by JoAnn Durgin
“Yeah, Caroline? What’s up?” He’d already gone back to playing his game, but at her call, Tommy put his cell phone down on the counter.
“I’ll be happy to pay you if you could run this package over to the reception hall at Evergreen Community Church sometime before two o’clock today.”
“He’ll do it,” Clyde said, “but you don’t need to pay him.”
“Hey, can I please speak for myself here?” Tommy held up both hands. “A little hush money wouldn’t hurt. I got a girlfriend to take to dinner tonight. She wants to go sit-down fancy.”
Caroline pulled out her wallet. “Clyde, please let me do this since I know a personal delivery is probably a special request.”
Clyde shook his head, laughing. “Fine. It’s your money, Caroline.”
Tommy’s grin grew wider as she handed over a crisp twenty dollar bill. “Take your girlfriend someplace nice. Hopefully this will help.”
“Yeah, considering the church is only four blocks away, it’s a really nice tip. Thanks a lot. Can I run it over to the church now, boss?”
Clyde waved his hand. “Go already, kid. I know Clara and some of the ladies are down at the church getting the food ready. Just make sure you get back in ten minutes. I need you to do some stocking.” He nodded to her. “Real nice meeting you, Caroline. I hope to see you around here again soon.”
“I hope so, too, Clyde.” As she dodged Humphrey the cat resting at the base of the steps, Caroline thought about Clyde’s sentiment. Funny how she knew Clara, Clyde, Tommy, Beverly, and Seth better than the man and wife team who’d owned and operated the corner convenience store closest to her father’s office. She’d been going in that store for years, since she was in her early teens, to get her dad’s favorite jelly donut, something he’d sworn her never to tell her mother. The simple fact was that the shop owners in Boston never had the time—or never took the time—to get to know her. Not that people in Boston weren’t friendly. She’d always thought the reputation many held of Bostonians—uptight and snooty—misleading overall. The citizens of her city were simply…busy all the time.
The sun was climbing higher in the sky and a light breeze stirred the branches of the maple and white birch trees lining the sidewalk. Not having a tight schedule was so freeing and Caroline took her time walking back to the inn. Meandered even, and that was something she’d rarely done. A number of the townspeople raised their hands and called out a greeting. She couldn’t remember smiling so often or being this relaxed in months, maybe even years.
Inhaling the fresh mountain air, Caroline glanced with appreciation at the foothills and the White Mountains behind them. How was it she’d never visited this region of Maine before? The Swiss Alps were fabulous to visit. The Colorado Rockies equally gorgeous. But this?
Incomparable beauty.
Yes, coming back to Evergreen, Maine again one day was something she’d consider. Most definitely.
Chapter 9
~~♥~~
A tall, lanky, middle-aged man in a black tuxedo hurried into the house while the girls relaxed in the living room. Glancing up from her book, Caroline caught the harried look on his face.
“Afternoon,” he mumbled with a nod before walking into the kitchen. Kat and Paulina shot curious looks her way.
Must be Mr. Landon, Beverly’s husband. She checked her watch. Three o’clock.
A couple of minutes later, the man returned to the living room with a small wrapped package tucked beneath one arm. Giving them a polite nod, he ran a hand over his thinning hair. “Afternoon, ladies. I’m Randall Landon. My wife wanted me to let you know that Liesel and Paul’s wedding reception is starting soon. It’s only a few blocks from here, but I’m driving over now and can take you, if you’d like.”
“Sounds good to me.” Jumping up from an armchair, Kat smoothed one hand over the skirt of her new dress, a simple but elegant pink sheath. Modest, always a good thing. Beside her, Paulina wore a green blouse and ivory skirt. They’d both bought new sandals and handbags to match and had burst into their guest room earlier, raving about the inexpensive prices compared to everywhere else in New England. They looked very pretty.
“Thank you, Mr. Landon.” Caroline rose to her feet and gave him a warm smile. “It’s very kind of you and your wife to invite us.”
