The next morning, Suzi was up early working on the program. She accomplished what she thought was a well-worded result. After digging out last year’s pledge card, she was ready. When Jacob arrived, she showed him her product.
He studied the sheet of paper. “Looks good.”
She watched his inscrutable expression. “You have changes to suggest?”
“Not me. And your pledge card looks pretty standard.”
“Why do I sense a ‘but’ coming?”
“Since you asked, you need better paper and a little different wording.” He took out a pen and turned the pledge card over. After he’d written a few seconds, he handed it back to her.
She sighed. “You’re right. I’ll make a mock up of this. Come to the back of the house to what was Dad’s office if you wish or you can sit and have a cup of coffee in the kitchen with Paddy or whatever.”
“I could use a cup of coffee.”
When she had made the changes and printed them, they told Paddy goodbye and left.
“Good thing you’re willing to come with me. Even a small tree would have to ride on top of my car.”
“Do you have decorations?”
“Tons. My mom loved Christmas and we always had a big tree in the living room window and decorations all over the house. After she died, Dad never wanted to have a tree or decorations and we put our gifts on the coffee table.”
“How old were you when she passed away?”
“Twelve. Fortunately, Paddy took over mothering me. Of course, she’d bossed me around before Mom died because she took care of me while Mom was teaching at the university. Mom taught psychology. Paddy’s always treated me like she was a mother hen and I was her chick.”
“I can tell she loves you as if you were hers. Nice that you have each other.”
Suzi leaned forward. “There’s the print place. Wow, they’re busy.”
A car near the door pulled out and he snared the space for the truck. “They advertise overnight service, so you should be all right.”
“I plan to order three hundred.”
“Perhaps you could get twenty-five more than that in case some get ruined.”
She smiled at him. “Why don’t you come in with me? Better you put your two cents in before they’re printed.”
He pretended to be offended. “Hmm, are you insinuating I’m bossy and controlling?”
She grinned. “Why, yes, I am. I’m not complaining, mind you, because you’ve helped. Facts are facts, though, so deal with them.”
After selecting the card stock and placing the order, they proceeded to a tree lot run by the Boy Scouts. Suzi recognized several boys from the children’s home.
Henry Willis ran toward them. “Dr. Stephens, you need a tree?”
“The prettiest one you have that’s no taller than me.”
Billy Patterson popped out from behind a fir tree. “Hi, Mr. Porter. You helping Dr. Stephens?”
“That I am. I’m doing the heavy lifting.” He flexed his arm as if to show his muscles, but his jacket ruined the effect.
The two boys cheered him.
“We have the best trees. Look over here, Dr. Stephens.” Henry gestured and they followed him.
Suzi touched a branch. “This blue spruce is beautiful. It might be a little short.”
Jacob eyeballed it. “You said no taller than you. Do you have a stand at home?”
“Yes, a large one with a place for water to keep the tree fresh.”
He raised the tree a little to account for the stand. “Then by the time the trunk is in the stand, you’ll barely have room for the treetop angel or star, whichever you have.”
“We have an angel that belonged to my Grandparents.”
Jacob still held the tree by its trunk. “This the one you want?”
“Yes, that one is perfect.”
Jacob leaned the tree against another, took out his wallet, and paid the boys. He hefted the tree and carried it to his truck. The two boys followed.
Henry leaned over the truck’s bed. “This your truck? I’ve seen it in the parking lot.”
Billy imitated Henry, who was a year older. “Nice color.”
The Scout Leader, David Gray, waved at them then called the boys back for other customers.
Henry said, “Bye Dr. Stephens, Mr. Porter.”
Billy waved. “See you Monday.”
Chapter Twelve
When Jacob had stowed the tree and they were on their way, Suzi looked at him. “I didn’t intend for you to pay for the tree, Jacob. But, that was very nice of you.”
“My pleasure. Great the boys get to do things like that. Boy Scouts are good for them.”
She was eager to learn more about him. “Were you a Boy Scout?”
