Meg smiled at the amusing account.
Grams stood. “There’s applesauce cake for dessert.”
“I’ll partake in a slice,” Tom drawled.
“I knew you would,” Grams retorted. “I made it just for you.” She winked at Meg.
“Well, ain’t that sweet, Retta. You just happened to remember applesauce cake is my favorite.”
“You’ve only been pestering me for days to make it for you.”
Meg reclaimed her seat at the table, laughing under her breath at the banter. She happened to look in Kent’s direction, and he caught her glance.
“You, uh, planning to live here much longer?” he asked her, and something about his teasing tone irked her.
“I enjoy living with Grams.”
“Hmm. Well, I’m purchasing a condo in Lexington.”
“Oh, how nice for you.” She made sure her tone was both polite and uninterested.
“I can’t find anything I like locally.”
“No?”
Kent shook his head. “Right now I’m renting one of those red brick townhouses on the edge of town. I feel like I’m in the slums. What’s more, in order to get approved for visitation with my kids, I have to prove that I have a permanent residence. Renting doesn’t qualify, according to my lawyer.”
Meg pursed her lips. “I see.” His divorce sounded messy.
“If I had my druthers I’d live in New York instead of Kentucky. But here I am, so I’ll settle for the nearest big city. And this condo is great. Gated community on Highway 27 across from a huge mall. Tons of restaurants and things to do.”
“I hope you’ll be happy there.”
“I will be.” He leaned toward her. “You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? I’m going crazy here in Stanford with nothing to do. You must be mad out here in the country.”
Meg shook her head. “I love it here. It’s peaceful. I’m not hearing the continual blare of police and fire sirens all night long. Instead I listen to the crickets.”
Kent’s full lips curved with a charming grin. “Meg, what I love about you is that you’re sophisticated, worldly.” He placed his hand on top of hers.
She pulled away. How could he “love” anything about her? He barely knew her.
“I know you’ll never direct me to the—” He paused for effect. “—the ‘tar store.’”
“Very funny.” Meg glanced at Tom. He didn’t appear to be paying much attention to Kent’s flirting at the family dinner table.
“And I know you won’t direct me toad Louisville, but toad Lexington,” Kent continued, clearly enjoying himself.
Meg hid a grin. A good ol’ Kentucky twang—like the way folks pronounced Miracle as “Merkle”—wasn’t anything new to her. Mom had been born and raised in Stanford, so she talked the same way.
Grams walked in and set down the wooden serving tray. She proceeded to hand out plates of applesauce cake, each with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Cups and saucers of coffee came next, along with cream and sugar.
“Looks good ’nough to eat, Retta.”
Meg agreed as she forked in a mouthful. Tart, sweet, cold, and creamy converged on her taste buds. “Delicious, Grams.”
“Not the bomb?”
Kent and Tom had a good chuckle, and Meg was actually quite impressed by her grandmother’s comeback.
Suddenly a hard knock sounded at the back door. Puzzlement swept across Grams’ face. “I wonder who that could be.” She took off to see about the caller.
“So, you’re moving to Lexington, huh?” Tom didn’t even look up as he asked the question.
“As soon as I can.” Kent eyed Meg. “The condo is great. Brand, spanking new. Spacious, and a balcony with an amazing view.”
“Sounds real nice.” Tom took another bite of his dessert.
Several moments later, Grams reappeared at the archway. Her blue eyes came to rest on Meg. “Vance Bayer is here. He’d like to speak with you about Cammy. Says it’s important.”
Chapter Fourteen
Meg excused herself from the table and strode into the kitchen, where Vance was waiting. She thought he looked uneasy. His russet brown hair was damp and his jacket was splattered with raindrops.
“You wanted to speak with me?”
He nodded. “Sorry to intrude like this.”
“No problem.”
“I would’ve called, but this isn’t something that’s easily said over the phone.”
“All right.” Feeling curious and a tad bit guilty to have been caught at the dinner table with Kent Baldwin, she pointed toward the screened-in porch. “Let’s go outside so we’re not overheard.” She hoped she could explain. After all, it was Kent’s dinner invitation yesterday that stirred up trouble and caused Cammy to miss her lunch.
