Love Finds You in Sisters, Oregon

by Melody Carlson

  It wasn’t her imagination that she’d seen Lewis in intimate conversations with Cherry. And more than once. And yet she’d tried to believe it was nothing. She’d wanted to believe that Lewis was above something like that. But what if Cherry and Lewis really were involved? What if Hope had been wrong? It wouldn’t be the first time now, would it?

  Lewis had told Hope to talk to Cherry. And that is what she was going to do. But first, she would cool off and get groceries. And when she talked to Cherry, she would be in control. She would not turn into an emotional basket case. She would simply get to the bottom of this thing. And then she would get on with her life. And she wouldn’t let Cherry or Lewis drive her out of Sisters—even if she had to fight for her right to Nona’s house in court. And she would put in her one year. After that…well, who knew? But she was not going to run again. Not this time.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  It took until Saturday morning for Hope to feel calm enough to approach her sister. She had used the excuse of unloading the truck, telling herself that she’d save a few bucks if she turned it back in before the weekend. She’d avoided looking toward Cherry’s house as she moved the car to the street and the U-Haul into the driveway where Monroe helped her to cart the crates into the garage. And even then, she took her time, meticulously arranging the boxes so that she could easily find things as she needed them. Just before five, she had returned the truck to the rental place, walking back slowly through town. She had been in no hurry to confront Cherry. And on Saturday morning, she still wasn’t. But some unpleasant tasks, like taking out the trash, simply had to be done.

  “Oh?” Cherry answered the door with a surprised expression. “What do you want?”

  “To talk.” Hope glanced behind Cherry to see if anyone else was around. She’d seen Drew loading the kids in his SUV a few minutes ago, and she had assumed Cherry was alone. “Is now a good time?”

  Cherry frowned at her watch. “Well, I was just getting myself ready.”

  “You’re fixing yourself up to go work on the Habitat house?” Hope could hear the accusation in her voice and knew she needed to back off a little.

  “Actually, we’re dedicating the house today. The ceremony is at ten thirty. Then we get our pictures taken for the newspaper. So, naturally, I want to look nice.”

  “Naturally.” Hope told herself to watch it—to take it down a few notches. So she attempted a smile. “But it’s only eight thirty. And I noticed Drew and the kids just left.”

  “They’re going out to his folks’ ranch.” Cherry said this as if it were a bad thing. And Hope remembered about the helmetless girl.

  “To ride?” Hope asked hesitantly.

  “Hopefully not. But they’re going to discuss it. They all know that I’m dead set against it. But do you think anyone listens to me? Certainly not my husband.”

  “You’re worried about your kids getting hurt?” Hope softened.

  Cherry nodded with a furrowed brow. “Did you hear about that girl?”

  “Avery told me. But I remember watching Mrs. Lawson giving lessons, and she was always so careful. And you took lessons from her and you were okay.”

  “I know.”

  “So maybe Mrs. Lawson just needs another chance. It must’ve been hard on her having that taken away from her.”

  “What about me? Don’t you think it’s hard on me to have my kids endangered like that?” She glared defiantly at Hope. “But, of course, you’d take their side.”

  “I don’t think Drew or the grandparents will do anything to put your kids in danger.”

  Cherry had gone into the kitchen. Although uninvited, Hope had followed. “Anyway, that’s not what you came over to talk about,” Cherry snipped as she turned off the coffeepot.

  Without waiting for an invitation, Hope sat down on one of the massive metal barstools. They appeared to have been hand-forged and were actually quite handsome. “You’ve really done a great job on this old house.”

  “Thanks.” Cherry perched on a stool opposite her, watching Hope like a cat might watch its prey.

  “First of all, in answer to your question, yes, I have come back to Sisters to live. I quit my job, my condo is for sale, and I plan to live in Nona’s house.” She almost added for at least one year, but stopped there. Cherry did not need to know everything.

  “Oh…” Cherry looked truly disappointed and this both irked and hurt.

