The warm wind sneaked into the boat cabin and the warm sun beat against his arms. They could go swimming or picnic on Government Island. Something. He hadn’t done enough with Gary, though he’d noticed a different look in his eyes. His son had studied him at times, as if trying to figure him out or to find the courage to talk. Nick didn’t know which. No matter. He prayed it was an improvement.
He nosed the boat between the docks, tied it, then picked up the bouquet of flowers he’d purchased and headed inside. When Nick opened the door, he smelled the clean scent and knew Rona had been at work.
Nick strode through the foyer, veered past the family room and glanced into the kitchen. Disappointed that Rona wasn’t there, he lay the flowers on the kitchen counter and retraced his steps to enter his bedroom.
When he stepped into the room’s sitting area, he saw another stack of laundry on the end of his neatly made bed. Rona. His heart sang with the joy of her in the house. She brought sunshine and life. He slipped out of his clothes, stepped into walking shorts and pulled on a polo shirt.
After he tucked his feet into a pair of moccasins, he returned to the kitchen, found a large pitcher and filled it with water. He had no idea where a vase was, but this would do. He settled the flowers into the pitcher and set it on the table in the breakfast nook. When he pulled back, he saw Rona in the backyard.
An unexpected jolt of happiness shot through him, and he slid open the French door and stepped onto the patio. When he slid it closed, she looked up.
“What are you doing home?” She rose from her knees, a trowel in her hand, and waited.
Nick saw the trays of flowers at her feet, then realized she’d planted them around the patio and had another bed in a sunny spot not too far from the picnic table. “Looks great. Where did you get those?”
She grinned. “In town. I wanted to surprise you.”
And she had. He compared his single bouquet sitting inside with the live flowers she’d purchased and planted. “What can I say?”
“Nothing.” She stepped toward him. “It’s nice to see you.”
Her smile made him weak. What could he do? He glanced back at the house. “Is Gary home yet?”
“No. He got a call from the pastor this morning. The youth are doing yard work at senior citizens’ houses today, so he agreed to go until he goes to work. He’s on the late shift.”
His joy shrank, realizing Rona knew more about Gary than he did. “Are you two getting along?”
“We have an understanding.”
He wondered what that meant, but again, he let it drop. “Can I help?” He motioned to the flowers.
“No, I’m nearly finished and you’re in clean clothes.”
He glanced at the shorts, realizing she’d just washed them. “Then I’ll bring you out a ginger ale. How’s that?”
She nodded and he headed inside, trying to decide what he could do to say thank-you. He grabbed two drinks from the refrigerator and a bag of potato chips, then returned to the yard and sat on the picnic bench and watched her.
The sunlight still brightened the yard and shined on Rona’s hair like a flame, highlighting her honey-colored waves with flashes of pale copper. She’d tanned the past week and her skin looked healthy and glowing. He managed to stay on the bench and not pull her into his arms.
Finally Rona set the trowel in the plastic tray along with her garden gloves, which had a flowery design. She ambled to his side. “Thanks for the drink.” She settled on the bench and gazed at her handiwork.
“It looks nice. Thanks so much.”
She gave him a crooked smile. “I thought it was about time the place had a woman’s touch.”
His heart burst with longing. He needed a woman’s influence. Though he wanted to speak, to tell her so much, he managed to hold it in. It was better that way.
She swallowed a long drink of the ginger ale, then set down the can and swiveled toward him. “How long have you lived on Marquette?”
“About nine years, since my dad died. I lived in a smaller place on Drummond.”
She tilted her head and her hair brushed across her shoulder, leaving him speechless again. “And now you own both.”
It wasn’t a question, but he nodded and gained his senses. “Marquette is difficult in the winter. My parents usually went to Arizona when the ice began to freeze. They had a condo near Tucson.”
Her back straightened. “I was thinking about that today. What do you do in the winter?”
“We live on Drummond. They keep the ferry running in the winter. It just makes Gary’s school more difficult. You know, a longer ride.”
A frown settled again on her face. “What happens to me when you move back?”
“I have a comfortable cabin there, too. Angie liked it.”
“Angie?” Surprise filled her eyes followed by a frown.
“My previous housekeeper.”
Her scowl lessened. “She quit?”
“Moved. To St. Ignace.”
She looked back toward the trays and Nick knew she was ready to clean up the gardening mess. Rona didn’t leave things undone. He’d learned that quickly enough. Just like a wife. Wife. The word fluttered in his chest. “Would you like to see the house and cabin?”
Her brow knit again. “You mean on Drummond?”
“Sure. Why not? It’s early. We’ll stop for dinner in Cedarville on the way back. Ang-Gio’s has great food.”
She studied him a moment, then stood up.
He grinned, realizing the word cabin sounded very rustic. She’d be surprised when she saw it.
“I’d love to see the cabin and the house, too.”
Nick darted ahead of her and stacked the flower trays before she could, then handed her the trowel and gloves. He emptied the trash into the bin while she carried the trowel and gloves inside. He hurried to catch her.
