“Outside cleaning up his truck.” Probably trying to find a way to avoid being in the same room with me.
“Let’s sit down. I’ve got something I want to talk to you about.” Wes took a seat at the table and motioned for her to sit across from him.
She settled into the chair and set her glass on the table.
“Lauren wants to offer you a job at her gallery.”
Jenn sat up. “Really?”
He nodded. “She had to fire Christy. She’s been late several times, and today we found out she’s been stealing money from the register.”
“Wow, she seemed so nice.”
“Yeah, we thought so, too. At least we figured it out before she got away with too much.” Wes leaned back in his chair. “Lauren confronted her. She gave some of it back and promised to repay the rest, so we’re not going to contact the police.”
Jenn nodded and took another drink.
“Lauren needs to hire someone she can trust. She’s hoping you’ll accept the job so she has time to train you before everything gets too crazy with the wedding.”
Wes lifted his hands, his expression apologetic. “I know it’s not an acting job, but if you could just commit to stay until we get back from our honeymoon, that would help us out a lot.”
“I love the gallery, and working with Lauren would be great.”
Wes smiled. “So, you’ll talk to Lauren about it?”
“Sure, I’d be crazy to say no to this.” She got up and trotted around to the other side of the table and gave her brother a big hug. “Thanks, Wes.”
He hugged her back. “Hey, you’re the one who would be doing us a favor.”
“Well, I appreciate it.” Jenn returned to her chair, her mind whirling with possibilities and questions about her new job.
Wes leaned forward, his expression serious. “I need to talk to you about something else, too.”
“Okay.” She felt a nervous flutter in her stomach.
“What do you think of moving over to Long Meadow and staying with Lauren?”
His question jolted her. “You don’t want me to stay here anymore?”
He reached across the table and touched her hand. “I like having you here. But I spend most of my time at Lauren’s. And the closer it gets to the wedding, the more we’re going to need your help.”
Relief rushed in, replacing her fears. He wasn’t trying to get rid of her. He wanted her close by, so she could take part in the wedding preparations. Those thoughts wrapped around her heart like a warm blanket. “Okay. Do you think Lauren and Tilley will mind?”
“It was Lauren’s idea, and Tilley says it’s fine.”
Bill walked into the kitchen, his damp hair sticking up and his boots leaving muddy tracks on the tile floor.
Wes chuckled when he saw him. “Man, you look like you fought a battle.”
Bill looked down at his clothes. “Yeah, we got caught in a serious storm.” He dropped a couple of dirty towels on the floor beside the washing machine. Turning away, he peeled off his dirt-streaked T-shirt.
Jenn’s eyes widened as she stared at his broad, muscular shoulders and tanned back.
He dropped the shirt on the floor and then pulled off his hiking boots and socks. Pushing the boots aside, he scooped up the dirty clothes and tossed them in the washing machine. “Do you want to throw anything in?” He turned and faced Jenn.
Her cheeks flamed, and she quickly shifted her gaze away. “No, not right now.”
He grabbed the detergent off the shelf, poured a capful into the machine, and adjusted the dials.
Wes tilted back his chair. “Hey, Bill, Jenn’s going to be moving over to Long Meadow and working with Lauren in the gallery.”
Bill turned around and leveled his cool blue gaze at her. His left eyebrow rose a fraction. “When did you decide that?”
Jenn swallowed and struggled to find her voice. “Just now.”
“Is that what you want?”
She lifted her chin, meeting his silent challenge. “I need a job, and staying with Lauren makes sense.” Why did she feel like she had to defend her decision?
Wes grinned, obviously unaware of the undercurrent between Bill and Jenn. “Yeah, now you can have your room back . . . and it’s even clean.”
Bill scowled at Wes and then stalked off toward his temporary bedroom just off the kitchen. As soon as he crossed the threshold, he jerked the door closed.
Wes rubbed his chin. “What’s up with him?” He shifted his focus to Jenn and drummed his fingers on the table. “Did you two have a fight or something?”
Jenn felt her face heating up again. “Not really.”
