A Love Rekindled

by Margaret Daley

  “Other than giving you added stress, what do you get from worrying? Has it taken care of the problem? Does all this worrying make you feel better?”

  “That’s easy for you to say but a whole lot different for me to stop. I’ve spent my life worrying.”

  “Yeah, I know. It’s an ingrained habit that is disrupting your sleep until you are so exhausted that you don’t hear an alarm going off right next to you.”

  “About that. You should have awakened me.”

  “You needed the sleep.” Maggie would have continued her lecture, Kim knew, but Zane’s dad called to her from the table where the men were eating.

  “This is delicious. I think you should forget about the nursery and focus on the bakery.”

  Maggie smiled. “Thank you. A cook can never get too many compliments.”

  Kim went to the counter to get something to eat while silence fell over the room as the men ate. Maggie’s advice still rang in her mind. Her logical side told her Maggie was right, but she didn’t know how to stop from worrying.

  Kim turned toward the table and halted. Her dad stood in the entrance, thunder on his face. He opened his mouth to say something, glared at her and snapped it close, then pivoted and left. She closed her eyes and wondered if anything would ever change. For sure now he would spend the rest of the day in his room, which at the moment might be for the best.

  When she glanced toward the table, she caught Zane’s gaze directed on her, a softness in his eyes that she hadn’t ever seen. It connected with her, spoke to her. No, she would not fall for him again. He broke her heart once. She should never have married Scott and wouldn’t have if Zane hadn’t left town. He abandoned her. She had to remember that.

  She wrenched her attention from him and took the chair at the other end of the table from him, fisting her hands in her lap until they stopped trembling, much like her father often did.

  “Kim, I’ve contacted the communities around here about Henderson, as well as the state police,” Ian told her. “I’m hoping we can get the money back that he stole from y’all plus what it takes to repair correctly the other houses he did.” He downed the rest of his coffee then got up to bring the carafe to the table.

  “Thanks, I appreciate any help in getting our money back.”

  “I found out yesterday he skipped out on the Collins family, too, leaving the work half done. I hope you’ll be able to help them, too, Zane.” Ian refilled his mug.

  “Yeah, when we finish with the school. What’s the problem for them? Anything urgent?”

  “No, just interior rooms. Nothing like the roof here, thankfully.”

  “Good. Then just have Will Collins contact me.”

  “The problem is that he lost some of his money to Henderson like Kim. He didn’t have too much to begin with and now this.” He took a sip of his coffee.

  Zane’s gaze pinned Kim’s. “I’ll work something out with him. When disaster hits an area, it hurts everyone, but especially the people who can’t afford to rebuild.”

  “You’re doing what you can for the town. I know Kathleen’s neighbor, Miss Alice, was grateful for the help.” Gideon rose and took his dishes to the sink. “I’m heading outside to unload my tools and the supplies you put in back of my Jeep.”

  “We’re coming, too.” Ian grabbed Zane’s dad’s plate and stacked it on his, then carried both to the counter.

  “I’ll take Uncle Keith something to eat,” Maggie told Kim. “You’d better stay here and give him time to cool off.” She loaded food onto a dish and hurried out of the kitchen.

  Her stomach clenched, Kim studied her half-eaten roll, dreading what Zane would say after Maggie’s reference to her father.

  “I thought your dad was going to be all right about me being here.”

  She gripped her fork and stabbed a piece of pineapple. “He said he would be.” She lifted her head. “He doesn’t have a say in this. I’ll try and keep him away.”

  “That’s fine. After my father’s reaction the other night, I understand. Maybe we should leave them in a room to duke it out, since they both have problems with us even talking with each other.”

  With her hands cupped around the warm mug, she raised it to her lips and sipped the coffee, its aroma mingling with the cinnamon. “Neither one has changed much in fifteen years. When I talked with him after you left, Dad made it clear that he was glad you left to avoid marrying me. He said we weren’t meant to be together.”

  “He was right.” Zane came to his feet, brought his dishes to the sink and started for the outside door to the upstairs gallery. “I have to go. I can’t stay in here and talk about why it didn’t work for us when I’m the one who asked the guys to come help me. I need to be out there doing my share.”

  “I’ll be coming—”

  The sound of the door shutting cut off the rest of her words. Friday night she’d felt they had taken a step forward. Just now they’d taken two steps back. And she realized she didn’t want it that way. Once, they had shared a friendship, as well as love. She wanted that friendship back, but she didn’t think Zane felt the same way.

  Chapter Five

  “It looks like they’re making good progress,” Kathleen Hart said as she climbed from her car in front of Kim’s family home.

  “They’re about halfway done with the plywood and roofing felt.” Kim followed Kathleen, Gideon’s fiancée, to the trunk of her vehicle. “You didn’t have to do this. We’d planned to feed everyone.”

  “I know. But I wanted to. I figured you had enough to cope with.” She pointed to the mess that littered the yard, then popped the trunk.

  “It wasn’t too bad until they started on the roof that needed the old shingles removed. I’ve only had a couple of minor leaks on the middle section. Nothing like the right or left side of the second floor.”