“Nick.” She spun round as he came through the door. “They’re beautiful.” Her eyes sparkled. “Especially the vase.” She lifted the pitcher in her hand and gazed at the flowers. “I love fresh flowers in the house.”
“You’ve spent the whole day filling the yard with them and I bring you a paltry bouquet.”
She set down the pitcher and faced him with the tenderest look he’d ever scene. “No one has ever given me flowers before.”
He stood in front of her with his mouth gaping. “No one?”
She bit her lip and shook her head. “Thank you.”
He stepped forward and put his hands on her shoulders. “They’re for the apartment.”
“No. We’ll leave them here. This is where I spend so much time. Let me get ready and I’ll find a vase later.” Before she moved, she took a step closer, tiptoed, and gave him the sweetest kiss he’d ever known.
Chapter Thirteen
On the trip to Drummond Island, Nick had quizzed her about Gary. The more they talked the more guilty she’d become. She’d promised Gary and she couldn’t break that promise without doing damage to their relationship. He’d stopped being mouthy and even helped her a few times when she needed a strong back.
Nick shifted his back. “Bernie said Gary’s doing well—working hard and arriving on time. I guess I can stop worrying about that.”
“I talked with Mandy. She said the same thing. He’s a little quiet, she said, but that’s better than being mouthy.”
Nick gave a giant nod in agreement. “How’s he with you?”
The question made her tense. “Pretty good. He’s been helpful at times. Messy at others, but that’s a teenager. It goes with the territory.”
He released a sigh. “I’m feeling guilty about Gary.”
Rona shifted to face him. “Why?”
He shrugged. “I’m working long hours and not seeing him, and he’s done a good job. He’s working and turning over his money with only some grumbling. Naturally, I give him some spending money.”
His comment reminded her of the soft side of Nick’s nature.
“And he’s nearly finished hi
s volunteer hours. My work is under control, for now, anyway, and I want to do something with Gary. I thought maybe we could go to Government Island for a picnic and swimming.”
Government Island. She managed not to frown. “It sounds like a prison. You know, like Alcatraz Island.”
Nick chuckled. “It’s an uninhabited island just off La Salle Island and part of the Hiawatha National Forest. It’s a fun day trip.”
“Gary would probably like that.” She hoped he would, at least. “I noticed you have that big extra room upstairs. That could make a nice—”
“Game room.”
He’d read her mind.
“I’ve been thinking about that. Maybe buy a foosball or pool table, something fun and something he and I could do, and he could bring home friends.” He shrugged. “I’m not sure that will happen, though.”
“Don’t give up before you try it.” She gave his arm a nudge. “I think it’s a good idea.”
He sent her a fleeting grin before they settled into silence, her mind going over her trials with Gary. Although she’d noticed some positive changes; she feared they were due to the threat she had hanging over Gary’s head.
When they boarded the ferry, Rona thought of her unexpected meeting with Nick at the Four Corners information center. Nick’s comments on soul mates had also struck her and she’d begun to wonder if meeting him that day had been coincidental or part of God’s doing. The Lord had been guiding her all along and she’d never realized it.
In the quiet of the SUV, Nick leaned back and slipped his hand over hers, caressing her fingers like a summer breeze. Neither spoke. She felt no need to and apparently he didn’t, either.
The short trip ended and Nick started the motor, ready to move over the ramp to the island. He talked about the limestone quarry and the days of his ancestors’ logging business and before she knew it, they had passed through Four Corners and were heading along Johnswood Road. Rona had no idea what to expect and the farther they drove the more curious she became.
“How large is this house?”
“It’s much smaller—living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms and two baths. The kitchen has a breakfast nook and a laundry room off of it. Small but nice.”
Small but nice. It sounded like a mansion to Rona.
“The cabin is smaller yet, but I think you’ll like it.”
When Nick slowed she spotted a stone house nestled in a wooded area heavy with large trees and thick with evergreens.
“Here we are.”
She felt her jaw drop. “It’s not what I expected.”
He looked at her with a question on his face.
“It’s so interesting with the stone and logs.”
He opened the door. “It’s smaller than the other house, so less work for you.”
She followed him to the long covered porch and waited while he unlocked the door. Inside, the house smelled unused, but she knew that a few days of open windows or, in winter, a warm fire would take away the scent. She stood in the foyer and looked ahead to a large living room that ended with a huge stone fireplace. On each side she saw French doors.
“Nick, it’s gorgeous.” She pointed to the fireplace and hurried to admire it more closely, her palm running over the heavy fieldstone. When she peeked through a side door, another large porch greeted her and beyond that a wooded landscape. Her heart stood still when she saw the cabin nestled among the trees, a large stone chimney rising above the roof.
“Nick!” She couldn’t control the yell. “It’s wonderful. Can we go see?” She felt like a child standing in front of the Christmas tree and waiting to open her gifts.
He hurried to her side and slipped his arm around her waist. “That’s what we’re here for.”
Nick took her hand and led her through the yard to the cabin. A small covered slab led to the door and when they stepped inside she stood in a small foyer beside the stone fireplace at the end of a huge living room. The furniture was cozy with rag rugs and warm colors.