“Nope, took too much time. We had chores and homework. Nothing else allowed.”
“Oh, Jacob. You missed so much.”
He shook his head. “I had more than some. You’ve missed things, too, Suzi. You don’t do enough fun stuff.”
“I used to before Dad started having trouble. And I have since I’ve met you. Last night, I went shopping with Katie, Ainsley, and Brandi. We had such fun and laughed until our sides hurt. Be forewarned, we each bought a take-no-prisoners dress for the gala.”
His impish grin appeared. “I’m looking forward to seeing you decked out in your killer dresses.” He touched his left hand to his chest. “I hope my heart can stand the sight.”
She had the feeling he meant her and didn’t include her friends. “Ha, you think you’re kidding, but you are going to be surprised.”
He pulled into her home’s driveway. “Sure hope the committee’s decorations measure up. A gym is not the ideal place for the gala. Guess it’s sort of appropriate since the school is going to benefit from the funds raised.”
She climbed out of the truck and waited while he lifted the tree. “They guarantee we will be amazed. It won’t be as fancy as Fort Worth’s Cowtown Ball, but our event will be nice. I believe I mentioned that after Mr. McConnell’s donation, I increased their budget, especially since we’ll have many more tables than they had planned.”
“Rhonda will do a first class job, too.”
Suzi held the door open for him and they went into the living room. “Paddy, we’re back with a gorgeous tree.”
Paddy came from her rooms. “When you said a small tree, I thought you meant table-top size.”
Jacob wrestled the tree into the stand. “At the tree lot, she thought this one might be too short.”
“Well, I’ll leave you two to decorate.”
Suzi grabbed Paddy by the waist. “Come on, help us. You’re my family.”
Paddy pretended to think about the request, but Suzi could tell the woman was pleased to be included.
Suzi dug the lights out of the boxes of decorations. “Lights go on first.”
Jacob fought the tree. “Tell me if this thing is straight.”
Paddy moved it slightly. “Now tighten the levers that hold the tree in place.”
Suzi cried, “And the skirt. We have to put the skirt around the base.”
Jacob had never seen anyone so enthusiastic about decorating a tree. He recalled making decorations for the one his foster parents had, which was always a scraggly one they dragged in and probably received free. At least they’d had a tree.
Suzi’s eyes sparkled and she brimmed over with happiness. Leaving her would be hard. Picking up the lights and winding them on the branches, he vowed to make her life as happy as he could while he was here. At least he could leave her with good memories.
They added decorations until there was no place to hang more. He had the honor of adding the angel on the tree’s top.
“I know this one’s an antique, but it looks a lot like the one I have on my little tree.”
Paddy actually smiled at him. “You really have a little tree instead of one like this?”
“Mine’s about this tall.” He held his hand at shoulder height. “Takes up a lot o
f my living room but it cheers me to see it.”
Paddy asked, “Any presents under it?”
He shook his head. “Not yet. I guess I’d better do my shopping pretty soon.” He turned to Suzi. “Would it be inappropriate to give Missy and Billy something?”
She considered. “I’m afraid that would cause trouble. I understand how you feel, though. Maybe I could invite them to spend from Christmas Eve after the party through New Year’s Day here. You could come to Christmas dinner, too. Then giving them something would be all right.”
“That’s great. I’d really appreciate being able to give them each a gift.” Sorrow hit him like a blow that almost felled him. He wouldn’t be here, he’d disappear somehow at midnight on Christmas Eve. “Maybe I could bring their presents here when I get them wrapped.”
She adjusted an ornament. “Sure, that’d be fine. The tree would look better with presents underneath.”
Paddy smacked Suzi on the rear. “Now when have there not been any presents at this house?”
“I didn’t mean to offend you, Paddy. You’ve always insured I had nice gifts.” She hugged the other woman’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. “I know you were the one who chose those things supposedly from Dad. Do you mind if I ask two or three of the children here for Christmas and the week after ?”
