by JoAnn Durgin
5
His teeth chattering, Dante retrieved the rental car key from his jacket pocket. Parts of Italy could get very cold, but this was nothing more than self-imposed torture. He unlocked the door and then tapped one boot against the side of the car to dislodge the packed-on snow. After repeating the same with his other boot, he climbed inside the white sedan. Never had he felt so cold and chilled to the bones. He inserted the key in the ignition and turned his hand. Nothing. Muttering under his breath, he tried again.
“Come on. Don’t fail me now.” Dante pumped the accelerator a few times and gave it one more try. He crossed his arms on the steering wheel and lowered his head. Confusion clouded his mind. Part of him wanted to speed away and never look back. But another part of him ached to stay, even if only for another hour or two to fix the car.
“Pazzo,” he mumbled, slumping back in the seat. “God, if you’re listening, I’m asking You to give me a sign of what You want me to do. You brought me to this town, and now it seems You don’t want me to leave.”
****
“So, what’s the real story with Dante?” Amanda leaned her chin on her hand, fully aware she sounded like some kind of forlorn, love-starved woman.
Pausing her work, the older woman opened her mouth and then closed it. Seldom was Caroline at a loss for words. Something was odd with this whole Dante episode, but far be it from Amanda to understand. She was tired from driving, and it’d been a long day. Perhaps she should pinch herself to see if it was all a dream. If Dante was a dream. She didn’t even know his last name.
“Never mind. Doesn’t matter. He’s probably long gone from Starlight.”
Just because she hadn’t had a halfway decent date in the last two years was no reason to act ridiculous. Besides, she’d likely never see the man again. Never get another glimpse of those gorgeous blue eyes fringed by insanely long lashes, one of the unfair injustices of life. His voice was deep and masculine. Shiver-worthy, if such a thing was possible. The expression ‘handsome as sin’ never made sense to her…until now. She could live without the beard and tried to picture in her mind what he’d look like without it.
Dante was rugged, tall, fit, and lean. Something about the way he moved—his posture, lift of the shoulders and even his gait—reminded her of the jocks she’d known in school. Not arrogance or pompousness on Dante’s part, but a natural athleticism. No doubt some mighty impressive muscles lived under all the layers needed for this cold weather.
What am I thinking?
Amanda frowned. An inexplicable sense of something—loss? sadness?—settled in her soul. Like the greatest guy she’d ever met had walked in and then out of her life again in the span of less than an hour. She ran her hand through her messy curls. More likely, she needed some serious sleep. Besides, she didn’t need the hassle of a relationship until she figured out her own life.
“Mark my words, God’s working in that young man’s life.” Finished scrubbing the counter, Caroline tossed the cloth in the sink. She then excused herself and ducked into the kitchen.
Amanda finished the muffin and pushed the plate aside. What did she know about this man? Besides the obvious, he seemed nice. Kind. Intelligent. Good sense of humor but with an underlying hint of sadness.
“Amanda?” She startled from her musing to find Caroline standing to one side of the picture window. “Seems our friend Dante’s car won’t start.”
Amanda moved beside Caroline and peeked out the window, feeling silly. Sure enough, Dante sat in a sleek white car parked by the curb. His head was bowed, but she couldn’t tell what he was doing. “How do you know his car won’t start? Maybe he’s programming the GPS or checking his voice mail messages.”
“Why don’t you go check to be sure?”
“In this weather?” She smiled at the expression on Caroline’s face. “You couldn’t be subtle if you tried. God’s plan or Caroline Picasso’s matchmaking?”
Caroline’s grin was borderline mischievous. “Maybe a little of both, sweetie. After all, even the Almighty allows us to help every now and then.”
****
A hard rap on the window beside him made Dante jump. He blinked hard a couple of times as his eyes focused. Amanda jogged in place beside the car while light snow continued to fall. The door protested as he pushed it open. So much for his top-of-the-line rental. Even his own well-oiled joints felt creaky in this abominable weather. If he ever got out of little Starlight, he’d head south or west.
“Problem?”
