Love From the Ashes (3 page)

“Yeah; same to you.”  It was the cordial thing to say, even though he was glad he could stop socializing.  She said the rest of their goodbyes and then they left the backyard.  “Hey kids; what do you say we head to bed.  We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

There was a lot of groaning, but finally they all headed towards the house.  “So, you’re going to bed?”  Cassie asked as she was exiting the Bed and Breakfast.

“Yeah, but I haven’t had a chance to talk with you.  I wanted to say how much I appreciate you offering to help watch the kids.”

“Thomas, it’s not a problem.  I’m glad I could.”

“I have to go register the kids tomorrow for school.  Do you mind watching Joey and Judy?”

“Not at all.”

“Okay; I’ll drop them off at your place around 9:00.”

“Okay great; have a good night’s sleep.”

“You too; I don’t know where Seth is.”

Cassie laughed.  “I was able to talk him into rocking Savannah to sleep.  If you want to peek in the den, you’ll see she’s not the only one asleep.”

“I’ll have to check that out;” he giggled.  “See you tomorrow.”

“Night!”  He went into the house and took a look; sure enough Seth was sound asleep.  He remembered those days.  Now, he was sure he would have 5 different excuses why they couldn’t sleep.  He laughed to himself.  Somehow, as a father, it didn’t seem to matter.  He loved every bit of it.

____________________

Rebecca waved as Adam Gregory pulled out of her driveway.  There was nothing going on between her and the principal, but he was a friend and in a tight spot he was always willing to help her out.  Rebecca didn’t want to go to yet another party without a date; when Adam offered to accompany her to the cookout, she reluctantly agreed.  She didn’t want him to get the wrong idea, about why she agreed to go with him.  She hadn’t been serious with any guy since she broke up with Seth.  She felt that breaking up with him, was probably her easiest decision.  Seth never really had his heart in their relationship, and she believed she deserved more.  When Bradley went to her and told her that he was marrying Courtney, who just happened to be Cassie’s sister, she knew what she had to do.  It was important to let Seth go and to not have any hard feelings.

She could still remember the day like it was yesterday.  They were out to dinner and she didn’t know that that was going to be their last night together.  However, he didn’t really seem to be into the date.  She told him how much she cared for him and that she would always hold him in her heart.  It just wasn’t a good idea to get married.  She knew that he was, and always would be, still in love with Cassie.  She didn’t hold ill feelings for him, because you can’t force someone to love you.  She just needed to move on and for him to explore, what he believed, he was missing.  When he didn’t deny his feelings for Cassie, she knew she did the right thing.  She wanted to find a man that would love her, for who she was.  Seth would never be able to do that, and she was alright with that.  She was thankful that they were able to remain friends.  She never dreamed that Cassie would be able to welcome her into her home, even though she was going to be her sister-in-law.  A
part of her wondered if Cassie felt sorry for her, but deep down she knew that she wasn’t that kind of woman.  She honestly made her feel like anything that happened in the past, could stay in the past.  Rebecca went to Cassie and told her everything about their relationship; that she loved Seth and would have been happy with him.  Yet, she knew when it was time to let him go.  They had become pretty good friends, and Rebecca enjoyed spending time with her and Seth.  Even though she has always had been secure in her body and her mind, she didn’t like going to places where she was the only one without a date.

It was when she got to the Bed and Breakfast that she realized that was a stupid notion.  Thomas was going to be alone too, but there was nothing she could do; she had already went with Adam and so she tried to make conversation with him; hoping that he would loosen up, and at least smile.  She got the impression that he wanted to be anywhere, but in that backyard.  She had remembered meeting him and the
kids’ years ago, when Scarlett was still alive, and Seth introduced her to all of his loved ones.  She didn’t remember, however, how handsome Thomas was.  When she saw him that evening, she was afraid her jaw had given her away.  She instantly regretted acknowledging his rugged good looks, because she highly doubted he was in any mood to allow another woman in his life.  She had contemplated how she would feel if the shoe was on the other foot; would she be able to move on after losing her husband?  She wasn’t sure about the answer to that, but every scenario she thought of made her sure that she would be leery.  She smiled to herself thinking of his children; they seemed so mature.  She supposed they had to be, after losing a mother and then having your life uprooted to another city; it couldn’t be easy on them.  She made a promise to them, and to herself; she would do everything she could to help them in their transition.  Three of his kids would be attending her school; she wanted them to feel at ease talking to her.  It could be rough making new friends; even though she doubted his kids would have a hard time meeting new people.  She then thought again about Thomas; even though he didn’t seem to really notice her, she could see what a great father he was.  He was only trying to do what was best for his children.  She groaned as she threw herself on her bed.  “Why do I always get attracted to guys that are unobtainable?”  It was like a curse, she felt.  Someone in the universe was trying to mess with her mind.  Certainly, somewhere there had to be a guy that she was meant to meet; she just didn’t know where to find him.

