Aimee (A Time for Love Book 3) (21 page)

“Don’t you think giving his wife what she wants and needs would make him happy?” Frank asked. “That’s one of the marriage preparation questions, by the way.”

“Marriage preparation?”

“Yes. When I was stuck in bed after my surgery, Edwina brought me a little light reading, including the marriage preparation workbook. She didn’t slip you one?”

“No.” Aimee wondered why not.

“It’s over there somewhere.” Frank waved his hand at a stack of books near the edge of the table. “I think the exact question was, ‘What sacrifices would you be willing to make for your spouse?’”

Apparently Frank had not only received the marriage workbook, he’d also been reading it. What did that mean? Aimee didn’t want to say anything to discourage this venture into personal territory, so she just nodded.

“To me, the ultimate sacrifice is not becoming someone’s spouse if you don’t believe you’re the best person for him or her.”

Aimee’s breath caught. Was he trying to tell her why he had left? “Shouldn’t both people have a say in a decision that big?” she asked.

“Maybe not, if only one person is seeing the situation clearly.”

“What if that person isn’t seeing the situation as clearly as he thinks? Don’t you think both people should have a say?”

Frank looked at her as if measuring her words. His gaze was steady, although more guarded than when they had first met. Aimee waited, and finally Frank’s expression softened.

“You think couples should always talk things out, right? I’m from a time when the man was typically responsible for making the tough decisions and seeing that they were carried out. But you’re right. No one is infallible. Two heads are better than one, and all that. I’ll try to remember, next time.”

Next time? Next time in general or next time for the two of them? Aimee tried to keep her expression from changing, but she couldn’t help the little smile that lifted the corners of her mouth. “I’m sure any future spouse would appreciate it.”

They returned to their discussion of her business plans, but as Aimee gathered up her papers before she left, Frank rearranged his books so the marriage manual was on top. When he saw that Aimee had noticed it, he said casually, “I could ask Edwina to get you a copy, if you’d like.”

This time Aimee couldn’t keep from smiling. She turned away so Frank wouldn’t see. “Sure, why not? It sounds like interesting reading.”

Frank kept his word. He walked to the landing with Aimee and called down to Edwina. She appeared in the foyer below. When she heard Frank’s request, she paused, wiping her hands on the embroidered apron she wore.

“Of course, dear,” she called to Frank and motioned for Aimee to follow her.

“See you tomorrow,” Aimee said to Frank.

She started down the stairs, but he reached for her arm, and she froze. It was the first time he’d touched her voluntarily since their return, and his fingers felt warm through the thin cotton of her blouse.

“Thank you for being so patient,” he said quietly. He squeezed her arm gently and then disappeared into his bedroom.

Aimee continued down the stairs. The aroma of the stew Edwina was cooking filled the foyer, and Edwina emerged from the kitchen to offer her a paper-wrapped parcel.

“Here’s the workbook. If you’re sure it’s what you want?”

“Yes, please.”

Aimee’s words were quiet, but she could tell that Edwina sensed the excitement behind them. She handed Aimee the book. Aimee thanked her and made herself wait until she got home before she tore off the brown wrapping.

The glossy cover featured a bride and groom, holding hands and gazing at each other. The picture was shot out of focus, with a gauzy effect, but the groom looked like Frank, while by an amazing coincidence, the bride with her long, jet-black hair, could almost be Aimee. The title was emblazoned across the top:
A Time for Marriage
.

Was she being too optimistic in thinking that this book was a signal? What did Frank mean when he said she’d been patient long enough?

Whatever happened, she would be ready. She snuggled up in her favorite armchair, opened the book, and began to read.

“Ready to go?”

Aimee was waiting at the doorstep to Edwina’s townhouse. Frank’s doctor had cleared him to resume normal activities, as long as he was careful, although he still had a round of physical therapy to complete. Aimee was taking him out to celebrate.

“Definitely! I feel like I’ve been cooped up inside for months!”

Frank’s expression was cheery, but his movements were slow and cautious. He’d lost weight since he’d left St. Louis, and although he didn’t look as frail as he had in the hospital, he hadn’t regained the health and vigor he’d once radiated. Aimee had to hold herself still to keep from helping him down the stairs. He wouldn’t appreciate it, she knew.

Edwina watched until Frank was settled in the passenger seat of Aimee’s car and then waved goodbye. She had taken excellent care of Frank, cooking for him and giving him the run of her spacious house and its brick-walled garden, but Aimee got the impression Frank was happy to escape from her care for the day.

“Where are we headed?” Frank asked as Aimee pulled out into traffic.

“There’s someone I want you to meet.”

She navigated the now-familiar route to Joe’s Bakery. The red-brick building was starting to feel like it was hers, although she kept warning herself the deal wasn’t finalized yet. That week, she and Charlene had completed all the paperwork for her loan application and business plan. One of Charlene’s colleagues was reviewing it before they submitted her packet to a local organization that helped launch small businesses.

By the time they reached the bakery, the breakfast rush was over, and Aimee parked in front of the plate-glass window that showcased the baked goods. She planned to change the signage and freshen the paint, but otherwise change very little. Frank climbed out of the car and stood looking at the building, while Aimee waited to hear what he thought.

