Small-Town Bachelor

by Jill Kemerer

  “I’ll have to pass this time.” He had some making up to do. Starting with Jake. “Would you mind dropping me off at Jake’s apartment?”

  “Not at all. Have you there in a jiffy.”

  They drove through terrain familiar to Reed. The DeMarcos’ house—roof repaired last week. Claire had taken plenty of before and after pictures. He could still see her sparkling eyes as she snapped the photos. Miss Gert’s place—new sunroom to confine Whiskers. Reed’s gut clenched at the sight of fresh lumber stacked outside JoJo’s Jewelry. He and Claire had personally spent an hour with JoJo’s husband, now in his eighties, discussing what was best for the store, even though JoJo had died years ago and their daughter now ran the shop. That was what Reed liked about Claire—she cared. She cared about the people who had started it all.

  Reed glanced at Dale. Window rolled down. Late sun hitting the dash. Contentment filled his weathered face.

  Lake Endwell would get along fine without Reed Hamilton. Just fine. So why did he have a sinking sensation in his soul?

  Dale parked in front of Jake’s apartment. “Call if you need a ride home, son.”

  Son. The sinking sensation deepened. “Thanks. I will.”

  Dale drove away, and Reed called Jake on his cell phone. “Hey, can you meet me out front so I don’t have to walk up the steps with my crutches?”

  Jake loped down the steps, looking as if he hadn’t slept in days.

  “Hey, man.” Jake rubbed his hands over his stubble. “What brings you here?”

  “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

  “Yeah, well...”

  In person, Jake’s sadness seemed more real, as if Reed could reach out and touch it. Life was easier to handle when he was in Chicago. A couple calls a month and his duty was done. But this? What could he say?

  “Is there anywhere outside we could sit?” Reed craned his neck to find a common area.

  Jake let out a pitiful sigh. “Over here.” They walked past a row of apartments to a small courtyard with benches and flowers. “I guess you heard.”

  “Yeah.” Reed nodded.

  “I miss her.”

  “I know.”

  “Every time I think about her, I wonder what went wrong. I tried to get our wedding pushed up as soon as possible, but everything I did made her mad.”

  “None of this was your fault.”

  “Easy for you to say. You’re not in love with the most infuriating and beautiful female in the county.”

  How to respond to that line of reasoning?

  “I don’t want to talk about her anyhow.”

  Good. Reed didn’t know what to say, so not talking about Libby made that easier.

  Jake gestured to his cast. “How’s your leg? Ready to get back to work?”

  “Yeah. I’m going back soon.”

  “Don’t sound so enthusiastic.” The hint of a smile crossed Jake’s lips.

  “I’m nervous. Not about being vice president, but there’s a lot more paperwork than I expected.”

  “You seem to like organizing the buildings around town.” Jake thought a moment. “Why don’t you do it full-time?”

  “You mean quit my job?” He’d never—not once— considered quitting the place he felt most at home. He’d spent close to a decade building his reputation at Rockbend Construction. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—up and leave it. “No.”

  “You have enough skills to work in commercial or residential real estate. And you’d be coming to Michigan at a good time. A lot of the builders moved out of state when the recession hit. With the housing market picking up, there’s less competition. Higher demand.”

  “You seem to know a lot about this.” Reed tried on the idea, but it didn’t make sense, not when he had an incredible job waiting in Chicago. “I don’t want to work for a home builder. It would be too big a step down.”

  “Who said anything about working for one?” Jake leveled a “don’t be an idiot” look his way. “You have all you need to start your own company.”

  His own company.

  Reed had dreamed about it off and on over the years, but he also fantasized about running a marathon or spending a year in Europe. He had never run more than two miles, and he couldn’t see himself taking a year off for anything. The month in Alaska was the closest he’d ever come to a real vacation.

  “You could live in Lake Endwell. With the city nearby and all the small towns, you’d stay busy.”

  “Hold on.” Reed stretched his arm out. “I’m not starting a business in Lake Endwell.”

