Daphne felt slightly sick. “First of all, Collin was not my boyfriend. And besides that I was hurt. I thought you had dumped me. And, of course, there was Sabrina suddenly turning herself into my matchmaker and—”
“Daphne. Let’s not go back and rehash everything. Not right now anyway.”
“Thank you.” She sighed. “I would rather not.”
“It seems like we both made some mistakes.”
“That’s for sure.”
He reached across the table, placing his hand over hers. “Do you think you could give me a second chance?”
She nodded gratefully. “But I do have a question.”
“Yes?”
“What about the blind dates you set me up on?”
He pressed his lips tightly together. “Uh . . . yes?”
“Did you honestly think I’d like those guys? Tony and Spencer?”
He gave a sheepish grin. “I sure hoped not.”
Daphne laughed. “Well, you got that right.”
“Although Spencer is a nice guy. You could do worse.”
“He’s nice enough. And we’ve committed to be in a writers’ critique group together. But that’s as far as that goes.” She studied him. “But you still didn’t answer me. Why did you send me on those dates?”
“A friend helping a friend?” he said tentatively.
“Really?”
He chuckled. “Or maybe I was just helping myself.”
“How so?”
“You want the truth?”
“Of course.” She tilted her head to one side.
“I suppose I secretly suspected that you wouldn’t go for either of those guys.”
“Then why would you set me up with them?”
“Maybe I wanted to help you see that you were looking for someone else. Kind of like a selection by elimination. Not so different than speed dating.”
She frowned. “I hated speed dating.”
“What about your architect friend—didn’t you meet him speed dating?”
“Harrison?”
“Yeah. You guys seemed pretty cozy that night I saw you together.”
She shrugged. “He still calls sometimes. But we’ve been kind of like ships in the night.”
Jake looked slightly concerned.
“But just so you know, I’m not seriously involved with anyone right now. My focus has been solely on Mabel.” She sighed. “But I suppose that’s about to change.”
“Do you want me to talk to Daniel?”
“About what?”
“I could suggest the idea of you sharing guardianship of Mabel.”
“Is that even possible?”
“Anything is possible. If people agree.”
“Do you think he would?” She felt a flicker of hope.
“I think it’s worth discussing.” Jake made a note on his iPad. “I know Daniel was struggling with leaving the service before retirement. He’s got seventeen years with them. Three more and he could have a nice retirement package.”
“Meaning I could have Mabel for three more years?”
“Maybe.”
As promised, Jake came over on the night before Thanksgiving to show Daphne how to soak a turkey in a brine solution. He lined a five-gallon bucket with a clean trash bag and filled it with water and sea salt and sugar. Then he dropped in the turkey.
“The turkey’s taking a bath,” Mabel proclaimed.
“And he’ll stay in the tub all night long too.” Jake carried the strange-looking concoction out to the laundry room so the cats wouldn’t get to it.
“I finished the name cards for the table,” Mabel told them. “Want to see?”
They followed her to the dining room where she already had the little paper turkeys all set up. “There’s Wally and Maria there. Mrs. Terwilliger here. Ricardo and Mick and Sabrina are over there. Jake and Jenna can sit there.” She pointed to the other end of the table, looking up at Daphne. “And you and me and Uncle Daniel can sit here. Okay?”
“Speaking of Uncle Daniel.” Daphne saw headlights in the driveway. “I wonder if that might be him. He was supposed to get here around now.”
“I’ll go see!” Mabel ran through the house and threw open the front door.
“You’re ready for this?” Jake asked her.
She nodded.
“And just because Daniel hasn’t made up his mind about sharing guardianship, doesn’t mean the conversation is over,” Jake said quietly. “I think it’s only that he wants to see you face-to-face. He wants to be sure you really have Mabel’s best interests at heart.”
“Can’t fault him for that,” she said stiffly as she watched Mabel running across the yard. “I’d do the same.” She turned to Jake. “And thanks for making the effort to contact him before he got here. That will make it so much easier to have this conversation. I really appreciate it.”
He smiled at her. “Don’t worry, it’s going to turn out okay. I’m sure of it.”
“Uncle Daniel is here!” Mabel guided a man in uniform into the house. “Look, everyone. It’s my uncle. He’s a Marine!”
“Looks like the Marines have landed,” Jake said jovially.
Daphne went into the living room to greet Daniel, smiling as he firmly shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” she said a bit shyly. She wasn’t sure if it was his height or his uniform. But this guy was even more handsome than his photos. “I hope you had a good trip. I know it was a long one.”
“Thank you. I’m relieved it’s over.” He looked directly into her eyes, seeming to study her carefully. “Thank you for everything, Daphne. And thank you for welcoming me into your home.”
“And this is Jake.” She turned toward Jake who was standing behind her. “Of course, you’ve met on the phone already.”
“Yes.” Daniel nodded as he shook Jake’s hand. “Pleased to meet you too. And thank you for all the help you’ve given me with my mom’s estate and with Mabel.”
“Want to see my room, Uncle Daniel?” Mabel said eagerly. “I have pictures of you in it.”
“You bet,” he said happily as she grasped his hand. “Lead me to it.”
“All right! It’s upstairs. And your room is gonna be right next to mine,” Mabel announced as she led him through the living room. “It used to be Aunt Daphne’s room. But she moved her room downstairs to Aunt Dee’s room. I never met Aunt Dee before, because she’s with my mama and grandma—up in heaven I mean. But this used to be Aunt Dee’s house. Now it’s Aunt Daphne’s and mine.” Mabel continued rambling on and on as they went upstairs.
