Bachelor to the Rescue (16 page)

He pulled the envelope from his pocket and removed the license. It was a joke. A stupid plan that hadn't been needed. It probably wouldn't have worked anyway. Now he could go back to his single life, his job and look to the future.

His gaze rested on the names typed onto the marriage license. Alaine Denton Hollings and Goudchaux Anthony McKinney. It wasn't real. But suddenly he wished with all his heart it was.

The truth stole what little breath was left in his chest. He loved Lainie more than anything on earth. He wanted to be married to her, to take care of her for the rest of his life, to cherish her and her precious children.

His heart swelled, threatening to burst his ribs. Like a cloud lifting from his mind, he understood what others talked about—loving completely, wholly. Vicki said if he met the right person, he'd be able to remove the lock on his heart, the place where he'd sealed up his love for fear of being hurt again. Now he had no fear, no doubts and no questions. Only the knowledge that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Lainie. He wanted to be there to fix all her problems, to hold her hand when she was scared, to fight the monsters and slay the dragons.

Somehow, Lainie and her girls had picked the lock on his heart, one tumbler at a time, and set him free. Another truth reared its head, one that darkened his joy. He had fallen in love with Lainie, but it was too late. He wasn't sure what had happened between her and the mother-in-law, but it had changed things. She had a new future, and he doubted there was any room for him in it.

He'd waited too long, held on to his fear too tightly, and now he was paying the price. This was something he couldn't fix with a hammer and nail, or a favor called in. All that was left to do was finish the library, salvage his company and make sure Lainie had a job.

That's all he could do.

Chapter Twelve

I
t was late afternoon on Saturday before Lainie found a moment to sit and catch her breath. She and Millie were trying to get as much done today as possible. The final inspection on the construction was due to take place shortly and they were praying everything would pass. The deadline was Monday. Lainie tried not to think about the massive task ahead.

“Your mother-in-law sounds like a very sweet lady.” Millie smiled over the computer screen where she was entering library card information.

Lainie nodded. “She is. The girls are so excited to have a grandma. She wants us to come down to New Orleans to meet the grandfather. He's a teacher. She works at a bank.”

“How did Shaw take the news?”

She shrugged. “I told him everything was okay, but I haven't had a chance to talk to him today. We're both too busy.”

“I'm sure he's happy for you.”

Millie's tone suggested otherwise. A jolt of concern shot through Lainie's heart. “Is something wrong with him? Is he okay?”

“Depends on what you mean by
okay
.”

“Millie, I don't have time for twenty questions.”

“All right.” Millie placed her hands on the arm of the chair and peered at her. “The man's in love with you.”

Lainie's heart skipped a beat. “He's just a friend. He's told me a dozen times he's not going to give up his bachelor life.”

“He would for you and your girls.”

“Did he tell you that?”

“He didn't have to. He's loved you for a long time. I just don't think he knew it himself until recently.”

“That doesn't make sense. Nothing has changed.”

Millie crossed her arms over her chest, a frown on her face. “Something has. He's like a lost puppy today.”

The carriage house door opened and the subject of their discussion stepped in. “Good afternoon. I just wanted to deliver some good news.”

He looked wonderful. The dark jeans he wore made him seem taller and the white polo shirt with the McKinney Construction logo brought out his deep blue eyes. Lainie smiled at him, but he kept his gaze on Millie.

“The city inspector has given us the green light to occupy the building.”

“And the representative from the donor?” Millie asked.

“Got the okay from him, as well. That gives us two days to get as much moved into the rooms as possible.”

Lainie's throat contracted with disappointment. She might as well have been invisible. Shaw was directing all his comments to Millie and completely ignoring her.

A frown appeared on Millie's forehead. “Do you think we can get all the books and furniture moved in time?”

Shaw nodded. “It'll take some doing, but yes. I think we can.”

He sounded confident, but she could see he was worried. It was a massive job. Thousands of books, hundreds of boxes and a warehouse full of furniture.

“I've got a few papers to sign first, but we can start hauling books right away.”

Shaw left without a backward glance in her direction. Her heart beat faster. Was Millie right? She'd kept her own feelings to herself for fear of damaging their friendship. Maybe she should have spoken up. But she'd deal with Shaw later. Right now they had to get busy.

* * *

Sunday morning, Lainie was tempted to skip church to go to the library, but then she thought about how the Lord had worked everything out, and she knew she couldn't go to the library until she thanked Him with praise and worship. He'd blessed her far more than she'd ever imagined.

