Dawson hung his coat on what had once been Hal’s hook, and Nancy winced.
Was she already allowing Dawson to replace Hal in her home? In her heart?
Dawson’s eyes, blue as a summer evening sky, met her own with surprising warmth, reminding her of what they’d shared in Crane Landing. They’d shared wonderful conversations that made Nancy laugh until her sides hurt. He’d challenged her with lively debates about life and interesting topics that expanded her world in ways she’d never imagined. They had taken leisurely walks along the river and enjoyed tea on the porch of his small home. They had lingered over casual lunches and suppers on the back porch of Cecily’s cottage, the small home that Radford had rented for Nancy and Rebecca while Rebecca was receiving treatment from Doctor Samuel. Dawson and Nancy had played croquette on the front lawn and danced at the Independence Day celebration. He had taken her hand in his while watching fireworks fill the harbor sky, and Nancy had felt that same explosive energy lighting up her heart.
And now, from across the room, Dawson’s eyes promised more of those moments, if she were willing.
“Something smells delicious,” Adam said, crossing the floor in his stocking feet.
“Grandma roasted a chicken and also made apple pie for dessert,” Rebecca said, placing the vegetable bowl and a basket of biscuits on the table.
Nancy placed the platter of chicken beside the biscuits. As they took their places at the table, she poured gravy into an urn, and then took her seat.
Thankfully, Adam and Rebecca kept the conversation lively, allowing Nancy to enjoy the meal and their company. She’d added candles to the table to make the evening more special. The flickering light cast shadows across the white tablecloth, bouncing to and fro, much like their conversation. They shared stories and news and laughter for nearly two hours. It reminded Nancy of the many evenings she’d spent with Adam and Rebecca and Dawson in Crane Landing, and it made her realize how deeply she had missed this. She spent her evenings alone now, at home, or dining at her sons’ homes where her conversations revolved around family and being a mother and grandmother. She enjoyed those conversations and her time with her family, but she longed for more evenings like she’d had in Crane Landing.
Adam set his fork on his pie plate and leaned back in his chair. He patted his stomach. “I’ve sure missed your cooking, Grandma.”
“Well, I’ve missed you,” Nancy said. “If you and Rebecca move back home, I could cook for you more often.”
He laughed. “I’ve missed being home and working at the mill with my father and uncles, but we love our little cottage and Crane Landing. Besides, it’s such an exciting time at the shipyard right now that I need to be there.” He glanced at Dawson. “We’ve got a few challenges ahead of us, don’t we, Dawson?”
Nancy glanced between them. “Are you having problems?”
Adam shrugged. “The sawmill is having to make some adjustments as the shipyard converts from building vessels out of wood to constructing them from steel. It has to be done, and we’re already behind most of the shipyards converting, but it’s sad to see at the same time.”
Dawson sighed and gave a nod of affirmation. “I couldn’t agree more, Adam.”
“Gracious, this world is changing so quickly,” Nancy said. “Ships are being built with steel, electric lights will soon illuminate our village, and my babies are moving away. Sometimes I feel as if I’m standing still while the world moves forward without me.” Nancy shook her head. “Will the lumberyard be able to survive this?”
“Sure,” Adam said. “We supply the majority of building materials for the area, and we’re exporting timber, too, so we’ll be fine. And many shipyards have been using steel for years. We’re one of the last yards to make the change, and we need to do it or become extinct.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear the mill will fare all right,” she said. “Will you and Leo keep your jobs?”
“Of course. We’re actually busier than ever.” Adam braced his elbows beside his empty plate. “Did I tell you that Leo has bought himself a schooner? She’s a two-mast beauty he named Destiny. It needs some work, but Leo’s going to refurbish her stem to stern.”
Adam and Leo had been best friends since they were boys, and Leo was like a grandson to Nancy. “That’s wonderful. Adam. I’m so happy that Leo is doing well. It sounds as if he’s happy in Crane Landing.”
“He is,” Adam responded. “But he’s deeply troubled because he hasn’t found his siblings yet. Not knowing what happened to them haunts him. Being here in Fredonia with his family will be good for him. Aunt Tansy and Uncle Cyrus were practically beside themselves when Leo got to the door.”
