Chapter 13

The relative hush of the Palm Grove Elementary School auditorium was broken by the rise and fall of numerous high-pitched little voices from behind the heavy dark red curtains drawn across the stage. The annual Thanksgiving program featuring the kindergarten and first grade classes was already slightly behind schedule, and Lucy and her fellow teachers were backstage trying to calmly organize a boisterous group of excited five- and six-year-old Pilgrims and Indians.

When Principal Christopher informed her about the annual performance in late October, Lucy immediately confessed that having only ever taught at the high school level, she had no experience with this type of function. The older woman had smiled reassuringly at her and told her that the school's music teacher would actually be in charge, and she and the other teachers would be assisting her. So for the past few weeks, in addition to navigating her way through the new relationship with Wyatt, Lucy had been immersed in the world of Thanksgiving costumes and props, not to mention tiny diva attitudes, and was surprised at how much she was enjoying herself. The two first grade teachers, Mrs. Valentine and Mr. Thomas, and her fellow kindergarten teacher, Miss Burke, had all been very friendly, and she appreciated their guidance.

Most of the speaking parts were given to the more experienced first graders, with the kindergarten students serving as extras. Although she knew well not to show partiality to any certain child in her class, she was secretly very pleased when Jamie was selected to be a pilgrim (he had two lines), and tried valiantly to conceal her pride at how cute he looked in his costume (so handsome like his Daddy). Wyatt expressed a little concern about the probability of his quiet child actually stepping up to the microphone and reciting lines of dialogue, but Jamie had been doing well in rehearsals, and Lucy told him not to worry. "Wyatt, they're just little kids, pretty much all they have to do is look adorable, and the parents and grandparents will love it."

She had peeked out a few minutes earlier and found him sitting with the four Baumgardners, and smiled to see an angelic-looking Sadie already perched on Wyatt's lap, twirling a lock of curly hair around one chubby finger and talking his leg off. After the program, they were taking the little ones to get ice cream, and Lucy privately thought maybe five-year-old Jamie was more excited about that than his program.

The school's Thanksgiving break would officially start tomorrow, and Lucy was thrilled at the prospect of a five-day weekend, especially since Wyatt arranged to take the same days off as well. It would be the most time the two of them had spent together since they had started dating, and while she was definitely looking forward to it, a tiny, persistent voice in her head wondered if they were ready to spend 24 hours a day with each other for that long. Lucy resolutely pushed that doubt back, because just the thought of all those nights spent in Wyatt's arms practically made her delirious with anticipation. Not wanting a single delay to the weekend, she had packed her bag last night, and it was already stowed in the trunk of her car.

Finally, the students were all in place and relatively quiet, except for a random whisper here and there. The music teacher, Mrs. Lewis, was in the pit in front of the stage, and she signaled for the house lights to be dimmed and the curtains to open. Lucy and the other teachers were stationed two on either side just off stage, ready to help if necessary. She managed to catch Jamie's eye just before the curtain opened, and her heart swelled when the little boy gave her a thumbs up and a big smile (Wyatt is gonna get all choked up, I just know it).

Wyatt was trying not to show it, but he was a little nervous for his son. When Jamie had come home from school and proudly announced that he was going to dress up like a Pilgrim for the school play, Lucy had assured Wyatt more than once during the past couple of weeks that Jamie would be fine. He was reluctant to admit it, but it wasn't just concern over his child's shyness that had been on his mind when earlier this evening, he watched Lucy helping Jamie into his costume and patiently answering all of the little boy's endless questions.

He didn't have a damned clue why, but for the first time in weeks, Wyatt had actually been thinking about Jess, and how proud and excited she would have been for their son's first school program (it would have been her helping Jamie get ready). Wyatt had shook his head and blinked rapidly at that traitorous thought (dick move, Logan, and not fair to Lucy at all). He couldn't bring himself to meet Lucy's faintly worried eyes because as close as they were becoming, she had of course noticed how preoccupied and slightly distant he had been over the last day or so. Wyatt was secretly relieved when she didn't press him for an explanation, although by now, she was certainly more than entitled to one.

This unexpected "Jess guilt" couldn't have come at a worse time, not when Lucy could hardly contain her excitement at the thought of their upcoming weekend together. Instead of looking forward to five nights of sweet Lucy in his bed, being able to touch her, talk to her, and just be with her as much as he wanted (needed), his brain flat out would not stop thinking of Jess, and Wyatt had no idea what the trigger was. As a result, he could feel himself pulling back ever-so-slightly from Lucy, and she absolutely did not deserve that (face it, Logan, you don't deserve her).

