The New Guy in Town

by Teresa Southwick

  “She’s such a delicate flower.” Ellie sighed and sat down beside Faith at the table. “I don’t think they heard her in Cleveland.”

  “It will get better,” Faith and Katherine said together.

  “Great minds.” The older woman held up her hand for a high five.

  “Bebe,” Leah said even louder, in case her mother was right about Cleveland, “wanna go in Unca Sam’s pool?”

  “Along with an outstanding pair of lungs,” Ellie said, “she just had a really good idea. Listen up, guys, last one in the pool is a rotten egg!”

  And the pitch of Ellie’s voice was proof that the apple did not fall far from the tree, Faith thought. It did, however, produce results. Thirty minutes later, Phoebe and Leah were in the water with Sam, Cal and Alex. The grandparents were stretched out on lounges under an umbrella and snapping cell phone photos of the swimmers as well as selfies. Faith and Ellie sat at the patio table in the shade with tall glasses of iced tea in front of them.

  “I hope you don’t mind that we all descended on you without warning,” Ellie said.

  “Of course not. My daughter is having a blast, which means I can relax. You brought food and you’re fun—” Faith stopped. That sounded as if she belonged here and that so wasn’t the case. This was Sam’s house and she was only temporary. “It’s your brother’s call.”

  Ellie nodded. “I thought a mini family reunion, minus the honeymooners, would be nice because it’s not often we get Cal here.” She glanced at the pool where the men were playing a spirited game of Marco Polo with the little girls. “Sam didn’t take the really broad hints I was dropping about a gathering. Then Cal announced he was bunking here since Mom and Dad are at my house and he needed somewhere to stay. Sam looked ready to strangle him, which I don’t get.”

  Faith did. Like her, he’d thought they would be alone to pick up where they’d left off. She was both relieved and disappointed when it didn’t happen. Her skin felt too tight and there was a knot of tension inside her, just waiting to be tapped. She hadn’t been with a man in a very long time and had forgotten how good it felt to be held and kissed and wanted. Then Sam had unleashed it all under the moon and stars last night. It just had to be acknowledged that he had some serious skills when it came to kissing.

  She’d been anticipating exploring the rest of his skill set because there’d been no doubt they’d end up in his bed. Then fate had intervened. That gave her a chance to wonder whether or not it would be a mistake to upset the way things were.

  “Maggie Potter told me yesterday how much she loved the wedding flowers. She’s going to make an appointment to talk to you about doing them for her wedding to Sloan Holden.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. It seems weddings in this town are contagious. Not that I’m complaining, because it’s great for my business. It’s just—” She glanced at Sam, who was letting Phoebe splash him without retaliation. He’d wanted kids once, before the social schemer tried to take him for everything.

  “What?” Ellie prodded.

  “You and Alex are happy, right?” As soon as the words were out of her mouth she was horrified. “I’m sorry. That was rude and an invasion of your privacy. Not to mention none of my business.”

  “Don’t be silly. There’s nothing I would rather talk about than Alex and me. We’re very happy and deliriously in love.”

  “And Leah is—” She didn’t know how to phrase the question. Was she an intruder in their love? Did they resent her for being there? Or tune her out in their devotion to each other?

  “I was pregnant with Leah when we married,” Ellie said. “But she’s the best thing that ever happened to both of us. She completes our family. Until another baby comes along.”

  “You want more?”

  “Oh, yes. Don’t tell anyone, but we’re trying to get pregnant.” The other woman glowed. “Alex and I didn’t have to get married because of the pregnancy. We did it because we love each other.”

  “How do you know it will last?”

  “There are no guarantees. But if you find a good man who makes your heart beat as if it will jump out of your chest and you count the seconds until he comes home, those are pretty good signs that you’re in love for the long haul.”

  That pretty well described how she felt about Sam. It would be so much easier if she didn’t, because their friendship was working and had become important to her. As much as she wanted him, taking the next step could ruin the best relationship she’d ever had.

  Damn this annoying attraction.

  Chapter Eleven

  “So, how does your day look?”

  Sam sat across the table from Faith. Eating breakfast with her and Phoebe was becoming one of the bright spots in his day. The two of them collaborated on cooking scrambled eggs, toast and fruit. Phoebe was noisily slurping cereal.

  “I’ve got a busy one,” she answered. “Filling and delivering orders. Sunday your sister told me that Maggie Potter really liked the flowers at the wedding and was going to call me for a consultation. There was a message waiting when I walked in the door yesterday.”

  He sipped his coffee and savored the rich flavor that tasted so much better when Faith made it. “What’s so important that she had to call bright and early on Monday morning?”

  “Her wedding.”

  “Is it just me,” he asked, “or are weddings in this town becoming an epidemic?”

  “I said something along those lines to Ellie when she mentioned it the other day. But one shouldn’t complain about good fortune. I’m going to need the money to fix my house.”

  “How’s that coming?”

  “Alex has a crew ready to start as soon as the building inspector clears it, hopefully at the end of the week. First we need to see what can be salvaged, then demolition is the next step.”