“You could say that. The engine won’t turn over. Probably a dead battery.”
“Come back inside then. We’ll figure out something.” Amanda headed back toward Barney’s and beckoned for him to follow. Maybe the bitter cold had frozen his brain, but—at least for the moment—life had grown a whole lot more promising.
“Welcome back, stranger. Couldn’t stay away?” Caroline passed by while carrying dishes into the kitchen.
“My rental car won’t start.” It came out more a half-grunt.
“Are you a writer, by any chance?” Amanda said.
“No. Why?” Had Caroline revealed his identity to Amanda, and she was teasing him?
“You could write a piece called, ‘How I Spent a Week in Starlight One Night.’” Amanda gave him a smile that thawed him real quick, and then she angled her head to a back corner of the diner. “Harry Goodwin’s our town mechanic. He’s sitting right over there. I’ll go and ask him to check out the car. Question is, tonight or in the morning?”
“Tomorrow’s better. It’d be inhumane to ask anyone to go out in this weather. I think the car just needs a jump. I’ll deal with it in the morning if it’s no trouble leaving it parked outside. Any hotels around to lay my head for the night?”
Caroline came back out to stand beside them. “You go talk to Harry,” she said to Amanda. “I’ll take care of the rest.”
Dante sneaked a peek at Amanda as she moved to a booth where an older gentleman sat with a woman.
“Don’t worry about the car,” Caroline said. “It’ll be fine, and Harry will get you all fixed up and ready to go again tomorrow morning. I’ve got a spare bedroom fixed up nice and cozy since we never know when one of the kids or grandkids might show up. You’re more than welcome to it. For the night, a week, whatever you need.”
“Grazie, Caroline. That’s very kind.” The prospect of a warm bed in a family home instead of a hotel sounded nice, and the idea took root. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been shown hospitality other than being offered a couch in one of his teammates’ bachelor pads when he was too tired to drive back to his own condo. The scent of freshly laundered sheets and the clutter of a lived-in family home were precious commodities and something he missed more than most people could understand.
“Like I said before, you got any better place to go? The truth.”
This woman understood him with unnerving clarity. “I’ve got a few more letters and thought I might deliver them in person. Other than that…” Sadness filled his heart. “No.” He lowered his gaze.
Caroline reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “I hope you’re a believing man, Dante. Because—sure as anything—I know in my heart the good Lord brought you to Starlight and into this diner tonight.”
“Any idea why?” In a hidden part of him, buried somewhere deep beside his innocent, childlike faith, Dante knew she was right.
A hint of a grin surfaced and reached Caroline’s blue eyes. “No, but I hope I get the opportunity to find out.”
6
Amanda squeezed her eyes against the onslaught of bright sun peeking through the upstairs bedroom window as her brother opened the blinds.
“Morning, sleepyhead. Time to let your light shine.”
She groaned and rolled over. “It was annoying enough when Mom did that, Jake. Not to mention your voice is a lot deeper, which makes it ten times as irritating. Promise me you won’t subject your future offspring to this kind of behavior,” she muttered, movin
g one arm over her eyes. “Close those blinds. I’m on vacation, so show me some respect, please. It’s a conscious choice not to get up at the crack of dawn, you know.”
Jake’s chuckle was morning raspy but familiar and comforting. She’d missed him more than she’d admit. They’d had a lot of fun and shared great memories of growing up in this big, old house built by their great-grandfather. Since their parents moved to Florida, her brother had poured his heart and soul—not to mention every spare penny—into maintaining and updating the century-plus home. From the polished hardwood floors, high ceilings with intricate crown moldings, carved banisters, and the hand painted mural and fireplace in the master bedroom, it appeared the results of his efforts were well worth it.
“It’s already past eight o’clock.” Jake glanced at his watch. “Julia’s meeting with Angie and wants you to go with her. She’s driving over from Cedar Rapids and said she’ll swing by to pick you up in about an hour. Angie’s doing a final fitting for her dress and wants to check your gown, too.” He scrunched his face into a frown. “Something like that.”
