by Jenna Mindel
He nodded but didn’t speak. Maybe he couldn’t.
She held on until it hurt. Letting go, she stepped back and stretched.
He let out a soft laugh that made more tears slip out and run down his cheeks. “Sorry. I should have pulled you onto my lap.”
Her own eyes watery, she gave him a soft shove before sitting back down. “I’m glad you didn’t.”
They ate in companionable silence until Annie heard the voice she knew well coming from inside the house.
Her mother-in-law.
Marie Marshall called out again. “Annie? Are you home?”
Annie looked at Matthew and rolled her eyes.
He raised his eyebrows. “Aren’t you going to answer?”
She scrunched up her nose. “Maybe she’ll go away.”
He shook his head but chuckled. “Nice.”
Annie got up and opened the screen of the slider. “We’re out here, Marie. Oh, and John. Hey, come on out and join us.”
“We brought you some cake.” Marie carried a small box and stopped when she saw Matthew standing near the table. Her lips thinned as she scanned their dinner plates.
Annie pulled out a chair. “John, this is Matthew Zelinsky, Jack’s friend and first mate.”
Her father-in-law gave him a ready smile and extended his hand. “Yes, yes, Matthew. The man whose family lives on a small lake that’s perfect for ice fishing. How are you?”
Annie recalled that Jack had taken his dad on one of those jaunts up to the Zelinsky maple syrup farm. She’d never gone other than to pick Jack up. Annie had never been one interested in freezing on the ice waiting for fish to bite. Plus, she’d always had classes at the studio in the afternoons and the guys liked to make a whole day of it right into evening.
“Holding up. And you, sir?”
John nodded once. Understanding Matthew immediately. “Not easy, son.”
“No. It’s not.”
When John said nothing more, Annie asked, “Can I get either of you some food? Matthew’s mom sent enough for a small army.”
“No, no, we’ve already eaten.” Marie gripped the box tight. “We came over to put flowers on Jack’s grave and thought we’d stop.”
“Thank you. Would you like hot tea, then?” Annie offered.
“But you’ve got company.” Marie’s inflection on the last word was sharp. Sarcastic, even.
“Oh, I’ll be on my way. I dropped off leftovers and tilled Annie’s garden. My work’s done here.” Matthew hadn’t missed Marie’s tone, either. It was no wonder he wouldn’t stay.
John smiled at her. “I’m glad you’re going to have a garden this year. I’d sure miss those tomatoes.”
Annie could have hugged her father-in-law. “Thanks to Matthew, you’ll get them.”
“Well, good. Cut that cake, Marie.” John looked at Matthew. “Stay for cake. It’s from the bakery by us that Annie likes.”
Annie smiled. She usually brought a box of baked goods with her when she visited Jack’s parents. Bribery by sweets, Jack had called it. That bakery was John’s favorite, not hers.
Without a word, Marie went back inside to the kitchen.
“Okay.” Matthew sat down.
“How’s your new captain working out?”
Annie gave Matthew a grateful smile and gathered up their dinner plates and went into the kitchen.
Marie’s rigid back faced her.
Annie filled the teakettle and set it on the stove, turning up the heat.
“You seem to be spending a lot of time with this man.”
Annie clenched her jaw and counted to three before exhaling. “His name is Matthew and he’s Jack’s best friend.”
“Was.” Marie sliced the cake with force.
“Yes.” Annie couldn’t win this one. “He was.”
Marie turned around, big knife in hand. “I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life, but—”
“Then don’t,” Annie snapped.
Marie pressed her lips into a tight line, as if weighing her next words. “As a Christian widow, you shouldn’t be here with him all alone.”
“He came to till my garden, Marie.” Annie gestured toward the backyard. “And we ate outside.”
Marie turned around and cut another piece of cake.
Annie looked out on the deck. Matthew and John conversed comfortably enough, but then her father-in-law had always been softer than Marie. Easier.
She grabbed a small stack of dessert plates from the cupboard. “I understand your concern, really I do. I know this isn’t easy for you, either.”
The knife slammed down on the counter. “You can’t know what it’s like to lose my only child.”
Annie closed her eyes. Having never been a mother, that statement was true. But she had a hunch. Already loving the small person growing inside, Annie understood Marie’s loss even if she couldn’t feel it fully.
She touched her mother-in-law’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
The woman sniffed and shook off her touch. “Here, I’ll take those plates and forks. You bring the tea.”
Annie let her shoulders slump. There was no winning with her. But like swallowing a bitter pill, Marie might be right about being here alone with Matthew. The way he’d touched her hair, the way her breath had caught at the look in his eyes only enforced how dangerous the attraction they danced around was.
Annie was old enough to know the possible pitfalls ahead, but was she wise enough to steer clear? Sometimes she felt as if she walked in a dream, not knowing what felt real or imagined. Either way, she needed to tread carefully.
Very carefully where Matthew was concerned.
Chapter Seven
The next morning, Annie shifted Holly Miller’s business card between her fingers. The Maple Springs Historical Society took first errand on her list of things to do today. She’d dressed with care, choosing a loose pair of cotton pants with a drawstring. Her middle was definitely thickening with a barely detectable baby bump.
