Page 6 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

By then, he should be ready to return to the Middle East and work.

He needed to decide on what to do about the future, but there was no rush. He had time.

Zack jumped up and down, his face shining with excitement. “Let’s go, Mommy. Let’s go.”

“In a minute, sweetie. I need to get some bottled water and a snack for us. You know you always get hungry at the park.”

Anna smiled at her son as she headed to the kitchen to gather what she needed.

Yesterday’s scare had faded to the background, but hadn’t totally disappeared. She sometimes didn’t know if she was going to make it as a single mother. Zack was a handful. Somehow she’d to get him over chasing after strangers thinking they were Tom.

Yesterday’s trauma had been a strain, but everything was fine—for now. Zack loved going to the park. Actually, he loved going anywhere—to the store, preschool, visiting Edith Wade, her neighbor who watched Zack when Anna had to work.

Anna put some dried fruit and two water bottles in the small backpack, checked to make sure the sunscreen was there and the wet-wipes. Picking up her dark glasses, she was ready.

This spring had proved balmy and warm for New York City. She took advantage of the nearby park every chance she got. The grassy area gave plenty of running room for Zack, and the playground section provided slides and swings and other equipment that he loved. It was a great way for him to burn off some of that energy he had.

Their apartment was tiny. It was all she could afford with her salary and the expense of preschool and Edith’s pay. The neighborhood wasn’t the best, but it was the best she could afford and still be close enough to work that she didn’t spend hours commuting.

She’d rather spend the time with Zack.

Passing through the crowded living room, she glanced at Tom’s picture out of habit. She still missed him with an ache that never seemed to go away despite the months that had passed since his death. They’d taken Zack for walks together before he died, but Zack had been in the stroller then. Wouldn’t Tom have loved watching Zack at the park playing with the other children—running around, yelling in sheer joy?

“Okay, I’m ready.”

She smiled at her son, her heart swelling with love. He was such a darling boy. She wished Tom had lived to see Zack grow up. He’d been as excited as she when Zack had come into their lives. They’d made such plans for the future—family vacations, maybe buying a house one day with a yard so Zack could have a dog. Tom had wanted him to attend NYU.

Sighing softly for what was not to be, she helped her son put his jacket on. It was up to her to make sure Tom’s dreams came true.

“Yay.” Zack ran to the front door and waited impatiently while his mother unlocked it and opened it. He was off like a shot to the elevator.

“I can push the button,” Zack said proudly and pressed the down arrow.

Anna locked her door and hurried to follow her son. Sh wouldn’t put it past him to jump into the elevator without her in his excitement to get to the park.

Zack raced out of the elevator when it reached the lobby.

“Zack, wait.”

She hurried after him and took his hand before he reached the large glass door that led outside.

Zack never moved slowly.

She laughed as they raced the light at the corner. In only moments, they reached the grassy expanse. Releasing Zack’s hand, she followed as he headed directly to the playground area. Several children she recognized were already running around, swinging, sliding down the slides and having a great time. Zack joined in with no hesitation.

Anna glanced around at the benches, looking for an empty one. She spotted the man she’d met briefly yesterday, Myles Riker. Did he live in the neighborhood?

She didn’t remember seeing him before. And he was someone she’d have remembered. Slowly she walked over. He looked up when she drew near and nodded in greeting.

“Good morning,” he said.

His voice was amazing, deep and husky. She remembered how tall he was. Even sitting, he gave the impression of strength and size. His hair was almost black. A dark tan gave him a healthy look, while faint lines around his eyes proved he squinted in bright sunshine.

Spring had been nice, but not that sunny. Was he a skier? That would explain the tan so early in the season.

He was broad in the shoulders, muscular without appearing to be a bodybuilder. He looked totally out of place in the park. She glanced back at Zack. Seeing the man had her thinking of wide-open spaces and endless vistas. A man used to doing, not sitting.

Why was he in the park today? Did he live nearby? Had he been a regular she’d overlooked before meeting him?

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