Molly numbly shook her head and slumped back in her chair. None of this was making any sense.
Struggling to control her temper, which was rising by the moment, Molly took a deep breath, determined to try again. “Aunt Emily,” she said slowly, drawing her words out carefully. “Would you mind telling me exactly what you’re talking about?”
“Dear—” Emily frowned “—I thought I just did! I’ve left you. I’m not going to live with you anymore.” She smiled. “Now, don’t worry, I had the title to the house changed to your name, so it’s all legal.” Emily looked quite pleased with herself, and Molly wondered if this little bit of information was supposed to make her feel better.
“Aunt Emily,” Molly cried. “I don’t want the house. I don’t want anything except for you to come home and stop talking nonsense.”
“Molly, I am home.” She reached out and covered Molly’s hand with hers. “This is my home now.”
Molly closed her eyes and rubbed her aching temples. “Aunt Emily, this is Alma’s home.”
“And mine. And Ralph’s.”
Lord give me strength, Molly thought, closing her eyes for a moment. She had the distinct feeling she was not communicating with her aunt. At least they didn’t seem to be talking about the same subject.
“What do you mean this is your home, and Ralph and Alma’s?”
“Dear, I do wish you’d pay attention. If you calm down, you might be able to understand what I’m saying so I wouldn’t have to repeat myself.”
Calm down? Molly glared at her aunt. Pigs would fly before she calmed down unless she got some answers. Some sensible answers. And soon.
“I’ll calm down, Aunt Emily, if you promise to start at the beginning and tell me why I came home to find Clarence hysterical on my doorstep and you gone, along with all of your belongings.”
Emily heaved an exasperated sigh. “I already told you. I’ve moved out.”
Molly threw up her hands. “Aunt Emily!”
“Now don’t get riled up, dear. Let me finish. The past few years I’ve been worried about you. You’ve been so alone, with no one but me and that silly cat for company. I know how hurt you were when Paul broke up with you,” she added softly, patting Molly’s hand.
“He didn’t break up with me,” Molly interjected, wanting once and for all to clear the air. If Aunt Emily was doing this based on some idea that she was still pining away for Paul, it was time to set the record straight.
Emily shook her head. “It doesn’t matter who broke up with who. I know why.” She stared pointedly at Molly, and in that instant Molly realized that perhaps her aunt did know the real reason. Emily cocked her head and smiled wisely. “Not much goes on that I don’t know about, dear. Friend of mine owns Sunnydale Acres. I knew what that Paul Host was up to probably before you did.” Emily gave an unladylike snort. “Do you really think I’d go live in some home just because that nervous little creep wanted me to?”
“You knew?” Molly was dumbfounded. All this time, Aunt Emily had known!
“Course, I knew. Soon as Paul started making inquiries, my friend let me know.” Emily chuckled softly. “We had some conversation, we did.”
“Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
“For what? You forget, child, I raised you. I knew exactly how you’d react,” she added confidently. “If I had told you what that man was really like, you’d never have believed me. Some things you have to experience for yourself, dear.” Emily’s eyes darkened. “Never did like that boy. ‘Miss Emily this, Miss Emily that.’” She mimicked Paul quite effectively, and Molly burst out laughing.
“Oh, Aunt Emily, I love you.” Molly’s voice was choked with emotion.
“I love you, too, dear,” she said sweetly, “but it’s about time for you to start living your own life, and for me to start living mine. That’s why I’ve moved out.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Alma’s not as young as she used to be. Jonathan’s been a mite worried about her living all alone in that house with the steps and all. Ralph and I and Alma are all going to live in this place together. Plenty of room. We can keep each other company, and maybe I’ll finally be able to teach that man how to play a decent game of bridge.”
Molly’s head snapped up at the mention of Jonathan. “You mean Jonathan—” She stopped as a few of the puzzle pieces fell into place. “Is that what Jonathan’s been working on for his grandmother?” Her eyes widened in surprise.
Emily nodded. “Of course, dear. That’s why he came home. He handled the sale of Alma’s old house and the purchase of this one. Even took care of deeding over my house to you.”
