by JoAnn Durgin
“I still don’t see how that makes any difference now.”
“You made a difference in her life. An eternal difference. Don’t you see? It also made you happy. Not because of what you’d done, or earned, or won, but because of how the Lord had worked in Lorraine’s heart.”
Silent for a long moment, Tess wiped her eyes and then glanced up at her. “I’ve lost the joy. That’s what you’re telling me, isn’t it?”
“No, I don’t think you’ve lost your joy, but you’ve lost the enthusiasm you used to have. Your light’s just been hidden for a few years.”
A fresh tear slipped down Tess’s cheek. She lowered her gaze to her hands twisting in her lap. “Why won’t a man look at me the way he looks at you, Sarah?”
“Oh, Tess.” Sarah understood how much it cost her sister to ask that question. How should she answer?
Tess grabbed her hand. “You’re right about one thing. Somewhere along the way, I lost the enthusiasm I used to have for a lot of things in life. I’ve lost my focus.”
“I’m so proud of you,” Sarah said. “You put in long hours at the law office. I know you do a wonderful job, and I’m sure your dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
“They’re good to me, but it’s just a paycheck.” Shoulders slumping, Tess looked so forlorn it made Sarah’s heart hurt. “I don’t have the passion for my job like you do for nursing. It’s not like I want to type, file and answer phones my entire life.”
“Well, I certainly don’t want to be a waitress at Perry’s Diner my whole life, but if that’s what God wants for me, I’ll deal with it. For now, I’m making the most of it.”
“There’s a difference with you, though, Sarah. You know it’s only temporary. A stepping stone to something much bigger and better.”
Sarah laughed. “Right. My job at Perry’s has been ‘temporary’ from the time I was sixteen. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade my experiences there for anything. More importantly, I’ve made some great friends, and I’ll carry them with me no matter where the Lord leads in my life.”
“I wish I had that assurance, that confidence, like you do. So, do you have any suggestions for me?” Tess mopped her cheeks with the side of her hand.
“For one thing, you can stop being such a pretty crier.” Sarah pulled her into another hug. “You put me to shame.”
“You’re funny,” Tess said. “So, tell me. How does a girl go about rediscovering her joy? Any idea?”
“Pray about it, first of all. Secondly, would you consider doing some volunteer work again? Whether it’s through the church, the hospital, the school or whatever, it might give you a renewed purpose and help fill the holes of your life.”
“Holes of my life?” Tess looked at her as if she held all the answers. “What do you mean?”
“We all have empty places inside us, but we can’t expect other people to fill them. That’s not to say they can’t. More than anything, I want to make a difference in someone else’s life. You did that for Lorraine once upon a time, and I’m sure there’ve been many others. More than you can possibly know.”
Tess leaned her head on Sarah’s shoulder. Moving one arm around her, Sarah smoothed her sister’s dark hair from her face with her free hand and kissed her forehead. “You’re a very special person, Tess, and you’ve made a profound impact on my life.”
“Thanks. And you inspire me. People gravitate to you because you’re so. . .honest.”
Sarah laughed. “Which is a nice way of saying I’m blunt?”
“Maybe,” Tess said. “But you do it in such a nice way, with a little twinkle in your eye, it softens the blow.”
“I do not have a twinkle in my eye.”
“Sure you do. Take a look at Sam sometime when he looks at you. You’ll understand what I mean.”
“I’ll tell you something else.” Warmed by her words, Sarah eased out of the hug.
“What’s that?” Tess tossed the used tissues in the wastebasket beneath her desk.
“Charlie likes you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
“Really? Charlie? Did Sam say something?”
Sarah shook her head. “No, but I can ask him, if you want.”
“No, no. Don’t do that.” Tess laughed a little. “I’m sure you wouldn’t hesitate to ask Sam, would you? That’s one of the things I most admire about you. You don’t worry about what’s right or what’s proper, but you speak up and always follow your heart.” She blew out a breath and ran one hand over her hair. “I envy you in a lot of ways.”
