by Irene Hannon
Maggie’s eyes filled with tears as Millicent brought her story to a close. Her heart ached for the older woman and the sailor named Robert, whose abiding love had never been fulfilled.
Millicent leaned toward her then, her gaze earnest and intent. “My dear, love is a precious and beautiful gift, but it’s easily lost. Pride, ambition, fear—so many things can get in the way. I don’t know what made you and Jake break up years ago. I don’t know how deeply he hurt you. But a lot can happen in twelve years. People change. Circumstances change. But true love endures. And if that’s what you have, don’t let it slip away. Because not very many people get a second chance at love.”
Chapter Eight
A second chance at love
Those words had been playing over and over in Maggie’s mind ever since Millicent Trent planted the thought. And especially so today. Birthdays always made her wonder what the next twelve months would hold. But even in her wildest imagination, she’d never considered on her last birthday that before the next one Jake would be back in her life.
Maggie took a quick glance in the rearview mirror and shook her head. She didn’t feel thirty-seven. Not physically, anyway. Emotionally…well, that was a different story. She’d lived through a lot in the past dozen years. Still, she honestly didn’t think she looked her age.
It was clear the twins did, though. A rueful smile played at her lips. Why else would they have given her a day of “rejuvenation” at the new day spa that had opened in Bangor? She’d been taken aback by the gift—not to mention appalled at the cost. Maggie wasn’t accustomed to such self-indulgence, had opened her mouth to point out that the money could have been better spent on more practical items for the upcoming school year. But the girls had been so excited about their gift, had received so much pleasure from the giving, that she couldn’t dampen their spirits. So she’d bitten her tongue and accepted it with a smile.
Then they’d topped off the first indulgence with a second—they were going to cook her a special birthday dinner tonight. Since neither of the girls was much interested in cooking, the chore usually fell to Maggie. And she was pretty good at it. Or so Jake had always told her.
Jake. He’d been more and more in her thoughts these past few days. Did he remember that today was her birthday? Probably not. In general, men weren’t very good about those kinds of things. But he’d changed a lot in the last dozen years. She thought of Millicent’s words. Was Maggie being offered a second chance at love? And if so, was it a chance she was willing to take?
She didn’t have the answer to those questions. And she didn’t even want to think about them for the next few hours. The twins had told her to relax and enjoy the spa experience, and she couldn’t very well do that if she thought about Jake. So, with a discipline that surprised her, she forced all disruptive thoughts from her mind and focused on the moment. She wanted to get her money’s worth—make that the twins’ money—out of this extravagant gift.
And as it turned out, she did. She was coddled and massaged and manicured, then treated to a facial, makeup session and haircut and style. It was pure indulgence, pampering like she had never before experienced, but much to her surprise she enjoyed it. Thoroughly. She emerged feeling invigorated, renewed, pretty and—strangely enough—younger than when she went in. It was wonderful!
By the time she climbed into her car for the drive back to the inn, Maggie was relaxed and looking forward to the special dinner the twins were preparing. She loved them dearly for the effort, no matter the result.
It was apparent they’d been watching for her, because when she stepped inside they were waiting, their faces shining, eyes expectant.
“Wow!” They breathed out the word in unison, their voices reflecting their awe at the glamorous transformation in their aunt.
Maggie grinned. “Not bad for a thirty-seven-year-old innkeeper, huh?”
“Aunt Maggie, you look great!” Abby enthused. “That makeup really brings out your coloring. And I love your hair!”
“Yeah.” Alison stepped closer for a better view. “It’s a great cut. It looks really…sophisticated.”
Maggie smiled. The haircut was good, she had to admit as she glanced at her reflection in the oven door. Nothing dramatically different than before, but shaped and tamed by an expert to bring out her gentle, natural waves. In general, she pulled it back when around the inn, but now, as it softly brushed her shoulders and framed her face with flattering waves, she had to admit that wearing it loose and full made her feel younger. And very chic.
“Thanks. And thank you both for today. I hate to admit this, since it was such a wild extravagance, but I loved every minute of it!”
The girls beamed.
“We hoped you would. Now go up and dress for dinner. We laid out your clothes. And take your time,” Abby instructed. “We aren’t going to eat for an hour.”
“No arguments from me.” Maggie did her best to ignore the chaotic mess in the kitchen. “I may not be going to a ball, but I must admit I feel a little like Cinderella at the moment. So I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.”
As Maggie closed the kitchen door she heard the girls begin to whisper, and she smiled. They were terrific young women. Despite her novice-level child-rearing skills, despite her many mistakes, despite the absence of a father figure in their home, the girls had turned out just fine. It hadn’t been easy to raise them alone, but she’d done okay.
Maggie turned her attention to the clothes the girls had laid out. Her eyebrows rose in surprise when she realized that they had chosen her fanciest dress—a black chiffon, with rhinestone-studded spaghetti straps and a straight-cut bodice softened with a cowl-like draping of fabric. The full skirt swirled softly beneath a wide belt that was also studded with rhinestones. It was a lovely outfit—but what were the girls thinking? This was a cocktail dress, better suited to an elegant black-tie affair than an at-home dinner, no matter how “fancy” they were trying to make it. In fact, she’d only worn the dress once before, to an opening at an art gallery Philip had invited her to a couple of years before. She smiled and shook her head. Obviously the girls were trying to make this as nice an evening as possible. She couldn’t find it in her heart to disappoint them.
