“What he means is that it’s high time everyone got together and got along, after all these years of feuding between the two branches of the Clayton family tree.” Jasmine’s mouth formed a firm line. “And for all those who think Cade and I are too immature to get married, putting on this dinner is going to prove to everyone that we are mature, capable adults.”
Mei’s eyes widened. “Oh, dear. Have you discussed this with Arabella?”
“Yes, and last night I called Brooke, Vivienne and Zach, too.”
“And they said…”
Jasmine’s cheeks flushed. “I admit it took some explaining. But honestly, it’s ridiculous to keep up all the hatred—as if the Claytons were the Colorado version of the Hatfields and McCoys, or something.” She took a deep breath. “Since I’ve been living with Arabella, I’m supposedly part of George’s ‘side,’ and Cade is part of Samuel’s. Our marriage is…”
“It’s going to be a bit like the Clayton version of Romeo and Juliet, to add another analogy,” Jack said dryly. “With a much better ending.”
“Exactly. But after this dinner I expect everyone to come to our Christmas wedding and behave.”
“Goodness.” Mei blinked and fell silent for a moment. “Have you thought about the expense of making such a dinner for so many people?”
“I’ve figured out the costs to a penny.” Jasmine grinned. “We’re using a good share of our wedding money to pull it off, but we figure we’re investing in our future.”
As happy as she appeared to be, this was only going to lead to trouble, as far as Jack could see. Then again, she hadn’t been in the room a few minutes earlier. If she’d overhead Pauley and Charlie, she would be thinking twice about her whole scheme.
“Is this wise?” Jack said tactfully, not wanting to share those unfortunate insights and add fuel to the flames. “There must be a lot of expenses ahead with the wedding.”
“Not really. My uncle Jonathan bought my wedding dress, and with all of the poinsettias at the church every year, I won’t need to add any flowers there—just my bouquet. Zach’s fiancée, Kylie, wants to be a wedding planner, so she’s been helping me with a lot of the details for free. And I’m going to ask everyone to bring their digital cameras and take lots and lots of pictures. We can crop and edit them on Cade’s laptop and I’m sure we’ll end up with a wonderful album.”
Jack blinked. He’d spent the past few months trying to convince Cade to wait a few more years to get married. When had all of this transpired? “You two are more organized than I realized.”
“That’s what I want to prove. And we also want to be a part of both sides of the family and not ever feel we’re caught in the middle.”
“Still, everyone ought to contribute something to this dinner. Most families do it that way so one person isn’t stuck with all the work.” Mei bit her lower lip. “What did my cousins say?”
“Just what you said. Vivienne, Arabella and Brooke have all insisted on bringing food. Not only that, but Kylie’s bringing something, too.”
“That makes four, and you can count on Lucas and me, too. I’m not much of a cook, but he and I can buy some of Arabella’s wonderful pies.”
Concern flashed in Jasmine’s eyes. “Have…um, have you heard from him yet?”
“No. But we will. I’m sure of it.”
Despite the determination in Mei’s voice, Jack could also hear a hint of worry, and from out of nowhere came the sudden impulse to go to her and give her a long, comforting hug.
He forced himself to stay put. “Lucas is one of the most intelligent, resourceful people I’ve met. He’ll probably show up any day now and wonder why on earth anyone worried about him.”
“That would be Lucas.” Mei gave him a grateful smile that wobbled a bit at the corners. “Though that streak of independence did get him in trouble a time or two when he was younger.”
He found himself glancing at her ring finger—no engagement or wedding rings there—and wondering what she’d been doing during the decade since high school. She’d been so beautiful, so shy back then, and though she’d been known as one of the smart kids, she hadn’t hung around with any of the cliques as far as he knew.
“I think I’ll leave these two kids for a while and have a cup of coffee,” he found himself saying. “Would you like to join me?”
Mei’s perfect, golden complexion suffused with delicate pink. “N-no…but thanks. I’d really better get going.”
She was gone in a flash, leaving a faint scent of lily of the valley in her wake.
