As they approached the front door, the porch light played over the delicate lines of her face. Landris allowed his eyes to drop to her lips. He hadn’t wanted to kiss a woman in so long. Why did it have to happen now? When it was so clearly not the right time?
“Thank you for dinner and for letting me cry on your shoulder.”
Hoping she hadn’t noticed his fixation on her mouth, he said, “You’ve done so much for me. It’s about time I did something for you.”
Faith slid her hand into the front pocket of her purse. “What did I do with my keys?” she muttered.
“I’d offer to help, but I learned early on never to venture into a woman’s purse. They’re untouchable, like Superman’s cape.”
She chuckled as she turned toward the light. “It would help if I could see what I’m doing. Here they are.” She swung around to face him again. “I don’t know how they ended up in my sunglasses case.”
Good thing she didn’t know how close she’d been to getting an unwanted kiss. “We’re still good for next week, right?”
“I’ll be at your house on Tuesday at seven. Enjoy your day in Savannah.”
“I’ll try. Goodnight, Faith.”
Driving home through the quiet streets, Landris tried not to think about what almost happened on the porch. A frustrated sigh escaped him. “As usual, my timing is lousy,” he said aloud. Her words came back to him: I went from mourning my husband to knowing I’d never be able to have children. The same sick feeling invaded his stomach as had happened at the restaurant. She’d lost so much, so quickly. How had she handled such tragedy and not let it embitter her? One only had to be around her to know she’d done a better job of dealing with adversity than he had.
Her mature behavior rendered his actions in the wake of Bristol’s revelations somewhat out of proportion. Yes, he’d suffered betrayal and hurt, but he was the one who’d allowed the pain and resentment to fester like an open wound. It was he who’d buried his feelings of failure and insecurity behind a wall of indifference. And it was he who’d made a decision that affected not only himself, but also the person who meant more to him than anyone.
* * * * *
Faith closed the front door and leaned against it heavily. A few seconds later, she heard the SUV start and then it gradually got quiet again. She felt bad for Landris; he couldn’t have picked a worse time to come to her house. She’d repaid his kindness by crying all over him.
She remembered the strength in the arms around her and the gentle pressure of his hand on her back. Had she been wrong to let him comfort her? He hadn’t done anything that he wouldn’t have done for any woman in such a state. Except maybe the kiss, but even that had been prompted by compassion and nothing more. She’d seen him do the same thing to Olivia on several occasions when the little girl was upset.
It wasn’t his fault that the touch of his lips on her skin had rushed through her like a firestorm, and it wasn’t her fault that she reacted to him. If she was supposed to feel guilty, she didn’t. She would always love Ian, but he was gone. Her memories of him couldn’t satisfy that desire within for someone to touch and hold, someone with whom she could share her hopes, fears and dreams.
Letting out a long breath, she walked into the kitchen. The lavender envelope with the kitten stickers caught her attention. Faith opened the flap and removed the thick paper. Three stick figures of varying height were arranged next to what was supposed to be a tree. The tallest figure wore a baseball cap, the smallest was flying a kite, and the one in the middle had long brown hair.
Anyone looking at the drawing would see it as a child’s portrait of her family. Faith wished it wasn’t an illusion. Almost from the beginning, Olivia had taken hold of her heart. Landris hadn’t been far behind. Her motive for becoming involved in their lives had been a wish to help. It had gradually changed to a desire for much more. She didn’t want to be on the outside looking in. Only now did she realize that she’d created a situation that was impossible to maintain and could end up hurting both Olivia and herself.
The following afternoon she was washing her car when a loud vehicle pulled in behind her. Faith swung around and met Matt’s smiling glance.
“What are you doing home?” he asked as he stepped out of the truck and came over to where she stood. “You told me you were going to Myrtle Beach.”
“My plans changed at the last minute.”
His eyes moved from the soapy sponge in her hands to the bucket at her feet. “I can see that. How long will it take you to get ready?”
“Ready for what?”
“To come with me to the park. Darcy’s mother roped her into helping with another craft show, not realizing that Darcy’s father had made plans for them to go out of town. Her sister was helping her, but Cason had to leave to pick up Stella from a birthday party.”
“And you’re trying to recruit me so you don’t have to help her.”
He tapped his keys against his prosthetic leg looking very much like a little boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “Cut me some slack, Faith. You know how I feel about craft shows. I stick out like a sore thumb. And let’s be honest here; it’s not like you’re doing anything so very important.”
“Says who?” she asked, throwing the sponge at him. It glanced off his arm and hit the ground.
“Is your aim that bad?”
“Do you want to find out? I’ve got a bucket of soapy water right here.”
He chuckled as he bent to pick up the sponge. “So you won’t come with me, huh?”
“What are you doing that’s so important?”
“I was trying to finish painting my bedroom.”
“Oh, well, in that case, I’ll go. I have to change out of these wet clothes. Can you finish washing the Jeep for me? I only have this side left.”
He grinned at the speed of her capitulation. “Sure thing, but don’t take all day in there. I’m already late.”