  “Why not?”

  “Town’s too small. I wouldn’t have enough work.”

  “Didn’t you hear a word I said? You’d have plenty of work. You could target the whole county. Building, remodeling, restoration—you name it.”

  “I can’t.” Reed curled his hands into fists.

  “Can’t or won’t?” Jake sounded mad. “Guess all my suggestions are stupid. Libby thinks so. You obviously do too.”

  “Hold on. I never said the idea was stupid. And you’re the smartest guy I know. I wouldn’t have lasted one semester in the engineering department, and you’re working for General Motors now.”

  How could he explain to Jake that Lake Endwell was too difficult for him? He already liked Claire and her family a little too much. That the overwhelming Sheffield embrace drew him in, made him want to be part of it, part of a family—part of their family.

  Reed couldn’t take losing them too.

  “Come on, Jake. Let’s order a pizza and watch the game.”

  “Maybe another time.” Dejection filled his tone. “I’ll take you home.”

  Great. Now he’d upset Jake. This was why he kept a distance and didn’t make an effort. He wasn’t any good at it.

  * * *

  The next morning, Reed drew a deep breath, clutched the stems of wildflowers in his hand and tottered on one crutch as he knocked on Claire’s door. He might not be good at making an effort, but he had to try. Claire deserved it.

  He wiped his free hand down his shirt. Why was he so nervous? He wasn’t a stranger to being around women. He’d brought girls flowers on occasion. In the past he’d been sure of himself, confident. But now? He wouldn’t be surprised if his voice cracked and sweat beaded on his forehead when she opened the door.

  If she opened the door.

  Maybe he should forget about this and go fishing for a while. Save them both the heartache.

  The door flung open, and there she was. Claire. Beautiful, kind, biggest-smile-he’d-ever-seen Claire.

  Her eyes lit like the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier. But they dimmed as quickly. She took a step back. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be out with Dad?”

  He thrust the flowers to her. “I heard the forecast say a tornado might be coming through. I figured we could weather it out together. For old times’ sake.”

  The momentary uncertainty he’d glimpsed dissolved when she laughed—the laugh he’d come to anticipate.

  “Get in here.” She waved him inside, lifting the bouquet to her nose and inhaling. “These are gorgeous. They smell good too. Thank you.”

  “So, the otters? How did your thing go?”

  “Good. Remember how I told you my friend Lisa owns the animal sanctuary? I went over there to see how Hansel and Gretel’s mother is doing. She’s getting around much better. And my interview with Tina went well. I think I have a good shot at the job.”

  “That’s great.” He took in her living room again, surprised at how much it felt like home. “How are the wild animals anyway?”

  “I’m assuming you mean my dear, sweet otter babies. They’re getting big,” she called over her shoulder on her way to the kitchen. He followed her. She opened a cupboard and found a crystal vase. “Want
to see them?”

  He wanted to see her. He couldn’t get enough—the graceful line of her arm as she flipped on the faucet. The way her hair fell as she arranged the flowers. The quick lift of her head and flash of a smile telling him how pleased she was he’d stopped by.

  He cleared his throat. Equally pleased. “Are they outside?”

  He and Claire settled in the lawn chairs and tossed rubber squeak toys to the energetic pair.

  “You never answered my question. Off day at the office? And by office, I mean Dad’s truck.” Claire blinked those hypnotizing eyes at him. A trace of bitterness seeped into her tone.

  I had to see you. You make me feel like the man I want to be.

  “No. I wanted to see you.” He tapped his fingers against his cast.

  The corner of her lips tipped up in an awkward smile, one that hinted she understood.

  Did she? Did she know how much she meant to him? How terrifying it was?

  Reed gripped the arms of the lawn chair. “I’m going to be brutally honest. Your dad wore me out.”

  Her laugh rang through the air. “Dad is full of energy.”

  And just like that, they were back to comfortable. Reed shook his head. How did she make it so easy?

