by Renee Ryan
“She requested you. And she’s not alone—her companion is with her.” Adam’s apple bobbing, Summers sighed. “She’s really quite beautiful. Miss Scott, I mean. Charming, too.”
The man sounded awestruck. He looked awestruck, with his fidgeting hands and dazed expression. Right. Another poor, unsuspecting sap had succumbed to Molly’s undeniable charm.
“Send in Mrs. Singletary. And—” Garrett’s jaw tightened “—her companion.”
“Very good.” Summers hurried out, leaving the door ajar.
By the time Garrett crossed the room, he found the women already standing at the threshold. While Molly transferred an assortment of packages into his law clerk’s care, Garrett schooled his features into a blank expression. His well-honed composure evaporated the moment Molly turned and looked at him.
His heart slammed against his ribs, his breath hitched in his lungs. Now who’s the sap?
He cleared his throat. “Ladies, please, come in.”
Eyebrows raised, Mrs. Singletary brushed past him and began a slow perusal of his office. Molly followed a step behind. Her floral scent hit him like a rough blow to the heart.
When he finally ventured to look into her face again, and she didn’t quite meet his gaze, he felt a sense of validation. Though she hid her reaction behind a benign smile, Molly was nervous in his company. At least he wasn’t alone in his struggle to remain indifferent.
Affecting a bland expression of his own, he edged around her and concentrated on the task of directing Mrs. Singletary to a chair facing his desk.
While he waited for her to settle, he watched Molly wander to the lone window in his office and look out. Her shoulders were unnaturally stiff. Garrett suspected he was the cause of her tension and that wrecked him. He wanted to go to her, to tease a laugh out of her like he had when they were children.
He no longer had that right.
Adopting a relaxed demeanor for this odd meeting, he sat on the edge of his desk in front of Mrs. Singletary. “To what do I owe this unexpected honor?”
The widow set her reticule carefully on her lap and got straight to the point. “I have a mind to expand my business holdings into new areas and I want you to assist me.”
He blinked at the unprecedented request. He’d met the widow only a few times, the most recent when she’d been about to invest in a lumber operation and Reese had asked Garrett to review the final contract with her.
“I see I have shocked you.” She looked rather pleased at the prospect, proving her reputation as an unconventional woman with a penchant toward the outrageous.
“Why not make this request of your own attorney?”
“Reese will continue overseeing my legal matters, but I have decided that you, Mr. Mitchell, will assist me with the expansion of my fortune.”
By the satisfied expression on her face, she knew she’d piqued his interest. This was just the sort of opportunity perfectly suited to his skills. “Again, why me?”
“I should think that obvious. You were invaluable during my purchase of the lumberyard.”
“I merely did my job.”
“No, Mr. Mitchell, you went far beyond the minimum. You have a remarkable mind for business, much like my Reginald.” At the mention of her late husband, she gave a wistful sigh. “I find myself growing bored of late. I want to take more risks.”
She had his attention. Although Garrett usually steered his clients into conservative investments when they solicited his advice, he’d taken considerable chances with his own finances, to very lucrative ends.
But to guide the firm’s wealthiest client down a similar path was another matter entirely. “Have you discussed this with Mr. Bennett directly?”
“I have.” She smoothed a steady, elegant hand over her skirt. “Once I explained the particulars of my plan, he thought my seeking your assistance a splendid idea.”
Reese had said nothing to Garrett, not yet anyway. If he agreed to this, how much contact would he have with Molly? He glanced at her now and found her staring at him.
A muscle knotted in his chest.
Shifting his position, he addressed Mrs. Singletary and her very tempting offer. “What you are suggesting comes with certain dangers. You could lose a large amount of money.”
“I could also make a great deal more.”
A valid point. But why would a woman as wealthy as Beatrix Singletary need more money? When was enough, enough?
She answered his unspoken query with a relaxed smile. “With the additional resources I will be able to expand my charitable giving. A few of my pet projects are in great need.”