When they pulled into the parking lot, there wasn’t an empty space to be found. Matt drew up to the gate and reached across her to open the door. “Darcy’s at the fourth booth on the left. Tell her I’ll be back in a few hours.”
Matt apparently couldn’t count. Darcy was at the fifth booth situated under a tent, the table in front of her covered with Mason jars and an assortment of freshly baked breads. Underneath the table, her liquid brown eyes watching everything, was Mindy.
Darcy’s smile grew when she caught sight of Faith. “What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be at the beach.”
“I heard you needed some help,” Faith answered as she came around the table to give her friend a hug.
“It was Matt, wasn’t it? He’ll do anything to avoid coming to one of these things which is weird considering how we met.”
“I see you brought your faithful companion with you.” Faith bent down to greet the dog.
“I had to. She doesn’t like being left behind. She also doesn’t like sleeping on the expensive dog bed we set up in our room. Between her and Matt, there isn’t much room in the bed for me. Are you still babysitting for Eric’s friend? I forgot his name.”
“It’s Landris, and yes, I’m still helping him with Olivia. His housekeeper is going to be away for a few more weeks. Oh, I almost forgot. Congratulations on finishing your degree.”
“Thank you. It’s such a relief to have that behind me. I’ve got an interview at St. Marys Bank and Trust next Tuesday.”
“That’s wonderful. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. How was the cruise?”
“It was so much fun! I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico. The Mayan ruins were spectacular.”
“I hope you took pictures.”
“Matt took hundreds of pictures. He sent them off to be printed in a book. When it comes back, I’ll show it to you.”
They were interrupted by the arrival of a few customers. Among them was a face Faith recognized, but couldn’t quite place. The young woman looked at her for a minute and then her face broke into a smi
le.
“Faith Coltrain, right? I don’t know if you remember me. We went to St. Marys High School together.”
Faith nodded. “That’s right. You’re Ellen Sterling. We were both in that awful chemistry class with Mr. Tolbert. I haven’t seen you since graduation.”
“That’s because I haven’t been in St. Marys for years. My parents moved to Alabama after I went away to college. The only relative I had left here was my great aunt. She died recently and left me a floral shop.”
“Which one is it?”
“Violets are Blue.”
“Oh, the one downtown. Are you going to sell it?”
Ellen laughed. “I’m not sure. When the attorney first told me, I was shocked. I had no idea Aunt Selena was going to leave me her business. My next thought was: what in the world am I going to do with a florist shop? My job is in North Carolina. My parents think I should get rid of it. I was leaning that way until I got here.” She stopped suddenly and looked around. “There’s something about the place you grew up. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed living here.”
Faith grinned. “I know what you mean. Where are you staying? I’ve got a spare bedroom if you need it.”
“It’s sweet of you to offer, but I’ve got a place. I didn’t inherit my aunt’s house, but the cousin who did is letting me stay there until I decide what I want to do. The house is like fifty years old; it needs painting, new carpet and tile among other things before it can be put on the market.”
“Well, I hope you decide to stay.”
Ellen’s eyes fell from hers. “Do you know if Adam Tillerson still lives here?”
“No, I don’t. I didn’t know him very well.”
“What about Eric Gibson?”
“Eric’s here.” Faith indicated Darcy. “This lucky girl married his brother last year. You remember Matt, don’t you?”
“No one at St. Marys High could possibly forget Matt.”
“That’s true,” Faith said with another teasing glance in Darcy’s direction. “Ellen, meet Darcy, Matt’s much better half. Darcy, this is Ellen Sterling. Like me, she went to high school with your darling husband.”
Darcy laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, Ellen. If you stick around long enough, you can renew your acquaintance with Matt.”
“That would be fun.” Ellen glanced back at Faith. “Matt and Ian Peters were always running around together. Whatever happened to him?”
The sting of this question had lessened with time, but Faith still felt a wrench of pain in the region of her heart whenever she had to answer it. “I married Ian. He died in Iraq four years ago.”
Ellen looked horrified. “Oh, Faith. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize or I would never have said anything.”
Faith touched her arm. “Don’t worry about it. If you’re not busy, maybe we can get together for lunch sometime.”
“I’d love that.” They exchanged numbers. “I actually came over to see if you had any strawberry preserves.”
“Sure do. How many do you want?”
“Two would be great.”
After Ellen walked away, Darcy said, “You know, I think the guy who helps Eric coach little league is named Adam. I wonder if that’s the same guy she was asking about.”
“It could be. We’ll ask Matt when he comes. Has your sister dragged you into any more plays?”
“Sort of. Cason asked me to help her with a summer camp for high school students interested in theater. We’re doing a parody of Romeo and Juliet. It’s actually been a lot of fun. There will be two performances for the public at the beginning of August. Free, of course.”
“Remind me when it gets closer. I’d like to come see it.”
When Matt did return, his dark hair and t-shirt spattered with light blue paint, he confirmed their theory about Adam. “Why do you want to know?” he asked Faith. “Are you thinking about casting your net in that direction?”
“Don’t pay any attention to him, Faith,” Darcy said before turning to face her grinning husband. “Did you inhale too many paint fumes? That’s none of your business.”
