by Debby Mayne
“What would you like to do?” Pete asked once he and Bethany were alone.
“Would you mind driving around so I can look at gardens? I’m trying to decide what I want to plant in front of the house.”
“I’ll be happy to.” Pete fell into step beside her as though they’d been together forever.
Pete drove, while Bethany jotted some notes on a pad she always kept in her purse. “I’ve always loved marigolds,” she said. “They’re so cheerful.”
“Then why don’t you plant them?”
She tapped her pen on her chin. “I probably will, but I’d like some contrasting color to go with them.”
“Ya know, Bethany, the garden club is always looking for a new project. Why don’t you ask them if they can help you?”
“That’s a great idea.” She noticed the pleased expression that flashed across his face. “I just might do that, but I still want to pick out everything.”
Pete chuckled. “You might want to select your own group then. Otherwise, Pamela will take over.”
“Or my mom.” Bethany tapped the pencil on her notebook as she thought about who could help with her garden. “Gina has done such a terrific job, and we get along really well . . .”
“And I’m sure Sherry would enjoy helping,” he added.
“Maybe Bailey too. She seems to be gardening more, and I don’t think she’ll be bossy.” Bethany spotted another cluster of flowers in the yard of a garden club member. “There are so many different options of flowers and color combinations, but I’m starting to get a picture of how I want my first garden.”
“I hope you know you can count on me to help.”
“Yes, and I appreciate it.”
“How about that?” he asked, pointing to a cluster of grape hyacinth around a mailbox.
“It’s pretty, but I was thinking about petunias.” She laughed. “Actually, Mom and I talked about petunias and vinca, and I think that might be nice.”
As they chatted about gardens, Bethany marveled at how comfortable she felt with Pete. Although she’d always enjoyed doing things with Charlie, he never would have discussed flowers, or even driven her around looking at them for that matter. He was more practical, so he would have brought up the cost of fuel.
“We don’t have to keep driving around,” Bethany said. “I don’t want to use up all your gas.”
He shrugged. “I hardly ever go anywhere during personal time, so I really don’t mind.” As he pulled up to a stop sign, he smiled at her. “Besides, I enjoy being with you and seeing you so cheerful.”
Bethany sighed. For the first time in years, she really was happy. When Charlie got sick, and after he died, she felt as though her world had caved in on her. Since she moved back to Bloomfield, she now realized the clutter kept her in that dark, unhappy place.
“I really am happy right now—probably the happiest I’ve been since before Charlie got sick.” She grinned at Pete. “And one of the reasons is I’m having such a good time with you.”
His face lit up. “Really?”
She nodded. “Yes, really.”
“I’d like to think I might have something to do with that.”
“You definitely do.” The sight of a burst of color across the street caught her eye. She pointed. “Hey, look at that garden. I wonder if I could do something so lavish.”
He turned, looked at the asymmetrically shaped flower bed, and shrugged. “I don’t see why not. It’s just large clusters of flowers grouped together by color.”
“Can you pull up closer so I can take a picture with my cell phone and jot down some notes?”
Pete maneuvered the car closer to the property with the flowers. Between the two of them, they managed to identify all but one type. “Since this is city property, I bet someone from the Bloomfield Garden Club will know what kind of flowers those are.”
Bethany slapped her forehead. “Silly me. Mom will definitely know. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she planted them herself.” She glanced at the clock on the dashboard. “I think we’ve given her enough time to heat up the food. Let’s go on to her place now.”
“Why don’t you give her a call and tell her we’re on our way?”
Naomi opened the door to her apartment before they had a chance to knock. “What took you so long?”
Bethany chuckled. “You said you needed time, so we drove around looking at flowers. Do you know what those purplish ones are over by the playground near City Hall?”
Her mom’s forehead crinkled as she thought about it. “If you’d asked about the flowers near that playground by the Village, I could tell you, but Pamela led the group at the other playground. Let me give her a call, and I can find out.”
Before Bethany had a chance to tell her she could wait, Naomi had her phone in hand and the number punched out. Pete winked as they listened to Naomi say “uh-huh” and “uh-uh” a few times. Finally, she hung up. “Those are ageratum. Easy to grow and very hardy.” She cleared her throat. “Pamela said she isn’t gonna be able to make the garden club meeting tomorrow night. She tried to call Sherry, but she couldn’t get a hold of her. Do you know where she is?”
“I didn’t see her at church,” Bethany said. “I wonder if she’s out of town.”
Pete nodded. “She and Brad went to visit some old friends, and I don’t think they’ll be back for a few days.”
“Oh, dear.” Naomi shook her head. “Sherry’s vice-president, and she’s supposed to lead the meetings when Pamela’s not present. I won’t be able to make the meeting, because I promised to watch Lacy so Gina can go. Jeremy’s out of town.” Naomi’s frown deepened. “I have no idea who we can get to lead it. How about you, Bethany?”
“Me?” Bethany let out a nervous laugh. “I’ve only been to a few garden club meetings, so I don’t think—”
Her mother waved around her hand. “Don’t worry about thinking. You don’t have to think. All you do is follow the agenda that I’m sure Pamela has already made.”
