by Kay Correll
“So do you. Just tired.”
“I am happy. It’s wonderful singing with Chase. When I’m on the stage I almost forget about how exhausting it is to get to that moment.” She shrugged. “But I wouldn’t give it up. Wouldn’t give up Chase. It’s just been a big change.”
“I’ll say. From running the gallery to country singer. You get the award for biggest change for the year.”
“I don’t know. You became a married woman.” Sophie raised an eyebrow.
She smiled. “That I did.”
“I’m glad you came back for Autumn Arts Weekend concert.”
“Wouldn’t miss it. Couldn’t miss it. It’s just such a big part of me.”
“Well, I’m glad it is, because I miss you.”
“I miss you too. FaceTime and Skyping aren’t the same as seeing you in person.”
The server brought their margaritas, and they began to talk as if they’d just spoken yesterday. Always in sync. Always starting up just where they’d left off the last time.
She’d missed Sophie so much while her friend had been on the road this year, but she was so happy for her. Sophie was so vibrant and alive when she was singing. And it was obvious that Chase adored her.
Ah, but she did miss having Sophie around all the time.
She raised her glass. “To best friends forever.”
“Forever,” Sophie echoed.
Chapter 17
Harrison pulled his car into the driveway at his grandfather’s cabin. He was determined to use this evening to feel out Walt and see if he could figure out what his cousin was up to. Somehow, he knew deep in his bones that Walt was not giving his mother a fair deal or telling the whole truth.
He crossed to the front door and knocked. Seemed strange to knock after so many times of just bursting through that door and into the hug from his grandmother when she’d still been alive. He was young when she died, but he still remembered her. After that, it had been the firm handshake of his grandfather greeting him. His grandfather had kept up the tradition of inviting him to the cabin every summer even after his grandmother died. Harrison thought his grandfather even began to look forward to it each year. The man had been so lonely after his wife died.
The door swung open, pulling him from his thoughts.
“Come in, come in.” Walt swung his arm wide, motioning Harrison to come inside as if Walt owned the place.
That in and of itself got under Harrison’s skin. He walked inside and swept his glance over the familiar room. He swallowed as memories assaulted him. Not much had changed, and a wave of nostalgia engulfed him. He steadied himself against the rush of emotions. His grandmother, his grandfather, his mother. So many good memories.
He turned to look at Walt.
And some very bad ones, too.
“Come on in. Here, what would you like to drink?” Walt walked over to the bar.
“Got a beer?”
“Sure.” Walt opened a mini-fridge under the bar. “Take your pick.”
He grabbed a bottle, twisted off the cap, and took a swig. Walt made himself a bourbon on the rocks.
He glanced over to his grandfather’s study. The door was closed, so he got no glimpse of his grandfather’s beloved sanctuary.
“Sit down. Catch me up on your life.” Walt was being more friendly to him than he’d ever been, acting like nothing had happened to blow their tenuous cousin relationship apart all those years ago. And it hadn’t been that good to start with.
Walt lumbered over to the couch and sank down into the cushions. His cousin had lost his hard football player body and even struggled a bit for breath as he walked around. Such a role reversal from the jock Walt had been and the pudgy nerd Harrison had been.
Harrison took the seat across from Walt so he could watch his face while they talked.
“So, what brings you to town? I assume Aunt Ellen sent you with the papers? She could have done it all electronically, you know.”
“I do know.” Harrison took another swig of beer, eyeing Walt.
“It’s a fair deal, don’t you think? Now that she’s in that retirement place, I’m sure you’d like a nice chunk of money to help pay for everything.”
So Walt had been keeping up with how his mother was doing or at least where she was now. He decided to just not answer Walt’s question but ask one of his own. “So, how long have you been living at the cabin?”
“Moved in after Grandfather died. Didn’t want the place to go empty and get all tired looking. I was the only one around to take care of it. It’s been my responsibility, all alone, all this time. I’ve been taking care of it, using my own money.”
Harrison looked around the place. Everything looked exactly the same as it had the last time he’d been here, only older and more worn out. He’d noticed the roof was in need of repair as he pulled up. And did Walt think he hadn’t looked at the trust financials? He knew darn well that Walt had turned in every repair bill for the trust to pay.
So, twenty years or so. Living rent-free in a paid-off house. Nice deal.
“I really do need Aunt Ellen to sign those papers. I’d hate to lose out. We’ve got a really good deal with this buyer. Who knows when someone else might come along. Cash deal. Really nice.”
“So, are they going to renovate the cabin?”
“Oh, sure. I’m sure they will. Update it a bit.”
Harrison pinned his lying cousin with a look. “Really? Then what’s this I heard about you getting this land rezoned for condos?”
Walt’s face turned red. “Well, that’s just in case, you know. Wanted us to have lots of options for the sale.”
“So, the buyer isn’t going to put up condos here?”
“Well, I can’t control what a buyer does, now can I?” Walt blustered.
“Walt, do you even know how to tell the truth?” He set his empty beer bottle on the table beside him.
“What do you mean?” Walt’s face flushed an even brighter shade of red.