____________________

Daddy, I want a drink of water.  I’m hungry.  I’m not tired.  It’s too noisy.  I can’t sleep. 
Thomas groaned; he knew it was going to happen, but somehow he still didn’t prepare himself.  “I’m tired; I have a busy day tomorrow, please can we go to bed?”  He stared at Frankie; hoping she would finally cave.

“Fine;” her face fell.

He saw that she looked like she was going to cry.  “Do you want anything else before you go to sleep?”

She shook her head.  “I guess not; I’ll try to force myself.”

He tried to hide his smile and then kissed her forehead.  “Good night!  Sleep tight; don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

“I won’t.”  She slumped down in her bed and he turned to the other girls.

“Do you guys need anything else?”  He held his breath as they seemed to be thinking.  When they both shook their heads, he sighed with relief.  “I will see you guys tomorrow.”  He blew a kiss and then left the room.  “Finally;” he mumbled as he went back into his room.  He was glad to see that Joey and Judy we’re still fast asleep.  He kissed them each on their forehead and then climbed into his bed.  He sighed with satisfaction; he was exhausted and the morning would prove to get there all too soon.  He closed his eyes; then heard the small knock on his door.  He sat up on his elbows and stared at the door.  “Come in.”

Frankie walked in the room; her teddy bear was in her arms.  “Can I sleep with you?”

He chuckled and pulled his covers back for her to jump in the bed.  He knew it was a big adjustment for all of them, and he wanted to make things easier.  “You couldn’t sleep?”  She shook her head as she laid her head on the pillow.  He sighed as she closed her eyes.  In time she would get familiar with her surroundings and things would go back to normal.  “Sleep well sweetie.”  She sighed as she shifted in the bed.  He was about to lay back down when he heard another knock.  “Come in!”  He wasn’t surprised to see Kari standing in the room.  “Come on!”  He got out of bed and allowed Kari to crawl under the covers.  “Good Night!”

“Night dad!”

When there was another knock on his door; he walked over and opened it.  “Really?  Don’t tell me…”

“I’m not afraid; I was just wondering where…” her eyes fell on the bed and she smiled.

“Why not?”  He laughed as she jumped on the bed.  He surveyed the room and grinned to himself.  Like he said, he wouldn’t have it any other way.  He grabbed a blanket and an extra pillow and threw it on the floor.  It was easier that way; he was finally going to get his good night sleep.

Thomas dropped the kids off with Cassie and then took Kari, Bethany, and Frankie to the school.  They had to get registered and
he had an interview at the police department to keep.  “I’m nervous.”  Kari replied quietly.

“You’re not going to be starting today; we’re just going to get registered and find out who your teacher is going to be.  She nodded, but he still sensed that she had some apprehension.  “Are you excited about starting 8
th
grade Bethany?”

The big smile on her face was undeniable; he recognized she was going to be alright with the changes.  “I can’t wait.  I’m going to be in high school next year.  That is awesome.”

He felt his stomach turn; he distinguished that she was growing up, but he didn’t need to be reminded of it.  “It’s hard to believe;” was his simple reply.  “How about you Frankie?”

“I’m excited.”  Her smile slowly turned into a frown.  “Okay; maybe I’m a little nervous.”

“There’s no need to be nervous, but if it makes you feel better; I’m a little nervous too.”

“Why?”  Her eyes got big and he smirked.

“I have a job interview today; I am afraid they won’t like me.

“Dad, that’s silly.  They will love you; you’ll see.”  Bethany was trying to make him feel better, but he was still unsure.

“I hope you’re right.”  The rest of the drive was held in silence.  When they got to the school, he parked and turned to the 3 of them.  “Just remember to be yourself and everyone will love you.”  They got out of the car; the children held nervously behind him.  They walked into the school and he looked around.  “This is a lot bigger than the one in Avery.”  He laughed when he saw their expressions.  The school they came from had about 50 kids in each grade, at the most.  He saw the sign pointing to the office and they headed that way.

A younger lady, who barely looked old enough to drive, was sitting behind the desk.  She smiled as they approached her.  “Good morning.”  She looked at the kids and smiled.  “How may I help you?”

“My name is Thomas Campbell; we just moved here and I need to get the children registered.”

“Sure thing!”  She had a bubbly personality and he noticed that his children started to look like they were relaxing.  “I will need you to fill out these forms, one set for each child.  They will need proof of vaccinations; I am sure you can get those from their previous school.  Do any of them have special needs or concerns?”  He shook his head as he looked at the papers.  “Okay; great!  Then once we get these completed, we can set up their schedules.”

