And she had been determined never to allow herself to get involved in another relationship. She wouldn’t risk it. She had Andy to think about. She couldn’t put him through that. His little heart had had enough to deal with…
And her heart had been bruised enough.
Ronnie took a deep breath and strode into the kitchen. She and Andy would have a good life in Parry Sound, and enjoy being close to Casson and his family. They would share seasonal traditions and celebrate their children’s milestones together. She was so looking forward to this new chapter in their lives…
Ronnie began gathering the ingredients for the peanut butter cookies. For the past year, she had been adamant that she didn’t need or want a man in her life. So why, then, did she now feel her resolve suddenly wavering?
Ronnie glanced out the window, her gaze dropping to Red’s tire tracks on the snow-packed driveway.
You have Red Brannigan II to blame for that, an inner voice replied.
* * *
Red’s grin lasted for about a minute after leaving Ronnie’s cottage until he realized he had done what he had vowed not to do. Suggested a way for him to see Ronnie again. Over cookies, for heaven’s sake. Although Ronnie hadn’t really taken him seriously. How could she, after he had made it a point to act like a clown?
He liked to joke around, that was part of his personality, and his business associates and employees appreciated his easygoing attitude, but what exactly had he been trying to accomplish with Ronnie? Yes, she had been amused, and just seeing her lose her preoccupied expression and laugh outright had sent a tingling pleasure through him.
Nevertheless, his words and actions were going against his vow not to become interested in a woman with a child. And getting involved with Ronnie and Andy could be even more problematic than any relationship he had had with Sofia and Marco.
Marco had been healthy. Under no restrictions or limitations. Time spent with him had been carefree, with no worries about the child’s immune system being compromised. And Marco’s mom had been even more carefree, having no problem leaving him under Red’s care while she conducted business out of town or even out of the country. Getting closer to Ronnie and her little boy would not be a carefree situation. They had both suffered a huge ordeal in their lives. Emotionally and physically. Andy was in remission, but that didn’t mean there were no conditions that they still had to be mindful of.
So what was pulling him toward Ronnie’s sphere? What had he been thinking about, offering to give her—and almost inviting her son—a tour around his mansion? Had he taken leave of his senses?
When exactly had his plan backfired?
He was interested.
His brain was swirling with so many emotions. Desire. Desire to stay away. The instinct to protect and the instinct to withdraw. Didn’t he have enough on his plate, being the president and owner of one of the most prestigious architectural firms in Canada and around the world?
He had to go back to the house and think about this. Deep down, it worried him. Worried him because being with Ronnie had felt good. Really good. He had enjoyed being with her, listening to her share her story, her feelings. He had felt a surge of excitement sweeping her up and skating around with her in his arms. It had been a heart-racing, exhilarating experience, and he was almost sure that she had felt the same way. He had liked the way she had clasped her hands around his neck, with her body pressed against his.
His imagination began to wander…
He gave his head a shake. He needed to concentrate on the road, not fantasize about how it would feel for him and Ronnie to be pressed against each other in different circumstances…
A few minutes later he pulled into his driveway. Inside, he strode into the grand salon, got the fire going and then decided to make himself a strong, dark coffee to clear his mind.
He sat on the recliner that Ronnie had used and, sipping his coffee, spotted a bag on the floor nearby.
Ronnie’s book bag.
His pulse spiked. Now he would have to see her again. He doubted that she would drive all the way to his place to get them back. He set down his mug and picked up the bag. He withdrew the books and smiled at the first one, Decorating Your Country Cottage with Nature’s Gifts. He lifted it to see what her second selection had been. Adventures with Hercules the Hamster. He flipped through the pages, chuckling at some of the illustrations. Andy would have fun with this one.
Red stared at the title of another book: Moving On: Embracing a New Chapter of Your Life. He flipped the book over to read the blurb on the back cover.
You’ve chosen this book because of circumstances in your life that have either forced or compelled you to move on. A separation or divorce, perhaps, or the loss of a loved one. The end of a job or a friendship.
Whatever life challenges or ordeal you have faced, this book will help you to move forward physically, mentally and emotionally, and to embrace this new chapter in your life.
He opened the book and scanned the table of contents.
Chapter One: Accepting the Past.
Chapter Two: Looking at Your Options.
Chapter Three: Packing Up and Moving Out.
Chapter Four: Becoming the Author of your New Life.
And so on…
Red pictured Ronnie flipping through its pages in the bookstore, her gaze resting on the chapter titles. Had she accepted the past? Was she looking at her options? She had packed up and moved out of her previous town, so maybe she’d skip that chapter.
Red turned to chapter one. Had he totally accepted his
