Gentle Like the Rain: A Heart's Design Novel

by JoAnn Durgin

  Seth’s blue eyes narrowed. “From what you’re saying, maybe it’s time for a change. Switch to something more gratifying and rewarding that doesn’t create so much inner conflict and turmoil for you.”

  “That’s where my thinking’s been headed lately,” Sidney said. “I’ve already switched to a different practice, and I’d hate to be perceived as wishy-washy. Neither do I want to leave the firm.”

  “I don’t know why you’d necessarily need to leave. Maybe you could take your practice in a different direction. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. They know you well enough to know you’re solid, and I’d hope they’d support your decision. You know Bryce will. You’re not the only criminal defense attorney at the firm, are you?”

  “No.” Sidney laughed, but it lacked humor. “Bryce told me he thinks the partners might call an emergency meeting to discuss whether I’m going through a crisis of some sort. Caroline asked the same thing when I showed up on your doorstep.” He shook his head and marched his fingers on the top of the table again. “In all honesty, I can’t blame them.”

  “Only because it was sudden and out of character for you. I know Caroline understands, and I feel safe in saying Bryce does, too. Your personal losses in the past six months alone have been a lot for anyone to absorb. Whether you realize it or not, I’m sure that has something to do with this reevaluation of your practice. Not that you asked, but I’d say this trip is good for you to step away, catch your breath and regroup. Everyone needs time away, Sidney.”

  Bryce suffered the same losses and yet he’d adjusted well. Ditto Caroline. Then again, his brother and sister had supportive spouses. Who did he have? Not even a pet.

  Sidney forced a smile. “I hope you’re right. You’re a good guy, Seth. Thanks for the talk.”

  “Anytime. Would you mind if I said a prayer for you?”

  “Um, no. I guess not.” A part of him found the idea of prayer comforting. “We don’t have to hold hands, do we?”

  Seth grinned. “Not unless you want to.”

  “Good. I don’t like your baking that much. And this might sound stupid, but thanks for loving my sister. For making her happy.”

  “That’s my honor. Caroline makes it easy.”

  Following Seth’s lead, Sidney bowed his head. Unlike the other man, he didn’t close his eyes but stared at the woodgrain of the sturdy kitchen table instead.

  “Father, you know the burdens Sidney has on his shoulders at the firm,” Seth prayed. “We lay those burdens at your feet. We ask that you work in these circumstances to reveal your perfect will for him, and to bring him closer to a saving knowledge of you. We ask these things in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.”

  “Amen.” Short and simple, the way Sidney preferred his prayers. “People talk about legalese, but you Jesus people have your own language.”

  A frown creased Seth’s brow.

  “I didn’t mean that in a bad way,” Sidney assured him.

  “Basically, we present our prayers to God through Jesus.”

  “Because you believe He died for you.”

  “That’s right. He shed His blood so that we might have eternal life with Him in heaven.” Seth’s gaze settled on him. “If you’d like to sit down one night while you’re here, I’m more than happy to answer your questions.”

  “I’ll let you know.” Planting his hands on the table, Sidney lifted out of the chair and gathered their dirty dishes. “I’ll take care of these. I’m sure you need to go and study rocks or something.”

  Although Seth smiled, Sidney could tell he was preoccupied. “I’ve got a couple of meetings over in Oxford Hills today.” He retrieved his jacket and shrugged into it.

  “Caroline told me she got a tee time for us early on Monday morning,” Sidney said. “You okay with that?”

  Seth nodded. “I’ll look forward to it. I’m headed into town tomorrow morning about nine. The annual Twilight Dance is held on the second Saturday in June every year. Some of the guys are meeting at the park to put the dance floor together, string the lights in the trees, that kind of thing. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to come and help out if you’d like. Depending on how many show up, it’ll take a few hours tops. Liesel will provide lunch.”

  “Sure.” Sidney set the dishes in the sink. “Count me in.”

  “Great. How are you at wielding a hammer?”

