The Comforts of Home

by Jodi Thomas

  He handed her a piece of corn bread. “I know you like corn bread.”

  For a moment she didn’t understand how he knew anything about her, and then she remembered how she’d stolen the slice from the table at the fire station last Saturday.

  She couldn’t look at him as a warmth that had nothing to do with the fire spread up her cheeks. She couldn’t tell him that she’d eaten the corn bread so that if the food was poisoned she wouldn’t be alive and alone with her mother.

  They were almost finished eating when he asked, “Would you mind if I call you Ronny? It seems to fit you.”

  She looked up at him, thinking that he’d just asked the strangest favor in the world. People didn’t usually call her anything. He watched her, obviously waiting for an answer.

  “I wouldn’t mind,” she said. “Thank you for the lunch.”

  “You’re welcome, Ronny.” He said her new name slowly. “Will you come again, next Friday, say? I haven’t had a guest since the accident.”

  She didn’t have to think about it, but she wasn’t sure what to say, so she only whispered, “Yes.” He hadn’t been very friendly. Most of the time they were silent, but it was the nicest meal she’d ever had.

  He rolled back, and she knew it was time for her to leave. Standing, she pulled on her coat and walked toward the door.

  He followed. When she turned, with one hand on the knob, he said simply, “Thanks for not asking questions, Ronny.”

  Without giving it much thought, she did something she hadn’t done to another human being since her father died. She leaned down and kissed his cheek, then stepped out into the cold before he had time to react.

  All the way back to work, she smiled. Finally, after all these years she’d accidentally bumped into someone like her. Despite all her mother’s efforts, she’d found someone she could call a friend.

  Chapter 21

  TYLER WRIGHT HAD A FUNERAL ON FRIDAY THAT KEPT him busy most of the morning. He’d gone by on Thursday and talked to Alex Matheson about getting Autumn’s car out of lockup.

  Alex didn’t think it would be a problem. Though it was registered to a woman in Tennessee, when they’d called her she’d said she didn’t want the Mustang or anything to do with the woman driving it. She said she knew an Autumn Smith five years ago and wasn’t surprised the police were checking up on her. According to the Tennessee woman, Autumn had been wild and good for nothing.

  On Friday afternoon, Alex gave Tyler Autumn’s keys and added, “I only talked to her for a few minutes. I’ve heard of folks that don’t have a friend in the world, but until her I don’t think I’ve ever met one. You want to take her the car? She’s getting out of the hospital this afternoon when Dr. Spencer does a final check.”

  Tyler nodded. In a bigger town law enforcement would never hand over someone else’s keys, but here in Harmony judgment sometimes overruled procedure. He took the car and had it washed and filled with gas. The least he could do for her, he decided.

  Most of the clothes in the back looked dirty, so he dropped them off at the laundry and asked if they could have them finished in an hour. Most of the books in the back looked like mysteries. He stopped at the bookstore and bought a few more to add to her collection.

  He felt like he was trespassing on her life when he opened the trunk. More books, an old computer ten years out of date, and a box of dishes and pots. Not enough to stock even a small kitchen, but enough to survive. Tyler had a feeling these few things were all Autumn owned.

  When he got to the hospital, he found her waiting for the final checkout. She wore the jogging suit that had been hanging in the gift shop window a few days ago. It looked too big on her, but at least it was clean and warm. Rick Matheson was sitting in a chair a few seats down from her. He looked like a kid who was still growing into his grown-up lawyer suit.

  Autumn seemed disappointed when Tyler joined them.

  Rick smiled. “Afternoon, Mr. Wright, good to see you.”

  “Nice to see you too.” Tyler offered his hand. He didn’t know Rick well. He remembered the boy, but Rick had been away for years at college. “How’s the family?” Asking that one question of any Matheson in town could start a half-hour discussion.

  “Fine.” Rick kept it short.

  “Your cousin Liz must be due any day.” Tyler thought it better to talk to Rick and give Autumn time to warm up to him. “I hear Gabe Leary is so excited he’s driving everyone nuts. Alex told me he called in an emergency complaint about that bump in the road near the bridge. It’s been there for twenty years, but Gabe thinks it should be removed immediately. Seems it’s on his route from home to the hospital.”

