Rainbow River

"I'm sorry," consoled Rebecca. We sat there in silence for a few seconds.

I tried to snap out of it. "You have two beautiful children, however." I tickled Kelly under her chin and gave her a smile. She let out a giggle.

"They are my life," admitted Rebecca.

"They seem like great kids, I bet you and your husband are proud," I offered.

"Their Dad passed," she explained. "A little over 3 years ago."

"Now I'm the one who's sorry," I said. "I'm so sorry for your loss."

"It's okay," replied Rebecca. "It was rough but now we've moved on. Thank you again for all your help today. I really got to enjoy myself after you took Jason on your kayak. I was too worried about him by himself."

"Oh, speaking of," I said. "I called down to the dock. You're squared away with the kayaks. No late fees and you don't need to paddle back. They'll come pick them up."

"Really! Oh thank you," replied Rebecca. "I don't know how to pay you back for everything you've done today."

"How about staying for a little lunch?" I asked.

"I'm starving!" screamed Jason. I guess he answered for her. Rebecca smiled at Jason and then nodded her head at me. I should have guessed the young lad would be a bottomless pit.

I pulled out various meats, cheeses, fruit and veggies from my fridge. Grabbed a couple different boxes of crackers and set it all out on the counter. I handed Rebecca a knife to start cutting up the fruit as I grabbed a few plates. "Guess I'll need to put you to work," I laughed. "I wasn't quite ready for houseguests!"

-- Rebecca --

This was all shaping up to be too good to be true. With my luck, I half expected to be sued by the man who my son crashed his kayak into. Instead, he's been nothing but charming and helpful. My kids, especially Jason, have really taken a shine to him and well, I have to admit that he's quite attractive. I found myself to be having a wonderful time, but part of me was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. My adult life seemed to have so many rough twists and turns. It couldn't be this easy.

"I'm happy to help," I said as I took the knife from his hands. Everytime we touched I could feel those goosebumps again. He was really having an effect on me.

"You have a beautiful place," I complimented. "What a wonderful location on the river and I really love all the wildlife photographs. They're so professional. Where did you get them?"

"Actually, I took them myself," explained Bryan as he cut up the meat and cheese. "Most of these are from right along the river, but a few are from some business trips. I'm glad you like them."

"I really do!" I exclaimed. "Except for maybe that picture of the alligator. After today I don't think I want to see any of those again anytime soon."

"Ha!" laughed Bryan. "I wouldn't really worry about them, the ones we have along the river are mostly small and only interested in fish. It's no big deal." He set out the plate of meat and cheese for everyone to dig in.

"You're braver than I am," I replied. "I would have lost it if I saw that alligator swimming toward me."

"I doubt that," he replied. "A single mom raising two young kids? Your bravery must be beyond compare. I just bopped that gator on the head with my paddle. If it had been you in the water, well you'd probably be the new owner of a pair of alligator hide boots and a purse to match!"

We both erupted into laughter. I guess he was right. Messing with me is one thing. You mess with my kids...well...

Just then Jason ran up and tried to grab a whole handful of food at once.

"Jason! One at a time!" I shouted.

"Mom! I'm hungry!" replied Jason.

"I have to agree with your mother on that one, Jason," said Bryan. "Here, take a plate and make yourself a few cracker sandwiches and take some veggies and fruit."

My mouth literally dropped open as Jason did exactly as Bryan told him. I was in total disbelief as my normally wild son took his plate and sat quietly next to his sister. I could really use some of that magic.

"Umm...Bryan, what do you do for a living?" I asked, trying to hide my surprise.

"Oh...I'm an Engineering Consultant," said Bryan as he tried to finish chewing. "I travel a little bit, been really busy these last few years but I'm trying to take more time for myself. Thirsty? Can I interest you in a little red wine?"

"I'd love some," I responded.

"How about you?" asked Bryan as he grabbed a couple of stemless wine glasses.

"I teach elementary school here in the county," I explained. I got the job when I moved out here 3 years ago. It's not an easy job, but I do get the summers off. That's critical for me since I get to be off when Jason is out of school."

"Yeah, I bet," replied Bryan as he handed me the glass of wine. "Hey, since you'll be off during the week this summer, would you like to go kayaking on the river again with me? I know some neat spots and the river is much less crowded during the week."