  He brought his palms together. “If I beg hard enough, will you drive me to the restaurant later? I want to check the industrial outlets.”

  “Start begging.” Her chin tipped up, and playfulness crinkled the corners of her eyes. “A little flattery might help your cause.”

  He smiled. Flattery? No problem. “I need you, Claire. No one can drive an outdated, rusty four-door car like you. You make the drive smell good, like suntan lotion. Your dad’s truck smells like bait. Nightcrawlers, to be specific. And you’re prettier than your dad, but don’t tell him I said so. By the way, why don’t you own a newer vehicle? Seems like you’d get a discount.”

  She threw a tennis ball at his chest, but he caught it and grinned.

  “My car is not rusty. I’m attached to it. And yes, I’ll drive you. Not like I have anything else to do. I did research three veterinary clinics in Kalamazoo to apply for if the zoo job falls through, but I’m waiting until I get a definitive answer from Tina. And you need to prepare yourself for the Fourth of July celebration. It will be here this Thursday already.”

  “Fourth of July,” Reed said. “Summer’s passing quickly.” The otters groomed themselves in the sun. Funny little guys.

  “Soon you’ll be in your big corner office as the vice president, and, hopefully, I’ll be making the commute to the zoo every day.”

  “Yeah.” Leaving Claire in a few weeks had to happen, but the promotion sounded less promising than it had when he arrived in town. Jake’s suggestion trickled back, but he shoved it aside to think about later. “Talked to Libby lately? Jake’s a mess.”

  “She’s been keeping to herself.” She lifted one tanned shoulder. “I hope they work it out. They seem right for each other, you know?”

  “Yeah, they do.” He hesitated. Now that he was here, he had questions. Questions he shouldn’t be thinking, let alone asking. “What about you?”

  “What about me?”

  “You told me a while back the pickings here were slim. But let’s say some great guy appeared. Would you reconsider?”

  Reed could kick himself. Why had he asked her that? Now she’d think he was hinting. Which he was. But wasn’t. Not marriage. Not him.

  “Reconsider what? Dating?” She looked nauseous. “No.”

  “More than dating. Marriage. Forever. Let’s say, an imaginary guy. One who loves animals and puts you first.”

  “I don’t know.” She mindlessly brushed dust off the arm of the chair. “Imaginary guys don’t exist. I don’t think about it much anymore. Did your broken leg get you thinking about forever, or did Jake and Libby have you pondering?”

  “Jake and Libby.” He grew serious. “I’ve never let a woman get close enough to share forever.”

  She flashed him a wide-eyed glance. “Why?”

  He shrugged. “Wish I had the answer, Claire.” The answer kicked him square in the chest. Fear. Normally, he’d shove that information right back into his subconscious, but not this time. “My mom’s death screwed me up.”

  She studied him. “Are you afraid of dying?”

  “Not today.” He grinned. “Eventually.” He ripped a piece of grass from the ground and twisted it. “The fear isn’t about me. I know God has a room prepared for me when my time on earth is over.”

  “You’re afraid of losing another family.”

  “Anyone I love.” He’d never admitted it before. Never put it in words. He’d lost too many people he loved.

  Wind rustled the leaves of the oak. Bright yellow and orange marigolds swayed. Peaceful.

  “I’m afraid of losing my family too. That’s why I don’t take living here for granted.”

  Of course she belonged in Lake Endwell with her family. The town had grown on him too. But what if six months from now things cooled between him and Claire? Her family and the community wouldn’t accept him the way they did now. And even if they did, he’d always be on edge. Wondering if he’d drive Claire away the way he had everyone else.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Are you comfortable?” Claire asked. “We can sit somewhere else if you want.”

  Sitting next to Reed in the pew Sunday morning brought flurries to Claire’s stomach. He smelled clean and masculine, and boy, did that dress shirt and crimson necktie look good on him! She bounced with anticipation at the surprise she had for him after church.