  “That’s what love will do to a guy.” Rick laughed. “First you get married, then the little wife gets pregnant, then you get crazy.”

  Autumn stared at them. “Do you two think you could have your little family reunion somewhere else? I’m not interested in hearing it and I’ve already told you twice, Matheson, that I don’t need a lawyer.” She moved her gaze to Tyler. “Or an undertaker.”

  Rick frowned as he stood, but not before Tyler saw something in his eyes. Rick was like his cousin Hank, the fire chief; he simply cared about people, all people, and whether Autumn wanted any help or not, the young almost-lawyer wanted to help her.

  “I was just telling Miss Smith that I’d be happy to take her over to the shelter. She could rest up there until she gets her strength back, but she’s not convinced it’s safe.”

  “I know it’s not safe,” she corrected. “I’ve stayed at a few shelters over the years. Fellow guests will rob you blind. The food is no good. Folks who run it try to save you and get you to mend your wicked ways. I can’t afford ways, wicked or otherwise.”

  Tyler wanted to remind her that she had nothing worth stealing, the food was good at the Harmony shelter, and as far as he knew, “getting saved” wasn’t painful. But, he didn’t comment. It felt safer to let Rick take the fire.

  “I just want to get on down the road. I keep believing like a fool that somewhere else is always going to be better than where I am.” She tried to push her hair out of her face, but like always it just bounced back. “I’ve been a waitress or cook in half the towns on Interstate 40. There’s always a truck stop with a HELP WANTED sign out. I’ll find something.”

  “I filled your car with gas.” Tyler hoped she’d be happy about that, at least.

  “I can’t pay you,” she snapped, “but if you’ll give me your address, I’ll send back money as soon as I land.”

  Tyler fished in his pocket for his card and handed it to her. He thought of telling her to forget it, but he had a feeling he’d hurt her pride.

  The nurse came in. Rick took the opportunity to leave. Tyler couldn’t help but wonder if he’d come on his own or been sent by Liz. The Mathesons, since they were one of the founding families, always thought it was their duty to watch over the town. Tyler couldn’t decide if Rick considered himself part of the welcoming committee or a guardian at the gate.

  “Funeral director, not undertaker. I see you’re the big cheese Mr. Wright from Wright Funeral Home,” Autumn said as she held up Tyler’s card. “You hoping to drum up business hanging out at the hospital?”

  “No, just delivering your car.”

  The nurse pulled up a wheelchair and said it was policy that Autumn ride out. Tyler followed, pulling the suitcase he’d bought for her.

  When they reached the door, he handed over the keys to the Mustang. “If you’ll follow me a few blocks around to the square I’ll take you to the laundry where I left your clothes.”

  She didn’t look comfortable saying it, but she thanked him anyway. He walked her to her car, put her suitcase in the trunk, and watched her follow him as he drove downtown.

  When she parked beside him, Tyler rolled down his window and told her to wait in the car. He’d get her clothes. The wind had started to kick up and her jogging suit didn’t look near warm enough.

  When he came back out, her M
ustang was still parked beside his Rover, but she had vanished. For a moment he circled, looking for her, and then he spotted her in the bookstore. He walked inside in time to hear her asking if there were any job openings.

  The manager shook his head. Tyler watched her shoulders round in defeat.

  When she walked back toward the door, he said, “I thought you hated this town. I figured you’d want to be out of here fast.”

  “It doesn’t really matter where I go. I just need a job. One place in hell is as good as any to stop.” Autumn straightened. “But, looks like I will be moving on. I tried every café, diner, and truck stop around here when I came in. The bookstore was a long shot. I don’t know why I even tried.”

  Tyler smiled. “Maybe because you love books.”

  She glared at him. “How do you know that? Did you rummage through all my stuff?”

  Tyler wasn’t in the habit of lying. “Yes.”

  She looked more defeated than angry. “Well, I guess you know I’ve nothing worth selling and I need money. That tank of gas you loaned me might not last long enough to find a job, and once it’s gone I’ll be looking for another place to park.”

