Catch Me If I Fall: A single dad, nanny, age gap romance, page 1
Catch Me If I Fall
SEASONS OF SUGAR CREEK
BOOK TWO
RIVER FORD
Copyright © 2023 by River Ford
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Cover Art by Hillary Sperry
Contents
About the Author
Author’s Note
Prologue
1. Losing a Job
2. New Opportunities
3. The Interview
4. Shopping With the Porters
5. Nanny—Day One
6. End of the Trial Period
7. First Away Game
8. Surprises
9. First Home Game
10. Dating Disaster
11. Dinner for Three
12. Movies in the Park
13. Fletcher Family Dinner
14. Sara’s Birthday
15. Falling Into October
16. Not an April Fool?
17. Homecoming
18. Teenie Meddles
19. Heart to Heart
20. Halloween
21. Happily Ever Easter
Epilogue
Thank you for reading!
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Also by River Ford
About the Author
River Ford is the romance pen name of science fiction author Charity Bradford. She’s always loved the Hallmark channel. When she discovered the historic town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, she knew she wanted to base her first romance series there. Since then, she’s let her imagination free to roam the world in search of great romantic stories.
Learn more about River’s books, as well as Charity’s, on their shared webpage (https://www.charitybradford-riverford.com/) OR Instagram (@charitybradfordauthor)
Author’s Note
CATCH ME IF I FALL is part of the SEASONS OF SUGAR CREEK series. The books do not need to be read in order. They are stand-alone stories that take place in our imaginary small town in Vermont.
Check out all six books in the Winter season, and stay tuned for five new books coming this year for the Fall season. You can learn more about them at the end of this book.
So many people help make these stories come to life. I want to say THANK YOU to some wonderful women who pulled me to the finish line when I didn’t think I could write this book at all.
Your questions, comments, and input were invaluable! Mostly, knowing you were waiting on the next chapter made me sit down and write it. This book would not have happened without you.
Desiree E, Dorothy A, Miranda M, Moira H, and Nari B
Prologue
JUNE
Darcy Fletcher frowned at the long line of cars stretched before her. The two-lane country road barely had a shoulder, so the vehicles covered much of the road. It would be a tight fit for two cars to pass each other. She would have to walk a quarter mile in her heels and hope no one ran her over. The number of guests attending her brother Austin's wedding was a testament to his and Jackie’s popularity. Darcy knew it wasn't just because Austin had grown up in Sugar Creek. When Jackie quit her job and moved to the small town, everyone fell in love with her.
The two lovebirds' whirlwind romance was the stuff of dreams. One that Darcy feared she'd never get a chance at. She wasn't lucky enough to walk down the street and find her soul mate. With another sigh, she started the trek to Jackie's house.
Missing out on a parking spot up close was her fault. She should have arrived an hour earlier at the least. Unfortunately, poor planning and bad luck meant she hit heavy traffic leaving Boston because of an accident. Now she was almost jogging to her brother's wedding, which started in twenty minutes, in three-inch heels that pinched. To top it off, the mid-June temps were closer to eighty than seventy. She’d probably be a sweaty mess by the time she reached the house.
Darcy frowned. Would anyone care? No one had called to check on her status. Had they even missed her? Probably not. She slowed to a walk. Everyone was too busy with their own lives to worry about her. Carly graduated from nursing school and would soon start a new job at Boston Mercy. Brandon bought Austin's house and was renovating it. Even the youngest Fletcher, Ellie, was running full speed ahead into the rest of her life. She had one summer before she started school at the New England Conservatory. How was it that everyone else found their way so easily?
Not even Jackie's job, which required her to travel everywhere, had prevented her from finding love and settling down. She'd come to Sugar Creek for Christmas and fell in love with Darcy's oldest brother. She only worked another three months so Austin could use his travel coupons to see some of the world before starting a family. The woman even opened her own sound and lighting business in Sugar Creek. Who knew there was a demand for that? But Jackie was picking up jobs for the high school, the town theater company, and even some events at the lodge. Of course, Darcy knew Jackie inherited a lot of money. She probably didn't have to work.
Jackie was the opposite of Darcy in every way. She was petite and elf-like, but Darcy was almost six feet tall. The other woman found true love in a week, inherited a lovely old farmhouse with ten acres of land for Christmas, and knew exactly what she wanted out of life. On the other hand, Darcy couldn't keep a guy interested longer than a month, was moving home at twenty-one, and didn't know what she would do with her life.
She sighed and searched for a reason to smile. It wasn't Jackie's fault she was at odds with herself. Darcy liked her future sister-in-law and would put on a happy face and not ruin the day for the happy couple.
"Hurry, Daddy," a young voice drifted on the breeze.
