by JoAnn Durgin
“Yes, she’s a sharp cookie. As you learned yesterday, she’s also funny, caring, and very pretty.” Caroline smoothed wisps of blonde hair away from her daughter’s forehead.
“I know Isabella had a thriving career in Connecticut, so why did she pick up everything and move here to Evergreen? People seem to like doing that.” Sidney frowned. “Don’t misunderstand. Evergreen seems like a perfectly lovely place. I’m just trying to understand. Have it make sense.” Burning in the back of his mind was Isabella’s statement about the preservation of her soul.
“In Isabella’s case, you should ask her about it sometime.”
“Maybe I will.” What would make Isabella give up a promising career in marketing? That was definitely a story he’d like to hear. Chances were she’d either burned out or else she’d suffered some type of devastating personal loss. He’d try to figure out a way to ask his questions without offending her or making Isabella feel like she was testifying on the witness stand.
“You’re intrigued by her.” Caroline’s gaze settled on him.
“Meaning?” He hoped she wouldn’t pursue the idea. Yes, he was fascinated by Isabella, but it couldn’t amount to anything, so why bother entertaining the idea?
“Meaning she’s had a successful professional career, but then she made some big life changes. It’s only fair to tell you that I cautioned Isabella about you.”
“What about me?” Sidney tried to keep the defensiveness from his voice.
“To be blunt, that you’re not the type of man she needs in her life.” Caroline’s gaze met his.
“Why would you say that?” He wasn’t mad, but he’d like to hear his sister’s reasoning.
“Come on, Sidney. I saw the looks you two gave one another yesterday, the body language, the playful teasing, the flirting, the tension. Isabella tried to deny it, but I would have been blind not to see it.”
He swallowed. “Any reason we can’t be friends?”
“No, but I’m sensing it might be difficult to draw the dividing line,” Caroline said. “I can tell you that part of Isabella’s journey involved acknowledging she’s not the one in control.”
“You’re talking about God again, aren’t you?” So, Isabella was one of them. A born-again believer. He’d been guilty of poking fun of Christians. Nothing cruel or targeted, but he’d made some barbed jokes, said some unkind things, even about Seth and indirectly about his sister.
Ashamed, Sidney hung his head, unable to look Caroline in the eye.
“Once I gave my life to Christ, He gave me the strength to make the changes in my life.” Caroline’s tone was soothing, gentle. “There’s a verse of Scripture from the Book of Philippians that says, ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.’” She started to say something else but then closed her mouth.
“Contrary to what you might think, I’m not adverse to the things of God, Caroline.” Sidney sat back in his chair. “Please continue.”
“I had a good talk with Beverly Landon during my first visit to Evergreen. She’s the former owner of the bed and breakfast, and my friend Liesel’s mom. We talked a bit about my plans for the future, and she could tell I was conflicted about law school. In the course of our conversation, she asked me a question that made me think hard about my life.”
When she paused, Sidney understood that was his cue. “I’ll bite. What was the question?”
“She asked if I had a source of strength and comfort I could turn to in my time of need.” A flicker of sadness passed over his sister’s face. “I realized I didn’t. Not really.”
“Other than Bryce, you mean,” Sidney said. “I’m thankful Bryce has been there since I’ve failed you.”
Caroline’s brow furrowed. “You haven’t failed me. You’ve always done what you know how to do best. Like Dad, you’re driven to succeed, and you have a brilliant, focused mind.”
“That shouldn’t be to the exclusion of family. That’s one of the reasons I’m here. To reconnect. I need you in my life, Caroline.” His gaze fell on six-month-old Ellie. “I want to know the stages of Ellie’s life. I don’t want to be old Uncle Sidney at her wedding one day and realize I never took the time to get to know my niece.” He chuckled to lighten the mood. “I even want to get to know the rock doctor better. I think in time we could be buds.”
A small smile played across Caroline’s lips. Rising from her chair, she walked around the table with Ellie. “Hold out your arms.”