  “I haven’t a clue.” Sidney ran a hand over his chin and tried not to feel too foolish with that admission. He’d rarely held a hammer, but he was coordinated. “I suppose there’s no better time to start than tomorrow morning.”

  “You look capable, and we can always use the help. It’ll be a good time to meet some of the other guys. Paul will be there.”

  “I’m hoping this Twilight Dance has nothing to with vampires.”

  Seth chuckled. “Not at all. A small band plays in the gazebo, and it’s a fun evening of dancing under the stars.”

  “So, Caroline’s going to stuff us full of good food at dinner tomorrow night, and then we’re expected to work it off on the dance floor?”

  “We don’t get too crazy,” Seth said. “Some of the kids might have a dance-off. They usually do. And some of the adults might challenge them to prove they can still dance.”

  Sidney grinned. “Sounds like fun.” He opened the dishwasher.

  “You were wrong about one thing, you know.”

  “What’s that?” Sidney turned to see Seth standing in the doorway, his briefcase in hand.

  “I’ve always liked you, Sidney. I haven’t always agreed with everything you’ve done, but Caroline and I know how closely you watched over your mother before she died. How you took care of the details and made sure she was as comfortable as possible. We’re aware you spent time with her to the exclusion of other things in your life.”

  Sidney swallowed. “I did what anyone would have done.”

  “Still, that was an uncommon sacrifice, and we appreciate you,” Seth said. “You weren’t in the frame of mind to hear it during the memorial service, but thank you. I’m glad you’re here now. Families need each other.”

  If the man didn’t leave, Sidney might just cry. “Yeah, they do.” His voice sounded like he had gravel in his mouth.

  “Call my cell if you need anything today.” His brother-in-law tapped the doorjamb. “You’re welcome to stay with us as long as you need.”

  “Thanks.” Sidney stared after Seth as he departed. “I might just do that.”

  Chapter 14

  Sidney spent the rest of the morning making the acquaintance of shopkeepers up and down Elm Street, Evergreen’s version of Main Street. Why, he had no idea. He’d never been so sociable in all his life. Other than when he’d been on vacation at Martha’s Vineyard or in Newport, Rhode Island, he’d never taken the time to leisurely stroll up and down a street and poke in and out of stores. He’d pretty much hated it in the past, and he’d only been interested for the food since many of the restaurants had an outdoor patio, which he enjoyed, and the opportunity to appreciate a decent live jazz band was always a good thing.

  The owner of the sporting goods store, Roger Meecham, went on for at least a half hour telling him about his six grandkids. Sidney knew their names and which sport they played. Even the four-year-old girl, Jillian, was on some kind of team—T-bone? No, T-ball, whatever that was. Roger proudly pointed out the photos lined up on the wall behind the register. Sidney had to admit, those kids were awfully cute. If he had any hope of having kids someday, let alone grandkids, he’d better make some major life changes soon. He didn’t stand a chance of procreating if he spent the majority of his free time at the firm or in the gym.

  First you find love, Sidney. That’s how it was supposed to be done. Did he want to get married? Did he want to try and raise one child or more in this crazy, mixed-up world?

  Yes.

  He’d never admitted it to himself, much less to anyone else, but he wanted those things. Like everything else in his life, he
didn’t want to do it halfway. Is this what people called cleansing their aura? Caroline, Seth, Isabella, and the members of their church would probably call it following God’s will or plan for his life.

  His parents more or less had an arranged marriage and look how that had worked out. Not great. Caroline’s marriage was solid, and now Bryce was a giddy newlywed. Sidney couldn’t miss the goofy grin on his brother’s face, a clear indicator of what he’d been up to at home, when he arrived at the firm some mornings. He’d give Bryce a slap on the back or a knowing wink like guys did when they didn’t know what else to do or say. But he was genuinely happy for his younger brother. Bryce was as sharp as ever with clients and maintained more than his share of the caseload. At least the man was happily married, and his after-hours activities didn’t interfere with his work for the firm.

  Wow. This kind of thinking was why he was single.