Meg slid open the glass door and stepped outside. Vance followed. The gentle but steady hum of the rain filled the nighttime beyond the porch. Only the light from the kitchen illuminated the immediate area.
“Is this about what we discussed this morning?” Meg slid the door closed. “If so, I can explain—”
“No, it’s about the essay Cammy wrote.”
“Ah.” Meg switched gears. The essay. Of course. “So you read it.”
“I did.” Vance jammed his hands into his jacket pockets. “We talked, and I explained things. I want you to know that Cammy agreed to rewrite her paper.”
“Okay. It’s not due until Friday. She’s got plenty of time. We’ll have class time in which the kids can write, too.”
“Forgive me, Meg, but that’s not what’s eating me.” He paused. “You see, I’m ashamed that Cammy shared such personal information with you. Personal and not quite accurate information, I might add.”
Meg nodded. “I had a feeling Cammy’s perception was a bit short-sighted.”
Vance rubbed the back of his neck as if alleviating the tension there. “I appreciate that you gave me the benefit of the doubt. Some teachers wouldn’t. You’re new in Miracle, and you don’t know me well. I wouldn’t blame you if you read that essay and thought I was the worst dad in all of Kentucky.”
“The thought never entered my mind, Vance. I might not know you well, but I know you well enough, okay? Besides, you gave me the benefit of the doubt when Cammy missed her lunch.”
“Guess we’re even then.”
Meg smiled.
“But just for the record, my sister’s babysitting skills aren’t as bad as Cammy described. Sure, she has her faults, but—”
“But nobody’s perfect.”
“Exactly. What’s more, and I swear it’s the truth, I’d never institutionalize my daughter. Never.” Vance’s tone sounded thick with vehemence. “And Nicole never wanted me to send Cammy away. She just brought up the idea of a Christian group home as a possibility—for when Cammy’s a young woman.” He wagged his head. “But what Nicole never could seem to understand is that I have to take one day at a time. Sure, I plan ahead, but—” He raked his fingers through his hair. “—I can’t decide something like whether Cammy needs to learn a vocation at a Christian group home a decade from now. I have to figure out what I’m going to feed her for supper tomorrow night.”
Meg sent Vance a reassuring smile. “I can imagine how overwhelming life must be for you at times. But, as Cammy’s teacher, I’d like to point out that college is a viable option for her. I can tell already. She’s extremely independent, and, even at her young age, she knows how to take care of herself.” Meg folded her arms, still smiling. “She’s one of the smartest little girls I’ve ever met, and she’s a happy, well-adjusted child. That’s a credit to you, Vance. So relax. You’re obviously doing a fine job.”
“Thanks. I think I needed to hear that.” His gaze fixed on hers. “Especially after reading that essay.”
Reaching out, Meg touched him on the sleeve. What a sensitive guy he was—and one who obviously cherished his daughter. Meg wished her own father had loved her even half as much.
“I’m glad you came over tonight
, Vance.”
“Well…” He ducked his head for just an instant. “I didn’t mean to bust in on you, seein’ as you’ve got company. Maybe I should have called first.”
“It was a very impromptu dinner. Nothing I planned—or even wanted. You didn’t ‘bust in’ on anything.”
As if on cue, a car’s engine fired up and the sound split the quietness of the night. Meg looked towards the driveway and saw white headlights, bright against Grams’ garage door. They grew dimmer as the car backed away.
Kent had just left.
“Actually, I don’t have company anymore.” She looked back at Vance, whose expression was weighted with regret.
“I hope your guest didn’t leave on my account.”
“I hope he did.” Meg laughed. “I’m teasing, Vance. Seriously, it’s no big deal.”
“Okay. If you say so—”
Still smiling, Meg realized just how relieved she felt now that Kent was gone. When she was near him, her senses operated on high alert. In Vance’s presence, however, she felt comfortable and more like herself.
“On second thought, I’ve decided that you’re going to have to make this up to me.”
He put his hands on his hips and regarded her for a long moment. “What would you like me to do? I’m willing to apologize to Mr. Baldwin if necessary.”