  “I’m sorry if you’re not happy about this. But we can both agree to keep a safe distance if that helps.”

  “But you don’t really want to be here,” Cherry said suddenly. “We all know you hate it here. You’re only staying to get Nona’s inheritance.”

  “That’s not true.”

  Cherry rolled her eyes.

  Hope bit her lip and waited.

  “So, fine, you’re going to live in Sisters. Or so you think.” Cherry made a sly grin. “Just wait until winter. You might change your mind.”

  “And if I do…” Hope studied Cherry’s face. “What do you think that means?”

  Cherry just shrugged.

  “No, seriously, Cherry. What do you think happens if I don’t make it a year?”

  “Obviously, you lose Nona’s house…and her money.”

  “And?” Hope waited.

  “And, well, I can only assume that either Faye or I might get it. Or maybe both of us.”

  “That’s a big assumption.”

  “Or Daddy. I suppose he might get some, too.”

  “You’re wrong on all accounts.”

  Cherry looked genuinely shocked.

  “Do you want to know who gets it—gets everything if I don’t stay here?”

  Cherry just nodded.

  “The Humane Society gets most. The local dog shelter gets a nice chunk of change. And several of Nona’s other favorite charities get the rest. Including your beloved Habitat for Humanity, which I happen to feel is quite nice. In fact, if I make it for the whole year, which does remain to be seen, I plan to share portions of Nona’s money with all those causes anyway. So, there you go, mystery solved.”

  “That’s so unfair!” Cherry slapped her hand on the granite countertop.

  “Why? It was Nona’s money. The reason it’s called a will is because it was her will that her estate be handled like this.”

  “What if we contest it?”

  “We?” Hope just laughed.

  “Fine. I should’ve known you wouldn’t help me.”

  “Why should you need help, Cherry?”

  She didn’t answer, just sat there pouting.

  “Now that I’ve answered your question, Cherry, I have a question for you.”

  “What?” She narrowed her eyes like she probably had no intention of answering.

  “What is going on between you and Lewis Garson?” Hope watched her sister closely.

  “We’re friends.” Cherry got a catty little smile. “Like I already told you.”

  “I think you’re more than just friends.”

  “What if we are?” Cherry leaned forward. “Would that make you insanely jealous?”

  This time Hope just shrugged.

  “It would, wouldn’t it? Admit it.”

  “Mostly it would make me sad.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you are married, Cherry. Remember?”

  “I won’t be for long.”

  “What?”

  “I want out.”

  Hope was too stunned to respond.

  “Don’t you go judging me.”

  “I’m not. I’m just surprised.”

  “Well, don’t be. Lots of people get divorced. Look at Faye. And Drew isn’t the man I thought he was when I married him. I just didn’t know that then. But now I know what I want.”

  “And that would be Lewis?”

  Cherry looked like the proverbial kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar. “Yes, if you must know, it is Lewis. He and I are so much better suited to each other than Drew and I will ever be.”
/>   “What about your children?”

  “They’ll be fine. Good grief, half of their friends have parents who’ve divorced and remarried.”

  “So that’s your plan?” Hope was amazed at how calmly she was taking this…at least on the outside. “Divorce Drew and marry Lewis. Just like that?”

  “Well, if you must know, I had hoped to inherit Nona’s little house when she passed. I was going to move out of here and into there. Or else make Drew move into there. I hadn’t really figured all the details out yet. And then with her money, I would buy myself some time and maybe even have some fun or travel or whatever—because you know I never got to do those things, not like you did. And then after the divorce was final and a respectable amount of time had gone by, then Lewis and I could get married. But only after I’d done some things I want to do.” Cherry looked at Hope as if this had been the most sensible plan in the world. Then she frowned. “But then you came along and ruined everything.”

  “By inheriting Nona’s estate, you mean?”

