Family in His Heart (7 page)

“Ginger ale or cola?” he asked.

“Ginger ale is fine.”

He grasped the drinks, closed the fridge and opened the door. Rona stepped outside, greeted by the scent of grilled steak and the warmth of sunshine. She headed for the picnic table, but when she turned, Nick hadn’t followed.

Gary and Amy were at the grill and she watched them until Nick returned and placed a drink in front of her, then wrapped a sweater around her shoulders.

“Just in case,” he said. “The sun will be shifting to the front of the house in a while.”

The soft knit rubbed against her arms and she fingered the fabric. Cashmere, she guessed, a beige cardigan. She’d never seen him in a sweater, but she knew it was his by the size and the fragrance. She’d already gotten to know his musky scent.

She slipped onto the bench and drew her legs over the seat. Nick settled beside her with Gary and Amy on the other side. As Gary reached toward the steak platter, Nick grasped his hand.

“Let’s offer a blessing for the food.”

Gary gave him a look between embarrassment and irritation, and Rona had been too surprised to react. Nick was a Christian. She hadn’t guessed. He seemed too down to earth and real. Her mind flew back to her church days. She’d been real then, too, but her reality had been difficult and God hadn’t offered her any help.

Nick reached for her hand and she placed her palm in his. He closed his fingers over them and gave her hand a squeeze. “Heavenly Father, we thank You for this tremendous day, for sunshine and every blessing. We thank You for food and the company You’ve brought to this table. Bless this food and us as we enjoy it. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Rona mumbled an amen, too, surprised it had left her lips, but she was grateful for the company and the food that smelled so appetizing. She hadn’t had a home-cooked meal for a week and she knew this would be a treat.

Gary had snagged a steak first, eliciting a glare from Nick, then passed the platter to Amy. Next Nick took the dish and handed it to Rona. She eyed the large steaks looking for one that seemed the smallest. The potatoes, salad and a basket of crusty rolls were next.

They silenced as they delved into the good food. Sunlight beamed against Rona’s face and Nick’s company warmed her even more. The juicy steak sliced smoothly and melted in her mouth. She enjoyed the buttery potato and the tang of the dressing on the scrumptious salad.

Gary scarfed down the food and as soon as he’d finished, he suggested he and Amy leave. She eyed the rest of her steak but rose with him.

Nick reared upward. “I thought you’d like to visit a while, Gary.”

“Why? You told me I didn’t have to stick around.”

Nick released a sigh. “We have company.”

“She’s the housekeeper. Since when do I have to be friendly with a housekeeper?”

Rona wanted to stop the fiasco. “It’s okay, Nick. I understand. He has plans.”

“See your employee is smarter than you are, Dad.”

Nick swung his leg over the bench and rose, motioning to Gary to follow him. The boy gave an arched-brow look to Amy, who batted her eyes while Gary followed his dad inside.

Rona eyed the girl, wishing she could break the silence until Amy did.

“Gary’s dad doesn’t understand what it is to be a teenager.”

Rona controlled her frown. “But he was one once, you know.”

“That’s the olden days. Times are different.”

They were, Rona knew, but that didn’t make them right. “Love doesn’t change.”

She screwed up her nose and frowned. “What’s that mean?”

“It means Gary’s dad loves him and wants the best for him.”

“You think so?”

She nodded. “I know so.”

Amy gave a shrug. “Gary doesn’t think that.”

“Maybe you could—”

“Amy, let’s go.”

Gary’s voice surged across them and stopped Rona’s comment, probably for the best. “It was nice to meet you.”

Amy gave a nod and darted off to Gary.

In a moment, Nick returned and sank onto the bench. “Sorry. It’s what I’ve been dealing with for too long.”

She reached out and touched his hand. “It’s okay. Kids don’t always behave as we’d like. They think they come first and we’re just old fuddy-duddies.”

He chuckled. “Fuddy-duddies. I haven’t heard that expression in years.”

“That’s because you are—”

“One of them, I suppose.”

He laughed and gave her a playful hug.

