“You know we don’t mind, Auntie.” Leon paused a moment, then said, “You really should file the claim.”
Eleanor sighed heavily. “Seeing that you ain’t gwine let this go...I might as well tell you the truth.”
“The truth about what?”
“The insurance company ain’t gwine pay nothing. I let it lapse. I didn’t do it on purpose. Somehow I missed a payment.”
“How?”
Shrugging, Eleanor replied, “I don’t know.”
“I showed you how to put everything in Bill Pay.”
“I know, but I must have forgotten about it, Leon. I’m just devastated. I have so much going on in my head all the time... I feel like I’m running around in a million different directions.”
“You probably just need to slow down, Auntie.” Leon poured himself a cup of coffee. “We need to go over your finances just to make sure everything is good.”
Eleanor agreed. “Yeah, we need to do that. The older I get, the more forgetful I become.”
“I’ll get the materials we need for the repairs.”
“Son, I don’t want you to go through all that expense. Besides, Rusty already said he’d donate the materials we need.”
Rusty’s family owned Stanley Building Materials & Construction. The Stanley and Rothchild families had been friends for generations. Leon believed that Rusty had feelings for Eleanor, but she would dismiss his claim with a chuckle and a wave of her hand.
Leon took a sip of coffee. “If you need help with anything, I want you to come to me.”
“You have your own life.”
“Don’t do this, Auntie. You were there when Trey and I needed you most. I’m here for you, as well. Never doubt that.”
“I know and I love you for it.”
“Some of my coworkers and others in the community have offered to help with the repairs,” Leon announced.
“That’s so sweet,” Eleanor said. “I love the way we all come together to help one another. This is what Polk and Hoss envisioned all those years ago.”
* * *
MISTY LAID DOWN her cell phone. “Brittany, I’m sorry. I needed to check on Talei. She wasn’t feeling well this morning. Now, where were we?” She picked up her iPad. They were in Brittany’s office going over the final notes for the festival.
“I was saying that the fire department will be sending a couple of guys to man a booth and they’re even bringing one of the fire trucks for the children to tour.”
“They’re gonna love that,” Misty murmured, while wondering if Leon would be in attendance.
“I heard that Leon is going to be there,” Brittany stated as if she’d read her mind.
“Misty, how are you doing with everything?”
“I’m fine,” she responded. “John not being here still doesn’t seem quite real. Even though we were divorced, he was still the father of my child and it hurts me when I see her sad. She misses him a lot.”
Brittany nodded in understanding.
“Leon has been great by stepping up as her godfather. I reconnected with my grandmother, so now Talei has her Nana, aunts and a host of cousins. But the reality is that none of them can replace her father.”
“She’s adjusting well. At least from what I can tell,” Brittany said. “She’s a very happy and secure little girl.”
Misty smiled. “Thank you for saying that.”
Brittany’s phone rang.
“Girl, I’m sorry. I need to take this.”
When she finished her call, she stated, “Now back to business. This year’s festival is going to be huge. We are expecting twice the attendance of last year.”
Misty broke into a grin. “That’s great news. I’ve really enjoyed working on this event.”
“I’m glad because I’d really like for you to stay on the board.” Brittany broke into a grin. “And not just for the tasty snacks you always bring.”
“Miss Eleanor told me that you’re the reason the Polk Island Children’s Festival exists in the first place,” Misty said. “You never told me.”
“I worked the one they have in Charleston and thought it would be nice to have an annual one here on the island. Now we’re in our second year.” Brittany took a sip of her smoothie. “I hope I’m not being too nosy, but I just have to ask. Are you interested in Leon?”
“Why would you ask me that?”
“Because you get this certain look in your eyes whenever his name is mentioned.”
“I like him,” she confessed. “I feel like we’re building a friendship.” Misty was fine with this as she had to fight her own battle of personal restraint. She was unable to give herself completely to any man at this time, so friendship was good. She was pretty sure Leon felt the same way.
Changing the subject, she asked, “Did you ever hear back from Robert with the petting zoo?”
“Yeah, I did,” Brittany answered. “We’re good on that. He will be bringing his animals.”
“Talei is going to be thrilled. She loves animals.”
“Petting zoos seem to be a popular attraction for children.”
An hour later, Misty and Brittany ended their meeting.
Brittany slipped her purse over her left shoulder. “We’ll have one final meeting the day before the festival with the rest of the staff.”
“Great,” Misty murmured. “I’ll finalize the list of vendors and send that to you later this evening.”
“Your mom is one, right?”
“Yes. She’s going to sell some of the fringe dresses and ribbon skirts she’s made. They will be in both children and adult sizes. She may have some blankets, as well.”
“I’m so excited.”
Misty smiled. “Me, too.”
She walked out of Brittany’s office. “I’ll talk to you later.”
The July weather was nice and sunny, which had prompted Misty to walk from the café to her friend’s place of business.