“Well, what’s going on then?”
She got up and headed for the stairs. “I have no idea. Why don’t you ask Bill?”
Chapter Twelve
Jenn ran her hand over the soft green and peach quilt covering the queen size bed in her new room at Long Meadow. Even though she’d only worked in Lauren’s gallery for five days, she knew the beautiful design and intricate stitching made the quilt worth several hundred dollars.
Her gaze traveled around the room, taking in the sheer peach curtains fluttering in the warm breeze at the window. A tall oak armoire stood in one corner, and on the opposite side of the room sat a matching four-drawer dresser. They gave her more than enough room for the few items of clothing she owned.
Her heart warmed as she thought of all Tilley and Lauren had done to make this room special for her. But more important than that, they treated her like one of the family, and that was something she hadn’t experienced in a very long time.
There was only one small wrinkle in the situation—she hadn’t seen Bill since the day after their hike when she’d packed her one bag and moved to Long Meadow.
Biting her lip, she glanced toward the open window. What was Bill doing this morning? Was he canoeing in Jarmen Lake or teaching a class at the nature center? Maybe he was having lunch in town with Julia. She pushed those thoughts away, scolding herself for even wondering about it. It was silly to miss him. There was nothing between them.
Moving to Long Meadow was the right choice. Her friendship with Lauren had blossomed as they worked together in the gallery and relaxed at home in the evenings. Wedding plans were the constant topic of conversation, and Jenn loved being right in the middle of it all . . . if only it didn’t mean never seeing Bill.
“Jenn, can you come here?” Lauren called from down the hall.
“I’m coming.” Jenn stowed away her thoughts of Bill and hurried toward Lauren’s bedroom. She pushed open the door, and her mouth dropped open.
Lauren stood in front of the full-length mirror wrapped in a long, white sheet, wearing her floor-length bridal veil, and balancing on one foot.
“What are you doing?” Jenn covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.
“I’m trying to decide which shoe looks better. Lauren lifted one foot as she balanced on the other. “The satin open-toe?” She switched feet. “Or the beaded pump?” Tilting her head to one side, Lauren studied her reflection in the mirror. “What do you think?
“I like the satin open-toe, but what’s with the sheet?”
“Oh.” Lauren looked down at herself. “Well, my dress is still at the shop being altered, so I thought the sheet would have the same affect and give me an idea of how the shoes would look.”
Jenn pressed her lips together, but when Lauren glanced over at her again, she couldn’t hold back her laughter. “I’m sorry, but you look so goofy all wrapped up in the sheet like that.”
Lauren planted her hand on her hips. “You’re a lot of help!” But she dissolved into laughter along with Jenn, and they flopped down on Lauren’s bed.
“I think you should show Wes your lovely gown.” Jenn scooted up and sat against the pillows at the head of the bed.
“Go ahead and laugh. Just remember, I’ll be the one throwing the bouquet.”
“Oh, no!” Jenn put on a mock-horrified expression. She wasn’t looking forward to that
part of the reception. Would she have to join the group of single women vying for the bouquet, or would she be able to hide out and avoid the embarrassing crush?
Lauren kicked off her mismatched shoes, rolled over, and rested her chin on her palm. She smiled at Jenn with shining eyes. “You know, I’m crazy about your brother.”
Jenn nodded. “I think he’s very lucky to find someone special like you.”
“You’re sweet to say that.” Lauren’s smile faded a little. “But I’m sure he could have picked someone with a lot less baggage and had an easier time.”
“The past is history. He loves you. That’s all that matters.”
Lauren smiled as she pushed her veil over her shoulder. “Thanks. You sound a lot like your brother.”
Jenn drew her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. “I wish I was more like him.”
Lauren glanced at the photo of Wes on the nightstand and her gaze softened. “I owe Wes so much. If he hadn’t come into my life when he did, I don’t know what would’ve have happened to me and Toby.”