Darcy glanced down the road opposite the direction she was coming from. A man lifted a small girl in a frilly pink dress from where she jogged beside him. Once settled on his shoulders, the little girl wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her blonde head on his matching one. His hair was short and darker, but the girl's long hair was a halo of light blonde curls. As the father glanced up at his daughter, Darcy caught her breath.
The expression of love on his face was almost blinding. He had a strong jawline, muscles that filled his suit to perfection, and a smile that stopped her world. She'd never seen anyone so gorgeous. The pair reached the yard without noticing her and disappeared around the side of Jackie's house. They must be guests as well. Darcy didn't see anyone else. Perhaps the girl's mom was already in the backyard?
She took a deep breath, tried to forget the hot dad, and steeled herself for the day with her family. Although she loved them deeply, lately, being around them had grown harder and harder. They all knew where they fit. They knew what they wanted and had a plan to get there, but she didn't. It was the ongoing joke of her life. That's what happened when you were born on April Fool's Day. Nothing ever went right.
Not school, not her jobs, and not the guys she dated.
"Suck it up, buttercup. Get in there and pretend you aren't miserable around all the happy couples." She covered the last twenty feet and stepped onto the porch.
"Darcy!" Ellie shrieked as she flew out of the door. "We've been waiting for you. Why didn't you answer your phone?"
"What?" Darcy swung her purse around to grab her phone. "It never rang."
Ellie took her by the hand and pulled her into the house. "Forget it. Come on, Jackie wants photos with us before she gets married."
"Sorry," Darcy mumbled. Okay, maybe they had missed her.
Jackie had been busy updating the house the last few months. The inside walls were a soft creamy shiplap, but the ceiling and all the trim were wood beams. The two-story high living room had new windows from the floor to the A-line ceiling. They filled the back wall overlooking a field and the Adirondack mountains. Darcy could see the rows of wedding guests taking their seats out back.
The sisters hurried up the stairs to the master bedroom. Jackie stood by another window with a fantastic view.
"He'll see you if you're not careful," Mrs. Fletcher fluttered around Jackie.
The bride twisted her hands as she gazed at the scene below her. Jackie’s hair had a slight wave to it for the wedding. She had left it all down except for a pretty French braid across her bangs. The chunk of blue hair had faded over the months and now only showed at the end of the braid. Jackie didn't wear a veil, but her hair kissed the tops of her bare shoulders. Sheer sleeves started a couple of inches from the shoulder, and the neckline made a sweetheart dip. The bodice tapered, and the skirt flared to pool on the floor. It almost looked like an upside-down morning glory. It was too simple for Darcy's tastes, but it looked perfect on Jackie.
"Darcy made it," Ellie announced.
Jackie turned and hurried to hug Darcy. "I'm so glad you're here. Are you okay?"
"Yes, my phone didn't ring. I got stuck in traffic, that's all."
Jackie squeezed her again and then waved at the photographer, who'd been sitting in a chair in the corner. "Let's get going. I'm dying to get down there."
The next half hour rushed by in a blur. There were pictures, hugs, and tears when Jackie tucked a photo of her mother into her bouquet. Finally, they descended the stairs, where Jackie's
Finally, they were ready to begin. Darcy walked into the backyard with the other bridesmaids, her two sisters. Ellie walked in front of her, and Carly followed behind. The lawn had been transformed. Aisles of white fabric-covered chairs with blue ribbons filled the space. It looked like half the town had shown up. A pathway of flower petals had been laid down, leading to the arch overflowing with vines and roses.
The warm sun beat down on her, and Darcy suddenly felt out of place. Well, not out of place, really, but like the air had become charged. It was a strange feeling. She glanced at the guests as she passed them, but nothing seemed unusual. Then she looked at Austin. The joy on his face was something to behold. Darcy couldn't wait until he got his first look at Jackie.
Right before she moved to her place on the side of the arch, she glanced at the men standing with Austin. Her goal was to see who she'd leave with after the pastor did his thing since she'd missed the rehearsal. The hot dad stared back at her. That charged feeling spiked as she met his gaze.
He's paired with me! Darcy's heart pounded louder than she thought possible. Could Ellie or Carly, standing on either side of her, hear it? His little girl sat on the front row wedged between two Sugar Mamas, her little legs swinging back and forth. Darcy didn't see a potential mother anywhere.
The wedding march started, and she focused on her brother. She smiled as his mouth fell open when Jackie stepped into view. He might have even teared up. Her brother was such a softy.
Garrett placed Jackie's hand in Austin's, and then he took a seat. Darcy had to concentrate on not looking at the groomsmen. She wanted to know if the awareness skittering through her veins meant the hot dad still watched her. Who was he?
Instead of giving in, she focused on the love coming from the couple, pledging their devotion to each other. Austin did cry, probably in relief, when Jackie said, 'I do.' That made Ellie giggle, and Darcy couldn't help but smile and blink back tears herself. The bride faced Austin, so Darcy couldn't see her face, but that didn't matter. She'd never seen her brother so happy. Because of that, Darcy would do anything for her new sister-in-law.