Of course she’d say no. What had he been thinking? The past invaded Jack’s thoughts, tinged with the painful humiliation that had cut his pride so deeply back then.
The phone call from her hostile mother.
The visit from her father.
Both had been beyond irate after hearing an unfounded rumor about a relationship between Jack and their precious daughter.
No, he’d been put in his place back then, and the princess clearly felt she was out of his league still.
Maybe they’d bump into each other at Thanksgiving and Cade’s Christmas wedding, but even then he’d be sure to steer clear of her. Whatever small inkling of attraction he felt toward her was a complete waste of time.
“I’ll see you two later,” Jack said. A small envelope on the floor caught his eye as he stood. He scooped it up, turned it over. “Mei must’ve dropped this. It has her name on it.”
Cade chuckled. “Your legs are twice as long as hers. I’ll bet you can catch up before she even gets to her car.”
“That was certainly awkward,” Mei muttered to herself as she zipped up her jacket and walked down the sidewalk toward the hospital parking lot.
She’d expected to see only Cade there, not his brother. And seeing the reaction of Jack’s stepdad and his uncle Pauley when she stepped into Cade’s room had been nothing less than humiliating. They’d both shot a venomous look in her direction and then they’d practically bolted for the door. What was it with these people?
She’d been gone ten years. She’d never been a player in any part of the ridiculous family feud even when she had lived here. And sure—it was obvious that Samuel and his kin would like to see Grandpa George’s estate go to them. But shooting evil glances at her was hardly—
“Mei. Wait up.”
She shivered and turned toward the all-too-familiar face. Was he upset by her interruption up in Cade’s room and the way his other relatives had taken off?
“You dropped something.”
She eyed the envelope in his hand. MEI CLAYTON was written on the outside in block letters. “What is it?”
“It looks like an invitation. Maybe someone is holding a wedding shower for Jasmine or something.”
“If it is, I’ll be happy to attend.” But a crawling sensation moved up her arm as she started to accept it, and she withdrew her hand.
Her thoughts flashed back to high school, when she’d found similar notes with block lettering that had been stuffed through the vent in her hallway locker. The contents of those notes had haunted her for months. But surely history wouldn’t repeat itself after all these years. All of those kids back in school were adults now, and they had to be beyond such immature and hurtful behaviors. Weren’t they?
“What’s the matter?”
She felt a wave of revulsion. “I don’t want it. I don’t even want to open it.”
He cocked his head and searched her face. “You’ve received something like this before?”
She nodded. “High school. More than once.”
“Is it a threat? If it is, we need to address this. Now.”
“I’m sure it isn’t even signed,” she said matter-of-factly.
“Do you know who it’s from?”
She shook her head slowly, unable to take her eyes off the envelope in his hand.
“If you won’t open it, how about letting me take a look?”
Humiliation swept through her. “I’d rather you didn’t.”
&nb
sp; “Please.”
She sighed heavily. “Read it if you want to. But there’s nothing you can do about it. Just rip it up and throw it in the trash.”
His gaze fastened on hers, he slid a fingernail under the flap and lifted out the small card inside. He read it. Then slowly looked up at her.
She forced herself to meet his gaze, fearing what she would find. Pity. Disgust. Knowing that he’d just read what she’d been told in similar notes years ago—that she was an outsider here and always would be. A stupid, anonymous note would mean nothing…except it confirmed how she’d always felt around her grandfather, her cousins and the people in this town. Lonely.
Instead, a muscle worked at the side of his jaw and his eyes blazed with anger. “This is trash, Mei. Pure and simple. You need to at least show it to Zach so he knows that someone resents you this much.”
“How would that help? It’s not signed, right? It therefore isn’t worth Zach’s time.”
“But now it isn’t just some vicious, immature person trying to hurt you. Now there’s an inheritance at stake,” he argued. “Over a million dollars and a lot of prime Colorado real estate, from what I hear. What if this threat escalates?”
She suppressed a shiver. “I’m not the only one they can go after to break the will.”