Now she really had his attention. Garrett believed in doing good and being generous. To whom much is given, much is expected.
“Do we have a deal, Mr. Mitchell?”
He cleared his throat. “I need to discuss this with Mr. Bennett first.”
“If you feel you must.”
“I must.” On this point, he would not relent. “Assuming all is in order, when would you like to begin?”
“Immediately.” Her eyes sparkled with a shrewd light. “I will expect you to be available to me on a regular basis.”
“I have other clients who require my time and attention…”
She brushed this aside with a flick of her wrist. “I’m confident you will find a way to satisfy their needs and mine.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but she cut him off. “I intend for our partnership to be a success, Mr. Mitchell. As such, we must first get to know one another better. Agreed?”
He nodded. What she was suggesting would require a high level of trust between them, and that could only come with time.
“You know my companion.” She indicated Molly with a hitch of her chin.
He glanced at Molly out of the corner of his eye. She’d retired to a seat by the window. She appeared serene, calm. Garrett knew better. He could feel the storm of emotion brewing beneath the surface. “Miss Scott and I are acquainted, yes.”
Molly stiffened at his dry tone, but said nothing.
“Well, then.” Mrs. Singletary rose and Garrett did the same. She moved through the room, idly touching random books on the shelving to her left, the stack of ledgers on her right. “Since you and Molly are…acquainted, I trust you have no objection to attending the opera with us this evening.”
Molly made a soft sound of protest in her throat, barely audible but Garrett had caught it. And so, it appeared, had her employer. “You have a concern, my dear?”
“No, Mrs. Singletary. In fact…” She blessed Garrett with a sweet, sweet smile, all politeness and easygoing manner. “I look forward to Mr. Mitchell’s company this evening.”
They both knew that wasn’t true. But he adopted her same casual attitude and said, “If Mr. Bennett has no objections, it will be my pleasure to attend the opera with you both.”
Molly’s smile faltered. Garrett’s expanded.
“Then it’s settled,” the widow drawled, staring at him with that same shrewd expression as before. “I expect you to arrive at my home seven o’clock this evening.”
Finished issuing her command, she headed toward the door, but not before Garrett caught sight of her satisfied expression.
His eyes narrowed. Mrs. Singletary clearly had some secret scheme she was keeping to herself. Patient, wily in his own right, Garrett would discover what she was up to, eventually.
For now, he joined her in the middle of the room. “Is there anything else I can do for you this afternoon?”
“That will be all.” Head high, she swept into the hallway.
Garrett followed at a more sedate pace. Working with the widow might be just the break he needed to prove he was more than that “other Mitchell boy” or Fanny’s older brother. Ever since his sister’s engagement to his boss, Garrett had worked twice as hard to prove he’d been hired for his legal mind alone.
Apparently, he’d done just that, as evidenced by Mrs. Singletary’s stunning offer.
Bac
k in their younger days, Molly had understood Garrett’s desire to make his own way in the world. She’d actually been the one to encourage him to pursue a career in the law. He remembered that now, and found himself softening toward her as he strolled back into his office.
When he drew alongside her and she climbed gracefully to her feet, he took her hand without hesitation. “Until tonight,” he murmured.
“Until tonight,” she repeated, then tugged on her hand.
Garrett held on tight. He wasn’t ready to let her go.
He’d never been truly ready to let her go.
Chapter Two
Molly had nearly reached the end of her endurance, and it was all because Garrett still grasped her hand in his. On the surface, the gesture was a common courtesy between two acquaintances. With the benefit of her glove as a barrier there should be nothing to cause her alarm. But this was the first time in seven years he’d taken her hand without hesitation.
She liked the unexpected familiarity of the gesture, liked it far too much.
Blinking hard, she struggled to maintain her composure. But his touch felt so good, so right. Time seemed to slow, past overlaying present. And, still, Garrett held on to her.