They attended the early service, then hurried home and changed into work clothes. She didn't like working on the Sabbath, but with the deadline looming, they needed every minute they could find. Mrs. Hollingsworth—Irene—had offered to watch the girls today, and Lainie had happily accepted. The four of them had bonded quickly, giving Lainie the sense of family she'd missed for so long.

“Are you sure you'll be okay, Irene? I have no idea when I'll be home.”

“We'll be fine.” Irene hugged Natalie to her side. Chrissy waved goodbye from across the table.

“Call me if you need anything. Gwen will be next door if you need her.”

Irene waved her away. “Go. Make your deadline.”

Lainie drove the backstreet shortcut to the library to save time. A block from the library, she got stuck in a line of cars moving at a snail's pace. As she eased around the corner, she noticed the street in front of the library was lined with vehicles. Dozens of people stood on the front lawn. Three large trucks were parked in the driveway.

She was forced to pull around to the next block before finding a place to park. She dashed back to the library, her mind conjuring all kinds of disasters that might have occurred overnight to threaten the deadline once again. She found Millie standing near the carriage house, tears streaming down her face. “What's wrong? What's happened?”

Millie pulled her into a tight embrace. “It's an answer to our prayers. All these people, these trucks, they're here to help us move everything into the library.”

Lainie stared at the crowd, recognizing a few faces here and there. Gwen's mother, Mrs. Adams; Blake Prescott. “Millie, did you arrange this?”

“No, dear. I haven't had time to do much of anything. Everyone showed up asking how they could help.”

A swell of joy and gratitude stole her breath, bringing tears to her eyes. This is what she'd come to a small town for. This was the dream she'd cherished from childhood. Being part of a community that cared and helped each other when needed.

She saw Shaw strolling toward her through the crowd. The sight of him filled her with happiness. He walked with that confident swagger she'd come to admire. His wide smile and flashing eyes made her insides feel as if they were dissolving into mush. But it was his tender heart that had won her over. He was a man who cared deeply for others. She loved him. Completely. Totally.

He stopped in front of her, holding her with his blue gaze. “I told you they'd come around. They're all here to help you.”

“Not me. The library.”

He touched her arm. Briefly. “You. I'm so proud of you. Your devotion to this building and your tenacity in making sure the books were ordered has endeared you to every person in Dover.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Words failed her. People were smiling, waving at her and giving the thumbs-up sign. In this moment, she finally felt like she belonged. “I don't know what to say.”

Shaw spread his arms. “Start giving orders. Tell us what to do so we can get this job rolling.”

Lainie wiped her eyes, her mind already organizing what needed to be done. She thanked everyone, then started assigning tasks.

Shaw took charge of the people hauling boxes from Dutch's warehouse, while she and Millie stood in the middle of the library and directed each box to its proper location. For the rest of the day, a steady stream of people tramped through the Dover Public Library.

Many of the items weren't in the right place, none of the books had been shelved according to the Dewey decimal system, only by category, but the library was ready for business. The rest could be handled a little at a time while serving the residents of Dover.

It was dark when Lainie returned home. Irene had put the children to bed and was eager to get back to The Lady Banks Inn where she was staying. Lainie wanted to wait up to talk to Shaw. She still hadn't had time to fill him in on her situation with Irene, but she was exhausted and knew he was, too.

Beaux, who had been stretched out on her kitchen floor, rose and rubbed his jaw against her leg. That meant he was hungry. She scratched his ear. “Did anyone bother to feed you today?”

Motioning the dog to follow, she walked to Shaw's kitchen and filled Beaux's dish from the plastic container at the end of the counter. After filling his water dish, she started to leave, but something on the table caught her attention. She picked it up, unable to believe what she was seeing. The marriage license. Why did he still have it? Why hadn't he thrown it away? It was useless.

She read the names, hers and his. She allowed herself to believe it was real. That Millie was right and the bachelor loved her. But he didn't. Shaw wasn't ready to give up his single life, and she couldn't expect him, or any man, to take on the responsibility of her daughters.

But if any man could or would, she'd want it to be him.

* * *

Lainie stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her necklace over her coral blouse, unable to keep the smile from her face and the butterflies settled in her stomach. Today was the grand opening of the Dover Public Library, and her first official day as head librarian. Yesterday morning had welcomed another wave of volunteers eager to help with the move. Lainie was humbled again by the kindness of her new community. What had started out so badly had ended up a blessing she would cherish forever.