“But Brooke, Vivienne and Zach have been here longer, so they are more established now…and Arabella has been here all her life. That leaves you and Lucas as the most likely targets—except your brother is out of reach for the time being.”
She nodded slowly. “Do whatever you want.”
“But it’s not just the inheritance. Someone is trying to make you feel unwanted, to drive you away from your own family, and that just isn’t right. You need to discuss this with your mom and work things out. It would be better than letting some little piece of your heart wonder if these notes are true.”
Though she hadn’t intended to waste a glance at the typewritten note, her gaze dropped of its own accord. As before, every letter was capitalized—and she didn’t even have to read the whole thing to realize she’d been right.
She knew every word by heart, because she’d gotten this message before.
YOU DON’T BELONG HERE. YOU NEVER DID. YOU SHOULD GO BACK WHERE YOU BELONG AND NEVER, EVER COME BACK OR SOMEDAY YOU’LL BE SORRY.
Chapter Five
Mei opened up another cardboard box and sighed as she glanced around the rental cottage. There were at least another five boxes left, and she hadn’t even begun to work in the kitchen. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you helping me move in, Viv. You could’ve found more enjoyable ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.”
“We’re all just so glad you came back early,” Vivienne Clayton said with a quiet smile that emphasized the deep dimple in her left cheek. “We don’t get to see each other very often.”
“And not even when we were kids.” Mei had few illusions about the depth of the relationships she’d had with her five cousins while growing up. Painfully shy, bookish and awkward, she’d been last chosen no matter what the playground games were in grade school and too reticent to participate in any high school activities and sports later on. She’d always felt like an outsider. The one who didn’t fit in.
She knew Vivienne’s enthusiasm was based on relief that one more cousin had shown up to meet the terms of their grandfather’s will. But that was fine. Mei was a big girl now. She didn’t expect close relationships to bloom where none had existed before.
“I really appreciate your call last week about my brother. I came as soon as I could because I didn’t want Mom trying to deal with his disappearance alone.”
Lifting an emerald green silk blouse from a box, Vivienne put it on a hanger and fastened the top two buttons. “How did she take the news?”
“Despite the friction between her and Lucas, she’s certainly worried.” Mei managed a faint smile. “My mom is a master at keeping her emotions in check in front of others—even family—until she suddenly has a big melt-down.”
“Poor thing. I don’t think she has many close friends. Maybe you can encourage her to become more involved. The Church Care Committee is always looking for new members.”
Mei folded a sweater and put it into a dresser drawer. “She changed after Dad died. She’s so withdrawn.”
Vivienne pulled another blouse from the box and hung it in the closet. “I can’t imagine my life if Cody and I broke up—not that it will ever happen.” The glow in her eyes and the warmth in her soft, lovely voice confirmed how devoted she was to her fiancé.
“You two are very lucky,” Mei murmured. “It isn’t often that someone finds their perfect match.”
Vivienne laughed. “It took me a while to realize it, though.”
Mei lifted an eyebrow. “Cody Jameson is one very good-looking cowboy, as I recall.”
“And the nicest, most thoughtful man I’ve ever met.” Vivienne removed a silk shawl from the packing box. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay in the main house? I mean, this cottage is lovely, but it might be kind of lonely.”
“Mom offered, but it’s better that she and I have our own space.” Mei opened another cardboard box, one of a dozen she’d crammed into her Blazer for the trip to Colorado. “You haven’t lived here since high school, either. Was it hard to come back?”
A small, secret smile lit Vivienne’s eyes. “I thought leaving ranch country for the bright lights was my ultimate dream. Little did I know.”
“It wasn’t?”
Laughing, she flapped a hand in casual dismissal. “I loved attending Le Cordon Bleu, and making sous chef at a fancy New York restaurant was cool.”
“It must have been.”
“But…” Vivienne’s big blue eyes took on a dreamy expression. “Believe it or not, falling for a rancher and cooking for cowboys has proved to have a lot more appeal. Who would’ve thought?”