  Kathleen handed Kim a large, clear plastic container with sandwiches. “It’ll be nice when you’re completely dry.”

  “Yeah, since the hurricane, every time it’s rained, I’ve found another water spot on the ceiling.”

  “Mom had that problem over the garage and kitchen.”

  “Speaking of Ruth, how’s the campaign for mayor going?” Kim headed for the two card tables she’d brought out for the food. Recently, Ruth Coleman had decided to run for mayor after the current one pressured Kathleen’s mother to run for the office.

  “I’m seeing a whole new side to my mom. She has dived into this with both feet.”

  “She’s a shoo-in with the our mayor now endorsing her.”

  Kathleen unloaded a paper sack with chips, brownies and a vegetable tray. “I don’t know. Her opponent has some big money behind him.”

  “He hasn’t lived here very long. Money isn’t everything when running for office.”

  Setting the jug of iced tea down next to the paper cups, Kathleen scanned the area. “Where’s Maggie?”

  “She went to get some chocolate-chip cookies she made.”

  “Good. I want to hear her take on this race since she works for the mayor.”

  “Ruth’s got her vote and mine.”

  Kathleen laughed. “I can’t believe I’ve turned into my mom’s unofficial campaign manager at the same time I’m planning my wedding.”

  “And working at the hospital.”

  “Don’t forget my two active boys. I need to find someone to help her besides me.”

  “Why didn’t they come with you? Anna and Brady are inside, but they’ll be out here soon.” Kim stepped toward the front of the house where the guys were working, cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, “Time to eat.”

  Zane stuck his head over the edge of the roof. “Great. We’ll be down as soon as we finish one area.”

  “Don’t wait
too long. I see Anna and Brady coming down the staircase.”

  The partially open double doors flew wide as both children burst from the house, dressed in jeans and T-shirts, with Maggie right behind them.

  Her daughter skidded to a halt a few inches shy of one of the tables. “I’m starved.”

  Kim released her captured breath slowly and said, “When aren’t you hungry?”

  Anna grinned. “When I’m asleep.”

  Brady reached for a paper plate and snagged two sandwiches from the plastic container in time for Maggie to say, “Haven’t you heard of taking one sandwich at a time? You’d better eat both of them.”

  “Mom, that’s not gonna be hard. Now, four might be a real challenge.” He started to pick up another one.

  Maggie swatted his hand. “Don’t even think that. Give the guys who have been working a chance to get their lunch.”

  “I’m gonna be working after lunch. Look.” He nodded toward the debris from the roof, mostly old shingles and pieces of damaged plywood. “Me and Anna gotta clean up the yard. We need fuel for that.”

  “Yeah, Mom. Fuel.” Anna piled her plate with extra chips and even a few carrots and celery sticks.

  As Brady and Anna strolled to the steps of the house, Maggie placed the cookies next to the brownies. “I checked on Uncle Keith. He’s sitting in his room, watching TV. He grunted at me and kept his attention on some sporting event. But I doubt he even knew who was playing.”

  “I’m sure you’re right. Dad isn’t much into sports.”

  Maggie looked around. “Where are Kip and Jared? Brady was hoping they would come and help him with cleaning up.”

  “Making placards for Mom’s campaign. She and Miss Alice are printing the slogan on the poster, and my sons are hammering them to the stakes. A nice production line.” Kathleen’s eyes lit up when Gideon strode toward her and kissed her. As the rest of the men approached, she said, “There are tuna-fish and chicken-salad sandwiches.”

  “Now you know why I’m marrying this lady in four weeks. She makes the best chicken salad.” Gideon gave Kathleen a plate. “After you.”

  Kim stood back and observed the couple—the looks exchanged, the touches shared—and her heartbeat slowed. She’d wanted that at one time. She’d had it with Zane, even with Scott. But not for long. She rotated away, facing the direction of the Gulf. She glimpsed the blue sparkling water through the pine and live oaks still remaining after the hurricane that had taken over a third of them.

  Zane lowered his head toward her, his breath fanning her neck. “You okay?”

  She shivered. Angling toward him at the same time she took a step back, she glimpsed the worry in his gaze. “I’m fine. Thinking about old times.”

  “When we were dating?”

  She nodded, her throat jamming with emotions she’d thought she had rid herself of over the years. “Among other things. You are part of my past.”

  “Do you see us being friends in the future?”

  The question threw her off guard. “I—I…”

  “I know it’s over between us, but I used to enjoy your company. Seeing you again, talking with you, has made me realize that.”

  “Well, yes. I guess so.”

  One corner of his mouth tilted upward. “I love how you say that with such enthusiasm. Good for my ego.”

  She shook off her apprehension and said in a strong voice, “Of course, we can be friends.”

  “That’s much better.” He held out his hand. “C’mon. Let’s go eat before there’s nothing left for us.”

  She fit her palm against his, a spark sending an electrifying streak up her arm. She almost pulled her hand away but didn’t. Zane was putting his work on hold because of her. The least she could be was civil to him—a friend as he said. But no more than that. Her fragile composure wouldn’t survive it.

  Zane passed her a paper plate. “Is your dad gonna eat?”

  “I’ll take him something after we finish.”