The ride was quiet. Unlike his wife, Mr. Landon was not inclined to make small talk. Or talk much at all, apparently. Within minutes, he pulled his older sedan into the crowded parking lot of Evergreen Community Church. He pulled up to the door of the sanctuary and then exited the car to help them. Pulling the passenger door open, he helped Caroline out of the car and then did the same for Paulina. Kat couldn’t wait and opened her door before he could assist her. After acknowledging their thanks, he told them to have a nice time.
Pastel balloons were tied to the stair railings leading into the church and floated in the light breeze. A banner suspended from the ceiling just inside the doors of the church proclaimed Congratulations, Liesel and Paul Mattingly!
“Wedding receptions are always so ripe with possibility,” Kat whispered as they followed the sounds of laughter and the buzz of conversation. “Even in little towns in Maine. This could be fun.”
Caroline bit her tongue as they walked down the staircase and into the fellowship hall. This wedding reception with its simple but pretty decorations, and a buffet served by the ladies in the church, would be nothing like the ones they’d attended for their college friends. She, Kat and Paulina had all been attendants in a number of weddings during their Wellesley years. High society, high church weddings, every last one of them. Caroline’s bridesmaid dress for one of those weddings cost more than her portion of the house rental for two months. An obscene excess, especially considering she’d heard the groomsmen making bets as to how long the marriage would last.
Caroline hadn’t known any of the brides all that well, save one who was her sorority little sister. Even then, she didn’t know the girl all that well. She was also smart enough to understand she’d most likely been included in the wedding party for no reason other than longstanding business or social connections. Or the significant weight the surname Prescott carried in Boston social circles.
“Party!” Kat brightened at the sound of live music although it was subdued, more like a string quartet than a DJ spinning pop or R&B tunes. Twinkling lights winked at them from fake trees set up around the perimeter of the room and the delicious aromas of cooking food drifted from the kitchen in the far corner. Knowing Beverly Landon, there would be plenty of food, and this was no cake and punch only reception.
“Let’s go congratulate the happy couple.” Caroline led the way to where the bride and groom stood across the room chatting with their guests. An impromptu receiving line appeared to be forming.
With an engaging smile and sparkling green eyes, Liesel resembled neither her mother nor her father physically. Paul stood by his wife’s side, obviously besotted with his bride. Caroline’s heart swelled as she watched them for a few moments. Paul reached for his wife’s hand, giving it a squeeze. Then he slipped his arm around her waist. Caroline’s breath caught when Paul glanced at his hand intertwined with Liesel’s. He ran one finger over her gleaming wedding band with a look of wonder as if he found it difficult to believe he’d married the most beautiful woman in the world. Liesel glanced up at her groom, adoration shining in her eyes. From what Caroline could tell, these two were very compatible. They’d be happy. Raise beautiful kids. Grow old together. Sometimes you could just tell.
“Liesel’s lovely, isn’t she?” Caroline mused.
“Liesel is an interesting name, but I like it,” Kat said. “Sounds German.”
“It’s the name of Captain Von Trapp’s oldest daughter in The Sound of Music. The pretty girl who’s all gushy about her first love. She sings and dances in the gazebo with that messenger guy, and yells ‘Whee!’ or whatever—I find that part extremely annoying—and then that same boy betrays Liesel’s family to the N
azis.” Paulina turned, smiling as she watched Liesel and Paul. “They do look really happy. Like one of those perfect couples on the top of a wedding cake.”
Kat frowned, but she was distracted and obviously not paying close attention. “Who? The Nazis? What are you rambling about now? I think we’ve all seen The Sound of Music like a hundred times, and the couples on top of a wedding cake are plastic with fake smiles. So not appropriate, Paulina.”
Caroline couldn’t help it. She laughed at the absurdity of this conversation. If she didn’t laugh, she might cry. What was it about weddings that made her so emotional? Her parents might have been married for years, but how did it count when infidelity had raised its ugly head? Paulina’s parents were the exception, but Kat’s parents had separated twice and then reunited twice in recent years. From what she knew, they were still currently together.
Caroline pushed those thoughts aside. Not the time. “No wonder I invited you two along on this trip. You’re very entertaining.”
“Glad we can amuse you,” Paulina said.