“You envy me?” That admission surprised Sarah. “You’re tired, and that’s your weariness speaking.” She collapsed on Tess’s bed, flat on her back, her arm draped over her forehead.
Tess nudged her leg. “What are you doing now?”
“I almost fainted from the shock caused by an overload of compliments.” Sarah sat up again. “Tess, you’re so pretty, dainty, feminine and every hair is always in place. You can wear anything you want and make it look like a million bucks. And the way you sing makes my voice sound like a duck in heat.”
Tess swatted her arm, laughing. “Add sense of humor to the list. You’re smarter than I can ever hope to be. Sarah, don’t you see? You’re beautiful, and you don’t even know it.”
Sarah stared. “You think I’m beautiful? As I recall, you called me frumpy the night Sam came to dinner. Not all that long ago, and I haven’t done anything differently.”
“Not my best moment. Sorry. That was one of those times I was jealous as all get out. I’ve already confessed that much. Come with me.” Tugging on her hand, Tess pulled Sarah off the bed, marched her over to the dresser, and then positioned her in front of the mirror. “Your hair is naturally this fabulous blonde color. Most women pay a fortune, or get it from a bottle, and it still doesn’t look as gorgeous. As if that’s not enough, you’ve perfected the art of scooping it up into that bun that takes all of two seconds yet looks like you just walked out of a Paris salon. How you do it is beyond me. And these cheekbones?” Tess ran the back of her hand down the side of her face. “Honey, they’re to die for. And my lips are too thin while yours are. . .well, they’re just right. Especially for Sam.”
Sarah gasped and warmth rushed into her cheeks. Open-mouthed, she watched as Tess plucked one of her tiaras—Miss Rockbridge Harvest, from her best recollection—and positioned it on her head. Standing behind her, reflected in the mirror on the dresser, Tess smiled. “I hereby crown you the most beautiful sister in the world.”
That did it. On emotional overload, Sarah rushed for the tissues. Grabbing one, she dabbed it beneath her eyes.
“There is something different about you since Sam came to dinner, you know.”
“What’s that?” Sarah asked, moving back over to her bed, still wiping her eyes.
“You’re a woman in love. If you two get married, you’re going to have very attractive children.”
Before she could respond, Tess continued. “I know one thing. I’m going to pay more attention to Charlie from here on out. To think he’s been under my radar all this time. He’s good looking, has a solid job, and he’s the only man we know who owns his own home.” She shrugged. “He doesn’t date much, so I guess I thought he wasn’t interested.”
“He’s been focused on building his career,” Sarah said. “I’ve gotten to know Charlie even better since Sam’s return. He comes and sits in the diner with him sometimes. He’s very funny and quite charming. Maybe he doesn’t believe he’d ever have a chance with you.”
“That’s not true.” Tess waved her hand. “You don’t think Charlie really believes that, do you?”
Sarah smiled. “It’s possible he hasn’t asked out anyone else because the one he wants. . .is sitting here with me now.”
“You’re sweet. And, let’s face it, he does have a very nice car,” Tess said. She started to say more and then stopped herself. “Would you listen to me? That’s the kind of thing I need to stop saying.”
Sarah smi
led. “It’ll take time. I wonder why Sam didn’t say anything to me about ordering a car? From England, of all things.” As predictable as the man could be in some ways, he was apparently unpredictable in others.
“I’d prefer to call him Charles instead of Charlie,” Tess said as they both settled in their beds. “Do you think he’d mind?”
Sarah laughed. “Coming from you, I don’t think so. I love you, Tess.”
“You, too, sis. Good night and sweet dreams.”
Not a problem.
Chapter 29
♥
Sitting at the kitchen table the next morning, Tess’s eyes lit with excitement. She’d been bouncing around all morning, and Sarah suspected her sister was hatching a plan. She adored Happy Tess. Happy Tess was more agreeable and less argumentative, and it was good to have her back. Maybe last night had been a turning point in their relationship. A very good one.