Storybook happy endings were so far outside Mei’s realm of experience that she felt a twinge of longing. An image of Jack slipped into her thoughts, but she quickly shoved it aside. She’d never met anyone else who could give her just an offhand glance and make her shiver clear to her toes. But he’d never shown a glimmer of interest in her and that wouldn’t change.
“Daydreaming about finding some handsome cowboy while you’re here?” Vivienne teased.
Mei shook her head. “There’d be no point. I’m leaving town in exactly eleven months, twenty-nine days. But I’m really happy for you, Viv.”
“That’s so sweet of you. I don’t think we’ve actually sat down for a good talk in years.”
Not ever, really, and Mei found herself enjoying the opportunity. “Seeing everyone at Grandpa George’s funeral last July was surreal, the way we’ve all changed so much since high school.”
“I wish Lucas had come, though.” Vivienne reached for Mei’s hand and held it tight. “We’ve all been praying for him. God is with him. I’m sure of it.”
Mei nodded, unable to find the right words in response. What would it be like to have the complete faith in God’s presence that Vivienne and Mom seemed to share? Mei prayed, but whether God ever chose to listen to her was another matter.
“I’ll help you put away your groceries, and then I’d better be off. I have to get back to the ranch.” Strolling to the island separating the living room from the little kitchen, Vivienne started shelving canned goods in the pantry cupboard.
Mei wiped out a cupboard and began shelving an array of spices. “At first I thought the stipulations of Grandpa’s will were crazy.”
“I agree. But,” Vivienne added with a twinkle in her eye, “coming back here brought Cody and me together, so I’d be the last person to complain.”
“Strange, isn’t it? Grandpa George never showered love on anyone while he was alive. And yet, the stipulations of his will have led four of his grandchildren to someone they love very much.”
“He’d roll over in his grave if he knew he’d inadvertently played cupid. Maybe you�
�re the next target,” Vivienne teased. “One perfect man, coming up!”
Mei rolled her eyes at that. She’d been painfully shy and withdrawn as a child. And romance? She’d never been lucky in that department at all.
Vivienne tipped her head. “Well…?”
“I’m heading back to San Francisco the minute my year is over. The last thing I want are ties to this town.”
“We heard you went to China a while back. Did you enjoy it?”
“Loved it. I taught in an American school for a year and traveled the country whenever I could.” At the gentle, knowing expression in Vivienne’s eyes, Mei sighed. “And yes, I did try to trace my roots, just out of curiosity. No luck.”
“It sounds like a great adventure, though.”
“The country has a rich history, and the scenery was incomparable. I loved the students—bright, polite and just so eager to learn. But afterward I found a job in San Francisco, and it’s the best I’ve ever had. The principal says she’ll welcome me back as soon as I’m finished here.”
Vivienne smiled warmly. “Good for you.”
“I’m just glad I kept up my Colorado license so I can teach here.”
“Wow.” Vivienne’s voice was filled with awe. “I’ve heard turnover is rare in the schools around here.”
“Mrs. Sanders had twins and is out for the rest of the school year.”
Vivienne’s eyes twinkled. “You’d think the principal would’ve planned a little further ahead for a sub.”
“They had one, but he fell on ice and broke a hip.”
Vivienne gazed at her. “I’ll bet your mom is happy to have you back home for a while.”
“In her own way, maybe.” Mei debated about telling her cousin about the note she’d received. But what would be the purpose? Vivienne couldn’t do anything about it. And, she admitted to herself, it would be embarrassing to reveal that someone thought she deserved such a hateful message. “So…any interesting news around here?”
Vivienne shrugged. “Vincent was fired by the local mine last summer. You probably heard that Uncle Pauley is the unpaid part-time mayor now—a fact that gives me chills. I just hope the town treasurer is watching the purse strings. And far as I know, Uncle Charley still hasn’t worked a day in years. How he still gets away with being on disability and playing golf on the weekends I’ll never know.”
The Loner's Thanksgiving Wish (Love Inspired) Page 5