His touch surprised her. Yet she loved it.

When she looked at his face, she realized he’d surprised himself. “I hope that didn’t—”

“You were only teasing.”

His eyes brightened. “You’re a good sport. And now that you’ve met Gary, you realize you’ll have to be a good sport to work here.”

“I’ll manage.”

His eyes widened. “Then you’ll take the job.”

She swung her arm toward the front of the house. “I haven’t seen the apartment yet.”

He grabbed her hand and gave her a playful tug. “Let’s get going.”

She stepped over the bench and ran along with him, the sun dancing at her feet, the breeze ruffling her hair. She felt free and relieved, the kind of feeling that had long evaded her. They hurried around the corner of the house, Nick still clinging to her hand, and she sprinted beside him down the hill, a much easier journey than going up.

When they reached the steps, he motioned her to go first. She took a drink of air and strode the steps to the landing. At the top she had a bird’s-eye view of the house.

Nick pushed the door open, then swooped her into his arms and carried her across the threshold. He lowered her to the ground, his hand sweeping the expanse. “I don’t want you to forget your first entry into what I hope will be your home.”

He’d startled her with the dramatic entrance, but she agreed with what he’d said. How would she ever forget being in his embrace? She’d felt the ripple of his brawn beneath his knit shirt and the pressure of his broad chest against her arm.

“I won’t forget,” she said, managing to hide her pleasure. When she had a moment to concentrate, she drew in the scent of lemon instead of dust and felt her mouth drop. Someone must have cleaned and, without a housekeeper, she figured it had to have been Nick. The idea touched her.

Though not as elegant as the house, the apartment was amazing. Terra-cotta-hued walls lent a rich look to the straw-toned trim. The upholstered furniture picked up the earth tones and added splashes of deep gold and rich salmon as did the accessories. The room had a sunny southwest feel that heartened her spirit.

At the far end, she looked out the broad window to the water and the clear view of the two islands and a hook of land off in the distance. The sun lit the lake with golden sparkles dancing on the waves. “It’s gorgeous.” She turned toward him where he remained at the door.

“A small kitchen is around the corner.”

He swung his arm in that direction and stepped forward.

Rona followed Nick past the small round table into the galley kitchen, small but neat and all she needed, with even a microwave and dishwasher.

“You treat your guests well.”

“Shouldn’t I?”

She shrugged, never having had a special place for guests.

From a door, he beckoned her forward, and that door led to the bedroom and bath. He waited as she stepped inside. Her heart lurched. Sitting on the pillow of the turned-down bed, she saw a chocolate candy wrapped in gold foil.

She eyed Nick and he grinned. “We aim to please.”

Rona wanted to hug him. Instead, she scanned the sprawling bedroom with a wonderful walk-in closet—too large for her small amount of clothing—and the bathroom with a shower and tub, everything a woman could want. “Amazing.”

“Glad you like it.” He stepped closer and rested his hands on her shoulders.

She stood nose to nose with him, wrapped in his scent, and her pulse skipped as she focused on his well-formed lips bracketed by smile creases.

When she raised her eyes to his, she realized he’d been studying her. His probing expression caused heat to creep from below her top to her neck, and though she willed it to stop, the warmth continued to rise. Their eyes locked and it seemed an eternity before she could pull away from his gaze.

“Why do I make you so uneasy?”

His question nailed her. She felt like elastic pulled to its limit and ready to snap. “I’m—” What? What caused her wavering emotion? She liked him. She sensed in the core of her being Nick was a good man, yet she felt as if she were standing on the brink of something. An abyss? Or heaven?

Tears welled in her eyes and Nick’s arm wrapped around her and pulled her close. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

She wanted to stay in his arms forever, feeling his chest against hers, his kindness and tender caring. She pulled her head back and looked into his eyes. “It’s nothing you said or did. It’s me. Things have happened so fast.”

She stepped back, reading his expression and fearing he thought she meant he’d come on too fast. “Your job offer. Bernie’s offer. I’m not used to so many things working out for the good.”

