Page 84 of Love on the Line

Chapter 30

Anne dabbedconcealer over the cut on her temple. It had been a week since the attack, but she still needed makeup to cover the spot. She and Wyatt had planned a hike through the woods to see the rapids. She’d wanted to climb up to the waterfall, but with both of them on the mend, they’d decided to take the short, flat trail and save that for another time.

A thread of worry knitted around Anne’s heart. Wyatt had been offered the USC job, and she’d also gotten the call for the vice principal position. He had to realize that if she took it, she’d be grounded in Maryland. What future could they have together if he went to California?

She shook off the negativity. His enthusiasm when she’d told him about her offer had been genuine. He knew how much it meant to her.

Her phone rang, and she glanced at the screen.

Devon.

He’d called three times in the last week, making sure she was okay after the assault and the news-splash photos of them. Nice of him, but she just wanted to put the whole thing behind her. Considering he’d expressed feelings for her prior to the attack, she would rather limit their interactions strictly to business.

She frowned. Actually, he’d said he was interested in her, not that he had feelings for her. Regardless, she didn’t want to be rude, so she answered.

“Hi, Devon. What’s up?”

“I called to congratulate you on the job offer.”

“Thanks, but how did you know—”

“Larry Edmonson and I golf together, and he told me about it. In fact, we’re having dinner on Thursday. Would you like to join us? It might be a good opportunity for you to talk to the superintendent in a casual setting and get onboard.”

A tick of annoyance tracked up her spine. She’d earned the job and had told Devon before that she didn’t want to use his connections. She forced a polite response, because he probably meant well. “Thanks, but I’m going to do this on my own.”

After a pause, Devon responded. “Of course, I understand. Congratulations.”

He hung up, and she shook her head. Something in his voice…

Her phone dinged in her hand. A text from Scott. Maddie had gone into labor hours ago, and he’d promised to keep Anne updated. She tapped the screen and a picture of Maddie holding a baby wearing a pink beanie popped up with the caption, “It’s a girl. Zoey Ella. 7 lbs 13 oz.”

A thrill rushed through Anne’s body. She typed a quick congratulations and zoomed in on the image. The grin on Maddie’s tired face said it all. Anne stared at the baby, and her heart twinged with longing. She wasn’t getting any younger, and Wyatt had been clear about not wanting kids.

With a sigh, she opened the refrigerator and pulled out the fruit, cheese, and sandwiches she’d prepared for their lunch. She packed everything into the picnic basket she’d found at a thrift store. That day she’d felt like she’d won a free vacation. She had a thing for old-fashioned picnic baskets and had been looking for one for a long time. This basket had called to her with a pretty pink ribbon woven around the sides and matching bow on the front. Of course, she could have bought a new basket, but she liked to support the charity that ran the store.

She drove to Wyatt’s place since it was on the way to the park. When she knocked, Goober barked, and like the last time, thumped against the door. A giggle tickled her throat. So much for the training.

Wyatt opened the door and Goober bounded out to Anne, tail whipping. He whined as she bent to hug him, and Wyatt gave her an apologetic smile. “I haven’t been consistent, and I don’t get many visitors, so…”

“It’s okay. He’s probably just excited to go, aren’t you, boy?” She ruffled the fur behind his ears.

“What? Did you think he was coming with us?” Wyatt’s smile fell.

“Of course. He’ll love it.” She scratched his side, and his leg started thumping a staccato rhythm on the floor. “It’s so funny when he does this.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring him today.” Wyatt stared down at Goober with a slight frown.

“But I made him those special dog biscuits he likes, and he’s come before. Why not today?” Anne stood.

Wyatt shrugged. “Just…I don’t know…he might get into trouble.”

“Trouble?” What was he worried about? Goober wasn’t aggressive and got along with other dogs.

Her phone dinged, and she jerked. “Oh my gosh. I didn’t tell you. Maddie had her baby. That’s probably Scott.”

“Everything okay?” Wyatt cocked his head.

“Yeah.” Anne picked up her phone and clicked on a selfie of Scott, his arm around Maddie and the baby. A lump formed in Anne’s throat. “Precious.”

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