Baby Kisses Read online

  Leaning back and closing her eyes, Tooty repeated a portion of Beatrice's letter that she had memorized over the years.

  There is a treasure within that I discovered, but too late to make reconciliation with the love of my life. Sadly, he died before I could make things right. If only I had found this treasure even two years sooner, it would have made a difference in my decisions. But it is what it is.

  Tooty put the diary away, switched her lamp off, and closed her eyes. Before she fell asleep, she whispered, "Thank you, Annabelle and Beatrice, for showing me the way."

  Chapter 17: Take It or Leave It

  Miles parked his van and Tooty waited on the front porch for him. He noticed she'd never removed the ramp. She said, "Why don't we sit out here? Can I bring you some iced tea or lemonade? I also have coffee brewed."

  "Iced tea would be nice."

  "I'll be right back."

  Miles watched her enter the house and then turned his wheelchair around to gaze at her property. She had done much to improve it. Besides the picnic and play area he had seen the day before, she had a larger garden than the one she'd planted when he lived there. She also had a newer looking shed and the driveway was graveled. Beautiful red and yellow tulips grew in the flowerbeds. She had been right in believing this home was perfect for her. Miles felt a sudden wave of homesickness for this humble home. Unable to prevent himself, he looked at the place he and Tooty had conceived Eli. The grassy area had been expanded and children's toys lay scattered across it. In his mind's eye, he watched the past play out, and again felt the ecstasy she had given him.

  The screen door opened and Tooty exited carrying a tray. She set it on a small table and handed him his tea. She'd brought a plate of cookies and asked if he wanted one. He declined. After selecting a cookie for herself and picking up her own tea, she sat calmly on the porch swing. He was surprised by her composure.

  Clearing his throat, he said, "We need to come to some sort of agreement about Eli. I want to spend time with him."

  Tooty nodded. "And so you shall, but it will be on my terms."

  He wrinkled his forehead. "What do you mean?"

  "What I mean is that we'll do it my way, or I'll fight you tooth and nail in the courts, if need be."

  "What the hell are you talking about? I'm trying to be civil, Tooty. You're making this more difficult than it has to be. I don't like ultimatums. Besides, you don't have the money for court battles."

  Just so you know how serious I am about this, I'll exhaust every penny of the trust funds you set up for Harris and me if you don't agree to my condition. I may not win in the end, but I'll tie you up in court for a long time."

  Miles ground his teeth, "What's your condition?"

  "It's very simple, really. We get married."

  "What!" Miles heart slammed against his ribs. "I don't understand."

  "What's not to understand? We. Get. Married."

  "Tooty, you don't want to marry me. You're young and there's a fine man your age waiting for you out there."

  She looked at him over the rim of her glass. "That's my condition. Take it or leave it."

  Miles was beginning to see red and his pulse raged out of control. Before he could respond, she continued, "Of course, you're welcome to live here with us for as long as you want. If you choose not to spend time here, then I'll come to New York a few months out of every year so you can be with the boys. You can carry on with your lifestyle—absent Monica, of course—and I can carry on with mine—absent any eligible men. We'll not cheat on each other. As far as sleeping arrangements, unless you initiate differently, we'll maintain separate bedrooms, but if you desire me to sleep with you," she looked directly into his eyes, "I will. If not…" she shrugged as if it didn't matter.

  Miles mouth gaped and he couldn't form a coherent thought.

  Her gaze never waivered and he knew she meant business. She would fight him mercilessly in court and he would miss precious time with his son. Again, he glanced at the place where Eli had been conceived. Turning his flinty gaze back on her, he said, "I accept your proposal. When do we tie the knot?"

  * * *

  Tooty watched Miles drive away and lifted a shaking hand to her mouth. Her whole body trembled. He had accepted her marriage proposal. It had taken all of her willpower not to jump in the air with a raised fist and shout, "Yes!" when he'd agreed.

  Tonight he was making reservations for a flight to Las Vegas. In a couple of days she would be Mrs. Miles Brightman. After that, she would plan her strategy for winning what she believed was already hers, his love. It was time for Miles to find his happily-ever-after.

  Chapter 18: Bumpkin Girl

  Tooty set the place settings at the supper table and thunked a plate down. She'd gotten what she'd demanded, she was now Mrs. Miles Brightman and she was pissed. Miles had flown them to Las Vegas, tied the knot, and immediately flown them back to Colorado all in the same day. That was two weeks ago. He'd moved into his old room and only ventured out to play with the boys. She and Miles weren't exactly falling into each others arms like she'd hoped.

  The boys, rambunctious as ever, had strewn toys across the living room and were now playing train, with all the accompanying noises. If Miles thought he was going to avoid being a real father and just participate in the easy times, well, it wasn't going to happen.

  "Eli, stop pulling your brother's hair. You boys start picking up your toys; supper's almost ready." She stormed down the hall and pounded on Miles' door.

  He had his cell phone to his ear when he opened it and held up one hand when she started to speak. "Okay, cancel that meeting. I'll call my publisher and let them know I approve of the changes. I'll talk to you again in the morning." He clicked off. "Yes, Tooty."

