by Jill Sanders
“Emogene.” He said the name a few times. Such an old-fashioned name for such a pretty young thing. The woman was easily half the man’s age, yet the couple looked completely happy together.
He texted his aunt back.
-Does it say anything else?
-No, just the image and names underneath. It was dated October 2, 1923.
-Thanks
He pulled open his web browser and searched the name Emogene Willis.
When lunchtime rolled around, he was no closer to finding out anything about the woman than before.
Stopping by the Oar, he picked up his to-go order and drove up the hill. The snow had melted, leaving a wet muddy mess. He’d need to have the long drive paved as soon as the weather permitted it.
Still, when he threw the Jeep into 4-wheel drive, he had to admit that he enjoyed spinning the tires and seeing the mud fly behind him.
When he parked behind Blake’s truck, he winced. She would have never made it up the hill in its current condition. For that matter, he doubted she’d make it down the hill either.
“Blake?” he called out as he entered the house. He’d noticed that Parker’s truck was gone, which meant the guys were on lunch break as well.
When Blake didn’t answer, he set the food down in the kitchen. He smiled at his new appliances. They were all hooked up and ready to use. Which meant, if he planned it just right, he could swing by the store, pick up a few items, and cook their first meal in the house that evening.
Shutting the door, he went to find Blake. She was painting the walls in the small L section of the hallway that led to his office. The entire hallway was void of the old orange flower wallpaper.
Blake’s back was to him and he took a moment to appreciate the view of her hips swaying to the music that was pumping out of her earbuds.
He leaned against the wall and appreciated everything about her. Even the fresh splatter of paint on her clothes added to the attraction he felt for her.
Suddenly, she stopped moving and glanced over her shoulder. Seeing him, she jumped and screamed, tipping over a small bucket of paint with her toe.
He chuckled as she scrambled to wipe up the mess.
“Sorry,” he said, but she shook her head and yanked the earbuds out of her ears. He repeated himself. “Sorry.” He smiled.
She held up her hands so he wouldn’t come any closer. “You’re going to soil another suit.” She motioned for him to stay back. “I’ll clean it up.” She shook her head as she swiped at the paint.
“I brought lunch,” he said, keeping his distance.
“Thanks. I’ll clean the brushes and be in.” She shut the paint can.
“How did you get the texture on the walls so quickly?” he asked, touching the walls and feeling the smooth bumps.
“I didn’t.” She smiled. “Whoever hung the wallpaper put it over textured walls. Which is probably why they chose a busy pattern, to hide the lack of smoothness.”
“Score one for us.” He smiled.
“Yeah, we can only hope that the bedroom is the same way.” She glanced towards the doorway that led to his room.
“One can hope.” He stood back as she walked past him into the bathroom and washed the brushes out in the sink.
After washing her hands, she dried them on a white cloth she had tucked into her jeans. “I’m ready.” She smiled up at him. “What did you bring us today?”
“Barbeque.” He followed her into the kitchen.
“Oh, they arrived.” She glanced around the space.
“You didn’t know?”
“I was busy. The wallpaper took a little longer to get down than I’d expected. I had just started painting when you scared a few years off my life.” She sat down as he put the food container in front of her.
“I’ll be hitting the grocery store before I come home. Is there anything you want?”
She thought about it. “I’ll text you a list.” She smiled. “It will be nice to cook again.”
“You cook?” he asked.
“Of course, I cook.” She started eating her food and he followed her by digging into the barbeque beef sandwich. “With your family owning a restaurant, I bet you can cook too.”
He nodded. “I used to work the line.” He smiled, remembering the summers of his youth. “That was when I wasn’t on a ship with my dad heading to god only knows where.”
“It must have been nice.”
“From the sounds of it, you shuffled between Italy and LA?” he asked, causing her to shrug.
“For the most part. It was a year here, a year there.” She sighed and took a sip of the soda he’d brought. “I often wonder if it would have been harder on me if my parents had married.”