"Oh, I don't know," I replied.

"Mom!" interrupted Jason. "I want to! I had so much fun today! Mr. Steele is nice. I want to go again!"

"It costs a lot to rent the kayaks, Jason," I said as I tried to explain my reluctance. It was heartbreaking to see Jason deflate. He's had to put up with that excuse so many times, but my finances still haven't recovered from Kirk's demise.

"You wouldn't need to rent," offered Bryan. "I'm sure I can scare up another tandem kayak."

"Please Mom!?" asked Jason with his big doe eyes.

I had run out of excuses, not that I didn't want to spend more time with Bryan. I just felt like we had imposed so much already. "I guess that would be okay," I relented.

"Yes!" yelled Jason, pumping his fist.

I laughed and shook my head. "I guess we need to trade contact info so we can set this up sometime."

"Here, here's my phone," said Bryan. "Put yourself in as a contact and I'll text you."

I typed in my number and handed him back the phone. I watched as he typed out a few characters and my phone dinged. The text read 'Your Alligator Slayer'. I laughed out loud at the text.

We stayed for about 30 more minutes. The conversation was light and easy. I was having a wonderful time and so were my children. I resolved myself to try to make good on the promise to get out on the river again. If for nothing else than for Jason. I could sense his need to spend time with an adult other than just me. He was so excited about the prospect of getting back out on the kayak.

"I think we need to get going soon," I stated.

"Sure thing," replied Bryan as he began to clean up the dishes from lunch. "I'll drive you back up to the state park."

"Thanks," I replied. "I need to get my ID back from the rental shack. Jason! Kelly! It's time to get going."

"Do you have a cool car Mr. Steele?" Jason blurted out.

Bryan rubbed Jason's blond locks. "Well, it's got four wheels and enough gas to get you to the state park!"

Jason laughed as we went to take the short ride back to my car. I have to say that I was impressed as Bryan opened the car door and held my hand as I sat in the passenger seat. Kirk never did those kinds of things. The kids scrambled into the back seats.

"Thank you again...so much," I said. "Things could have been a nightmare for me today and instead I've really enjoyed myself."

"I've enjoyed today as well," said Bryan. "Here, let me drop you off at the boathouse. Just give me a shout when you're available for another day out on the river. I'll make sure to pick up a second tandem for us."

I waved as he drove off. Wow. That was totally unexpected. I took a deep breath and headed toward the boathouse to settle my bill. Even a half day out was going to be expensive for us. I was so happy not to have the late fee.

"Hi. I'm Rebecca Reins and I'm here to pick up my ID and settle my bill," I told the attendant.

"Let's see...yes...here you go. Here's your license," said the attendant.

I stood there staring for a few seconds. "Don't I owe you something?"

"Nope, says here your ride was complimentary," replied the attendant. "No payment needed."

My mouth dropped open. "Uh...Thanks," I barely muttered. I stared back out toward the exit that Bryan had driven out of. I couldn't help but think that Jason's little accident was one of the luckiest things to happen to me in months.

-- Bryan --

I really surprised myself today. I've been keeping to myself so long, trying to make sure I didn't get too close to anyone and now here I was, inviting this family into my home. It all happened so fast and seemed so natural. I guess that's why. Jason was a hoot and his mom, well, there was something about her. I couldn't put my finger on it. I sensed something during our interactions, both out on the water and at my house. It was like we were connecting on a level much deeper than our conversation might indicate.

Or maybe not. Maybe it's just my imagination. Maybe I just got caught up in being near her family. Maybe I was seeing this as more than it really was. What am I doing? I shouldn't get my hopes up like that. I'll just get hurt later. Maybe I'll talk to my therapist about this.

I did find that I really hoped to see her again. Maybe next time I won't feel that spark. Then I won't have to worry about what comes next or where things are going. But what if I do? Then what?

I shook my head. "Bryan, get yourself together! You just helped out a kid and his mom! It's nothing more than that." I tried to put my thoughts to rest and continue my day, but I found that the vision of her, especially when she smiled at me or Jason, invaded my mind. I kept finding myself smiling as her face appeared and reappeared in my thoughts. Oh boy. Was I really that bad off?

