Winter Reunion (Aspen Creek Crossroads Book 1)

by Roxanne Rustand

  “No one can care for a child like his grandma,” Beth said with a smile.

  “Especially one with special needs. And they refuse to let me pay them a nickel, which is a blessing because money has been so tight.”

  “If they do go, you’ll need someone every day after school and on the weekends, right?”

  “Not every day. It’ll depend on my spring class schedule during the week. And I’m hoping for more regular waitress shifts on Friday and Saturday nights, because the tips are better.”

  “Do you think he’d be willing to come to the bookstore after school?”

  Sophie’s eyes widened. “I wasn’t hinting. I know you’re not in the day-care business. And what single gal wants to spend her Friday and Saturday nights babysitting?”

  “The weekdays are no problem. I’m at the store from ten until nine in the evening anyway.” Beth took another sip of her peach tea. “He could have supper with me if need be. And the weekends…we could work that out. If you can arrange something else, fine…but otherwise, I can help.”

  Sophie blinked and sat back in her chair, her eyes wide. “You are the most wonderful, best friend ever. Ever. I won’t impose on you like that, but the fact that you’d even offer is just incredible.”

  “It’s not imposing. And I’ll be disappointed if you don’t let him come over on the weekdays at least.” Beth grinned. “He’s a good kid, and he always behaves well at the store. And hey, since I’m destined to be a childless, crotchety old spinster, I’ll consider it a favor if I can enjoy him for a while.”

  “Thank you,” Sophie said fervently. “Maybe my parents will stay in town. But just knowing there’s another good option is such a relief.” She paused, then her eyes took on a wicked gleam. “But I don’t know about this ‘crotchety old spinster’ stuff. Maybe you and I should try one of those online dating services after I graduate, just to see who is out there. Maybe there’s an Adonis with a PhD, just around the corner. A perfect Mr. Right.”

  Beth smiled, but shook her head. “I had my experience with a Mr. Right—I truly thought he was. But after that, I think I’ll just be happier to live alone.”

  Beth walked into Sloane House and inhaled the wonderful aromas of sage, parsley, butter and onion. Lots and lots of melted butter.

  “Oh, my word. This is incredible,” she breathed. “Someone is making dressing for Thanksgiving tomorrow, and I don’t think I can wait until then.”

  From the settee in the parlor, Frank waved his cane at her and laughed. “Imagine coming home to this today, after almost four weeks in the hospital. Home cooking, and Thanksgiving to boot.”

  “I’m just thankful for the invitation tomorrow.” She walked into the parlor and leaned over to give him a hug, careful to avoid the leg propped up on a footstool and pillows. “Maybe we can raid the kitchen when Elana and Reva aren’t looking.”

  “Maybe.” Frank gave her speculative look. “I hear you’re bringing pecan and peach pies, and cranberry-orange bread. Is that pecan pie good?”

  “My grandma’s recipes, all of them. So I don’t dare tamper with them.” She winked at him as she sat on one of the carved walnut chairs flanking the settee. “I’d be in the doghouse until next Thanksgiving if I did.” She looked around, curious. “Where is everyone?”

  “Carl is puttering on his car. Cody and the women-folk are in the kitchen.” Frank raised an eyebrow. “And in case you’re interested, Dev brought me home from the hospital and then had to leave right away for a noon appointment at the VA in St. Paul.”

  “The hospital?”

  “Something about a required second checkup. He looked mighty tense about it, too. I think he has a lot riding on a clean bill of health. It’s already almost eight o’clock, so he oughta be home be now, wouldn’t you think?”

  She sank against the back of her chair.

  Dev had made no secret of his plans to go back into active service as soon as he’d healed and had satisfied his commitment to Vivian’s will. He’d been crushed when his first VA appointment revealed that he no longer qualified for active service. Permanently. So what was this about? If the Marines had some sort of change of heart, would he disappear into the Middle East again for years?

  A hollow, aching place in her heart started to grow.

  “You could convince him to stick around, you know,” Frank mused. “He might find Aspen Creek is the very place he should put down roots.”

  “I don’t think anyone will convince him of that. He’ll follow his heart…and I have a feeling it’s anywhere but here.” She stood and looked out the window toward the cottage, where she could see the glow of a solitary lamp through the living room curtains. “Does he leave lights on when he goes?”

  “I’ve never noticed. If you see a light in there, maybe you should check it out.” Frank chuckled. “You can get a start on letting him know why he should stay around.”

  Grabbing her purse and keys, she headed for the front door. “Great to have you back, Frank. See you tomorrow!”

  Darkness had fallen, but silvery moonlight filtered through the thick, bare branches overhead, creating paisley designs of light and shadow on the stone walk. A nervous flutter started dancing in her stomach when she reached up to knock on the door, but the door was ajar, so she gently pushed it with her fingertips. It swung wide with a soft creak.

  Bent over at the antique oak desk near the fireplace, Dev jerked upward at the sound and spun around, his face tense and drawn.

  “I hear you went to the VA today. How did it go?”

