Rainy gaped at Nathan. He couldn’t be serious. “What about that big job?”
“It’s not important,” Nathan sighed. “What’s important is that I make up for what I did.” A half-smile broke across his face as he continued. “It’s time I ‘cowboy up’, as they say around here.”
“Nathan, we are not getting back together, you know that right.”
“I know,” Nate dropped his gaze. “I just want to prove to you that if you need me, I’m there. I know my grandmother will be glad to see me.”
Rainy smiled, she had always liked Mrs. Draper. The old woman had a big heart and a sharp tongue, but an honest spirit, giving, and true.
“She would like that. I’m afraid she doesn’t know about Lucas,” Rainy added.
“Would you like him to meet her? I can arrange it.”
“I don’t know Nathan. All of this is happening too fast. I have job interviews when I get back, and I’m hoping that in time, I’ll be able to have a place of my own. I can’t live with my parents forever.”
Nathan understood the underlying thread that went with the words. Rainy was a beautiful, loving young woman and some man would scoop her up sooner or later.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help.” Nathan reached out touching Rainy’s arm. “As soon as I get a job, I’ll start paying child support. Whatever you need. I just want the chance to make up for what I did and to get to know my son.”
Rainy studied the man’s face, remembering every line and dimple. “I don’t think saying no would do any good anyway,” she finally said. “You’ll do what you want to.”
Nathan smiled, this time the action lighting his face. “Well, I’m headed home to Iowa no matter what, that’s for sure.” He paused running his hand gently down her arm and remembering the softness of her skin beneath his fingers. “I won’t press you, Rainy. You set the pace. I don’t know what God has in store for me, but I know He has a purpose and can use all things for our good.”
Nathan’s words were so sincere, so honest, that Rainy found herself believing every one of them. If only she could have that kind of assurance. If only she could believe.
Chapter 12
Rainy packed her bags slowly, her mind turning over the events of the week and her encounter with Nathan. Folding her clothes and placing them carefully into her bag, she ran through each moment with Nathan, wishing she could as easily fold and pack away her feelings.
Even though Nathan had abandoned her, leaving her to deal with a teenage pregnancy on her own, she still felt the attraction that had always been there. Yes, he had hurt her, but when she looked at him she felt the pull to him again. It was crazy, but the attraction remained. If only Nathan had been there for her, if only he had stayed, they could have had a future.
Lucas galloped into the room on his stick pony, Anne on his heels. “Aren’t you ready yet?” her friend asked. “I know it has been a roller coaster ride being here, but I wouldn’t mind staying another week.”
“You’ve been flirting with every single cowboy you can find.” Rainy rolled her eyes as she started placing Lucas’s clothes into the suitcase.
“Can we stay, Mommy?” Lucas trotted to a stop, pulling on his reins and calling whoa as his new boots stilled.
“No, we have to go home.”
“But I like it here,” Lucas pouted. “I like when Nathan takes us for a ride on the horsies and playing with Kadence.”
Rainy turned, squatting before her son. “I know you have had a nice time,” she smiled placing her hands on his arms. “It has been a wonderful vacation, but we have to go home and Mommy has to go back to work.”
“I wish we could stay here forever,” Lucas groaned, his eyes filling with tears.
“It has been so much fun,” Rainy said. “But that is what a vacation is. When we get home, you’ll be able to play with your other friends.”
“Okay,” the little boy reached out impulsively and hugged his mom. “Can I say good-bye to Nathan?”
“We’ll have dinner with Nathan tonight,” Rainy assured. “Then we have to head home.”
“Where’s my little man?” Owen knocked on the door. “You gonna help me carry the bags? I need a strapping young fellow like you to help out you know.”
“Sure, Poppa. I’ll help.” Lucas handed his mother his stick pony and raced to his grandfather.
“Get your bag, little man,” Owen chuckled. “I’ll take your mother’s bag.”
Rainy snapped the clasps shut and wheeled the bag to her father. “Thanks, Dad.”
“I’ll see you, ladies, at dinner,” Owen grinned, lifting the bag and helping Lucas into his little backpack. “It’s time to roll.”
“You didn’t tell Lucas that Nathan is planning on moving back to Iowa?” Anne shot Rainy an accusatory look. “Do you think that’s fair?”
“Nathan said he’s moving back, that doesn’t mean he will.” Rainy looked around the room checking to see if she had missed anything. The last issue she needed now was to discover they had left Lucas’s favorite toy behind.
“You don’t trust him?” Anne grinned knowingly. “Good, keep it that way.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you are cynical?” Rainy turned glaring at her friend.
“No, but I see the look in your eye every time he’s around. You still care.”
“No, I don’t care,” Rainy insisted peeking under the bed. “I can’t deny that I still find him attractive though.”
“You need a new boyfriend,” Anne said. “Someone who will put Nathan out of your mind for good.”
Rainy pondered the idea. She had been on a few dates