My good mood didn't last too long. A letter from my ex was mixed up with the bills and flyers that I had retrieved from my mailbox. I knew what it said before I even read it. "Oh...it wasn't what it looked like" or "He never meant anything to me" or whatever was her excuse du jour. She was so predictable. The only thing she never said was the truth: "Oh...I miss your fat wallet!" At least if she said that I might respond, even if it was just to give her what I really thought of her.

I shouldn't have let Jennifer's latest attempt affect me, but for some reason it did. Maybe it's because the experience I had with Rebecca and her children got my heart racing. I had really thought children would be in my future when I had first gotten married. Now I wasn't too sure. It just made me sad for what could have been.

"Well, I hope I get to see Rebecca and her brood again soon." I said, trying to cheer myself up. I hoped that she would take me up on my offer to get out on the river again. If the weather was warm I knew I'd probably take her and her family up to the cove. As my eyes closed I quickly envisioned a picnic lunch while the kids played on the sandy little beach. I sighed heavily. If only I could be that lucky.

--

"Well Doc, It was one of the best afternoons for me in a long time," I said. "It felt so good to pal around with her son and spend time with her and her family. It caught me by surprise."

"It shouldn't, Bryan," said Dr. Beverly Taylor. "We've been talking about your progress and you know I think you're ready to start seeing other people."

"Seeing other people? You mean as in dating? This wasn't a date," I stated.

"No, maybe it didn't start out as one," maintained Beverly. "But between your trip back from the accident and the lunch at your house, it sounds like you may have had a connection."

"Maybe," I responded. "But, I'm not sure how to proceed. I don't want to rush into something I won't be able to handle."

"Just take things slowly," Beverly responded. "Let things play out naturally. But, from how you explained things transpired, I would have to bet that you will be crossing paths again."

"What if I like her? What if she's only after my money? I don't think I could survive all that again!" My hands started to shake as I relived my breakdown with Jennifer.

"Bryan," said Beverly in a calming voice. "Not everyone will treat you as poorly as your ex did. You are strong enough to let your heart open up again. You owe it to yourself to try. If not with this person than with the next. It won't be smooth sailing, but remember that you have control over how quickly things escalate."

I heard the words, but I was unsure if my heart really understood them. I swore to never let myself be in the position to be hurt like that again. I was realizing that this promise to myself was now in conflict with my future happiness. I was still struggling with how to balance the two.

--

I noticed that school was ending next week and taking my therapist's advice, I resolved to go ahead and see if I could entice Rebecca and her family to come out and spend some time on the river. Although texting wasn't my preferred way to communicate, I thought I'd try to contact her that way to make it easier on me to form coherent sentences. After all, I was really going to be rusty at this.

'Hi Rebecca. I hope you and your family are doing well. I heard that school is finishing up for the summer soon. Just wanted to see if you, Jason and Kelly would still be up to taking another kayak trip on the Rainbow River. I know of some nice spots to stop for a picnic lunch if you'd be willing. Let me know if you'd be interested.'

-- Rebecca --

I was at the end of my rope with Jason. It seemed like he'd been doing nothing but antagonizing his sister the entire time since he'd come home from school. As I came back into the kitchen after breaking up another fight between the two of them, I noticed that the oven wasn't as hot as I expected it should be. I opened the oven door and just about broke into tears. The electric burner was out and the casserole I'd premade was still ice cold.

I was about to give up and order a pizza, knowing full well it would deplete the rest of my funds for the week when my phone binged. I smiled a little when I realized it was Bryan reaching out. I had thought about him on and off all week. I guess it was my desperation with my current situation that made me answer the way I did.

'Hi Bryan. We're all OK but having a tough night. I think my oven has given up the ship. I don't really know what to do next with two screaming kids and a casserole as cold as ice.'

'Wow', he texted back. 'Do you want me to come over and look at your oven? I might be able to repair it or at least find the right parts to order. It's always cheaper to fix stuff like this yourself if you can.'

'Would you?' I asked through the keyboard. 'I could really use the help.'

'Sure,' he replied. 'Text me your address, I'll come right over.'

I texted him my address. I couldn't help but feel a little guilty making him come over here and fix my oven without anything to offer in return. I didn't get to feel that way too long though, Kelly was crying at the top of her lungs and pointing at Jason again. I turned my attention to my kids.