  Leaving Meecham’s Sporting Goods, Sidney paused on the front sidewalk. When he pulled his sunglasses from the pocket of his jogging pants, a half roll of antacids fell onto the ground. He scooped it off the sidewalk and tucked it back in his pocket before positioning his sunglasses. The sun was warm, the sky was clear. Another beautiful day in Evergreen, Maine.

  Sidney glanced down the street at the open door of Mahoney’s. He figured he was exercising uncommon restraint in not hanging out on the bench. Nothing like being obvious. Humphrey occupied his usual spot by the front door, making him smile.

  He walked in the direction of the general store. Close enough to hear the sound of Isabella’s laughter. He liked her laugh. Liked her voice. Moving closer, he caught a glimpse of the lovely store owner. She wore khaki shorts today with a pink top. She embodied everything he liked and admired in a woman. Strong in body and character. Feminine. Sexy. Intelligent. Compassionate. Confident with a hidden vulnerability. A great sense of humor. Adorable when she was embarrassed. A smile that nearly knocked him down the last few times he’d glimpsed it. Curves that made him want to rest his arm around her small waist and draw her near. Lips that made him want. . .

  Something stirred inside, the desire for a woman Sidney hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a very long time. He’d felt the beginnings of those same stirrings yesterday while sitting with Isabella on the park bench. This was more than infatuation. Any number of women could catch his attention, but few had been able to hold it. Now, every time he thought of Isabella, every time he anticipated seeing her, he found himself smiling.

  This can’t go anywhere. He didn’t know how to stop these thoughts, but he couldn’t dwell on them. He respected Isabella. He’d never known a woman with the kind of faith she’d shared with him. Isabella lived her faith, and to his surprise, he liked that.

  Sidney sidestepped an older woman walking two poodles—those tiny toy dogs, one black, one white—and moved closer to the curb where he could better see Isabella. Her long, dark hair was pulled back in her customary high ponytail. Must be easier for her to wear it that way when she worked in the store. He liked it this way, but he loved seeing her hair down—lush, full, and tumbling around her shoulders—the way she’d worn it the first day he’d met her.

  “Sir, I think we need to untangle you.”

  “What?” Sidney reluctantly jerked his gaze away from Isabella. He glanced down when he felt something tug on his right ankle. One of the woman’s poodles—the white one—had managed to wrap its leash around his foot. How had he missed that? This situation was ironic if not somewhat Freudian.

  “I’m so sorry for the trouble,” the woman said. “Bessie saw a piece of candy on the ground beneath your shoe, and she went after it.”

  Candy? A quick glance at the sidewalk confirmed his suspicions. An antacid had broken loose and was half-lodged beneath his foot. Bessie was sniffing and pawing at the pastel-colored tablet, trying to get at it. The older woman made an attempt to retrieve the leash and sighed with frustration when her efforts proved unsuccessful.

  Sidney grabbed the antacid from under his shoe and tossed it in the trash can.

  “Wonderful aim! You must be a basketball player,” the woman observed. “My Henry played basketball back in the day. I used to love watching him play.” A hint of sadness tinged her words.

  “I was on swim teams and ran track when I was younger. I play an occasional game of pick-up basketball, but apparently it takes more than a law degree to figure out how to help Bessie. If I could have the leash, I should be able to free her.” Both dogs were well-behaved as he tried to unwrap the leash from his ankle. Yappy little dogs irritated him, and he avoided them at all costs.

  After his efforts failed, Sidney frowned before fresh inspiration struck. “Tell you what. Here, you take hold of the leash while I try something else.” When the woman took the leash from him, Sidney dropped to one knee and quickly untied the lace on his right running shoe. Then he stood up and pushed off his right shoe. “Success!”

  The older woman laughed and clapped with delight. “Bravo! Let me guess. You must be Sidney Prescott.”

  “That would be me.” How did she pick him out from among all the other visitors in town? Plenty of people strolled up and down the streets, tourists judging by their leisurely pace and gift bags in their hands or over their arms. Sidney smiled when he spied a few Mahoney’s bags. Judging by the increased traffic on Elm Street, the weekend would be a busy one.