And oddly enough, that pissed Wyatt off at himself even more, if only on her behalf. What was the matter with him, he wondered, that while he was enjoying a second chance for love with this remarkable woman (starting to sound like one of those cheesy Hallmark movies, Logan), he couldn't seem to completely shrug off ghostly memories of his dead wife? Maybe he should talk to Julie again. Was it too soon to talk to Lucy about Jess? He rarely mentioned her around Lucy at all, although he knew Jamie talked about his Mommy to her sometimes. All Wyatt knew was he absolutely couldn't let this go any farther without it possibly damaging his blossoming relationship with Lucy. She was too important to him already, and he didn't think he could live with himself if he ruined things with her, let alone try to explain to his son what was going on if it all went south.

He was startled out of his musings by a small hand gently patting his cheek. "Uncle Wy? You okay?" Sadie asked with a puzzled expression. He took a deep breath and grinned at the blonde toddler, "You bet, Miss Sadie Bug. Just waiting to watch Jamie, and talking to my favorite girl," and he made her giggle when he blew a soft raspberry on her rosy cheek. That earned him a stern look from Sadie's mom, and an elbow in his side from Bam. "I'm telling you right now, if you get her all riled up, Wy, you can be the one to take her out of the auditorium," his friend warned. "But it's my kid on stage," Wyatt protested. "Exactly," interrupted Julie, "So both of you overgrown little boys just settle down right now." "Yes, Ma'am," they sassed in perfect unison, which made Sadie and Annie laugh. At Julie's ferocious frown, the other four got quiet just in time, as the house lights flashed three times and then dimmed when the music started.

Lucy had teasingly warned him ahead of time, but Wyatt had to admit, he actually did get a little choked up when the heavy curtains opened, and quickly scanning the stage, he spotted his son in the second row. Jamie's big blue eyes shone as he earnestly sang along with the other children. And dammit, but Lucy had called it: there was an almost continuous "awww" coming from the audience at the adorable sight of all these little kids, singing and dancing in their homemade costumes and making faces when they messed up. He wished Lucy was sitting here beside him or he could at least see her, but she was off stage with the other teachers. She had worked very hard on Jamie's costume, and helped him learn his two lines, and Wyatt really appreciated it. But when he tried to thank her, Lucy had acted almost offended (like any good Mommy would, you moron).

Wyatt grunted softly as Bam stuck an elbow in his side, "Pay attention, son, you're missing it." And suddenly there was his sweet little boy, stepping up to the microphone, and Wyatt knew a second's panic when Jamie paused, and looked off stage. He nodded quickly, straightened his narrow shoulders and blurted out his two lines as plain as day, and Wyatt was so proud of his son he thought his chest would burst. Luckily, Sadie, who had started to doze off on Wyatt's lap, chose that exact moment to bellow, "That's my brother, Jamie!" and everyone in their general vicinity laughed and clapped as Wyatt tried to hush her while Jamie turned red and returned to his position on stage.

(Jesus, it's a good thing Julie was videoing the program on her phone, or he and little Sadie would be in serious hot water right now) Wyatt thought, although knowing Julie Baumgardner, she would save the dressing down for later. He didn't care though, because his son had stepped up to the plate and knocked one right out of the ballpark, and he would bet good money that when Jamie had glanced off stage for moral support, it was Lucy who had been standing there cheering him on (again, just like any good Mommy would).

In consideration of the cast members' attention span, the program only lasted around 30 minutes, and Wyatt found he was actually a bit disappointed it was over so soon. After the tiny thespians took their bows to thunderous applause, the curtains closed, and then it was time for the parents to retrieve their little ones. Lucy had assured him that she would bring Jamie out front with her when the program was over, so he and Bam Bam waited for them while Julie took the girls to the restroom before they all went for ice cream.

Just then, over all the noise and chaos, he heard, "Daddy! Daddy!" and Wyatt knelt down just in time to catch Jamie as he threw himself at his dad, "Did you see me, Daddy? I did it! I did it! I remembered all my words, Daddy." He nodded and closing his eyes, hugged the thrilled child tightly to him, surprised at how emotional he felt in that moment. Wyatt swallowed hard, and kissing his son's cheek, told him, "I am so proud of you, son! You did such a good job, buddy," and Jamie beamed.

As Wyatt stood, his eyes automatically swept the auditorium for Lucy, and suddenly, she was at his elbow, and all he could manage was a smile for her, hoping she would understand everything he was trying to say without words. While Jamie was chattering away to Bam Bam, Wyatt took Lucy's hand, and she leaned in and whispered, "I'm so proud of your son, Mr. Logan." He drew closer and breathed near her ear, "Well, Miss Preston, I'm very proud of you. It was your first school program, too, and it turned out great." Lucy blushed and offered a shy smile at his praise.

