Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley (Arcadia Valley Romance Book 0)

by Mary Jane Hathaway

  His grandfather waved his hands in some indistinguishable manner, and his muddled eyes stared at Joanna. “You brought your wife. Where are the children?” He looked around.

  Grady reached for Joanna’s hand. “She’s not my wife. She—”

  “What will your wife think of you bringing another woman? Didn’t I teach you better than this?”

  Grady cast a helpless glance at Joanna, but she stepped up to the bedside. “Grady’s not married to anyone, Mr. Akers. He told me he never had been.”

  Oh, yeah. That conversation at the hot springs last week, where they’d also assured each other they weren’t murderers.

  Granddad looked between Joanna and him, obviously confused. “Why aren’t you married?”

  “Because I hadn’t met the right woman for me. You always told me to be sure she was the one God had brought into my life, remember?”

  “Oh. Yes. That’s true.”

  “You liked Joanna when I brought her a couple of weeks ago. I’d just met her that day, and — I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure what to think of her at the time.”

  That slightly strangled sound could only be coming from Joanna. It matched the tug as she tried to pull her hand from his grasp, but he wasn’t about to let go. Unless... yes. He caught her around the waist and snugged her against his side.

  “Now I can see how wise you are, Granddad. You knew before I did that Joanna suits me to a tee.”

  The old man’s gaze grew crafty. “When’s the wed—?”

  “Not only that,” interrupted Grady, “but she’s found exactly the right solution for your property. Do you want to hear about it?”

  Granddad blinked, obviously trying to shift with the conversation. “Property?”

  “The living trust, Mr. Akers.” Joanna leaned closer. “Remember? You wanted the greenhouses to make a difference for the community.”

  “R-right.”

  Joanna reached for Granddad’s hand. “Over fifty people came this afternoon to sow seeds for a community garden. More than half of them signed up to come and water the seedlings. Others volunteered to help build garden beds outside, so when the danger of frost is past, the seedlings can be planted out.”

  “I miss planting things.” Granddad’s eyes turned wistful as his chin quivered.

  “Maybe we can get a day pass and you can come see what’s going on when we’re a little farther along.”

  She was a genius. Why hadn’t Grady thought of that? Dad brought Granddad up to the house for dinner once or twice a week. There wasn’t any reason he couldn’t do other outings, too.

  “I’d like that. See the miracle of life again.”

  Just the thought seemed to have returned clarity to the old man’s mind. That was worth remembering. “The plan is to donate vegetables to Corinna’s Cupboard. The garden will do a lot to keep people in Arcadia Valley from being hungry.”

  Granddad nodded slowly. “That’s a good thing.”

  When Joanna straightened, Grady slid his arm around her waist again. She belonged there, close by his side. He might not have known her long, but surely it was long enough to know his own heart. “We’re still working on more pieces of the puzzle, but we feel it is a good start. You’d like to meet Maisie, I think. She’s only ten years old, but she’s wiser than most adults I know. She’s the one who got everything rolling.”

  “Maisie,” repeated his grandfather. “Yes. Bring her. I like children. I’ve always wanted great-grandchildren. When are you—?”

  “It’s been great seeing you today, Granddad. Joanna and I need to get going, but we’ll be back to visit again in a few days. Take care of yourself, okay?”

  The old man looked back and forth between them. “You’ll come back?”

  Joanna nodded. “Promise.”

  “Okay.” Granddad’s eyelids sagged.

  Grady steered Joanna out the door and waved to a nearby aide. A few minutes later they stood outside Retro Village. A hint of heat from the spring sun warmed him as he turned to Joanna. “Thanks.”

  “My privilege.”

  “No, I’m serious. I know his mind is going, and the part that remains is one-tracked.” Grady set his hands on her hips and gave her a lopsided grin. “I don’t mind telling you I like his track, though.”

  Joanna gazed up at him, her brown eyes searching his.