Silence fell over them. The sun drifted through the windows as tiny dust sprinkles danced on the air until they descended to the floor. He’d cleaned the apartment for her and left her the chocolate. She scanned the sunny room, the simple but comfortable furniture, the privacy, the view from the window. Home. These rooms would be her home. “This is almost too good to be true.”

“You’re happy?”

“Very.”

He shifted, leaving more space between them. “Does this mean, yes, you’ll take the job?”

“I’d be a fool to say no to a wonderful job and place to call home. Yes. It’s perfect.”

R
ona felt uneasy telling Bernie about the new job, but when she did, he only nodded. “I was afraid I’d lose you. You’re a good worker, Rona, and if ever you need a job, you’re always welcome back here.”

“Thanks,” she said, raising on her tiptoes to give him a big hug. He smelled of French fries and a hint of his delicious burgers, but she’d learned to love the scent.

“Look, I’ll see how fast I can get someone in here. Gerri’s been dropping by and apologizing for quitting. I feel sorry for her. She’d had some bad luck lately and I think dropping the tray was the last straw. She’s not a bad waitress…if she can keep her moods in control.”

Rona touched his arm. “Don’t rush finding someone for me.”

He tilted his head with a questioning look. “But you want to get out of the motel, I know.”

“Nick offered to let me move in as soon as I want. I’ll start work for him when I can.”

“Really? Or are you just saying that to make me feel better?”

“No, really. I’m going to move over there tonight after work. I need to pick up some groceries and things, but the apartment is furnished with most everything I need.”

“Then I’ll take the two weeks and see what happens. I might give Gerri a try while you’re still here.” He chucked her under the chin. “You’re a nice woman, Rona. I want the best for you.”

She gave him a wink. “You’re just trying to charm me.”

“Maybe,” he said, with a silly grin. “But I think the best man will win.”

The best man.
She studied his face and caught on. Nick. He thought something was going on. “No way, Bernie. No. It’s not like that. Nick’s a good man. He’s a Christian and not after me. And I’m certainly not looking for a lover or a husband. I had a husband once, and once was enough.”

“Not necessarily. You can have a bad steak, but when you get one that melts in your mouth, then you’ll love steak again.”

“Steak. Somehow it always comes around to food.” She gave him a playful poke. “It’s time you get some of that food under the warmer.”

He chuckled and went back to the grill.

Rona had been astounded that Nick had made her that offer. He said the apartment was empty and rather than her waste money on the motel for two more weeks, she might as well use it. She’d almost said no, but thinking about the lonely nights in the single room, she agreed and hoped she’d made the right decision.

When Bernie called to her, telling her an order was up, Rona loaded the items on her arm and headed for the table. Every time she stepped into the dining room, she scanned the tables, wondering if Nick had come in. Today she had been disappointed.

After refilling coffee, Rona cleaned off a couple of tables and slipped the generous tips in her pocket. The extra money always came as a welcome gift, and when she counted her tips at the end of the night, she’d been amazed to see how quickly her income had grown. Working for Nick would mean no monetary surprises. She’d agreed to her salary and the use of the apartment was appreciated beyond words.

She knew she could eat with the family, too, but it didn’t seem appropriate. Gary could come to resent her, and people might talk if they dropped by, so she decided that other than on rare special occasions, she’d cook her own dinners at home.

The clock hands inched as she anticipated the big move at the end of the day. When finally the small hand reached five, there was still no Nick.

When Dolores arrived followed by Mandy, Rona slipped off her apron, ate a bowl of soup and waited at a table out front. The minutes inched by and after waiting so long her neck had begun to ache from craning toward the doorway.

She rose and stepped into the kitchen. “Bernie, I’m going across the street to the market. If Nick comes, tell him I’ll talk with him tomorrow.”

“But I thought—”

She held up her hand and shrugged. “Plans can change. I’m not going to wait. He said five and it’s going on six.” Though she sounded noncommittal, she didn’t feel that way inside. Her neck ached but not nearly as much as her heart.

