ter

l week

ild. "It's extremely important. I've got several million dollars riding on that phone call. Inform the caller of the event, and say I'll get back with him as soon as my

t the kids at the same time?" She ye

" Mike called over hi

who should go pick up the Matheson kids. Dozens of people worked there, but she couldn't thi

k up the Matheson kids from daycare at eleven-thirty." There wasn't a single sound on

my job description incl

off, and I have to wait for a very important call, and there's no one

itch in under the circumstances. Where and what am I to d

g them back to me. I think there are enough people

re going to ow

might. Just

en and stepped inside to the noise and clamor of many children. He came to an abrupt halt, afraid he might step on one of the little people he found suddenly underfoot. He glance

The voice came from amo

dren." He glanced about the noisy pack, att

t said, pointing in the direction of a woman

we struck as he saw a long blond pony tail dangling

ght, she's a teacher, n

listening to her gentle crooning as she pulled a little girl into her arms. Her voice gave off a soothing qualit

on't cry. It'll stop h

ra tightly the tears dropped onto the folds of the woman's blouse, le

y. The Band-Aid wi

t her scrape had stopped hurting, she eased toward a group of children who were busy coloring. The woman s

er hand froze inside her waistband. At the same time she gasped, her breath suddenly catching in

king blue eyes stretched large and roun

h his white shirt sleeves rolled up, his tie loosened and his collar askance, looking like a little boy not quiet able to finish dressing himself. He felt genuinely happy in that moment, and for just a second recalled how Clara felt when he held her snugly in his

Clara who finally

easing regard. The same strong attraction he'd felt when he f

ossom opening in slow motion. She felt certain she had never been so happy to see anyone in her life. With perfect recall of the night they danced, she could still recall the effect of his strong

rst awesome wave of astonishment turned to bold

e?" she asked, with a p

ly and taking it between both his as he gazed affectionately upon her love

here? I work here," she replied. He still held her trembling hand, and lest she re

ke golden corn silk. His strong forearms protruding below his rolled up sleeves were admirably wrought with lithe muscle and sprinkled with a

eacher." Now, he wondered if he had sent r

k here," Clara replied wit

uty as a little girl tugged at her slacks, he jumped to another more import

rds and each slight movement created a ripple through bulging, hard muscle. She had the strongest urge to touch his arm, to feel the soft blond hairs sprinkle

bout his leg. Startled, he glanced down sharply, smiled, and placed his hand on the little girl's head. "I've b

ra asked, seeing how the

said this last more quietly so Joanna couldn't hear. "Quite honestly, when I

suddenly scooted away when she saw som

ed her head away for a moment, glancing at the children who played noisily wit

bly. "Did you not receive a me

d shook her head. "I received ro

ge. Since you never called I t

ve it. Sometimes the school secretary forgets to

imes hoping to see you there. I suppo

me out occasionally and I go where they invite me. I

e large room. "So when

a bent down and touched her shoulder. "Cindy, what do you want?" she asked softly, taking a

took

Let's see if we can find anot

and Timmy took

d it to the child who stopped crying immediately and started playing with her green car, all the while surreptitiously watching Timmy with the other g

ike a woman,"

Clara said, smiling. "Ti

e. She was ditching the car in favor of a doll. "Did I make m

shed when he reached over and b

received my note?" Nelson asked, tu

tful. "I'm a very busy person, Nelson,

t answer my questi

o hear, and if I say yes, you'll wonde

ara

bly would have called you. The roses

he way, when can I see you?" He looked around at

o stay with her parents while she went on a date. She could feel her hands trembling. "I... I don'

ldn't afford to get involved with Nelson. I

. They quickly complied and she stood by the sink helping each of them while the attendan

anded Nelson a pack of paper towels, and he passed o

ider good william stock. She had all the qualifications for helping him produce a suitable william heir. A sense of destiny in progress bega

d to know exactly what to do, and when their hands were washed and dried they sat in little chairs at low tables. When all were sitting, Clara, Ma

n. She found it hard to concentrate on her tasks with him watching everything she did. It was a

which they got the children served in a matter of minutes. He and Clara watch

lson, observing the lunch scene. Joanna's small arms

d up at him, her big eyes brimming with tears. Racheal always picked them up b

ason asked, looking nearly

to the kitchen. She was back in a minute with cookies and two cartons of milk. Making room at

there, he felt complete familiarity with her as if he'd known her always. She fascinated and intrigued him with her gorgeous figure, beautiful face

turned to Clara. "I have to leave now, but you're not going to ge

she answered quickly without consi

arp and we'll go somewhere w

ll had to heat in the microwave. Then at six she'd have to take them home and give them dinner after she closed

o the small kitchen, watching as she took two wrapped conta

busy. I have no time

pect me to believe that? Surel

ng the weight of responsibility and pressure crowding in upo

evening. I'll be back at six, Clara,

at she shouldn't do this, but feeling a voluntary surge of gladness that she had accepted

rs out, Clara felt a moment of pure exhilaration at Ne

e you at seven, Clara," he said turning to go, his easy smile polished and gleaming. He picked up Joanna, and took

hthearted joy since the