  A breeze shifted a strand of her long curls over her blue glasses. Grady gently swept it off her face, allowing his hand to cradle her jaw. He leaned closer. “May I?”

  Her lips parted. She reached up, curling her fingers around his shoulders, drawing him toward her.

  Grady touched his lips to hers, tasting the beauty of her, then gathered her tightly in his arms and deepened the kiss.

  Her response dispelled any doubts he might have had.

  Chapter 9

  Mr. Wattenberg’s pen tapped the table, sounding like a mini machine gun. “You went ahead without getting board approval? That’s not how this process works, Ms. Kraus.”

  Joanna faced the church board members. This time Grady sat around the corner from her instead of staring her down from the other end. How had she ever thought him intimidating? Annoying? “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Wattenberg. The flip side is that there was no way to know if there’d be enough community interest to proceed. Without that volunteer base, there would be no project, and thus no need to convene the committee.” She smiled at each member before refocusing on Mr. Wattenberg. “I know all of you are busy, and the last thing you need is meetings to approve agendas that then fall through from lack of interest.”

  The man’s eyebrows rose slightly. “There is a process.”

  Mrs. Poncetta leaned forward. “The deed is done, Dennis. What about it would you find unsuitable if permission had been sought in advance?”

  He glared at her. “That’s not the point, and you know it.”

  “Please set that irregularity aside for a moment and examine the proposed solution instead of cross-examining Ms. Kraus.”

  Mr. Marshall nodded. “Excellent point. I find the concept intriguing as far as it goes. I think it will do the church good to be seen as a major sponsor of Corinna’s Cupboard. To be standing in the gap for those in need.”

  “There might be other ways,” mumbled Mr. Wattenberg.

  “Name one,” suggested Mrs. Poncetta.

  Joanna cast a helpless glance at Grady. He grinned and gave a slight shrug. She could all but hear his voice telling her to let them duke it out amongst themselves. At least only one of the three seemed against the idea. Not that it was the project he was against, exactly, but her nerve in carrying it out without permission.

  “You had fifty-three volunteers on Saturday?” Mr. Marshall asked. “How many of them were adults?”

  “About twenty.” Joanna felt no need to tell them that included Cameron, Grady, and her. They were adults, after all, and they’d been present.

  “So almost two thirds of them were children?” Mr. Wattenberg’s eyebrows rose. “You’ll never see them again.”

  Joanna kept her voice even. “On the contrary, sir, Maisie Felton is our staunchest ally. She rounded up most of the volunteers and infused them with more enthusiasm than I could have done with a dozen pep rallies.”

  “Maisie Felton.” He frowned. “Do I know her?”

  “Probably not. She’s ten years old.”

  “A child—”

  “And a little child shall lead them,” interrupted Mr. Marshall. “I like a little grass roots organization, myself, rather than top down.”

  Mr. Wattenberg shot him a glare. “Whose side are you on?”

  “I’m on the side of the living trust, Dennis. I’m on the side of seeing that property used for something that benefits the community. I’m on the side of making a difference in our town.” Mr. Marshall peered over his glasses at the other man. “Which side are you on?”

  “The same, of course,” Dennis Wattenberg sputtered.

  Mr. Marshall nodded and turned to
Joanna. “So you have all the supplies and volunteers you need to move this project to completion?”

  “Yes, sir. We’d like to give it this one growing season and see how it works out. Like I said, Maisie is a mini-dynamo who is passionate about it. I see no reason for it to fail.”

  “Good to hear. Good to hear. I do have one concern, though.”

  Joanna froze in place. “Yes, sir?”

  “From what you have said, that takes up one greenhouse and about half the available lot. What about the remainder of the space? What about Clarence’s house?”

  “That’s a good point, Mr. Marshall.” She didn’t look toward Grady. “Part of the problem we had in brainstorming at first was trying to solve all the angles with one solution. We failed to come up with that universal answer.”

  Mrs. Poncetta glanced at her watch.

