Home to Sparrow Lake (Harlequin Heartwarming)

by Lynn Patrick

  “I don’t think so,” grunted Matt.

  The car disappeared down the street.

  “Whatever. We should leave.” He scooped up the menus and hid them under a big toaster in the kitchen. “Let’s go.”

  “Mmmmp.” Andy appeared, carrying a pie from which he’d spooned out a big mouthful. Chewing, he asked. “I thought we were all gonna have a piece.”

  “Bring the pie with you. We’ve got to get out of here.” Brian moved toward the door. He opened and closed it carefully behind them. Then all three of them slid off into the night.

  Brian hadn’t intended for them to steal anything, but a pie and a couple of burgers surely wouldn’t hurt anyone. Especially when a guy like Andy really needed something to eat. Or maybe he was going to take the pie to his family. Brian couldn’t stand the thought of someone he knew going hungry. And not just Andy but his kid sisters and brother, too. Didn’t small towns have food banks or something for starving, homeless people?

  Not that it was any of his business, Brian decided.

  Not that he could forget about it….

  *

  ON THURSDAY, A COUPLE of women from Gloria’s quilting class came by the store to look at fabric for a special project they were creating. Kristen didn’t ask for specifics because she wasn’t a permanent member of the group. At least, that’s what she told herself.

  After examining the material, however, Laurie and Nellie started talking about the strange things that had happened at the Richardses’ diner the night before. Kristen couldn’t help but move close enough to listen in.

  “The Richards are my neighbors,” Laurie Jamison said. “Elsa Richards was extremely upset. She told me there was no evidence of a breakin, but about half the tables were set with plates. And a cherry pie was stolen.”

  “A cherry pie?” Gloria quirked her brows. “That’s odd.”

  “I guess some other food was missing, too,” Laurie went on. “I’m not sure. Elsa said she might not have noticed the pie but she had just baked it that morning.”

  Kristen listened carefully as she scrolled through some sewing goods sites on her laptop. She had a bad feeling. She only hoped the pranksters didn’t include Brian, but she feared the worst. Up late, mulling over an email from a former colleague about a hot lead on a new job, she’d had trouble sleeping after going to bed and had gotten up to fix some chamomile tea. When she returned to her suite, she’d heard several thumps in the hallway. Brian must have sneaked in the lakeside door again.

  “Why would someone set the tables?” asked Gloria. “That’s weird.”

  “To try to spook people, make them nervous,” said Laurie.

  “Ha, don’t feel spooked,” growled Nellie Martin. “We aren’t dealing with ghosts or anything strange. The culprits are flesh and blood just like me and you. I haven’t talked much about it, but someone broke into my store, too.”

  “Really?” said Gloria.

  “It was the same as the Richardses—no evidence of a breakin.”

  “What happened?” Laurie asked. “Was anything stolen?”

  “No, thank goodness. But whoever did it thought they were real funny. Dressed the mannequins in crazy colors and styles. One of them was wearing lingerie on the outside of her clothes.”

  “Lingerie?” Gloria’s lips curved, then she seemed to repress the smile that had started. “Doesn’t Madonna do that in real life?”

  Nellie shook her head disapprovingly. “We’re lucky if celebrities these days—and the kids that want to be like them—wear anything at all. But I certainly don’t try to appeal to that kind of customer. I reported the incident to Chief Novak, but I don’t know whether he believed me or not. He asked me about my eyesight and suggested I might have forgotten that I dressed the mannequins like that myself.”

  Despite herself, Kristen swallowed a nervous giggle. She could just hear Alex’s dry, sarcastic tone in her imagination. Laurie turned to glance at her.

  “You do wear large glasses, dear,” Gloria told Nellie. “They magnify your eyes a bit, too. Are they strong?”

  “Not that strong or I wouldn’t be able to sew!” snapped Nellie.

  Gloria stepped back, obviously surprised by the older woman’s offended tone. “Well, of course not,” she said in a soothing voice. “You stitch beautifully.”

  Emily Auerbach came in, looking a bit flustered, as usual.