20 minutes later, there was a knock on my door. I'd been so busy acting as a referee to Jason and Kelly that I didn't even get the chance to tell them Bryan was coming over, or even freshen myself up. We all trundled to the door.

"Maytag repair man, madam," he joked as we opened the door. Bryan looked the part, dressed in a dark t-shirt, jeans, brown leather belt and a small toolbox in his left hand.

"Mr. Steele!" shouted Jason. Jason grabbed Bryan's free hand and pulled him in through the door. "Did you come here to play with me?"

"Well, uh, not exactly, Jason," said Bryan. "Your mom here says there's something wrong with your oven and that you refuse to eat frozen casserole for dinner!"

"Yuck!" said Jason as he held his hand over his mouth. "I don't want that for dinner, I want pizza!"

I chuckled. "He always wants pizza. Thanks for coming, Bryan. Sorry I'm not more presentable. It's been a rough day."

"Oh, you look great! It's nice to see you again. I can imagine that you weren't planning on losing your oven this evening." Bryan reached out and tickled Kelly under her chin. "How are you, little one?"

Kelly giggled at him and tried to hide her face in my chest. Before I could say anything else, Jason grabbed Bryan by the hand. "The oven is in the kitchen," Jason bellowed. "Can I help you fix it?"

I was going to interject, but Bryan piped up. "Sure Jason! Here, hold my tool box, let's see if we can figure out the problem!"

Jason looked a little silly trying to hold the heavy toolbox on his own, but he had such a big smile on his face. I just resolved myself to sit back and watch.

"Well, first things first," said Bryan. "Let's take your "casserole-cicle" out of the oven. Here ya go Rebecca."

I put the foil cover back over my would-be dinner and put it back into my freezer.

"Jason, could you hand me the phillips-head screwdriver?" asked Bryan.

"Ahhh...I don't know what that is," confessed Jason.

"Oh Really?" asked Bryan. "Well, let me show you some things." I watched as Bryan patiently taught Jason the names of some of the different tools he brought with him. I watch in awe as my 7 year old son, who was previously tormenting both me and my daughter, now acting so sweet and inquisitive. Jason smiled as Bryan let him hold the tools he was naming off. He even went on to explain what each tool was used for.

I continued to watch as Bryan and Jason turned their attention to my oven. Bryan took the time to explain what he was doing to Jason. I know that Jason wouldn't be repairing ovens anytime soon, but it was so refreshing to see my son soaking all of this up. A tear came to my eye as I realized this was something Kirk would probably never have done with him. In fact I don't even remember him fixing anything in the household. I always had to call someone in while Kirk went off with his friends.

Bryan shook me out of my daydream. "It looks like the lower element is damaged," he said. "Let me look up the part number and see if I can order a replacement."

"Is it going to be expensive?" I asked. "We're a little short this month."

"Let me check," Bryan said as he looked up the part on his phone. I watched as he checked the oven's model number and thumbed through a couple of websites. "Nope," he responded. "It's actually pretty cheap. Here, let me just order it since I've already got it up on my phone."

"No...wait...I don't want you to pay for this," I protested.

"I'll just put it on your account ma'am," he joked. "I'm sure you'll have a chance to pay me back."

I really wasn't comfortable with relying on his good nature, but I really didn't have a choice at this time. It had already been an expensive week due to an unexpected visit to the dentist for Jason.

"Just let me know what I owe you," I said. I sighed, it was getting late and we were still no closer to having dinner. I guess I was looking a little frazzled when Bryan spoke up again.

"You look like you need a break," Bryan stated. "What do you say to me taking you guys out for a little pizza?"

"Yes!" screamed Jason.

I really couldn't answer 'no'. I was dead tired and hungry, and besides, all the time we've spent together so far has made me feel so much better. "I would really enjoy that," I said with the best smile I could muster. It made my own heart flutter when I saw the smile that appeared on his lips.

"Great!" he said. "Let's go ahead and get going before Jason starts eating my tools!"

We all loaded up into his car and made our way up to the Pizza Shak. The kids had a blast as we made small talk. Jason practically ate an entire pizza himself. "I'm going to end up owing you a ton after this!" I complained.

"Tell you what," said Bryan. "If you let me have a little of that casserole when I come back to finish fixing your oven, we can call it even."

I looked at him incredulously. "That hardly seems fair!" I protested.