“And you should have seen Benny’s face when he laid eyes on his big brother,” Rebecca said, pressing her palm to her heart. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.”
“I did not cry,” Adam said, drawing himself up and pretending to be grossly offended, which made them all laugh.
Nancy patted Adam’s forearm. “Just wait until you have your own children, Adam. When your babies move away, it will break your heart. I take great comfort when you and Rebecca are back with us again, even if it’s only temporary. One day when you have children, you’ll understand.”
Rebecca smiled and patted her belly. “I’m utterly stuffed, and if I don’t move now I’ll fall asleep right here at the table.” She stood and began clearing plates. “Grandma, why don’t you go to the parlor and visit with Adam and Dawson while I clean up in here? After I clear the dishes I’ll bring in more tea and coffee, if you like.”
“Thank you, dear, but let’s just put the dishes in the sink to soak for now.” Nancy stood and picked up her plate. “Let’s visit a while in the parlor. I’m tired of sitting on this hard chair.”
“Me, too,” Dawson said, getting to his feet. As Nancy stepped around him, he slipped his hand over her forearm. “Supper was delicious, Nancy. Thank you.”
His affectionate display in the presence of her grandchildren flustered her. “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she said, stepping back. “You and Adam go on in, and I’ll bring the tea and coffee along in a minute.”
“Come on, Dawson,” Adam said. “I know from experience when it’s best to clear out of Grandma’s kitchen.” Laughing, the two men headed to the parlor.
The wise, womanly look on Rebecca’s face took Nancy by surprise, partly because it was hard to believe her granddaughter was already a grown woman, and also because Rebecca had obviously noted the exchange between her and Dawson. “He’s in love with you, you know.”
Nancy gasped and laughed. “What are you talking about, Rebecca Jean?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Dawson Crane, that gorgeous man in your parlor, is in love with you.”
“Oh… bother that. You’re young and see romance everywhere. Dawson and I are dear friends is all.”
Rebecca laughed. “I may be young, but I’d like to think I’m not ignorant or blind, Grandma. I know what I’m seeing in Dawson’s eyes when he looks at you. What I’m seeing in your eyes, however, is uncertainty. I think you care for him, but do you love him in return?”
“Would you like sugar in your tea, dear?”
Rebecca laughed and raised her hands, palms out. “All right, I know when I’m being intrusive. Yes, Grandma, I want sugar in my tea. And I want you to know that I heartily approve should you find you have feelings for Dawson Crane.” With that Rebecca sailed out of the kitchen, leaving Nancy with a steaming teapot and a burning face.
Gracious, what happened to the days when she could distract her grandchildren with a question or a story? It seemed Rebecca had her teeth in this bone and she wasn’t going to let it go.
Nancy carried the tray to the parlor, and then took a seat in her usual chair near the fireplace. Dawson sat across from her, in Hal’s chair. While Dawson and Adam were talking about the latest project at the shipyard, Nancy gazed at the crackling fire, letting the warm heat wash over her. How many t
imes had she sat in this very spot after dinner with Hal, or with one of her children or grandchildren snuggled on her lap? She’d spent uncountable hours here, but never in the last twenty-four years had she sat here contemplating romance and marriage with another man.
Her gaze wandered to Dawson. He leaned back in his chair, legs extended and crossed at the ankles. He rested one elbow, and his coffee cup, on the cushioned arm of the chair. His shirt collar was open an extra button, and a wisp of dark chest hair peeped through the opening. He was shorter and stocker than Hal, and yet they were both handsome, honorable men with a commanding presence about them. They were both artists, although neither man would admit it. Hal had carved and created beautiful art with wood. Dawson painted stunning images on canvas, and had once created the blueprints for building magnificent ships. Years ago, he had suffered a traumatic head injury, like Rebecca, that had debilitated him for years, even causing him to limp and become solitary for years. But he’d mostly recovered his health now and was reclaiming his life, and even daring to open his heart—to her. Everything about Dawson, his looks, his thoughts, his life, intrigued Nancy.
As if he knew where her thoughts had wandered, he turned and winked at her.
Her face flushed and the cozy fire suddenly seemed too warm.