“Not enough to keep me from doing this.” Matt leaned over and kissed her. “Faith knows I only ask because I care about her.”
“Just to be clear, I am not, um, casting my net in Adam’s direction.”
Matt nodded. “It must be Landris then.”
Darcy looked confused. “What are you going on about now?”
He put his arm around Faith’s shoulders. “I’ve known this woman since she tried to run me over with her bicycle. I can read her like a book. She looks like she did when I introduced her to Ian. The only guy she’s been around lately is Landris. Now before you two get all huffy, I don’t expect her to confirm or deny. What I will say is this: Eric has only good things to say about him. You can’t get a better recommendation than that.”
A smile tugged at Faith’s mouth. “You actually asked Eric about Landris? Because of me?”
“Of course I did. You’re practically living at the man’s house.”
“That’s an exaggeration, but I get what you’re saying, and I appreciate your concern.”
“I think we can safely leave Faith’s social life in her more than capable hands,” Darcy said as she pulled a box from under the table and started filling it with what hadn’t sold. “Matt, would you mind taking Mindy for a walk before we leave?”
“Anything for you.” He picked up the leash and whistled. Mindy came out from under the table, tail wagging. “We’ll be back shortly.”
Darcy shook her head as he walked away. “Where does he come up with this stuff?”
Faith hated throwing Matt under the bus, but she didn’t see any point in revealing her interest in Landris. It was clear there was no future in it.
In less than a half hour, the truck was loaded. Over Faith’s protests, Darcy hopped in the backseat with Mindy. Once they were on their way, Matt reached across the console and briefly touched Faith’s arm.
“How was yesterday? I know your anniversary is always a tough day for you.”
She sent him a grateful smile. Matt loved Ian almost as much as she did. “I was fine until I read his last letter to me. That brought it all back. Poor Landris. He came by to drop something off and found me balling my eyes out.”
“Did he stick around or leave?” he asked curiously.
“He stayed.” She looked down at her hands. “He was very sweet about it. He even took me to dinner.”
“That was nice of him,” Darcy put in.
“Yes, it was,” Faith agreed. “I wasn’t the best of company; all I did was talk about Ian.”
“I’m sure he understood,” Matt replied as he pulled into her driveway. “Any man worth anything would understand.” A few minutes later he was walking her to the door. “Thanks for helping Darcy today. I owe you.”
“This from the guy who won’t let me pay him for mowing my grass.”
Matt laughed. “Are we back to that again? If you need help babysitting, give me and Darcy a call. We need practice with an older child.” When he saw her expression change, he shook his head. “No, it’s not what you think. Darcy wants to work for a while, and I’m fine with that.”
Faith unlocked the door. “I don’t blame her. She’s worked hard to get her degree.”
“Yes, she has. When she wants to do something, she doesn’t let anything stand in her way.” Matt turned to leave. “Have a good week. Call me if you need anything.”
Once inside the house, Faith’s glance went to the clock. No wonder she was starving. It was almost seven. After a shower and a change of clothes, she went to the kitchen to make a salad. As she stood at the counter slicing tomatoes and cucumbers, she wondered if Landris was on his way back from Savannah. His comments about the trip brought a smile to her face. Had any or all of his predictions come true?
Her mind raced ahead to the following week. Tomorrow she’d go up to the attic and retrieve her mother’s old sewing machine. Hopefully, it still work
ed. Olivia had asked her to make some clothes for her baby dolls. The last time Faith stayed with her, they visited the fabric shop to pick out material. Now they could cut out the patterns and sew them together.
This summer was turning out to be very different from what she’d anticipated. Her plans to wallpaper the bathroom, clean out the garage and begin the preliminary work on her doctorate had easily been set aside. Instead her thoughts and actions had become centered on two people she hadn’t known existed six weeks ago. The knife in her hand slowly stopped moving. As much as she’d helped them, they had done as much for her. Landris and Olivia had welcomed her into their lives and made her feel part of something. What would she do when this enjoyable interlude ended?
Chapter Six
Landris let himself into the house and walked into the kitchen. It was nice to be home early for a change. The shortstop he’d waited all day to see broke his arm in the first inning when he collided with the catcher trying to beat a throw from the outfield. Once that happened, there wasn’t any point in staying.
A plate of black and white cookies sat on the counter along with a stack of mail. The mail could wait; the cookies could not. Grabbing one, he strolled into the family room and looked out the window. Olivia was leaning against the handrail of the pool adjusting the straps of her swim mask while Faith braided her hair in preparation for a swimming lesson. He opened the door and stepped outside, trying not to stare at Faith. It wasn’t easy. Her black one-piece revealed a sweetly curved figure and nice legs.
“Daddy, you’re home!” screeched Olivia at the top of her lungs. “Are you coming swimming with us?”
Faith looked up from her task and smiled at him. He was becoming very fond of that smile. “Not today, cupcake. I’ve got some paperwork to do.” Who was he kidding? The paperwork probably wouldn’t get done for the simple reason that his office overlooked the pool. How could writing scouting reports compete with this view?
Love of a Lifetime: A Sweet Contemporary Romance (Finding Love Book 3) Page 10