“So this is it,” he commented. “The future home of Cakes ‘n Cream?”

“I hope so.”

He nodded. “I can see it,” he said finally, and Aimee was excited to have his stamp of approval.

She had told Joe she would be bringing Frank by, and he had evidently been watching for them. He came to the door and motioned them inside.

“You must be Frank.” He extended his hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“I could say the same.” The men exchanged a friendly handshake, and Frank added, “This bakery is practically all Aimee talks about.”

“Come see it for yourself,” Joe invited.

He gave Frank a tour of the dining area and the kitchen. Frank looked around as if he were taking mental notes, and he asked the occasional question. Once the tour was over, Joe led them to a secluded table near the kitchen.

After Frank was settled in his chair, Aimee turned to Joe to give him the news she was bursting to share. “Charlene and I have finally finished all the paperwork. I’m submitting my loan application next week!”

“Wonderful! It’ll be approved. I just know it!” Joe gave Aimee an enthusiastic hug. “This woman’s going to be really popular soon,” he said to Frank with a grin. “I’ve sampled her baking, and it’s almost as good as mine! And speaking of my cooking, I bet you young folks are hungry. I’ll be right back.”

Frank looked around the bakery. “I’ve seen the pictures, but actually being here is different. I can see why you love it. This place is great!”

“Joe’s officially closing at the end of the month,” Aimee said. “I’ll take a few weeks for minor renovations, and I’m hoping to open in early December.”

“She’ll make it,” Joe said as he delivered two cups of coffee and a basket of mini pastries. “She’s got an excellent plan.”

“And lots of help,” Aimee added once Joe left. “Tish and Lucy are helping with the marketing and promotions, Charlene’s handling the legal work, and Lucas has volunteered to help paint. Mandy’s even offered to work as hostess for the grand opening! And, of course, I couldn’t have done it without your help with the books!”

“Any time.”

Aimee watched as Frank nibbled on a chocolate doughnut hole. He looked relaxed, but his face was a bit pale. Was he tired already? He glanced up and caught her watching him. “I’m glad you’re doing better,” she said.

“Me too.”

They sat for a moment, and then Aimee asked, “What was it like? The war? I saw a bit of it, but I knew I was only there for one day. It must’ve been different, to spend months in the trenches.” When Frank didn’t answer immediately, she added, “Or if you don’t want to talk about it, I understand.”

“It’s not that. I just don’t know how to describe it. At first, I was terrified. I didn’t mind the training so much, since no one was trying to kill me, except maybe the drill sergeant. But I knew things would get worse, and they did. Do you remember when we talked about change and how scary it could be?”

Aimee thought back to one of their early conversations. They had discussed how sometimes life seemed to jump the tracks. She nodded.

“You told me whatever was coming couldn’t be as bad as a bucketful of frogs. Whenever I was scared, like the first time I flew in a plane or crossed the Atlantic or heard enemy gunfire, I would remind myself that it’s not a bucketful of frogs.”

“Did it help?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know. It was a distraction, at least. But the point is, when Edwina sent me back, I didn’t consciously remember you, but that bit of conversation stuck in my mind. You weren’t completely gone.”

“I don’t know what that means. I don’t pretend to understand this whole time travel thing,” Aimee said, but she couldn’t help feeling pleased that he hadn’t forgotten her words.

“I had to do things I hated. Be someone I didn’t want to become. Learn how to hurt people. Watch friends and comrades die.” Frank’s expression was serious. “I never expected to make it back alive. I didn’t
want
to make it back alive, because I didn’t think I’d be able to live with the things I did. You can’t live in a state of terror forever, so eventually you just get numb to the danger, unless someone’s actually shooting at you, and you do what you have to in order to survive. When you brought me back, I didn’t want you to see me, to find out what I’d become.”

His words squeezed Aimee’s heart, and she reached across the table to clasp his hand. He didn’t seem to notice, just continued talking.

“When you kept coming to see me, I hoped that maybe someday, months or years from now, I’d be far enough away from all the images replaying in my mind that I’d be able to work on a normal relationship. Instead, there’s a veil over those memories. They hardly even hurt. It’s like they went from a huge, gaping wound to an old scar in just a couple of weeks. Maybe it’s the time travel or all the prayers I said or the excellent care you and Edwina provide. Whatever it is, I’m grateful. I can’t promise I won’t break down at some point in the future.”

“I don’t think anyone can promise that,” Aimee said dryly. She’d had her own mini breakdown after her split with Tom.

“But for now, everything seems possible. I miss my family and my old life, sure, but now I have so many choices. I have to figure out what I want to do. What kind of life I want to lead.”

He wasn’t shying away from personal topics now. In fact, the conversation was so intense, Aimee was getting nervous. What if he was leading up to dumping her again, or telling her he wanted to go back to Alabama?

When Joe returned to check on them, Aimee seized the opportunity to thank him and make their excuses. She hugged Joe goodbye and promised to stop by again the next day. He really was a dear, and she hoped he would be happy in California with his wife and son.