He knew that there would be paperwork to complete, but he didn’t know the extent.  Scarlett was the one that always took care of that.  “Why don’t you go sit over there; “he pointed to a group of chairs.  “I will be quick.”  Bethany ushered them to the chairs and he went back to completing the forms.  His mind was racing as he went through everything, except their blood type; he wouldn’t have been shocked if that was next.  He sighed heavily as he finished up the last form for Frankie.  “I think I have it completed.  Should I call Avery school and get their shot records?”

“We can take care of that for you; if we find there’s going to be a problem we will give you a call.”  She looked through the paperwork and smiled.  “It all looks to be in order.  The first day of school is September 17
th
.  That would be next Tuesday.  Classes begin at 8:15 and go until 3:20.  Are any of the children in need of taking the bus?”

He turned and looked at them and shook his head.  He didn’t think about that, but he just assumed he would be picking them up.  There should be someone at all times to get them.”

“Okay; that will work.”  She pointed where the driver’s would pick up the students and then continued.  “It’s nice that they were able to get in here before school started.  I always feel bad when a child has to start a new school year and class has already been in session.”  He nodded; he really didn’t feel the need to chat, but he would go with it.  “Let’s look at…” she peered down at the papers; “Bethany’s schedule.  Hers will be the most difficult to configure.”  He motioned for Bethany to join them while she punched something on her computer.  When she was done, Bethany had her schedule and Thomas noticed she seemed pleased with the outcome.  He was relieved about that; he didn’t want anything to make her transition difficult.  He worried that she would have the hardest adjustment, since she was the oldest and set in her ways.  “Now for Kari; we can put her in Ms. Parker’s class.  She is good with new students; she helps them to feel more comfortable in the move.”  He turned to where Kari was sitting and she was smiling.  He figured she was just glad to have someone that she sort of knew.  “Finally, Frankie will be in Mrs. Jones class.  It is all day Kindergarten; I figured that would work best for you.  Since you have the other children; is that alright?”

“Sure; thank you.”

“You’re welcome.  She handed the schedules to him and smiled.  After we get the student records and immunizations, we will give you a call.  It usually only takes a day or two.”

“Thank you; that will be fine.  We’ll look forward to hearing from you.”  He looked up when he saw the guy that Rebecca had introduced as the principal.  “Good day!”

“Hello; did you get all settled in with classes?”

“Yes; we did.  I think my children are excited about school starting.”

Mr. Gregory laughed.  “That would be a first; I don’t know many children that want to come back to school.”  Thomas just nodded; his children probably wanted a change of scenery.  Usually by this time, they got bored of the summer.  This year, was proving to be no different.  “We’ll see you next week.  Take care!”

He waved as they headed towards the door.  When he opened the door he nearly bumped into Rebecca coming into the office.  “Oh; I’m sorry.”  She giggled and then looked down at children.  “Did you get registered?”

“Yep; they sure did.”

“I’m going to be in your class;” Kari remarked with an excitement that made Thomas beam.

“You are?”  She gave Kari a high-five and Kari laughed.  “That is awesome news.  I look forward to knowing you better; all of you.”  Her eyes briefly washed over Thomas’ and he saw a hint of red brightening her cheeks.  “I…I have to go, but I will see you later.”

“Good
bye Rebecca.”  Thomas spoke softly as they left the office.  He didn’t know why, but he suddenly felt awkward around her.  He glanced back her way and saw her looking at him through the window.  When their eyes met she looked away.  He laughed to himself; that was weird.  He shrugged it off; it was just nice to know that one important job was done.  Now onto landing the job.

____________________

Rebecca watched him leaving with 3 of his kids.  She really couldn’t get past out handsome he was.  “What are you doing?”  She jumped when she heard Adam’s voice behind her.

“Nothing.”  She replied nonchalantly.

“Oh;” he shrugged.  “So, when can we have our next date?”

She just stared at him and started to laugh.  “We have never had a first date; let alone a next one.”

“Sure we have; last night, that was a date.”

She moved past him, trying to ignore that he was still looking at her.  "Adam; I appreciate you helping me out, but that’s all it was.  I don’t want to be rude, but it wasn’t a date.  It was just a cookout, and you just happened to
go.”

“Hm…” his eyes fell to the ground and then he looked up and smiled.  “Did I pick you up?  Did we go together?  Were you in my car?”

“You know I was, but…”

“By my accounts; that was a date.  Try to classify it as something else, but I know what it was.”

“Did you kiss me at the end of the night?”  She laughed when she saw his shocked expression.  “The answer would be no; so it wasn’t a date.”

“Would you have allowed me to kiss you?”