  “Then you’d better set his aside now. I see Brady heading back for thirds.”

  “I already did.” Maggie sat nearby in one of the folding chairs she and Kim had brought out earlier. “I put it just inside the front door. I figured you’d want to take it up to him later.”

  “Thanks. It’s probably a good thing he isn’t out here.” Kim peered toward the house, half expecting her father to appear and demand everyone leave.

  “So he really isn’t okay with all of this?” Zane took a seat next to Maggie.

  “His way of coping is to hide in his room. I’ve seen my dad’s health decline over the last few months since the hurricane. I’m hoping getting his place fixed will help him, but I’m not even sure if that will.”

  “I’ve gotten to know Cody Weston at church. He has a doctorate in psychology. He’s working as a counselor with the Christian Assistance Coalition. He’s seeing that a lot with the townspeople. It’s not unusual in these kinds of circumstances. Do you think your dad would talk to him?” Zane asked as he bit into his sandwich.

  “I don’t know. Maybe if he knew the man first. He’s pretty reserved with strangers.”

  Maggie leaned around Zane. “That’s the group I was gonna talk to tomorrow. If you know someone, that’s even better.”

  “But how do we get Dad to meet Cody? He doesn’t leave the house lately unless he needs to go to the doctor’s.”

  Zane snared Kim’s attention. “Then we’ll bring Cody here.”

  His look conveyed she wasn’t alone, that he would help her with her father, as well as the house. “How?”

  “I think I have an idea,” Kathleen said across from them. “Your dad and my mom are friends. Let’s have a campaign meeting here. We need calls and signs made. A planning session.”

  “That doesn’t mean Dad will participate.”

  “If he balks at doing it, I’ll sic Mom on him. He could never say no to her. I don’t know what I’m doing. Something like a political campaign isn’t my expertise.”

  An idea weaved its way into Kim’s thoughts. Her dad had worked on a few campaigns for his friends in the past. “When do you want to do it, Kathleen?”

  “We have a meeting set up for Thursday evening. Is that okay with you?”

  Kim wasn’t sure how this would work, but she hoped it did. Her dad couldn’t go on the way he was and decline even more. “Yes, and thanks, Kathleen.” She shifted her attention to Zane. “Can you come and bring Cody?”

  “I can, but am I the best one to do it? Your dad doesn’t want me here.”

  “As I said earlier, Dad needs to get used to you being here if you’re going to be repairing the roof.” And besides, his presence helped her. Zane had taken his life and made something of it. He was strong—in body, mind and faith. She needed that right now, even if she wouldn’t admit it to him.

  His visual survey of her face heightened her awareness of him even more. Her pulse reacted by picking up speed. She pushed to her feet. “I’d better go take Dad his lunch. If you aren’t here when I get back, Kathleen, thanks again for this delicious spread of food. I’m going to have to get you and Maggie to teach me how to cook better.”

  Kathleen grinned. “Anytime. And I’ll call you to arrange Thursday night.”

  Kim cut across the yard toward the veranda. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied Zane’s dad watching her. A frown, directed at her, marred his leathered features. She focused forward and mounted the steps, then crossed to the front door. Inside, she took her father’s plate up to his room, knocked then entered because the television was up so loud she doubted he could hear her rap.

  “At least the racket has calmed down for now. Are they finished?” he asked over the blare of the cheering crowd at some basketball game.

  �
�No, Dad.” She placed the plate on the table beside his chair in front of the TV, then turned the sound down and sat across from him. “Kathleen, Ruth’s daughter, made the food. I especially like the chicken salad.”

  His gaze glued to the game on the screen, he huffed. “Why did she do it?”

  “Gideon is helping, so I guess she thought she would, too.”

  “We don’t need all this help. We can get along just fine without—”

  “Hold it right there. We do need the help. I know it. You know it. And in exchange we’re going to help Kathleen and Ruth. Thursday I’m hosting a campaign-strategy party here at the house. Ruth’s running for mayor, and we’re going to help her. She would be great running Hope.”

  “She shouldn’t have any trouble winning, so why the worry?”

  “Her opponent has a lot of money behind him. Ruth is conducting a grassroots campaign, which needs people. We’re going to be some of those people.”

  “Me? What can I do?” He held out his shaking hand.

  “Do you think Ruth would make a good mayor?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you can help with all the people you know in Hope.” She rose as the nail gun started again above them. “I expect you to be at the meeting. If you don’t want to be beholden to others then you have to give back. Thursday is a good start.”

  When she took a step toward the door, her father turned the TV sound up to its previous loud volume.

  Her head pounded as the noise bombarded her from two sides. Kim shut the door and leaned against it. Although the TV’s blare was muted some, her head still ached. Massaging her fingertips against her temples, she prayed Thursday would work.

  * * *

  Night inched closer, the dim light too weak to do any more work on the roof. Zane descended the ladder last and laid it on its side against the house in the backyard. He peered up at the door to the game room from the upstairs gallery. “I’m telling Kim we’re leaving, Dad, then we can go and get something to eat.”

  “I’ve seen you looking at her today. Don’t get involved with her again. She isn’t right for you. Don’t let her use you.”