  “Alex Novak is a nice man overall, but he was wrong in that instance,” said Nellie. “And I’m going to put in a deadbolt.”

  “Chief Novak?” Emily Auerbach pursed her lips nervously and grasped her purse tightly. “I wouldn’t say the police chief is so nice. Why, I saw him arresting little children the other day.”

  All the women turned toward the mayor’s wife and Kristen felt impelled to jump in. “Alex does not arrest children!”

  Now the women turned to her. Kristen had been frazzled that day, but she remembered Mrs. Auerbach wandering by and had thought she’d been joking about the arresting children remark. It seemed that the eccentric woman had misinterpreted the incident.

  “Alex didn’t arrest my little nieces,” she said emphatically. “He took them for a ride in the police car because they were upset, and he was trying to help.” She rushed on, “I was the one who did something wrong that day. I was taking care of the twins and I let Addison walk out of FamilyMart with a couple of sweaters we didn’t pay for. I didn’t know she had them on.”

  Everyone remained silent. Mrs. Auerbach cleared her throat.

  “Alex took us back to the store so Addison could apologize to the manager. She didn’t know what she was doing.” Kristen added, “And I certainly didn’t know what I was doing, either. I’m not used to dealing with kids.”

  Gloria’s hearty laugh relaxed everyone but Emily Auerbach. “Of course not. You have to watch children constantly. My Jackie is twelve now, thank goodness, but we had a few incidents ourselves when she was small.” She shook her head and sighed. “When you look back at it years later, though, it’s pretty funny.”

  “It’s great that you try to help out your sister, Kristen,” Laurie said.

  “Thanks.” Kristen looked directly at Mrs. Auerbach. “Anyway, Alex most definitely wouldn’t arrest children.”

  “If you say so. I notice he’s used his position to push you around, too, Ms. Lange.”

  Oops. Kristen didn’t want to explain that she fully suspected Alex of enforcing some less than significant rules to get to know her better. “Well, uh, he just wanted to make sure I was aware of the laws in town.”

  Gloria gave her a knowing smile that Kristen wasn’t sure she appreciated. Had the women been gossiping about her and Alex?

  “He fixed the window that I broke,” Kristen pointed out. She’d told the group about what happened the first week she met them. “He honestly cares about the safety of our citizens.” He cared about many things, something she appreciated.

  Nellie nodded. “At heart, he’s a nice man.”

  “I agree,” said Gloria. “He’s a very nice man.”

  Kristen said nothing, focusing closely on her computer in hopes the conversation would change. It did, the women segueing back into a discussion of the project they were working on. She had been surprised at her own vehemence coming to Alex’s defense when Mrs. Auerbach complained about him. She picked up her laptop and returned to the front desk, thinking about Alex. He could annoy her one minute and charm her the next. She found him quite intriguing in addition to being attractive, and he obviously felt the same.

  So why didn’t that make her happy? She guessed thinking about him so much made their relationship seem more intense than it was.

  Kristen frowned, logging into her personal email. Yet again, she looked at the message about the job prospect she was considering. Her colleague urged her to contact the Chicago company and send them her résumé as soon as possible. She shouldn’t be dragging her feet. As a young girl, after suffering through her family’s problems—a dreamer of a fathe
r who couldn’t be responsible and a mother burdened with meaningless, part-time jobs—Kristen had vowed she was going to be a big success. She was going to make lots of money in the big city. Coming back to Sparrow Lake made her feel like a failure.

  Yet now that another opportunity had come up, after months of searching, she had mixed feelings about pursuing it.

  The handsome police chief most certainly had something to do with that.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  KRISTEN ROSE EARLY on Sunday morning to help her aunt bake several dozen rolls. The house smelled heavenly.

  “You never go empty-handed to an event in a small town,” Margaret told her. “But this will be enough for both of us.”

  While they packed the rolls into containers, Kristen thought about the résumé she’d finally sent out that morning. She’d also answered another email from a newspaper reporter who wanted to interview her about Sew Fine—a follow-up from publicity releases she’d sent out. She was happy about the latter but still more thoughtful than excited about the job opportunity.

