Riverbend Road

by RaeAnne Thayne

  “Mom! Hi. This is a surprise. What’s all this?”

  Her mom headed straight back to the kitchen, completely comfortable in the home where she had been raised. “I know you told me you would grab something last night but I decided to bring dinner anyway. I came over about eight thirty but I guess I still missed you. Nobody answered the door and I couldn’t find the key under the doormat.”

  Wyn followed her. “I’m a police officer, Mom. I don’t keep my spare house key in an obvious place like under the doormat. I’ve told you that. The key is under Grandma’s naughty garden gnome.”

  “Oh, I’d forgotten. You’ve told me that before but maybe I’ve just blocked it out. I can’t believe you didn’t throw that awful thing out after you moved here.”

  “It makes me laugh,” she said of the little creature, forever grinning saucily while it flipped the bird to everyone in sight.

  Charlene shook her head, one more way she didn’t understand her daughter, but said nothing more about it as she reached into the bag and pulled out a covered casserole dish then set it on the counter. “You and McKenzie must have had a lot to talk about. Are you planning her bridal shower?”

  For a moment, she didn’t know what her mother meant, until she remembered she had fibbed to keep her mother from coming over and fussing over her and had told her she had plans with McKenzie.

  Oops.

  Guilt pinched at her, especially when Charlene unloaded more dishes onto the kitchen counter until she had set enough food for a good-sized dinner party onto the cooktop.

  “Wow. That’s...a lot of food.”

  “I know, dear, but I couldn’t help myself. You know I cook when I’m upset.”

  Yes, Wyn could attest to that. Her chubbiness as a girl had been proof that her mother had often been upset. The stress diet Wyn had gone through after that horrible January and the rigorous regimen of fitness and self-defense classes she’d turned to before applying for the police academy had finally eradicated the last of her baby fat.

  “So tell me about the shower. Where is it going to be? Is there a theme? Do you need help with the food or the decorations?”

  Yeah, the truth always came out. Sometimes she was sure her mother had a built-in lie detector. Cade should seriously put her to work interrogating suspects.

  “I didn’t end up actually meeting up with McKenzie last night,” she finally admitted.

  Charlene raised a carefully shaped eyebrow. “Oh. That must be why she seemed a little discombobulated this morning and tried to make something up when I bumped into her at the grocery store and asked her about it.”

  Great. Now she would have to explain to McKenzie why she had shamelessly used her for a cover story.

  “If you weren’t with her, where did you go?”

  Charlene obviously had known from the moment she walked in that Wyn had lied to her about her whereabouts. She had no choice but to tell her mother the truth now.

  She went to her mom and hugged her. “I’m sorry. I told you that because I just needed to be alone. You know how I get when I’m stressed.”

  Her mother sniffed. “Yes. You take after your father that way.”

  “I ended up going on a hike up the Mount Solace trail. On my way back, I stopped to talk about a couple of cases with Cade. He was grilling steaks and he invited me over, sort of a spur-of-the-moment thing.”

  And then he kissed me until I couldn’t think straight.

  Even without knowing the last bit that Wyn kept to herself, Charlene huffed out a breath. “Well, he’s got some nerve, suspending you one minute and having you over for dinner the next.”

  She didn’t want her mother thinking poorly of Cade. Charlene adored him and fussed over him just like she did the rest of the Bailey clan and Wynona couldn’t ruin that for either of them. He had too little softness and tenderness in his life and she didn’t want to deprive him of any of it.

  “He’s doing what he thinks is best,” she said softly. “I’m not saying I agree with him but he’s the chief of police and it’s his decision.”

  “Didn’t you even try to change his mind while you were having dinner with him?”

  She’d been a little busy, what with the kissing and all.

  “You know how stubborn he can be,” she hedged.

  “Oh, do I ever.” To her relief, Charlene let herself be distracted. “He was more hardheaded than Elliot, Wyatt and Marshall combined. I always said Cade had more of your father in him than any of John’s own boys.”