She strolled along the sidewalk on Main Street, enjoying the feel of the sun on her face and arms. As much as she wanted to stop and peruse some of the boutiques along the way, Misty needed to get back to the shop. Some of the men were coming to work on the repairs.
She heard the blaring sound of a siren blasting. It was coming from the fire station located a couple of streets over. Her immediate thought was of Leon, and she hoped he would be safe.
One of their customers came in not long after Misty got back to the café. “There’s a fire over on Oak Street. The fire department got there just in time.”
“Was it a big one?” Misty inquired.
“No, I think it was pretty much contained to one room, but the owner of that house is in her nineties. She was able to get out with the help of her neighbor.”
“That’s great,” she said.
“First the bakery and now poor Mrs. Warren’s house. Hopefully, this doesn’t become a trend. I hate fires.”
Misty walked outside in time to see the fire truck on its way back to the station. Leon stuck his head out of the window on the passenger side and waved.
Smiling, Misty waved back.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
TRUE TO HER WORD, Eleanor had given Rusty’s proposal a lot of thought. She’d called him earlier, inviting him to dinner.
Eleanor eyed her reflection in the full-length mirror. The emerald-green color complemented her complexion. She ran her fingers through her short salt-and-pepper curls.
The answer to his proposal had come easily. She and Rusty had been friends most of their life. Eleanor had always felt an eager affection coming from him. The night he took her to their junior prom, she assumed he would declare his feelings for her, but Rusty said nothing, leading Eleanor to believe that she had been wrong.
In recent years, every time Rusty’s gaze met hers, Eleanor’s heart turned over i
n response. Whenever she thought of him, she felt a tingling in the pit of her stomach, although she tried to dismiss it as something else.
“I’m thrilled you could join me for dinner, Rusty,” Eleanor said when he arrived thirty minutes later. Her heart jolted and her pulse pounded.
“I was glad to receive your invite.” Rusty’s stare was bold as he assessed her. “Ladybug, you look beautiful.”
His words sent her spirit soaring. “You look pretty sharp yourself,” Eleanor responded. “Why don’t we sit down in the family room and talk while we wait for dinner to be ready. It shouldn’t be much longer.”
Rusty sniffed the air. “You made my favorite meal,” he said with a grin. “I love your homemade chicken potpie.”
Eleanor smiled. “I had to look up the recipe. I couldn’t remember all the ingredients. It’s so frustrating at times.”
Rusty took her hand in his. “I know but we’re going to find out what’s going on and then we can put together a plan of action.”
“I’m really grateful to you for going to see the neurologist last week. I’m tired of all these tests but I know they’re necessary. I just need answers.”
“We will get them,” Rusty assured her.
Eleanor rose to her feet. “It’s time for the food to come out of the oven.”
“Let me help you,” Rusty said, following her into the kitchen.
They took their plates to the dining room table and kept the conversation light while they ate.
“I made enough for you to take the leftovers home,” Eleanor said.
“Thanks, Ladybug.”
After dinner and dessert, they settled down into the family room to talk.
“I’ve done a lot of thinking about your proposal. Rusty, do you really want to be tied down to a woman who may have Alzheimer’s or dementia?”
“I want you to be my wife for better or worse. In sickness and in health, but even if you refuse to marry me, I intend on being by your side no matter what.” Rusty kissed her. “The real question is do you think you can wake up to my ugly mug every day?”
“You’re nowhere near ugly,” she murmured. “You were handsome all those years ago and, in my opinion, you’ve improved with age. I don’t have a problem waking up next to you for the next fifty or sixty years. I plan on living a very long time. You know Polk lived to be over a hundred years old and Hoss was almost ninety-six when he died.”
Rusty looked hopeful. “Does this mean...”
Eleanor nodded. “I want to marry you, Rusty. I don’t want to face whatever this is alone, and I don’t want to be a burden to Leon. But let me be clear. It’s not the only reason I want to be married to you. You’re my best friend and I care deeply for you.”
He couldn’t stop grinning. “You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.”
Her eyes clung to his, analyzing his reaction. “I’m very happy about this, too.”
“How do you think Leon and Trey are going to take the news of our getting married?”
“Trust me, they will be surprised for sure, but no doubt pleased. They think the world of you, Rusty.”
Rusty’s large hand took Eleanor’s face and held it gently. “I can’t wait for you to be my wife.” He kissed her slowly and thoughtfully.
The kiss sent the pit of her stomach into a wild swirl. Eleanor hadn’t felt this way since she was in high school. It was a feeling she never thought she’d experience a second time.
* * *
ELEANOR AND RUSTY invited Leon and Misty to join them for dinner the next day.
When they arrived, she stated, “Rusty and I have some news we’d like to share.” Eleanor could barely contain her excitement over her engagement. She didn’t want to hold off telling the people she cared most about.
Leon looked from one person to the other. “What’s going on?”
“We’re getting married.”
Misty gasped in surprise while Leon’s mouth dropped open in his shock.
When he found his voice, he asked, “When did this happen? Don’t get me wrong—I’m happy about it. I just didn’t think you wanted to remarry, Auntie.”
