Lone Wolf (3 page)

“I seem to have left you speechless. How about we get together again this weekend? I'm free both days. You could bring the kids and we could make it an outing for them as well.”

“Are you asking me out on a date?” Thomas asked.

“I think maybe I am.” There was laughter in her voice. “Although having kids underfoot might make it questionable.”

“Well, I think it sounds like a great idea. I'd love for our girls to meet.”

“A date it is, then.”

After exchanging particulars, they hung up. Thomas smiled at the irony of the situation. He was about to spend an entire day with his dentist. And he was looking forward to every minute of it.

Saturday rolled around and Thomas drove into Regina with Whisper in tow. Ryder had other plans, and Thomas was actually grateful for that. He wasn't sure how much fun hanging out at a kid's play park would be for his teenage son. This way, the girls could meet and play, and he and Nicole would be free to get to know one another without more eyes on them than necessary.

They met at a well-known restaurant that also had a play area, and after ordering their food, they found a seat in the rather noisy kids' section. Nicole slid in beside Thomas on a plastic bench, leaving the opposite bench for the girls. “No playing until you eat something first,” Nicole directed at Maggie.

The little girl plunked herself down beside Whisper, and Nicole proceeded to unload the food tray. Thomas was hyperaware of Nicole's close proximity as she distributed the girls' boxed meals. The alluring scent of her perfume, the brush of her sleeve against his own. It was the least romantic of settings, yet his senses were in overdrive. Finally, she settled herself back against her own seat and opened the paper on her sandwich.

“Aren't we gonna pray?” Whisper turned expectant eyes to her father.

“Oh. Of course.” Nicole set her sandwich back down on its paper wrap and placed her hands in her lap. “You go ahead.”

Thomas could feel the heat rising up his neck, but he dutifully closed his eyes. “God, we thank you for this food and ask that you would bless it to our bodies' use. Amen.” He opened his eyes and noticed that Nicole still had hers closed.

“And thank you for bringing new friends into our lives,” she added, followed by, “Amen.” When she opened her eyes, they were shining brightly, almost like there was a sheen of moisture in them. “Okay, eat up, girls.” Her voice and movements were suddenly brisk.

They ate their meal, the girls giggling like they were old friends. To a casual onlooker, they were a happy family. Finally, the girls scampered away to play in the playground, leaving only their drinks behind.

“They seem to be getting along well,” Nicole observed. Their bench seat was against the wall with a full view of the playground.

“Yes.” Thomas looked down at the mess of paper and cardboard on the table in front of him. “Um, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable earlier. About praying, I mean. Whisper's used to it at home.”

“That's perfectly okay,” Nicole said. “I'm actually ashamed that I didn't think of it first. I'm a Christian but I usually don't think to pray in public, that's all.”

Thomas looked up, his eyes wide. “You're a Christian?”

She nodded and took a sip from her straw, her gaze meeting his over the rim of her paper cup. “That surprises you?”

A smile crossed Thomas's lips. “Yeah, actually.”

“In a good way or a bad way?” She set her cup down on the table.

“Good way.” He laughed. “I'm getting used to this line of questioning.”

“So tell me how you came to know Jesus?” Nicole asked.

Thomas took a sip from his paper cup of steaming coffee before answering. “The short version is I met Jesus at a camp meeting. I was in a pretty low place in my life and I'm not even sure why I went since I was blasted drunk at the time. But I did and I got saved. How about you?”

“Some traveling missionaries came to our community. They did Vacation Bible School and stuff like that. I gave my life to Christ at a young age, but I didn't always live like it. It was sometime after I had Maggie that I rededicated my life. I'm sure there are those that look down on me because I'm a single mother, but I don't care. Maggie is the best thing that's happened to me after Jesus, and as long as He and I are solid, it doesn't really matter what other people think.”

“I couldn't agree more.”

Nicole cocked her head to one side. “You're a good dad, you know that?”

Thomas shrugged, trying not to show how the comment filled him with pride. “I try. Parenting is definitely a learning experience.”

“That it is. My own mom was a great example for me, though. She was a very hard worker but also very loving and kind.”

“And your dad?” Thomas asked.

Nicole furrowed her brow. “He tried. I mean, they're still together, which is something, but I don't think he really knew how to be a father. He used to drink a lot, and then when he sobered up, he'd already missed getting to know us, I think.”

“My father drank a lot, too,” Thomas offered. “His way of coping after residential school. It didn't make for a happy childhood for my sister and me. But we survived.”

“You just have the one sister?”

Thomas nodded. “Unfortunately, she drinks a lot, too. Life's been hard on her and her three kids. I wish I could help more, but they live in Saskatoon and…Well, I've kept my distance for the kids' sake. Selfish, I know, but no amount of help can change someone if they aren't willing.”

“Tough love.”

“Something like that.” He shifted in his seat and gazed out at the playground. Whisper came whizzing down a brightly colored tubular slide, followed by Maggie. He took a deep breath, tried for a smile and refocused on the beautiful woman sitting next to him. “They're having a blast. Thanks for inviting us.”

