by JoAnn Durgin
“Do you need help with anything? Where’s Randy?” he asked around a bite of cookie.
“I asked him to take some things over to the church and check in with Pastor Hawkins. He’s going to meet me at the church at six. If the rehearsal goes as planned, we figure it should take an hour or less and then we’ll head over to the inn for dinner.” Beverly’s brow creased as she worked silently. Something surfaced in her expression that he recognized but hadn’t seen in a few years.
“Bev?”
She kept rolling the dough although Seth knew she’d heard. When she didn’t stop, he reached for her hand, stilling her movements. “God’s got this one. Everything will be okay. Liesel’s marrying a great guy.”
“I know.” She blew a strand of hair from her eyes and gave him a grateful smile. “It’s not Paul I’m worried about, you know.”
He knew she was thinking again of her first husband, Liesel’s birth father. His friend rarely mentioned him and although he didn’t know many details, Seth suspected the louse had abused Beverly in some way. She’d told him once that she was preparing to leave him when the man was killed in a car accident. For some unknown reason, Beverly had always feared someone in his family would come after her, claiming some right to Liesel’s life. As far Seth knew, that had never happened, but it was perhaps Bev’s cross to bear. Yeah, everyone seemed to have at least one.
Seth’s heart swelled with love for this woman. “It’ll be fine. Nothing’s happened after all these years, so nothing’s going to happen to steal your joy today or tomorrow. Or next week or next year.”
“I know God’s in control, but it’s always there, lingering in the back of my mind.”
“Liesel’s also a grown woman now and getting married tomorrow. Trust me, Paul will take great care of her, too. I know my friend, and he’d never allow anything to happen.”
“Thanks honey. You’re right. God knows my burden, but I still can’t help but wonder sometimes.”
Seth squeezed Bev’s hand and then released her so she could finish her task. “You’re also in serious danger of rolling the life out of that dough. It’s never going to rise for your morning biscuits if you don’t stop now.”
With a small laugh, Beverly put aside the heavy wooden rolling pin. “How’d you get so smart?”
“Fooled you, didn’t I? These cookies are great, by the way. You should have Clara add them to the goodies in the front case at Mahoney’s. Package them up with a pretty bow and a fancy tag and hungry tourists would buy them. I know I would. You could make some decent money. Look what it did for the lady who started that famous cookie company.”
“Yes, well, that company nearly went bankrupt a few times. I’ve lost track of the company in the last few years, but believe you me, they’ve had more than their share of financial troubles.”
“I didn’t know that.” Seth finished another bite of cookie and then swigged down some of the lemonade. In spite of her appearance and homespun charm, Beverly was an uncommonly smart businesswoman.
“They got too big for their britches and bought out some other cookie franchises. Too many too fast, I’d say, and that’s what got them in trouble.”
Seth finished his second cookie. “They got greedy, in other words, but I like your assessment better. Too big for their britches works for me.” If more corporate types adopted Bev’s plain but common sense, they’d be in better shape.
Beverly’s features relaxed as she systematically burrowed the cookie cutter in the dough and then dropped the circles onto wax paper. “I guess you could say they spread the cookie dough too thin.” She gave him a wry grin.
“You’re too witty for me.” Seth rose from the table and then set his empty glass in the sink. “If you see the girls come in soon, you might warn them that I’m outside their balcony doing a little touch-up painting. I ran into them over on Elm Street a couple of hours ago and they seemed to be having fun exploring and shopping. They asked for a restaurant recommendation so I suggested Manelli’s.”
“Yeah, well, they’ll be a while then. Have you been to Manelli’s lately?”
“Not in a few months. Why?”
“Where to begin? They changed hands when Don sold out to some fellow from Vermont but they kept the name since it’s so well-known in the area. The food’s still top-notch but the service is slower than sap coming out of a maple tree. The new owner brought in his own staff. At least the Manelli staffers all found new jobs soon enough. Good thing since a couple of the girls have little mouths to feed at home.”
