Be Sweet

by Diann Hunt

  I look up into his smiling eyes. “Yeah.” I dare not tell him about my consideration of the Tucker home. He might pressure me, and I need to sort things out. My heart is pressuring me enough as it is.

  We hear a commotion up at the house.

  “Sounds like people are leaving,” Russ says. “Want to go back?”

  “Yeah.”

  His sturdy, warm hand engulfs my own as we trudge our way back to the house, where Mom and Dad are headed toward their car.

  “You sure you don’t need us to take anything to your condo for you?” Russ asks Dad.

  “No, thanks. We’ve been taking things over little by little, so we’re in good shape.”

  “If you need anything at all, let me know,” I say, hugging Mom and Dad good-bye.

  “Same to you, honey.” Mom’s having a sappy moment. I’d blame it on the syrup, but she seems different lately—or maybe I’m the one who’s changing. “We’ll never forget our anniversary celebration, girls. Thank you so much for your trouble and the expense you went to for us.”

  “It’s the least we could do,” I say.

  “Zip, watching you come to terms with your past has made me think about how I struggle with letting go of things. As I said at the party, you’re paving the way for a new future, and I’m going to try to step out of the glory days and make some new memories while I still can.” Dad gives me a squeeze, causing tears to sting my eyes.

  “I love you, Daddy.”

  “I love you, baby girl.” He turns away, then swivels back around. “’Course, that doesn’t mean I won’t remember the good old days every now and then. It’s what old people do, you know.” He grins.

  “I know.” We wave and watch them drive off.

  “Well, I guess it’s our turn,” Janni says, her eyes sparkling with adventure. She leans in to give me a hug. “You behave yourself, and don’t get engaged until I get back.”

  Her words cause my breath to stick in my throat, and my heart gives a leap.

  With one glance at the look on my face, Janni whispers, “Fairy tales can come true, you know. Just promise me you’ll give it a chance.”

  Happiness has been so elusive that I can’t imagine life changing for me, but it’s also hard to imagine that I’ve come this far—to the point where I’m open to another relationship—a real one—not just a comfortable one or one for status’ sake. I breathe a prayer of thankfulness, then look to Janni with a nod and a smile.

  “I can’t thank you enough, sis. You have no idea how much I need this getaway.”

  “Oh, I think I do.” I smile at her. “Help yourself to anything at my house—except the cookies—and just have a good time.”

  She laughs. “Remember, if you need help with the animals, you can ask the neighbor boy. He doesn’t mind getting up early and tending to them before school for a few extra bucks.”

  Daniel gives Russ a hearty handshake and hugs me good-bye. “Thanks for everything, sis. We owe you.”

  “You can pay me off in syrup.”

  He throws out a gut laugh. I give him a deadpan stare, and he stops. “You’re serious.”

  “I’m serious.”

  Palms up, he backs away slowly. “You’ll get your maple syrup.”

  “Smart man.”

  Together, Janni and Daniel climb into their SUV.

  “Be careful if you ride the cycle,” Janni calls out.

  “You worried about me or the cycle?”

  A wide grin splits on Janni’s face. “Both.”

  “No worries. I’m not into cycles. I don’t wear leather well.” Russ comes over to my side and slips his arm around my waist.

  “You kids behave yourselves,” Daniel says with a smile and a wink.

  “Okay, big brother.” Russ laughs.

  “Have a great time.” I wave at them.

  Daniel starts the car engine. We watch them edge out of the drive-way and wave to the happy couple as they take off into the distant horizon.

  “Looks like it’s just you and me, kid,” Russ finally says when we’re left in the silence.

  “Guess so.”

  “Unfortunately, Dad covered for me this morning, so I have to get back to work.”

  I nod. “Hey, don’t forget your syrup.” I point to his crate of bottled syrup on the porch.

  “How about I come back and get it tonight when I take you out for dinner?”

  I look up to him and smile. “Sounds good to me.”

  “I have to admit that syrup was worth the work.”

  “Uh-oh, looks like I’m going to have some competition on my future stash of syrup.” I laugh.

  “Either that or we can combine our stash.” His eyes search my face, and words escape me. “Look Charley, I’m not trying to scare you, but I lost you once. I don’t want to lose you again. I felt something drawing me back here, beyond the dental practice to help my dad. I didn’t know what it was, but now I know. It was you.” He kisses my hair and holds me close.

  Tears sting my eyes as I linger in the strength of his arms. I glance at the syrup, think of my time spent here over the past few weeks, the struggles, the fun, the revelation, and it hits me. Though I’ve had hard knocks in life, I’ve survived. Just like the trees. The storms may break us down for a season, but faith and family will get us through.

  “I don’t know what the future holds, Charley,” Russ whispers into my ear, causing a pleasurable shiver, “but I’d sure like to give it a chance to see where it takes us.”

  He squeezes me once more, then pulls away to look at me. One glance in his eyes, and I realize for the first time in many years, I’m ready to risk my heart and give love a chance once more.

