“Wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but I can’t even figure out my own life.”
Noah opens the entrance to the vehicle and climbs in. He looks to Will and then me. “Why the sad faces? Guys, it’s Thanksgiving. Even if you didn’t have anything to be happy about, you get to eat all day,” He puts his finger to his elastic waistband and snaps it. “See, fat pants. That’s a good day already.”
When the posters said “community dinner,” it wasn’t a gimmick. Across the high school gym Wendy and her family are scooping green beans onto plates. Pastor and Brooke are pouring gravy over dressing and potatoes. And Ben’s slicing pie. Where I need to drop off my contribution to the afternoon.
“Happy Thanksgiving. Another dessert for you.” I muster a smile.
His blue and black flannel shirt might be for warmth, but it also accentuates his muscles as he reaches across the table and takes the dish. “Thanks. Glad you could be with us today and not back home yet.” He keeps his focus on pie cutting.
“No, I’ll leave as soon as the center closes for Christmas. Seemed like good timing.” Pumpkin pie spices flirt with my nostrils. “Did you need any help?”
He looks up. “Suppose you could arrange the plates on the table. There are place cards so people know what each pie is.” The slicing continues, but he mumbles, “Guess it’s a good last project for us.”
Okay, Ben’s all melancholy today. Maybe he misses Sara. I sure do.
Pastor Craig stands in the middle of the gym and takes the microphone from the stand. “Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Looks like everyone but the volunteers have their dinner, so let’s say grace, allow them to fix their plates, and enjoy this fantastic meal.” He closes his eyes. “Lord, we have so much to be thankful for. Even on this snowy day we have food, a roof over our heads, heat, transportation, friends, and family. You’re so kind and generous with Your children. Thank You. Now, Lord, bless this meal and the hands that prepared it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Scanning the crowd, families seem to be sitting together. Will, Carla, and Noah sit with Pastor Craig and Brooke. I walk toward the main table and reach for a plate and utensils.
Please don’t let me sit alone. It’s depressing eating in a gym with these long, rectangle tables made for twelve if I’m the only one.
Ben hands me a napkin and our hands touch. “Did you want to sit together?”
His contact still sends chills. Need to focus on piling corn on my plate. I shrug, “Sure. I mean, if that’s what you want.”
He drops a thick turkey piece next to his beans. “We seem to do okay sitting together at church. Not long from now you won’t be here, anyway.” His voice trails toward the end.
We walk to the end of a table where Wendy and her family are enjoying their meal. He pulls the chair out for me, and I take my place. “Right. Seems like as soon as Thanksgiving comes, it’s no time at all and it’s Christmastime. Can’t wait.” I grin, putting a forkful of potatoes in my mouth.
“Do you have anything special planned with the seniors?” Wendy lifts a piece of cranberry sauce to her mouth.
“We’re going to have a cookie exchange. Shirley let me know that attendance is low at the center in December. We finished the variety show, so I’m keeping things light. For me, I’m anxious to get the council to reconvene so I can learn about my budget.” Ahem. Ben.
Forty minutes later the only food left is my pumpkin pie. I wish I had worn comfy pants like Noah because I’m full, but that dessert is too good to pass up. Wendy and her family already have their plates pushed away. Most of Ben’s food remains on the plate, but he continues to pick at it.
Okay, I can do this. Just a few bites. This is your favorite.
I put the fork to my plate, ready to dig in, when a man kneels at my side. Trish’s dad.
“I’m sorry to bother you Jenna, but I wanted to catch you before you leave town.” He scratches his brown beard dotted with white whiskers.
“Oh, you have time, but go ahead. No problem.” Is this about the council meeting?
“It’s official business, actually. I need you to visit my office Monday to make an appointment.”
I put the fork down. “Am I in trouble?”
“No. I can’t say more than that, but please stop in first thing. It’s in your best interest. Enjoy your pie.” He waves to the rest of the table and returns to his. Mysterious much?