  “You want to know what else I found out?”

  “Sure, why not.”

  “I found out you don’t drink . . . no empty bottles. You don’t smoke and the only drugs the sheriff found in the car were vitamins.”

  She laughed. “Maybe I can’t afford any.”

  “Or, maybe you’re trying to take care of yourself for the baby’s sake.”

  “You know about that problem as well.” She didn’t look surprised that he’d found out about the baby. “I’m not doing a very good job of it, but that’s not your problem. Thanks again for the help, Mr. Wright, but it’s time I hit the road. You’re okay, you know.”

  Tyler didn’t think. He acted. “I do have a favor to ask if you’ll allow me.”

  “I’m not a prostitute, so don’t ask,” she snapped, the anger back.

  He held his hands up. “No, no, nothing like that. I was just wondering if you would be interested in filling in for my housekeeper for a few weeks at the funeral home. The pay is fair and there is a room off the kitchen.” When she hesitated, he added, “With a lock. Room and board are free and the housework is light, but the cooking will keep you busy.”

  “Would I have to touch any dead people?”

  He smiled. “No. Though most of my employees are old, they’re still breathing. Once in a while, Willamina, my housekeeper, makes a simple lunch if we’re busy or it’s snowing, and she usually keeps desserts in stock in the break room.” He was making it up as he went; Willamina hadn’t done much cooking. “You’d buy the groceries, cook me usually two meals a day. I’d let you know when I’m going to be out and won’t be eating in. The kitchen and quarters you could use are on the first floor with the business offices. I live on the second floor.”

  It occurred to him that he might not have always told Willamina when he was eating out. He wondered how many times she must have cooked supper for him and he never made it in.

  “I don’t know. I’d be working in a funeral home around dead people.”

  “Look at it this way. Most folks die in hospitals and you just spent a week there. In four generations I don’t think one person has ever died in the Wright Funeral Home. I could show you the quarters and kitchen, and then you could decide.”

  She looked tired. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to look. But if you’re not on the up-and-up, I’ll make sure this whole town knows about it.”

  Tyler almost told her that the whole town would know anyway. The only crime in Harmony that people seemed to get away with was exaggerating.

  An hour later she’d opened every cabinet in the kitchen, examined Willamina’s bedroom and small sitting area, and asked a dozen questions. Finally, she agreed she’d take the job on two conditions.

  “What?” he asked, still a little unsure about hiring someone he barely knew. But, in truth, he had no idea who else would want the job. Autumn was tall, but looked frail. No one else would probably give her a chance to work. He couldn’t help but wonder how long it had been since she’d had a good meal. Her paperwork said she was twenty-three, but the anger in her eyes almost seemed a defense masking fear, and the bruises along her arms seemed layered over time.

  “I’ll need a desk in my quarters,” she said, as if testing to see if he’d call off the offer.

  “Done.”

  “And I want that dog to stay away from me.” She glared at Little Lady, who sat politely in the doorway leading to the front foyer. “I have no use for dogs. Don’t expect me to feed her or get up and let her in when she starts yelling outside.”

  Tyler almost laughed. Little Lady would never yell. “I’ll take care of the dog, but her bowl of food and water will remain in the far corner of the kitchen.”

  She looked like she was thinking about it, then finally agreed.

  “I have one more question before we begin.”

  She braced herself as though she expected bad news.

  He hesitated, not sure how to ask. Finally, he said simply, “How far along are you?”

  “Ten weeks, I guess. Dr. Spencer told me to come in to see her next week and we’d run some tests. When I missed my period I figured I was pregnant, so I stopped drinking and started taking vitamins. When I missed another one a few days ago, I had no doubt. There was no need for the pregnancy test; I couldn’t afford it anyway.”

  Tyler could feel the blush crawling up his neck. He’d never discussed a woman’s period. “What about the father?”

