Daddy Next Door. Judy Christenberry

He made a mental note to steer clear of any further comments.

      He closed the back of the minivan and hustled around to the passenger seat. He figured he’d better get in before she drove off without him.

      On the ride home there was no conversation, until Jennifer pointed out a grocery store.

      “There’s the one where I shop,” she said. “It’s only a short distance from the fourplex.”

      “Yeah, thanks. I’ll go later today.”

      When they reached the fourplex, Nick began gathering packages to carry in to the apartment. Jennifer also came around to the back of the minivan with the girls and gave them each a package to carry in. She gave Steffi the key to unlock the doors.

      “Sorry, I should’ve thought of that,” Nick said softly after the girls headed toward the apartment. “It was smart on your part to encourage them to help.”

      Jennifer raised her eyebrows and put a palm to her chest. “You mean I did something right? With all your experience, Mr. Barry, I guess you would know, wouldn’t you?”

      “Are you making fun of me, Jennifer?”

      “Well, you do seem to think you know better than me.”

      She was baiting him, but he refused to bite. Instead he complimented her. “Just goes to show that your instincts are good even if you’ve never had kids before.”

      Before she could reply, another car pulled into the small parking lot.

      “Uh-oh,” Jennifer muttered.

      Nick looked at the other car. “Is there a problem?”

      “Not for you. It’s just my mother.”

      He looked at the woman getting out of the car. She had Jennifer’s blond hair, but hers looked artificial. She was dressed in a chic suit and heels, and she wore a lot of gold jewelry. She also wore a frown.

      “Jennifer,” she called sharply.

      “Yes, Mother?”

      “Have you lost your mind?” her mother demanded, ignoring Nick, as she approached them.

      “I don’t think so.”

      “My brother just complimented me on my daughter’s social conscience! When I assured him I didn’t know what he was talking about, he informed me that you have applied to adopt three little girls! I won’t have it! You must stop this at once!”

      “I won’t do that, Mother.”

      “But I won’t have it! You’ll ruin your life!”

      “I’m going to adopt the girls. I believe I’m doing the right thing. And I won’t let you tell me what to do!” Jennifer finished with passion in her voice.

      “It’s your grandmother’s fault, isn’t it? She made this possible. Otherwise, I’d just cut off your allowance and you’d do what I said!”

      “You tried that once, Mother, before Grandmother left me anything, and it didn’t work then. It won’t work now. I make my decisions, not you!”

      “But, darling, you haven’t thought this through. What man will even look at you with three kids tugging on your coattails?”

      “I would,” Nick said softly, hoping he wasn’t going to upset Jennifer.

      Jennifer’s mother whirled around and stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. “Who are you?”

      “He’s Grace’s nephew and he’s leasing the apartment across from me,” Jennifer said quietly. “He’s a teacher.”

      “Oh, then he doesn’t count. That’s not what I have planned for you. Jonathan Davis has shown some interest. But if I tell him about the girls, he’ll change his mind.”

      “Good. I have no interest in Jonathan Davis.”

      “But, Jennifer, his father is the president of the CMX Corporation. He’s worth millions, and his father is worth even more! He’s perfect.”

      “Then I suggest you marry him, Mother, because I have no interest in him!”

      “Jennifer, have you lost your mind?” her mother demanded, her hands on her hips, glaring at her daughter.

      With her lips pressed tightly together, Jennifer gathered up the last of the packages and closed the back of the minivan. “I have nothing more to say to you, Mother. I can’t invite you in because the children would be upset. I’ll call you sometime soon.”

      “You mean I’m not invited into your home?” her mother screamed, outraged.

      “That’s exactly what I mean! Come on, Nick.” Jennifer headed for the front door.

      Nick did as she ordered, not bothering to argue with her. He certainly didn’t want to have any conversation with the woman who had blown him off. He might no longer be a teacher, but that didn’t mean he thought teachers should be so easily dismissed.

      When they got into Jennifer’s apartment, she collapsed on the sofa, her energy apparently spent in the argument.

      The girls came running in, eager to open the packages.

      Nick said, “Girls, can you help me take the packages to your bedroom? Your mom is a little tired and needs to rest a few minutes.”

      Missy and Steffi agreed at once and began gathering packages to take to their bedroom. Annie first went to Jennifer and touched her on her hand, looking at her with big eyes.

      “I’m fine, sweetheart,” Jennifer said, hugging the little girl. “I just need a few minutes, okay?”

      Annie nodded and picked up the leftover packages and silently followed her sisters.

      On the way to the girls’ room, Nick gave Jennifer a warm, bolstering smile over his shoulder. That was when he noticed the tears glistening in her eyes.

      BY EARLY EVENING, JENNIFER had pulled herself together and prepared dinner for her family. When she called the girls in to set the table, Missy asked, “Where’s Nick?”

      “I’m sure he’s at home. He’s not part of our family, Missy. You know that.”

      “But Nick is our daddy! He should be here for supper!” the child said firmly.

      “I’ve told you before, Missy, he’s not your daddy. He’s our neighbor, that’s all.” And, she reminded herself, that was all he’d ever be. “Now, help your sisters set the table.”

      When the phone rang, Jennifer grabbed the kitchen extension, which had a long cord so she could finish fixing dinner while she talked.

      “Jennifer?” said a wavery voice she recognized at once.

      “Grace, how are you?”

      “I’m fine, but I need to pay my rent.”

      “Uh, Grace, aren’t you at the assisted-living facility?”

      “Yes, but it’s not as nice as my apartment.”

      “But do you think you’ll be able to return to your apartment?” Jennifer asked, confused.

      “Oh, yes.”

      “Have you told your nephew that?” Jennifer asked. Grace Windomere had been a good friend of her grandmother’s, which was how she’d gotten the apartment.

      “Why would I?”

      “If you’re subletting the apartment to your nephew, you’ll need to tell him.”

      “What nephew?”

      Jennifer froze. Then she said, “Your nephew, Nick Barry. He said you sublet your apartment to him.”

      “I don’t think I have a nephew.”

      “Grace,