“Sarah, while Mom and Dad are on their trip to visit Aunt Mary in Colorado, I think we should redo the kitchen and living room.”
Sarah paused in the middle of chewing her toast slathered with homemade raspberry jam. “Redo? As in redecorate?”
Her sister’s nod was emphatic. “I’m mainly talking about paint and wallpaper. Spruce up the rooms, give them a fresh new look. Heaven knows, they could use it, don’t you think? I suppose we could also move the furniture around and throw some new slipcovers over the sofa and chairs.”
“Except for Dad’s chair. Best to leave it alone. You don’t mess with a man’s favorite chair.”
“You’re right.” Tess took another bite of her oatmeal. “She’d never say anything, but Mom must be tired of staring at this ancient wallpaper for years on end. How could she not?” She glanced around the kitchen with an exaggerated sigh.
True enough. Mom and Dad hadn’t had the money, much less the time and inclination, to do anything about it. In the past six years, every spare penny had gone for the care of Mom’s parents in the nursing home, and they’d passed away within a month of each other last year.
Sarah finished her toast and pushed her plate aside. “I’m not sure how much we can get done in a week, but I’m all for it.” She took a sip of her coffee and smiled. “You’re really taking my suggestion to volunteer and running with it, aren’t you? In a way I never expected. It’s a great idea, and Mom and Dad deserve this. Thanks for thinking of it.”
Tess’s smile grew wider, clearly pleased by her approval. “Welcome.”
Rare were the occasions when Tess asked for her opinion. The living room wasn’t too bad with a pale green, vertical stripe wallpaper pattern. The furniture and paintings complemented the walls and vice versa. Sarah glanced around the kitchen, taking in the dingy, brown and white wallpaper. Olive green and golden yellow were the only splashes of color in the cutesy owl pattern. Her parents bought the house from the original owners who’d built it in the mid-1930s. That ugly wallpaper had been in place ever since Sarah could remember. Greasy stains marred the wall behind the range. How many times had Mom scrubbed that wall with no luck in erasing the evidence of splattered food? Sarah heard her refer to it once as the bane of her existence. Anything would be an improvement, especially since their mother spent so much of her time in this kitchen.
“The kitchen needs more help,” Sarah said. “I can paint, but I have no idea how to wallpaper. I’m willing to try, but maybe we should hire someone with experience instead of trying to do it ourselves?”
Tess considered her question. “I’m sure we can round up a crew. I say we put some of those big strong guys we know to work. Want to meet at Hartmann’s after work? You’re off at five, right?”
“Right.” Sarah figured she might as well put in a good word on Charlie’s behalf. “If Charlie’s working at Hartmann’s this afternoon, I’m sure he’ll be happy to help us pick out paint, wallpaper or whatever else we decide to use. Answer our questions and give us some guidance. That sort of thing. What are you thinking in terms of a color scheme?”
Tess appeared deep in thought, but she nodded to indicate she’d heard. “I think Mom would like a pretty pale yellow on the walls here in the kitchen. You know how she’s always complaining about how these owls creep her out. Like they’re staring at her. Probably anything to cover them up would be fine.”
“Good point,” Sarah said. “Yellow would be great in here. Sunny and bright. As far as the living room, I think she’d like to keep the original sage green and ivory colors. It’s an elegant combination.”
“I should call Hartmann’s and see if Charlie’s working tonight.” Tess’s grin was coy.
“Better yet, just walk in and surprise him. He’s almost always there during the day on weekdays.” Sarah winked. “I’m sure he’d love nothing more than the opportunity to help you.”
Tess swatted her arm. “Help us. You are so not subtle.”
Taking another quick sip of her coffee, Sarah surveyed the kitchen, making mental notes. “Can you imagine Mom’s face when she gets home from the trip, walks in here and sees her ‘new’ kitchen? I can’t wait, and I’m sure it’ll be worth all the effort.”