Wes had told Jenn how he’d met Lauren. He’d been hiking toward Mad River Resort in a snowstorm when Lauren drove by and almost hit a deer that dashed across the road. She’d crashed into a snow bank, and Wes had come to her rescue. But Jenn had always suspected there was more to the story. “Why do you say that?”
Lauren shifted her gaze back to Jenn. “When I first met your brother I was carrying a load of guilt and shame that God never intended me to carry. Wes helped me understand God’s forgiveness, and he showed me how God can take even the hard and painful things that happen to us and turn them around for good.” A gentle smile lifted her mouth. “That’s an amazing gift.”
Jenn shifted and adjusted the pillows behind her back. She usually felt uncomfortable when someone started talking about God, but this time, Lauren’s words soundly strangely appealing. “What do you mean about God turning bad things into good?”
Lauren sat up and faced Jenn. “I’ve been wanting to tell you about Toby and his father.”
“Oh, you don’t have to explain anything to me.” Jenn fiddled with the hem of her shirt.
“I know, but I want to.” She waited until Jenn looked up. “When I was in high school I had a crush on a boy named Stephen Zeller. We were about as opposite as you could imagine. I was serious and quiet, interested in art and reading, and a good student. He was a cocky, good-looking daredevil. When I was twenty I came home from college on spring break, and he asked me out.”
“I’ve heard that name before. Is he part of the family who owns Wild River?”
“Yes, Stephen’s father, Arthur Zeller owns the resort and the nature center.”
Jenn nodded. She’d met Arthur Zeller while she worked on the mural. He was about sixty with a powerful presence, and he seemed to take a hands-on approach to running the resort. And as far as she could tell, he was well respected by everyone who worked there.
“He had two sons, Stephen and Ryan,” Lauren continued. “But Stephen died in a skiing accident about a year and a half ago.”
“Oh . . . I’m sorry.” Jenn studied Lauren’s face. Had she loved Stephen Zeller?
“We only dated that one week.” A sorrowful look filled Lauren’s face. “I didn’t really know him very well . . . but he’s Toby’s father.”
Jenn’s stomach tightened.
“The night before I was supposed to go back to college I went to a party at Wild River with Stephen. I wanted to fit in, so when Stephen offered me a drink, I took it. A few minutes later I started feeling sick. I’m pretty sure he put something in my drink. I don’t remember anything after that until I woke up the next morning still at Wild River. Two months later I found out I was pregnant with Toby.”
“Oh, Lauren, that’s awful.” Jenn had read articles about date rape, but she’d never known anyone who had gone through it. “I’m so sorry that happened to you.”
“Thanks.” Lauren reached over and squeezed Jenn’s hand. “It was a difficult experience. But God took the pain and heartache and eventually brought good things out of them. Being pregnant and alone motivated me to search for a relationship with God, and through some caring friends, I found Him. He gave me an easy pregnancy and a beautiful, healthy son. He took care of us and provided what we needed through a church we attended in Boston.
“Then, last year, after I heard about Stephen’s death, I felt I could move home to Tipton. The timing was right. Toby was turning six and needed to start first grade, and Tilley missed us and needed more help. I received a small inheritance from my father’s estate, giving me enough money to renovate the barn and open the gallery. I’d just been back for a few months when Wes came to town.”
“Wow, that’s quite a story.”
“Oh, that’s just the short version.” Lauren laughed. “Sometime I’ll tell you the whole thing. But what’s most important to me is seeing how God’s timing and plan are perfect. He brought Wes and me together, and we were able to help each other work through some important issues. It’s so awesome now to look back and see what God has done.”
Wes had told her similar things about God arranging circumstances and caring for him many times. But for some reason, hearing it from Lauren touched a place deep in her heart. “I used to believe in God,” she said, her voice soft and wistful.
“What happened?”
Jenn was quiet for a moment, considering Lauren’s honesty and all she had shared. Maybe she’d finally found someone who would listen and understand.
She raised her gaze and met Lauren’s. “I guess when God didn’t answer my prayers, it hurt too much, so I closed my heart and stopped believing.”
Lauren nodded, her eyes full of compassions. “Well, He’s still there, and He’s never stopped loving you. He’s waiting to welcome you home again.”