After sending the girls to Gwen's, she hurried to the library. Millie had insisted they have a celebratory opening day, and once again, Lainie was overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Dover. Petals and Pails flower shop sent a large bouquet that graced the table in the entrance. The Magnolia Café donated an assortment of cookies and snacks, and Randall's grocery provided beverages. The Friends of the Library were on hand to serve as hostesses and were signing up more volunteers.

However, one person was noticeably absent. Shaw.

But then, what had she expected? His job was done. He'd honored his contract and cemented his business reputation. He had a successful future ahead, and she was happy for him. But there was a giant hole in her heart that he'd filled, and she knew no one else would ever fit the spot.

Opening day was filled with challenges. Books were hard to locate, the line to pick up library cards was too long and two of the computers weren't working properly, but no one seemed to mind.

The day passed in a blur of activity, so Lainie was surprised when Millie locked the front door, officially ending The Dover Public Library's grand opening.

Millie wiped her brow. “I think we did well for our first day.”

Lainie chuckled. “I think we did a phenomenal job. I just hope the interest will continue. I can't help think about how libraries everywhere are struggling to stay relevant.”

“I'm not worried. Once you get your new ideas up and running, you'll be busy every minute. Maybe now you can start living a more normal schedule.”

“That would be nice. I feel like I've missed too much time with my girls as it is.”

“Is your mother-in-law still here?”

“No. She had to go back to New Orleans, but she's invited us to visit soon and meet her husband.”

“Why don't you go this weekend? Things will slow down over the next few days, and I can handle the library on Saturday.” She grinned. “I've had some experience, you know.”

“Oh, I don't know. It's such short notice for them.”

“New Orleans is only an hour and a half away. Even if you went for the day, it would be a good break for you.”

“I'll think about it.”

The more Lainie considered Millie's idea, the more she liked it. It would be nice to get away from the constant worry about deadlines and take time to relax and enjoy her girls. Meeting their grandfather would be nice, too. Lainie felt sure he would be as warm as his wife. Time away from Shaw might be wise, also. She was torn between longing to be with him and determination to stay away. It was tearing her apart.

Her first order of business when she got back would be to find a new place to live. Coming to Dover had been a blessing, not only for her new job, but it had allowed her to let go of the past and move forward and heal the wounds with her in-laws.

But it hadn't won her the heart of the man she loved.

* * *

Shaw studied the blueprints on his desk, scribbling figures on a notepad. A new office building was going up near the municipal complex. It was a big job, but he felt certain he could put in a competitive bid. If he got this contract, McKinney Construction would be on solid footing for a long while. He'd chosen to work in his shop office today. With his other jobs back on track, it was time to start lining up new projects. But his thoughts kept straying to the library, and he wondered how Lainie was managing.

He sensed the moment when his foreman stopped in the doorway. He ignored him, hoping he'd go away.

“You want to tell me what's eating at you?”

Shaw set his jaw. No use trying to ignore Russ when he was curious. “Just trying to get a bid ready.”

Russ chuckled softly. “Have you been by the library lately?”

He strived to keep his tone indifferent. “I stopped by the other day for a second. Just to see if everything was okay.”

“Did you talk to her?”

No need to ask who “her” was. “No. She was busy, so—” He'd watched her from behind the shelves like a scared kid. She'd flitted around like a beautiful butterfly, smiling, happy. Her brown eyes had sparkled like stars, and her energy and joy had infected everyone near her. She'd been in her element.

“When are you going to tell her how you feel?”

Shaw shook his head, pretending to study the blueprints. “She has her dream. She doesn't need anything else.”

“Did she say that?”

“Yes. She did.”

“Do you love her?”

Shaw tossed his pencil down, planting his elbows on the desk and clasping his hands in front of his chin. He needed help sorting out his life. Might as well fess up. “Yes. I do, but I thought I loved Vicki, too, and it wasn't enough. What if I can't figure out what Lainie wants? What if I can't be the man she needs?”

Russ approached the desk, an understanding smile flashing in his dark face. “My Viola likes those musical shows. She'd go to the ball games with me even though she doesn't like 'em much. So I go to a few of those plays they have at Thalia Mara Hall. We saw one this past spring, and the words to one of the songs stuck with me. The guy wanted to know how to handle a woman, and the answer was to just love her. That's all. Love her.”