Flirting With Forever

by Molly Cannon

  She smiled like the idea was an answer to her prayers. “I’d like that very much, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”

  “Great. Let me get her leash.” He hurried inside the house with Sadie at his heels. “Come here, girl. Are you ready for a walk?”

  Sadie woofed her approval of the plan and stood still while Theo hooked her leash to her collar. They joined Irene outside and took off down the sidewalk at a brisk pace that Irene and Theo let the dog set.

  “So, what kind of advice could you possibly need from me, Ree?”

  She sounded cautious when she said, “It’s about Charlie.”

  He gave her a sharp look. “Sven’s son? I was afraid he was going to be a problem. Is he always such a jerk?”

  She shook her head. “No. I’m not sure what’s going on. He said he’d like to apologize.”

  Theo wasn’t impressed with the offer. “I don’t need an apology. But I’m not going to stand by while he insults you.”

  “That’s very gallant, Theo, but unnecessary. I have to admit I haven’t spent much time with him. Before or after his father’s death.”

  “Did he disapprove of the wedding, too?”

  “Yes, but he didn’t say much at the time. He and his father were estranged long before I came along. We were married in a private ceremony, but Charlie attended the reception. To be honest, I don’t know him very well. Since the funeral I’ve only seen him once when the will was executed. That’s it.”

  “And when Sven died, Charlie was fine with him leaving you all his money?”

  “He didn’t leave me all his money, and he was very generous with Charlie. I don’t think he thought it was worth the trouble to fight the will. Back then Charlie seemed happy with his own life.”

  “So what does he want now?”

  “He wants a job.”

  “A job doing what?”

  “I don’t know. He says he wants a job at the foundation.”

  “Is he qualified?”

  “Oh, sure. He has all sorts of fancy degrees, including a law degree. He’s worked at several big firms, but from what he said he must have burned some bridges. He seemed fairly humbled by his last experience.”

  “I’m not sure what you expect me to say, Ree.” Sadie stopped to smell the base of a tree before lifting her leg.

  “You are right. It was unfair of me to ask you, but of everyone in town, you are the only one who might have a clear perspective.”

  Theo laughed at that idea. “That’s funny. Given our past, I’d say I have no perspective at all, but I’m happy to lend an ear.”

  They entered a small park, and Irene sank down onto the first bench they came to. Theo sat down beside her. “Thanks. The thing is, I know this would’ve made Sven so happy. He didn’t feel like he’d been the best father when Charlie was growing up and said he’d spent too much time working. He had a lot of guilt about that. It was a wedge between them, and they were never as close as Sven would have liked, even when Sven got sick.”

  “Then that’s your answer, isn’t it?”

  She nodded and sighed. “I feel like I should at least give him a chance.”

  Theo felt honored that she’d turned to him for advice, but it was clear she knew better than he did what to do. She just needed someone to tell her so. “Trust your gut, Ree. You can always tell him to get lost if it turns out he’s pulling a fast one.”

  She smiled. “Thanks, Theo. I’ll have to keep a close eye on him, though. But if it works out, it could take some pressure off me, too. I can concentrate on planning weddings.”

  “Explain to me again why you’re spending time planning weddings? It’s clearly not for the money.”

  She shrugged. “The money from the foundation is Sven’s. I oversee the distribution, but it’s not mine. Charlie has a better claim to it than I do, but Sven trusted me to keep things running smoothly. So that’s what I do for the sake of the town. Planning weddings is what I do for myself.”

  “I think that’s a healthy attitude. You should try doing more things just for yourself.”

  “It’s not that simple. I have obligations.”

  “Then maybe Charlie will help with that. If he needs to be thrown in the pool again, I’ll be happy to oblige.”

  She laughed. “Thanks, Theo. It helped to talk things out.”

  “Oh, before I forget.” He stood up and pulled out his wallet. He ignored the folded, wrinkled letter that was always in his billfold and pulled out the permit instead, handing it to her.

  “What’s this?” she asked.