Molly’s throat constricted with regret. So this was what Jonathan had been working on! His words came back to haunt her. “I want only the best for my grandmother. My intentions are honorable. I came home to lend a hand and assist her.” The words echoed through her mind, bringing a flush of shame.
“Oh, Aunt Emily,” she moaned, dropping her face into her hands, “why didn’t you just tell me you wanted to move out?” Molly lifted her head and stared blankly at her aunt. Why hadn’t Jonathan told her?
“Wasn’t going to at first. I didn’t want to leave you all alone. What else did you have in this world but me and that cat?” Emily wrinkled her nose.
“What changed your mind?” Molly asked softly.
“Your pigheadedness!” Emily declared firmly. “You’re a beautiful, wonderful woman, but you’re as stubborn as the day is long. Why do you think I kept trying to fix you up with dates? I wanted you to find a man, someone to spend your life with. Wanted you to have someone to love, so I could get on with my life. You know, dear, I’m not getting any younger, and I would like to spend the few years I have left doing what I want to do.”
“Oh, Aunt Emily—” Molly wiped a tear from her cheek and leaned over to hug her aunt “—I love you. You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
“I don’t want you to be fine, dear. I want you to be happy. Jonathan loves you and you love him. You’re determined to believe that Jonathan betrayed you.” Emily looked at her tenderly. “If you’d give that poor boy a chance to explain, you’d realize he didn’t.”
For the first time, Molly began to realize she might have been wrong about Jonathan. Was there a valid reason for what had happened at the village hall meeting? A shadow of doubt weaved a path through her tormented thoughts.
“What about the senior center?” Had her aunt forgotten about that?
“I already told you, Molly, you’ve got to give that boy a chance to explain.” Emily smiled tenderly. “He loves you, dear. He’s a good boy.”
Molly thought about her aunt’s words. She had been wrong. So wrong about Jonathan. Was it possible there was an explanation for what had happened last night? There was only one way to find out.
“I know what I’m going to do with the rest of my life, Molly. What are you going to do with yours?”
Molly looked at her aunt in silence for a moment, her heart and mind fighting an age-old battle. Her heart won out. She had to give Jonathan a chance to explain. Her aunt had been right this morning; she did owe Jonathan that much.
Emily’s eyes danced merrily. “If you hurry, you may be able to catch him.”
Molly jumped from the chair. “Aunt Emily, I love you. I’m sure you’ll be very happy here.” She threw her arms around her aunt and hugged her tight. Aunt Emily was right. It was time to go on, for both of them. Time to go forward and build a future. A future Molly wanted to share with a laughing redheaded giant.
Emily followed Molly back into the dining room, where Ralph and Clarence were still engaged in a heated discussion.
“Where’s Jonathan?” Molly asked.
“But Daddy, what will people think? You living in sin with two women you’re not married to?” Clarence’s voice was hushed, and he was staring at his father, wide-eyed. “What will people say?”
“Plenty,” Ralph returned with a chuckle. “It’ll give ‘em something to ta
lk about.”
“Where’s Jonathan?” she repeated, but they paid no attention to her. Finally her eyes found Alma. “Alma, where is he?” she cried in exasperation.
Alma smiled. “Probably at my old house. Had a few last minute things to do. If you hurry, you might be able to catch him.”
“Clarence, can I use the squad car?”
Clarence abruptly stopped talking and stared at her as if she had asked him for his last breath. “Now, Miss Molly, you know that’s an official law-enforcement vehicle. Only authorized personnel are allowed to use that car.”
Molly took a threatening step toward him. Authorized personnel, indeed! Ralph picked up the keys from the table and tossed them to Molly. “Here you go, missy. Help yourself.”
She flashed him a grateful smile. “Thanks, Ralph.” Impulsively she bent and brushed his cheek with her lips. “You’re terrific.” She whirled and yanked open the door. Time was wasting. She had to find Jonathan.
“Daddy, you shouldn’t have done that. No one but me and Junior are supposed to drive the squad car.”
