As Daphne got into her car, she felt optimistic. If all went well on Saturday, it would give her a fresh start with her family. Because as much as she loved Appleton and wanted to make it her permanent home, it spoiled everything knowing that some of her relatives really resented her.
Chapter 16
With Olivia’s guiding hand, Daphne managed to pick out a number of furnishings, including an incredibly comfortable club chair and ottoman. These were the pieces she would combine with some of Aunt Dee’s things, the various items Daphne had decided to hold on to. Her goal, according to Olivia, was to marry the old with the new and give the house an inviting yet stylish look.
“Kind of shabby chic reinvented,” Olivia told her as they were picking out some additional accessories at Pottery Barn.
“I don’t know how I could’ve done this without you,” Daphne said as they took a dinner break. “And I don’t know how I can thank you. I wish you’d let me pay you for your services or something.”
Olivia waved her hand. “Forget that nonsense. This is like a girls’ night out for me. Besides, Jeff and his brother are watching the NBA finals tonight.” She feigned a yawn. “You could just shoot me if I had to stay home and endure that.”
“Well, I appreciate your help.”
“I appreciate you letting me help.” Olivia wiped her mouth with her napkin. “In fact, it’s inspiring me to start offering some consulting services to my customers. I’m carrying more and more decor items in the shop, and I’m always giving someone advice. But this is the first time I’ve done anything this big and I love it.”
“And I love how Aunt Dee’s house is looking.”
“You mean your house.” Olivia shook a finger at her. “You need to stop calling it your aunt’s house, Daphne.”
Daphne nodded, but she wished she could divulge the truth. “Yes, but it’s hard when you have so many childhood memories. But I’ll admit that it doesn’t really look like her house anymore.”
“Thank goodness.” Olivia laughed. “It was just fine for a little old lady’s house. But it was so not you.”
They shopped for another hour after dinner. Then as Daphne was driving Olivia home, they made plans to meet again on Thursday. “By then all your furniture should be delivered,” Olivia said. “And I can help you with the final tweaks. That way everything will be looking good when your relatives come for your wingding on Saturday.”
“I’ll be so glad when that’s behind me.”
For that reason, she shouldn’t have been too shocked when after nearly two weeks of feverish preparations and after getting in provisions for the luncheon on Saturday, Jake called on Friday morning to warn her that Martin Ballinger was contesting Aunt Dee’s will.
“What does that mean?” she asked.
“Not that much, really. I’d expected something like this, which is why the will was written so tightly. I’ve given Martin a copy of the general will, which clearly specifies you as sole inheritor and should convince him that contesting the will is futile.”
“So he won’t have to know any of Aunt Dee’s secrets?”
“That’s right.”
She explained about her Grab and Go tomorrow. “Should I call it off?”
“I don’t think so. Not yet anyway. I just faxed Martin the will. Let’s see how he responds.”
“Yes, please, let me know if you hear anything.”
“I will. And hey, I wanted to thank you for befriending Jenna. She’s really excited about getting to talk to you about writing. It’s her dream to be a writer.”
“Well, like I told her, I’m a pretty small potato when it comes to writing. Nothing compared to my aunt. Not that she would’ve been forthcoming regarding her illustrious career.”
He chuckled. “That’s probably a good thing. I can’t really imagine Jenna penning romance novels. Actually, she wants to be a journalist.”
Daphne sighed. “That’s what I thought I wanted too. Sometimes I want to kick myself for not going after it harder.”
“You’ll be kind of like a journalist . . . when you take over the column. When do you plan to start that anyway?”
She bit her lip. This was something she was trying not to think about. “My plan was to begin next week. After the Grab and Go. But the truth is, I have barely stepped foot in her study.”
“Don’t be intimidated,” Jake said. “Dee had complete confidence in you.”
“I know. I just wish I did.”
“All you need is to do your best. And remember Dee only expected you to try. There is nothing in her will that stipulates you must successfully write the column to receive your inheritance.” He cleared his throat. “Because, as you know, that’s something else altogether.”
“Right.” She grimaced.
“So, how’s it going in the romance department? If you don’t mind my asking.”
“Quite honestly, I’ve been so distracted with the house lately, I haven’t really given it much thought.” She looked around the front room, which Olivia had helped her to arrange last night. Today it was pure perfection and she couldn’t help but smile when she looked at it.
“Well, you’ll have to excuse me for asking from time to time. But it’s kind of my responsibility to keep tabs on you.”
“What a fun job that must be,” she said sarcastically.
“It has its ups and downs. So, how is the house coming? I know the painting’s done, right? Willie just sent me the bill for the finished job. Before I make out the check, I need to know it was completed to your satisfaction.”
“He did a beautiful job. Even Mick was impressed.”
“Mick?”
“You know, The Garden Guy.”
“Yes, I know who Mick Foster is. But why was he impressed?”
“Because Willie’s crew didn’t trample any of his precious plants.”