When she reached her sedan, Rona tossed her bag onto the passenger seat and slipped inside. After she shut the door, she leaned back and took a deep breath. Life had a way of disappointing her, but she could give him the benefit of the doubt.

She tried to quell her irritation, but couldn’t. She started the car and drove toward the piers farther along, angry at herself as she passed the E.S. Mertaugh Boat Works. On the other side of the building, she focused on the boat slips. Nick’s boat was there but not Nick. She glanced toward the place he parked his car. His SUV wasn’t there. She sped away, turned around when she could and headed to her motel.

Things happen, she kept telling herself. She’d learned that lesson over and over. Her whole life seemed to be filled with things happening, but not the things she wanted.

“I’m so pleased you called,” Shirley said, when she opened her front door and pushed aside the screen. “Come in.”

Rona stepped inside and gave Shirley a quick hug. The Bailey house smelled, as always, of baked goods and Rona allowed the comfort to wrap around her, controlling her disappointment.

Shirley motioned toward the living room and Rona followed her, settling where she had her last visit.

“Have some tea,” Shirley said, pointing to the coffee table where she’d placed a teapot. Her pleasant look took on a concerned edge. “Is something wrong? I heard it in your voice and now I see it on your face.”

So much for hiding her emotions. Rona tried to shake her head, but knew the older woman would pry it out of her, probably because she wanted her to. “It’s silly.”

“Apparently, it’s not. And if it’s important to you, then it’s important to me.”

Rona’s gaze shifted to the floor, trying to put her thoughts in order. Finally she lifted her gaze. “First, I accepted the job at Nick’s.”

“Nick’s?” Shirley’s questioning gaze changed to understanding. “Nick Thornton. The housekeeping job.”

“Yes.”

“I’m so pleased, Rona. I told you God had a way of working things out.”

Not wanting to go there, Rona let her own comment about God stay put in her thoughts. “It includes a lovely apartment.”

“So you have a job and a home. That’s wonderful.” She lifted a teacup from the table beside her. “I will admit I’m disappointed. I would have loved you here, but this is better. God shows us the way.”

Rona pursed her lips, then gave up. “Why do you say this is God’s doing. It could be just a plain old answer to circumstance. He needed a housekeeper. I needed a job.”

Shirley drew back and studied her. “For some reason, I thought you were a believer.”

Feeling chastised, Rona struggled for a response. Tell her the truth or just ignore what she said? Her shoulders lifted as she drew in a deep breath. “I probably was when I was a child.”

“But now you’re an adult and you know better?”

If she kept talking, Rona knew she would dig herself into a pit. “I don’t know anything. I just—”

“I didn’t mean to sound harsh.” Shirley leaned closer, her face softening to match the gentle look in her eyes. “We all have times when we question God. That’s part of being a Christian.”

She leaned back against the cushion. “When Sam died, I lived through shock, confusion and anger. I saw people who weren’t believers living the high life and my Sam, who was faithful to the Lord, had been taken from me. It didn’t make sense.”

“That’s what I mean. God doesn’t make sense.”

“God makes sense. He knows His reasons, and what He does has logic, but we just don’t understand it because we’re not Him.”

“We’re like puppets, then.”

“Puppets have no choices. They make no decisions. People pull a puppet’s strings. God gave us choices. He allows us to make mistakes so we draw closer to Him. If everything was perfect, we wouldn’t need the Lord. When times are tough, then we come to Him and He hears us.”

“So He sets us up for failure so we can come to Him with our faces spattered with filth. That’s a loving God?”

“We set ourselves up for failure. He gave you free will. You make choices. If we would only learn to listen to Him, to His Word and to the small whisper in our heart, we wouldn’t make bad choices.”

“So it’s all my fault.”

Shirley sent her a gentle look. “It’s
our
fault. We don’t trust God enough to give Him our whole hearts.”

What she said butted against Rona’s preconceived notions, each thought banging into the next. “How do you know this?”

Shirley pressed her hand against her chest. “It’s in here. When you were a little girl or even now, do you wake up running to the window to see if the sun is still in the sky?”

