Page 15 of An Unexpected Match

“No, thanks. The bank?”

Obviously, the time to talk had ended. And they hadn’t even started on the children. Why had the question about why she didn’t wish to marry caused such a reaction? Was she recovering from the loss of someone as he was?

He never planned to remarry so he could understand that reason. If so, why not just come right out and say so?

I don’t ever expect to marry. The words echoed in Arden’s mind as she cleaned the pots and pans that had been soaking and put them away. She’d been careful for years not to get so involved with a man she’d have to tell him she could never have children. An occasional date was fine, especially if the man enjoyed the same activities she did. But at the first hint of a growing seriousness, she backed away.

She was content with her life and the plans she’d made for the future. She’d spend her passion on her work and find delight in other aspects of life, just like Aunt Love had done. She wouldn’t repine for what couldn’t be.

And for three years, she’d be a part of this family without any involvement in her heart. She’d do her best with these precious children, and by the end of her stay, she’d have her degree and maybe some experience to jump start her career. The fact she’d be twenty-eight by then didn’t bother her. With her entire life still ahead of her, it didn’t matter how long the basic training took. As long as she kept focused.

She snapped off the lights and went to her room. The boxes Brendan had brought in yesterday were still stacked in the corner. Maybe tomorrow she’d get some unpacked. First thing she’d look for would be her pastels and pen and ink so she could begin drawing again.

Maybe even sketch her warrior.

Getting ready for bed, Arden kept her emotions at bay. But once she slid beneath the sheets and switched off the lamp, they rose and threatened to topple her.

The longing for a mate never dissipated. Despite her tight control of her thoughts, the yearning surfaced. She wanted to be loved for herself and share the love that filled her with someone special. To know there was one person in the world who would cherish her, love her, support her dreams, and offer solace when things in life didn’t always work out the way she hoped.

Fear sometimes swamped her. Fear for the lonely future that she faced the endless years she’d be alone once her aunts died.

Tonight she pushed it away, concentrating instead on how she would sketch Brendan as a warrior king of old. Castle ruins in the background, she decided as sleep claimed her.

Chapter Four

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Arden asked Brendan late the next morning when the woman behind the desk at the bank left for a moment to get the proper forms.

Arden and the girls had met Brendan at the bank shortly before eleven. Once he discussed adding Arden as a signer on his account, the full reality of the situation struck her. He was putting all his assets in her hands, at least all the monetary ones.

His parents, he’d explained, had power of attorney. But he’d also make sure she had one for the full care of the girls when he was gone.

“I mean, being able to sign on this account means I have access to all your money. I thought we’d just set up a household account.”

He leaned close, his breath brushing her cheeks as he spoke. Arden could see the faint lines radiating from his eyes. Her fingers clenched tightly to keep from reaching up to touch him. They were in a public place, for heaven’s sake. And he was just talking. But the urge was strong. She swallowed hard and tried to concentrate.

“If I trust you with my children, why wouldn’t I trust you with my money? I can always get more money.”

She knew he had no worries about her absconding with funds. But it surprised her to realize the depth of his trust.

“Okay. And you have nothing to worry about. I would never take your money,” she said earnestly.

Brendan nodded. “I know.”

He sat back as the bank official rejoined them.

Arden drew a deep breath and tried to relax her jangled nerves. The man was driving her wild, and he hadn’t a clue. Which was as it should be. She simply could not let herself find him fascinating and bewitching. Or have him suspect for one instance how he had her hormones raging.

Remember to focus, she admonished herself.

Signing the cards where indicated, Arden tried to distance herself from the proceedings. She was a signer on his account. When he was away, it’d be up to her to make sure the bills were paid on time, the groceries were bought; the girls had clothes and shoes. The responsibility seemed heavy–almost that of a wife. She hoped he wouldn’t be going anywhere for a long time.

“How about lunch at McDonald’s?” Brendan asked as they paused on the sidewalk outside the bank. He held Avery in his arms and smiled down at Hailey.

Arden, for the first time in her life, didn’t feel too tall standing next to Brendan.

She smiled at Hailey’s enthusiastic response and reached for the child’s hand.

“Shall we go, then? Your daddy has to get back to work soon.”

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