“Speaking of marriage…” He pulled out his cell phone. “My aunt found this today.” He opened the image and slid his cell phone towards her.
She set her food down and leaned closer.
“So, the doctor was married?” She tilted her head. “That could be her.”
“It is,” he nodded. “I’ve seen her enough times. She’s younger in the picture, which means she didn’t die right away. I’d wager about five more years.”
She nodded. “Did you Google her?”
“Yes, with no luck. I’ve asked my aunt to keep looking at the old newspapers in the library. My dad went down to town hall today and found a copy of their wedding certificate.”
“Your family knows?” she asked, picking up her food again.
“They do now. It’s funny.” He pushed his empty food container aside. “I thought they’d call in Father Michael, you know, maybe have me committed. Instead, they’re helping me.” He shook his head in disbelief.
“They’re family.” When she sighed, he reached for her hand.
“Speaking of family, how about you and yours spend Christmas up here? There’s plenty of rooms.” He held his breath.
“Matt, I just don’t know.” She pushed her food away and stood up. She walked over to the new wall of glass that, come spring, would open onto his new deck. The views of the ocean and the town far below were now unhindered. She crossed her arms over her chest. “As I’ve said, my parents are complicated.”
“Don’t you want someone on your side while they’re here? Besides, we only have three more weeks to get this place done.”
“Four.” She turned on him. “Four weeks.”
He smiled and nodded. “Four,” he agreed. “I was hoping to spend the last week enjoying the place, decorating it for the holiday.”
She smiled and glanced around, and he could tell that she was already seeing the place decked out.
“Jordan shipping shuts down a week before the holidays. It’s a tradition. The shipping part is still in full swing, but the main office…” He smiled. “Everyone in Pride gets the time off until after New Year’s.”
“I’ve cleared my schedule as well.” She shifted as he moved over to stand beside her.
“Think about it. Do you really want your family staying at your place for the holidays?”
“They both stay at hotels when they visit.”
“Okay. If they want, we can book cabins at my parents’ B and B?”
She chuckled. “My mother wouldn’t be caught dead staying in a cabin.” She sighed. “No matter how nice it is. Except maybe if it was over three thousand square feet and somewhere in Aspen, Colorado, among the rich and famous.” She shrugged.
“She can’t be that bad,” he said.
She rolled her eyes. “My mother puts on false eyelashes to head to the gym.”
“Okay. So, help me out here. What will persuade you to try and convince them?”
She sighed. “Are you asking me to stay here for the holidays?”
He relaxed and wrapped his arms around her. “Tell me you will.”
She thought about it. “For the holidays.” She nodded.
“Good.” He smiled down at her. “Now, what will it take to convince you to move into my room with me?”
She laughed. “One thing at a time. Butters is used to the bedroom for now. When I start working in there, I’ll have to move to another room. It might as well be yours, since we’ll have it done soon.”
“Now you’re thinking.” He leaned down and kissed her just as the front door opened and Parker stepped in.
“Oops.” His brother-in-law chuckled. “Busted.”
Chapter 10
It took the rest of the day to finish painting the common areas and the master bathroom. The long hallway had taken up most of her time. Still, when she stood back and looked at the finished job, she had to admit, she had picked the perfect color, Grizzle Gray. The darkness of the walls would be lightened with the paintings she had picked out for the space: white-washed frames with images of the beach in various seasons. They were large enough that four of them filled the space.
The master bathroom was a lighter, almost-white color called Ostrich Feather. She imagined hints of deep green with the towels, and a painting of his aunt’s she’d seen of a field in spring.
She had about an hour before Matt would be home, plus the amount of time it took him to grocery shop. She itched to step into his bedroom and check to see if the wallpaper had texture underneath it.
But every time she moved towards the doorway, she had the same feeling of being watched, which creeped her out.