  The expression in his eyes grew dark, unreadable. “They wanted a final checkup on my shoulder, and I asked them to reexamine my hearing. There’s actually been some improvement in my hearing—something the previous doc said would never happen.” A half smile tilted one corner of his mouth. “The shoulder is still weak, but maybe I’ll defy the odds. They told me to report to North Carolina. If the docs there agree, I may have another chance for combat duty.”

  The room seemed to fall away as she processed his words. “What about Sloane House? Your inheritance?”

  “I talked to Nora. She said she couldn’t in good conscience force a soldier to stay home over this, especially since you live here permanently and the residents have been making such good progress. They’ve made some really positive comments about both of us, which helped.”

  “So, y-you’re leaving. Just like that.”

  “It’s been my life. I feel…cast adrift. Everyone I know is in the military.”

  “Not everyone,” she said softly. She moved closer and rested a hip against the overstuffed chair by the fireplace, not trusting her knees. After years of trying to forget him, her traitorous heart had fallen for him all over again. “You have people who are like family right here in town. Carl and Reva and Cody.” And me. “People who care. What about your store? And Frank?”

  He rubbed his jaw. “Frank is a natural. He reads up on everything, and is turning into quite an encyclopedia on the sports merchandise we offer. And he’s great with the customers. He’ll be a wonderful manager whether I’m around or not.”

  “But…you once said that you never wanted to be behind a desk.”

  Dev turned and rested his hands on her shoulders and brushed a brief kiss against her forehead. “Apparently that’s no longer an issue. On the way to the base I need to do some thinking.”

  She savored the warmth of his hands and the sweet, electric sensation of his gentle kiss, not wanting to read anything more into the reassuring gesture that it was.

  Because soon he’d walk right back out of her life.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Maura stopped at the entryway of the bookstore, dropped her bags at her feet and swooped close for a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so glad to be home for Christmas,” she said, her bangle bracelets clinking and gauzy scarves shimmering in the glow of the twinkling Christmas lights strung around the interior of the store. “It was wonderful that Olivia had to pick up her daughter at the ai
rport, so she could give me a ride.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here.” Beth hugged her back. “How long can you stay?”

  “Just a few days. But I’m thinking of moving back this coming year, if I can sell the gallery. A health scare can sure affect one’s priorities, and losing two assistant managers in the past three months has been the last straw.” Maura stepped back and held Beth’s shoulders, her eyes shining with tears. “I’ve missed you, sweetheart.”

  Long after Maura had gone upstairs to unpack, Beth paced through the bookstore. She’d gone over the day’s receipts, feeling lonelier than she had in months.

  Even the twinkling icicle lights in the bay window and the pine-scented candle burning on the counter by the cash register didn’t lift her mood.

  She hadn’t seen Dev since just after Thanksgiving, and Frank said that he’d left for Camp Le Jeune a week ago.

  Dev hadn’t even stopped to say goodbye. Which was just as well, because the warmth in his gaze had faded right after Thanksgiving, and their relationship had faded right along with it.

  If she’d begun to imagine anything more from him, she’d been a fool a second time around, and she deserved what she got…though a weight heavy as an anvil pressed down on her chest as she took one last glance around the store and blew out the single fragrant candle, then shoved her cell phone into her coat pocket.

  Frank had been opening Sloane Sports each day, though, with the help of two new clerks, and it appeared that the influx of Christmas shoppers coming to Aspen Creek from the surrounding cities had really taken to the new store. With his new full-time job and the one Reva had accepted at a local jewelry store, they were now planning a small Christmas Eve wedding and a move to a small rental house across town, and Beth couldn’t remember ever seeing a couple so giddy, so totally in love…made all the sweeter in two people approaching the autumn of their lives.

  Carl was finally receiving his disability payments, and he’d started to work part-time at Sloane Sports as well, so he was beginning to think about independent living, too.

  And Elana—Beth smiled, thinking about how she’d blossomed at the bookstore during the hectic Christmas rush. The way she’d calmly stood up to several difficult male customers and handled their complaints had been a real turning point in her self-confidence. Cody had been making great strides, too, nurtured under the loving wings of his two foster granddads at the boardinghouse, along with Dev, whenever he was around.

  These were the most important people to worry about, and they were now moving into their new lives more quickly than she’d ever expected. So if her own life was a mess, she knew it would just take time to get back on track—and the beautiful candlelight Christmas Eve service next week would surely do the trick.

  But now Elana could close up for the night, and it was time to go upstairs. At least with Maura back for a visit, the Christmas decorations and twinkling lights wouldn’t seem quite as lonely.

  Snow had blanketed the cars on the street, and still swirled under the street lamps like weightless diamonds as she stepped outside the store and fitted her key into the dead bolt of the door leading upstairs.

  A shadow fell across the landing and she raised a hand in greeting. “The store is still open—go right on in.”

  “I’m not here for the books. I’ve come back for you.”

  Startled at hearing the deep timbre of his familiar voice, Beth turned and stared at Dev, still not believing that he’d come. “I thought you’d left for good. Y-you didn’t even say goodbye.”