“You want me to hold her?” His pulse raced. He’d never held an infant. Not once. What if he dropped her? Hurt her in some way by not holding her properly?
“Yes, I want you to hold Ellie. No time like the present to start bonding with her.”
Sidney held out his arms. “I don’t mind admitting that facing a jury is way less intimidating.”
“Now that’s a scary statement,” she said. “I have full confidence in you.”
“Glad one of us does.” He wasn’t sure what he was doing, but Sidney cradled Ellie and made sure her head was supported per Caroline’s instruction. “Am I doing it right?”
“You’re doing fine. She’s quite content with her Uncle Sidney.”
“How about that, Ellie?” His gaze roamed over the baby’s face and he ran one finger lightly over her soft skin. Then he lifted the baby’s small, pink hand, and marveled over each perfectly formed finger and tiny nail. His heart felt like it was about to burst out of his chest. Never in his life had he experienced such utter sweetness.
Caroline gathered their dishes and carried them to the sink. After running water over them, she left the kitchen after telling him she’d be back momentarily. Soon after, she dropped into the chair beside him and placed a tattered, black, leather-bound book on top of the table. Even though the gold lettering on the cover was so faded he couldn’t read it, Sidney knew it was a Bible.
“This was originally Seth’s grandfather’s Bible. Seth carried it everywhere.” Caroline opened the book while he watched, still holding Ellie. Some of the pages had tears and many of them had folded corners. Every available margin or white space was crammed full of notations in precise lettering.
“Looks like some of my law journals. Someone has studied this book. Loved it.”
Caroline’s voice was soft when she spoke again. “Seth cared enough about my spiritual condition to give me this Bible even though he didn’t expect to ever see me again.”
“Be honest, Caroline. If he gave you something that meant so much to him, you have to know he thought he’d see you again. At least he hoped he would.”
“No, I didn’t know. We were at two completely different places in our lives.” She heaved a sigh that silently conveyed you don’t understand. “When Seth found out Dad was involved in the manslaughter case against his father, I think he pretty much wrote me off. That was it for him as far as I was concerned. By that time, I’d already left Evergreen and gone back to Boston.”
“But look how it all worked out.” Even Sidney could admit that comment sounded much too smug.
Caroline blew out a breath. “Seth had been working in California, and he had a longtime girlfriend here in Maine when we saw each other again. He had no idea I’d moved to Evergreen.”
“Look, I know how a guy’s mind works. Christian or not, Seth and I are the same species. I wouldn’t have given Mom’s favorite Baccarat crystal vase or her Rolex to some girl I never thought I’d see again.”
“Not even in the same ballpark,” Caroline said. “Completely different circumstances. We’re talking about a sentimental and soul-changing gift from the heart.”
“I’m sure some women would consider Baccarat and Rolex to be soul-changing.”
Caroline’s gaze bore into him. She’d had enough of his sarcasm. “It’s not all about money. Please get that through your thick skull.”
“I know that. It was my lame attempt at a joke. A really bad joke. That’s one of the reasons I’m here in Maine. Bottom line? You have something I want, but I don’
t know what it is. I’m not sure if it’s the kind of love you have with Seth, or with Ellie, or if somehow God can fill this…void…I feel inside.” And now he was back at the void talk again?
“Being articulate and commanding in the courtroom is different than the challenges and joys of sharing life with the people you love, Sidney. Admitting you’re vulnerable and searching for meaning in your life is an important step.” Curling her fist, Caroline moved it over her heart. “I’ve learned there are certain places in your heart that no amount of worldly success can fill. Another person can’t fill that void, either. Only God can.”
Caroline pointed her finger to the opened pages of the Bible. “This book held answers to the questions I was asking myself when I first came to Evergreen. Questions I didn’t even know I had. When I went back to Boston, I started to read it. Then I got involved in an off-campus Bible study, and a dear friend named Ana led me to faith in Christ. Even though I was young in my faith, that’s what gave me the strength to tell Dad and Mom that I was quitting law school and moving to Maine.”