He moved a step closer and her mind grasped one lone thought. This was Garrett, the boy who used to put her at ease when no one else could. The one who had comforted her, treasured her. Loved her.
She’d once believed that God had brought them together at the perfect time, and that the Lord’s hand had been guiding them toward a common future all along.
She’d been terribly wrong. Their chance to be a couple had come and gone a long time ago.
So why wouldn’t Garrett release her?
And why wasn’t she insisting he let her go?
Surely Mrs. Singletary would say something to him, to Molly, anything to put a halt to this endless, endless moment. But Mrs. Singletary had already moved into the hallway and was speaking to someone in hushed tones.
Molly searched for words to fill the void, but nothing came to mind. They hadn’t spoken directly to one another in years, at least not in more than monosyllabic responses. All she could do now was force herself to breathe. Even that simple task proved nearly impossible.
At last, he let go of her hand and stepped back. His golden eyes swept over her, his features unreadable. Nevertheless, she found herself staring at him longer than necessary. The embroidered waistcoat he wore highlighted the unusual color of his eyes. Mitchell eyes. A warm blend of bronze, amber and gold.
Molly gritted her teeth. “Garrett…I…that is…”
His glance flicked to a spot over her shoulder. “Hello, Fanny.”
His sister was here? Relief nearly buckled her knees.
“Hello, Garrett.” A soft feminine voice returned his greeting, followed by a short pause. “Molly? Is that you?”
Desperate to put more distance between herself and Garrett, Molly spun around to face her friend. But she moved too fast and her legs tangled beneath her. She swayed backward.
Garrett’s hands clasped her shoulders from behind. “Easy now,” he whispered in her ear. “I’ve got you.”
His low voice steadied her. She closed her eyes a moment, only a moment, and reveled in the safe feeling that washed through her. I’ve got you.
Did he know how bittersweet those words sounded?
“Molly? Are you unwell?” Fanny asked. “You’ve gone quite pale.”
The concern in her friend’s voice had her quickly opening her eyes. “I’m perfectly fine.”
She stepped forward, away from Garrett, away from the burst of memories and wave of hope, and countless other emotions she couldn’t seem to control whenever she was in his presence. “I merely lost my balance for a moment.”
Fanny tilted her head at a curious angle. “Well, then, it was fortunate Garrett was here to catch you.”
Was it? Molly made a noncommittal sound in her throat, wondering why he was suddenly right where she needed him when he’d been so determined to avoid her before today.
As if to confuse her all the more, Garrett gave an equally dispassionate response to his sister’s comment.
Eyes widening, as if she suddenly realized the oddity of the two of them in each other’s company, Fanny looked from one to the other and back again. Her gaze filled with unasked questions.
Molly gave a quick shake of her head, willing her friend to keep her thoughts—and questions—to herself. At least until they were alone. Of all Garrett’s family, Fanny was the only one who knew how heartbroken Molly had been over his decision to leave her behind when he’d gone away to school.
“Did you need something from me?” Garrett asked his sister with the sort of gentle impatience only a devoted brother could pull off without offense.
“No. I’m here to see Reese—” she swallowed, broke eye contact, sighed heavily “—but Mrs. Singletary asked for a brief word with him.”
She scowled at her brother, as if sensing he was the cause for the interruption.
He merely smiled at her, which seemed to annoy Fanny all the more. “Don’t you have contracts to review, ledgers to balance, or some such work that requires your immediate attention?”
That earned her a dry chuckle. “I do.”
“Then I suggest you get back to it,” Fanny snapped, her tone unusually curt.
Garrett dipped his head at a curious angle, his only reaction, but a telling one from a man who never showed his inner thoughts to the world. It was obvious to Molly he was concerned about his sister. She was concerned about Fanny, too. Her friend seemed troubled about something.
As if sensing Molly was the best one to address the situation, Garrett gave a stiff nod of his head. “Ladies.”
