Of Mountains and Men: A Why Choose Romance

Chapter 3

Tuesday was a complete blur, we had a lot to do to get ready for the suits bringing their children. Tons of coloring pages to print, researching new types of fun brain games to play.

"Lindy, I have a whole list of activities we can do, I'm leaving the list next to the computer! I'm going to take Charley to lunch now!" I holler at her, she's overseeing the two cute little boys that came in today as they make paper and glue mountains.

She waves me off with a smile, helping one of the boys tear his paper in the shape of a man, I assume he's making his family. How sweet. Because of how large the resort is, there is a cafeteria, three restaurants and a coffee shop. Part of my contract is being able to eat lunch for free in the cafeteria. Such an awesome bonus for this job!

All the cafeteria staff greets us warmly, and I return the sentiments. Today Charley and I choose meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a big serving of brussel sprouts. It's amazing how a two-year-old can nearly eat as much as me! This kid is going to be huge, like his father. The thought sends a pang through my chest. He's never coming back, they sent his body back, remember?

I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand trying not to let anyone know the tears slipped free. It was a year ago that his body was returned home, two years since I last saw him. I need to move on, it shouldn't be so painful after all this time.

"All finished?" I ask when Charley sets down his plate, after literally licking it clean. Oh, that boy, what am I going to do with him. I laugh as I see a bit of mashed potatoes in his curls.

We head back to the daycare just in time to relieve Lindy, "It's movie time." She winks at me, "I promised them if they finished their work to give to their parents, they could watch a Disney or Pixar."

I paste on a big smile. Charley lets go of my hand going to sit on the kids' chairs with the other two boys. They discuss what they want to watch, deciding at last on Cars. As they watch the movie, I stay in the background tidying up the spaces where they've done crafts or played. I'm close enough that I can see and hear everything, as I clean up the obvious disaster trail.

When the room is back in order, I settle down near the boys, still giving them a little space. Lindy comes back in and joins me, watching the movie for a few moments. I give her a thumbs up. It's all of twenty minutes before the boys have gotten out the toy cars and are playing along with the movie. I love how they want to use their imagination.

After a few quite boring hours, it's time for their parents to pick them up, everyone leaves happy. The parents are thrilled to have spent the day child free. I don't honestly know how they can do that. I'll be bawling like a baby when Charley goes to preschool.

The snow is deeper today, but Rhonda gets us home safely. I start up the fire, while Charley watches The Magic School Bus. I'm so grateful for the turkey we bought, and that I have a crockpot big enough for it. So, all I need to do is serve up the food and we're ready to eat a hearty warm meal.

Somehow a big warm meal changes the entire evening. Charley even takes his bath with no complaints. After I put Charley to bed, I stay up to watch 27 Dresses one of my favorites. My prepaid phone dings with a text, I groan when I see its Lindy. She knows my number is only for emergencies.

Lindy: I just heard this! Most of the men that are coming on the business trip are single! Maybe we can finally get lucky. ;)

I don't even respond, she's ridiculous. Me moving ondoesn't mean I just want to hop in bed with some random man. I shake my head,add another log to the fire, and accidentally fall asleep watching the movie.