  God, he looked delicious and his eyes shone bluer than usual. Her knees went weak before she remembered her resolve. "If your highness can deign to return to the land of mortals, I could use some help. Your sons are going wild in the living room and I'm trying to prepare supper." She turned and stormed away feeling like the wicked witch of the west.

  A few minutes later she heard him in the living room. "Hey boys, can I play your game, too?"

  Shouts of, "Yes! Yes!" echoed throughout the house. When she returned to the dining table carrying a crock pot of stew, she saw the boys crowded around Miles while he explained about trains. He patted their heads and looked up. "Tooty, since I'm now living in Colorado for the unforeseeable future, I have to organize my affairs in New York, which means I'm on my phone a lot. It takes time. I'm happy to help, just be patient."

  Great. Now he'd made her feel guilty. She called them all to the table and almost cried when Miles lifted Eli into his highchair and ruffled Harris' hair.

  Harris innocently asked Miles, "Why didn't you marry my mommy when I asked you to at Julie and Jacob's wedding? I could have had a daddy for a long time then."

  Tooty paused in dishing stew into her sons' bowls. She couldn't bring herself to look at Miles.

  He said, "I don't know if you can understand this, Harris, but sometimes, timing is everything."

  Harris shrugged, "You're right. I don't understand. I'm just happy to have a daddy now, and so is Eli. Ain't that right, Eli?"

  Eli nodded his head in a big motion and pointed at his plate. "I don't wike gween beans."

  For the next month Tooty watched the developing relationship between Miles, Harris, and Eli. It was evident by his every action that he loved the boys dearly. Why he couldn't turn some of that love on her, she didn't know. Many nights, she lay in bed willing herself to have the courage to barge into his room and make passionate love to him. But forcing herself on him held no appeal. She'd done that once before. She just knew he loved her—right? She'd been so certain of it when she'd issued her ultimatum that they marry. However, as each day passed and he shied from her presence, she began to wonder if it had only been wishful thinking. He was a New Yorker, a powerful man in his field of work, a sophisticated person who hob-knobbed with othe
r sophisticated people. She was a country girl, born and bred, and got tongue-tied around the kind of people he hung out with. Maybe she'd done him a great disservice and needed to free him. The thought of not being married to him, however, even in this miserable state, broke her heart.

  A week after their one month anniversary, Miles announced that he had to return to New York. "My editor is having a heart attack over some changes I've made to my manuscript. I need to take care of this in person. I also want to visit my parents. My marriage came as quite a shock to them."

  "Why, because I'm not Monica?" Tooty regretted the hasty words as soon as she'd said them.

  "Tooty, that's not what I meant and you know it. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were jealous. Besides, my parents may be difficult, but they're still my parents."

  She shrugged and turned away before he could see the pain in her eyes.

  Two weeks later he was still in New York, although he called everyday to speak with her and the boys. She sat on the porch and watched her children playing with their toys in their sand box. Her cell phone rang and she looked at the ID. Her heart started its usual pounding. "Hello, Miles."

  "Hi, Tooty."

  "How are things in New York?"

  "I called to let you know I'll be gone at least another week."

  She didn't say anything.

  He asked, "Are you still there?"

  "Yes. Well, whenever you decide to return is fine."

  There was a pause, and then, "Are the boys near? I'd like to talk to them."

  "I'm sorry, they're in their sandbox. Can you call back in an hour?"

  "Sure. Umm, Tooty, I need to warn you that a rag paper has learned about our marriage and printed some smut. Other papers may pick up on the story, too."

  Tooty sat straight up. "What do you mean?"

  "One of those papers that invade the lives of high profile people has decided to focus on us. I just want to prepare you. In fact, I'd really like for you and the boys to stay with Sage and Sarah until I get back. I've already called them and Sarah's going to call you about it."

  "I'm not leaving my home. That's crazy."

  "I knew you'd say that. Listen, if anyone shows up asking questions or taking pictures, call 911." There was a short pause. "I've had a lot of loose ends to tie up, but I want you to know I'll be back as soon as I can. Please consider staying with Sage and Sarah until I return."

  After he hung up, Tooty called the boys in, cleaned them up, and headed for the Shop Til You Drop Truck Stop. If anyone carried the rag magazines, they would. Hurrying her boys out of the truck, she rushed inside and found the rack just inside the front door. The top paper had a picture of a sophisticated Miles and beside him a frumpy, poorly dressed girl. The head belonged to her, but the body did not. The caption said, "Famous Author, Maxwell Henry, Tricked into Marriage by Country Bumpkin." Her eyes widened and she looked at Harris to see his eyes had widened also. He opened his mouth to say something and she clamped her hand over it. She whispered fiercely, "Don't say anything. We don't want anyone to know it's us." He nodded his understanding. Eli pointed at the picture and said, "Daddy, Mommy."

