The New Guy in Town

by Teresa Southwick

  “If he ever surfaces from work,” Kate chimed in, “there are single ladies here in town who would love an opportunity to change his status.”

  Sam looked at Faith and knew she was remembering their talk by the pool just a few hours ago when they each confessed their hang-ups. Now he knew she’d been burned by love just like him but that didn’t make it any easier to get her off his mind. Thoughts of touching her, kissing her, were driving him nuts.

  “Sam has been doing his part to uphold the Hart honor with the singles scene,” Faith said. “Having my flower cart in the lobby of his building even part-time gives me a unique perspective on his perseverance in that regard.”

  Sam appreciated her discretion in not mentioning breakup bouquets, but he wasn’t taking a chance. He steered the conversation away from himself before Kate asked any questions about his perseverance.

  “There’s another Hart you might not know about, because he uses his mother’s maiden name. Logan Hunt is my cousin.”

  “I didn’t know.” Cabot looked surprised. “He owns the spread next to mine and I see him from time to time. The land has been in his mother’s family for a couple of generations. I know him pretty well and he never mentioned a connection to the Harts.”

  Everyone was looking curiously at Sam, but this wasn’t the time or place. And it was Logan’s story to tell—if he chose to. “It’s complicated,” Sam said.

  Before anyone could pepper him with questions, a high-pitched electronic sound made everyone in the room turn toward the microphone on stage. Mayor Goodson-McKnight stood behind the podium, presumably preparing to address the people gathered together.

  “Good evening, everyone,” she said. “Can you all hear me?” She looked around and seemed satisfied. “Thank you for coming to this hastily organized event to raise money for our Sunshine Fund. The Crawford’s Crest fire has damaged and destroyed the homes of some of our friends and neighbors. We don’t have much information yet because conditions are too volatile to safely allow anyone in. But we do know that people are going to need help to get their lives back. Thanks to everyone for coming and putting what you could into the donation jar at the door. And bringing food to share.

  “Now I’d like to call someone up here so everyone can meet him. He’s new to our Blackwater Lake community but clearly has the kind of spirit that will make him fit right in. This was supposed to stay between him and me, but he made an incredibly generous donation to the Sunshine Fund and it needs to be recognized. Come up here, Sam Hart, so everyone can meet and thank you.”

  Sam shrugged at Faith’s surprised look. “She’s not lying. That wasn’t for public consumption.”

  “Way to go, Sam,” Cabot said, clapping him on the shoulder.

  He was reluctant to go onstage but a chant started and people stepped aside to make a path for him. There was no choice, so he joined the mayor on the raised stage. She gave him a hug and whispered, “Say a few words.”

  He stood behind the podium and scanned the crowd that filled the big room. “Hi, everyone. As Mayor Goodson-McKnight said, my name is Sam Hart. I know all about the Sunshine Fund because Hart Financial handles the resource distribution based on need and circumstances, with a full accounting of the dispersal to the town council. The point is, I have firsthand knowledge of how important this fund is and how it can make a difference in someone’s life.

  “Since I’m up here under protest, I’ll take this opportunity to assure everyone that Hart Financial is here to help. Anyone whose home has been damaged or destroyed can come in with any questions about your mortgage, insurance, or even a low-interest loan to rebuild.” He looked around and said, “I’m very honored to be a part of the Blackwater Lake community. Thank you.”

  He left the stage and walked in the general direction of where he’d left Faith. But this time his progress was slowed by men and women who stopped him to introduce themselves and shake his hand. He experienced a feeling that couldn’t be put into words, a kinship that filled empty places inside him that he hadn’t realized were there.

  Eventually he made it back to Faith. She was still in the same spot, watching him, but the Dixons were gone.

  “Look at you being all philanthropic and benevolent,” she said.

  “Just doing my part, ma’am.”

  “First of all, I’m way too young to be lumped in the ma’am category. Second, that must have been some big, eye-popping donation. Mayor Loretta almost never singles someone out for public adoration.”

  “Adoration?” he said wryly. “I didn’t see any bowing. Not even a curtsy. No scraping, either. It was quite disappointing, now that I think about it.”

  “In their minds, people were genuflecting. Trust me. I know these things.”

  “You’re exaggerating.” Sam wasn’t looking for public recognition but if Faith’s estimation of him went up, he’d take it.

  “I’m happy to debate the degrees of truth in my statement right after I make sure my daughter puts more than Lucy Bishop’s chocolate cake on her plate.”

  “She makes a pretty spectacular cake, but—”

  Faith lifted a finger in warning. “Before you argue that my little cherub wouldn’t do that, I say she will always give it a try. It’s a test to see whether or not I’m on my game.”

  “And in my defense, I could say that I wasn’t going to call her a cherub. Something more along the lines of ‘angel.’”

  “Gotcha.” Faith laughed. “Am I good or what?”

  Sam watched her walk away, very much appreciating the view. Good wasn’t quite the word he would use to describe her. Witty. Perceptive. Caring and always...desirable. Wanting, sudden and powerful, slammed through him.

  “So, how is it going with your house guests?”