“My pleasure. We'll have to do it again.”

“I'd like that.”

“Oh! I forgot to tell you the good news.” Nicole placed her hand on Thomas's sleeve. He could feel the heat of it rippling up his arm as he met her gaze. “Your lawyer friend, Allan Spence, has agreed to take on our case at Jackfish Landing.”

The excitement in Nicole's eyes was contagious and Thomas smiled. “That is good news.”

“Yes. I'm not sure how quickly things will progress, but I feel better knowing that someone with clout is backing us.” Her hand was still on his forearm and suddenly both of their eyes went to where it lay. She withdrew her hand slowly and reached for her cup.

Thomas cleared his throat. “Great.”

“It sounds like your other friend Sandy is on board, too.”

“You'll definitely see progress, then, if I know Sandy.” Thomas hesitated for a just a moment. “Sounds like cause for a celebration.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.” Nicole lifted her paper cup in a salute and they clicked, paper to paper. “How about dinner this Friday?”

Thomas's eyebrows rose. “Um, okay. That sounds great.”

Nicole frowned slightly and surveyed Thomas out of squinted eyes. “Oops. Did I overstep my boundaries? You look…unsure.”

“Not at all. I'd love to have dinner. Most definitely.”

“Then what is it?” she asked.

Thomas smiled sheepishly. “Just that I was supposed to ask you on the next date. Now you've beat me two for two.”

Nicole laughed. “I told you I was forward. Sorry about that.”

“I like it. At least I know exactly where you stand. The next question is, where? There's not a lot of choice in Marshdale and since I'd have to drive anyway, I don't mind coming into the city again.”

“Okay. That works for me. Were you thinking of bringing the kids?”

Thomas glanced over at the girls. They were buried to the waist in plastic balls, pretending to swim through them. He looked back at Nicole. “How about no kids this time? Ryder can stay with Whisper. He hasn't done much babysitting lately and since he'll be moving out of the house after graduation, I better get some use out of him before it's too late.” He grinned.

“Sounds like a plan. I'll arrange a sitter for Maggie, too.”

Maggie and Whisper both came running to the table and grabbed their drinks, taking long swallows before running back into the fray of clamoring children. Thomas watched them, a feeling of contentment like he hadn't experienced recently overtaking every other emotion. This felt so comfortable. So right. He let his mind wander to the possibilities.

****

For the rest of the week, Thomas and Nicole settled into a routine of nightly calls, usually after nine when the girls had gone to bed. The weekend rolled around again, and Thomas pulled up to Nicole's house at seven-thirty on Friday night. She lived in an older neighborhood of Regina near the legislative buildings. Nicole's home was not as large as some but it still had character, with a steeply pitched roof, shutters, and a quaint facade reminiscent of a gingerbread house.

He parked on the narrow street and walked up the cement path to the front door. He adjusted his tie as he rang the bell, hoping he hadn't overdressed. He wore a white shirt, which contrasted with his dark hair and complexion, and a pair of casual dress slacks in a dark gray color. He often wore button-up shirts, but jeans were his standard and he definitely wasn't used to the tie. He only wore those for business meetings.

Thomas heard the deadbolt unlatch and then the front door swung open. Nicole stood there in a strapless black cocktail dress, her hair piled on her head and silver earrings twinkling at her lobes. He blinked, shutting his mouth on purpose. She was nothing less than stunning. “Come on in. I'm just giving the sitter some last-minute instructions.”

Thomas stepped inside and shut the door behind him. He waved at Maggie, who was sitting on the hardwood floor in front of a small TV. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Her eyes didn't stray from the set.

Thomas found his way to a nearby settee and perched on it, hands clasped between his knees as he waited. The room was small but cozy. There was a fireplace against one wall with bookshelves on either side. Nicole had retreated to the kitchen and was giving the babysitter a rundown of expectations. When she was through, she emerged in the doorway between the two rooms. “Well, I guess we're ready.”

Thomas stood up. Nicole walked toward him and grabbed a shawl that had been tossed across the back of the settee and placed it around her shoulders. Her shoulders were slim and shapely, her neck long and smooth. He cleared his throat and focused his attention on the fireplace across the room. Much safer.

“Come give me a kiss,” Nicole instructed her daughter. Maggie jumped up and ran to her mother. Nicole barely had time to place a peck on the child's cheek before the little girl was back in her spot on the floor, absorbed in her TV program. “Doesn't look like she's too worried about my absence this evening.”

Thomas grinned. “Kids.”

“Be good,” Nicole called as she stepped over the threshold. “And lock the door behind us.”

Thomas followed Nicole out the front door and heard the deadbolt being locked behind them, presumably by the babysitter. He placed his hand along the small of her back as he guided her toward his waiting SUV. “You look beautiful this evening,” he ventured. He opened her door.

“Thanks. And you're quite the gentleman.” Nicole smiled up at him as she got into the passenger seat.

“I try.” He shut the door and went around to his own side.