“Glad to hear it. About the new jobs. And the little mouths to feed. Blessings all around.” Seth tapped his hand on the door frame as he headed out of the kitchen. “I’ll go take care of those touch-ups now. If Randy doesn’t make it back from his errands before the rehearsal, I’ll walk you to the church.”
“I’d like that since I doubt he will. He was already wearing his suit when he left earlier. Before you go, how are things with you and Jessica these days? Or is it Jennifer?” Beverly avoided looking at him. She’d made it no secret that she didn’t care for his on-and-off again girlfriend. Knowing Beverly as well as he did, it wasn’t a slip of the tongue.
“Jenica.”
“Well, no wonder I can’t remember her name. Sorry. But, really, who names a child that?”
“I don’t think it’s so bad. If it makes you feel any better, she’s not too fond of it either. You can’t blame her for a name, Bev.”
“No,” she said slowly, wiping her hands on the dishtowel, “but I can blame her for stringing along one of my favorite boys. I don’t take kindly to that. I know I’m probably overstepping my bounds, and you must forgive an old woman’s assumptions. I’m sure she’s a nice person at heart and also pretty as anything.”
Walking back to her, Seth wrapped his arms around her waist, giving her a tight hug. He sensed Beverly needed it as much as he did.
“Seth, honey, now you’ve got flour on you, too,” she protested, laughing. “But it’s worth it.”
“I don’t care about the flour.” Kissing the top of her head, Seth released her and then brushed stray flour from his arm. “Pretty has nothing to do with it and you’re not overstepping any boundaries. That’s what mothers are for, right?”
“You’re a dear boy. Just make sure you’re not dating that girl for the wrong reasons.”
That comment didn’t sit well but he’d push it to the back of his mind for the weekend. For now, he wouldn’t tell Beverly he’d been wondering the same thing lately. “Your escort for the rehearsal will be waiting by the front door at quarter ’til six to walk you to the church.”
“Thanks.” She gave him an overly bright smile. Seth knew she was feeling emotional about seeing her only child get married tomorrow. “I’m glad you’re here to celebrate the wedding with us, Seth. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“Me, too. You’re family,” he said. More than his own in some respects.
Chapter 5
~~♥~~
Caroline was thankful Manelli’s was open continuously since they’d decided to eat in the middle of the afternoon. Because there weren’t many diners at that odd hour, they’d received quite a bit of personal attention. She’d enjoyed the casual camaraderie with her friends over a delicious meal of grilled trout with lemon pecan butter, wild rice, fresh broccoli, and homemade rolls.
As she pushed away from the table, Caroline patted her stomach. “That tasted so good.” Hopefully it’d be enough to hold her until tomorrow morning. Beverly Landon probably didn’t skimp on breakfast. She seemed the type of woman who spent a majority of her time in the kitchen, planning the next meal in her head while preparing the current feast.
A few minutes later, Paulina and Kat compared notes on where they’d like to go next. Not like it was a mecca of commerce, but those two could find something to do in a monastery.
“You two go on. I think I’m going to head back to Landon’s now. I’m a little tired and might take a nap or sit
on the front porch and read.” That idea sounded better by the minute.
“Okay. See you. Have fun!” Kat waved but didn’t look up from where she was texting on her phone. Beside her, Paulina did the same and gave her a slight nod to acknowledge she’d heard. Caroline couldn’t complain. At least they’d agreed to the “no texting rule” with anyone other than Roberto or family members to let them know they were alive during their time in the mountains. Now it seemed life was back to normal.
Call her a dinosaur, but for the longest time, she’d refused to carry a cell phone. Resisted one until she’d been forced to get one when she clerked for her father’s law firm between her freshman and sophomore years at Wellesley. With all the running around she’d done between courts and to do research, interviews, and to gather information for trials, she couldn’t have existed without the benefit of instant communication.
No one was around when Caroline closed the front door behind her at Landon’s. Once again, the sensation of being home enveloped her, like a warm blanket on a cold winter morning. A blanket she’d love to snuggle under and wrap around her, basking in its comfort.