“No!” She shrieked as she continued to look like she was busy.  “The point is…”

“The point is I doubt you kiss every guy you go out with.  If you do, then I’m feeling rather neglected; which makes me want that date even more.”

Rebecca rolled her eyes to his determined look.  “Adam, we’re friends.  That’s all; I’m sorry if I lead you on in anyway, but to believe that something would ever happen between us…it’s absurd.”

“Wow; I don’t know if I would go that far.”  He looked like a lost puppy dog and she felt bad that she was being harsh, but she had to speak the truth.

“I’m sorry; I had to be truthful.”

He nodded.  “I understand, but you know where to find me if you change your mind.”

“Yeah I know, but I won’t be changing my mind.  A relationship between us would be bad news.”

“I don’t know about that; we get along rather well, don’t we?”  She nodded; they had a great friendship and he was a wonderful boss.  However, she wasn’t interested in him; she hoped he would finally get the message.

“That’s not the problem.  I just don’t like you that way.  I’m sorry.”

He shrugged.  “It is what it is.  I have some work to do.”  He left her standing there; her mouth was hanging open.  In time he would realize she was only trying to protect him.  Until then, she would just have to steer clear of him and not give him any crazy notions.

____________________

Thomas waited nervously for the police detective to come back into his office.  He didn’t know why he was on edge; it wasn’t like he hadn’t been doing police work for most of his adult life.  Detective Lewis seemed impressed, but he needed to call in his references and said he would be back in a few minutes.  Now, 20 minutes later he began to doubt what the outcome was going to be.  He let out a slow breath when he heard him open the door.  “Sorry about the wait; I spoke with Chief Spencer and he spoke highly of you.”  He was relieved; they always got along, but one could never be too sure.  “In speaking with him, I think there’s no doubt that you would make a great addition to our station.”

Thomas smiled.  “I am pleased to hear that; thank you.”

“When can you start?”

Thomas wanted to begin work as soon as possible.  He had a life to get back to and this way he could have some extra money coming in.  “I can be here tomorrow."

“Perfect; we will have you do some ride-alongs with Officer John Timbers.  He has been here for 30 years and he is a great trainer. 
We will see you tomorrow at…8:00?”

“I will be here; thank you.”  He shook his hand and then left the office.  He was so glad that this day was shaping up the way that it was.  He had to go pick up his kids, because they had reason to celebrate.  He made good timing when driving to Cassie and Seth’s house.  He couldn’t wait to tell them that any thoughts of him not having a place to work were unfounded.  He ran up to the door and knocked.  “Knock Knock.”  He peered in the house and saw that no one was in the living room.  “Cassie?  Where is everyone?”  He laughed to himself; he hoped Cassie didn’t have to tie them up because they were acting nuts.  Worse yet, he hoped they didn’t tie her up.  It was a crazy thought; Scarlett and he raised good kids.  “Hello; is anyone here?”

“We’re out here Thomas.”  He followed the sound of her voice and saw that they were out in the backyard.  He was in disbelief when he got out there.  “Hello; how did your interview go?”

He looked at her; she was working on her laptop and she had a playpen up, where Savannah seemed content to play by herself.  The other kids were playing a game of football.  It appeared to be one, big, happy family.  “I am in awe.”  He laughed as he sat down.

“What?  You have great kids.  They knew that I had work to do.  Bethany convinced them to play a game of football; it gets rid of their energy, and keeps them occupied.  It’s a win-win.”  She laughed as they looked out into the grass.  He was probably most shocked that Bethany was willing to get down and dirty.  She was always the prim and proper girl that worried about dirt under her nails.  “So, you didn’t answer my question; how was your interview?”

He chuckled as he turned to her.  “Oh yeah; well, it went better than I could have hoped for.”

“Really?  When do you start?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

Her eyes got big and she grinned.  “Was there ever any doubt?”

He shrugged to that question; he had plenty of doubt.  “I’m just glad that it’s over.”

“Yeah; interviews are never fun.”  She was correct in that aspect.  He would rather go to the dentist, than sit in an interview.  Seeing his kids interact so well put his mind at ease.  He worried that Cassie would be finished with baby-sitting before it really even started.  “You don’t have to worry Thomas.”  She replied; it was almost as if she was reading his mind.  “They were great today.”

“You didn’t have any problems?”

“Not unless you count the time they tied me up; we got passed it.”  She laughed to show that she was teasing.

“Hey don’t laugh; it crossed my mind.”

“Really; I’m positive that today was a smooth process.  I love those kids; just like they were my own.  “I am free to continue to watch them, whenever you need me too.”

“Beginning Monday you will only have Judy and Joey.  I will get the other kids when they get out of school; then I can pick up the two younger ones.”