Tess dropped her spoon into the empty bowl after finishing her oatmeal. “She’ll either be royally steamed or else she’ll love it.”
“Or she’ll be jetlagged and believe she’s delusional,” Sarah said. “I’m willing to take the chance. You and I both know if Mom and Dad weren’t going away, they’d never allow us to do such a thing.”
Tess rinsed her bowl in the sink. With her back turned, Sarah heard the smile in her sister’s voice. “And that’s exactly why we’re going to do it. You know what they say, sis. When the cat’s away, the mice will play. But in the best of ways, in this case.”
♥
That Afternoon
Sarah passed Sam sitting at the counter instead of his usual small booth in the back corner.
“Tell Jimmy he’s outdone himself this time.” Wiping his mouth with his napkin, Sam smiled in satisfaction. “This burger’s the best I’ve had in a long time. Barbecue sauce on beef is my new favorite ingredient.”
“I’ll be sure and tell him. Arnie said the same thing, and he liked the onion ring, too.” She noted Sam had moved the onion ring to the side of his plate. “Not a fan?”
“Not if I hope to get a kiss at some point today.”
“I think raw onions are the greater offender.” Sarah shook her head. “I have absolutely no idea why I felt the need to say that.”
“Love does strange things to a person. Trust me, I know. Hey, it’s a proven fact,” he insisted. “It messes with your mind, not just your emotions.”
Sarah leaned close, a dangerous move when she detected the scent of his aftershave. “Who said anything about love?”
“I did, last I checked. Never fear,” Sam said. “I’ll have you spouting the ‘L’ word soon enough.”
“Is that so?” She laughed. “Did you know that eighty-five percent of men are overconfident in their sex appeal to women?”
Sam stared at her. “You just made that up.”
“Did not.” She burst out laughing. “Okay, I did. Lord, forgive me for telling a falsehood in order to keep a man’s ego in check. On that note, if you’ll excuse me. I’ll be back soon.”
After darting into the kitchen and catching Jimmy’s smile, Sarah carried Jewell Marcum’s vegetable plate out to her. “Hi, Jewell. How are you feeling today?” Maybe that question was pointless. From her deep frown, it appeared the mother-to-be was having a rough day.
“I’m ready to pop this baby out whether he or she wants to come out or not.” Jewell rubbed her stomach. “I’m ravenous and can’t seem to stop eating, so I guess it’s a good thing I have an excuse, huh? It’s like I’m making up for lost time—and food—when I suffered all that morning sickness in my first trimester.” She picked up her fork and stared at the food on her plate.
“If it helps, you’re the prettiest pregnant mama I’ve ever seen. How much longer until your due date?”<
br />
“Another week, according to Doc Meriweather.”
“Your baby will be here before you know it.” Sarah gave her a smile and squeezed the other woman’s shoulder. “I’m praying for a safe delivery. Eat up, and let me know if you need anything.”
“Don’t you worry. You’ll be the first to know,” Jewell said as Sarah headed back to the counter. Sam was engaged in a lively conversation with the customers sitting on either side of him. He made new friends easily and kept his old ones. Loyalty was sorely lacking in some people, but not Sam. When she’d walked by Harold Anderson’s home last week on the way to a late shift at Perry’s, he’d been working in the front yard trimming the hedges.
Why should she be surprised? Look what he’d done for Merle at the bank. Ditto helping Fletcher get his prosthetic leg. He spent quality time with his dad after-hours. Her mother had run into Sam at the nursing home the week before where he’d been delivering fresh homemade pies to the shut-ins. He’d volunteered for several committees at the church, both to help refurbish certain Sunday school rooms and to make decisions concerning the future of their congregation. He was already serving on the town board and the school board, not by election but from unanimous appointments. In some ways, the man was a ridiculous overachiever. But a devastatingly handsome one.
“You know, I’m told I’m a pretty decent painter,” Sam said, interrupting her thoughts as she passed by after delivering more platters to customers. “I helped Mom wallpaper the front hallway and the kitchen when I was home on break one year.”