A Season of Angels Page 0,34

each other better."

The lines that fanned out from Glen's eyes relaxed as he set aside his mug and reached for her hand. "I'm just as eager to know you and Timmy better, but I'm an adult and it wouldn't be considered cool to let it show. I realize we've only been acquainted a short while, and it's much too soon to be thinking along the lines Timmy is, but . . ." He hesitated and his eyes studied hers, his look intense. He seemed to be weighing his words carefully, then shrugged and added, "Oh, what the hell, you can think what you want, but I like you, Jody, I like you a lot, and I think Timmy's a great kid. I haven't made it a secret that I'm strongly attracted to you.

"As far as I'm concerned the fact that you have a son who's looking for a father is an added bonus. I want a family, and have for some time. I'd be pleased if we both started thinking along those lines.

"There, I've said it and I've probably shocked you, but we're both mature adults, capable of handling the truth, don't you think?"

Jody didn't know what to say. She felt overwhelmed and apprehensive. She stood abruptly, nearly toppling her chair in her haste. "I'm flattered, really flattered, but . . . it's too soon, much too soon for us to be thinking along those lines."

"Of course it is," Glen agreed patiently. "I'm sorry, Jody, I didn't mean to upset you. You're right, of course, I got caught up in Timmy's enthusiasm. Forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive."

Glen hadn't done anything more than sample his coffee, but he stood and carried the mug to the sink. "I should be going."

Jody nodded, but immediately felt guilty. Glen looked a little like Timmy after she'd had to tell him no when it was something he really wanted.

"Would you be willing to see me again, or have I completely terrified you?" he asked when he reached the front door.

Jody couldn't see how she could refuse. "I'd enjoy going out with you again."

The defeated puppy-dog look was replaced with a wide smile. "I'll give you a call some time tomorrow, then."

"That'd be fine."

Glen opened the door and paused. "Would you be willing to see me if it weren't for Timmy?"

Jody laughed softly. "Probably."

She was rewarded with another warm grin that lit up his eyes. He took a small step toward her and then stopped abruptly and exhaled a long, deep breath. "I'd very much like to kiss you, but I'm afraid that might be pushing matters. We'll do this your way, Jody. I'm a patient man, especially when the prize is one of such value. Good night and thank you for one of the most enjoyable evenings of my life."

" 'Night." She stood at the door and waited until he'd reached his car. Once he pulled away, his headlights illuminating the dark street, Jody closed the door and leaned against the heavy wood.

Glen had nice eyes, she decided. The eyes of a man she could trust, who wouldn't rush her into something she wasn't ready for. The eyes of a man who was well acquainted with pain and disappointment himself.

After a few moments she walked over to the mantel in the family room where Jeff's picture rested. She stared at his familiar features, the features she loved so dearly. Even after all these years, he had the power to stir her.

Reaching out, she traced her fingers over the outline of his jaw, waiting for the swell of emotion that generally accompanied such moments. To her surprise none came. Not guilt. Nor doubt. Jeff smiled benignly out at her and perhaps it was her imagination, she was sure it must be, but he seemed to approve of Glen, approve of the job she'd done raising Timmy. It seemed he was telling her that even in death he would always love her.

Leah heard the door shut. Andrew had returned after being away most of the day. She closed her eyes, and took a moment to compose herself before she faced her husband. He was right and she knew it. Having a child had become an obsession with her, so much so that she was systematically destroying the most important relationship in her life.

Stepping out of the kitchen, she watched as Andrew sat down in front of the television and reached for the remote control.

"I . . . I thought that must be you," she said, which sounded