Wendy leans in. “What was that about?”
“Ben, do you know?” Suddenly I don’t want the pie.
“Nope, not a clue. He’s a lawyer, so I guess it’s a legal matter.” He grins, the first real sign of life I’ve seen from him today.
“Funny. Wonder what it could be. He didn’t call me in when I destroyed the flowerbox, so I can’t imagine what I’ve done.”
“Jay probably didn’t have your number then.” Ben’s on a roll.
I reach for my napkin and wipe the corners of my mouth. “All I know is I’m nervous. And I can’t wait for Monday.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
I place my gold cross necklace over my red sweater and smooth out my denim skirt. “I hope this is what a mountain girl wears to the lawyer’s.” I twirl in front of my full-length mirror before heading to the kitchen for my purse. The long chain bumps against my neck as I pick up speed, and I realize I haven’t prayed for today. Clutching the cross, I close my eyes. “Lord, I’m nervous. Everything seems at a standstill, and I’m not very good with waiting. Help this meeting with Jay Maxwell be something I can use to move forward. Give me peace and joy no matter the circumstances. I place my trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
The weather’s calm for a change so leaving the house and heading down Maple Lake Drive isn’t a problem. Jay’s office is on Route 8 before the road to Ben’s house. I park in his short gravel drive and walk up the creaky porch.
“Hello? Mr. Maxwell? It’s Jenna Anderson.” I knock on the storm door.
In less than a minute there are footsteps, then the door opens. It’s Trish.
“Oh. I didn’t expect you. I was supposed to meet your dad here.”
She smiles and gestures for me to enter. “Right. He’s in his office. I’m helping him out today. Go on in.”
“Thanks. Kind of funny, last time I saw you, you were helping your mom.”
We walk together down the hall to a wooden door with a bronze knocker.
“Yes, the life of the unemployed. I’m trying to figure out my next step. While I wait, I’m pitching in. And the sad thing is, for the very first time.” She looks down to the floor before glancing back to me.
“I have a feeling your parents are happy to have you here, and helping. I hope things get better for you.”
She raps three times on the bronze knocker and turns to me with a smile. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Is it Miss Anderson, Trish?” Jay calls from behind the door.
She opens it wide. “Yes. Does anyone need anything before I tackle filing?”
I walk through and notice he isn’t alone. Carla sits to the left of his desk.
“No, dear, looks like we’re set. Thank you.” He slides his chair closer to his desk and folds his hands together.
What is going on?
“Hey.” Carla mouths.
“Any ideas?” I whisper.
She shrugs, and Mr. Maxwell clears his throat. “I’m sorry to bring you ladies here under such secrecy, but I needed you to know first before the rest of the world finds out. Right now only one person knows what I’m about to reveal, and she sends her best.”
Carla and I exchange looks before focusing back on Jay.
“This is in regards to the Last Will and Testament of Howard Wheaton.”
Okay, this is getting more mysterious by the minute.
He opens a thick file. “Susan’s already been here, and there is one more person that I need to meet with separately. You might not be aware, but Howard worked for the railroad company, and he not only earned a nice retirement,
he invested wisely. Half of his estate goes to Susan. The other half goes to encourage people who he believed in and felt made Speculator Falls what it is. That’s where you two come in.”
“Howard wanted to give something—to me?” Carla’s voice raises an octave.
“It’s all right here.” He holds up a paper. “Allow me to read it. To Carla Rowling, Adirondack sweetheart with a mean pair of shears: I deserved a lot more tickets than you ever wrote me. You were kind even though we both know I had a lead foot and then some. You’ve raised your boy right, taking him to church and allowing him to work at JB’s. He’s always greeted me and used manners I know he learned from his mama.” Jay looks in her direction.
Carla wipes her right cheek.
“Everyone in Speculator Falls believes in you and your dream to have your own hair-do shop. I heard you say that money was the only thing that stood in your way.”