Grabbing her purse, Annie got out of her car. It was early yet, so parking on Main Street wasn’t a problem. The village of Maple Springs waited patiently for the hordes of tourists who’d amble along these sidewalks to shop or grab lunch before returning to the beach across the street.
For now it was quiet and Annie took in the colorful plants and flowers that were stuffed into boxes and gigantic pots adorning store windows and doors. Water drops glimmered in the morning sun. Annie spotted the woman who maintained the downtown’s greenery and waved. She waved back while spraying down the hanging flowers anchored to the lampposts.
Maple Springs knew how to capitalize on the short summer season. And Annie appreciated the added dance students this time of year, she really did. But if the truth were told, she preferred the end of the season after the summer folks left and went back to wherever they called home. Until they descended again come winter to ski.
A couple of tinkling bells rang when she opened the door of an old Victorian that served as the historical society’s office and museum.
“May I help you— Oh, hello, Annie.” The director, Holly, slipped from behind her desk.
“Morning.” Annie shook the girl’s offered hand and got right to the point. “I’d like to permanently donate some of Jack’s collection for an exhibit, but I’ll need your help in looking over the considered items.”
Holly gave her a broad smile. “Wonderful. I can come by later this week if that works for you.”
“Perfect. I’m still working out what to include.”
Holly tipped her head. “Is Matthew helping you with that, too? I heard he replaced your roof.”
Where’d she hear that? Any why would she ask such a question that was none of her business? “Maybe.”
�
�You know him well, then?” Holly was definitely digging.
“Well enough.” Annie considered Holly a moment. Was the woman interested in Matthew? She wouldn’t blame her, but really, what was up with the nosy questions? “Do you mind if I look around to get a feel for your displays?”
Holly nodded. “Sure. Go right ahead. I’ll get the donation paperwork together. You can grab them on your way out.”
“Thanks.” Annie’s sandals scuffed the hardwood floors as she walked through to the museum rooms. The upstairs was roped off with a sign that stated offices resided there.
Viewing the displays, she felt a stab of sympathy for Holly. According to Jack, Matthew dated but didn’t commit because of his schedule on the lakes. Annie couldn’t recall one woman Matthew had talked about or even mentioned other than a passing reference.
Yet another reason to ignore the attraction between them. Annie didn’t want to lose Matthew by allowing anything more than friendship to creep between them. Friendship might be the only logical thing they’d share for the long haul.
After looking over one of the permanent exhibits of regional Native American art, Annie wandered back to the office. She picked up the paperwork labeled with her name and promised to call and confirm a time and day for Holly to view Jack’s collection and then left.
Pulling out her phone, Annie hit Matthew’s name on her screen. He answered right away. “Hi, Matthew? I need to ask you a favor.”
“What’s that?” She could hear the smile in his voice.
She hesitated a moment. He’d offered to go through Jack’s stuff and she welcomed his insight. “I need to decide what to donate to the historical society and wondered if your offer still stands.”
“Of course it does. Name the day, and I’ll be there.”
Annie swallowed a wave of nervousness. “I’m thinking tomorrow night. Do you mind if I have Ginger over, too? I’d like to box up the rest of Jack’s clothes while we’re at it.”
“No problem. What about that oak desk? Does that need to come out or will it stay?”
She laughed. “That was another favor, but there’s no hurry. If you want it, you can have it for the price of moving it out.”
“My father would love it.”
“Then it’s yours. But you’re going to need more than me to lift it.”
“I wouldn’t let you lift it even if you could. I’ll see if I can bring one of my brothers with me.”
“That’d be great. I’ll order pizza.”
Matthew laughed. “Now you’re talking my language.”
Annie smiled, relieved. They wouldn’t be alone. Even if Ginger couldn’t make it. “Thanks, Matthew.”
“You’re welcome, Annie.” His voice softened. “I’m glad you called. If you need anything, remember I’m a phone call away.”
“I know.” She needed too much. Maybe more than he could ever give.
“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yup.”
After she hung up, she called Ginger. “If you’re not busy tomorrow evening, would you like to come over and help me and Matthew clear out Jack’s room? No worries if you can’t.”
“Ah, you’re not trying to set me up again, are you?”
Annie laughed. “Of course not. It’s just, well...I need his help and don’t think it’s a good idea to be alone, you know?”
Ginger’s voice lowered. “Did something happen between you two?”
Annie hesitated. A kiss had happened. Even though it had happened over two months ago, that kiss had changed things between them. She chose her mother-in-law’s rationale instead of the truth. “I’m a widow now and have to consider how things look.”
“Annie, what’s going on?” Ginger didn’t buy it.
“Nothing.”
Yet.
Annie ignored that slippery thought. She hadn’t misinterpreted the vibe from Matthew the other night or her immediate response. Either way, an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure.
“Okay, count me in.”
“Good. He might bring his brother along, too, so you never know...”
Ginger laughed. “Nice try. I don’t have the time or inclination to date, but don’t worry, I’ll be there.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate it. See you tomorrow.”