Jake chuckled. “Oh yeah, that makes sense. Speaking of Mick, I assume he’s one of the bachelors you’re considering. And just so you know, I’m sure he’s one of the guys Dee would’ve heartily approved.”
Was he encouraging her toward Mick? And if so, why did that irritate her? But instead of reacting, she told him about how surprised she’d been to find that Mick had purchased her grandparents’ farm. “I can’t believe what he’s done with the place.”
“Dee mentioned how impressed she was too.”
They chatted a bit longer and finally Jake told her not to worry about her cousin’s obsession with his aunt’s estate. “Martin might create a temporary tempest in a teakettle, but once his legal sensibilities kick in, he should realize he’d be fighting a losing battle. And most attorneys don’t like to lose.”
“I hope you’re right.” She thanked him for the heads-up regarding Martin and even invited him to stop by the house to check it out if he wanted. She’d intentionally kept their conversation cool and casual . . . professional. But as she hung up, she wondered if a man suddenly seemed more attractive when he was unavailable. And if so, why was that? Was it because it felt like forbidden fruit? Or was it because an unavailable man felt safer? Perhaps it was a combination of both.
Puttering around her pretty house, Daphne decided she was not going to worry about Martin’s legal threats. As she did some prepreparation for tomorrow’s luncheon, she did regret that she’d forgotten to put an RSVP on the invitations. What would she do with all this food if no one came? Maybe she could simply host an impromptu open house for her real friends. Now that would be fun.
It was about five in the afternoon, and she was up to her elbows in egg salad, which she planned to make into sandwiches tomorrow, when she heard the doorbell ring. After a quick rinse of her hands, she grabbed a dish towel and hurried to the front door in her bare feet. To her surprise, it was Jake McPheeters and in his hand was a gorgeous bouquet of peonies in var
ying shades of pink. “For your new and improved house,” he said as he handed it to her.
“These are gorgeous.” She stepped back. “Thank you. And come in.”
“I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time, but you did tell me I could come by and see the place.” He nodded with approval as he stepped into the foyer. “Very nice. Very, very nice. I feel like this is a completely different house.”
“Not an old lady house anymore.” With the peonies still in her hands, she was looking around and trying to decide where to put them.
“Olivia said the table in the foyer.” He pointed to the marble-topped table that used to be upstairs. It had taken her and the two girls just to carry the heavy top down. “I assume she means there.”
Daphne moved the oversized bowl of bright green Granny Smith apples over to one side, and the grouping of framed old photos to the other, setting the clear vase of peonies in the center, centered with the big mirror hanging above. She stepped back and nodded. “Perfect.”
“Olivia said they would be perfect. She did an intervention when I almost went for the tiger lilies, but she guided me toward those instead.”
Daphne grinned. “I like tiger lilies.”
He laughed. “Maybe next time.”
Curious as to what that meant, she apologized for her grubby appearance as she started to show him around. “I was making egg salad for sandwiches. It probably smells like eggs in here now.”
“I happen to like egg salad.”
“Do you want one? I mean, you probably don’t—not this close to dinnertime anyway. But if you do, there’s plenty.” She knew she sounded ridiculous, stumbling over her words, but it was like she couldn’t help it.
“I’ll take a rain check.” He was looking in the dining room now. “I like this color. Very warm and inviting. And a nice contrast with these dark furnishings.”
“I decided to keep the original set. It just seemed to go so well in here. But Olivia insisted on getting the chair seats recovered. I can’t believe what a difference that made.” She admired the blue-and-white basket-weave fabric and how it set off the blue-and-white Chinese vases on the sideboard. More treasures Olivia had unearthed in Aunt Dee’s packed china cabinet.
“Everything looks fresh and clean,” he told her. “And full of life.”
“That’s mostly Olivia’s doing.” She took him into the kitchen, which was looking a little messy now.
“Mind if I sample?” he asked as he spied the bowl of egg salad.
“Not at all.” She handed him a spoon. “Have at it.”
“I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to egg salad.” He dipped in the spoon, took a generous scoop, and popped it into his mouth. With eyes half closed he acted as if he were taste testing for Le Cordon Bleu. “Mmm . . .” He nodded. “I give you two thumbs up.”
“Thank you.”
He set the spoon in the sink. “And I like this shade of green in here. Very energetic.”
She continued the tour, explaining how she was waiting to do Aunt Dee’s bedroom later. “And the study . . .” She sighed. “Well, it did get a fresh coat of paint, but everything in there is pretty much as she left it. I’ll start going through it next week.”
When the tour ended, Jake didn’t seem eager to leave. So she invited him to sit in the kitchen while she finished up. As he sat at the table, another set she’d decided not to replace, he explained that he had not heard back from Martin yet.
“I’m of the opinion that no news is good news where he’s concerned. I suspect he’s realizing that it’s foolish to contest the will.”
“I hope you’re right.”
They visited a bit more and then he stood to go. “I shouldn’t take up your time. I’m sure you have a lot to do to get ready for your relatives tomorrow.”
She shrugged as she walked him through the front room. “I think I’ve got it covered. And your daughter and Mattie are coming to help in the morning.”