She reached for the dress, and discovered a small, gift-wrapped package. Pulling off the silver paper, she found a bottle of her favorite perfume, one she rarely bought because of the high cost.
No question about it. The twins had outdone themselves this year.
When she was dressed, Maggie paused to glance in the mirror behind her door. She felt a little silly, all dressed up and nowhere to go. But she had to admit that her rejuvenating day at the spa, her new makeup and expertly styled hair—along with the dress—made her feel terrific.
Suddenly she wondered what Jake would think if he saw her now. Would he be awed by her “glamour”? Would that flame of desire she remembered from years ago spark to life in his eyes? Would he be tempted to pull her into his arms and kiss her?
Although Maggie dismissed those questions with an impatient shake of her head, the answers were nevertheless waiting for her a few moments later when she walked into the dining room and came face-to-face with the man himself. They were obvious from the look in his eyes—yes, yes and highly likely.
Jake, attired in a dark gray suit, rose slowly from the table set for two in the center of the dining room, his gaze smoldering, hers confused. What on earth…?
A movement to her left caught her eye, and she turned to find the twins watching the proceedings with undisguised glee.
“Surprise!” they chorused.
Maggie closed her eyes as warmth spilled over her cheeks.
I’m going to ground them until they’re thirty.
Now everything made sense. The spa. The clothes. The perfume. The two conspirators had decided to fill their aunt’s social vacuum by planning a romantic evening for her—down to the fresh flowers and candles on the table and the bottle of champagne chilling in the silver cooler.
What must Jake think?
Her mortified gaze at last met his. But he didn’t look upset. Not in the least. In fact, he seemed amused. He was wearing that lopsided smile he used to give her when they were sharing a private joke. At least he was being a good sport about the whole thing.
“There’s cheese and crackers on the table to start,” Abby announced. “Take your time. We’ll bring in the salad in a little while.”
And then the twins disappeared.
“Jake…I’m so sorry.” She lifted her hands in a gesture of surrender. “I had no idea… This isn’t at all what…” Her voice trailed off and she shook her head. “Wait till I get my hands on them.”
He chuckled, a deep, pleasing rumble that some how helped soothe her tattered nerves. “Oh, don’t be too hard on them. Their hearts were in the right place.”
“Maybe. But I’ve explained to them over and over that we’re…well, that our relationship was in the past…they knew better than to pull a stunt like… I just can’t believe they did this.” She was so flummoxed she couldn’t think straight.
Jake, on the other hand, seemed the epitome of calm as he strolled toward her. But his casual stance was at odds with the flames flickering around the edges of his eyes, and her breath caught in her throat. “Let’s humor them. They’ve gone to a lot of trouble. And it is your birthday. What will one dinner together hurt?”
Maggie was afraid it might hurt a great deal. But she couldn’t very well say that. And Jake was right. The girls meant well, even if their intentions were misguided.
“I suppose you’re right.” She capitulated with a sigh.
He smiled, then tucked one of her hands through his arm as they strolled back to the table. He pulled out her chair with a flourish and wink before sitting down next to her. The girls had set the two places at right angles instead of across from each other, Maggie noted. Another transparent attempt to make this an intimate dinner.
Jake poured their drinks, then raised his glass in a toast. “To Maggie—the most beautiful thirty-seven-year-old I’ve ever known—and the most memorable woman I’ve ever met.”
Maggie watched as he took a sip, his gaze never leaving hers, and suddenly she found it difficult to breathe.
“You really are beautiful, you know.” He twirled the slender flute in his fingers. “Especially tonight. I like your hair down, Maggie. It’s too lovely to pull back all the time.”
She swallowed with difficulty. “Th-thanks.” Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t stop her voice from betraying her turbulent emotions. She glanced down and played with the edge of her fork. It had been a long time since anyone had treated her as a desirable woman. It had been an even longer time since she felt like one. But with Jake…it was different. He made her feel special…and alluring…and not at all like Maggie the aunt, or Maggie the innkeeper. With him she felt like Maggie the woman.
His hand covered hers, stilling her restless fingers. “Maggie?”
She took a deep breath and looked up.
“Do I make you nervous?”
Of course he made her nervous. But she couldn’t say that without saying why, so she forced herself to smile. “I’m just embarrassed by this whole thing. It’s very…awkward. You must feel very uncomfortable.”
“Frankly, I don’t.”
She looked at him in sudden suspicion. “Did you know about this?”
“No. The girls just invited me to a birthday dinner. I had no idea it was only going to be the two of us. But to be honest, I’m not sorry. I’ve been wanting to…”
Suddenly soft music began to play, and Jake paused as Maggie uttered a soft groan. “Oh, no! Now we have music, too.”
He listened for a moment, then another chuckle rumbled out of his chest. “Mmm-hmm. Can you place this singer?”
Maggie focused on the music, and then she, too, had to smile. The vocalist was one who had been popular in her parents’ courting days.