  Tooty reached into her purse for her sunglasses, slipped them on, and took the paper to the counter to pay for it. Thankfully, the distracted clerk didn't seem to recognize her as being the bumpkin on the cover. Back in the nice pickup she'd purchased right after she'd received the trust money from Miles, she slipped Eli into his car seat and fastened Harris into his seatbelt. After pulling to the back of the parking lot amidst the eighteen wheelers, she jerked the paper open and read:

  Maxwell Henry, author of the popular Mac Righteous Series, which was made into blockbuster movies, has finally tied the knot. He's been an eligible bachelor sought after by beautiful and famous women for years. For that reason, his marriage to Tooty Townsend, a country gal with two children, comes as a shocking surprise. Rumor has it that the children are Maxwell's. Seems the posh and sophisticated Mr. Henry has a secret life in the sticks of Colorado. Of course, the question on everyone's mind is whether this country bumpkin can keep the interest of the literary genius for longer than six months. Of course, maybe it's not her mind that's captivated him. Rumor has it she's barely out of her teens. Only time will tell.

  Tooty slapped the paper shut seeing spots dance in front of her eyes.

  "You okay, Mom?" asked Harris.

  Inhaling a calming breath, she said, "I'm just fine, honey. Hey, why don't I get you boys some Happy Meals for lunch?"

  "Yeth, Happy Meal!" Eli shouted.

  "Yeah!" said Harris.

  Later that afternoon while Eli slept and Harris played outside, Tooty called Julie and cried her heart out. "I did make him marry me, Julie. I…I just wanted us to be a family… Oh, God, I had no idea something like this could happen. I'm so stupid."

  "You did not make him marry you. From what I've seen, he's not the kind of man you make do anything. He wouldn't have married you unless he wanted to. You've got to stop blaming yourself for everything. He participated in making Eli."

  "No, he didn't! I forced myself on him," Tooty sobbed.

  "Oh, piddle. He's a strong man, he could have resisted. Well, no matter. That man is crazy about you and everyone knows it but you."

  A couple of days later, Tooty had to call 911 when a car pulled into her drive taking pictures. The intruder was gone before the police arrived, but the incident not only made her furious, it scared the daylights out of her. When Miles called and she told him about the incident, he said some choice words, and then, "That does it. I'm letting my agent know I'll finish whatever needs to be done by phone or email. I'll be home as soon as I can get a flight."

  "Miles, I wouldn't have told you if I'd known it would mess up your schedule."

  "Screw my schedule. I'll not have people messing with my family."

  Tooty blinked at his words and an unexpected joy flickered in her heart. He'd said my family.

  * * *

  Miles parked his van and puffed air. The flight from New York to Denver, and then from Denver on the hopper to Cortez-Montezuma County Airport, had been long and exhausting. After retrieving his van from long term parking, he'd rushed home. Home? Was this his home now? Tooty stepped onto the front porch carrying Eli, and Harris ran down the steps toward the van. His heart thudded. When he lowered himself on the lift and touched ground, Harris lunged and hugged him. "I'm so happy you're home, Daddy."

  A lump formed in Miles' throat as he lifted Harris onto his lap. "Me, too, son." He glanced toward Tooty sitting on the porch swing still holding a squirming Eli. When he rolled forward, she stepped off the porch and set his baby on the ground. Running toward him, Eli shouted, "Daddy! Daddy!" Miles couldn't swallow the lump that had gotten bigger. Eli reached him and threw his little arms around Miles legs. Miles lifted him onto his lap beside Harris and rolled toward Tooty. He wondered what her reaction to him would be. When she didn't say much beyond a casual greeting, he felt crushing disappointment.

  * * *

  Tooty lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Seeing Miles interaction with the boys confirmed the fact that he loved them dearly. If only he loved her half as much. His greeting had seemed cool and forced. She sighed and reached for Annabelle's Diary. Turning to the final page, she read for the hundredth time…

  Tuesday, December 25, 1883

  It has been years since I've written in my diary. I found it yesterday while I was looking for the present I'd special ordered for Eli and then hidden. Silly me, I'd forgotten where I'd put it. It was a new set of whittling knives, and when he opened them this morning, he was so pleased.

  His present to me was a carving of our family. It's simply the most beautiful sculpture he's ever created. In the center is me and Eli and we're surrounded by our five children: Sam, Jake, Matt, Tom, and Jen. What surprised me most was that Eli did a full carving of all of us, not just half bodies that meld into the wood. He carved himself in a wheelchair and even showed that his legs are missing. Later
, in bed, he told me that he'd seen my surprise. Then he said something that I will forever cherish and carry with me when I pass on to whatever lies beyond this life. He said, "I would do it all over again just to be with you and our children. I love you more than life, my sweet Annabelle."

  I think I will never write another diary entry because this one is the crowning glory of my life.

  Chapter 19: Published

  Tooty could barely contain her excitement. Copies of her poetry book had arrived. Running back to the house from her mailbox at the entrance to her property, she asked Miles if he'd watch the boys while she made a trip to town. He looked up from his laptop. "Sure. What's up?"

  "I just need to pick something up. I'll show you when I get back."