  Seriously? They hadn’t been in the meeting that long. Joanna pressed her hands to the edge of the table. “However, the idea of having several solutions has grown on me, and I think it will be better for the long term. The inside of the house has quite an open concept. I understand it was renovated a number of years ago when the elderly Mrs. Akers was bound to a wheelchair. I’m sure the building can be used for community events, for instance. Maybe seminars on gardening, or classes on cooking.”

  Mr. Marshall nodded slowly.

  “I’m sorry. I really must leave now.” Mrs. Poncetta stood. “I need to pick up my granddaughter. If there’s anything this town needs, it’s more options for our young ones. The daycare she’s been in shut down this week as the family operating it relocated to Boise.”

  Joanna grimaced. “I know. My brother has had endless difficulty finding spaces for the twins, as well.” Thoughts clicked together in her brain with supersonic speed. She turned to Grady. “That’s it. That’s the missing piece.”

  His eyebrows furrowed. He obviously didn’t see the connections she did.

  “What about starting up a daycare or a preschool or something in that house? Maybe even an after-school program. I know Cameron will be hunting for that again when school resumes in August.”

  Grady straightened. “We could use the second greenhouse for the kids. The programming could focus on growing things, being connected to food in healthy ways.”

  “Count my grandchildren in,” Mrs. Poncetta announced from over by the door. “Please update me later.” She disappeared, her heels clicking down the corridor.

  Joanna studied the remaining board members. “What do you think, Mr. Wattenberg? Mr. Marshall?”

  “It sounds like a lot of work.” Mr. Wattenberg grimaced. “I’m sure the state has a thousand and one hoops to jump through. There will be red tape tripping us up everywhere.”

  Mr. Marshall nodded. “I’m sure there will be, but our young ones are worth protecting and nurturing. I’ll have my son look into licensing requirements. He works for the town.”

  “Isn’t that rushing things just a little?”

  Was Mr. Wattenberg planning on digging in his heels over every little step? Joanna offered him a smile. “It’s the only way to know whether the idea has a hope of working or not. The building may not be suitable, or the town may have other bylaws that would make it an automatic no. Checking regulations is a necessary first step.”

  “But we haven’t prayed about it.”

  Grady leaned forward, steepling his hands. “Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything. There is definitely a time for prayer, and I think we’ve all been doing that and will continue to do so. There is also a time to step out in faith. I think the time for moving forward is here.”

  Mr. Wattenberg threw up his hands. “Fine. Do what you want. I’m outnumbered anyway.”

  That might be as close to agreement as they were going to get out of that man.

  * * *

  Grady’s mom dodged between parishioners in the foyer after church. Grady leaned closer to Joanna and tightened his fingers around hers. “Ready?” he whispered.

  She took a deep breath and nodded.

  Why had he waited so long? Sometimes it felt like he’d known Joanna forever, but it had only been a few weeks. It wasn’t like he’d been hiding anything from his parents. Not really. It was just that the intent look on Mom’s face right now was what he’d expected. Dreaded, maybe.

  He curved his arm around Joanna’s waist and turned to meet his parents. “Hi, Mom and Dad! I’d like you to meet Joanna Kraus. Joanna, this is my mom, Linda, and my dad, Barry.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you both.” Joanna reached for Mom’s hand.

  “Yes, good to meet you. Grady has been a bit secretive about you, I’ll admit.”

  Thanks, Mom. I needed that.

  Joanna laughed and shook Dad’s hand, too. “We didn’t much like each other at first, so he was probably just being cautious.”

  “Speak for yourself.” Grady kept his arm around her. He’d make sure his parents knew he was serious. “I liked you from the minute I first saw you, and I like you even more now.”

  She flushed. “Then why did you harass me?”

  “You harassed her? Oh, son.” Mom looked between them.

  “That wasn’t harassing. That was looking for the best solution for the living trust. Dad had sent me on a mission, after all.”

  “Now it’s all my fault?” Dad chuckled, but his gaze didn’t leave Joanna’s face. Probably trying to read her. Good luck with that, Dad.