Kat blew out a breath. “I suppose it’s a shame some people in town already know who we are. Think about it, girls. Wouldn’t it be fun to take on assumed identities and make them believe we’re long lost relatives? Or speak in French? Do something really crazy and shake them up?”
Paulina surveyed the room. “Let’s stick with being wedding reception crashers. Although, we were invited.” She waggled her brows. “I say let’s go be alluring, charming and mysterious, my darlings.”
“Let’s not and say we did.” Caroline could only hope they’d behave. Some of their shenanigans at Wellesley made her cheeks burn just thinking about them. She nodded to Beverly from where she called to them across the crowded fellowship hall. Dressed in a pretty periwinkle dress that offset her white hair, Beverly was a very lovely mother of the bride. She wore a pink orchid corsage on her wrist.
“Thank you for coming,” Liesel said to Kat and Paulina after Beverly introduced them a couple of minutes later. The pretty, glowing bride shook their hands as Beverly told her they were guests at the inn.
After shaking Paul’s hand and murmuring her congratulations, Caroline met Liesel’s gaze. Something indefinable whispered in her heart. It was as though, in that moment, she somehow knew Liesel would one day be a good friend. Given the opportunity.
Crazy.
Not really knowing why, Caroline embraced the other girl, squeezing her shoulders in a quick hug. “I’m so happy for you and I’m thankful for your sweet mother. Treasure her. She’s a gem.”
“I know. Thank you for saying that.” Liesel appeared somewhat surprised, but touched. “What did you say your name is?”
“Caroline Prescott.” Realizing that she was wearing Liesel’s dress, she smiled. “Your mother gave me permission to raid your closet. I hope you don’t mind.”
Liesel laughed. “Not a problem. Keep it if you want. That dress looks a lot better on you than it ever has on me.”
“Well, I’d better be going…” Embarrassment overtook her, and motioning to her friends, Caroline stepped aside to make room for the next well-wishers in line.
“Anyone see the bar?” Paulina glanced around the room.
Kat rolled her eyes. “We’re in a church. You’re not going to find a bar unless this is some new breed of church. Better stick with the punch.”
“Why?” Paulina sounded genuinely puzzled. “Yeah, we’re in God’s holy place or whatever, but Betty Crocker isn’t allowed to drink?” She huffed and waved one hand. “I’ve never heard that before.”
“Nothing’s wrong with them, Paulina,” Kat hissed. “Sometimes people make a conscious choice not to drink, you know. That’s their prerogative.”
“I don’t think that’s the reason.” Caroline kept her words quiet. “I think it’s more a faith-based decision. Exhibit A, the reason the reception’s being held here instead of somewhere where liquor is served.”
“So what?” Paulina groused. “I know some so-called Christians and they’ve got an entire wall of wine in their house. Don’t be naïve. Even Jesus drank wine. Besides, alcohol in moderation has proven health benefits.”
Caroline found that statement uninformed since Paulina’s mother had either been in detox or rehab several times in the past four years. Who was the naïve one here? The woman might have a happy marriage, but she wasn’t without her problems.
“Beverly talked with me about God this morning,” Caroline said as they sipped their punch a few minutes later. “She told me that God’s the source of her comfort and strength.” She shrugged when both Kat and Paulina stared at her. “Made sense.”
“In that case, she probably thinks alcohol is a sin.” Kat’s green eyes narrowed as she glanced around the room. Caroline recognized the telltale signs. Her friend was sizing up the crowd for eligible men.
“I guess that means ditto for dancing.” Putting her hand in front of her mouth, Paulina feigned a yawn. “Just another boring wedding reception.”
“Give it a chance,” Caroline said. “You might surprise yourself and have fun.”
“Yeah, bring out the Twister and we’ll have ourselves a real good time.” Paulina’s scowl deepened.
“You ever played that? Twister?” Kat grinned. “It’s actually hysterical when you get all tangled up. Especially when there’s a guy involved.”
Caroline tuned out their banter and her gaze strayed to the gift table. The oversized box with the quilt sat to the far left. With any luck, the newlyweds would save opening the gifts until later. Isn’t that what most young couples did these days?