“Hush up, boy.” Emily pushed him back down in the chair. “Have a cookie.”
Sliding into the driver’s seat, Molly flipped on the siren and stepped on the gas. She wheeled the squad car up and down the familiar streets, keeping an eye open for Jonathan. She had to find him, had to give him a chance to explain.
She had been so wrong. She had doubted him and condemned him. A heavy sigh lifted her shoulders. Would he be able to forgive her? she wondered as she turned a corner. He had to; she loved him. And, she thought with a wicked smile, if he gave her half a chance, she’d show him just how much.
With a screech, she slammed on the brakes in front of his grandmother’s old house and flipped off the siren. He had to have heard her coming. The whole town had probably heard her.
She jumped from the car and raced up the walk. A sudden thought jarred her, and a smile lit her face. Tipping her head back, she cupped her hands over her mouth. “Yo, Jon-a-than!”
It wasn’t necessary to repeat the call. The front door opened, and Jonathan leaned indolently against the doorframe. His eyes met hers and she grinned broadly. He stared at her for a moment, and then, finally, his lips curved in a boyish smile.
“The whole town will be talking,” he scolded good-naturedly, crossing his arms across his chest.
“I know.” She smiled back, basking in the warmth of him.
“Think of your reputation,” he teased.
“I don’t have to. Everyone else in town thinks about it for me.”
He cocked his head and looked at her skeptically. “Does Clarence know you’ve got his car?”
“Well, yes and no.” She grinned. “Clarence knows, but he didn’t exactly give me permission.”
“Molly Margaret Maguire, do you mean to tell me that ‘Miss Emily’s poor spinster niece’ has resorted to stealing cars?” Jonathan’s brows rose and his eyes twinkled.
“It’s all right.” Her grin widened, and she took another step closer. “I know a good lawyer.”
“I love you, Molly.” He stepped out of the doorway and walked slowly toward her.
“I love you, too.” She took a step forward, her heart soaring. “Last night I—”
“Last night, you didn’t let me finish,” he scolded gently. “I think the center should be torn down. It’s unsafe. But I managed to convince the owners of the new shopping mall to allocate two thousand square feet of office space, rent free, for a new senior center.”
Tears filled her eyes as she flew into his arms. “Oh, Jonathan, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Can you forgive me for not trusting you?” She lifted her head and met his gaze. She drank in the sight of him, afraid he might disappear.
“That depends,” he said, holding her at arm’s length. “You once told me you were your own woman. Still feel the same way?”
She gazed up at him. He was doing it again. Overwhelming her. But she loved it. “Yes,” she murmured, snuggling closer to him. “Why?”
“How would you feel about marrying a temporarily unemployed attorney?”
Molly’s eyes widened. “You lost your job?”
He shook his head and laughed softly. “I didn’t lose it, honey. I know exactly where it’s at.” He waited for her frown before he continued. “I quit.”
“You quit your job? Why?”
Jonathan slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him, groaning softly with desire as her slim frame molded against him. “Portland is too far away from the three most important ladies in my life. Besides, I’ve always wanted to go into private practice in a small town.” He bent his head and let his lips trail slowly across her upturned face.
Molly blinked and looked up at him. “Three women?” she echoed weakly.
“Yes, three,” he murmured huskily, dipping his mouth to kiss her. “Grandmother, Aunt Emily and you.”
“Oh, Jonathan, that’s wonderful.” She hugged him tightly, not caring that they were standing in the middle of town in broad daylight. She laid her head on his shoulder, suddenly filled with a wonderful peace.
“Molly—” he tipped her chin to look at her “—you know, you never did answer my question.” He dropped his mouth over hers and drank of her sweetness.
“Question?” she murmured, pulling her mouth from his. She was going to have to get used to Jonathan’s abrupt changes of subject. But that wouldn’t be too difficult; she’d had lots of practice with her aunt. Dear, beloved Aunt Emily. Molly smiled; her aunt had finally found her “a good one.”
“What question?” she asked, snuggling closer.