“Of course not. That will make the time more special. Kind of solemn when there’re just a couple of people present for a holiday.”
Suzi stared at Paddy. “All right, Orla Patrick, if that’s the way you feel, this year we’ll change that. Get ready for a nice group.”
He smiled to himself at the love displayed in their vocal sparring. How he longed to be a part of this family forever.
***
Suzi woke to bright sunlight shining through her windows. She lay there mulling over her week. She’d had fun ice skating with Jacob, shopping with her friends, and buying and decorating her Christmas tree. Despite Welwood’s visit, she’d had a great week.
The aroma of bacon and coffee drifted up the stairs and she crawled out of bed. Time to get up and get ready for church. She wondered what Jacob would be doing today.
Last night she’d almost invited him to church with her today but she didn’t want him to think her too pushy. A man and woman going to church together created an assumption they were serious about one another.
She didn’t want to chase him away by appearing too eager. Brandi could get away with things like that but she couldn’t. Her attempt at flirting didn’t come off well. Of course, she didn’t want to discourage him either. Drat it, somehow she’d missed out on Being Girly 101.
Perhaps not having a mom during her teen years had left the deficit but she believed some women innately knew how to attract a man. For the first time in a long, long time, she wanted someone special to want her. She’d come to care too much for Jacob and yet she hadn’t a clue who he really was.
She’d seen his job application, had talked to him, had gone out with him. Still, there were only unanswered questions. Who was Jacob Porter?
Was he setting himself up to steal the money raised at the gala? Did he have another agenda? Why would a man who’d attended four years at a university work as a children’s home janitor?
There had to be a secret there. She wanted to learn the answer. She needed to know his reasons.
Suzi put on her robe and slippers and went down for breakfast. She kissed Paddy on the cheek. “Good morning, Gorgeous.”
“Good morning yourself, Miss Priss.”
Paddy said the blessing and they served themselves bacon and scrambled eggs.
Suzi spread jam on her toast. “How are you today?”
Paddy set down her coffee cup. “I’m feeling poorly in my back. I have to stay home today.”
“Paddy? Moving the boxes of decorations must have been too much. I knew I should have told you to wait.”
Paddy waved away her comment. “That had nothing to do with the way I feel. If you must know it’s my digestion not working right. I took a laxative last night and guess I overdid the dose. I can’t afford to stray too far from the bathroom because it’s working too well.”
“Oh, Paddy, you’ve done that too often lately. Tomorrow, you’re going to see Dr. Ross. As soon as his office opens tomorrow, call for an appointment.”
The other woman frowned at her. “I don’t need a doctor I tell you, I need a nearby bathroom. You go on to church. I wouldn’t be surprised if that Jacob fellow wasn’t there. Last night he asked me where we go to church.”
“Orla Patrick, are you playing hooky from church so I’ll sit with Jacob?”
“Now I told you why I’m staying here. I’ll have a nice dinner for you both when you get back.”
Suzi grinned at her longtime housekeeper and friend. “I believe you’re softening your opinion of Jacob.”
Paddy twitched her shoulders. “Maybe. I’m still watching him, because you know what they say. ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’ Whichever one he is, I’ll be observing him.”
“Can I do something for you? Shouldn’t you be in bed to rest your back?”
Paddy slapped the table with her hand. “I told you as long as the bathroom’s handy, I’ll be fine. Now, you go on and get ready for church. Tell the preacher I’m a little under the weather but I’ll be fine by tomorrow. I don’t want him coming here asking what’s wrong.”
“You know he’ll ask me. I’ll tell him you ate something that didn’t agree with you.”
Paddy mulled that over. “Well, I suppose that’s the truth since I ate the laxative. I tell you, aging is hard on people.”
Suzi rose and hugged her housekeeper. “I love you, Paddy. You have to take care of yourself.”
“I will. You get on now. Won’t do to be late.”
Suzi hurried through her shower and drying her hair. When she was dressed and coming down the stairs, she heard the doorbell. When she glanced at Paddy, the woman wore too innocent an expression.