  “Not in the picture. He didn’t want a baby, or me when he found out. After he yelled at me for a few days, his only comment was that I’d probably lose the baby sometime soon. The night before I left, I got the feeling he aimed to make sure it happened.” She looked down and added, “I told him I’d take care of it, but he said he didn’t want me having a kid and the law coming after him for child support someday. He knew I was planning to leave him as soon as I could, but I don’t think he figured I’d run. The last time he got rough, I could tell he was trying to make sure most of the blows landed in my middle. I didn’t fight back. I just took it, and then when he went to sleep, I packed what I could and left.” She glared at him. “Anything else you’re dying to know about me, Mr. Wright, or do you want more details?”

  Tyler closed his eyes. “No,” he said. “That was more than enough, Autumn.” He’d always thought he wanted children. He couldn’t imagine someone who wouldn’t. “I’m sorry.”

  Autumn shook her head. “He was nothing special. Just somewhere to crash when I was down.” She hesitated. “I guess I’m nothing special either, Mr. Wright, but if you’re offering me a job, I’ll do my best while I’m here.”

  “I’ll have Calvin help you unload, and tomorrow he’ll bring a desk up from the basement. You can park your car around back. Get settled in and rest tonight and we’ll talk about details in the morning over breakfast at seven.” Tyler walked over to the cabinet by the stove and pulled out a wooden box. “There will always be two hundred dollars in this box. When you buy groceries, put the receipt in here and I’ll replace the cash. From this point on, consider the kitchen yours. Buy what you want and cook what’s needed around here.”

  She nodded and he left, wondering if the box and Autumn Smith would be in the kitchen come breakfast. Smiling, he looked at the bright side. At least he knew she wouldn’t be taking Little Lady along with her.

  After working until dark, he went out for a pizza. When he came back, he entered through the back and crossed the big kitchen. Autumn’s door was closed, and probably locked. The remains of a sandwich and an empty bowl of soup were on the counter. He grabbed a beer and headed for his office, thinking that he might have to hire someone to clean up after the housekeeper.

  As always, when he turned his computer on, he checked his e-mails. For the first time since he’d taken Kate to the airport, there was a note. It said simply
:

  Ty:

  Haven’t heard from you. Hope all is fine. Figure you’re working hard.

  Kate

  He leaned back in his chair. Nothing personal. To his surprise, Tyler realized he hadn’t thought of Kate or worried about her all day. Maybe the way to keep the sadness away was to stay busy. When Kate came back, he’d be waiting, but until then he had to get on with life . . . and life for him was working.

  THE NEXT MORNING, TYLER ENTERED THE KITCHEN HALF expecting the money and Autumn to be gone. Instead, Autumn was standing by the stove wearing the bottoms to her jogging suit and an old T-shirt in worse condition than the rags they used to polish the hearse. Her feet were bare and her hair was pulled back. The smell of sage sausage and French toast filled the room. He took a deep breath, figuring he must have been the first person to die here and had gone straight to heaven. Or else this was a dream.

  “Get your juice, Mr. Wright, and have a seat. I’ll serve up your breakfast.”

  He did as told and was surprised when she put two plates on the kitchen table. Then she sat down across from him, her legs folded in the chair. “I don’t know how this works, so I’ll make up the rules I don’t know. When you eat in the kitchen, I’ll join you. If you tell me to take a meal up to your rooms, I’ll put it on a tray and leave it. If you ask for it delivered to your office, I’ll knock before I come in just in case you’re busy with grieving folks. Sound fair?”

  “Sounds fine,” he said. When he’d finished half his breakfast, he added, “Where’d you learn to cook?”

  “When I was a kid, my mom always took me with her on wheat harvest. She’d cook for thirty men three times a day. It didn’t take me long to learn. Then she died, and my dad let the witch move in. By then I was twelve and the witch thought cooking and housecleaning were my jobs. She didn’t care if I went to school, but she sure was picky about everything being clean.” Autumn smiled. “If we’d had a fireplace for me to sit by I would have been a Cinderella, I guess. During the days all she did was yell at me or slap me around just for the hell of it, but once my dad got home she was real sweet in front of him. Too bad no Prince Charming came along. I could have used one. When my dad died, she kicked me out and I’ve been moving from town to town ever since.”