“So where are we headed?” she asked once they started driving. “Hopefully not a fast food joint, or I think we both might be overdressed.”

“Not this time.”

They drove the fifteen minutes it took to get downtown and Thomas found a parking spot near the upscale restaurant he had chosen. He opened Nicole's door and helped her out, but didn't let go of her hand once she was out of the car. She didn't protest. Thomas stole a glance at her profile, and a warm sensation spread from the pit of his stomach out to his limbs. He smiled and squeezed her hand slightly and she returned the pressure with an answering smile of her own. They walked hand in hand into the restaurant.

Mini-lights twinkled like stars on the ceiling, adding a touch of softness to the cream decor. Thomas stepped up to the hostess's counter. “I have a reservation for two. Thomas Lone Wolf.”

The twenty-something girl with bright red hair scanned her list and nodded. “Certainly. Right this way.” She led them to a small circular table tucked into a corner of the room. Thomas pulled out Nicole's chair and once she was seated he slid into the chair opposite, careful not to catch the white tablecloth as he sat.

“This is lovely. I've never been here before.” Nicole glanced around the room at the understated yet elegant surroundings. She laughed as her eyes shifted back to Thomas. “Then again, I don't get out much.”

“Me neither. It's hard with the kids.”

“Exactly.”

They busied themselves with ordering a glass of wine and then perusing the menu until the waitress came to take their order. While they sipped their wine, the conversation bandied between the project at Old Man's Lake and the crisis in Jackfish Landing. They'd spent so much time talking over the phone that any awkwardness or lack of subject matter was a moot point. Thomas's only concern was keeping his gaze above Nicole's neckline as she talked. Although the conversation was interesting, there were other things on his mind right now that were fighting for his attention.

They lingered over their meal and then a cup of coffee. “I'll never sleep tonight,” Nicole said with a laugh. “Coffee keeps me awake.”

“We could take a walk before going home,” Thomas suggested. “Waskana Park is really beautiful at night, especially by the legislative buildings.”

“I'd love that,” Nicole said. “As long as you're not anxious to get home. It is quite a drive.”

“I'm in no hurry.”

They left the restaurant and drove to the park, which was near Nicole's home. Waskana Park was known for its miles of scenic walking trails, and there were plenty of places to park the car, which encouraged residents to use the space.

The grand dome of the legislative buildings, the centerpiece of the park, glowed against the darkness of the sky. Lampposts dotted the area around the grounds and lined the walking trails that branched off in every direction. Thomas took Nicole's hand and they strolled along in silence for a time, taking in the peace and beauty. They came to a railing that overlooked Waskana Lake and stopped. Lights from the city sparkled on its surface.

“It's so pretty down here,” Nicole said. “I don't know why I don't come more often.” She put both arms along the top of the railing, leaning against it.

Thomas did the same, propping one foot on a lower rung. “I know what you mean. When I lived in Regina a few years back, I used to think the same thing. I guess it's like that. People get busy and don't take advantage of what's in their own back yard.”

She nodded. “Exactly. And of course, it's much nicer when you're with someone.”

Thomas turned to the side and gazed at Nicole. When her glance flickered to his, he smiled, inviting her closer. Slowly, tentatively, their heads came together until their lips touched. He closed his eyes and allowed his mouth to explore her soft lips as she pressed upward toward him. “Hmm, that's nice,” he said once their lips parted.

She nodded and captured his mouth again with her own. Thomas's arms crept around Nicole's back. The kiss lasted for several minutes until they heard a group of teens approaching.

“Get a room,” one of the young people called as they passed, and the rest giggled.

Thomas grinned, pulling away. He didn't release her from his embrace, however. He looked into her eyes and noticed a shimmer of moisture. “What are you thinking?”

She shook her head and stepped out of his embrace. “Nothing. Never mind.”

“Whatever happened to forward and honest?” He cocked a brow.

She shook her head. “I don't want to sound premature. Forget it.” She leaned against the railing, looking out over the water.

Thomas reached for her hand and drew her to him. He held her gaze for a moment and then slowly let his mouth descend on hers once again. A small sigh escaped her lips. “It's okay. I'd like to know,” he whispered between kisses. She laid her head against his chest and he rubbed her back.

Finally she lifted her head to gaze into Thomas's eyes. “I just can't help thanking God for bringing you into my life.”

Thomas's eyebrows raised a notch. “That's it?”

She nodded mutely and smiled.

“Oh. Well, that's good.” He smiled back. “You had me worried for a minute. I thought maybe you were going to say there was another reason—some big secret that we couldn't be together.”

The corner of her mouth tilted. “I was instantly attracted to you when you came to my office, but I've been praying for the man God would have for me, not someone I liked based on my flesh. Then we met again and it was so wonderful to find out you were a Christian. I can't help wondering…”

“If we're meant to be together?” Thomas finished for her.

She nodded. “But I don't want to run ahead of God. It's too soon to really know for sure.”

Thomas touched the side of her face with his finger. When she turned to look at him, he cut off any more words with another kiss.