Gently squeezing his hand, she told him that she needed to spend a few minutes mingling with the other parents, and would be ready to leave right after that. Letting go of his hand, she started up the aisle, pausing here and there to speak with several proud parents and grandparents, and Wyatt was nearly overcome with his feelings for her (Don't even, Logan, we're not there yet). Grabbing his hand, Jamie interrupted him watching Lucy walk away (thankfully, because it was probably pretty obvious to anyone with a pair of eyes).

"Daddy, where's Annie and Sadie? And Aunt Julie? Can we go get ice cream now, please, Daddy?" Glancing at Bam for confirmation, Wyatt suggested that Jamie go with Uncle Bam and ride with Aunt Julie and the girls, and he and Miss Preston would meet them there. His son grinned, and grabbing Bam Bam's hand started pulling him along, "C'mon, Uncle Bam, let's find the girls and go get ice cream!" Bam rolled his eyes and let the excited five-year-old tug him up the aisle.

Wyatt made his way out of the auditorium, stopping here and there to exchange a few words with some of the other parents he knew from base. He found a place near the front entrance to wait for Lucy, and tried to be discreet about the fact that he couldn't seem to take his eyes off her. (He fervently hoped his face didn't reflect it.) From the first time he met her, he had been attracted to Lucy, and more so every day, but here, this evening, watching her shyly interact with the parents and other teachers, she was breathtaking. Her big dark eyes were shining as she laughed and talked and smiled, and she looked so pretty in the soft dress and little sweater she wore. And Wyatt was amazed that she was his.

Not sure about school policy concerning teachers fraternizing with their students' parents, Lucy had met with Principal Christopher a couple weeks ago about their new relationship, and the administrator had assured Lucy that as long as they were circumspect, Jamie could remain in her class. And so far, their efforts had been successful, but tonight, Wyatt was pretty sure his ever-growing feelings for Lucy were right on the surface for everyone to see, and he really wasn't comfortable revealing such vulnerability.

Just a few minutes later, Wyatt was relieved to see her finally walking towards him, wearing the soft smile that was his alone, and it occurred to him that with Lucy, what you see is what you get. She would probably be terrible at poker, because the way she felt about him was written all over her face (you're a lucky man, Logan). "Why, Mr. Logan, were you waiting for me?" she teased. He responded in kind, "Yes, Ma'am. I have it from a reliable source that you're quite fond of ice cream, Miss Preston." She laughed, "As long as it's strawberry, and I can eat it sitting down. My feet are a little tired right now." He smirked at the blush that bloomed on her cheeks when he promised a foot rub later on if she was a good girl and finished her ice cream. Wyatt was pleased (and maybe a little aroused) when her sparkling brown eyes vowed retribution, figuring it was a "win/win" situation.

They found Julie, Bam Bam and the children just getting seated at a big table near the back of the ice cream place. As was their habit, Jamie and Annie sat together, and Sadie held her arms out for Lucy to take her. "No, now, Sadie Jane, Miss Lucy can't eat her own ice cream if she's holding you," her mother admonished. Lucy responded, "Julie, it's fine, I don't mind. I feel like I haven't seen the girls in a while anyway, so Miss Sadie and I will just slowly eat our ice cream and visit, right Sadie?" And the adults all laughed at how vigorously the toddler nodded in agreement.

After the server took their orders, conversation turned to Thanksgiving Day. Wyatt was gratified (but not surprised) when Julie leaned across the table and invited both Lucy and her sister for dinner, waving away Lucy's mild protests that two extra people to feed was too much work. "Are you kidding? It will be nice to have some extra help getting the meal ready because certain cavemen, who just happen to be sitting at this very table, think the food just magically appears, and if that's not bad enough, after eating everything in sight, have delusions of parking their bottoms on the sofa and watching football for the rest of the night."

Wyatt and Bam Bam fist bumped each other, and under his breath, Bam Bam muttered, "Hell, yeah, that's what I call Thanksgiving," causing Annie to point a small finger accusingly at her father and scold, "Daddy, you said a swear!" Lucy just laughed and accepted the invitation, and promised to bring Amy. Wyatt privately thought that Julie and Amy would get along like a house on fire, probably giving the females an unfair advantage, but he could tell how much Lucy appreciated the invitation. It was their tradition, ever since that first Thanksgiving after Jess passed away, that he and Jamie spent the holiday with the Baumgardners, and he was glad that Lucy would be a part of that.

After the ice cream had been enthusiastically consumed, Bam Bam went to pay the check (his treat, he insisted, in honor of Jamie's stage debut), and Wyatt found himself watching Lucy across the table. A drowsy Sadie was still in her lap, lazily twirling a lock of Lucy's dark hair, while Jamie was half asleep and starting to slump against her. Lucy and Annie were having an animated conversation about their favorite Disney princesses, and he marveled at her seemingly endless supply of patience with small children, despite apparently having little experience with them before she moved to San Diego.