  “Good.” That was an automatic response. The tightening in his gut when the meaning of her words sank in was not. It was becoming clear to him that all the bright spots in his day included Faith. There was a clock ticking on these breakfasts with her and he wasn’t ready for them to end when she moved out.

  “That reminds me, Sam. My meeting with Maggie might run late. I hate to ask—”

  “I’ll pick Phoebe up from camp.”

  “I don’t need to be picked up.” The camper in question pushed away her bowl with the cereal gone and milk remaining. “I’m going home with Melissa. You said I could sleep over, remember? Because summer’s almost over.”

  “I do now,” Faith answered. “Problem solved.”

  Was it? Sam wondered. Or did that just create a different one? Her cheeks turned pink and she wouldn’t quite meet his gaze, telling him she realized the two of them would be all alone in the house. The last time they were alone, he kissed her and she kissed him back before admitting she was interested in more. Had she changed her mind?

  Before he could figure out how to ask in a way an eight-year-old wouldn’t pick up on, the doorbell rang. He met her gaze. “Are you expecting anyone?”

  “No. You?”

  Sam shook his head and got up. “I’ll see who it is.”

  “We have to get going.” Faith stood, reaching for his plate.

  “I’ll clear.” He touched her hand and she looked at him. There were sparks in her eyes and her breath caught. A good sign that she hadn’t changed her mind. The bell sounded again. “But first I’ll answer the door.”

  “Get your things, Phoebe. The bus is leaving.” She walked out of the room.

  Sam headed for the entryway and opened the front door. His mother stood there. “Mom. Hi.”

  “Good morning.” As always she looked beautiful, in her royal blue silky slacks and matching top. “May I come in?”

  “Sure.” He stepped back and pulled the door wide.

  She kissed his cheek
, then said, “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  Faith walked in with Phoebe behind her. “Hi, Katherine. We were just leaving. I have to get my darling daughter to camp then open the shop.”

  “Then my timing is perfect,” she said. “I just wanted to stop in and say goodbye. Hastings and I are flying back to Dallas this morning.”

  “Do you hafta go?” Phoebe said, genuine disappointment in her voice.

  “I’m afraid so, sweetie.” Katherine smiled regretfully. “I have commitments at home. The annual fund-raiser for the children’s hospital is coming up and I’m the chairwoman.”

  “I’m going to miss you.” The little girl looked a little mopey.

  “You are so adorable.” Spontaneously Katherine leaned down to hug the child. “Now tell me the truth. It’s because you’re going to miss beating me at checkers, isn’t it?”

  “That, too.” Phoebe grinned and there was mischief written all over it.

  “I’ll be back soon for a rematch, sweetheart.”

  “Better be soon,” the little girl said. “When our house is fixed we won’t be here anymore.”

  “Have no fear. We’ll work something out.” Katherine looked at Faith. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you.”

  “I feel the same about you.” She glanced up at Sam. “You raised a good man. One who would take in people with nowhere else to go.”

  “He is a good man.” His mother’s look was full of approval and pride and something else that was the reason for this visit. “I hope we’ll see you the next time we’re in Blackwater Lake. We try to make the trip often to see our little Leah.”

  “I look forward to it.” Faith put her hand on Phoebe’s shoulder. “Sorry, I really have to run.”

  “Of course. Don’t let me keep you.”

  Sam watched her get the little girl into the van then climb into the driver’s side. He didn’t close the door until her vehicle disappeared from sight, then he looked at his mother. “Coffee?”

  “No offense, dear, but yours is dreadful.”

  “Faith made it.”

  “Then yes.” She smiled. “I’d love some. If you’re not in a hurry to get to the office.”

  “No.”

  “Okay, then.” She followed him into the kitchen, where he grabbed a mug and poured the dark, hot liquid into it. “Here you go.”

  “Thank you.”

  Sam moved to the table and stacked the breakfast plates. “To what do I owe this visit?”

  “I just wanted to see you one more time before we leave.” She sat at the kitchen table and wrapped her hands around the cup with steam rising from it. “I really like your Faith.”

  And there was the ulterior motive. “She’s not mine.”

  Although she might be later that night. Anticipation rolled through him. “I’m just being a good neighbor to her and her daughter. Extending a helping hand.”

  “Is that what you young people call it these days?” There was a twinkle in her eyes.

  “Why, whatever do you mean?”

  “I raised you to be a good man, not a dense one.” Her expression said duh. “You know very well I’m talking about sex.”

  Sam cringed and was pretty sure it showed. He couldn’t count high enough to enumerate the number of reasons he did not want to discuss this with his mother. “No, no, no. I call time-out.”

  “Gotcha.” His mother grinned. “It’s so easy, Sam.”

  “Then I have it on the record that you’re not above deliberately torturing your children?”

  “If anyone asks I’ll deny it. But I couldn’t resist. And, really, you and Faith looked so close.”

  “And I suppose that means that you’re not going to leave it at ‘gotcha’?”

  “Not a chance,” she said.

  “Okay.” He let out a long-suffering sigh. “I’m not sleeping with her.”

