by Roz Dunbar
*
“So, my dear, as promised, here’s the list of ladies who have volunteered to make the cakes for the summer fair. The phone numbers are next to the names. And the rest is a piece of cake!” Annie chuckled at her own joke, while Katie rolled her eyes.
Tess reached for the paper. The list looked awfully long.
“It took some persuading to pry the list out of Sarah’s hot little hands, but we managed, as we always do when confronted with an immovable object. She was in charge last year. I think everyone was ready for a bit of a change.” Katie smiled gently as she reached for the lemonade that sat in front of her.
“She really put up quite an argument. I have to hand it to her.” Annie shook her head, a look of admiration on her face. “She doesn’t seem to like you much, dear, which I told her was ridiculous, as she doesn’t know you at all.”
“I got the same feeling,” Tess murmured. She was at a loss as to what the other woman’s problem with her was. “I hate to ask, but what exactly is a cakewalk? I mean, it would help if I knew what I was doing.”
“It’s very simple,” Katie said with a kind look. “The ladies on the list will bake the treats needed. You’ll need music, chairs and, of course, participants. It’s like musical chairs with the winners getting a baked good of one kind or another.”
“It’s not restricted to just cakes. You can have all sorts of homemade treats! We’ll help you, not to worry.” Annie smiled.
“As for Sarah, her problem has everything to do with Luke and the fact that you are quite lovely. Competition.” Katie took a long sip of lemonade. “By the way, dear, very good lemonade. Use a bit less sugar next time, though. Not quite tart enough.”
“Competition? I’m no rival when it comes to Luke’s affections. That doesn’t make sense.”
After all, what man in his right mind would be interested in a woman with so much baggage, emotionally and physically? the little voice in her head said. But it would be nice to have someone care for you in that way. She pushed the thought away almost before it formed. It wasn’t going to happen with Luke or any other man, at least not anytime soon.
“You should have seen her face when she found out that you’re caring for Caleb! Priceless, simply priceless.” Annie chortled at the memory. “Don’t get me wrong, Tess, we love her very much. Known her all of her life. She’s a good soul, but just a wee bit spoiled.”
“A wee bit?” Katie arched a brow at her sister. “A lot bit! Her parents indulge her far too much. And seriously, at twenty-eight she should have started making her way in the world, on her own. I can’t fathom why they haven’t pushed her out of the nest by now.”
“Only child. Only children are extremely close to Momma and Daddy,” Annie stated, nodding wisely.
“Well, if the cakewalk means so much to her, she can have it back. I really don’t have a problem with that at all.” Tess’s words were heartfelt and she gave the aunts a sincere look.
She still felt she had been railroaded into the position, though she didn’t want to let them down by backing out. But if Sarah was so bent around the axle about it, she could definitely take over again. Maybe this was Tess’s out. She looked over at Caleb, sitting in the hot-pink golf cart, with Jack on the seat beside him.
“Oh, no. It’s all been finalized,” Katie declared. “You have the cakewalk. Sarah will survive. I’m so glad that you decided to take Caleb for Luke, by the way. Everything going okay?” Then she called over to Caleb, “Dear, please don’t turn the key. Don’t want any accidents, there’s a good boy.”
Rats! Well, you tried. Halfheartedly, but you did try. Tess tried to look as if nothing was amiss, but wasn’t sure that she had succeeded. It didn’t matter, anyway, because the sisters were gazing at Caleb and not her. The boy gave Katie a thumbs-up as he turned the steering wheel, driving in his imagination to parts known only to him. Jack seemed happy to be along for the ride.
“Hang on, Jack. That was a big hole!” he said to the dog. Jack looked up at him, panting happily.
It was good for the puppy to have a playmate, someone who was able to run around with her. Now if she could just get the training issues straight. Jack still hadn’t a clue as to what the puppy pads on the kitchen floor were for, choosing instead to sleep on them.