Meg had a hard time concealing her smile. “And how do you know that my guest tonight was Kent?” She saw him swallow a knot of discomfort and almost laughed out loud.
“Well, for one, no one around here drives a vintage red Corvette. And I’ve seen that same car parked in the school lot.”
“Excellent deduction. But you don’t have to apologize to him. How about staying for a cup of decaf coffee and some dessert instead?”
“Well, I—”
She tipped her head. “Or do you have to rush back home? Is Cammy alone?”
“No, no, I never leave her without adult supervision. Mrs. Donley from church came over to clean the house tonight, and she offered to babysit. Not that she’ll really need to—I made sure Cammy was fast asleep before I left.” He glanced at his wristwatch and deliberated over Meg’s offer for a few seconds. “She was just getting started when I left. I guess I can stay for a little while.”
“Good.”
Feeling pleased with his decision, she looped her arm around his elbow and escorted him into the kitchen. Grams was rinsing dishes and loading the dishwasher while Tom stood idly by.
Meg rubbed her arms, staving off the chill she received from the damp night air. “Any applesauce cake and coffee left for Vance and me?”
“Plenty.” Grams smiled at them both. “Go on and make yourselves comfortable and I’ll bring it in.”
“Thanks.”
“Oh, and—I’m afraid Mr. Baldwin left.”
“Yes, I saw him pull away.”
“Said he had something he needed to do.”
“I know you’re real heartbroken ’bout that, Meggie,” Tom said with a playful snicker.
She replied with a pointed stare, the same look reserved for mischievous boys in her third-grade class. Then she led Vance into the living room. Tom’s chortles followed in their wake.
“Want to take off your jacket?”
In reply, he shrugged out of the blue-gray slicker and hung it in the closet. Then she crossed the room and, tucking one leg beneath her, took a seat beside him on the couch.
Tom trailed them in and lowered his lanky frame into the armchair. “Been meaning to talk to you, Vance,” he said. “My gas weeder don’t want to start.”
“I told you last spring that you needed a new one.” Vance brought his ankle to his knee. “That weeder’s shot.”
“Fool thang!”
Meg had been studying Vance’s profile, his aquiline nose, the curve of his cheek, strong set to his jaw. Now she saw the corner of his mouth twitch, an amused response to Tom’s exclamation.
“Ain’t you able to fix it once more?”
“Maybe.”
“I should just ask Eugenia to gemme a new weeder for Christmas.”
Meg had heard that name mentioned a few times. “Eugenia is your daughter, right?”
“That’s right.” Tom smiled with pride. “She’s a veterinarian. Lives in Louisville.”
Meg was impressed.
Grams entered the room, carrying a serving tray. She set it on the rectangular coffee table in front of the couch. Meg repositioned herself so she could reach her dessert.
“Looks great, Mrs. Jorgenson. Thanks.”
“You’re ever so welcome, Vance.” Grams sat down in her wooden rocker. “How’s Cammy liking school?” She eyed Meg with a grin.
“Loves it. Loves her new teacher.”
“I know she does.”
Meg didn’t think she’d ever felt more encouraged.
“Now about my weeder…”
“Oh, Tom, for heaven’s sake.” Grams’ impatience couldn’t be mistaken. “That piece of junk isn’t worth a minute’s time.”
“You let Vance be the judge of that.” He frowned at Grams before looking back at the other guest. “Whadda you think?”
Vance exhaled a breath of concession. “I’ll look at it. How ’bout I pick up the weeder on my way home tonight? I can take it to work tomorrow, and maybe I’ll get to it before the weekend.”
Meg suddenly recalled what Grams had said about Vance being a reformed hellion. Remarkable, but Meg couldn’t see a single trace of hellion left in him. Instead, she viewed him as mild-mannered, reserved, thoughtful, and kind.
“I’m much obliged to you, Vance.”
“Sure thing.” He took a gulp of coffee, and Meg thought the delicate cup and saucer looked out of place in his large, rough hands.
“Charlie Drake had his septic system all dug up,” Tom said. “Never woulda guessed what he found inside that tank.”