Before she knew it, the happy couple were lip-locked before a cheering crowd. Then, they broke apart and waved with their hands clasped together.
"Thank you all for being here. The reception is in the barn. Follow us." Austin pointed to the left, where a rustic barn waited with open doors. Then he led Jackie down the aisle.
Carly went next, and then it was time for Darcy to take the stranger's arm. He was taller than her by at least four inches, and the muscles hiding under his jacket were like granite. Darcy felt breathless as they followed the procession toward the barn. The photographer snapped photos the entire time. She stopped to take in the scene when they stepped inside the doors.
"It's beautiful," she murmured.
Lights and gauzy swaths of fabric softened the wooden beams' hard lines. Tables were set up around the dance area, and another arch was situated at the back for the couple to greet their guests. People streamed past her, some heading for the food, others to grab a table.
She had almost forgotten she clung to the hot dad's arm until he pulled away.
"Well done," he said.
Well done? What in the world did that mean?
Before she could ask him, his little girl came barreling toward them.
"Daddy," she shouted. "You did great."
The man stepped away from Darcy and caught his daughter in his arms. "Thank you, cutie pie."
She watched their interaction with fascination. He was gentle and clearly wrapped around the little girl’s finger. Darcy wanted to ask his name, but he carried his daughter away without glancing at her.
She stood dazed as he approached Austin and Jackie. After he exchanged a few words with the couple, he left out the side door. Darcy erupted from her stupor with a gush of emotion. It felt like he purposely didn't pass her on his way out. Feeling snubbed, she stomped her way toward Ellie. Who was he? Why didn't he introduce himself? Did he know who she was? Nothing made sense. Especially not how his deep voice had plucked at the chords of her heart.
"Ellie." Darcy tapped her sister's elbow. "Do you know who I was paired with?"
"Oh yeah. That's Coach Porter. He took over for Coach Johnson in March. Isn't his little girl adorable?"
“Did he just leave?” Her words were more of a demand than a question. “What about wedding photos?”
“They got some of the groomsmen before you got here. Jackie didn’t want to spend hours taking formal photos.” Ellie pointed around the room. “See, she’s got two photographers working, and disposable cameras are scattered around for the guests to grab candid shots as well.”
“But—” Darcy threw her hands in the air. What could she say? It wasn’t her wedding. “Never mind.”
Ellie squeezed her arm. “Mingle and be happy we don’t have to stand in a line all night.”
Her sister drifted away, and Darcy felt hot and shaky. She couldn't decide if she was angry that Mr. Porter hadn't talked to her or not. Surely, her feelings hadn’t been hurt by it? She didn’t care what people thought of her. Darcy sighed. At least she pretended that she didn’t care.
Coach Porter. He lived in Sugar Creek.
Because his presence scrambled her brain and made her feel weird all over, she needed to avoid him at all costs while she was home. Plus, he had a kid. Where there were children, there was a mom. Just because she wasn't at the wedding didn't mean she didn't exist.
Darcy moved to sit at the closest table. The last thing she needed was to obsess over a man—especially one who didn't feel the need to introduce himself.
Carly stepped into the middle of the dance floor. She raised a microphone to her mouth and welcomed everyone to the reception. Shortly after, the newlyweds took their first dance as husband and wife. Darcy's throat tightened. They were so perfect together. She wanted that. Wherever life led her, she wanted to find a love like Austin and Jackie's.
Losing a Job
MID-AUGUST
“So sorry I’m late.”
Darcy Fletcher hurried into Shear Delight, slightly out of breath. She quickly removed her jacket and stuffed it behind the counter with her purse. August meant cool mornings, summer-like afternoons, and perfect evenings, but that, in turn, meant dragging around jackets you’d only need for a short time.
“You’re always late. What’s the excuse this time?” Francine peered over her glasses. She wasn’t in her seventies like Doreen, but she’d adopted the mannerisms of the yarn shop owner. Francine idolized the older woman for her mad sweater design skills and was borderline ‘single white female’ about it. If Doreen was single instead of widowed and at least two decades younger, Francine might have had a chance to take her place.
“I said I was sorry.” Darcy looked around the shop. “No one’s even here, so why are you so huffy about it?”
“Punctuality matters. Why are you late?” Francine repeated.
“Um.” Darcy desperately wished she had a good reason for being late again. The truth was she’d been distracted and lost track of time. It wasn’t even for something cool. She’d gotten carried away planning meals for the next week and couldn’t find a parking spot close to the shop.
“Hun, why don’t you admit this job isn’t for you?” Francine shook her head, but her voice wasn’t as agitated as before. “What is this, job number three or four, since you came home in June? That’s barely two months. You work hard enough when you’re here, but it’s clear you don’t have a passion for the product. You can’t tell the difference between a fingering and a DK.”