  “I knew I wanted to be here more than anywhere else in the world, so when the VA docs out East offered a medical discharge based on my shoulder injury, I didn’t have to think too hard about it.”

  There’d been a heavy weight around her heart for so many years that she’d come to accept it. But now part of it lifted at his words. “What did you decide?”

  “Given my previous injuries and my shoulder, I accepted the medical discharge. I’ll be home for good, Beth…if you think you can stand having me around.”

  She stared up at him in wonderment. “Y-you’re going to stay? Here in Aspen Creek?”

  He dropped a kiss on her forehead, then a longer one on her lips. “I need to, because I want to spend the rest of my life trying to convince you that we still have a chance together…if you’ll let me.”

  Joy washed through her, along with a feeling of completion that she’d never expected to experience again. “Absolutely.”

  The door of the store opened, sending golden light across the snowy sidewalk, and Elana and Cody stepped outside.

  “Welcome home, Dev,” Elana said, her eyes shining. “Welcome home.”

  Cody giggled. “Are you going to kiss her again?”

  Dev laughed as he looked down at Beth with a world of love in his eyes. “If I could kiss her every day for the rest of my life, I’d be the happiest man on earth.”

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you’ve enjoyed your visit to Aspen Creek! This is the first book in the ASPEN CREEK CROSSROADS series, involving the members of a book club in a scenic little Wisconsin town. Though my next book, Murder at Granite Falls (April 2011) will be a Love Inspired Suspense title, I can’t wait to come back to Aspen Creek after that, for Sophie’s story!

  Writing for Steeple Hill Books has been a dream come true. I love writing about people like Devlin and Beth, who have encountered challenging times in their lives and find it difficult to let go of the past. Finding a way to forgive, heal and move on can free all of us to enjoy a happy and abundant life…but sometimes it’s just so hard to take that step. I have always found such comfort and encouragement in the following Bible verses, and if you are hurting inside, perhaps it will touch your heart, too.

  “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Jesus Christ.”

  —Philippians 4:6, 7

  I love to hear from readers. If you are online, you can reach me at www.roxannerustand.com or through my “All Creatures Great and Small Blog,” where authors and readers can exchange stories about their favorite friends with feathers, fin or fur…and horses, too! The blog is at roxannerustand.blogspot.com. You can also e-mail me at www.roxannerustand.yahoo.com. My snail mail address is P.O. Box 2250, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403-2550.

  Wishing you many blessings,

  QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  Beth treasures her friendships with the book club members who meet at her store, and considers these women her extended family. Are you geographically close to your family? Far away? What people are you closest to emotionally, and why?

  Beth worries when she realizes that her ex-husband and her mother are going to be back in town at the same time. Do you have to deal with awkward relationships when certain friends or members of your family are together? How do you think Beth should have handled this situation?

  What were Devlin’s reasons for wanting a divorce? Were they valid? Is divorce ever an appropriate option? Why or why not? Do you think his emotional issues, from what he experienced in the war in the Middle East, played a part in his reactions and decisions when back in the States?

  Devlin struggles with feeling at ease when back in his hometown. Do you think this is a common reaction for those coming home from the military? Is there a way you could ease the adjustment for someone in your own community?

  Devlin believes that God has ignored his prayers for years—even his heartfelt prayers during battle. How does God answer prayers? How has He answered yours? Were you ever surprised by a perfect answer to your prayers—an answer or solution that you hadn’t even thought to ask for?

  Maura has urged Beth to reveal her biggest, most painful secret to Dev. Should Maura just go ahead and tell him? Is it better to keep secrets that may cause someone pain? Does Dev
lin have a right to know this one?

  Frank longs to be an active, contributing member of society again, and though he has been a bachelor all of his life, he has strong feelings for Reva. Do you know of older couples who have finally found the love they’ve always longed for?

  Elana is frightened and wary, after her past experiences. Does your community have services for abused women like her? How might you help someone who is, or was, in Elana’s situation?

  Several characters in this book are hoping for a fresh start in life, after troubling circumstances waylaid their plans. Are there community colleges or social services in your area that are designed to reeducate and then help people reenter the work force?

  Vivian was not a loving, attentive mother, but she seems to have become a different person as she grew older—more giving of her time and more involved in her church. What might have spurred her to change? Can a person ever undo all of their past wrongs? Is there anything that cannot be forgiven? Vivian and Devlin were still estranged at the time of her death. How might she have handled her relationship with Devlin better in the last few years of her life?

  Book club member Sophie has been widowed for ten months, and is still mourning the loss of her late husband. She notes that some people think she’s had plenty of time to move on emotionally. Do you agree? How long does it take to feel “normal” again after the loss of a loved one? What can friends and family do to help? Do you think it’s better to bring the subject up, so the person can have a chance to talk about her feelings, or does it just make them feel worse?

  Devlin returns to town, wanting a second chance at a relationship with Beth, and hoping to readjust to civilian life. What challenges do you think he will face in trying to do so? Since he walked away from Beth once before, do you think she can trust him to stay?