  “A little stubbornness isn’t a bad thing when you’re the chief of police,” she said, used to the ache of sorrow burning in her throat for the man she had admired and loved so very much.

  “I suppose. He does a good job, doesn’t he? Your father would have been a hard act to follow for any man, after twenty-five years as the chief of police, but Cade has stepped right into his shoes.”

  “Yes. Dad trained him well.”

  She didn’t want to talk about Cade—thinking about him all morning had been enough, thanks—so she deliberately changed the subject by gesturing to the containers on the countertop.

  “You do remember I live alone, right? What am I supposed to do with all this food?”

  “It’s not that much. Only lasagna, bread sticks, salad and brownies. And, yes. I do remember you live alone. How can I forget? I just don’t know why. You go on plenty of dates.”

  Here it was. Her mother’s favorite topic. From experience, she knew enough to move off that subject quickly or Charlene wouldn’t let up.

  “I’m actually headed to McKenzie’s for the Haven Point Helping Hands luncheon. Why don’t you come with me?”

  “Today?”

  “Yes, as soon as I clean up. They would love to have you. I know you always said you couldn’t come to the luncheons because you felt guilty leaving Dad at the nursing home by himself. Maybe it’s time to start doing all these things again that you used to enjoy.”

  Her mother glanced at her watch, then back at her with an oddly guilty look on her features. “I can’t today. I’m sorry. I already have plans. If I’d known about it, I would have tried to make it. Maybe next time. Text me when the next one is and I’ll put it on my calendar.”

  What plans did she have? And why did the mention of them seem to make Charlene so nervous?

  “Okay. I’ll let you know. Thanks again for the food. It’s enough to feed a soccer team but maybe I’ll freeze it.”

  She would never be able to eat an entire large pan of lasagna. Maybe she would invite a bunch of girlfriends over to watch a movie or something, now that she had all this free time. Devin and McKenzie had crazy schedules but would both try to make it. Katrina and her best friend, Samantha, had active social lives on the weekend but they might be available on a weeknight.

  “Sounds good, dear,” Charlene said. Her mother’s cell phone alerted her of an incoming text and she pulled it out of her pocket then smiled a little at the message before she quickly shoved it away. If Wyn wasn’t mistaken, her mother’s cheeks looked a little pinker than they had a moment ago.

  “Well, I have to go,” her mother said. “I’ll call you later. Have fun at your lunch.”

  “I will. And you have fun at your...other plans.”

  Charlene’s smile seemed distracted as she let herself out.

  Wyn slid the plate of brownies into the microwave to make sure Pete didn’t suddenly get a hankering for them while she was gone. Plastic wrap would provide no barrier whatsoever to him but he hadn’t yet learned to work the buttons on the appliances.

  Whatever was she going to do with all this food?

  The answer came to her while she was in the shower. When she returned from lunch, she would take it over to Andrea Montgomery’s house. It would give her the perfect excuse to check on the little fami
ly and see how Andrea’s ankle fared.

  * * *

  “LOOK WHO’S HERE! It’s the hero of the year!” McKenzie hurried forward when Wynona walked into Point Made Flowers and Gifts an hour later carrying a pasta salad and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. “Too bad we already named Mick Sargent the grand marshal for Lake Haven Days or you would have been a lock.”

  Thank heaven for small favors. She was spared that, at least.

  “How fun, to have you here during the day.” Devin Shaw—McKenzie’s sister—beamed. “Your schedule is usually so busy at the police department.”

  “I’ve got nothing but time this week,” she said.

  “Why is that?” Eliza Caine asked.

  Wynona didn’t want to go into the whole story but her sister helpfully did it for her.

  “Because Cade Emmett suspended her for a week,” Katrina grumbled. “Can you believe it? She runs into a burning building to save two little boys and ends up losing a week’s salary because of it.”

  “That’s just not right,” sweet Hazel Brewer exclaimed.