Wandering over to the bookcase, she quickly perused the titles. She had a new book waiting on her phone, but she’d always preferred holding a real book in her hands. Funny how that was such an old-fashioned notion these days. She adored sniffing the pages, running her finger over the spine, and wondering about the last person who’d read the book. Spying an old favorite, Caroline pulled out a well-worn copy of The Maltese Falcon. Yes, this one would do nicely. She loved private eye Sam Spade’s character in the Dashiell Hammett classic, and the movie with Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor was one of the few DVDs she owned.
She smiled as she recalled Beverly Landon’s handwritten notes to guests in their room, especially the one about borrowing a book: “If you can’t bear to part with it, please take it home with our compliments. However, feel free to send us a replacement.” Tucking The Maltese Falcon under her arm, Caroline quickly ran up the stairs to the second floor. The quiet of the room was inviting. Peaceful.
She’d always cherished her private time in the house she rented with Paulina and Kat in college, but those times were rare. Her roommates had both been above average students, but they frequently entertained male guests and loved a good party on Saturday nights. She’d spent a lot of time in the library studying, but her dedication—hermit-like existence of not—paid off when she’d graduated at the top of her class.
Was that a scratching noise? Dropping the book on the bed, she took a quick survey of the room. Nothing seemed amiss. Could be someone was working in the room next door. Hearing the noise again, Caroline followed the sound which seemed to come from the balcony. Tiptoeing over to the door leading outside, she opened it as quietly as possible. Not seeing anything, she breathed in deeply of the fresh air and stepped closer to the railing.
A man’s head popped up in front of her on the other side of the railing. Moving one hand over her chest, Caroline screamed and jumped backward. Seth! She closed her mouth as his eyes widened and he cried out. A small tool of some kind flew out of his hand and sailed toward the ground. That action set the ladder wobbling precariously.
Oh, no. He’s falling!
Reaching for the railing, Seth grunted as he desperately tried to grab hold of one of the spindles.
Caroline lunged forward. Grasping the ladder on both sides, she pulled it toward her with all her strength. The ladder thudded against the railing and Seth fell into her, his head slamming into her chest. Hard. He clamped both hands around her waist. Caroline gasped and then he gasped. Trying to catch her breath, she held on, not relinquishing her tight hold on him. She wasn’t going to let go until she knew with absolute certainty that the ladder was steady and secure.
Both panting, neither one said a word for several long, stunned seconds.
“I’m so…sorry.” Seth’s words were muffled against her, his mouth pressed against the thin cotton of her blouse. “I didn’t mean to scare you, and I swear I’m not a Peeping Tom.”
The warmth of him seared through Caroline, and the unexpected intimacy of the moment both amused and embarrassed her. “It’s okay. I’d say we startled each other,” she said, still struggling to control her breathing. “And, I, um, didn’t intend to almost smother you. Is it okay if I let go now?”
“Not that I’m not enjoying this, but yeah, you probably should.” Seth moved his head, sending an oddly wonderful sensation through her as she heard his light chuckle. “I think the ladder’s steady again now, and I’m pretty sure we’re drawing a crowd.”
He was correct. Glancing toward the street, Caroline waved and forced a bright smile at a few passersby who’d stopped to gawk. Still leaning against her, Seth groaned under his breath. “Nothing to see here folks,” he said in an elevated voice. “Just me being clumsy, and talking with the pretty lady who rescued me.” Pushing away from Caroline, he clutched the railing firmly with both hands and nodded to assure her that he was steady again.
“Romeo, Romeo…” a man chanted from the street as he clasped one hand over his heart. “Watch out for that one, Miss.” He shook a finger at Seth.
“Keep moving along, Darnell.” Seth growled out the comment but he didn’t look angry.
“You know it, Seth. Later!”
Running a hand through his hair, Seth shook his head, blinking hard a few times. “Wow.”