“He’s the most adorable boy, just like his daddy!” Annie smiled dreamily when she mentioned Luke. “Don’t you think Luke is adorable, Tess?”
Tess didn’t know what to say. Adorable wouldn’t be a word she would have chosen to describe him. He was certainly handsome in a rugged sort of way. Definitely charming, especially when he leveled that crooked grin in her direction. But Tess had always been a woman who looked past the physical. When she looked at Luke she saw kindness, compassion, empathy and consideration. He had certainly shown her those traits in spades since she had known him. No, adorable wasn’t the word. And she still couldn’t figure out why he seemed so comfortingly familiar, or why she couldn’t place him. She had been racking her brain trying to figure it out, but all she got for her efforts was a headache.
“He is handsome, Aunt Annie, and he seems to be a good man. As far as Caleb, everything appears to be going well, but this is the first day. I worry that there isn’t enough to do here and he’ll get bored before much longer. Up to now, he and Joey have had each other to play with.” It had been a valid concern of hers, but Luke had brushed it aside, which was just what the aunts were doing now.
“Nonsense, dear. There’s plenty to do. Why don’t you take him down to the dock and go crabbing? There’s a net in the shed, along with fishing poles. There’s always the boat and swimming, of course. You do know how to operate a boat, don’t you?” Katie didn’t wait for an answer before continuing, “And if you’re really concerned, ask Linda if you can have Joey over, as well, at least for a couple of days during the week.”
Katie took another sip of the insufficiently tart lemonade, looking at Tess over the rim of the glass as if to say, So what’s the problem? It’s nothing to take care of two boys.
Two boys? Good grief. Tess barely knew what to do with one. No, no, no. It wasn’t possible. Period. She liked Joey and his parents, but taking on another child could put her in over her head. Way over her head.
“No, I don’t think that’s a very good idea,” she began, but as usual, neither of the aunts was listening to her.
“As always, brilliant idea, sister. I’ll call Linda’s cell now.” Annie was grinning from ear to ear as she pulled up the number from her phone’s address book.
“Of course it’s brilliant, sister. Most of my ideas are, as you well know. Oh, that reminds me. Tess, did we mention that the garden club would like to have its monthly luncheon in the garden here? It’s so lovely. We’ve had it on the calendar for months. I meant to tell you. The moon gate adds so much to the ambience. We have it here at least once a year.”
“No, you didn’t mention it,” Tess said faintly as she took the phone that Annie was pressing into her hand.
“Tess?” Linda Mason’s voice sounded in her ear.
“Er… Hi, Linda.”
Tess really was at a loss. How had so much happened in so short a period? It seemed that every time the aunts were involved, she could add something else to what was becoming a long list of must dos. She just didn’t know how to tell them no. They had been so kind to her since her arrival that it seemed petty of her not to lend a hand. And they were only trying to be helpful, arranging a playdate with Joey and Caleb.
But you have to draw the line somewhere, she told herself.
Then Livie’s words came back to her: “They find causes and champion them. They take in strays. Everything they do for you is predicated with love.”
Did they see her as a cause to champion? It certainly looked that way.
“Annie says you want to take Joey, as well? Isn’t that a bit much for you?”
Yes, but how do I say no? Tess couldn’t say the words out loud, knowing she would be shot down by the Sal
ters, who were listening avidly to the conversation.
“Well, it would be if it were every day. Maybe once or twice a week, just to give Caleb someone other than the dog to play with around here.” Tess sighed, not realizing she was doing so until both aunts looked at her sharply.
“Not your idea? No problem. I know what the sisters are like when it comes to ideas and plans.” Linda chucked softly.
“Thank you, Linda. Thank you!” Tess couldn’t keep the relief out of her voice. “But I do think it’s a good idea for Joey to come over at some point during the week,” she added.
“Why don’t we try Wednesdays to begin with. Chances are the boys will see each other over the weekend, anyway. This gives them a couple of days apart before they get together again.”