For a few moments they all sat in silence, as if appreciating the quiet after a good meal. Nancy shifted her gaze back to the fire because she couldn’t bear the heat in Dawson’s gaze.
“Grandma, would you play the pianoforte for us?” Rebecca asked. “I’ve missed hearing you play.”
Glad to escape her burning thoughts, Nancy stood and extended her hand to Rebecca. “Come play along with me, dear.”
Rebecca clasped her hand and they crossed to the pianoforte that sat near the front window of the parlor. Nancy sat on the cushioned bench and ran her fingers over the black and white keys. The pianoforte had come with the house when Hal bought it, and each year regardless how tight money was, Hal had the beautiful instrument tuned for her. Before he died, he’d made their boys promise to keep the pianoforte tuned for her—and they had.
Nancy patted the bench beside her. “Sit with me, dear.”
Rebecca slid in beside her and snuggled close.
Nancy smiled and savored the feeling, remembering when Rebecca was a four-year-old little darling with ringlets hanging to her waist. She’d sat on this same bench while Nancy taught her to play, and also on Nancy’s lap as she rocked her to sleep. “Do you remember how to play, Rebecca?”
Rebecca shrugged. “I remember you teaching me to play while Daddy worked at the livery. But I haven’t played since my accident.” Uncertainty filled her eyes, and it hurt Nancy to know how painful it had been for Rebecca to lose so many memories.
She gave Rebecca’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Remember how you knew Star and how to take care of your beautiful mare, even though you didn’t remember her name? Don’t try to remember how to play, dear. Just feel the music, and your fingers will find their way across the keys.”
“Oh, I do hope you’re right, Grandma.”
“Well, let’s find out.” With those words, Nancy placed her fingers on the keys. With a deep breath and a bit of flair, she began a lively tune that was one of Rebecca’s favorite pieces to play. Nancy danced her fingers over the keys and melodic sounds filled the parlor. “Join in, Rebecca,” she said, not missing a note. “Start with the C in two, three, four…”
Rebecca jumped in on the one count and managed four notes before she hit a wrong key. She jerked her hand away as if she’d touched a hot stove. “Sorry, Grandma.”
Nancy kept playing, not wanting to feed Rebecca’s concern. “Keep going, honey. You got the first notes correct.”
“I’d rather hear you play, Grandma.”
“And I’d rather dance with my wife,” Adam said, extending his hand to Rebecca. “Shall we make use of a perfectly good song, my love?”
With a laugh, Rebecca said, “How could I turn down a request by such a handsome gentleman?” With a quick glance at Nancy, she rose and stepped into Adam’s arms. He spun her around the room with great flourish. Rebecca and Adam both laughed as they executed lively steps and twirled through the parlor. Rebecca’s bright blue skirts swung around her legs as she dipped and turned on her husband’s arm.
Their joy lightened Nancy’s heart, but she knew that missed note bothered Rebecca.
Dawson crossed the room and sat beside Nancy on the bench. As she reached the chorus, he broke into song.
His exuberant outburst made her laugh. Dawson’s rich baritone blended with her soprano and their voices sounded beautiful together. Nancy wondered if other aspects of their lives could blend as easily as their voices did. Then she dismissed the thought and finished the song, ending with a flourish of chords and notes from one end of the keyboard to another that always made her grandchildren laugh and clap with joy.
“That was wonderful, Grandma!” Rebecca said, bending down to hug her from behind. When she stood up, however, she gasped and pressed her palm to her forehead.
“Are you all right, Rebecca?” Adam asked in alarm. He guided Rebecca to the sofa and knelt beside her, concern in his eyes. “Darling, what’s happening?”
Nancy and Dawson leapt off the bench to tend Rebecca.
“I’m… I’m fine. I just got a little dizzy and out of breath from twirling around the parlor like a silly girl.” She laughed and waved away their concern. “It’s been a long day of traveling and visiting. I think my body is just telling me that it’s time to retire for the evening.”
Nancy rubbed Rebecca’s shoulder. “Are you certain you’re all right, sweetheart?” She glanced at Adam. “I’ve made up Radford’s old room for you two. Don’t hesitate to wake me tonight if you need anything.”