Pulling her notebook out of her purse, Annie crossed off another to-do item on her list. The two things she’d rather have ignored were now done. Almost.
When she performed with a dance troupe, she knew the show always went on. Annie needed to go on, too. For her baby’s sake, she’d get Jack’s room emptied out so she could make it into a nursery. For Jack’s sake, she’d share his maritime collection with a community that had embraced them when they’d moved here.
And for Matthew’s sake, Annie would do what she could to protect their friendship whether they liked it or not.
* * *
“So, who is this woman?” Matthew’s brother Darren got out of his green work truck with the distinctive Department of Natural Resources logo on the doors.
He was the only brother around without plans for the evening. Matthew had had his work cut out convincing Darren to come, but his brother had finally agreed on the condition that he drove his own vehicle in case he needed to leave early. Some excuse about being on call as backup, but Matthew knew better.
“She’s Jack Marshall’s wife.” Standing in Annie’s driveway, Matthew made the correction. “I mean widow.”
Darren’s eyes softened. “Oh. Man, that’s a tough one. I liked Jack.” Then he kicked at Matthew’s back tire. “All I need do is move the desk, right? We’re not taking it anywhere in town.”
“Right.” Matthew slapped his brother’s back. Darren didn’t go into Maple Springs anymore. “Don’t worry, man. There’s no way you’ll run into her.”
Darren gave him a sharp look.
Matthew spread his hands. “Am I supposed to ignore the obvious?”
“No. Just don’t remind me,” his brother growled. Darren’s ex-fiancée lived in Maple Springs with a guy who used to be Darren’s best friend.
“Thanks for doing this. The desk is big and heavy and in this heat, we might want to consider a jump in the lake after,” he continued to tease.
Darren looked around like a man hiding from the mob. “You go ahead, I’m out.”
Matthew spotted Annie stepping out onto the porch and his teasing stopped. His jaw may have dropped a little and his pulse certainly picked up speed. She looked cool and so feminine with her hair up and a long and breezy cotton dress swirling around her ankles.
“I’m getting ready to order the pizza, any requests?”
“Pepperoni.” Matthew couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
“And your brother?” She smiled.
Darren smiled back. “Pepperoni is fine.”
Matthew tamped down the sudden urge to wipe that broad grin off his brother’s face. “Darren, this is Annie Marshall.”
Annie extended her free hand. “Good to meet you. And thank you for your help. Come in, please.”
They stepped inside where boxes littered the floor. Ginger struggled with one so Matthew reached out to lend a hand. “I got it, where do you want it?”
“Front porch is fine for now, then they’re heading for my car.”
Matthew nodded. “Ginger, this is my brother Darren.”
Ginger held out a hand and Darren gave her the briefest handshake he’d ever seen. Matthew chuckled as he set the box on the porch. His brother was afraid of the female population as a whole.
While Ginger drilled Darren about the recent closure of a nearby public boat launch for repairs, Matthew followed Annie into the kitchen. “He’s in for an earful.”
Annie shrugged. “She’s worried about anything
that might deter tourists from coming into downtown Maple Springs.”
“Classic merchant reaction.”
“Summer makes or breaks her.” Annie reached for glasses from the cupboard.
Matthew didn’t know what it was like to depend on the fickle shopping habits of summer residents and tourists for one’s income. He supposed he’d be hyper-vigilant too if he were in Ginger’s shoes. “So, what’s with the boxes?”
Annie poured lemonade over ice and her hand shook a little. “Jack’s clothes. Ginger’s taking them to the church rummage sale.”
“All of them?”
She looked at him. “Most everything. What am I supposed to do with them? I have to get the room cleared in time to make it into a nursery.”
He’d never considered the fate of Jack’s clothes or how difficult it would be to decide what to keep and what to give away. Or throw away. It’d been tough enough going through Jack’s cabin on their freighter. There wasn’t much, but Matthew had boxed the items up and dropped them off here. Annie hadn’t been home at the time, so he’d given the contents to her aunt from Arizona.
There’d been a framed picture of Jack and Annie when they’d painted this house. Matthew had taken that picture and Jack had kept it on his bedside table in his captain’s quarters. In it, Annie had a paint smudge on her cheek and a smile wider than the sky. It was the kind of smile that defined happiness from the inside out like sunshine breaking through a cloud.
One day she’d smile like that again.
Maybe even for him.
He shouldn’t go there.
In fact, he shouldn’t be here, standing so close. “I’m going to grab that desk with Darren while we wait for the pizza delivery. Might as well get the hard task done and out of the way.”
“Right.” Annie laughed.
When it came to difficulty, moving Jack’s desk was nothing more than physical strength. It was the other stuff that was hard to go through. The things that represented Jack’s life and his passions. Even his clothes, simple and classic in style, spelled out who he’d been. An oak desk was nothing compared to those things.
He stilled Annie’s hands as she quickly loaded a tray with glasses of ice and a pitcher of lemonade and napkins. “Annie, you can slow down. You don’t have to get rid of everything all at once.”