Kat’s voice broke into her thoughts. “You didn’t even hear what I just said, did you?”
“What’s that?” Caroline took another sip of her punch and focused on her friend.
“There’s only one eligible man here and he can’t keep his eyes off a pretty blonde in a floral dress borrowed from the bride.”
“Go talk to Seth now while you’ve got that pretty color in your cheeks.” Paulina nudged her arm and tried to turn her around, but Caroline wasn’t budging. “Give the man an image to remember, girlfriend.”
Kat and Paulina took off not long after, giving Caroline flimsy excuses and telling her they’d see her back at Landon’s. “You stay,” Paulina advised. “Have a good time.”
“In town only a day and you’ve already caused a stir in this little mountain town.”
Good thing she’d perfected the art of peering over the rim of her a glass without batting an eyelash or she might have jumped in surprise. As it was, Caroline’s heart stopped a few seconds when she turned to face Seth. So handsome he stole her breath. Dressed in a gray tuxedo with a lavender rose pinned to the lapel of his jacket, he was a beautiful man, but completely, ruggedly male.
When he stepped closer, she tried not to stare at the way his broad shoulders filled out that tuxedo. The way his dimple winked at her from one clean-shaven cheek. The normally windblown look of his chestnut-colored hair was replaced by a more sophisticated but styled look that accentuated his high cheekbones and square jaw. But it was the look in his eyes that stopped her—as if she was the only woman in the room.
Barely able to breath, Caroline forced a smile to her lips. “I’ve caused a stir? How so?”
Seth’s gaze lingered and he appeared at a momentary loss for words. Somehow she found that difficult to comprehend. “Let’s just say it’s not every day we have three beautiful girls drop in on Evergreen.”
Caroline smiled, pleased by his compliment. “Thank you, but are you claiming Evergreen? Since you don’t actually live here, I mean.”
“True, but yes, I claim it. Once you visit this town, I think you’ll find it settles in your heart.” He chuckled. “I realize how It’s A Wonderful Life that sounds, but it’s true. I’m glad you’re here to experience it for yourself, Caroline.”
“Me, too.”
“I didn’t expect to see you here since you turned down my invitation.”
&nbs
p; “Beverly also invited me this morning so I figured why not? Might be fun.” She shrugged and attempted to act nonchalant, but unlike Kat, she couldn’t act her way out of a paper bag. “I probably should be leaving now since my friends have…” Caroline faltered when his gaze refused to relinquish hers. This could be dangerous, this power of sorts Seth seemed to hold over her. Not that it was a bad thing. She cleared her throat. “Why, um, are you staring at me?”
“I don’t know, to be honest. There’s something about you. Like I’ve known you from somewhere before, but I have no idea where. Trust me, even though I realize it sounds like one, that’s not a line.”
“I know what you mean,” she said, dropping her gaze. “When I first met you, I had the same feeling. Odd, isn’t it?”
“Very. I’m not complaining. Have you had a chance to meet Liesel and Paul?”
“Yes. Lovely couple.” Caroline sipped her punch and once again their eyes met as Seth did the same. “You mentioned knowing Paul for a number of years. Where did you meet him?”
“I’ve known Paul for about ten years. He’s one of my best friends.” Seth ushered her to a seat and sat down beside her. “Paul and I did our undergrad studies at UMass-Amherst and got to be friends through a campus Bible study. We’ve kept in contact ever since. He’s a psychologist and works as a counselor with the Youth Services Center here in town.”
Caroline set her punch cup on the floor. “Why do I have the feeling that you have something to do with the reason we’re here in this church today?”
Seth ran his hand over his jaw and grinned. “You’re good.”
“I try. Please don’t let me keep you from your duties as a groomsman or whatever you need to do.”
“Trying to get rid of me so soon?”
“Not at all, but don’t you need to be…making a toast to the happy couple or something?”
His grin grew wider, and that dimple twisted her heart. Combined with those beautiful light blue eyes that said so much—seemed to see so much—Seth Barnes could so very easily make her forget her name. Make her violate the unwritten credo that you should never entertain romantic thoughts about another woman’s boyfriend.