“Just how old do they think we are?” Jake’s eyes glinted with mirth.
“Ancient.” She struggled to contain her own smile.
“Oh, well.” He stood up and held out his hand. “I have a feeling the twins conveniently cleared the floor so we could…do the minuet maybe? That’s a little beyond my capabilities, but I have mastered a pretty mean fox-trot. So…may I have this dance?”
“That will only add fuel to the fire. The girls’ imaginations are active enough without any encourage ment.”
“Oh, come on, Maggie. One dance. It’s a nice song—even if it is old.”
When he had the beguiling look in his eyes, she found him difficult to refuse. And he was being a good sport about the whole thing. After being brought here under false pretenses, he had a right to be angry. Instead, he was playing along, taking the whole thing in stride. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying it. She supposed she might as well try to, as well. It was her birthday, after all. But dancing with Jake, being held in his arms—the mere thought of it made her feel shaky inside.
“One dance, Maggie?”
Face it, Maggie. You want to dance with the man. Don’t fight everything so much. Remember Millicent’s advice. Give it a chance.
With a sigh of defeat she rose, and Jake gave her a smile of encouragement as he led her to the center of the floor. Then he took her into his arms, and for just a moment, Maggie thought every bone in her body was going to dissolve.
She closed her eyes to better savor the sensations washing over her. His hand was firm but gentle in the small of her back, feeling familiar to her, yet new. He entwined the fingers of his other hand with hers and pressed her trembling hand against his solid, muscled chest. The scent of him—masculine, unique, utterly appealing—surrounded her and set a swarm of butterflies loose in her stomach. She could easily stay like this forever, she decided, as a wave of pure contentment washed over her.
With a small, almost inaudible sigh, she let her cheek rest against his shoulder and slowly relaxed in his arms, putting aside for just a moment all of the doubts and questions that plagued her about this man. For once, for the space of this brief dance, she would simply enjoy being held in his sure, strong arms.
Jake felt the stiffness in her body ease as she nestled against his shoulder. He dropped his chin and brushed his cheek against her hair, inhaling the subtle, sweet fragrance that clung to it. She felt so good in his arms. She always had. Soft and appealing and somehow fragile, in a way that brought out his protective instinct and made him want to keep her safe and sheltered. In fact, he would like nothing better than to spend the rest of his life doing exactly that.
For the first time all evening, he relaxed, too. Until this very moment he’d been afraid that she would bolt. It was obvious that she was uncomfortable with the contrived situation. And he was sure the twins would hear about it later. But, he had no complaints. In fact, he’d been trying for weeks to figure out a way to get Maggie alone so that he could try to begin rebuilding a relationship with her. So far he’d failed miserably.
He couldn’t fault her caution. And at least she was pleasant to him, which was more than he would probably be in her place. It was a start. But only a start. Before he could hope to make any progress, he had to find a way to break through the barrier she’d erected between them so that he could begin to rebuild her trust level, make her realize that he was a different man than the one who had walked out on her twelve years ago. And tonight was a good time to start, thanks to the twins.
When the music ended, Jake smiled down at her. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
She shook her head, not trusting her own voice.
The twins appeared with their salads then, and as they worked their way through the meal that had been prepared with love, if not finesse, Maggie began to relax. Jake told her amusing stories about his travels, and she found herself admiring his wit and self-deprecating humor. He also gave her an update on his relationship with his father—still strained, though improving—and the progress he was making on his lesson plans
for the coming school year.
But he also drew her out, skillfully and with sincere interest. Maggie didn’t know if it was the romantic atmosphere that loosened her tongue, or just Jake’s adept probing, but she opened up more than she expected. She even admitted her secret aspiration to give serious art a try, now that the girls were grown and ready to leave for college.
“I think you should, Maggie. I’ve seen some of your work, and I’m very impressed. I’m no expert, but didn’t you say that your friend—the gallery owner—had encouraged you, too?”
She nodded. “But Philip and I…well, we go back a long way. He has a wonderful eye for art, but I’m afraid he may not be that impartial when it comes to my work.”
This was the opening Jake had been waiting for ever since the day in her studio when she’d made a similar remark, and he wasn’t about to let it pass. Even though he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer, he had to know. “You’ve mentioned him before.” He took a sip of water. Tried to think of a diplomatic way to phrase his next comment. “I suppose you might have a point about the impartiality issue if you and he are…well, close.”
Maggie tipped her head and studied him. “If you want to know whether Philip and I are romantically involved, why don’t you just ask, Jake?”
He felt his neck grow hot. So much for diplomacy. “I didn’t want you to think I was prying, and take offense.”
She shrugged. “Actually, we explored a romantic relationship once. Soon after I moved here. But there just wasn’t any…passion might be the best word, I suppose. Philip’s wife died ten years ago, and even though he’s lonely, no one ever came along who compared to her, I guess. As for me, well, it was kind of the same story. Plus, I had a ready-made family in tow.” Before he could ask a follow-up question, she asked one of her own. “What about you, Jake? Why didn’t you ever marry?”
He looked at her steadily. “For the same reason you didn’t, I suspect.”