“No.”

“Do you know that spring follows winter, then summer changes to autumn, then winter returns?”

“Yes.”

“That’s how I believe in God. Because He created the world, and He has kept His promises. He waters the earth. He allows seeds to grow and He guides our steps.”

Rona wasn’t ready to take the blame for all the horrors that happened in her life. “You’re telling me God guides my steps?” She felt her back stiffen.

“The Bible says that a person can plan his course, he can choose what he’ll do next. God guides us, but we must listen. The Lord wants us to love Him by choice, not because He makes us love Him. Do you see the difference?”

Nick flew back into her mind. She wanted Nick to care about her because he wanted to, not because she made him. That she understood. So was that the same with God?

Rona nodded her head, her throat tangled in emotion. She wanted to ask Shirley to change the subject, to let her think, but she feared the woman wouldn’t stop.

“That’s enough,” Shirley said. “You have something to think about. Let’s enjoy the tea while you tell me what’s wrong.”

It was as if Shirley had read her mind, and Rona’s pulse heightened.

“Are you living on the island now?”

Rona swallowed her emotion. “Not yet. I gave Bernie a two-week notice, but he’s already looking, so—”

“Why waste money on a motel, then? Would you like to stay with me for the next two weeks?”

“I was supposed to move to the island today.” The words slipped out before she could think to rephrase them.

Shirley’s expression changed to understanding. “Supposed to? So that’s your problem.”

“Something came up.”

“You were disappointed. I’m sure you looked forward to getting into your new home today.”

Rona felt her head nodding in agreement. “He didn’t call, but I’m sure he has a reason.”

“I know he does.”

How did she know? Her comment grated on Rona’s nerves.

“It’s trust, Rona. Somewhere along the way you lost trust in people. Now you don’t trust Nick or the Lord. Just work on trust. It’ll all come back. I promise.”

Rona set down her cup and fell back against the cushion. Trust. Nick. The Lord. How did Shirley work her way through a conversation and end up where she started? Rona had no idea what to say. Instead, she glanced at her watch.

“I’d better be on my way. I have a few things to do yet.” Getting away was the main thing. Rona lifted her shoulder bag from the floor and stood, seeing the disappointment on Shirley’s face. “Thanks so much for the tea.”

“I hope you won’t be a stranger.”

“No.” She embraced the woman. “I’ll have time off.”

“I’m afraid I scared you away.”

“You didn’t. I really need to get home.”

She rested her hand on Rona’s arm. “Then let me leave you with one thought. ‘Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding.’”

The words smacked Rona. Shirley had finagled trust and the Lord back into the conversation. She meant well, Rona reminded herself. She turned the doorknob and stepped outside, giving Shirley a wave, then headed for her car hounded by a question.

If she believed she was right, why did Shirley’s talk about God and trust bother her so much?

Nick checked the time and leaned against his SUV headrest. He looked at the dark motel room and struggled with the situation. Why had this happened?

Rona seemed sensitive. He knew he’d upset her by not showing up earlier, but it had been out of his hands. He hoped she would understand.

Sometimes Rona grew so serious without any explanation. Yesterday in the apartment, he’d noticed her expression shift from a pleasant expression to a dark scowl. She did that on occasion and he was curious about what triggered the more serious look. He couldn’t deny that his own lighthearted feelings sometimes snagged on old memories and unexpectedly changed his mood.

Grateful Rona had accepted the job offer, Nick could only imagine how wonderful it would be to come home to living sounds in the house instead of the creak of a rafter or the skitter of a squirrel on the rooftop. They were lonely sounds and he longed for the day when laughter and happiness filled the house again.

He’d thought about dating. He’d even thought about marriage again one day. Gary needed a mother, but a big question held him back. He’d made mistakes in his marriage to Jill, but he didn’t know what they were. He saw her discontent and he had been at a loss to know what to do. Before he could figure it out, he’d seen his wife die with the turn of his head. The memory knifed through his gut.