“So I hear.” He paused in the foyer. “So it’s a Friday night in Appleton. I’m guessing you already have dinner plans.”
Okay, this caught her completely off guard. Was he asking her out?
“Sorry. I probably shouldn’t have asked.”
She tilted her head to one side. “What do you mean exactly?”
“Well, I’ve wondered about this. I do represent your aunt’s estate. In essence you are kind of like my client and I never date clients. Although you’re not exactly my client since you didn’t actually employ me.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “It’s more like you got stuck with me. Anyway, I’ve been concerned about the need to keep my relationship with you strictly professional.”
She felt her cheeks flush. “So you are asking me out on a date?” she said, instantly regretting her assumption.
“I guess you could say that. Although I’ll admit it was kind of a backhanded invitation. And I wouldn’t blame you if you turned me down flat.”
She bit her lip, trying to think of a gracious response. “Well, I’m flattered, Jake. But I, uh, I’m curious. What about your relationship with your wife—I mean your ex-wife?”
“What?” He looked confused.
“Aren’t you getting back together with her?”
He looked blindsided. “Getting back with Gwen?”
She just nodded.
“Where did you hear that?”
Now she shrugged.
He looked perplexed. “I honestly don’t know where you got that idea, but as far as I know, it’s not happening. Gwen has made it clear that she’s moved on with her life.”
“Oh . . .” Daphne knew she couldn’t divulge her source. Not only would it be unfair to Mattie, it would reveal that Daphne had been eavesdropping. “But sometimes divorced couples reconcile. I mean, it can happen. How long have you been divorced anyway, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“It’ll be eight years in August.” His countenance seemed grim as he studied her. And she felt certain he regretted asking her to dinner now.
“Well . . . I . . . uh . . .” She didn’t know what to say. Could this get anymore awkward?
“I should probably be going.”
“Thanks for the flowers,” she said meekly.
“Thanks for the tour.” He offered a businesslike smile. “You’ve done a great job on the house. And good luck with your relatives tomorrow.”
She thanked him again, waving stupidly as he hurried out the door and down the porch steps. She felt like such a fool as she returned to the kitchen. Why had she brought that up? What business was it of hers? Except that he’d been asking her out. And how could she go out with a man knowing that his ex-wife wanted to get back together with him? And it wasn’t as if she could explain that. Not without sounding like a complete fool. Oh, that was right, she’d already sounded like a complete fool.
As she cleaned the kitchen, she attempted to dissect and discern her conflicting emotions toward Jake, but it only made her feel more confused. What would Dear Daphne tell her?
Dear Daphne,
A man I respect and am good friends with asked me to go out with him, and I was all ready to say yes when I remembered a conversation I’d overheard recently. You see, this man is divorced, and according to what I heard, there’s a possibility he will be getting back together with his ex-wife. Going out with him makes me feel like I’d be ruining their chance of reconciling—or like I was going out with a married man. And it made me feel disgusted with myself and slightly angry at him. It was as if I liked him better before he asked me out. What should I do?
Agonizing in Appleton
As she finished up in the kitchen, she pondered over how Dear Daphne might answer her letter.
Dear Agonizing,
First of all, I must question your methods of collectin
g information about a man you said you respected—were you eavesdropping? But never mind that, it sounds as if you have answered your own question. If going out with him would make you feel miserable, why would you bother with it? I suggest you continue being this man’s friend. It sounds as if he can use one.
Daphne
As Daphne went to check on the cats, she decided that she’d felt more attracted to Jake when he seemed unavailable. And it had nothing to do with the old forbidden-fruit theory. It was simply because it felt safer. An unavailable man meant there was no risk involved. And really, wasn’t that how she’d purposely lived most of her life? Aside from the mistake she made with Ryan. She’d lived cautiously, carefully, prudently—and totally risk free. Her guarantee that her heart would never be broken again. Going out with Jake was too risky.
Chapter 17
It was nearly a month since Aunt Dee’s funeral, and once again her relations were traipsing through her home. However, it no longer looked like Aunt Dee’s house. And several of the older relatives did not approve, and they didn’t seem to care who heard them complaining.
“What has she done?” Diane said to her daughter shortly after they entered the house.
“Mother,” Jocelyn used a warning tone.
“Welcome,” Daphne called out as she left the kitchen where she’d been coaching Jenna and Mattie. “Most of the others are outside.” She joined them in the front room. “In the backyard.”
“Yes.” Diane was taking it all in. “You’ve changed everything.”
Daphne smiled. “Yes. A friend helped me.”
“But why?”
Daphne shrugged. “Why not?”
“It looks very nice,” Jocelyn told her. “Don’t mind Mom. She still loves her 1980’s style house. Everything is cabbage roses.”
“I like cabbage roses,” Diane said indignantly. “And I used to like Aunt Dee’s house. Now I’m not so sure.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter whether or not you like it,” Jocelyn pointed out. “Since it belongs to Daphne now.”
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