Weaving the Strands

by Barbara Hinske

  “You sure?” John replied, stifling a yawn.

  “Positive. Let’s take these two outside to do their business and head upstairs to bed.”

  It was just beginning to snow as they headed to the back lawn of Rosemont. Fat, wet flakes floated lazily from the sky. They watched the snow drift and catch the light from the back porch until the dogs returned, eager to dash back into the warm house.

  “I’m really tired,” John sighed as they climbed the stairs. “If I snore, elbow me.”

  “I was just about to say the same to you,” Maggie replied.

  Chapter 46

  For the second time since she’d moved to Westbury, Maggie was snowed in at Rosemont. She just didn’t know it. The storm had shifted direction after midnight and the full brunt of it settled on Westbury. John had set his alarm for his usual Monday morning wake-up time of four thirty. Maggie had intended to get up and make coffee; instead she looked up only briefly before rolling over. She was back to sleep before her head hit the pillow.

  John padded downstairs to let the dogs out and give them their breakfast. A drift by the kitchen door made it almost impossible to open and the snow was falling at an alarming rate. He crossed to the front of the house and looked out at his car, dimly illuminated by the entryway light. The snow was almost to the top of his tires. John returned to the kitchen and found the TV remote. He flipped to the weather channel and waited for the local weather segment to hear what he already suspected: schools and government offices were closed. Citizens were instructed to stay off the roads.

  The morning’s surgery would have to be cancelled. Thank goodness, they weren’t currently boarding any dogs. He’d call his office manager in a few hours about adding something to their voicemail recording about the closure and ask her to contact today’s appointments.

  He smiled broadly and stood in the kitchen, savoring the delicious freedom and possibilities that only a snow day could bring. The first order of business was to slip back into bed with Maggie Martin.

  ***

  Maggie stirred and stretched, then snuggled back into the warmth of John’s arms. It took a moment for the oddness of this to register. She sat straight up in bed and threw off the covers.

  “John!” she cried in alarm. “Good grief, it’s light out. You should have been out of here hours ago. We’ve overslept.”

  She hurled herself into her bathrobe as John turned over in bed.

  “Slow down there, princess. Nobody overslept. We’re snowed in.”

  Maggie stopped dead in her tracks. “Really?” she replied, a note of schoolgirl hopefulness in her voice.

  “Yep. The storm changed course overnight and they’re saying Westbury is at the center of the blizzard.”

  “No kidding.”

  “I got up as usual and had a devil of a time getting the kitchen door open to let the dogs out. I turned on the TV, and found out they’ve closed down the town. I’m surprised nobody called you, being mayor and all.”

  “I am too, now that you mention it.” Maggie turned toward her nightstand. “I didn’t bring my phone upstairs last night. It must still be in the kitchen.”

  “That would explain it.”

  “I’d better go get it,” Maggie replied, heading to the door. “You can stay in bed. How often do you get to sleep in?”

  “Nope, I’m coming. Knowing you, you’ll get started on the rest of the cleanup, and you’ll work until you drop. I can’t be the lazy boyfriend lounging in bed while you lift that barge and tote that bale.”

  “You’re the best. You know that, don’t you?” Maggie called over her shoulder as she headed downstairs.

  ***

  John had been correct in his prediction. Maggie pulled out the leftover pizza pronouncing it the “best day-after-the-party food ever” and tackled the remaining cleanup with gusto. They worked companionably together and managed to completely restore order by noon.

  Maggie poked through her pantry and refrigerator, and decided that the best she could offer for lunch was omelets. John started a fire in the library, and they ate their lunch nestled on the rug in front of the hearth.

  “You’re a million miles away,” John observed. “Worried about the mess that is Westbury? Can’t you put it aside for one afternoon?”

  Maggie tore her gaze from the fire. “It’s always with me; like a black cloud that follows me around. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it. But that’s not what’s on my mind just now.”

  John cocked an eyebrow. “The floor’s all yours.”