Instead, she spent her time cleaning up. She made sure the paint brushes were soaking and put the stepladders away, then she showered and changed into more comfortable clothes.
Then she walked around the house once more, going over the items she had purchased from Riley. She’d texted her earlier that day. Most of the furniture was all set to be delivered the following day, including everything for Matt’s office, the living room, and the dining room, and a small table for the hallway. She’d purchased a few other items for his office online and they too were supposed to be delivered tomorrow. If the weather held up.
She was at the base of the stairs, looking over her notes, when she felt that familiar tingle. Thinking it was Matt again, she spun around.
There, at the top of the stairs, stood a man. As before, the hallway above could clearly be seen through him.
His eyes searched hers, looking for something. She felt the scream catch in her throat and stumbled backwards, dropping her iPad.
He held out a hand, as if trying to get her to stop. Then he turned and looked up the stairs and sadness filled his eyes.
“Are you… Doctor Stratton?” she asked when she could finally find her voice. The man turned back to her and nodded slowly. “Were you married to Emogene?” she asked. Again, he nodded. “Who are you looking for?” she asked. Instead of answering, he turned his head towards the upstairs again. Then he pointed and disappeared before her eyes.
Her legs felt like jelly, but after a few deep breaths, she climbed the stairs and entered the only bedroom on the far right. It was the smallest of the rooms.
Stepping in, she glanced around the empty room. It was the closest room to the stairs. Perfect for a young child, if Matt’s office had been the doctor’s home office as well.
She walked over to the walls and touched the worn wallpaper. Using her fingernail, she scraped at a dry spot and pulled the piece away when it crumbled easily.
Underneath the flowered wallpaper was a simple ribbon wallpaper with pink bows.
Stepping back, she glanced around and suddenly, she could see it clearly: a white crib sat under the large window, a changing station next to it, a rocking chair in the corner, with a lamp and a bookcase nearby.
Hearing someone behind her, she turned, expecting to see the doctor again. Matt stood in the doorway, frowning at her.
“Are you okay? I’ve been calling you.”
She rushed into his arms. “They had a child. They’re looking for her.” She cried into his chest.
His arms wrapped around her, holding her safe as she cried for the lost child she didn’t know, who would have most certainly died almost a century ago.
Matt helped her down the stairs and had her sit in a stool, then set a glass of wine in front of her.
“Drink.” He motioned. “I should have gotten something stronger,” he said as she sipped her wine. “Go ahead, gulp it down. You’ve had a scare. You’re white as a…”
“Don’t say ghost,” she said between sips. “Screw it.” She swallowed the entire glass. “More.” She held up the glass and he poured another half glass.
“Think you can tell me while I start dinner?” he asked.
She nodded, splashing some wine. “Yeah.” She watched him for a moment, putting the groceries away. There were five large paper bags full and as he worked around the new kitchen, he kept glancing over at her.
“I’m not going to fall out of my chair,” she said, sipping more slowly now.
“Your coloring is back,” he said as he put some almond milk away in the new fridge.
“Was I really white?” she asked.
“As a sheet. Do you want to tell me?”
She took a deep breath and told him what had happened. When she was done, he’d poured her another glass and one for himself.
He had steaks and veggies on the grill section of his new stovetop. He had put two potatoes in the oven when he’d first arrived. She could smell them cooking and along with the smells of the meat and veggies, it had her stomach growling.
“So, you actually saw the nursery?” he asked.
“Yes, it was like… a faint glimpse. Like when we see her. I could still see the room as it is now, but I could also see how it was back then.”
He turned off the gas and set the cooked food on waiting plates. Then he opened the oven and pulled out the potatoes.
When he set the full plates down on the bar, he poured some more wine for her.
“Are you trying to get me drunk?” she asked with a smile.
“You deserve it.” He chuckled. “I’m almost there too.” He nodded to his empty glass and poured another one for himself.
They speculated as to the whereabouts of the child, which she was sure was a girl, as they ate.