She waited until he met her gaze. “Beverly and Seth recognized that I was seeking something outside of myself. Something bigger. And now you’re doing the same thing. Like it or not, coming here to Maine is part of your journey. You’re at the point where I was when I first came to Evergreen. More than any legal case history, this book gives us the history of the world but also hope for the future. One day, the world as we know it will be gone. Until then, I’d like to leave a legacy of faith and evidence of a life well-lived. I’m sure you’d like to do the same.”
“A legacy that’s not measured by worldly or material success. I get it, Caroline. I really do.” He wasn’t irritated with her. The changes she’d made in her life were clearly positive. Judging by the inner contentment that radiated from her, Caroline had never been happier.
Happier than you. Not that it was a competition in any sense of the word. Making faith personal had obviously changed his sister’s life for the better. Sidney glanced down at Ellie, love for her filling his heart. He’d never thought it possible to love a child so unconditionally, and he was only her uncle. How must it feel to have a child of one’s own?
“I’ll tell you one thing. The opportunity to hold this little angel has been worth the trip in itself.” Leaning close, he planted a soft kiss on the baby’s cheek. “Uncle Sidney will be here for you, precious Ellie. Always.”
Caroline surprised him by planting a quick kiss on his forehead. “I’m proud of you. I’m going to pray you’ll find some answers while you’re here.”
“Don’t faint with shock, but I welcome your prayers. I guess I need to figure out some things for myself. I suppose you expect me to relinquish my hold on Ellie now?”
Her lips curled. “Yes, unless you plan on nursing her when she wakes up again.”
That prompted him into quick action. “Ellie, it’s been fun, but it’s time to go back to Mama now.”
“Have fun today, whatever you do. Be sure and apply the bug spray if you take a walk in the woods.” Caroline lifted Ellie from his arms. “The bottle’s in the upstairs bathroom cabinet.”
“I’ll douse myself liberally,” he assured her. “Thanks, Caroline. For everything.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you later.” With a small smile, Caroline departed the kitchen with her daughter.
Sidney stared at the Bible on the kitchen table. Sure, he might take a peek and do a little reading in it while he was in Evergreen. Why not? It couldn’t hurt, and it was the least he could do to humor his little sister.
But not now. He had another errand in mind this morning.
Chapter 8
Isabella glanced at the boxes of candles spread on the floor around her. “Tommy, where did you put the box of Charming Chamomile?”
He reached behind him. “Right here, boss.”
“Did you do a count?”
“Yep. All there.” Tommy placed the opened box on the shelf next to Honeysuckle Harmony. “Check. Which one’s next?”
Isabella checked her list. “Luscious Lavender.”
“I don’t get why people need candles, anyway,” Tommy said. “Hey, maybe they’ll come up with one of those ‘new car smell’ candles. I could go for one of those.”
Tommy had just broken up with his latest girlfriend, so of course, he wouldn’t consider candles romantic. Give him time. Knowing her young assistant as well as she did, he’d find another female companion by next week.
Not that she was thinking of romance, but Isabella loved a gently burning candle, light jazz, dim lighting, a cozy dinner, sweet talk, an unexpected kiss… She hadn’t thought about such things since she’d left Hartford.
Sidney’s face popped into her mind. Isabella shivered although not from fear. Lord, take these thoughts from me. Sidney Prescott doesn’t know you. Nothing other than friendship could happen between them.
Show Sidney the way. Start by being his friend.
“You okay, Isabella?” Tommy waved to catch her attention. “You look a little weirded out.”
Isabella snapped out of her musing. “I’m thinking when the rep comes to the store next week, you should propose a new scent—Amazing Aventador. It could be marketed as the candle for today’s modern, sophisticated man. Red, of course.”
Tommy grinned. “Now you’re speaking my language.”
The bell jingled, and they both leaned forward, peering around the end of the aisle.
“Aunt Clara!” Isabella rose to a standing position. “Hi there.”