Suzi opened the door to find Jacob on the doorstep, wearing his navy suit.
“I hope you don’t mind if I accompany you to church this morning. Paddy said she thought it would be all right.”
Suzi shot the housekeeper a telling glance. “Did she now? Have you had breakfast?”
“Yes, I ate a couple of hours ago.”
She slipped on her coat. “Goodbye, Paddy. We’ll see you shortly after twelve.”
Jacob acted surprised. “Paddy’s not coming?”
“She says she has a stomach ache. I think she’s playing hooky.”
“Well, I hope so because I wouldn’t want her to be ill.”
Heads turned when they entered church together. Suzi couldn’t have felt more conspicuous if there had been a spotlight shining on the two of them. Jacob didn’t appear to notice.
After church when they were walking to her house, she said, “I hope you didn’t mind people staring at us.”
“Didn’t bother me. People always stare at a newcomer. They don’t intend to be rude, just curious. You’re a pillar of the community. Only natural they’d wonder who was with you and why.”
Chapter Thirteen
Monday morning, Suzi was in a fabulous mood as she came into work. The large Christmas tree in the main hall sent out a fresh pine aroma to greet her. She hummed as she hung her coat on the rack and sat down. She’d worked through a great deal of her paperwork when Valerie showed in a tall, thin man with graying hair and a face a bit like a beagle’s.
He asked, “Dr. Stephens? I’m Avery Petit, attorney. I’ve come to talk to you about Dr. Jefferson Stephen’s agreement with Mr. Oliver Welwood, representing Springs National Bank.”
A good thing she was seated or she would have landed on the floor. “I beg your pardon.”
“Dr. Stephens, who I believe was your father, had a verbal agreement with Mr. Welwood concerning the sale of this property. I’ve been retained to enact that agreement.”
“There was no agreeme
nt. Mr. Welwood is a dishonest man trying to line his pockets.” Where was Jacob? She needed his advice and support.
“On the contrary, a verbal agreement was entered into by Dr. Stephens, your father, and Mr. Welwood regarding the purchase of this property. You are in violation of that agreement. I’ll leave this document with you detailing Mr. Welwood’s claims against you and the Serenity Springs Children’s Home. You are prohibited from going forward with the event you have planned on the twentieth. I’ll be in touch, Dr. Stephens.” He stood and left.
She sat gawking at his retreating back, unable to come up with the proper retaliatory remark. Immediately, she paged Jacob. Her hands shook as she held the papers to read them, her heart pounding against her chest.
The terms specified penalties, deadlines to vacate the premises, and then the words blurred as her eyes filled with tears. The children? What would happen to the children?
Jacob gripped her shoulders and swiveled her chair toward him before he knelt in front of her. “What on earth is wrong?”
She shoved the papers at him. “Just when things were so hopeful, this Mr. Petit came to see me. He says the verbal agreement between Welwood and Dad is binding. There’s no way I can prove Dad didn’t agree. The lawyer says the gala is off.” Gasping for air, she thought she was going to pass out.
He pulled her chair away from the desk and shoved her head between her knees. “Calm down, Suzi.”
Head still spinning, she raised her head and gasped again. “How? Jacob, there’re only two days until the gala. We can’t cancel now. But what good will it do to raise money if there’s no home? Or what if the police showed up to stop us mid event?”
Kneeling in front of her, he gripped her shoulders. “Don’t panic. Listen, Suzi, I have to see someone else about this. Let me make a copy of these papers and take them with me, okay? I’ll stay late to make up the time I’m gone.”
Valerie stood behind him. “I’ll make the copies, Jacob, while you get your coat.” She took the papers to the copier.
Suzi pulled a tissue from the box on her desk. “I knew Welwood wouldn’t let this rest. He is such a vile, hateful, evil man. I told you how he robbed Brandi’s grandfather. There’s no telling how many other innocent people he’s ruined.”
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