Amanda sat up in her bed. “The dress? As in Julia’s wedding gown? Why didn’t you say so in the first place? I can’t wait to see it.” The competitive part of her was secretly thrilled she’d finally have an edge over Jake in something, although seeing her brother’s bride in her wedding gown before the groom probably didn’t count. She’d take what she could get. Amanda swung her flannel-covered legs over the side of the bed, stretched her arms high, and yawned again. “I still can’t believe my big brother’s getting married. There’s hope for you yet, you big, old closet romantic.”
Standing in the middle of the room, dressed in his firefighter uniform, he’d never looked more in control and confident.
She lowered her arms and gave Jake a smile. “Seriously, it’s wonderful to see how happy you are. You and Julia are great together. Being able to help with all the preparations for your big day makes me feel needed”—she swallowed—“and more a part of everything.”
“You’re always needed, sis.”
She’d lifted off the bed and stopped in the middle of pushing her arms through the sleeves of her robe. “Excuse me? Did I hear that sentiment coming from you?” She smiled as Jake’s golden retriever bounded around the corner of the bedroom. “Good morning to you, too,” she said, laughing. “Bailey! How’s my precious girl today?” She scratched behind the dog’s ears. “You’re such a love bug. Good thing, since you softened up this big guy over here.” She grinned at Jake as Bailey licked her cheek.
“What’s up, Amanda? Something’s different about you.” Jake pulled out the desk chair and straddled it. Leaning his chin on his crossed arms, he gave her his full attention.
“Don’t you have to be at the station in a half hour?” She moved back to the bed and Bailey settled at her feet.
Jake’s brown eyes, so much like hers, softened. “I’ve got time. Everything all right?” He could always tell—a mixed blessing at times.
“I’m feeling a bit restless.”
“About what?”
She blew out a breath. “Not sure I want to be in Florida, not sure where I should be.” She lifted her shoulders. “I’m asking God where He wants me, but the answer hasn’t been all that clear.”
“So, you’re talking geography and not questioning the whole teaching thing?”
“Exactly. You know I love the kids, Jake. Granted, it’s equal parts frustration and a test of patience, but most of the time, I can’t imagine doing anything else. My students teach me more than I can possibly ever teach them. But kids and teaching positions are everywhere. Well, make that everywhere but Starlight. Therein lies the problem. More and more, I’m feeling the urge to move back home. I mean, it’s a real need, not a want or some silly wish. This town is my heritage. It’s me, you know?” She waved her hand and laughed. “Silly me. Look who I’m talking to. You’ve never wanted to leave Starlight, much less move out of this house.”
“True,” he said, “but it’s about a lot more than a house. It’s tradition and heritage, like you said. Kids in today’s world need stability and the family dynamic.” His gaze slid to Bailey resting on the floor beside her. “Complete with a spoiled dog.”
“And who’s going to show you how to properly care for a wife?”
Jake grabbed one of her pillows, which had somehow ended up on the floor, and tossed it at her. “Don’t you worry about that.” His smile sobered. “You know as well as I do you won’t find any better people than here in Starlight. People who believe in God and trust Him to guide them through life’s trials. People who help and support each other.”
“That’s beautiful, Jake. Really.” She gave him a weak smile and tears filled her eyes.
“If you’re going to cry about it…”
“Be quiet. I had something in my eye.” She shivered. “Have to get used to the cold again, too, but I love it. Doesn’t seem like Christmas without snow, warm fires, and all that goes along with it.”
Her brother unfolded his six-foot-plus solid frame from the chair. “There’s plenty of food downstairs. The fridge and freezer are well-stocked. Help yourself to whatever you want.”
Leave it to a man to think about the food. “Thanks. And Jake?”
He stopped and turned.
“It’s really nice to be home again.”
He saluted with his trademark grin. “If my opinion counts for anything, it’s where you belong. Although,” he said, “if you’re still in Starlight when Julia and I get back from our honeymoon, it’d be better if you find another place to live.”
She tossed the pillow across the room at him, laughing as he ducked.