  Maggie sighed. “I got a call from Don Upton. He’s my professor friend that’s consulting with us on the town’s finances.”

  John nodded. “I remember you mentioning him. You said he’s been very helpful.”

  “He has. He has also offered me a new job—one that would require me to resign my post as mayor.”

  John let out a low whistle. “Tell me about it.”

  Maggie settled against the back of a chair. “It’s an expert witness consultation in a big fraud case involving a California utility.”

  “Would you need to move back to California?”

  “No,” Maggie answered hastily. “But I’d have to make frequent trips out there.”

  John breathed a sigh of relief. “You’d get to see your kids and the girls? You’d like that.”

  Maggie nodded. “It would be extremely lucrative; I’d make enough to be able to retire comfortably. And it’s work I’m experienced in and good at. I’d love doing it.”

  “You can’t take this on and continue as mayor?”

  “No way. The demands of both jobs would be way too much. I’d put in long hours on the expert witness job, but I’d largely be able to control the timing. So I could work around your job. We’d have more time together.”

  “I’d love that,” John said, holding her gaze. “What’s the downside of taking this job?”

  “Resigning. Being a quitter. Letting people down,” Maggie replied in a rush. “But with all the critical press and hate mail I’m getting, I’m not sure that anyone would really care.”

  “Honey, that’s a small percentage of the people. I’m sure the vast majority support and appreciate you. Don’t let the few malcontents influence your decision.”

  Maggie smiled and reached over to rub his hand. “You’re always on my side, aren’t you?”

  John raised her hand and kissed it.

  Maggie sighed. “Still, I’d like to be done with all of this. I feel like a fish out of water all the time. Nothing comes easily at Town Hall. With Don’s job, I’d be back in my element—in my zone of genius, as they say.”

  “Sounds like there are a lot of compelling reasons to take him up on this offer. I won’t hide the fact that I’d love to see more of you, but I’m behind you, no matter what you decide.”

  Maggie nodded.

  “Thank you, John. I know that. But enough about me. What’s on your mind today?”

  John took Maggie’s hand and pulled her down onto the thick rug. “I’ve been thinking about ways to get you out of these ridiculous pajamas all morning. I think it’s time to put theory to the test, don’t you?”

  Maggie smiled. “Anything for science,” she replied.

  Chapter 47

  Frank Haynes was restless and ill-tempered when he finally made his way into his office at Haynes Enterprises on Tuesday morning. Snow days meant lost revenue to him, nothing more. The day at home had given him plenty of time to stew over Maggie Martin and her seemingly perfect life. At Rosemont—the property that in his mind had been destined to be his.

  The schools were closed and Loretta wouldn’t be in until ten, but at least she’d be there. What an enigma she was. The lady was certainly tight-lipped about her past. From what Haynes knew about it, she had reason to be secretive. The conservative folks around Westbury wouldn’t take to a kept woman with a sugar daddy.

  What was Loretta’s game? he wondered. Did she actually want a fresh start in Westbury? Was
she turning over a new leaf? Haynes snorted in disgust. If she were after redemption, it wouldn’t last long. What was the saying—leopards don’t change their spots? He’d just have to find a way to make that work in his favor. Soon.

  He turned in his chair to look out at the snow-covered parking lot. Loretta would have been jealous of Maggie if she’d been at that ridiculous tea party of hers. Maybe he should have brought her along. Too late now. An idea flashed through his brain. Maybe he could work that angle after all.

  ***

  Loretta pushed through the door of Haynes Enterprises at ten minutes before eleven. She dropped her purse on her desk and rushed directly to Haynes’ office, an apology on her lips. Their two cars were the only ones in the lot, but Loretta knew that he wouldn’t find the fact that none of the other tenants had opened their offices to be a good excuse for her tardiness.

  She drew in a breath and prepared to deliver the speech she had rehearsed in the car when he cut her off.

  “No need to apologize, my dear. The roads are horrible. Just glad you made it here safely. Do you have snow tires yet? No? Then you need to get them. They’ll make a world of difference.”