  “Alex should be here any minute, right?” asked Margaret. He had volunteered to pick up both of them.

  “He’s usually on time.”

  “You already know his habits, hmm?”

  Margaret raised her brows meaningfully, making Kristen wonder who was setting up whom. Supposedly, she was fixing her aunt up with John McClintock today. From the way her aunt was acting, though, Margaret thought Alex and her niece spending more time together was just peachy.

  She had had a good time with Alex in Lake Geneva, Kristen thought, remembering their parting kiss. She shivered. However, she didn’t think it was a good idea to have her head completely turned around when she was looking for a new job and trying to figure out what else to do with her life.

  The doorbell rang and Margaret ran to answer it. “Alex! We’re ready. Wow, is that our ride? Pretty snazzy.” She obviously approved of the Jaguar convertible.

  Kristen turned out the kitchen light and scooped up the large containers. She felt Alex’s warm gaze sweep over her as they went out the door.

  “Can I help you with those?” he asked.

  “Sure, thank you.”

  The day was beautiful, bright and sunny but with a cool breeze. Light glinted off the lake as they drove toward downtown. Alex looked handsome in a dark blue T-shirt and jeans. Kristen had chosen to wear casual khakis, a matching summer-weight sweater and a casual pair of designer wedges.

  “It looks like half the town is at this party,” mused Aunt Margaret as they neared the fish and tackle store. Cars lined the nearby blocks and filled a vacant lot across the street.

  “I can drop you off and find parking,” offered Alex.

  “Nonsense, walking will give us some exercise,” said Aunt Margaret. “How about you, Kristen?”

  “Sure, let’s walk.”

  A few minutes later, Alex found a spot, parked, and helped the two women out. They strolled down the sidewalk, Kristen and Margaret carrying the bread containers, Alex bringing a case of soft drinks.

  Not that there wasn’t already plenty to eat. The concrete courtyard next to McClintock Bait and Tackle swarmed with townspeople, the women in colorful summer outfits, the men in short sleeves. Several large picnic tables had been set up in the center and were covered with plastic tablecloths. Platters of golden fried and grilled fish filets, corn on the cob, sliced fresh tomatoes and lemons, various salads, chips and dipping sauces sat under fly screens. As soon as the pile on one platter became low, someone put a full one in its place. Partygoers ate from paper plates and helped themselves to drinks from coolers and ice on one side of the space. Clumps of folding chairs and tables with shady umbrellas lined the courtyard, but many people stood.

  “Hey, Alex!” John McClintock called out as he worked one of the grills at the edge of the party.

  Alex waved.

  Margaret admired the food tables. “Very generous,” she murmured. “I like a generous host.”

  Kristen grabbed one of the rolls Aunt Margaret had brought, even as she placed the big container on the table. She couldn’t wait to take a bite. She indicated one of the overflowing platters of filets. “Did John catch all this?”

  “Hardly.”

  John had left his spot at the grill and joined them. “Hi, Alex. Oh, and this must be Kristen.” He shook the hand that was roll-free. “Hope you’re liking Sparrow Lake. I hear your family lived here a few years back.”

  “Some of her family still does live here.” Alex indicated Aunt Margaret. “I’m sure you two already know each other.”

  “I’ve passed the bait and tackle store,” agreed Margaret. “I think I’ve also seen you guys out fishing on the lake.”

  Kristen thought about the boat she’d noticed on the lake a few days ago. Had it been Alex?

  “It’s nice sitting out on the water in the early morning,” said Alex.

  John nodded. “Real peaceful. Extra special when you share those moments with friends.” He gestured to the tables. “But back to the fish we’re cooking up today—I bought local, so most of it is from Lake Michigan.”

  Alex laughed. “We’d have to fish for weeks to catch enough to feed this crowd. Besides, we usually let ours go. I think because John feels sorry for them.”

  “They’re too small,” John insisted. “You have to let them grow.” He had a nice smile and looked dapper in a striped pullover and navy pants. He had a decent head of white hair and bright blue eyes. And from the way Aunt Margaret was furtively inspecting him, Kristen decided she just might be interested.