  Sam had been so captivated by Faith’s assets he hadn’t noticed the mayor come up beside him. He had the feeling this woman knew exactly what he’d been thinking, which was exceptionally disconcerting, considering he’d just had a visual of him, Faith, tangled legs and twisted sheets.

  “What?” He forgot the question. “It’s loud in here.”

  “I was wondering if everything is okay with Faith and Phoebe. At your house.”

  “Yeah. It’s great having them. That little girl is something else.”

  “She is.” The mayor smiled fondly. “I’ve known her since before she was born. Her aunt Cathy was my best friend. Cathy practically raised Faith, then, when she was pregnant with Phoebe, she moved back in with her.”

  Sam knew now that Faith had chosen her child over money and the father had willingly disappeared from his child’s life before even seeing her. “If you follow an amazing kid home you usually find an amazing mom.”

  “You’re preaching to the choir, Sam.” She sighed. “She’s a good person, which is why I’d like to give that weasel ex of hers a tongue lashing he’d never forget. It’s not just what he did to Faith, but Phoebe, too.”

  “In what way? He isn’t around to do anything.”

  “Exactly. And that absence will affect her attitudes.” The mayor met his gaze. “She’ll never know what a healthy relationship between a man and woman looks like.”

  “Faith could meet someone.” Even as the words came out of his mouth, Sam knew she’d closed that door. She’d flat-out told him so just a few hours ago. He should feel relief about her determination to stay single, not letdown about it. That would imply he might want to be the someone she met and that just wasn’t the case.

  “I don’t think she’ll ever let a man in.” The older woman shook her head. “That makes me sad. Especially because I know how good it can be. My husband and I are very happy. You may not know this, but we were newlyweds not all that long ago. It took us a while to find each other.”

  Sam had no idea how to respond to that. “You know what? I’m starving. Being outed publicly
for an anonymous donation can really give a guy an appetite.”

  “Okay. Let’s get plates.” The mayor’s grin was unrepentant. “And if you were trying to scold me you should know it didn’t work. The town deserved to know the truth and I’m not sorry I spilled the beans.”

  It was impossible to be annoyed with this straightforward woman so he let it go. Because of her, for the rest of the evening the people of Blackwater Lake walked up to shake his hand and introduce themselves. The editor of the town paper interviewed him and promised an article in the next edition so his business would get an unexpected plug.

  But he probably wouldn’t remember many names because he kept thinking about what the mayor had said. That little girl never had a permanent, positive male figure in her life. For as long as Faith and Phoebe were living with him, he was it, the guy who could affect her opinion—good or bad—about men.

  That was a huge responsibility and he would not let her down.

  * * *

  Faith heard the bell above the door at Every Bloomin’ Thing and knew her customer had arrived. She hurried from the office in the back to the main room with sample arrangements displayed and the cold cases keeping the flowers fresh.

  Rose Hart was browsing in the shop. She was a beautiful woman with blue eyes and dark, almost black hair, here for her appointment to discuss wedding flowers. When she saw Faith, she smiled. “Hi. I hope I’m not late.”

  “Right on time. Let me lock the front door and put up the closed sign so we won’t be disturbed.” Faith always tried to schedule consultations for special events at closing time to make sure all her focus was concentrated on whatever important occasion her customer was planning.

  This time it was Rose. Pretty name, but Faith loved flowers and might be prejudiced. “Let’s go into my office. We can talk and figure out what you want for your wedding.”

  In the back, Rose followed her past the counter with different-colored ribbon, cellophane, shears and scissors, where she worked with the flowers. On one wall, she had vases and baskets that could hold simple or sumptuous arrangements. There was a good-size room with a desk and an intimate conversation area with two comfortable chairs and a coffee table holding a couple of photo albums of her work.

  Faith’s laptop was there, too. She was prepared to show examples for every occasion. Some clients preferred photographs, others were good with the electronic version.

  “Have a seat.” She held out a hand, indicating the conversation area. “Can I get you something to drink? Water, soda, iced tea? Or wine?”

  “Oh, wine sounds lovely. I’ve been so busy and stressed decorating the hotel. But—”

  “Isn’t it a rule that a glass of chardonnay must be consumed when it’s after five and you’re planning your wedding?”

  “I’m sure it must be.” Rose smiled gratefully.

  “Why don’t you look at my pictures. I like to show off.” Faith grinned, then left her client happily perusing the albums. She walked to the back corner of the shop where she had a refrigerator. After taking out the wine bottle and opening it, she grabbed two stemmed glasses from a cupboard and poured some into them. Just a small amount for herself.

  She walked back to her office and handed over one of the glasses then held up her own for a toast. “To the bride and many years of wedded bliss.”

  “Thank you.” Rose tapped her glass to Faith’s then took a sip. “I should explain that I’m not technically a bride. Linc and I are actually already married. You may have heard.”

  Faith nodded. “No one sneezes in this town without everyone saying God bless you.”

  Sam had filled in details when he told her about his witch of a wife. Lincoln Hart had eloped to Las Vegas with Rose Tucker ten years ago. His parents worked out their differences but never told him the truth about his real father. He found out and had an identity crisis, then left Rose, thinking he was protecting her from himself.