“No way. He would never…” Carla gasps.
Jay smiles. “Well, Miss Rowling, now you have no excuses. I leave two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”
Wow, Howard.
My friend doubles over, most likely in shock, sobbing. It takes her two full minutes before she can even utter a word. “I can’t believe it.”
“That’s awesome.” I reach over and squeeze her hand.
“There is some legalese here, I hope you understand. He wants it used specifically for any costs needed to earn your cosmetology license and to rent or own your own building for the express purpose of working in a salon.”
Carla bites her lip. “He knew me better than I thought. If I had a choice, I’d put the money in savings for Noah.”
He chuckles. “That’s exactly what he said. He wanted you to know it’s time for you to stop thinking so low of yourself and go for it. Being a hair stylist has been your dream. He wanted you to see it through. Now, Jenna’s turn.”
I straighten and look ahead but hold my breath for a few moments.
“Jenna Anderson. You belonged in Speculator Falls the moment you hit village limits, and I mean that literally. You are exactly what the county and the center needs. When you interviewed me those first days I knew you cared about us and wanted the best for everyone, even though the funding would be near impossible to budget. I want to make your job a little easier. I bequeath two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to the Speculator Falls Senior Center with the goal to upgrade the building, equipment, and programming as Jenna Anderson sees fit.”
My hands are shaking. Howard saves the center and the village board funds. What a dear, sweet man I miss so much. “This is beyond anything I could have asked for.”
“I thought so, too.”
Jay walks us through the paperwork, but I can barely concentrate. I picture a pool table, Wii equipment. A true library. Updated bathrooms.
“Now the village reconvenes the third Monday in December. If you want, I can have Trish speak on behalf of my office regarding this turn of events during the meeting so you don’t have to attend. Since I’m part of the board there’s a potential conflict, but I think everyone will agree there’s no need to move forward with your proposition.”
I shake my head. “No, I can attend and update everyone.” Including Ben.
Once we sign all the documents, we stand, and he walks us to his door. “Ladies, I’d say have a good day, but I’m sure that’s not going to be a problem.” He shakes both our hands and walks us out.
The door closes and Carla hugs me. “This is wild,” She lets go and stands across from me.
“So, when do you resign from the sheriff’s department?”
“It won’t be too long. I need to look into school starting. I think they start in January. I need a plan for Noah. And to give Will his check back.”
“I guess this money helped you in more ways than one.”
She scrunches her nose. “You mean because of Will?”
“You didn’t want to owe him, right?”
“True. I felt that money dangled between us. He said he wouldn’t use it to pressure me, but, I had enough fears without him giving me a gift like that. This should also help you and Ben, don’t you think?”
“How so?”
“You can do whatever you want with the center and have the money to do it. You don’t have to interact with him on village business. Which gives you an opening to pursue him. Again.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Something feels different when I enter the village conference room. I’m not scared. And Ben didn’t escort me. Even so, I’m all smiles as I take the same seat as the last meeting and wait my turn for the board to call me.
“Jenna. I admire your faith toward the council. If they shoot down your proposal, give me a call. I think we can enjoy a beneficial partnership.” Kyle’s tone is as enjoyable as nails on a chalkboard.
How is it I’ve been able to keep Howard’s will a secret this long?
“That’s so kind of you. I don’t think I’ll be taking you up on your offer, though. But thanks.”
He shakes his head. “So naïve. The offer stands. And you’ll need me.”
Oh, no I won’t.
Pastor Craig and Jay walk in together and wave as they pass by. Fred takes his seat, and Ben’s the last of the members to arrive. His pace is brisk, and he keeps his eyes toward the floor.
“Well, I think we’re all here. Sheriff Rowlings sends her regards, as she had to work tonight. I will give her report later. Shall we take a look and read the minutes from the last meeting?”
Fifteen minutes later Fred looks to me. “At our last meeting Jenna had a proposal that we decided to table for further review. However, I’ve been informed there’s an update. Jenna?”