  Another one of his startling mood changes. Loretta eyed him guardedly.

  “Before you get started, I’ve got a couple of things I’d like your help with,” he said smoothly. Loretta nodded. “First, I’d like you to order a large flower arrangement to be delivered to Mayor Martin.”

  Loretta raised one eyebrow. “What do you want the card to say?”

  He paused and tried to appear thoughtful and solicitous: “Thank you for your spectacular hospitality on Sunday afternoon. Merry Christmas.

  “What do you think?”

  Loretta shrugged. “That sounds fine. What did she do on Sunday afternoon? If I may ask.”

  “Didn’t you hear about it? She had a party at Rosemont. I believe they call it a high tea. For more than a hundred people. Very fancy and grand. The place was all decked out for Christmas.” He watched her expression carefully and could see that he’d piqued her interest.

  “How nice,” she replied tersely.

  “You would have loved it,” he continued. “All the women did. In fact, are you on Facebook?”

  Loretta nodded. “Why?”

  “One of the women there—Judy Young from that gift shop on the square—was snapping photos right and left to post on her page. I’d like to see them. Will you log in so we can take a look?”

  Haynes didn’t have the slightest interest in those photos. Once around had been plenty. On the other hand, seeing Loretta consumed with jealousy could be most entertaining and useful. This day was starting to look up.

  “Sure,” Loretta replied. “You could set up your own Facebook account if you wanted; I could show you how.”

  “Absolutely not.” He had to stop himself from adding, “I don’t have time for that sort of idiocy.”

  He leaned over her shoulder as she brought her Facebook page onto her computer screen.

  “Celebration’s page,” he reminded her.

  Within seconds, Loretta was scrolling through Judy’s album of photos from Sunday afternoon. Haynes could see that they were having the desired effect; Loretta twitched with envy. He’d been right; part of her felt as if all that could have been hers. He decided to press his advantage.

  “Didn’t you say that Paul Martin talked about Rosemont?” he asked innocently.

  “Not much,” Loretta muttered absentmindedly, scrolling through the photos a second time. “He never told me it was anything like this.”

  Keep her talking, Haynes thought. “What did he tell you?”

  “That it was old and run down. That it would cost a fortune to restore.” She was indignant. “This sure doesn’t look like a fixer-upper to me. He said that she could have it.”

  Haynes nodded. Now they were getting somewhere.

  Loretta glanced up at him and abruptly stopped. She hadn’t intended to talk about any of this, and she certainly wasn’t going to confide in her boss.

  He nodded at her in encouragement. “Meaning Mrs. Martin could have it?”

  “I don’t know what he meant. I really didn’t know him very well.”

  She closed out of the Facebook page. “Where shall I send the flowers? Rosemont or Town Hall?”

  Haynes swallowed his frustration. “Town Hall will do,” he said as he retreated to his office.

  Chapter 48

  Maggie entered the parking garage half an hour before the scheduled arrival of the plane carrying the returning California contingent. John pulled in right after her. She didn’t have enough room in her car to transport all five of them, plus the extra luggage they were bringing for the holiday. John had offered his services.

  Mike expected her to pick them up at the curb, but John suggested they meet them inside. “They’ll have too much to wrangle on their own,” he insisted. They checked the flight’s status on the large screen and decided they had time for a cup of coffee while they waited. They gathered their paper cups and settled into chairs facing the checkpoint.

  “Excited?” John asked.

  Maggie nodded. “Absolutely. I love having them here. The girls are so excited about Santa. They’ve written him every day to make sure he knows they’ll be at Rosemont this year.” She smiled. “Nothing is more magical than Christmas through the eyes of a child.”

  John turned to her. “I haven’t experienced that as an adult,” he said with an air of sadness.

  “You will now,” Maggie assured him. “In fact, I’ll bet the twins would love to go see Santa tomorrow. Deliver their forwarding address in person. Why don’t we take them?”