Pete placed his hand on Bethany’s shoulder. “I think you’ll do an excellent job.”
“Thanks.” Bethany appreciated their votes of confidence, but this would be a huge leap for her. “Why can’t Pamela be there?”
“She said Andy’s bird is sick, and he has to work.” Naomi stared at Bethany for a moment, not bothering to hide her amusement. “That bird. Before you leave, I’ll call Pamela and ask if she has the agenda done. You can pick it up on your way home. That’ll give you some time to look it over. If you have any questions, just call me, and I’ll do my best to give you some pointers.”
“Maybe you better ask Pamela if it’s okay to do this.”
“Oh, I’m sure it is. She said she wanted to groom you and Gina to be the next leaders of the Bloomfield Garden Club.”
“Gina would—”
Naomi held up a hand. “Before you volunteer Gina, we’ve already got her lined up to lead the next meeting. I’d really like for you to do this . . . just this once.” She paused and gave Bethany a pleading look. “For me.”
Bethany glanced at Pete, who drew a little closer to her side, showing his support. “Okay, I’ll do it.”
Naomi pumped a fist. “Good girl. I knew you’d come through for me.”
“But under one condition. You tell me everything I need to know.”
“Yes, of course. That goes without saying.” Naomi stepped toward the kitchen. “I have some enchiladas in the oven. You two have a seat, and I’ll bring out the pan.”
Bethany and Pete sat at the dining room table that had already been set for three. Good. At least there wouldn’t be any surprise guests.
As soon as they were alone in the dining room, Pete looked her in the eye. “Don’t worry. You’ll do just fine.”
She forced the old doubts to the back of her mind and nodded. “I’ll do my best.”
The look in his eye let her know he had much more than mutual respect for her. If they hadn’t been in her mother’s apartment, she suspected they’d be having a completely different type of conversation. More personal. Maybe even romantic. She rubbed her arms to tame the goose bumps.
A few minutes later, her mom joined them, placed the pan on the trivets in the center of the table, reached for Pete and Bethany’s hands, and bowed her head. “Thank You, Jesus, for bringing my little girl and her guy here to eat with me on the Lord’s Day. Bless this food as we enjoy each other’s company. I pray You’ll scoop up Bethany into your arms and carry her through the garden club meeting tomorrow night. Show her just how smart she really is.” She paused and cleared her throat. “’Cause she certainly doesn’t believe me when I tell her. Amen.”
After Bethany said “Amen,” she glanced over at Pete and saw he was trying hard to hide a smile. She had to look away to keep from laughing.
Naomi’s eyes darted back and forth between Pete and Bethany and smiled. “You two are so cute together.” She shoved a forkful of food into her mouth and slowly chewed.
Bethany had no idea what to say, so she followed her mother and took a bite. When Pete cleared his throat, she gave him her attention.
“Naomi, I’m happy you invited me over, but I’m not so sure Bethany likes it when you call me her guy.”
Naomi put down her fork, propped her elbows up on the table, and leaned toward Bethany. “Only she can tell us that. How about it, Bethany? Do you like it when I call Pete your guy?”
“Nao-um . . . Mom, why are you doing this?”
“It’s time somebody did. If folks left things up to you, nothing would ever happen.” Naomi gave Pete an apologetic smile. “No offense, but this goes for you too. The two of you have known each other practically all your lives, so it’s not like you have all that much to learn about each other.”
“But—” Bethany began.
Naomi held up a finger. “I’m not finished. I’ve watched both of you when you didn’t think anyone else was looking, and I can tell there’s something special going on between you two. So why don’t you just get past whatever issues you have and call yourselves a couple?”
“I . . . um . . .” Bethany looked at Pete and then back at her mother. He didn’t speak up right away, so she thought maybe her intuition had failed her. She had to say something to let him off the hook. “I have so much to do, I’m not sure I have time.”
“Same here,” Pete said as he fidgeted with his napkin, looking as nervous as Bethany felt. “I mean, Bethany and I like each other and all, but I’m busy with my family business, and my dad needs my help getting started in his new venture.”
Naomi glared through squinted eyes and groaned. “Don’t let time get away from you.”
Bethany forced a laugh. “I’m just doing what you’ve always wanted me to do. First I got rid of the clutter, and now I have an active social life with the garden club.”
“True, that’s what I wanted, but not at the expense of something even more important.”
“There are only so many hours in the day.” Bethany lifted her fork. “These enchiladas are excellent. What did you put in them besides chicken, sauce, and cheese?”
“Spinach and pureed carrots.”
So Pete’s suspicion was correct. Bethany preferred her new social life to spending time with him. As much as he cared for her and wanted her to be happy, he had to admit he was disappointed. By now, he’d hoped they’d be more than just pals. But he didn’t want to make her feel bad, so he went along with her. He’d deal with his own feelings later.
Naomi pushed her plate toward the center of the table and leaned back. “So tell us about your dad’s new venture. I hear he was looking for business space on Main Street.”
Fortunately, Pete’s dad hadn’t sworn him to secrecy. “He’s always loved trains, and he found a really cool store that sells everything related to model trains.”