  “Letting fish go sounds kindhearted to me,” said Margaret.

  “Eating them sounds tasty. Shall we help ourselves?” Alex grabbed some plates and handed one to Kristen. Then he found a couple of empty chairs at one of the tables with an umbrella to protect them from the sun.

  Margaret swirled away, her draped summer pants and loose blouse a bright magenta-and-orange print that made Kristen’s eyes want to cross.

  “Save me a place,” her aunt called back to them. “John says he has something in his office he wants to show me.” She winked knowingly. “Have fun.”

  Kristen again wondered what Margaret had in mind. Her aunt didn’t need to work so hard, since Kristen had been spending time with Alex for more than a week. He pulled out a chair for her, then sat down himself.

  After they’d eaten, he leaned back and asked, “How are things going at Sew Fine?”

  “You mean the improvements I’m trying to make? The computer order system is great. It’s going to make things a lot easier.”

  Now she just had to find someone to input the larger number of orders when they got them. Brian wouldn’t be around once he started college at summer’s end. And he’d been dragging his feet getting to work again after she’d caught him coming in so late.

  “I contacted a newspaper in Milwaukee,” Kristen went on. “They want to interview us.”

  “That’s great.”

  “Yeah, it sure is.”

  If a news release worked that well and so fast, what else might she be able to do? And who was going to keep up the momentum when she left?

  Kristen thought about the résumé she’d sent out. The person to whom she’d emailed it was someone she knew, someone she thought respected her. If she got the job, though, how soon would it start? Hopefully not right away. She wanted to make sure the business was in good shape for her aunt.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by Alex saying, “Maybe you’ll make the store a famous attraction for this part of the state.”

  “Right. Really famous.” She felt herself flush. Why? He always seemed to throw her off balance. She hedged, “I’m joking. I’m sure I can make some improvements, but I’m not a rock-band promoter.”

  “You’re not trying to compete with the cow parade, huh?”

  Kristen quirked her brows. “The what parade?”

  “Cows.” Alex explained, “Wisconsin is the dairy state, remember. On
the Fourth of July, some of the farmers around here dress up their best cows and run them down Main Street. After the floats and farm equipment roll by.”

  “Dress cows up in what?”

  “Flowers, hats, beads.”

  Kristen couldn’t help herself. She snickered.

  Alex laughed. “Whoa, we’re not talking complete costumes. It’s not that elaborate. But everybody enjoys the fun. Well, except for the street cleaners who tidy up afterward.” He added, “The cow parade is officially listed as a traditional summer event for this area, and it has been for several years, second only to the county fair.”

  “They must have started having the parade after I left town. But I have to admit that I can’t wait to see it.”

  “Hey, some of those cows cut quite a figure.”

  Kristen grinned at Alex. She had to admit that she liked his combination of humor and sarcasm. She remembered not so long ago, she’d thought of him as snarky. Now she saw his sarcastic side as part of his charm.

  “I heard you talking about the Fourth of July parade,” Gloria said, as she pulled up a chair. “Mind if I join you?”

  “Please,” Kristen said.

  Gloria slid into a seat next to her. “Hmm. We should decorate a car or small float from Sew Fine for the parade, you know. A couple of women from the quilting circle in my class used to help with that. So did I. That’s a good old-fashioned local way to advertise.”

  “Why don’t we talk about it in the next class?” Kristen noted the mint-green ribbons scooping up Gloria’s thick dark curls. They matched her sundress. “You look cool. And very festive.”

  “Thanks.” Gloria gave her a brilliant smile. “How are you doing on your quilt?”

  “You’re making a quilt?” Alex asked.

  “Well, hardly,” Kristen said. “It’s only big enough to be a place mat.”

  “Expand it a bit, and you’ll have a nice light throw,” said Gloria, always encouraging.

  Alex seemed impressed. “Hmm, a quilt already. You’ve been here how long? Two weeks? You’re taking the town by storm.”

  Two weeks? Right, it had been only two weeks. Kristen had to admit things were happening pretty fast in such a short time.