“I heard.”
“Oh, please, gentlemen.” A look of disgust fell over Grams’ face. “Not in mixed company.”
Too late. Meg’s curiosity was piqued. “What was it? A dead body?”
“No.” Tom ground out a low chuckle.
“Honestly, Meggie. What a question.”
“Sorry, Grams,” she said, smirking at her own morbid inference. “Too many TV crime dramas.” She looked back at Tom and then at Vance. “So, what did they find in the tank, then?”
“Seriously, you don’t want to know.” Vance sent her a glance from out of the corner of his eye. “Trust me.”
“Meggie ain’t the squeamish sort.”
“Well, I am,” Grams declared. “What’s more, I have dishes to wash. Besides, I heard this story when I got my hair done. So if y’all will excuse me…”
“Yes, ma’am.” Vance stood as Grams exited the room. He sat back down once she’d left.
Meg noted the polite gesture with a smile, then turned and bore her gaze into Tom. “Yeah? So what was it?”
“A hog-nose snake, that’s what. Fat ol’ thing. At least two foot long.”
“That’s disgusting.” Meg shuddered and, in spite of herself, cautiously brought her other leg up off the floor until she was sitting cross-legged on the couch. “I hate snakes!”
“Ain’t worse’n a dead body.” Tom’s reply came out in a series of chuckles.
Meg had to think that one over. “It’s a toss-up, I’d say. The thought of either one gives me the willies.”
Vance looked at her, amusement waltzing in his hazel eyes. “I just had a feeling you didn’t want to hear the details of Charlie’s find.”
“Guess you’re right.” Meg pressed her back into the couch cushion, but then a morbid curiosity made her ask, “Was it poisonous?”
Vance laughed, his shoulders shaking, but Tom was the one who replied.
“Nope. And Charlie’d already seen one or two come through his plumbing.”
“Snakes? Though his plumbing? That’s so gross!” Meg covered her face with her hands as her mind whirred with possible sc
enarios.
She peeked at Vance over her fingertips. “That doesn’t really happen here in Kentucky, does it? Snakes slithering through the pipes, coming up through the commodes?”
“No, no.” Vance laughed hard, but then, as if reassuring her, he set his hand on her knee for several long moments. The warmth of his palm penetrated her slacks. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
Meg didn’t miss the meaningful stare he sent Tom.
“Eugenia used to enjoy a good snake discussion.”
“Reckon that’s why she’s a vet,” Vance pointed out, “and Meg’s a third-grade teacher.”
“Yeah, and a teacher from the city,” Meg interjected, “where the plumbing is safe.”
“Not so fast, there, missy.” Tom wagged a gnarled finger at her. “You know what I heard about city plumbing? I heard—”
Tom’s words were cut off by an orchestra of cuckoos and chimes, marking the hour. The cliché “saved by the bell” never seemed more appropriate.
“Nine o’clock already,” Vance said. “I guess I should be going.”
“So soon?” Meg had hoped he’d stay awhile longer.
“Morning comes real fast at our house.”
She could well imagine.
Vance slowly rose to his feet. “I’ll give you a lift home, Tom, since you’re determined to waste my time on that old weeder of yours.”
He chuckled. “Appreciate it, son.” He got up and ambled toward the kitchen.
Meg stood as well. “I’m glad you stopped by, Vance.”
“I guess I’m glad I did, too.”
She smiled and he cupped her elbow, giving it a gentle squeeze.
For the following five seconds, he seemed to wrestle with what he wanted to say next. Finally he gave up. “Cammy and I will see you tomorrow.”
“You sure will.” She felt tempted to speculate on his unvoiced intentions but decided there was no point.
As they made their way toward the back door, Grams handed Vance two plastic containers. “One’s beef stew and the other’s some biscuits. Now you’ve got dinner for tomorrow night.”
Vance accepted the leftovers with obvious gratitude. “This’ll sure beat the meals I throw together. Cammy and I will enjoy it.”
Good-byes said, the men took their leave, and Meg helped Grams with the rest of the cleanup in the kitchen.
Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky Page 13