“Sounds good.” Tess looked at the aunts, who were nodding in agreement to the portion of the dialogue they were privy to.
“See how easy that was? There is a solution to every problem.” Annie took the phone back from Tess and squeezed her hand encouragingly. “At least we like to think so.”
“And now we need to discuss the garden club luncheon. Not to worry, dear, you’ll not have to lift a finger. It will be catered and all of the tables and chairs will be set up a day ahead. Of course, Annie and I will be here on Friday to make sure everything goes smoothly, and we do expect you to attend. I think we have around forty people confirmed.” Aunt Katie had put a pair of spectacles on before she took a notebook out of her handbag.
“Friday. This Friday?” Tess almost squeaked the question.
“Yes, this Friday. The luncheon is on Saturday, setup is Friday. Is there a problem?” Annie smiled benignly at her.
“No, no problem. I just thought there would be more time to prepare.”
Tess leaned back in her chair. It is what it is, she thought. Part of her was amazed at the vitality that these two seventy-something women possessed. The other part of her felt as if a tsunami had hit the cottage the moment they had arrived. You couldn’t stop it; it was an inevitable force of nature. She was no match for them, and however she felt didn’t seem to matter. She was learning that wherever the aunts went, they were an energy to be reckoned with. Her only course of action at this point was to sit back and let them do as they pleased.
“You don’t have to prepare anything. Just enjoy the luncheon with us. It really is a lovely affair with good company. It will be good for you. You don’t get out much and this will give you a chance to meet some new people that don’t attend our church. Speaking of which, I do wish you would start attending services on a more regular basis. Especially since you’re in charge of the cakewalk. So I expect we’ll see you there this Sunday.” Katie looked at her over the rims of her glasses and then glanced down at her notebook as she wrote something on the paper, not waiting for an answer, as usual. It was a statement, not a question.
But Tess did answer and was surprised to hear herself say, “Yes, Auntie. I’ll be there.”
Might as well. She mentally shrugged. It wasn’t as if her Sundays were booked solid for the rest of her stay in the village. She still couldn’t find it in her to reconcile herself to God’s will, but attending services didn’t necessarily mean that she agreed with Him. It was for the aunts, she assured herself. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Now we have to get going. I’m sure Luke will be here soon to collect Caleb.”
“No, sister, he won’t be here until after four-thirty.” Annie stood up as she spoke, then kissed Tess on the cheek. Katie followed suit, leaning down with a genuine smile as she gazed into Tess’s eyes.
“Life is good, dear. Don’t you ever forget that,” she whispered into her ear, before kissing her softly on the other cheek. “And how do you know what time Luke will be home?” She looked at her sister as she straightened up.
Tess bit her lip, her eyes tearing up a little at Aunt Katie’s words. Life had always been good before. She just hoped she could find the good parts again. She knew they were there, somewhere. Her eyes strayed over to Caleb as he got out of the golf cart. It was good to have both him and Jack with her. She had had far less time to think about the accident and to question God’s part in it while they were around. Far less time to grieve over the loss of so many innocent lives. Her heart did feel lighter today. She hoped with everything inside her that the healing had truly begun.
“Luke told me after church yesterday. I was curious as to how long Caleb would be with Tess during the day. No biggie.” Annie ruffled the boy’s hair as she got into the cart next to her sister.
“No biggie?” Katie started the cheery vehicle and looked at her twin askance.
“Right, no big deal. That’s what that means, sister.”
“I’ll try to remember that one. Annie May, you do come up with phrases I have never heard before. You always have.”
“Keeps us young, don’t you think?” Annie smiled and waved as the golf cart bounced down the lane.
“I’m starved, Miss Tess! What’s for dinner?” Caleb ran over to her, his blue eyes shining. He seemed to be having a good day, as well, and Tess smiled at him.
“Roast chicken and veggies. Come help me put the chicken on. Come, Jack.”
Tess watched as the puppy squatted and piddled on the grass next to the terrace. Well, that was good. At least it wasn’t in the hallway. Jack was having a good day, too, it seemed.
