“I don’t remember packing this dress,” Rainy said eyeing the pretty floral print she wore.
“That’s because I packed it,” Anne confessed. “I know you never want to dress up, so I made sure you could if you needed to. And a good thing too.”
Rainy reached up and squeezed her friend’s hand. “Thanks. You did a great job,” she added, noting the soft, light make-up so expertly applied.
“Rainy you are a beautiful and talented young woman. Just because you have a child doesn’t mean that a man wouldn’t be lucky to have you.”
“I don’t need a man to make me happy,” Rainy said. “I have Lucas and you and my parents. What more could a girl need?”
“Romance,” Anne growled. “It exists you know. Somewhere.”
Rainy bit her lip at her friend’s words. Anne had dated several men through college but none of them seemed to be her Mr. Right.
“There, all done.” Anne declared stepping back.
“Where’s Lucas?” Rainy asked wondering why her father hadn’t brought him back yet. “Surely they aren’t still riding the ponies.”
“I think your dad said he was taking him for that playdate with Kadence.”
“Oh my goodness, I completely forgot.” Rainy placed her hands on her cheeks. “I hope Michelle won’t be upset.”
“You kind of had a big shock today, I think that is a good enough excuse. Besides, your dad loves doing things with Lucas. I know he’s a stodgy CPA and all but, he loves that kid. You ready for lunch?”
Rainy nodded, she was famished. She hadn’t had more than a sip of coffee and a bite of French toast all day. “I’m starving.”
“Good, now come on,” Anne said slipping her arm through Rainy’s. “Let’s go turn some heads.”
Rainy laughed as Anne pulled the door open, freezing when she looked up into the rich brown gaze of Nathan Draper.
“Oh, my,” Anne whispered taking in the lean cowboy holding a fist full of wildflowers. “What do you want?” Anne found her voice as her temper flared. “Leave us alone.”
Rainy, touched Anne’s arm. “It’s alright,” she said. “I think Nathan and I have a few things to discuss.”
Anne looked between Rainy and the man who had abandoned her friend. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” Rainy sighed, her eyes never leaving Nathan. There was something different in his gaze, a softness, a stillness she had never seen before.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” Anne hissed slipping past the man who had caused Rainy so much pain. “I’ll be at lunch if you need me.”
“Would you like to come in?” Rainy asked as Anne disappeared down the hall.
“Thank you,” Nathan shuffled into the room shocked at the disorder. “Uh, these are for you.” He felt his ears go red as he handed Rainy the flowers.
“Thanks,” Rainy took the compressed bouquets looking around her for something to put them in. A mug next to the small sink that looked like a washbasin caught her eye and she hurried to place the flowers in it. “Have a seat.”
Nathan stood awkwardly in the doorway, not knowing what to say. Clothing was scattered everywhere, and toys sat untouched in one corner. For several long awkward seconds, silence echoed in the room, but he finally found his voice.
“I wanted to apologize,” Nathan said as Rainy turned, the pretty pink and white floral dress she wore swirling around shapely legs. How could she be so beautiful? She looked the same, and yet so different, as if life had pushed her into a maturity she wasn’t quite ready for. “You look great.” The words tumbled from his lips before he could stop them, and he mentally kicked himself for saying them. He hadn’t come here to flirt or gawk. He had come to let Rainy know that he had changed and that he wanted a chance to get to know his son.
A bright smile flashed across Rainy’s face, bringing lightness to her features that wiped away the doubt reflected in her eyes. Apparently, the compliment had been well met.
“Lucas is with his grandfather,” Rainy said, getting right to the point. “I’m assuming that is why you came.”
Nathan’s shoulders sagged but he shook his head. “Yes. No. I wanted to talk.” He finally admitted pacing to the window.
“I thought you said everything you ever needed to the day I told you I was pregnant.”
Nathan felt the barb sink deep between his shoulder blades and his throat tightened.
“Rainy,” he spoke carefully turning to look at her and boldly meeting her eyes. “I am so sorry. I was selfish, stupid, and arrogant. I was wrong.”
Rainy felt her jaw slacken at Nathan’s words. She had never known him to admit being wrong before. Had the past few years changed him so much?
“I know this is going to sound crazy,” Nate continued. “But I’m a different man now. I’ve been agonizing about how to get in touch with you all summer. I wasn’t even sure…” his words dried up as he looked at the pile of toys his eyes squeezing shut on the pain in his heart.
“Nathan, you don’t have to say anything. You made it clear that night that I wasn’t your responsibility. That whatever I did it was my choice. I don’t expect that to change. I have managed very well without you. I even finished my degree this spring. Mom and Dad decided that to celebrate we would all come here for our vacation. As you can see I’m fine.”
Nathan turned, his hands itching to reach for her. To pull her close and pour out his regret, but something told him that now wasn’t the right time for that. “I don’t know what else I can do but tell you I’m sorry,” again he hung his head. “I was every kind of a fool. If I had stayed…”
“But