  “I’m Hattie Nelson. I hope we’ll be seeing more of you here in Evergreen. We sure could use an experienced attorney here in town if you’d ever think of moving here like your sister did.”

  Sidney briefly took the older woman’s hand. “It’s my honor to meet you, Miss Hattie. There’s not a law office in town?”

  “No, and it’s a real shame. Not since Crawford Banks retired,” she said with a sigh. “There are a few small firms over in Bethel and some in Oxford Hills. Most of the young lawyers want to go to the bigger cities. That’s understandable, but they’re also wet behind the ears and the ink is barely dry on their diplomas.”

  “Yes, ma’am. May I ask how you know that I’m Sidney?” As far as a family resemblance, Bryce looked more like Dad with each passing year. Caroline was more a combination of their parents. Sidney was his own man and had always been told he resembled his maternal grandfather.

  Hattie brightened. “I should have explained. Caroline and Seth had a holiday party this past Christmas. It was a few months after they moved into their new home, and as you might be aware, you’re in her family photos. Plus there’s that proper Boston accent, and you mentioned a law degree. Sidney, I was very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I met her when she was visiting once.” Hattie’s voice was filled with nostalgia. “I also lost my Henry in the past year.” Her blue eyes—similar in color to his mother’s—were filled with compassion. “We were married a few months shy of fifty years.”

  “My condolences to you, as well.” Removing his sunglasses, Sidney met her gaze. “I’m thankful you were able to enjoy many happy years with your husband.” The love shining in her eyes was undeniable.

  “The blessing of family is something that should never be taken for granted, young man. Through the times of both hardship and great joy, those are the people who are there for you. Loving you, supporting you.”

  “Miss Hattie, I’m learning the wisdom of those sentiments more every day.”

  The woman eyed him with a warm smile. “We finally have a new medical office with three doctors. If I may say, Evergreen is a perfect place for a young couple to raise a family. We might not have all that Boston can offer, but we have family values and hardworking people here. You can always go into the city for the weekend.”

  Sidney grinned. “As lawyers are prone to saying, I’ll take it under advisement.”

  “You do that. Well, I’d better be on my way. I’m very glad to have met you. I hope to see you again.” Hattie tugged on the leashes for the dogs. “Come now, Bessie. Frankie, you too.”

  Sidney purposely walked in the opposite direction
from Mahoney’s and darted across the street, being careful not to jaywalk in case Sheriff Watters happened to be on his reported morning donut and coffee run. No sense in tempting the man into issuing him a pedestrian violation.

  After sampling five flavors of the delicious ice cream at Barron’s, Sidney decided strawberry cheesecake was his favorite. He’d shied away from the boutiques although the ladies in one of them tried to lure him inside by offering him homemade cookies and milk.

  “Just keep walking,” he’d said under his breath. Waving to them, he’d hastened his pace.

  Manelli’s Grill sounded like a good restaurant for lunch. A few of the servers and patrons gave him odd looks as he was escorted to a table for one and waited for his meal. He wanted to challenge them and say, Stop staring. You’ve never seen a guy eat solo before? How many times had he dined on his own in Boston? Countless times. If he wasn’t with clients, partners, associates, or potential recruits, he preferred eating by himself.

  Lost in thought, Sidney started when a middle-aged woman leaned too close for comfort. “Young man, would you like to join us for lunch?”

  A meek-looking gentleman—presumably her husband—stood behind her. One look at that poor guy and Sidney could tell he was henpecked.

  “Thanks for the kind offer, but I need to eat and run today.” Not exactly a lie although it was stretching the truth a bit.

  “You must be the man from Boston I’ve heard so much about. Caroline’s brother.”

  “That’s right.” Sidney forced a smile. Pushing back his chair, he rose to his feet. “Sidney Prescott. Nice to meet you…?”

  “I’m Barbara Olander, and this is my husband, Darren.” The woman waved her hand at Darren in a dismissive fashion, an action that didn’t seem to bother Darren as much as it did Sidney. Reaching around Barbara, Sidney offered his hand to the other man in a barely disguised gesture of sympathy.