“I’d been thinking about it for a while,” Eleanor responded. “I just didn’t know if I’d meet someone special enough, but Rusty has been here all along. He finally spoke up.”
Leon laughed. “Took you long enough.”
Seated side by side, Eleanor said, “We’re thinking of something small and intimate at the church and a dinner at the café. Rusty called Pastor Nelson and we can get married August 8.”
“That’s the Saturday after the children’s festival,” Misty stated.
“Wow,” Leon uttered. “You’re not wasting any time.”
“We’ve already done a lot of that,” Rusty said as he took Eleanor’s hand in his.
She agreed.
“This is wonderful news,” Misty said. “I’m thrilled for you both.”
Leon got up and walked over to his aunt. “Congratulations. You know I want you to be happy.”
Shaking Rusty’s hand, he said, “I’m happy for you both. Man, it’s about time...”
They laughed.
* * *
THE NEXT DAY, Eleanor and Rusty announced their engagement at the shop to the staff. She wanted to tell them before the rest of the locals found out. Her employees were her extended family. Leon stopped in that morning for the announcement.
Misty walked him out to his truck afterward. “I had no idea your aunt was dating Rusty,” she said. “Did you know?” They didn’t have much time to talk after the dinner because she had to leave to pick up Talei.
“No clue. I’m thinking they’ve known each other forever that they’re just heading straight to matrimony with no stops along the way,” Leon responded. “He’s her best friend and I know he’s been in love with her for years. I suspected Aunt Eleanor had feelings for him as well, but she kept denying it.”
“Well, I’m really excited for them both.”
“So am I.”
“It was sweet of Miss Eleanor to ask me to design the wedding cake.”
“I’m not surprised. You know that she’s your biggest fan.”
“I feel the same way about her,” Misty said.
“I need to call Trey. Hopefully, he’ll be able to come home for the ceremony,” Eleanor interjected when she walked out of the shop to join them. She gave a short chuckle, then said, “Lawd my sister is going to faint when I tell her Rusty and I are getting married. I’ll call her and Estelle after I talk to Trey.”
“Don’t forget Howard,” Leon said.
“I won’t,” she responded. “It’s going to be nice having the family together. So much to do in a short amount of time.”
Misty gave her a reassuring hug. “I’m here to help in any way I can, Miss Eleanor. Your wedding is going to be the talk of the island.”
Leon turned the ignition in his truck. “Ladies, I need to get out of here. Love you Auntie. Misty, I’ll call you later.”
They watched him drive down Main.
“Before too long, I suspect there’s going to be another wedding we’ll be planning.” Eleanor met Misty’s gaze. “Mark my words.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“LEON AND I are working the first shift at the Fire and Safety Booth,” Charles announced after they finished their meal. “Al and Rob have the second shift...”
“If anyone wants to take my place, they can,” Leon said. He wasn’t comfortable with the idea of having to interact with a lot of children. Until he met Talei, he didn’t think he could ever spend more than a minute around a child, especially one close to the age that his own daughter would’ve been.
“Kids love you,” one of his coworkers commented. “You’re a natural.”
Leaning over, Leon whispered, “Charles, I’m not sure I’m re
ally ready for this.”
“You are,” his friend reassured him. “Look how you are with Misty’s little girl. Besides, the kids will be more interested in the truck than two boring firemen.”
Leon chuckled. “You’re probably right.”
He strode into the kitchen, preparing to clean up. He tackled the dishes first, then the pots and pans. Suds and soapy water up to his elbows, Leon found his thoughts turning to Misty and his growing affection for her.
Everyone seemed to think he and Misty were a perfect match, and he liked her a lot. In truth, he was developing strong feelings for her. But Leon felt they were building a great friendship, and no way would he risk ruining that.
* * *
AS SOON AS his shift ended, Leon left the station and went home to take care of some tasks around the house. He wanted to get them out of the way before going to his aunt’s shop. He hoped to be able to start painting the kitchen today. The new appliances were scheduled to be delivered at the end of the week.
Rusty was inside sweeping up debris when he arrived shortly after two o’clock. “The construction crew just left not too long ago.”
Leon surveyed the area. “It looks good in here.”
“Your aunt keeps wanting to come see the place,” Rusty said. “I don’t know how long I can keep her away. I told her to focus on the wedding planning and let me take care of the shop.”
Leon sighed. “I keep telling her that we want to surprise her. Don’t worry—I’ll talk to Aunt Eleanor.”
Rusty pointed to the two paint cans in the corner. “They’re ready for you.”
“I brought a jumpsuit to change into,” Leon said. “The last time I messed up a good pair of jeans.”
“If you want, I can stay awhile longer to help.”
“Rusty if you don’t mind putting down some tape on that side—that’ll help me a lot.”
“I got you.”
An hour later, Leon was ready to paint. He was glad that Rusty had been able to match the original color, which was what his aunt wanted. She wanted the appliances updated but the style to reflect the way the kitchen looked before the fire.
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 59