As usual, her aunt was dressed in a Sunday skirt and blouse accessorized with the same delicate pearl necklace and matching earrings she’d worn as long as Isabella could remember. A gift from Uncle Phil’s trip to the Orient, those pearls probably adorned Aunt Clara’s neck while she slept. By contrast, Isabella always felt underdressed in her aunt’s presence.
“Another beautiful day,” Clara said as the door closed behind her.
“Tommy, go ahead and work through the list while I talk with her.” Isabella crossed the store to embrace her aunt. “What brings you here today? Always great to see you, but I didn’t expect you until early next week.”
“I’ve brought a supply of homemade jams and jellies. They’re out in the car. You take whatever you want and put the rest out for sale.” Bless her heart, she donated most of what she brought into the store for sale. Uncle Phil’s estate left her with enough money to get by without having to work. When she did help in the store, Clara would never accept anything other than lunch.
Perhaps the biggest blessing was that she didn’t impose her ideas on Isabella for how to run Mahoney’s even though she’d owned and operated this same store for four decades. Aunt Clara understood the boundaries. For that, and many reasons, Isabella loved her aunt dearly.
“God spoke to me again.”
“How nice. You have conversations with God all the time.” What could it be this time?
“Yes, but this is another revelation about you, Isabella.” Clara gave her one of the knowing looks she’d perfected. A twinge of sadness pinched Isabella at the reminder of her mother. Although her mom’s older sister didn’t physically resemble her mother, Lucy, some of Clara’s facial expressions and tone of voice were uncannily similar.
Isabella was reminded once again that, if not for the woman standing in front of her now, she’d be all alone in the world. An orphan, a word she truly disliked. As a child of the King, she was never truly alone. Still, the concept sometimes made her nostalgic.
Isabella hooked her arm with Clara’s. “Shall we go into the backroom to talk about it?” Even if God had spoken to Clara, if it was about her, she didn’t especially want anyone coming into the store to overhear the conversation.
“Anybody who wants to know can hear just as well right here in the middle of Mahoney’s as anywhere else.”
“I didn’t hear a thing!” Tommy called from behind the aisle.
“Maybe it’d do you some good
if you did.” Aunt Clara’s eyes sparkled with humor. “How are you doing, young man?”
Isabella’s young assistant poked his head around the corner. “Fine, ma’am. Always a pleasure to see you.”
“Tommy, could you make sure all the candle boxes are in place and then run out to Clara’s car and bring in the jams and jellies she’s brought?”
“Door’s unlocked, and they’re on the backseat,” Clara added.
“You got it.”
“Even though it’s still morning, I sure could use a root beer right about now,” Isabella said to Clara. “How about you? We can talk and keep the crates warm until Marty and Hank show up in a bit.”
“Splendid idea, especially since you’re trying to get me out of the middle of your store. Now that you mention it, I am a little parched. I’ve been up since dawn and had more than enough coffee to float a boat.”
After handing Clara an open, chilled bottle of root beer, Isabella grabbed a second one and then perched on a wooden crate beside the checkerboard-covered barrel. She took a quick drink from the bottle. “Would you rather have a chair? And a glass for the root beer?”
Clara took a swig from the bottle. “I always thought it tastes better straight from the bottle. And I’ll sit on this crate until a certain part of me starts to fall asleep. Then I’ll get up.”
Isabella grinned. “That’s what you say about sitting on the church pew.”
The door jingled, and Isabella checked to make sure it wasn’t a customer. Tommy had gone outside and was pulling out the trays of homemade goods from the backseat of Aunt Clara’s white Oldsmobile.
“You have to admit Pastor Hawkins has been going on a bit long these days. Seems he got himself one of those Bible commentaries, and now he feels the need to share all his newfound wisdom.” Clara fixed her with another look. “So, young lady, I understand there’s an interesting new man in Evergreen.”
Ah, this must be the root reason for her aunt’s visit this morning. With Clara, it was never I hear, but I understand. Isabella figured she’d hear about Sidney at some point but not the day after his arrival.