“I’ll catch up with you later, sis.” He paused in the doorway. “Julia thought we’d invite some friends over for dinner tonight to celebrate your homecoming, but only if you’re up to it. Hannah and Dylan have other plans, but we thought we’d invite a few folks.”
“Sounds like a plan. As long as no former boyfriends are involved, I’m game.”
He slapped the side of the doorframe, a hint of the smile she adored creasing his lips. “I’ll see what I can do.”
7
Amanda watched from the front window of Angie and Harry’s house. Dante huddled with the mechanic beside the open hood of Dante’s rental car parked in the driveway. In his jeans and red down jacket and with his brown Stetson parked on his head, he was more than a distraction. Glimpsing this man she’d thought long gone from Starlight jumpstarted her questions about him all over again. Jumpstarted a number of things.
Julia’s wedding gown rustled about her as she moved to stand beside Amanda at the window. “What’s captured your attention out there?”
“My guess is the tall, dark, handsome, but mysterious stranger who’s come to town. Dante something or other,” Angie said, coming back into the room with a plastic box of straight pins that rattled as she walked. “He came into the house earlier with Harry, and I talked with him for a couple of minutes. Very impressive man, I have to say. He’s quiet, but has a…presence. I need to pin the hem of your dress in a couple of places, Julia, and then we’re done.” She darted a glance at Amanda. “Your dress is fine, honey. No alterations needed.”
“You look gorgeous, Amanda.” Julia stepped onto the wooden platform in the middle of the room. “That shade of green complements your hair and coloring. Now, tell me more about Dante. Have you met him yet?”
“Last night at Barney’s. He’s half-Italian or something. Nice guy with a fun sense of humor.” Seeing Angie with pins clenched between her lips, Amanda worried she’d swallow one by accident. A trip to the emergency medical center definitely wasn’t on the day’s agenda, so she reached for the box of pins. “Here, I’ll hand them to you.”
Angie worked her way around the hem of Julia’s white satin gown with swift precision as they talked more about the wedding plans. Amanda admired the sophisticated and elegant off-the-shoulder A-line dress with intricate beadwork and b
eautiful lace appliqués. The dress was absolute perfection, really. If she was ever so blessed to find a groom, she’d pick a wedding gown in a similar style. She shook her head. Weddings always made her contemplative, but she didn’t have time to wallow in self-pity—or whatever this was—when there was so much to do.
A few minutes later, Angie finished pinning the hem, and Amanda helped her to her feet.
Julia lifted the skirt of her dress and stepped off the platform. “I’ll go change, and then we’ll go grab some lunch, Amanda. We should probably stop by the market. I need a few last-minute things before I start on dinner.”
“You run on ahead,” Angie told Julia. “I need to ask Amanda something.” After Julia departed, Angie’s gaze strayed to the front window. “Is Dante staying in town long?”
Amanda shook her head, surprised Angie didn’t mention something wedding-related. “I have no idea. Now that Harry’s fixed his rental car, there’s no reason for him to stay longer in Starlight. I’d better go change, too, and see if Julia needs my help with her dress.” She turned to go.
“Hold on a minute, honey.” Angie put a hand on her forearm. “I’m sure those blue eyes of Dante’s have melted many a woman’s heart. Such smoldering good looks.”
Jake was the only person Amanda had ever heard use the word smoldering, and even then it was in terms of a house fire. “I’m sure they have,” she said, half under her breath.
Angie’s grip on her arm tightened. “And when he speaks Italian? For all I know, he could be telling me to go to Mars and stomp on a bug, and it’d still sound like the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard. You know I love my Harry, but I suggested to him that he get one of those Italian foreign language tapes. Laverne has some in the library, so I think he might actually do it.” Slanting another glance toward the front window, Angie grinned. “Maybe Harry can get one of those cowboy hats, too. You know, spice it up a little.” She turned back to face Amanda. “I understand Dante stayed with Caroline and Ben last night. Bless his heart, he even did some odd jobs around the house for them. What a thoughtful thing to do, don’t you think?”