  “Walk with me to my car?”

  I nod. He puts his arm around my waist as we walk across the pebbles together, the spring sun warming us along the way.

  “I could get into this, you know.”

  I give Russ a puzzled look.

  “You, me, around here.” His arm takes in the homestead.

  “Me too.”

  He stops and looks at me. “Really?”

  “Really.”

  His gaze holds mine, then he kisses me gently once more. Afterward, with our arms nestled at each other’s waists, we start walking toward his car again. With one glance at the DKNY sneakers on my feet, I smile and snuggle deeper into the chest of the man I love. Dorothy can keep her slippers.

  I’ve already found my way home.

  acknowledgments

  It took a lot of wonderful people, dozens of pancakes, and several gallons of maple syrup to get me through this book.

  First and foremost I want to thank my incredible husband, Jim, for his constant support and encouragement. I couldn’t do it without you, babe!

  To my daughter, Amber, for believing in me when my spirit wanes and the chocolate supply is low, and who offers complete understanding when I have to go “out of state.” Well, most of the time.

  To my son-in-law, Kyle, who’s always trying to come up with new marketing strategies for me. Thank you!

  To my son, Aaron, a high school English teacher who tolerates my dangling participles and even admits to being blood-related. I owe you.

  To my daughter-in-law, Megan, who shares my love for books.

  To Garry and Nancy Sink for sharing their valuable time with me and explaining the sugaring process. The syrup was delicious!! Thank you!

  To my brainstorming buddies: Kristin Billerbeck, Colleen Coble, and Denise Hunter, whose writing inspires me to greater heights.

  To my fantastic agent and friend, Karen Solem. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to keep learning and growing in the craft.

  To my genius editor, Ami McConnell, who sees things in story like no one else can, and Natalie Gillespie for her support and expertise!

  To the creative Thomas Nelson team who brings story to life: Allen Arnold, Lisa Young, Jennifer Deshler, Natalie Hanemann, Carrie Wagner, Mark Ross, the copyeditors, and the sales reps. We did this together!
Thank you!

  And finally, to those of you who curl up on the sofa with a cup of coffee, a box of chocolates (you know who you are) and my book—thank you for allowing me to share my story with you.

  Until next time, God bless you all!

  reading group guide

  If your book club has ten or more members and you choose to read one of my books, I would be happy to “visit” your group (free of charge) by telephone and discuss the book. If you’re interested, drop me a line at diann@diannhunt.com to schedule a date! I will also send you free autographed bookmarks!

  1. Charlene thought she had her life all together, but once she arrived at her childhood home, she realized she had merely moved away from the problems. Have you ever felt as though you had worked through something only to have it crop up later when you least expected it?

  2. When Charlene saw people from her past, it brought back bitter memories. She had to move beyond her past and forgive those who hurt her. Is there someone in your life who has hurt you that you need to forgive? If you haven’t forgiven them, what is holding you back?

  3. Charlene has issues with her mother, and yet she still wants her approval. No matter how old we are, we never outgrow the need for our parents’ approval. Have you experienced that? How do you handle it when you feel you don’t measure up to their expectations?

  4. Charlene and Janni were as different as night and day, as are many sis-ters. Charlene always saw Janni as the saintly one, and when she dis-covered Janni’s crown was a tad off-kilter, Charlene was shocked to the core. Have you ever put anyone on a pedestal only to have them fail you with their human weaknesses? Did that help you grow stronger in your own determination to do what’s right, or did you want to give up? Could someone be watching you?

  5. Charlene’s mom struggled with a few insecurities of her own. She misjudged her husband’s behavior and things got a little crazy. Have you ever misjudged someone and said things you wish you hadn’t? Do you make it a rule to always apologize?

  6. Has anyone ever misjudged you? How did it make you feel? Did you confront them with the truth or let it go? Did it help you be more compassionate toward others whose situation you don’t understand?

  7. Gail Campbell was the town gossip. As we know, the Bible warns against gossip, and for a good reason. It can divide the closest of friends. Has your life ever been affected by gossip? What did you do? If you know someone who gossips, would you consider telling them that what they’re doing can hurt people and break up relationships?

  8. Charlene seemed to have it all—a seaside cottage, a lucrative career, and all the amenities that they bring. Still, she longed for something more. Being with family made her realize just how much she had missed by being away. Do you struggle with trying to balance what’s important in life? Are there some steps you can take to remedy that problem?

  9. Charlene not only had to deal with her husband’s betrayal, but also her one chance to have a child was forever gone while the “other woman” bore Charlene’s husband’s child. Sometimes there’s just no way around it, life can be unfair. Have you had situations in your life where you’ve said, “Life is hard, but God is good”? Explain.

  10. Ultimately, Charlene realized she didn’t always “feel” sweet, but as she learned to let go of her past and trust God with her future, then she could experience the true joy and peace that Jesus gives. Have you gone through a similar experience that eventually brought you to this same place?

  Visit diannhunt.com to see a listing

  of Diann’s other novels.