Anna's Secret

the picture, it’s been a gift for her to have a father figure who cares.”
He cupped the back of Isabella’s smooth head in his hand where her natural blonde curls used to bounce freely.
“The pleasure’s all mine, Nancy. If only her father knew what he was missing,” Matt shook his head.
“Yeah, if only he knew.” A wistful tone filled Nancy’s voice.
Four days later, Anna hugged both her sons goodbye.
“Drive carefully,” she reminded them for the umpteenth time. “And let me know when you get to Victoria safe and sound.”
“Yes, Mom. We always do.” They waved off her concern and jumped into the vehicle.
She closed the front door only after they drove out of sight, despite the chill in the air. The clouds fit her mood. Dark. Gloomy. Low.
“What now?” Her words echoed down the empty hall. Silence hemmed in around her, restrictive and depressing. She pulled the band from her hair and kneaded her scalp aching from the weighty ponytail. Determined to put on a good front for the kids so they would return to University without worrying, she had forced herself to rise each day, do her hair and makeup, and make a healthy breakfast. Glad the façade was over, she sank into the nearby couch and curled into the fetal position. She prayed she would fall asleep and never wake up.
A solid rap on the front door caused her to spring to her feet. She flipped the hair out of her eyes and smoothed a hand over the riotous mess before swinging the door open. A blast of winter air whipped in, but Anna froze.
“Dr. Carmichael. I mean Matt,” she corrected. “What—?”
“I think I left my gloves here the other day.”
“Come in. It’s freezing out there.” She closed the door behind him.
Matt rubbed his hands together. “Old man winter is grumpy today, and my hands feel like ice.”
Anna’s hands flew to her hair where she tried to smooth the waves that sprang free.
“I’ve never seen your hair down.”
“I don’t … well, it just isn’t practical.” She moved toward the couch, looking up and down for the band she had so carelessly discarded. Unable to find it, she smoothed her hands over the curls.
“I’m sorry, didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I meant it as a compliment … you have beautiful hair.”
A flush of heat worked its way from her neck to her hairline. It had been years since she’d heard a compliment, and she had no idea how to respond. “Um … your gloves. No, I don’t think I found any.”
“Hmmm, I must’ve left them elsewhere. But since I’m here, how about a coffee? I’ll even make it.” He didn’t wait for an answer but walked to the kitchen and went straight to her coffee cupboard.
“How in the world do you know where I keep my coffee?” One brow arched skyward.
“Your sister gave me the task of making coffee the other day, and I don’t forget much. You’d be surprised at the random paraphernalia that clutters my brain.”
“Well, then, where are your gloves?”
He smiled broadly. “Okay, you got me. I had to make some excuse to drop by and check on you.”
“Seriously?” With her hands on her hips, she gave a stern look before breaking into a smile.
“Forgive my white lie, but I was worried about you. It’s what friends do.” He scooped coffee into the maker, poured in the water, and pushed the button. Crossing the kitchen, he plopped down onto the stool.
He gestured at the seat opposite him. “Come, have coffee with me, and I’ll be on my way. I promise not to be a bother.”
“You’re one bossy friend, Matthew Carmichael,” she said as she slid onto the barstool.
“Well, at least I’m in the friend category.” A twinkle sparkled in his eyes. “Things are looking up.”
“Big surprise. I saw you more often than any of my other friends this past year.”
“I know.” His voice gentled as he shook his head, “Tough year … well, years actually.”
Unable to go down the cancer road, she immediately changed the subject. “My boys headed back to University a few hours ago.
“UBC or UVIC”
“UVIC. It’ll be a long day. They’re hoping to catch the six o’clock ferry over to the Island. I hate them traveling over that highway this time of year. The weather can be so iffy.”
“They’ll be fine. They have each other.” A reassuring smile spread across his face. “What year are they in?”
Does he worry about everyone like this …?
“Anna?”
She looked up, not sure what his last question had been. Her mind had definitely been elsewhere.
“Sorry. My concentration is gone these days.”
Matt gave her a sympathetic smile. “What year are your sons in?”
“Mark’s in his third year of Business, and Jason’s in his first year. He wants to be a teacher.”
“Oh, that’s a great—”
“Why are you worried about me, Matt?” She interrupted, unable to manage small talk. “Are you always so concerned about your patients and their families?”
He placed an elbow on the granite island and rested his chin in his hand. Pressing a thumb to his lips, he was slow to answer. “Only those I consider close friends.” He lifted his head and looked squarely into her eyes. A smile caused the dimple on his right cheek to sprout.
My, he’s handsome. Why have I never noticed that dimple before? That strong jaw, and those eyes that smolder like blue flames … I’m staring like a schoolgirl with a crush. She rose, thankful for the diversion of gathering mugs, cream, and sugar.
Warmth knotted in her stomach as she caught his stare. His intense look drew her gaze, and a few unguarded seconds filled the silence. Something undefined simmered between them.
With effort, she turned back to the coffee. A slight tremor in her hand rattled the pot against the lip of the mug as she poured. She inhaled and slowly let the air flow free in effort to still the uptick of her heart. “Ahhh, I do love that smell. Don’t you?” Glad the roasted beans