  “Yes. And moving back here. And don’t think I haven’t noticed that you’ve been flirting with Lewis as well. I’m sure you’re only doing that to get back at me.”

  “To get back at you?”

  “Because of Drew.”

  Hope drew in a quick breath then simply nodded. “I see.”

  “And don’t you see how Drew and I were way too young to get married back then? What a mistake it was?” Cherry’s big blue eyes got bigger, the expression she used when appealing to someone’s sympathies. “And if only I’d had family around at the time—someone who cared a whit about me, they would’ve told me that I was making a big mistake. They would’ve warned me. But instead, I just blundered right into it. And look where it got me.”

  Hope heard the accusation, but it was unbelievable. “Are you saying I should’ve said or done something to stop you?”

  “Well, Mom was dead. Dad was checked out and missing her. Faye lived in Seattle. And Nona didn’t say much. You were the closest one to me. Yes, maybe you should’ve said something, Hope.”

  “That is absurd.”

  “Why is that absurd? You were older than me. You were the sensible—”

  “I wasn’t even two years older than you, Charity. And I was only eighteen when you and Drew started dating. And that wasn’t exactly a comfortable situation for me. Little sister steals big sister’s boyfriend, and big sister is supposed to step in and say they shouldn’t get married. Get real.”

  “Your EX boyfriend, Hope. Don’t forget, you broke up with Drew, remember?”

  “Yes. My ex-boyfriend that you swooped in and grabbed the moment I was gone. Even if I was done with that relationship, you put me in an awkward position. And if you honestly think I could’ve stormed into town and put my foot down, well, you need a serious reality check. Besides that you were…” Hope stopped herself.

  “What?” Cherry narrowed her eyes. “I was what?”

  “You know what.”

  “Who told you that?”

  “Does it matter?”

  “Drew told you, didn’t he?”

  “He might’ve mentioned something.” There was no way Hope was going to bring Avery into this mess. Besides, Drew had mentioned it.

  “It figures. Probably that night he was over there supposedly helping with your plumbing problems, right? But really, he was pouring out his heart, saying what a horrible wife I am and how he wishes he never married me. Right?”

  “I’ll admit he seemed unhappy. But that’s not what he said. Besides, you’re the one who just admitted that you want out of your marriage. That you and Lewis are having an…well, whatever it is that’s going on between you two.” Hope stood up. She had heard enough. More than enough.

  “You mean Lewis didn’t tell you what’s going on?” Cherry stood, too.

  “He told me to talk to you. And now I have.”

  “But you’re going to go back and talk to him now, aren’t you?” Cherry had come around to the other side of the counter and was actually standing in front of Hope as though she was trying to block her from leaving, which was perfectly ridiculous, considering Hope was about eight inches taller than her baby sister.

  “Would that bother you, Charity?”

  Cherry seemed to be considering this. “Maybe not.”

  “So, there you have it. Nothing to worry about.”

  “Don’t tell him I said that, please.” Cherry was pleading now, almost desperate. “That bit about leaving Drew for Lewis. Please, don’t tell him that, Hope. I was just getting carried away. Don’t tell him.”

  “Of course I won’t tell him. Why would I tell him?”

  “You swear you won’t?” Cherry had a hold of Hope’s arm now. It was surprising what a strong grip she had for such a petite person.

  “I said I wouldn’t.” And then Hope shook her arm free and left.

  She went back to her house and into her room where she closed the door and sat on the bed and attempted to process all she had just heard. Cherry wanted out of her marriage. She had wanted Nona’s house and money as part of her escape plan. And then, after she’d had some “fun,” she wanted to settle down into a respectable marriage with Lewis. But most of all, Cherry did not want Hope to tell Lewis. She even tried to swear her sister to secrecy. And Hope had given her word.

  Still, something about the whole thing was fishy. And Hope was pretty sure it was Cherry. Even so, Hope had no idea what to do about it. Or if she should do anything at all. And so she went into the kitchen, and after locating the celery-colored paint, she began to paint the wall above the lower cabinets. It might even be therapeutic.