  “A permit for building a parade float. Everyone is supposed to turn one in to city hall.”

  “Okay. I’ll do that first thing tomorrow. I better go.” She reached down and patted Sadie’s head. “You’re a good girl, Sadie.” Then she got up and started to walk away.

  Maybe it was seeing the Dear Theo letter that made him ask, but before she got too far, he called her name. “Ree?”

  She turned back to face him.

  “Did you love him? Did you love Sven?”

  She stood stark still, her face a mask hiding all emotion from him. Finally she answered, “Yes. I did. I loved him very much.” This time when she walked away she didn’t give Theo another glance.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Irene couldn’t go home yet. On her way through town, she stopped at the Hazelnut Inn to drop off menus for an upcoming wedding. While she was there, she decided on impulse to treat herself to a nice, relaxing dinner all by herself. Dining out alone always seemed civilized and sophisticated in the movies. She didn’t feel sophisticated, but she forced herself up the steps of the old house and walked inside.

  Etta’s sister Belle greeted her. “Hey, Irene. Are you here on business?”

  Irene had become familiar with the place because of all the weddings she planned using it as a venue. “Partly, but I’m here to have dinner, too. Do I need to have a reservation? It was a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

  “Of course not, Irene. Even if we were full, we’d let you eat in the kitchen.”

  “That’s awfully nice, Belle.”

  “You’re like family, and the weddings you’ve booked here kept us afloat the first few months after we opened.”

  Irene was touched by Belle’s sentiments. “Well, thank you. And stick me anyplace you like. As long as Etta’s cooking, I don’t care where I sit.”

  Belle took her into the dining room. Most of the tables were filled with happy chatting diners, but she led her to a small open table by the back window.

  “Let me go tell Etta you’re here. She’ll want to say hello.”

  “Oh, I’m sure she has her hands full.”

  “Don’t be silly. She’ll have my head if I don’t, so relax. Can I bring you a cocktail or an iced tea?”

  “Iced tea would be perfect. Thanks, Belle.”

  After Belle left, she took in the view out onto the grounds. Glorious flower beds and tall trees surrounded a swimming pool that had been recently installed in late spring. It was ready and waiting for the summer guests of the B and B to take advantage of during their stay.

  A deep masculine voice interrupted her thoughts. “What do you think?”

  Irene looked up to find Donny Joe standing by her table. She smiled. “The pool is a beautiful finishing touch. You should be proud of this place, Donny Joe.”

  “Thanks, Irene. Mind if I sit down? I don’t think you’ve ever dropped in for dinner before.” He sat down without waiting for her permission.

  She smiled. “I’ve meant to, but you know how it goes. But boy, you look happy. Etta is good for you.”

  “I won’t argue with that. I’m a lucky man. But I’ve wondered how you’ve been. We don’t get the chance to keep up the way we used to, Irene.”

  Over the years since Sven’s death, Donny Joe had provided a shield for her against the speculation of the people in Everson. And as a result he’d been the source of a different type of speculation. There were still plenty of townsf
olk wrongly convinced they’d been lovers. Either way he’d been a good friend. She was happy that he’d found the love of his life, but she could be honest enough to admit she missed him.

  “I’m fine. Planning weddings keeps me busy. And it’s a nice change of pace. I stumbled onto something I really enjoy.”

  “You do a great job. Maybe you’ve found your true calling.” He grinned. “So, what has you frowning?”

  Donny Joe could always read her mood. “Charlie Cornwell showed up at my house this afternoon.”

  Donny Joe’s eyes widened. “Sven’s son? What did he want?”

  “He wants a job at the foundation. And the crazy thing is I’m actually considering it.”

  Etta came out of the kitchen and approached the table. “Irene. What a nice surprise. You should come for dinner more often.”

  “Hi, Etta. I was dropping off the menus for the Stone-Rendell wedding and decided to stay for dinner. In fact, I was just about to order the special. Donny Joe distracted me with too much conversation.” She dug in her purse and pulled out her notes.