  As it happened, he hired a half-priced attorney who only did half the job and never filed the divorce papers. Ten years later they were still married and in love. At least someone was getting a happy ending, Faith thought. She just hoped that if children came along there would be room in their love for someone else. That was something her own parents were unable to do for her.

  “Correct me if I’m wrong,” Faith said, “but this is the wedding you and Linc never had.”

  “Yes.” The woman quite simply glowed. If happiness was electricity, she could power the lights in Blackwater Lake for a week. “Do you think I’m silly?”

  “No. It’s very romantic.” And it was. Faith was a sucker for romance—it was love she had a problem with. “Do you have a date picked out for the festivities?”

  “Before Labor Day. I know that’s not very long.”

  Faith already had her phone out to check for any conflict. “That works for me.”

  “Oh, good.”

  “Is there a reception?”

  Rose nodded. “First event for the new hotel. They’ve had a soft opening and are booking guests. I’ve been working a lot of hours getting the lobby and banquet rooms decorated, but it’s all coming together.”

  “Are you having attendants?”

  “Yes.”

  Faith nodded. “Then you’re going to want flowers for them to carry.”

  “I’ve asked Linc’s sister, Ellie, to be my matron of honor and my best friend, Vicki, is going to be maid of honor.”

  “Okay. And how formal are we talking? You have to wear a long dress, veil, the whole deal?” She grinned when the other woman nodded enthusiastically. “Tuxedos for the guys?”

  “Yes. Traditional.”

  “So you’ll need a bride’s bouquet.” Faith tapped her lip. “Corsages for the mothers, boutonnieres for the guys and Linc’s dad.”

  “And his biological father.”

  Faith’s head snapped up and she studied the other woman’s serene expression. “Really?”

  “Yes. Linc talked to Katherine and Hastings, his parents, and they’re okay with whatever he wants. Guilt could be involved, what with not telling him the truth all those years. But they seem fine with it and Linc wants the man there. Aren’t we a modern family?”

  “Very open-minded of everyone.”

  Rose smiled. “It’s all good.”

  That was interesting, Faith thought. Sam had said his parents set a ridiculously high bar for what a happy and loving marriage should look like. It seemed they also included their four children and a biological father, too. No one was left out. Their love was a very large umbrella.

  Faith had grown up with parents who didn’t need anyone else, not even their daughter. She’d always felt as if she was a mistake—tick tock, the game is locked, nobody else can play. It was a lonely and confusing way to grow up.

  She put the feelings aside and went through pictures, getting a feel for the bride’s vision of her special day. After hearing the story about Linc showering Rose with roses to win her back, they had a theme. Roses. Long-stemmed red ones showing everlasting love for her bouquet. When she explained that lavender signified love at first sight and white signified purity the bridesmaids were taken care of.

  “And the mother’s corsages,” Faith mused. “I happen to know your mother-in-law’s favorite color is pink. Would your mom be happy with baby-pink roses?”

  “She would love that.”

  “And I can do fishbowl arrangements of multicolored roses and baby’s breath for the tables at the reception.”

  “Perfect.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so emotional.”

  “Don’t apologize for being happy. It’s just spilling over is all.”

  “That’s a lovely way to put it.” Rose brushed at the moisture on her cheeks. “Linc is excited, too. This vow renewal was all his idea
.”

  “A Hart with a heart.”

  “They all have big hearts. And they’ll be on display at our shindig. Although I don’t know that you’ll meet Cal. According to Linc he’s coming but the man is dedicated to work so...” She held out her hand, rocking it back and forth. “It’s anybody’s guess. But Linc says a person can always count on Sam. No matter what. He’s the strong, steady one.”

  “Is that so?”

  “You don’t agree?” There was a question in Rose’s eyes.

  “No. I mean, yes. It’s just—” Faith sighed. “He’s taken us in during this fire evacuation and—”

  “Oh my gosh,” Rose said. “Here I’ve been going on and on about my wedding and you’re forced out of your house. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Is there any word yet on the condition of your property?”

  “Damage to the house at the very least. I don’t know for sure because the fire captain hasn’t let anyone back in to check. But they’re getting the upper hand on it so he says it will be very soon.”

  “Oh, Faith—” Rose looked sincerely sympathetic. “I truly feel awful. We could have postponed this meeting about my wedding.”

  “That’s sweet of you, but I need to be working and keeping this business going. Plus, I want everything as normal as possible for my daughter. Sam has been really good with her. Taking her mind off things whenever he can.”

  “You sound surprised.”

  “It wasn’t exactly voluntary. The mayor practically twisted his arm.” Faith shrugged. “Since he got roped into it, I guess I am surprised. That and the fact that he has the reputation of a serial dater.”

  “Is it possible that’s a facade. Self-protection?”

  “I get the feeling that he’s perfectly happy being a yellow rose kind of guy.”

  “I’m sorry. What?” Rose looked confused.

  “I know this about him because on first dates he gives the woman a single yellow rose, which signifies welcome without any emotional commitment.”

  “The thought is kind of sweet. I mean the flower part,” Rose said.