Wow was right. Such great hair, lush and thick. She appreciated the humor in those eyes. Liked the way his light blue eyes lit. Intelligent eyes. Caroline wondered if he even realized what he was doing as his gaze leisurely roamed over her features. Not that she minded since she was doing some facial memorization of her own. She was being as obvious as her friends, but she had to agree. Seth Barnes was a gorgeous man.
“I hope you don’t believe I’d do that for just any man.” She lowered her gaze. Flirting was difficult and had never come easy for her. Caroline couldn’t even remember the last time she’d tried to flirt. Based on his expression, Seth didn’t exactly find her unattractive, and that shot a spark of awareness through her.
“Do what? Rescue him?”
“Well, of course I’d rescue anyone who was falling, but I’m talking more about the whole…” Caroline gestured to his head and then to her chest, and her cheeks flushed with warmth. “I suppose I should be humiliated, but sometimes you follow your gut instinct to prevent a man from falling to certain…harm.” A quick glance at the ground below confirmed the height of the second floor was sufficient enough to cause serious damage if he had fallen.
The corners of Seth’s mouth twitched and his dimple made its appearance. Something about it made her want to trace it with her finger. Well, now, wouldn’t that be inappropriate?
“I hope I didn’t damage your reputation by having my face in your…” He started to gesture to her and then moved his hand to his head, smoothing down his hair. They both burst out laughing.
“It’s usually my roommates who cause the scandals, not me,” Caroline said. “I’m glad you’re not hurt, but may I ask why you were outside the balcony railing?”
“I had a scraper in my hand but now it’s down there.” He nodded to the ground. “The balcony needs some touch-up work. I intended to smooth out some spots and then I was going to repaint. That was my mission for climbing up here, anyway. Thank you for saving me. I’m not sure if I actually said that.”
“You’re welcome.” Caroline let out another small gasp when she realized a strategic middle button on her blouse had come undone during the whole ladder debacle. Wonderful. She quickly fastened the button, not bothering to turn away from him or try to hide what she was doing. She’d already moved way past embarrassment.
The job done, she averted her gaze and mumbled “Sorry.” Having the man’s head on her chest was one thing, but she hadn’t intended to give him a peep show in the process.
“Not a problem.” Seth averted his gaze a few seconds too late. His cheeks tu
rned adorably red.
All she could think about was the fact that she’d worn her oldest but most comfortable bra on this trip. Oh no, it couldn’t have been her newest, nicest one but her rattiest, slightly discolored one. At least she wore a bra unlike Kat and sometimes even Paulina. She needed to depart while she still had some dignity left. Besides, what more could she say? “I’ll leave you to your work now. Bye, Seth.” Ducking her head, she turned to go.
“Caroline, since you were so heroic and came to my rescue, would you like to come to the wedding tomorrow? I’m sure none of the wedding party would mind, especially since you’ve saved me, a lowly groomsman, from falling to certain harm.”
“I don’t know,” she said. Confusion clouded her mind. “Don’t feel like you have to repay me in any way.”
“I don’t.” Seth fixed his gaze on her. “You’re planning on staying in town until Sunday morning, right?”
How could he know that? She couldn’t remember how much of their conversation he might have heard when they were first checking in with Beverly Landon. Did it really matter?
“Just as friends. I mean, I have a girlfriend, but she can’t be here. I think you might have fun at the reception. Unless you’d rather shop in town or something.”
“No, I’m not really into shopping. What time is the wedding?” So, the man had a girlfriend. Why should she be surprised? Disappointment seeped through her even as she tried to tamp it down. He was just being nice. Might as well pat her on the head like a faithful puppy.
“It starts at two. Evergreen Community Church. It’s four blocks down right here on Evergreen Street.” He motioned to the side street. “If you don’t mind leaving early, I can come pick you up here at 1:15.”
“Like I said, you don’t have to do this, Seth.”
“I know.” His blue-eyed gaze met hers again. Unnerving her. “I’d really like to get to know you better, Caroline.”
“I’d like that, too, but you have a girlfriend. It wouldn’t be appropriate whether or not she’s here.”