  “The mall will be a madhouse. The line for Santa will be a mile long,” John said, but he couldn’t keep the excitement out of his voice.

  “That’s part of the fun of it. Perfect plan!”

  “What else is on the agenda?”

  “We’ll go to the family service on Christmas Eve. And I’d like to take the girls skating at The Mill. You’re welcome to join us for everything. Whatever you can fit in.”

  John nodded. “I’ve got a light schedule this week; nobody brings their animal in for surgery during the holidays unless it’s an emergency. But you’ll need time alone with your children; I don’t want to interfere.”

  “Nonsense,” Maggie replied. “They love you. They’ll want you there. And I want you there.”

  They sipped their coffee. Maggie checked her watch. “They should be on the ground by now. They’ll be here any minute.” She turned to John and took a deep breath. “One more thing. I hope this doesn’t upset you, but—”

  John put his arm around her shoulder and drew her close. “I know, sweetheart. As much as I’ve loved sleeping with you these last few weeks, you’re not ready to have me there with your kids and grandkids in the house. I’ll take myself back to my lonely bachelor pad every night. We’ll be the soul of discretion.”

  Maggie sighed. “You are the most understanding man on the planet.” She looked up at him. “And you know what else? I’m still pooped from the tea party, and we haven’t even started this visit yet.”

  “Oh yes, we have,” John cried, standing and pulling her to her feet. He pointed to the walkway. “Here they come!”

  ***

  After a day of collecting everyone from the airport and getting them settled into their rooms, Maggie longed for her bed. She was glad she’d had the wherewithal to make dinner in advance and that the slow-cooker pot roast had been a big hit. The twins, wired after their long confinement on the flight, had spent the evening racing through the house, chasing a willing Eve from room to room. They, like the rest of the recent arrivals, were on California time and probably wouldn’t wind down for another three hours.

  She had finally slipped her feet under the covers when she heard the soft knock on her door. She briefly considered ignoring it, but a corresponding sense of guilt prompted her to call, “Come in.”

  Susan slipped gr
acefully through the door and plopped down on the bed next to her. Maggie knew her daughter; she glowed with excitement and clearly wanted to talk. How many of these opportunities would Maggie have? She hoisted herself to a sitting position, propped herself up on some pillows, and willed herself to remain alert.

  “I haven’t told you much about this because I didn’t want to jinx it,” she began breathlessly. “You know how I told you I’d had a text from Aaron? Alex’s brother?”

  Maggie nodded. “Of course I remember. And I think he’s going to be in Westbury with Alex for Christmas.”

  “He is, for sure,” Susan replied. “And we’re going to spend as much time together as we can.” She burrowed under the covers. “We’ve been emailing and texting every day. We’ve talked on the phone for hours. There’s something there, Mom. I know it.”

  Maggie looked at her daughter and nodded encouragingly.

  “We love each other. We really do. I’ve never felt so comfortable and in tune with anybody. Do you think we’re crazy? Please don’t throw cold water on this,” she pleaded.

  “Honey,” Maggie chose her words carefully. “I certainly don’t think either of you is crazy. I had an idea about this, because I ran into Alex last week and he said his brother is nuts about you. He also told me he’s the real deal—kind and dependable, honest and loving. You just need to make sure that you really know each other.”

  “That’s the thing, Mom. I always thought long-distance relationships were doomed to failure because you couldn’t spend time together. There may be some truth to that, but the distance has forced us to learn to communicate. We can’t get distracted by physical chemistry.”

  Maggie smiled. “Good point. He’s welcome here anytime. And Alex and Marc, too, since he’s supposed to be here to see them.”

  “Plus John, right?” Susan asked.

  “Absolutely. We’ll have a full house again.”

  Susan rose and smoothed the blanket. “You know what, Mom? Westbury has been wonderful for both of our love lives. Maybe you should work up some sort of Chamber of Commerce-type advertising—Westbury: Supplying Fine Men to Womankind.”