At the far end of the room, she turned and entered a kitchen larger than the one in her apartment with a table and chairs. Two bedrooms were situated on the other side of the house and to her delight, a flagstone-covered patio opened off the living room.
“I told you you’d love it.” He opened his arms to her and she stepped into his embrace.
She felt his lips press against her hair and her heart soared until reality set her straight. Nick liked her. He said they were soul mates and she felt the same, but she didn’t fit into his world. She’d never met his friends, knew nothing of his social circle except that they had no place for a woman with no breeding and no money.
“What’s wrong?” He drew back and looked into her face.
“This feels too good to be true.”
“It’s all true, Rona. It’s—” He faltered, then took her hand. “Let’s go back to the house. It’s not as damp.”
She hadn’t even noticed the dampness until he mentioned it. The cabin needed love. So did she.
Rona followed Nick inside the main house and he motioned to the sofa in front of the fireplace.
“I’ll start a fire and get out some of the mustiness.”
The beautiful June day hardly seemed time for a fire, but Rona agreed that the house did feel damp after being closed up so much since he’d moved over to Marquette Island.
“Do you have anything to drink?” she asked before sitting.
“Pop maybe. It’s probably out of date. You should find tea over the cabinet above the coffeemaker.” She headed into the kitchen, slipped a teakettle onto the burner and located tea bags. By the time she returned with two mugs, flames danced in the fireplace.
She handed Nick a mug and settled onto the sofa, enjoying the warmth of the fire. She took at sip of her drink and set it on the coffee table in front of her.
Nick settled beside her, his mug cupped between his hands.
Silence settled around them again, but Rona sensed that Nick had something to say. The easy quiet she usually felt, today, seemed charged with questions.
She heard Nick release a deep breath. “Rona, do you know how I feel about you?”
She pondered, wanting to be honest but not knowing what the truth was. She’d sensed he had strong feelings for her. The kisses and embraces confirmed that, but it didn’t fit. She tossed it off as gratitude and then as wishful thinking. A man who’d experienced marriage needed to test the waters to learn if he could play the romance game again and she might be his trial run. Her chest constricted as she struggled with her thoughts.
“You must know,” he whispered. “I care about you so much. Not as a housekeeper, but as a woman who’s awakened me to the emptiness I’ve been living and to the dream of being a family again.”
Time stood still as she tried to make sense out of what he’d said, knowing if he meant those words she had to tell him the truth about her past.
Rona closed her eyes, drawing on her courage, drawing on the faith she’d just come to know again. God said He would be with her in times of trouble and the truth roared in her ears. “I think more of you than I can say. You’ve been like a dream come true to me, but you don’t know everything about me, Nick.”
He grasped her hands. “Then tell me and I’ll understand.”
It sounded so easy. “I don’t fit into your world. I was raised by a poor family, a father who drank most of the money he earned, a mother who tried so hard to raise us well.”
Nick pressed his palm against hers. “And she did.”
“She tried, but she failed. I haven’t told you about my brother.” She swallowed, trying to keep her voice calm, trying to quell the images. “He’s been in prison and he was supposed to be released in May. He might be out now. It was a robbery, but not his first. He’s been in trouble since I can remember.”
“But you told me yourself. The sins of the father aren’t the sins of the son. That works for a sister, too. You’re not to blame for your brother’s crimes.”
A weight struck her heart as she tried to pull the words from her throat. “I know but—”
“As for not fitting into my world, you fit like a glove. You haven’t had a chance to know my friends. They’ll love you.” His free hand shifted to caress her cheek. “You’re a beautiful woman, but what means most to me is your strength and depth. Your energy and determination.”
She lowered her head as tension mounted. “But you don’t know about my bitterness.”
He tilted her head upward and looked into her eyes. “I heard resentment in your voice when you first told me about your family. I’ve been bitter, too, Rona, bitter at Jill for dying, bitter at Gary for withdrawing, bitter at myself for not making my marriage a better one.”
“Since I’ve been doing so much soul-searching, I really need to resolve some issues at home. I don’t know if I can, but I’m trying to deal with it. I’m praying that God gives me what I need to let it go.”
Nick drew her into his arms, his voice whispering against her cheek. “We both have some praying and soul-searching to do, but don’t toss out what we have. I hope you believe me when I tell you that you’ve opened doors and windows for me and I’m not letting go of you.”
She clung to him, not wanting to let go, but so afraid of hanging on.
“Where’s my dad?”
Rona jumped and nearly dropped the salad, hearing Gary’s voice. “He’s getting the boat ready.”
She looked over her shoulder. “Where’s Amy?”
He motioned toward the French door. “She’s in the backyard.”
Rona slipped the bread on top of the other items and closed the basket lid, then turned to face Gary. “Is something wrong?”
He shrugged. “She’s moody. I shouldn’t have invited her to come along.”
That surprised her. Her mind clicked with possibilities. Gary had seemed different and she’d been so pleased when Nick had finally acted on his idea from a week ago to do something special with Gary. Today was the day, but now she wasn’t sure if things would go right or not.
She glanced toward Gary again, deciding he had a concern on his mind. “Can I help you with something?”
Family in His Heart Page 14