Chapter Ten
Luke pulled the truck into a gas station parking lot, put it in Park and took out his cell phone. He wanted to have the conversation with Caleb’s grandfather without Caleb around to overhear. Luke was normally a very calm and controlled man, but he wasn’t sure how the conversation would go, and if he raised his voice it might frighten his son. That was the last thing he wanted.
He was planning to tell Caleb what was going on, but first needed to find out exactly what Dave and Katherine were planning on doing. Luke hadn’t heard anything from them since the threat to petition for custody, and frankly, he was getting tired of waiting for the other shoe to drop. He dialed the number and put the phone to his ear. Dave answered on the first ring.
“Knew you’d be calling. First of all, why did you take my grandson’s cell phone away from him?” No “Hello, how are you?” Just jump right in. Luke took a breath. This combative tone was not the way he wanted to begin.
“Dave, he’s too young to have a cell phone.”
“Humph. Well, now he doesn’t have an escape route.”
“Escape route? What are you talking about? Caleb doesn’t need a way to escape.” Luke fought to keep his voice reasonable.
“Right. He’s ten years old and miles from everything and everyone he knows. Tell me he’s happy.” Dave scoffed at the very idea.
“I’d say he is, or at least he’s getting there. Has he told you otherwise? He can and has called you anytime he feels like it. Has he told you he is unhappy?”
“Well, no,” the older man conceded, “but that’s not the point. The point is that he should be living here with his grandma and me. Not with you, who never came around him once in his life.”
“Hard to come around when I never knew he existed. You know as well as I do that Jen never told me about him. If she had, everything would be different.”
“Yeah, we told her not to tell you. The only time in her life she ever listened to us. She sure didn’t listen when I told her not to marry you. She learned her lesson the hard way there. Came running home to her mother and me, just like I told her she would. Should have been grateful we took her back, but no. She up and took the boy away from us. We tried to get him back, prove that she was an unfit mother, couldn’t care for him like we could. But the court said no. Well, this time, we will get him. We can prove you’re not a fit father. Leaving him with a physically and mentally incompetent woman while you’re at work. You made a huge mistake there!” Dave practically spat the words out, his tone hard and gritty.
The man sounded positively hateful and Luke had to stop himself from reacting wit
h anger. Anger got you nowhere. He had learned that years ago. Then the harsh words sank in. They had tried to take Caleb from Jen? But why? Luke knew with everything in him that Jen had been a good mother. She had always been a kind, nurturing woman. And even though the boy didn’t often speak of her, Luke could tell that Caleb had adored her.
Then another thought struck him. Physically and mentally incompetent woman? Tess? How did Dave know about Tess, and where did he get the idea she was incompetent? Couldn’t have been from Caleb. As far as Luke knew, he hadn’t spoken to his grandparents in the past few days. And Caleb had only ever had good things to say about Tess.
“Dave, how do you know who’s caring for my son?” Luke kept his tone even as he asked the question.
“If you must know, your girlfriend, the preacher’s daughter, told me all about it.”
“Sarah? Sarah Fulcher? How do you know her?” And why do you think she’s my girlfriend? To say Luke was surprised was an understatement.
“I did some checking when you told me you and the boy were going to church. I called the church you mentioned to see if it was true. Your girlfriend answered the phone. Been talking to her for a few months now. Mighty nice young lady. Keeps us informed on what’s going on with you and my grandson.”
White-hot anger shot through Luke like a bolt of lightning. He couldn’t recall ever being so furious. What was Sarah playing at? Why hadn’t she told him that Caleb’s grandparents had called the church? And how dare she discuss Luke’s private affairs behind his back? He fought hard to get himself under control. He didn’t speak for a minute or two as he tried to gather his thoughts. Again, anger was not the answer. Anger only made things worse and was a wasted emotion. It drained a body, sucked the life right out of you. Anger had no place in dealing with his son’s future.