Naomi nodded appreciatively. “I always say people should follow their passion. When do you think he’ll be ready to open the doors?”
“He’s narrowing down the locations to two, and then he wants me to help him decide.” Pete didn’t verbalize the real reason—that he had a much better business mind than his dad.
“Smart man, since it’ll probably wind up being yours someday.”
Pete shrugged. “I’m not all that much into trains. I actually like the plumbing business.”
Naomi tilted her head toward Bethany. “It’s always nice to have a plumber around when you need one.”
“Mom.” Bethany tried to give her mother a warning look, but Naomi wouldn’t look her in the eye.
Instead, she tapped her chin with her index finger. “Say, Bethany, didn’t you mention something about an old train set of Charlie’s you found up in your attic?”
“Yes, it’s still there.”
Naomi grinned. “Why don’t you get it down and give it to Frank for his new shop?”
“I don’t think—” Pete looked at Bethany and then turned back to Naomi. “I don’t think we should sell it since it belonged to Charlie.”
“I’m not saying sell it,” Naomi said. “Use it as a display. I bet your dad would appreciate that.”
Pete looked at Bethany, but he didn’t say anything. He was afraid to.
Bethany shrugged. “Sure, that’s fine.”
“I’ll talk to Dad about it.” Pete gave Bethany a questioning glance, but she didn’t say a word. He wished he knew what she was thinking.
The rest of the time at Naomi’s place was strained. Bethany gradually withdrew into her shell, while Naomi cast questioning glances at both of them. No doubt when the two of them were alone, Naomi would give Bethany the third degree. He wished he could do something to help, but he couldn’t think of what that could be.
They engaged in more forced conversation, until Bethany finally said she needed to go home. “I’m having some of the garden club members over tomorrow for lunch.”
Naomi squinted. “We’re having a meeting at your place?”
Bethany slowly shook her head. “Not a meeting. Just a few people—Gina, Sherry, and Bailey are coming over.”
“Oh, okay.” Naomi nodded her understanding. “You young members want to get together to figure out a way to overthrow the old regime.”
For the first time since they’d been there, Pete saw Bethany crack a smile. “Yes, that’s totally it. Sorry you had to find out this way.”
Naomi clicked her tongue and cackled. “Whatever it takes to make you happy, sweetie. You know I’d do anything for you, even if it means being kicked to the curb.”
Bethany looked at Pete and rolled her eyes before hugging her mom. “I’d never kick you to the curb, and you know that. It’s just that Gina thought it would be fun for the four of us to hang out more.”
Naomi nodded. “I agree. You know I was just funnin’ ya. I know you adore me and would never turn your back on your old mama.”
Chapter 31
Pete’s dad rubbed his chin. “Yes, I absolutely do remember that train set. I helped his dad pick it out. Charlie couldn’t wait to show it to us.” He chuckled. “Remember when he came running into our house without knocking that Christmas morning?”
“Now that you mention it, I do remember.”
His dad chuckled. “When he realized he’d forgotten to bring the train, he burst into tears. Your mother was so worried something terrible had happened. She called his parents, and they told her they’d be right over with the train.”
“Bethany found it in her attic, and she’s offering to let you borrow it for your shop.”
His dad’s eyes bulged. “You’re kidding. Does she realize what that thing’s worth?”
Pete shrugged. “I think so, but that doesn’t seem to matter to her.”
“Was
it her idea or yours?”
“Neither.” Pete cleared his throat. “Naomi suggested it, and Bethany agreed. It’s just sitting in her attic gathering dust, so if you want to use it, I say go for it.”
“Sounds good. Now I have something to discuss with you.” He gestured toward a chair in the empty space that would soon be his train hobby shop. “Sit down, son.”
Pete obeyed, and his dad pulled up a folding chair and sat facing him. “Is something wrong?”
“Not with me, but there does seem to be a problem with you.”
Pete tilted his head. “What are you talking about? Everything’s fine with me.” He thought for a few seconds. “If you’re concerned about the business—”
“I’m not worried about that. It’s in good hands now that you’re there.” His dad leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, buried his face in his hands, and let out a deep breath before finally straightening up and looking Pete in the eye. “But that’s also part of the problem. I see how responsible you’ve become, but I also realize you’ve sorely neglected your personal life.”
“My personal life is just fine.”
“Is it?” His dad raised his eyebrows and stared at him. “I don’t think so. You’ve been so involved in making sure the family plumbing business thrives you haven’t taken the time to develop a relationship with a woman.”
Pete shrugged. “I’m afraid it’s too late for that.” No point in mentioning Bethany since that was a hopeless cause.
“Oh, but I disagree. I take full responsibility for that not happening yet, so I’ve decided to help rectify the situation. Your mother and I have known for years how you’ve measured every woman you’ve dated against Bethany.”
Pete started to deny it, but he knew his father could see right through him. His dad wasn’t a good businessman, but his intuition in personal matters was always on the mark. “There wasn’t anything I could do about that, was there?” He let out a nervous laugh. “I never wanted to settle for anything less than the best.”