  “I thought that boy had more sense,” her sister Eppie piped up.

  “Sounds like he was just jealous that he wasn’t the one getting all the attention,” Linda Fremont piped up with her usual negativity.

  “I don’t believe that was the case at all,” Wyn said. Again, she was in the uncomfortable position of having to defend Cade. She didn’t want her friends to think poorly of him, especially when his reasons weren’t without merit.

  “Chief Emmett was concerned that I jeopardized the boys’ safety by going into the fire without protective gear, especially after he ordered me not to. It’s a personnel issue and I would rather not talk about it.”

  If something had happened to you on my watch, it would have destroyed me.

  His hoarse words came back to her, low and intense, sending butterflies twirling through her insides.

  “What’s the project today?” she asked, to change the subject and distract herself.

  “We’re making these handy bucket organizers to sell at our booth at Lake Haven Days,” McKenzie said. “We’re painting the lower part of the bucket with chalkboard paint so you can write what’s inside on the side. You can be on paint duty, if you want.”

  Easy enough, though she didn’t know why people couldn’t just look inside or, better yet, keep track of where they put things.

  Wyn sat down at an empty spot and picked up a brush. She didn’t consider herself the most crafty of people but these gatherings, when she could fit them into her schedule, were more about hanging out and visiting with friends, as well as the warm glow of knowing she was helping someone in need.

  All proceeds from sales of their monthly projects went toward benefiting various endeavors like the local food bank and the Haven Point library. Over the years, the group had raised thousands of dollars—and had tons of fun doing it.

  “Has anybody met the woman who moved into the Baker house on Riverbend Road?” Wyn asked after a few moments of painting.

  “That’s the cute house near you that has been empty for so long, isn’t it?” Eliza Caine said.

  McKenzie looked thrilled. “I didn’t know somebody new moved in!”

  “Yes. A woman named Andrea Montgomery. She has two children, a boy and a girl. Chloe and Will.”

  “Is there a husband in the picture?” Linda asked with a disapproving sort of look.

  “One of the kids mentioned a dad but I don’t know anything about him. I’ve only met her and the kids.”

  “Pretty woman with auburn hair and two kids who look just like her?” Barbara Serrano asked.

  “Yes. That’s her.”

  “They stopped at the diner a couple of nights ago. I thought they might be tourists but she did ask me if I knew the library hours.”

  “Is she renting or buying?” Linda asked. “Too many new renters are moving in, now that the new Caine Tech facility is opening up.”

  The town’s economy had greatly improved in the last nine months since Ben Kilpatrick, McKenzie’s fiancé, and Aidan Caine made plans to move a branch of Caine Tech to town. Previously floundering businesses were suddenly doing much better and more were opening up all the time. Somehow, Linda Fremont still found plenty to complain about.

  “I don’t know the answer to that,” Wyn said. “I just wondered if anybody met them, that’s all. She sprained her ankle yesterday on the river trail. I gave her your name and number, Dev.”

  She glanced at Devin Shaw and saw a quick flash of knowledge there before the physician hid it.

  “Thanks. I appreciate that” was all she said.

  McKenzie didn’t know if Andrea had come in to see her but she suspected so from her friend’s response. Even if she had asked, Devin wouldn’t have been able to answer because of privacy laws.

  “I’m taking in a meal later today if anybody else has one on hand,” she said.

  “I do!” Eliza exclaimed. “Sue has been spending the last month putting up some freeze-ahead meals for us since she and Jim are finally taking that cruise to Alaska Aidan and I gave them for Christmas last year. They’re only going to be gone two weeks but Sue seems to think we’ll starve without her—and she also seems to forget that I like to cook. I was looking forward to having that glorious kitchen at Snow Angel Cove to myself, if you want the truth, especially now that I’m past the morning sickness.”