“Do you need a man in your life?” Jonathan asked softly, his eyes filled with love.
“You’re the only man I’ll ever need,” she said huskily, burying her face in the warmth of his neck.
“Molly,” he croaked, holding her away from him, “then would you please put me out of my misery and say you’ll marry me?”
Giving him a wicked smile, Molly stepped out of his arms and raised her head to the early afternoon sun. She opened her mouth and shouted for all she was worth, hoping the whole town could hear.
“Now hear this! Miss Emily’s poor spinster niece is not going to be a poor spinster anymore.” Her heart sang and her toes curled as she walked back into Jonathan’s waiting arms.
Epilogue
Hillchester News
April 20
Miss Molly Margaret Maguire and Mr. Jonathan Kent were married this morning in Hillchester Chapel. The bride was attended by her aunt, Miss Emily Maguire, and by the groom’s grandmother, Mrs. Alma Kent. Both ladies were resplendent in their identical lavender floor-length gowns with matching straw hats. Ralph Pritchard, father of Sheriff Pritchard, gave the beaming bride away. Twins, Mark and Martha Simpson, served as ring bearer and flower girl, while their mother, Mrs. Shirley Simpson, took the wedding pictures.
After a honeymoon at an undisclosed location, the newlyweds plan to reside in Hillchester, where Mr. Kent will be opening a private law practice.
(This reporter learned from an exclusive source that Mr. Kent’s first client was to be his new wife, Molly, who had been charged with unlawful use of a municipal vehicle. Rumor has it that a deal was made, and the charges against Molly Maguire Kent have been dropped.)
“Molly? Are you still awake?”
“Hmm?” Nuzzling closer to her new husband, Molly slid her bare leg over his.
“Molly?” Jonathan sat up and leaned back against the headboard, carefully keeping an arm around her. “We made the front page of the paper. Listen.” He slowly read the piece to her.
Molly lazily opened one eye and looked at him quizzically. “Did you get Clarence to drop the charges?”
Jonathan chuckled softly. “Sure did.”
Molly snuggled closer to him. “How on earth did you manage that?”
Jonathan chuckled again. “We traded. I gave Clarence something he wanted. And he gave me something I wanted.”
<
br /> A suspicious smile curved her mouth. “What on earth did you have that Clarence wanted?”
Jonathan’s grin widened. “Nickodemus.”
Molly bolted upright. “You gave Clarence my cat!”
Jonathan pulled her back down into the circle of his arms. “Honey,” he said softly, bending his his head to nuzzle her neck. “Clarence was lonely without his father.”
Molly sighed with pleasure as Jonathan’s mouth captured hers, sending her heart into spasms of joy. She slid her arms around his neck just as he pulled his lips from hers.
Molly frowned in the darkness. “Jonathan Kent! Is that it?”
Jonathan groaned softly. “No, Molly girl,” he whispered. “That’s just the beginning.”
About the Author
Sharon DeVita is a former Adjunct Prof. of Lit/Comm. where she taught all levels of fiction and non-fiction writing. Sharon is also the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of 34 books of fiction and non-fiction, including one that’s been optioned as a Movie of the Week. A frequent guest speaker and lecturer at writing conferences all over the world, Sharon and her husband, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, reside in the Southwest where snow has become just another 4 letter word.
Look for these titles by Sharon DeVita
Coming Soon:
Baby Makes Three
Kane and Mabel
Heavenly Match
Sharon DeVita
Blind dates are always destined to end in failure…right?
When Molly Maguire’s sweet, meddling Aunt Emily fixes Molly up on yet another blind date, Molly is helpless to say no to her. Fearing this will be another disastrous evening, Molly is stunned when the handsome, charming Jonathan Kent shows up and announces he’s her blind date.
The more time Molly and Jonathan spend together, the more they realize how much they have in common. As their relationship deepens, Molly begins to wonder if she can truly trust Jonathan. After a horrendous experience with her ex-fiancé, Molly has been leery of men and their motives.
Heavenly Match Page 15