Once she and Frank were back outside, Aimee hesitated. Their next stop was only a few blocks away, but she decided that with Frank’s leg not completely healed, it was safer to drive. They stopped in front of a small shop with a red striped awning. The sign above it read, “Clem’s Extreme Ice Cream.”

“More food?” Frank raised an eyebrow. “Are you trying to fatten me up?”

“It’s strictly business,” Aimee said. “Come on, you have to taste their ice cream.”

Aimee had met with the owner a couple of times, but the teenage girl working the counter didn’t know her. Aimee and Frank both ordered vanilla waffle cones with a shot of flavoring syrup. Seating in the ice cream parlor was very limited, so Aimee led Frank across the street to a small neighborhood park almost hidden from street view by a line of trees, and they walked slowly along the stone-paved path.

Aimee was regretting the momentary panic that had caused her to cut short their time in the bakery. She hoped Frank would pick up the thread of their conversation, but he didn’t. Finally she asked, “What do you think of the ice cream?”

“Mmm, delicious!” Frank said. “And adding the syrup? Brilliant idea. I love the vanilla and hazelnut combination.”

“Good, because I’m planning to serve it.”

“You are?”

“Lucy and Tish both thought making multiple ice cream flavors in addition to the baked goods would be too much to start with. I’ve talked to Clem, and I’ll buy my basic types of ice cream from him. I’ll serve vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and a couple of sherbets every day. I can order more, add flavoring if I want to, or make my own ice cream for the more unusual flavors. But initially at least, I’ll be serving Clem’s.”

Frank swallowed a mouthful of vanilla. “I hope you negotiated a discount.”

“That’s why I need you,” Aimee teased. “Yes, I did. We’ll see how it goes. If the arrangement doesn’t work, I’ll look at alternatives.”

“I think it’s a smart decision,” Frank nodded.

They walked around a curve in the path, and Aimee spotted a bench beneath a maple tree whose leaves blazed a brilliant red-gold. Frank’s limp was growing more noticeable. Aimee didn’t want to call attention to it, so she sat without asking Frank. He joined her, and they watched a pair of squirrels as they scrambled through fallen leaves searching for acorns.

Aimee wanted to ask Frank about what he’d said just before they left Joe’s. Was he trying to tell her he was leaving? That he needed time away from her? He’d already pushed her away twice. She didn’t want to risk a third rejection, so she didn’t speak, and Frank didn’t either. He checked his watch a couple of times, and Aimee wondered if he was getting bored.

After he finished his ice cream cone, Frank tossed his paper napkin into a nearby bin. “Are you ready to go?”

He must be getting tired. They’d done enough for his first outing. Aimee tried to squash her disappointment. They’d toured the bakery, talked, and shared ice cream. What more did she want?

Aimee started the car. “Edwina will be glad we’re back early,” she said with determined cheerfulness.

“We have another stop to make,” Frank corrected.

“Where?”

“Turn left here.”

Frank directed her on a route that took them out of the central neighborhood where Joe’s was located and on a road heading out of the city. It took Aimee a few minutes to realize they were driving in the direction of her mother’s house.

“Are we going to visit my
mom
?”

“You’ll see.”

Frank refused to say anything more until he told Aimee to turn at the church they’d attended with her mother. After Aimee parked, Frank headed for the same basement door where Aimee had taken him on their last visit. Aimee half-expected to find her mother waiting inside, but the fellowship hall was empty except for the piano onstage and a couple of chairs placed conveniently near the stage. Frank seated Aimee in one of the chairs.

“Our last time here didn’t end well,” he said. “I thought we should replace that memory with what will hopefully be a better one.”

He left Aimee in her chair and stepped onto the stage. He pulled out the piano bench, sat, poised his hands over the piano keys, and turned to Aimee. “This is for you.”

He plunked out the notes of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” just as Aimee had taught him during their piano lesson. When he finished, he stood up and bowed, while Aimee clapped. He took the seat beside her.

“I like to think of it as our song,” he said. “Mostly because it’s the only song I can play right now. But I think it represents our relationship.”

His expression was serious, and Aimee didn’t know whether to laugh. She felt her pulse quicken. What was he saying?

“When I left, you followed me. I never expected you to or thought for one second that you would be put in danger because of me. Now it’s my turn to say that I’ll follow you. Anywhere that Aimee goes, I’ll be sure to go. If you’ll have me.”

He took Aimee’s hand, and she met his eyes. The lifelessness that had worried her was gone, replaced by determination and maybe a flicker of nervousness.

“Aimee, I know we still need to learn to disagree, not destroy. To find out how to pamper our partner and forge a fireproof family and all the other things in Edwina’s two hundred-page workbook.”

He really had been studying the book, Aimee registered, while at the same time, she could hardly breathe, afraid to spoil the moment.

“Aimee, will you enter Marriage Preparation with me?” he asked.

Aimee looked at his serious face, with its square jaw and steady eyes. She couldn’t think of anything clever to say, so she settled for a simple, heartfelt word. “Yes!”