"Like honey to bees, that woman is, Wy," Julie murmured beside Wyatt, "My girls are crazy about her, and Dave and I are just waiting for the day that Sadie packs her little suitcase and moves in with you." Surprised, Wyatt asked, "With me?" "Well, sure, she adores you, always has, but once Lucy is living with you, we'll lose her for sure," Julie chuckled. She quickly sobered at the serious look on his face. "Wy, what is it? Are you two okay? What have you done now, you bull-headed man?" He took a deep breath, and turning slightly towards her, quietly objected, "Nothing, everything is fine. It's just that," and he paused to see if Lucy was still occupied across the table, "I don't know why, Julie, but I've been thinking of Jess the past couple of days, really for the first time in a while now, and I guess it has kind of spooked me. One minute, I'm really happy with Lucy, and then I think, this is all happening too fast, it's only been three months since we met, and I start to second guess myself."

With a thoughtful expression, Julie offered, "Wyatt, I can guarantee you're not breaking any relationship rules here. Or do you just have it in your stubborn head that your heart isn't allowed to love Lucy until you've known her for what? Six months? A year?" She relented at his obvious misery, "Wy, maybe Jess is on your mind because tonight was a big deal for Jamie, and you do tend to brood on things like that. Yes, Jess would have been so proud of her son, but Wyatt, Lucy is just as proud, and you told me that she helped with Jamie's costume and got him ready. That's what Moms do, and you need to be careful here, Wy, that you don't push Lucy away out of some misplaced loyalty to your first wife. I'm pretty sure the woman sitting across from us is in love with you and your son, and I'm sorry if this pisses you off, but maybe you need to re-set your priorities, 'cause I think they're backwards here."

Just then, Bam Bam came back to the table, so they started gathering up tired, sleepy children. Outside, after Lucy hugged Julie and the little girls, Wyatt leaned in to Julie and whispered his thanks to her. She gave him a big grin, and said she would see the three of them and Amy on Thursday. Wyatt and Jamie drove Lucy back to the school parking lot so she could pick up her car. Since it was getting pretty late, Wyatt decided to let Jamie skip his nightly bath, and by the time the little boy brushed his teeth and Lucy read him part of a story, he was fast asleep. Wyatt had carried Lucy's bag upstairs to his bedroom, and she got ready for bed while he was downstairs turning off the lights and locking the front door.

Lucy was already in bed propped against the headboard when he walked into the room, and she gave him a tentative smile when he locked the door. She was silent when he came out of the bathroom and quickly stripped down to his boxers. Climbing into bed, he pulled Lucy against him and gently kissed her trembling lips, his heart aching at the trepidation on her face. "Lucy, I know it's been pretty obvious to you that I've had something on my mind, and I want you to know that I really appreciate the fact that you didn't ask a lot of questions or push me to talk about it," She interrupted him in a shaky voice, "Wyatt, have I done something wrong? Are you upset with me?" He shouldn't have been surprised that she thought it was her fault, and he felt like a complete ass for letting things get this far.

Holding her tightly against him, he murmured against her soft hair, "Lord, no, Lucy, sweetheart, I'm not upset with you. You are the best thing that has happened to me in such a long time, and I'm so, so sorry if I gave you that impression. It's a little embarrassing to admit this, but I've been thinking about Jess some lately, no idea why, and I guess that made me feel a little guilty about being so happy with you. And you do make me very happy, Lucy, and it breaks my heart a little that I haven't done a better job of telling and showing you just how much you mean to me." His spirits lifted slightly when Lucy took his face in her hands, and gave him a tender kiss. Then she pulled back and smacked his bare chest (hard) and growled, "Wyatt Logan, if you ever scare me like that again, so help me, I will find a way to make you regret it." And Wyatt was so relieved, he just couldn't help it, he burst out laughing at her outraged expression, and swiftly rolled her under him and began planting kisses all over her face and neck to make her laugh, and when she was lying beneath him trying to catch her breath, he stopped and looking into her eyes, took a deep breath, and whispered, "I think I'm falling in love with you, Lucy Preston, and it scares me, but if you have patience with me, I think we can make each other happy. Can we try, please, Lucy?" She stilled at Wyatt's quiet confession, and then giving him a luminous smile, turned off the lamp beside the bed and proceeded to thoroughly answer his question.

A/N: Still not Thanksgiving Day yet, but we're nearly there. I appreciate your patience, and as always, thanks to all of you for your wonderful reviews and encouragement. It really means a lot :)