Jenn blinked to clear her vision, pondering that thought for a moment. God waited for her to return? That didn’t seem right. Why would He want anything to do with her when she had turned away from Him for so long?
Lauren reached over to her nightstand and picked up a Bible. “This is God’s love letter. Why not read it and see what He has to say?”
Jenn hesitated, feeling foolish. “I wouldn’t know where to start.”
Lauren opened the cover and flipped through the pages. “Start here, in the Gospel of John. It tells the story of Jesus’ life from his best friend’s perspective.” She pulled out a navy blue satin ribbon that matched the color of Bible’s worn leather cover and marked the page. Then she closed the book and offered it to her.
How could she say no? Lauren’s gentle yet persuasive words grabbed her heart. Could she find the answers to her questions there? Did she have the courage to try? Lauren seemed to believe this was what she needed, and that was enough to make her reach out and take the Bible from Lauren’s hand.
* * * *
Bill unlocked the front door and pushed it open. Gripping his keys and backpack in one hand, he grabbed the two bags of groceries with the other and trudged into his dark, quiet house.
A terrible smell overwhelmed him as he entered the kitchen. Searching the counters and sink, he spotted the same pile of dirty dishes he’d left there this morning. Leaning forward, he sniffed. That didn’t’ seem to be the source of the foul odor.
He dropped the bags on the floor by the kitchen table, walked across the room, pulled open the shades, and pushed back the sliding glass door. The warm breeze floated in and diluted the stale smell. Glancing over his shoulder, he spotted the overflowing trashcan at the end of the counter. There was the trouble. He’d thrown out some old food from the refrigerator last night, but he had forgotten to take the trash outside.
He gulped in some fresh air then held his breath as he turned and walked back to take care of it. Yanking out the trash bag, he quickly tied it closed and headed out the sliding glass door.
“Man, this stinks,” he muttered. Coming home to a dark, empty house every day was getting to h
im. Although Wes was officially still his roommate, he rarely saw him after work since he spent most evenings at Lauren’s.
Over the last two weeks he’d slowly seen his life slip back to his old solitary pattern. No one greeted him when he came home. No one asked him about his day, and no one was around to share a meal or watch a video or listen to music. He lived alone. All alone. And it stunk.
Bill dropped the bag in the large outdoor trashcan and slammed the lid. So what was he going to do about it? He couldn’t look for another roommate until after the wedding and Wes moved out. But it wasn’t Wes he missed the most. It was Jennifer.
Bill climbed the steps to the deck and plopped down in a chair. Propping his feet up on the railing, he gazed into the forest. What was Jennifer doing right now? Probably sitting down to a delicious dinner with Tilley, Wes, Lauren, and Toby around the big table in the dining room at Long Meadow. His stomach growled at the thought. There’d be laughter and interesting conversation that would last well over an hour as everyone shared stories about the events of the day.
He heaved a heavy sigh. What was the matter with him? He’d lived by himself for over three years before Wes arrived last January. But once again, he realized it wasn’t Wes he was thinking about tonight.
He lifted his eyes to the azure sky above the treetops. Father, You know how I feel about Jenn, but I made a commitment to you a long time ago. If I’m going to date someone seriously, she has to love You and want to grow spiritually. Jenn definitely isn’t there right now, and I have no idea if she ever will be.
He sighed and rubbed his forehead. Please soften Jenn’s heart. Help her see who You really are and how much You love her. I’m not sure if you can use me in that process. I seem to be messing things up more than helping, but if you want me to be there for her, I’m willing.
Chapter Thirteen
Jenn stepped into the shade of the blue tarp tent and glanced around at second-hand items on display. The Tipton Flea Market was a treasure trove for the experienced bargain hunter, and Jenn considered herself one of the best.
Since her teenage years she’d enjoyed shopping at thrift stores and garage sales. When she moved into her own apartment, she’d furnished it in eclectic-vintage style with treasures she’d purchased for a song.
Surrendered Hearts Page 8