  Etta took them and said, “Thanks, and I’m so pleased you decided to eat.”

  “If you have time, you should join us.” Irene knew that Etta had once been jealous of her relationship with Donny Joe. She wanted to take every opportunity to let her know she thought they made a perfect couple.

  “You don’t have to ask me twice. I’d love to sit down for a minute.” Etta waved at Belle. “Sis, would you bring Irene tonight’s special? I’m going to take a little break.”

  Belle smiled and patted her sister’s shoulder. “You’ve got it. And I’ll bring you some tea, too.”

  “Thanks, Belle.”

  “I was just telling Donny Joe that Sven’s son showed up today asking for a job.”

  Etta looked concerned. “Is that a problem?”

  “If he’s serious about taking a real interest in his father’s foundation, it could be the answer to my prayers. If he’s just here because he’s run out of money, then it’s going to be a real headache.”

  “It’s always tricky dealing with family. Let us know if we can help.”

  Belle came back with Irene’s food. The special was roast chicken with polenta and mushrooms. “Here you go. Can I get you anything else?”

  “No, this smells wonderful. I didn’t realize how hungry I was. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.” She left and returned momentarily, putting glasses of tea down in front of Donny Joe and Etta before returning to the kitchen.

  Irene took a bite and moaned her pleasure. “Oh my goodness. This is incredible, Etta.”

  “Thanks. It’s a simple dish, but it always seems to be a crowd-pleaser.” Etta smiled, pleased at Irene’s reaction to the food.

  After another bite, Irene asked, “So, what about you two? When do you plan to tie the knot?”

  “We’ve been discussing some dates,” Etta said with a sappy smile.

  Donny Joe reached over and grabbed her hand. “I’d get married tomorrow, but Etta seems to think we need to have a big ceremony with fuss and family and lots of flowers involved.”

  Etta patted his arm. “Yes, I do, and that’s why Irene will be our first call after we decide on a date. We’d love to have you plan our wedding, wouldn’t we, Donny Joe?”

  He nodded. “Absolutely. Nobody else will do.”

  Irene put her fork down. “Oh, what fun, and I’d be honored. Just say the word and we’ll get started. I’ll make it my top priority. My, my. Donny Joe getting married. I can’t think of any wedding I’d like to plan more.”

  Etta laughed. “Me, either. But now I better get back to the kitchen. We’ll talk soon, Irene.”

  Donny Joe stood up, too. “I’ll let you finish eating, but if you need to talk about anything ever, you know my door is always open, Irene.”

  “Thanks, Donny Joe. That means the world to me. By the way, are you having a float in the parade?”

  “Is grass green? Of course we are. Two of ’em in fact. One for the Backyard Oasis and one for the B and B.”

  “Are you building them out at the old airport hangar?”

  “Yeah. I heard Theo was helping with yours.”

  “He is. We’re building it up at my house.”

  “Why aren’t you down at the hangar with the rest of us?”

  “Nell told Theo there was no space left in the hangar. I was disappointed. Half the fun was going to be hanging out with everyone.”

  Donny Joe crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, Nell is wrong. What is wrong with that woman? There’s plenty of room by our floats. Move it on down, and I’ll make sure you get the space you need.”

  Irene should have known to question anything the girl said. She supposed she could chalk it up to sneaky sabotage. “Thanks, Donny Joe. You are a true friend.” But Nell was the least of her problems. Right now she had to quit stalling. She had to go home and have a serious talk with Charlie.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The next morning Irene walked into the kitchen and found Charlie sitting at the table, drinking coffee and looking at his phone. “Oh, good. You’re awake.”

  He put down his phone when he saw her. “I’ve been up for hours, so I hope you don’t mind that I made coffee.”

  Irene got a mug from the cabinet and poured a cup before joining him at the table. “I don’t mind at all. Are you ready to get to work?” They’d stayed up late talking and came to an agreement for a trial run. Today she planned to show him the ropes.