  “Yet,” his mother said.

  How did she do that? he wondered. How did she know he’d been thinking about it? This was creepy. Sometimes it was best to say nothing and this was one of those times.

  “Sam, it was nice seeing you with Faith. And Phoebe...” Katherine smiled fondly. “She’s a wonderful little girl and you’re so good with her. Clearly she adores you.”

  “What can I say? The kid has good taste.”

  “I’m your mother. You’ll get no argument from me. But it made me hopeful watching you with them.”

  He was going to be sorry, but couldn’t help himself. “Hopeful of what?”

  “That you’ll settle down and have a family of your own. I worry about that.”

  “Don’t,” he urged.

  “Telling a mother not to worry is like ordering rain not to fall.” She met his gaze and there was concern in hers. “It’s wonderful to see you so happy. Everyone says you and Faith are perfect for each other.”

  “First of all, there’s no such thing as perfect. And second, who’s everyone?”

  “Ellie.”

  “A consensus of one,” he said triumphantly. “That doesn’t make it true.”

  “Doesn’t make it not true, either.” Her tone changed to the one she used when going in for the kill. “Look at it this way. You’re not getting any younger. If you’re going to give me grandchildren, you better get busy.”

  “At the risk of pointing out the obvious, you already have a beautiful granddaughter, Mom.”

  “I want, and frankly I’m expecting, all of my children to reproduce.”

  “You might have to lower your expectations.”

  “That’s not going to happen.” Katherine had on her “because I’m the mom” face. “Grandchildren are a parent’s reward for not strangling their teenagers.”

  “Hey, I wasn’t that bad,” he protested.

  “You weren’t there.”

  He grinned. “Technically, I was.”

  “Not as a parent. You haven’t walked in those shoes. Talk to me again after you do.”

  “Not likely.” Having kids without tying the knot wasn’t an option for him and he didn’t believe in marriage anymore. “Not for me.”

  Katherine sighed. “I know you’re worried about making another mistake, Sam, but Faith is not that woman.”

  “That’s for sure.” Karen Leigh Perry was in a class by herself. Just thinking her name brought back the bitterness that showed no signs of ever fading.

  “For the sake of argument, let me just say that a good marriage is worth all the trouble and no one knows that better than I do.”

  Wow, she was hinting at the cracks in her relationship with his father. This was a first, and he was really surprised. “I’ve never heard you talk about that.”

  “Maybe I should have.” There were shadows in his mother’s eyes. “It might have been a mistake to sweep it under the rug and present a picture-perfect front. That was a difficult time and both your father and I wanted to forget about what happened. But now I believe it might have been a disservice to you. You’re the oldest and the one who remembers the most, and were probably affected by it more than your brother. I’m concerned that my silence contributed to your fear of commitment.”

  “I’m not afraid of committing.” That was knee-jerk and so macho. No guy would admit to being afraid of anything.

  “That’s a discussion to be taken up at a later time. For purposes of this conversation I just want to say marriage isn’t easy. Your father and I are proof of that. But we love each other very much and were willing to do the work. We came back from the brink and...” She smiled. “It’s magic. I can’t imagine my life without him. Being together, with a man who supports me unconditionally and loves me in spite of my flaws. Having coffee in the morning and talking about our plans for the day.”

  Not unlike what he’d just expe
rienced with Faith. Woo woo weird. “I appreciate you telling me this, Mom.”

  “You’re welcome.” The cell phone in her purse signaled and she looked at it. “It’s a text from your father. The plane is just about ready.”

  “Okay.”

  “Your face gives nothing away,” Katherine said, “but inside you’re doing the dance of joy because I have to be finished talking about this, aren’t you?”

  “I neither confirm nor deny.”

  She stood and put her hand on his cheek. “Do me a favor and wait until I leave to celebrate.”

  “I won’t be celebrating. Believe it or not, I appreciate what you just told me.” He kissed her cheek. “And I’ll miss beating you at checkers, too.”

  “Brat.”

  “That’s me.”

  “I love you, Sam.”

  “Back at you.” He walked her to the car and watched until she was gone.

  Sam was still getting over his shock that his mother even brought up that dark time when she and his father nearly divorced. Then he thought about Faith. Her sassy sense of humor and sexy mouth. He had to admit that the idea of being more than friends with her didn’t make him sweat. Was it because she was dead set against love, making her different from most women? But what if he and Faith were perfect together? That was an intriguing thought.

  * * *

  As she’d expected, Faith was late getting back to Sam’s after work. She’d come up with flower ideas that Maggie loved, but it had taken time. Sam was in the kitchen when she arrived and she joined him there. Just as she walked in her cell phone signaled a text message. It was from Phoebe’s friend’s mom.

  Got Phoebe. We’re home. Girls are having a blast. Will take them to camp in the a.m.

  Faith set her purse on one of the bar stools at the kitchen island and texted back.

  Thanx. I owe you. When my house is fixed, it’s my turn.

  Almost immediately there was a happy face emoji, indicating the message was received.

  “Everything okay?” Sam asked, standing with the island between them.