“Wow.” Jake chuckled. “Sounds like Mabel’s got it all worked out.”
“Daniel seems nice.” Daphne went back into the kitchen to check on the pumpkin pies, which had been baking for more than thirty minutes.
“Good-looking too.” Jake cocked his head to one side.
“Uh-huh.” She slid the knife into the pumpkin filling, but seeing it was still gooey, closed the oven door and added a few minutes to the timer.
“Well, the turkey is all set to go for tomorrow. Looks like my work here is done.” Jake glanced around the kitchen.
“Thanks for your help. I’ve told everyone dinner will be at two, but feel free to come earlier if you like.” She grinned. “I’d be happy to put you on KP.”
As Jake was leaving, Mabel and Daniel came back down. “I’m going to help Uncle Daniel carry his bags to his room,” Mabel said proudly.
“Why don’t I lend a hand too?” Jake offered. “I’m sure your uncle is worn out from all his flights.”
“Yes,” Daphne said. “Feel free to turn in whenever you like, Daniel. You must be exhausted by now. Not to mention jet lag. And sleep in if you want tomorrow. I’ve already warned Mabel she should be quiet in the morning.”
Mabel
put her forefinger to her lips. “I’ll be quiet as a mouse.”
“I’m a pretty sound sleeper,” he told her. “So don’t worry.” He thanked Daphne again and before long, Jake and Mabel had helped him to get settled up in his room.
“Daniel asked me to tell you good night,” Jake told Daphne when he came back down. “Poor guy is totally exhausted. He said he nearly fell asleep driving here.”
“I can imagine.” She smiled. “Thanks for helping, Jake.”
“My pleasure.” He reached over to touch her cheek. “And thanks for giving me a second chance, Daphne.” He glanced up the stairs. “I just hope that handsome Marine doesn’t try to turn your head.” He chuckled. “I hate to admit it, but I’m already feeling jealous.”
“Oh, Jake.” She shook her head. “Really.”
“The good news is that you’ve already made a great impression on him. That will certainly help your case. I mean in regard to shared guardianship of Mabel. If he feels confident in you, he might want to return to finish out his stint in the Marines.”
She felt her spirits rise. “You really think so?”
He nodded but his smile faded. “The bad news is that you could’ve made such a great impression on him that he might want to stick around . . . if you know what I mean.”
She laughed. “Oh, Jake. You’re too funny.”
He didn’t look very amused.
“Go home and get some rest.” She walked him to the front door. “You’ll need it because I plan to put you to work tomorrow.” She watched as he went outside and down the porch steps. It was sweet that he felt that protective of her . . . and even confessed to feeling jealous. But really it was ridiculous. She barely even knew Daniel. And as hard as she tried, she’d never really gotten over Jake. Not that he needed to be fully aware of this. But what would Jake possibly have to worry about?
As Daphne turned out the lights and went into Aunt Dee’s old bedroom, she felt a sweet sense of contentment. And as she prepared for bed, it was almost as if she could feel her aunt looking down on her—perhaps with Vera and Mabel’s mother standing next to her, assuring her that all would be well.
Dear Reader Friend,
Due to some big changes at B&H Publishing, the third and fourth installments of the Dear Daphne series will release in the form of ebooks only (at least initially). For more information on these books, go to my website at www.melodycarlson.com and sign up for my monthly newsletter, and I promise to keep you posted.
Book three Home, Hearth, and Holidays should be available right on the heels of Dating, Dining, and Desperation. And the fourth and final book (which will include a wedding) will follow shortly thereafter. The good news is, there will be very little waiting for the reader who has access to an ebook reader. And hopefully we’ll figure out a way to get some paperback books out as well. My apologies for any inconvenience and thank you for your continued interest in the Dear Daphne books!
Blessings!
Melody Carlson
Discussion Questions
1. Despite Daphne’s determination to fully enjoy herself in Aunt Dee’s lovely home, she’s troubled by the fact that her dream life could come to an abrupt end once her year is up. How would you advise her?
2. Daphne’s new neighbor Sabrina is almost a complete opposite of Daphne—and yet they get along. Describe a relationship you have with someone who’s your opposite. Why do you think it works?
3. Sabrina initiates Daphne’s makeover in the hopes of making her more attractive to potential suitors. Explain why or why not you think this is this a good plan.
4. Daphne gets to know her neighbors by placing her “free produce” box in the front yard. Describe what you might do to get better acquainted with your neighbors.
5. Why does Olivia seem so concerned over Daphne’s double-date with Sabrina and the Aussie guys? Do you think her concerns were valid? Why or why not?
6. Even though Daphne writes the advice column, she often seems slightly clueless when it comes to her own life. Why do you think that is?
7. Daphne appears to have written off Jake early in this story. Why do you think she was so quick to give up on him when it’s obvious that she feels an attraction? What advice would you give to her?
8. Why do you think Daphne struggles with her dad’s engagement? What helps her to resolve herself to his nuptials?
9. Daphne seems to have plenty of available bachelors to choose from. Which guy would you pick for her? Explain why.
10. Young Mabel’s need for Daphne’s friendship is obvious and visible. But why does Daphne need Mabel in her life?
11. Were you curious as to why Jake seemed overly eager to send Daphne on dates with his “friends”? Did you guess his real motive?
12. Project what you think Daphne’s future might look like. What is the worst that might happen? What is the best?
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Dear Reader
Discussion Questions
Dating, Dining, and Desperation (A Dear Daphne Novel) Page 25