  “Hey, Hope,” said Brian as he came into the house with a cardboard box. “How’s it going?”

  “Okay.” She smiled. “Thought I’d get some painting done.”

  He looked surprised. “Don’t you want to let Lewis finish that?”

  “Huh?”

  “The man does good work.” He nodded toward the living room. “And I hear his rates can’t be beat.”

  “What are you saying?”

  Brian looked confused now. “You didn’t know that Lewis did all this painting for you?”

  “Not exactly.” She set down her brush.

  “Oh, man, I hope I didn’t blow some surprise. I thought it was pretty nice of him.” Brian cocked his head. “In fact, I thought maybe Lewis was putting the move on you. I mean some guys bring chocolates and flowers; I guess some come over and paint your house.”

  Hope didn’t know what to say.

  “And don’t get me wrong,” he said quickly. “I like you, too. But not enough to work for free. Lewis has been the one pushing me to get the place done while you were gone. And since he’s the one cutting me my checks, I was motivated.”

  She looked at the clock on the stove. It was 10:27. “I heard there’s a Habitat House dedication at ten thirty this morning. Do you know if that’s open to the public?”

  “Sure. Anyone can go. They even serve coffee and donuts. Not as good as yours, though.”

  She was putting the lid back on the paint can now. “Do you know where this particular house is located?”

  Brian told her where it was then chuckled. “Let me guess, you’re going over to tell Lewis thank you?”

  “Something like that.” She already had her car keys in hand. “See you later.”

  By the time she found the house, the dedication had already started, but she just parked her car then went over to stand behind the small crowd of spectators. Hope wasn’t the least bit surprised to see Cherry up front. Dressed in baby blue Capri pants and a white sun-top that showed off her tan, she stood next to Lewis with a sweet smile on her shiny lips. Hope wondered if she still used Cheery Cherry lip gloss. Anyway, the girl was picture perfect. Fortunately, Cherry didn’t seem to notice her sister. And Hope attempted to remain in the shadow of the large elderly man in front of her.

  The mayor’s speech finally ended, the ribbon was cut, and the famil
y was presented with a key and several other things. Then Erica’s friend Bobbie shot some photos for the newspaper. Hope wondered if Bobbie might try to cut Cherry out of the shot since she was at the end, almost as if she’d ducked in there at the last possible second simply to be close to Lewis.

  People began milling about now, helping themselves to donuts and coffee and visiting. Some were taking tours of the house. As the crowd of spectators loosened up, Hope went over to where Cherry and Lewis were still standing together. Cherry’s back was to Hope now, but she was happily chattering at Lewis, telling him about how she’d made the kitchen curtains at the last minute and how pleased the new owners were and how she was going to give the teenage daughter sewing lessons so she could sew her own curtains. But Lewis’s eyes were on Hope, and his expression was a mix of bewilderment and perhaps even fear. Did he think Hope was here to knock off her baby sister? To assure him she didn’t have murder in her heart, Hope simply smiled. He smiled back and Cherry turned to see who he was looking at.

  “Hello, Cherry,” Hope said casually. “Hey, Lewis.”

  “What’re you doing here?” Cherry asked in an artificially sweet tone.

  “I wanted to see the Habitat House.” She turned her attention to Lewis. “And I wanted to thank you. Brian just informed me that you were the one who painted my house. I had no idea. That was incredibly kind and generous.” Now a part of her—a small and childish part—was still a bit worried and slightly suspicious, because there still remained the possibility that he had simply painted the house to make it easier to sell. And yet Lewis was an intelligent man. He could’ve easily hired someone else to do that. There had to be another reason he had done it himself. And she was here to find out why. “You do excellent work,” she told him.

  His eyes lit up. “Thank you.”

  “Lewis helped paint the Habitat House, too,” Cherry said importantly. “He likes helping out those in need.”