  “I’m fine.” He squirmed in his seat.

  “You are not.” She started to rise, but his hand on her arm stopped her.

  “We’re not moving.”

  She narrowed her eyes, but Libby’s cough from the other side of Dad got her attention. Libby, her face drawn, shot Claire a dirty look and mouthed, “Why is he here?”

  Claire almost rolled her eyes. Libby had been more than vocal about how she never wanted to see Jake or anyone in his family again. Too bad. Claire had been praying every night for the Lord to heal Libby’s heart. And though Claire constantly wrestled with wanting to swoop in and fix all of Libby’s problems, she’d refrained.

  Spending the past two days with Reed had helped. After their talk Friday, she drove him to the restaurant, then to job sites to check on their progress. Four of the five building owners approved the blueprints, while one wanted to add an apartment above for rental purposes. The new foundations were scheduled for Monday.

  As the pastor opened the service with a prayer, Claire added one of her own. Thank You for sending Reed to town. He breathed new life into this place.

  Reed’s deep voice joined the other congregants for the first verse of the hymn. As he began to sing “All Glory, Laud, and Honor,” her heart throbbed, expanded. She added another prayer.

  How did You know, God? How did You know I needed him? Reed’s important to me, one of my best friends. I know he can’t stay. But what will I do without him?

  Her heart whispered to pray for a way to be with Reed. She could not consider moving away from her family again. And not for a guy, even if the guy was Reed. Not when her dream job finally opened up. The whole thing was like a terrible case of déjà vu.

  And what if she started praying, only to end up in Chicago? What if she didn’t mean as much to Reed as he did to her? She’d be a Tuesday girl. Again. God wouldn’t be that cruel. He wouldn’t ask her to give it all up.

  Would He?

  Her hands grew clammy. She folded them together, gripping until the knuckles turned white. No point in thinking about it today. She still had time with Reed. Maybe her feelings would change. The attraction would fade.

  And in the meantime, she’d enjoy Reed for wh
at he was—a good friend.

  One she’d kissed. One she wanted to see every morning, afternoon and night.

  The service sped by, and soon they made their way onto the lush grass of the front lawn.

  “Reed, just the man I wanted to see.” Leroy Oakhurst, a congregant who Reed and Claire had contacted after the tornado, strode to them. “Can’t thank you enough for all you did for my uncle. His farm’s been here for over a hundred years. Now that the barn’s scheduled to be rebuilt, he acts twenty years younger.”

  Reed’s neck grew red, but he shook Leroy’s meaty hand. “Glad to help. Your uncle told me he’d wanted to replace the barn for some time. At least some good came out of this, right?”

  Leroy chuckled. “You can say that again. If I had known getting the barn up meant so much to him, I would have helped him long ago.”

  After Leroy left, Claire placed her hand on Reed’s biceps. Still muscle-y. “I have a surprise.”

  He leaned in close enough for her to feel his breath on her cheek. “What kind of surprise?”

  She gulped. “The fund-raising sign is ready. Want to help me pound it in place?”

  “Of course.” He followed her to her car. “Do I get to see it first?”

  She buckled herself in and grinned. “Nope. You have to wait until we install it.”

  “What if I turn around and sneak a peek? What are you going to do?”

  “Don’t you dare!”

  He laughed. Seconds later, she pulled in front of the white gazebo at City Park. She dragged the large wooden sign covered with a sheet from her backseat. “I’m popping the trunk. Grab the hammer and mallet for me, will you?”

  “Yes, boss.” Reed disappeared behind her car.

  She heaved the sign to the spot the park director and garden club had approved. Reed thunked behind her with the tools.

  “Want me to do this?” he asked.

  “You’re on crutches. I had Tommy stop by yesterday to get a hole started. All we have to do is get the post in, give the sign a few whacks and we’ll be good.” With Reed’s help, Claire maneuvered the sign into the hole, thumped the top with the mallet until it stuck in place and stepped back. “Want to unveil it?”