Looking perplexed, and a little apprehensive, he moved reluctantly back toward his office, as if he wasn’t fully convinced leaving his sister in this state was a good idea. When he caught Molly’s eye, she gave him a short nod, a silent promise to take care of Fanny. He smiled then.
And she smiled, too.
For a moment, the hostility between them faded away to nothing more than a memory.
“I’ll see you later tonight,” he said.
“Yes, you will.”
Snatching a quick breath, he shut the door between them with a resounding click.
Molly dragged in her own swift pull of air.
Glancing at her friend to determine if she’d noticed the revealing interchange, Molly caught a look of utter distress upon Fanny’s face. Something was wrong.
“Fanny?” She touched her arm. “What is it?”
“Not here.” Glancing to her right, then her left, she pulled Molly down the hallway, tugging her along until they were tucked away in a small alcove off the reception area.
Molly took stock of her friend. She’d never seen Fanny so agitated, or so unhappy. Fanny was never unhappy. There was always a ready smile on her beautiful face, her inner light even brighter since her engagement to Reese. Fanny’s amber eyes and golden hair coupled with Reese’s classic, dark good looks made them a stunning pair. They turned heads wherever they went.
Molly was pleased her friend had found a good man to marry, truly she was. Except…
Right now, Fanny looked anything but the happy bride-to-be. In truth, she looked tense, confused. Worried. “Fanny? What’s happened to upset you so?”
Fanny twisted her hands together at her waist, drew her bottom lip between her teeth, then sighed. “Molly, if I ask you a question you must promise to answer me truthfully.”
“All right.”
“How did you know when it was time to call off your weddings?”
The question dragged painful memories to the surface. She wanted to run, to forget she’d ever been engaged, but she owed her friend the truth. “I didn’t actually call—”
“Was there a moment when you looked at either of your fiances and thought he’s not the one I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with?”
Such a reve
aling question. “Oh, Fanny, are you having second thoughts about marrying Reese?”
“I…” Smoothing a shaky hand across her mouth, Fanny shut her eyes and groaned. “I don’t know what I’m feeling. I’m confused and…and…scared.”
“That’s understandable. Marriage is a big step.” Molly took her friend’s hands and gently squeezed. “It’s normal to have concerns.”
“Reese is a good man, the very best.” Fanny drew in a shuddering breath. “He gets along with my family, and I with his. But…”
“But…” Molly urged, letting go of Fanny’s hands.
“It’s nothing.” She crossed her arms at her waist. “I’m simply feeling weighed down over the wedding. The planning is getting out of hand, and I don’t want to let anyone down.”
What an odd choice of words.
“You could never let anyone down.” It wasn’t in her friend’s personality. “Everyone adores you, Fanny. Reese most of all.”
And why wouldn’t he? The woman was sweetly beautiful, well-educated, kind at the core. She never bent the rules, never made a mistake, never took a wrong step. Best of all, she’d met her counterpart in Reese.
“Your fiance is fortunate to have you,” Molly said, believing it with all her heart. “You’re perfect for one another.”
“Yes.” Fanny nodded, then quickly looked away just as her eyes began to water. “So everyone keeps telling me.”
Yet another odd choice of words.
“Fanny, whenever I have a tough decision to make, and need to organize my thoughts,” she began, desperate to help her friend, “I apply a simple formula to determine if I’m making the right choice.”
“You always were gifted at mathematics.” Sniffing softly, a shadow of a smile on her lips, Fanny swiped at her eyes. “All right, Molly, I’m listening. What’s your latest formula?”
“Well, there are only four variables to this particular equation.” There were always only four. “First, start with prayer. Next, spend quiet time in the Bible. Number three, trust the Lord’s guidance. And, finally, most important of all, follow your heart.”
It was sound advice, Molly realized, a simple yet profound formula she needed to apply to her own life, especially now that it seemed her path would cross Garrett’s on a regular, nay daily, basis.