“Maybe my aunt will find something tomorrow,” he suggested when the food was gone.
“Isn’t she the mayor of Pride? She must be busy.”
“She is, but she loves a mystery. She and my father. My mother says it’s the reason my dad was drawn to her in the first place.” He chuckled. “She was new to town, had come here with a broken arm, was shy and reserved, and wouldn’t open up to anyone.”
“I’ve met your mother. She’s not shy and reserved.” She felt her head spin.
“Not now. She was back then. I’ll start a fire. I have apple pie for later.”
She smiled. “You trying to fatten me up?”
He laughed. “No. But you should know something about me. I’m a dessert-a-holic.”
She laughed. “Okay, but we’re sharing a piece again.” She stood up and wobbled. Matt’s hands came out and gripped her hips to steady her.
“Too much wine.” She shook her head and the room spun. “Okay, maybe I’ll eat my own piece.” She sighed and set her wine glass back down. “With some of that almond milk.”
He pulled her close. “At least your color is back.” He kissed her. “Let’s go in there. I’ll build a fire and then get the dessert.”
She nodded and smiled as he helped her into the next room. “Your furniture for in here comes tomorrow.” She noticed her words slurred slightly. “It will be nice to have a few rooms done.”
“It’s happening so quickly now.” He helped her sit on the sofa. He surprised her by reaching down and pulling off her shoes and then propping her feet up on the sofa and covering her with the blanket.
He moved over to the fireplace and bent over the hearth, his suit pants snug on him. He’d removed his jacket and had rolled up his sleeves on his white button up.
“How is it you look just as good in blue jeans as you do in a thousand-dollar suit?” She sighed.
He glanced back at her and smiled. “It’s genetic, or so I’m told by my mother.” He walked over to sit next to her, then moved in for a kiss.
“Pie first.” She shoved him aside with her foot and he laughed.
She leaned her head back against the sofa, watching the way the firelight danced on the tall ceiling of the room. Her mind wanted to move to work issues, like the fact that they had pulled down the wood panels and how they were going to install the fan, but shaking her head, she forced those thoughts to the back of her mind.
Instead, she thought about what she wanted Matt to do to her. How his hands and mouth would run over her body and the feelings he aroused in her.
He’d told her he loved her last night, then had placed a tender finger over her mouth when she remained silent, telling her that he understood she wasn’t ready to go there yet.
But, in truth, she had been there. She’d felt the first stirrings of love back in Italy. That was the reason she’d allowed her father to drag her out of the country. She should have fought for him. She should have stayed.
“Hey.” Matt’s voice woke her. She slid her eyes open. She hadn’t even realized she’d closed them.
“Hey.” She smiled. “I fell for you back then.” She sighed, feeling as if she was weightless. “You know that, right?”
“When?” He smiled down at her.
“Florence, when you walked into the classroom. Love at first sight.” She shook her head and felt herself being laid on his bed. She glanced around and realized he’d carried her there.
“You did?” he asked, sliding onto the bed next to her.
“Yes.” She reached up and ran a hand through his hair. “Sexy green eyes, the body of a titan, and don’t get me started on that smile.” She purred. Her hand had slid down until she was touching his face. “It scared me.” She frowned. “So, I allowed myself to be pulled away.”
“Why did it scare you?” he asked as his hand settled on her hip.
She thought about it. “I’ve never seen love.”
His eyebrows rose. “Your parents?”
“What they had wasn’t love. Lust, one fabulous week long ago.” She smiled. “I’m thankful for it, but no, they don’t love each other. They don’t even really know one another. Not like your parents. I’ve seen others in your family, they’re all like that. Your aunts and uncles.” She shook her head. “Even your sister and Parker and now Lilly and Corey.” She closed her eyes again and took a deep breath. “It’s like they all hit the love jackpot.” He chuckled, and she opened her eyes again. “What? It’s true.”