  “You were all about protecting business investments.”

  “And so I should.” Dad winked. “There’s no point in investing in something that is bound to fail.”

  Grady felt Joanna stiffen beneath his arm.

  “So true.” Her voice said she agreed, but it had chilled. She glanced around. “I need to find Cameron and the boys. We’ve got a busy day planned.”

  And she hadn’t invited him? Of course, he hadn’t made an arrangement, but he’d assumed they’d spend some time together.

  “Cameron?” asked Mom, looking between them.

  “My brother.” Joanna pointed. “There he is.” She shifted away from Grady.

  Cameron had one hand cupped behind each tousled head as he steered the twins toward the exit.

  “What lovely children,” Mom said. “I’m so sorry you’re booked up today, as I’d hoped to invite you for dinner. Maybe next Sunday?”

  Joanna turned back with a smile. “That would be lovely. Thank you for the invitation.”

  Grady caught her fingers before she disappeared and pulled her closer. “Talk to you later?”

  She smiled up at him. “Definitely.”

  He wanted to kiss her before she left, but it wasn’t the time or the place. Or the audience. He watched the boys brighten as she came up beside them. Cameron glanced over, met Grady’s gaze, and nodded. Then the foursome disappeared into the April sunshine.

  Mom’s hand rested on his arm. “Are you positive about her?”

  Grady turned to his parents and raised his eyebrows. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “That doesn’t answer my question.” Mom shook her head. “She doesn’t seem very sure of herself.”

  “Oh, she is, trust me. You can’t think of any reason why she’d be nervous around you?”

  Dad chuckled as he draped his arm across Mom’s shoulders. “Remember when I met your parents, Linda? I was shaking in my boots. We’d spent hours together before I could think of anything to say other than yes, sir and no, ma’am.”

  “Joanna has nothing to worry about, Barry. At least if her intentions are honest.”

  Grady shifted from one foot to the other, feeling like he was twelve again. “You can’t compare every woman to Vanessa.” Hadn’t he been guilty of the same thing? But he’d gotten over it quickly enough once he got to know Joanna.

  Dad pressed a kiss to Mom’s temple. “You’re not like Vanessa.”

  “Well, of course not. I just want Grady to be happy. It takes the right woman to join the Akers family and be an asset to the corpor
ation.”

  “Joanna has her own business, Mom. She’s a consultant with real estate experience. I could be wrong, but I don’t see her wanting to run Blossoms.”

  “Every woman loves flowers as much as jewelry.”

  He needed to send another bouquet. “That doesn’t mean owning either type of retail business is her dream.”

  “But Kenia...”

  “Mom, maybe it’s time you promoted one of your longtime staff members to assistant manager. Surely you have someone working there who could start to take over.”

  She pursed her lips. “My dream...”

  Grady reached for her hand. “I know, Mom. But sometimes we have to let dreams go, especially when they’re not something we can control. When they’re dreams for someone else’s life.”

  “Have you met Bryanna Kujak? She’s a nice girl with a head for business. Started working for me in February.”

  He could only be surprised Mom had waited this long to mention her. Or maybe she had, but he hadn’t been listening. “I don’t think I’ve met her, no. But, Mom? Stop with the matchmaking. Pray for me, yes, but stop trying to put women you think are suitable in front of me. Let God do that.” God already had.

  The more his mom dug in her heels, the more Grady clung to the thought that God had seen his need of a wife and was meeting it through Joanna. Oh, that didn’t mean he needed to propose tomorrow — though was that such a bad idea? He could be patient and make sure. Give the two of them more time to know one another but, at thirty-two, he was more than ready to become a husband. At least if he could be the husband of Joanna.

  “Take time to look around a bit more before you get in too deep, son. Joanna seems pleasant enough. She’s pretty, I’ll grant you that, but beauty is only skin deep. Vanessa was pretty, too, and we all know how that turned out.”

  “Mom. You don’t need to go there. That was three years ago, and I won’t make the same mistake again.”