I bring the paperwork to the lectern and clear my throat. “I am withdrawing my request for funding from the village.”
Ben drops his pencil. Kyle’s mouth flies open. Fred shifts in his chair. Pastor coughs.
“I have the paperwork here from Howard Wheaton’s will. He asked that a portion of his inheritance go toward the center.” I’m close to tears. “There are enough funds to cover everything I was asking you for.” The last words are harder to share.
“Well, this is a surprise, but a happy one. This doesn’t require a vote since it never required our official business. Congratulations, Jenna.”
“Thank you. It’s truly a blessing for the center. If you’ll excuse me, I have to pack.” I flash one more smile to the board, slowing when I reach Ben, who appears deep in thought.
“Bye.” I mouth, and exit.
Two days later, my little car’s packed and ready for the trek to Ohio. My passenger seat’s full of goodies from the seniors—pizzelles, fudge, pies, and cake, all presents to take to my family. I run into the house to make sure I turned all the lights off and locked up when Sara’s Suburban barrels up the driveway.
Once she shuts off the engine, she opens the door and slides out. “Oh, good. I caught you. I got into town a couple hours ago.” She walks toward me with open arms.
“Perfect timing. I was getting ready to leave. I’m so glad you stopped by.” Her hug feels so good.
“I have a little something for your family in the front seat, if you don’t mind. My daughter has some citrus trees on their property. I thought you all might like some fresh oranges and tangerines for Christmas.”
I break away and walk over to the side of her car, open the door, and reach for the box. “Sara, thank you. I’m going to miss you.” I take the box to my vehicle and place it on the passenger floor.
“Oh, I’ve missed you these last few weeks. I’ve heard quite a bit.”
“From Ben?” Just saying his name makes my stomach flutter.
“Not recently. I went to visit him first, and he’s actually got his college help taking care of the store. Guess the flu knocked him out good.”
I wish I didn’t have an all-day drive ahead of me. I’d bring him chicken noodle soup.
She pats my hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care o
f him. And you and I will catch up when you get back. Brooke mentioned you’d be back by New Year’s?”
“Yes. We’re going to have a New Year’s Eve party at the center. Some card and board games, turn on the Karaoke machine. Those kind of things.”
“Perfect. I won’t keep you, dear. You have a safe trip and a wonderful visit. I’ll be praying.” One more hug for the road.
“Merry Christmas, Sara.”
Eight hours later I barely remember reaching my parents’ driveway, but I perk up as soon as Dad, Mom, and Meg run out of the house.
“It’s our country girl.” Mom’s voice sounds like a cry.
I climb out of the car, cramped. Dad’s the first to hug me.
“Welcome home. If only for a visit.”
Meg gives the next squeeze. “I can’t wait for us to go out for some sister time.”
“Me neither.” I let go of her and embrace Mom.
“So good to have you here. Let’s get you inside. Meg, bring her bags in. Jenna’s had a long drive.”
The three of us walk toward the house while Meg trails behind. “Just don’t update us on Ben until I’m inside.”
It’s after one in the morning before we wind down after cocoa and catching up. I can’t stop yawning, even after the short sugar burst.
“So that’s it? You and Ben are over?” Meg’s eyes widen.
I bite my lip. “We’re friends.”
She sighs and stands. “That’s it. I’m going to bed. I thought for sure you’d have a happy ending to share. You know, city girl meets mountain man. They fight, fall in love, fight, and make up.”
“And live happily ever after?”
Meg nods. “I’m a romantic.”
I smile and wave good night, Mom and Dad following Meg. I walk over to the glass deck doors and watch the stars. They don’t look half as brilliant as they do in Speculator Falls. Where Ben is. Sick. Lord, I’m a romantic too. I wish we could have had a happy ending.
Entrusted (Adirondack Surrender Series Book 1) Page 19