their friends with their mothers, the pain in their eyes makes me feel like the worst father in the world.” This was exactly the reason why he had to get the job of principal—all of his time invested back in Chicago, studying and pushing himself at the expense of his family, would have been for nothing if he couldn’t advance his career.

      “You can begin by just talking to them and reminiscing about your wife. When I was their age, I loved when my grandmother and grandfather would tell me and Faith stories about our parents. It made the pain of losing them more bearable. Plus, since we’d been so young when they died, hearing about them made my mother and father more real...if that makes sense.”

      The two sat in silence for a few minutes as they watched Bella and the boys dancing around on the stage.

      “Yes, it does.” Nick cleared his throat and turned toward Joy. “I apologize for dumping all of that on you, but I think I’m beginning to see your point.”

      “And what’s that?”

      “Well, I feel a little better talking with you, so maybe if I try it with Jordan and Tyler, they’ll start to feel good, too.”

      Joy laughed. “I promise you, it will help, but as for an apology, it’s not necessary. You’ve suffered a tremendous loss and raising children on your own can’t be easy.”

      It was the hardest thing he’d ever done apart from burying his wife. “Well, I won’t lie—it’s not, but having good friends helps. Jordan and I would really like for you to go ahead with the lessons.”

      A smile parted her lips. “I’d like that, too. It’s nice to see a child interested in music at such a young age.”

      “His interest is all Michelle’s doing. She loved the piano and encouraged both boys to play. Tyler just didn’t have any interest. He prefers any sport that involves a ball over music.” Nick smiled.

      “When I become principal, I’d really like to expand the music department,” Joy said. “I think it supports all learning. I’ve read studies that indicate musical training can physically develop the left portion of the brain. That’s the side involved with processing language.” She removed her glasses from her head and slid them on when her phone pinged.

      Nick wasn’t sure if he’d heard her clearly or not. “What? You’re interviewing for the position?”

      Joy forced a laughed. “Of course I am. I had assumed you already knew. In fact, according to Mr. Jacobson, I’m your only competition. It’s been my dream to fill my father’s shoes by becoming principal. I’ve been preparing for this job for years. Plus, it won’t be long before I have my master’s degree.”

      “Well, I already have a master’s.” Nick pushed his shoulders back.

      “That’s a nonissue.”

      He shook his head. “Probably not to the school board when they’re determining who is better qualified to hold the job.”

      “I’ll have it before the end of May,” she declared as she sprang to her feet with a face the color of a summertime cherry. “I think we’re done here. I’ve got to get Bella home for dinner.” She hugged her purse close to her stomach.

      Nick sat in the chair as he watched Joy march down the aisle of the auditorium. Taking the steps two at a time, she reached for Bella’s hand and exited the platform faster than an actor with stage fright.

      He shook his head. He should have known better and kept his mouth shut. A few minutes earlier, he thought maybe they could be friends again and move on from the past. If he was honest with himself, there was nothing he wanted more. But that ship had sailed long ago. Actually...sunk was more like it. But he’d come back to Whispering Slopes for a new start for him and his boys. One way or another, he’d eventually right this ship, but in the meantime, he knew there’d be plenty of choppy waters ahead, especially with both competing for the principal position. One thing he knew for sure: he was determined to get this job. Otherwise, all of the long hours and hard work he’d put into obtaining his advanced degree would have been for nothing. But then again, getting this job wouldn’t change the past and bring back Michelle.