Adam nodded, and Rebecca waved away their concern. “I’m fine. Truly. I’m just weary from traveling. I doubt I’ll wake until late tomorrow morning.”
Adam clasped Rebecca’s hand and gently pulled her up beside him. “I’ll walk you in, darling, then I’ll get our bags.”
Rebecca laughed and nudged him toward the foyer. “Thank you, Adam, but I’m completely recovered and quite capable of walking unassisted.” She turned to Nancy and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for letting us stay here, Grandma. It’s wonderful being able to spend time with you.”
“I agree, sweetheart. And even if you and Adam hadn’t rented out your cute little house down the street, I’d have asked you to stay right here with me. Now get some rest, and I’ll see you kids in the morning.”
“I’ll help you with your luggage,” Dawson said, following Adam to the foyer. When he returned to the parlor a few minutes later, he carried his own bag plus another larger case in his hands. “If you’ll show me to my room, I’ll get my bags out of the foyer.”
“Of course,” she said, crossing the parlor. She stopped at the door to his bedroom and said, “It’s been a long day, and I suspect you are travel-weary, too. To be honest, I’m eager to seek the comfort of my own bed. You’re welcome to relax in the parlor, however, if you wish to stay up a while.”
He set his case on the floor beside him. “All I wish is to do this.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. Tenderness filled his eyes as he stroked his knuckles across her cheek, creating a warmth in her heart that she hadn’t expected to experience again in her life. “It’s wonderful to see your beautiful smile again.”
She longed to lean into Dawson’s arms, but she simply couldn’t do it in the house she had shared with Hal. “It’s good to see you, too, Dawson. I’m glad you’re staying here instead of the Inn.” She wanted to say more, to slip into his arms and rest her head against his chest, but she took a step back instead. “Let me know if there’s anything you need.”
“I need to finish that conversation we started earlier. But I’ll let you off the hook tonight.” He winked, scooped up his case, and entered his room without looking back.
* * *
Instead of heading to bed, Nancy cleaned up the parlor. Her hands still trembled minutes later as she picked up the tea cups off the parlor table. She placed them on the tray and carried it into the kitchen. She knew she needed to talk with Dawson. She wanted to spend time with him. She’d missed him terribly. But their easy friendship wasn’t so easy now that he’d complicated their relationship with a marriage proposal.
Too tired to wrestle with her emotions, she spent a few minutes cleaning up dishes and putting her kitchen in order, then she turned off the light. Returning to the parlor, she banked the fire in the fireplace and turned off the lamps. The routine was comfortable and familiar, like her home and her life, and it calmed her. With a final glance around the parlor, she headed to her own bedroom.
She left her door ajar in case Rebecca needed her during the night. She remembered well their time in Crane Landing, after Rebecca’s accident, and how Rebecca used to wake in a panic from her nightmares. The poor child had wandered the rooms of their cottage many nights because she couldn’t bear to close her eyes. To see Rebecca happy and doing so well now, brought great comfort to Nancy’s heart.
But thinking of Cecily’s cottage, the small house in Crane Landing where they had stayed, made Nancy a bit melancholy. She found herself missing the peaceful sounds of the ocean tides and the calming flow of the Crane River as it meandered down the mountain and cut a wide path behind the cottage. She missed the casual picnics she and Rebecca would share with Dawson and Adam, and Leo and other friends from that beautiful little town.
And though it was only four months ago when she’d been in Crane Landing, it felt like another lifetime. Nancy exhaled in exhaustion and turned her thoughts to preparing for bed. She was weary from the excitement of the day and from a year filled with many momentous events in the life of her family—and in her own life. With a deep sigh, she unbuttoned the front of her favorite day dress and stepped out of it. She laid it across her dressing bench, too tired to worry with it. She reached behind her back and unlaced the ribbons of her corset, inhaling as the tight stays released her middle. One benefit of her thinning waist was that her corset wasn’t as snug. She took her nightgown out of the chest of drawers, another beautiful piece of furniture Hal had crafted for her, and drew the white cotton shift over her head. She tugged her hair out of the traditional chignon she wore each day, and ran a brush through it. After a thorough brushing, she braided it, and then climbed into bed.
When I Fall in Love Page 30