“You never seem to have a problem with lying to people. Even your family.”
“If you’re talking about that misunderstanding all those years ago…” Walt slurped a sip of his drink, the ice cubes rattling in the glass.
“It wasn’t a misunderstanding. You lied.”
“Well, you didn’t live here full time like I did. I would have been thrown out of school. Lost my scholarship to college.”
“If you’d told the truth and admitted what you did?” Harrison narrowed his eyes.
“Well, you were leaving soon anyway, and I figured it would all blow over by the next summer.”
“Ah, but it didn’t, did it?”
“How was I supposed to know that it wouldn’t just… work out?”
“And it never occurred to you to tell Grandfather the truth?”
Walt set his drink down. “I don’t know why you’re bringing up ancient history. It doesn’t really matter anymore, now does it? We were just kids.”
“It pretty much ruined the relationship between my mother and Grandfather. You know she rarely came back after that… and I’ve never returned.”
“Figured you were just busy with your life and didn’t have time for a small town like Sweet River Falls.”
He’d had enough of Walt’s lies. “I should be getting back to the lodge.”
“So you’ll talk to your mother? We really should get this deal wrapped up.”
“I’ll talk to her.” And he would. But he’d tell her exactly what was going on here. He didn’t trust Walt one little bit. The man had not changed.
“Well, come back by anytime.” Walt said it as if he had the right to invite Harrison to the cabin. That cabin that was by all rights half Harrison’s… well, half his mother’s.
Harrison stood, gritting his teeth against the anger surging through him.
“Talk to Aunt Ellen.” His cousin’s demanding tone only served to fuel his anger.
Harrison turned and walked out of the cabin and into the cool night,
dragging in deep breaths of the pine-scented air, trying to calm his jangled nerves and tangled emotions. He harbored such resentment toward Walt from when they’d been boys. After what he’d done. Was that clouding his judgment now?
No, he didn’t think so.
He drove slowly back to the lodge and parked his car in front of the cabin. But instead of going inside, he walked to the lake and climbed up on the rock overlooking the lake. Nora’s favorite rock.
As mad as he was at Walt for lying to him, he knew Nora now felt the same way about him. He had lied to her. It was a lie of omission, and it had been to protect his mother’s interests, but still. He needed to try to make things right with her.
If she’d ever speak to him again…
Chapter 18
Harrison walked out into the crisp morning air, determined to find Nora. He headed along the path by the lake. A lone blue heron waded at the water’s edge. It paused and stood looking at him as if sizing him up. He smiled at the bird and waved, as silly as that was. The bird took another long look at him, then a few gangly steps, and it took off and flew across the lake.
He continued along the path and ran into Mac at a bench beside the lake.
“Harrison.” Mac’s voice was no longer friendly and welcoming.
“Morning, Mac.” He kept his voice deliberately friendly and cheerful. “Beautiful day, huh?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I’m looking for Nora.”
“She doesn’t want to see you.” Mac stood and faced him. “I won’t have you hurting her. Beth’s mom means the world to me.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt her. I was actually headed to talk to her and explain everything when we ran into Walt.”
Mac eyed him with an unbelieving look.
Harrison sighed. “I was trying to keep my real identity a secret while I tried to figure out what Walt was up to. You see, my mom owns half-interest in the property. I was checking things out for her. I was afraid if Walt knew I was in town, he might cover his tracks. I think he’s trying to swindle my mom.”
Mac frowned. “Your mom owns half the property?”
“Yes, and Walt sent her sale papers to sign, but… well, something’s not right. But then I’ve never been one to trust Walt.”
“You got that part right.” Mac nodded.
“So I wasn’t exactly trying to keep secrets from Nora. I just… I didn’t want anyone to know. I had to put my mom’s interests first. But then when Nora and I—well, as we got closer, I knew I should tell her who I was. Explain why I hadn’t told her Walt was my cousin.”
“But you’re here to get those papers signed. You’re just trying to get your mother a fairer deal?” Mac’s eyes narrowed.
“Now that I’ve been back here… I’m not sure Walt’s making the right decision. And if indeed the property is going to a condo complex, I don’t think my mother will sign. Anyway, I was here trying to find out things regarding the sale. Had my Mom’s best interest at heart, but I sure didn’t mean to hurt Nora in the process. I didn’t want Walt to know I was in town until I was ready to confront him. But it all kind of backfired with Nora. I screwed up.”
Mac rubbed his chin. “Then, I expect you should go over and find Nora and explain that to her. She’s in the kitchen at the dining hall.”
Harrison nodded and hurried off to find Nora, hopeful that she’d give him a chance to explain.
Nora looked up from where she was scrubbing a pot to see Harrison standing in the doorway to the kitchen. He crossed the distance with determined strides. She turned her back on him and returned to scrubbing the pot even though it was spotless now.
“Nora, can we talk?”
“Nothing to say. And I’m busy now.” She kept her back to him.
He stepped beside her and touched her arm. “Please. Give me just a couple of minutes.”
She ignored the heat flooding through her from his touch. She ignored the urgency in his voice. And she absolutely refused to look at his eyes. They were always her downfall.