  It took a moment for that veiled announcement to sink in, and then everybody started exclaiming about the welcome news that Eliza was expecting a baby. She and Aidan were the sweetest couple, both completely perfect for each other. Every time she was with the two of them, Wyn was torn between delight at their obvious happiness and feeling small because of her own little twinges of stark loneliness in comparison.

  “What does Miss Maddie think about becoming a big sister?” Wyn asked of Eliza’s adorable daughter.

  “She’s over the moon, already keeping a journal filled with notes and pictures about all the things she plans to teach the baby.”

  “And do you know if it’s a boy or girl yet?” Eppie, Hazel’s sister, asked—no doubt she was planning to start work on one of her beautifully crocheted baby blankets.

  “Not yet. I’m not sure we want to spoil the surprise but ask me again in a few months. Who knows? We may change our minds.”

  “How’s Aidan doing?” McKenzie asked with a grin.

  “He’s gone slightly crazy, of course, already trying to improve on all the pregnancy planning apps out there. But back to your question, Wynona—I’ve got at least twenty meals ready to go in my freezer. I can easily spare five or six.”

  “Can I run out and pick them up when we’re done here?” she asked.

  “Of course.”

  “I don’t want to overwhelm her. I just wanted to help her feel welcome in town.”

  “That sounds lovely. Just swing by the house when we’re done here and you can take what you want.”

  The conversation turned to the upcoming Lake Haven Days and Wyn was content to listen as she painted.

  These activity lunches were one of her favorite things about living back in her hometown. Yes, there were a couple of strong personalities, the occasional tiff, a few newcomers she didn’t really know yet, but in general, these women each worked hard individually and collectively to make Haven Point a warm, welcoming town.

  She was thinking about it while the conversation flowed around her, not really paying attention until she heard her name.

  “I still can’t understand what’s going on in Cade’s head to suspend her,” Linda Fremont said.

  “If it’s any consolation, he’s getting flak for his decision,” McKenzie said.

  “I gave him an earful this morning when he came for breakfast at the diner,” Barbara said. �
�And I wasn’t the only one. All the regulars gave him the what for, I can tell you that. Ed Bybee and Archie Peralta didn’t let up for a good ten minutes.”

  “Maybe that’s why he was a real bear at this morning’s public-safety planning meeting for Lake Haven Days,” McKenzie said. “He growled at everybody and he nearly told Carl Palmer to pull his head out of his ass but stopped himself just in time.”

  Perhaps he hadn’t slept well either. She gazed down at the metal bucket in her hands. Had he suffered from tangled dreams too? Some tiny part of her sincerely hoped so—which probably made her a terrible person.

  “Maybe he just needs a date,” Samantha Fremont suggested impishly. “Word on the street is, Haven Point’s sexiest bachelor is keeping to himself these days.”

  “Maybe he’s seeing somebody and we just don’t know about it,” Devin suggested. “As much as we might like to think otherwise, we don’t always know everything that’s going on in Haven Point.”

  “Speak for yourself.” McKenzie grinned.

  “We might not know everything, but we do know Cade Emmett,” Katrina said. “The man is a heartbreaker with a capital H.”

  “That man could leave his badge on my bedside table anytime.” Roxy Nash just about purred the words.

  Everybody but Wyn laughed. Wyn knew Roxy the least of all the women here, and she decided at that moment she didn’t much like her.

  The other woman was a project manager for Caine Tech and had moved in a few months ago near McKenzie along Redemption Bay. She was tall, lean, gorgeous. All the things Wyn would never be. She also seemed as man-hungry as Sam and Katrina. What struck her as amusing in her younger sister and her friend somehow seemed wrong coming from a woman in her late thirties with a ravenous look in her eyes.

  “Word at the Mad Dog is that he’s got amazing skills,” Roxy said.

  Wyn could feel her face heat and cursed her fair-skinned complexion. To her relief, nobody else seemed to notice and the conversation drifted on to other topics.

  “So a week’s suspension,” Devin Shaw said from across the table. “What are you doing to fill your time?”