  “Ready? I’m more than ready. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

  She had to admit his eagerness seemed sincere. “I want you to know exactly what this job would entail before you accept.”

  “I told you I’ve had some experience working at foundations before.”

  “Well, this is a little more hands-on. I let the lawyers sit around in the office juggling the money. I prefer to stay involved on the local level.”

  “So, what does that mean?”

  “Today we will visit the food pantry, deliver Meals on Wheels, and check in with the community garden manager.”

  “Okay. I guess it’s important to supervise how they are spending their money.”

  “You don’t understand. I’m not interested in just funding these programs, Charlie. If you are going to work for me, you have to be involved in the everyday work they do. Unless you weren’t planning on living here?”

  “Wait a minute. I thought I could live in Dallas. Isn’t that where the other lawyers are?”

  “I don’t need another lawyer, Charlie. If you want to be part of your father’s legacy, you need to learn it from the ground up.”

  He looked skeptical, but he said, “You’re the boss.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “Let’s see how today goes first. I want you to realize what you’d be getting into before you agree to anything.”

  He took a drink of coffee and then stood up, setting the mug in the sink. “Okay. I’m ready when you are. And Irene? I appreciate this. After yesterday you could have thrown me out on my ear.”

  Irene stood, too. “We’ve been over all that. Let’s start fresh today. If you’re serious, I know your father would be thrilled that you want to be part of what he started.”

  Charlie looked like a vulnerable kid. “Do you really think so?”

  Irene wished once more that Sven was there to tell him himself. “Charlie, your father loved you. Of course he would.”

  “Thanks, Irene. That means a lot.”

  Irene smiled and said, “I’ll be ready to go in fifteen minutes, okay?”

  Charlie smiled, too. “I’ll be ready.”

  Irene pulled her minivan around to the alley behind the Rise-N-Shine Diner. Opening her door, she turned to Charlie. “Come on. We have to pick up the bread for the meals program.”

  “The diner donates it?”

  “Yes, they bake it fresh every day. I’ve managed to get different restaurants involved then we meet at the Methodist
church to distribute the meals to the drivers.”

  “And you do this every morning?” He followed her to the back door.

  She rang a bell on the service door. “No, we have different volunteers that handle the pickups and deliveries. But since I’m showing you the ropes, I called and changed the schedule. I usually try to drive three days a week if I can.”

  “Are you telling me my dad did this, too?”

  Before she could answer, the door opened and Bertie Harcourt waved them inside the kitchen. It was crowded with staff preparing for the morning breakfast rush. “Come on in, Irene. I’ve got the yeast rolls wrapped up and ready to go. And I baked some chocolate sheet cakes last night. I was on a sweet kick and figured I’d share.” She was staring at Charlie with wide-eyed curiosity.

  “Thank you, Bertie. That will be a real treat.”

  “It’s just as easy to bake a few extra. Who is he?”

  “I’m sorry. Bertie, this is Charlie Cornwell. Charlie, this is Bertie Harcourt. Owner of this fine diner.”

  She looked surprised. “Cornwell, as in Sven Cornwell?”

  “He was my father.”

  “Well, I declare. I knew your father when he was a boy. He was in high school with my older brother Ralph. They played baseball together.”

  Charlie perked up. “Really? I didn’t even know he played sports. He never said much about growing up here.”

  “Well, come in for lunch someday, and I’ll tell you a few stories. Are you just here for a visit?”

  Charlie looked at Irene and shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. But I’ll be sure to come by for lunch while I’m here.”

  Irene picked up the large tray holding the rolls and handed it to Charlie. “We need to get going.” Bertie handed her several aluminum-covered pans containing the cakes. “Thanks, Bertie. Talk to you later.”

  Theo stood on a ladder painting Lily Porter’s garage, thinking he really should have gotten an early morning start instead of baking his brains out in the noonday heat. But Lily was a talker. When he’d shown up that morning, she’d had him come in for a cup of coffee, and he’d gladly accepted.