“As I said, I’m busy.”
“Hey, Nora.” She turned at the sound of Mac’s voice, grateful for an excuse to avoid Harrison.
“Morning, Mac.”
Her son-in-law crossed over to stand beside her. “It’s none of my business, and I should really stay out of it, but I think you should at least hear what Harrison has to say.”
Mac was right, it wasn’t his business.
“I’ll finish scrubbing those pots. Give the man five minutes of your time. Please?”
She set the pot down in the soapy water, still avoiding looking at Harrison. “Five minutes.” She turned and walked out the back door to the kitchen, glancing at her watch, determined to give him exactly five minutes. Not a second more.
She continued down to the lake and stood on the shoreline. Harrison came to stand beside her.
“First, I want to apologize. I didn’t mean for you to get hurt.”
She still didn’t look at him.
“I was just here trying to figure out what Walt was up to before he could find out I was in town. I think… actually, I’m fairly certain he’s trying to swindle my mother with the sale of the family property.”
She frowned. “Your mother?”
“She owns half the property, but she isn’t really up to dealing with all of this right now. She’s been ill. Recovering from pneumonia. And, honestly, I don’t trust Walt to be giving her a fair deal.”
She remained quiet, letting him continue. His mother. He’d been doing this for his mother.
“Anyway, I’ve talked to the estate lawyer. There’s a missing will, and I can’t find out any information on the trust that’s put in an offer on the land. I was afraid if Walt knew I was in town, he’d make it even harder to find out the truth, not that I’ve had much luck.” Harrison let out a long sigh. “But once you and I got close… after I… after I kissed you, I knew I needed to tell you the truth. I was coming to find you when we ran into Walt. Good old Walt. Always messing with my life. But that’s no excuse. I should have told you when we were at Harmony Haven Inn. But I kind of just got wrapped up in the moment. My feelings—”
He stopped then and looked out at the lake. “I should have told you before I kissed you. It wasn’t fair to you. You should have known who I was. I’m sorry. I didn’t set out to trick you, I was just trying to protect my mom.”
He turned to her, and she finally looked into his eyes. His eyes held regret, sincerity… and did they show desire?
“Could we start again? Please? With no more secrets?” He reached out his hand.
She stood there looking into those eyes of his, resisting. She turned to look at the lake, ignoring his outstretched hand. She let the lake calm her, soothe her. She finally answered him. “I understand why you did it. To protect your mom. But I just can’t get over the fact you lied to me. I feel like you used me. Tricked me to get information.”
“It wasn’t like that. Honestly, I’m so sorry you were hurt. I wish I could have handled it differently. I should have told you after I got to know you. I know you would have understood and kept my secret.”
Emotions warred through her. So many emotions. It was hard to stand firm against a man who was just trying to protect his mother.
She turned to look at him again. “I realize that now, but I just don’t think I can… we can… well, I don’t think I can go out with you again. There’s really no starting over. What we had, whatever it was… I just… can’t.” And really, it would be easier this way. She wouldn’t have to sort out her feelings for Harrison or the guilt she had regarding Ronnie.
She just needed a simple life. Craved it. She wanted her old, uncomplicated life back.
He reached out again and took her hand in his and squeezed it. The connection jolted her, and heat rushed through her. Part of her wanted to grab onto that hand and hold on. But her practical side won, and she withdrew her hand.
“I’m really sorry, Nora.” He looked at her with his
piercing blue eyes, and it took her breath away.
He turned and slowly walked away. She stood there fighting her emotions, trying to find her balance.
The thought flashed through her mind that she should run after him and forgive him and give them another chance. The ridiculous thought. She turned to the lake, hoping it would weave its magic and soothe her soul.
Mac walked up to where Beth stood at the sink, doing the dinner dishes. “I’ve got the boys all settled down in their rooms. Told them they had twenty minutes to read and I’d be back in to turn out the lights.”
His strong arms encircled her waist, and she leaned back against him, ever grateful for his love and his help with the boys. “Thanks. They seem to really listen to you.”
He pressed a kiss on her neck. “Yep, except when they don’t.”
She turned around in his arms and hugged him. “You know, I think I’m one of the luckiest women on the planet.”
“Just one of them?” he teased.
“Okay, the luckiest. Seriously, I love you. I can’t imagine our lives without you.”
He kissed her gently on the lips. “Nor can I imagine mine without the three of you. And your mom and brother and Bree and Cece. Well, my whole extended family now. Never thought I’d have that.”
She turned back to do the dishes, and he grabbed a dishtowel. “So, I ran into Harrison at the lodge today.”
She looked up at him. “I figured he’d move to a different place to stay while he’s in town. Did you ask him to leave?”
“No, he actually talked to me for a bit. Explained why he hadn’t told people he was Dobbs’s cousin.”
“What lame excuse did he give?” She was still furious her mother had gotten hurt. She was pretty certain her mom had started to have feelings for the man.
“He didn’t want Walt to know he was in town. He doesn’t trust him.”
“That’s smart at least.”
“He was trying to protect his mother’s interest in the property.” He explained what Harrison had told him.