Patterns of Change

by Terri DuLong

  “I’m sure you’re overwhelmed,” he said. “I just didn’t know how to go about telling you how I feel. I know this all seems to have happened so fast. And it probably did. But I know in my heart what I feel. I love you, Chloe. And what difference would it make if I waited six months to tell you this or a year? My love for you wouldn’t change in the least. Hey, we’re not in our twenties anymore . . . so if not now, when?”

  I edged close to Henry, put my arms around his neck and kissed him. Really kissed him.

  “I love you too, Henry,” I whispered in his ear. “Maybe I always have. And I want you. I want you to make love to me. Right here. Right now. Like you said, if not now, when?”

  Chapter 46

  I opened my eyes the following morning, looked around the bedroom of the condo and smiled. Turning my head, I saw Henry curled up next to me, one arm flung across my body, and still sleeping.

  What an evening it had been. We did make love on Henry’s boat and he had proved to be a considerate and passionate lover. So much so that I was convinced that sex was wasted on the young. At age sixty, Henry not only knew how to pleasure a woman but he knew how to take her to a place she never wanted to leave.

  I gently touched his hair, not wanting to wake him, and I smiled. Henry had insisted that I couldn’t spend the night at my house. Alone. He wanted us to spend the night together so he could see my face across the breakfast table in the morning. He was definitely a romantic. So we went to my house, got Basil, packed a small overnight bag, and returned to the condo for more lovemaking before falling asleep in each other’s arms.

  “Good morning, beautiful,” I heard him say.

  “You’re awake. Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

  “The best. How about you?” He leaned over to place a kiss on my lips.

  “Better than I have in ages.” And I had. A calm and restful sleep.

  “Good. What time is it?”

  I glanced at my watch. “Just past six thirty.”

  “Time to walk the dogs.”

  I smiled. That had such a nice sound to it. “It is. I’ll throw on shorts and a T-shirt.”

  “I’ll get dressed and prepare the coffee so it’ll be ready when we get back.”

  When I came out of the bathroom, Basil was beside himself with happiness, running to Delilah and then back to me.

  I laughed as I walked into the kitchen. “I think Basil enjoyed his sleepover.”

  Henry put his arms around my waist. He nuzzled my neck and then kissed me. “Did you enjoy your sleepover?” he asked and I heard the huskiness in his voice.

  “Hmm, I did,” I whispered. “Very much so. But if you keep kissing me, these dogs will never get walked.”

  He pulled away and let out a sigh. “Ah, true. Come on, let’s go. Before I can change my mind.”

  We returned to the condo an hour later, holding hands, laughing, and bumped right into Louise Blackstone at the entrance.

  The look on her face was priceless. She looked at Henry and then at me. Then her gaze went to us holding hands and then to the dogs. In a matter of a couple seconds her expression went from surprise to confusion to understanding and then to happiness.

  “Oh . . . well . . . good morning. To . . . ah . . . both of you. Beautiful morning for a walk on the beach. That’s where Ramona and I are headed. It’s so nice out. Don’t you just love this October weather? Doesn’t get much nicer than this. Okay . . . well, off I go. You two have a wonderful day.”

  As soon as she rounded the corner, both Henry and I burst out laughing.

  “Oh, my poor neighbor,” he said, still chuckling. “She’ll never be the same after witnessing the fact that you stayed the night.”

  “I know. She was so flustered, she was rambling.”

  The coffee smelled heavenly when we entered the condo. Henry filled two mugs and we sat on the balcony while the dogs settled down for a nap.

  Neither of us talked but it was a comfortable silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts. The ocean looked especially beautiful this morning. I glanced up to the blue sky with white clouds moving across it. Life was good.

  After a few minutes, Henry reached for my hand. “Any chance you could skip work today?”

  “You mean not go in?”

  “Yeah. Last night was extra special and I’d like to prolong it by spending the day with you.”

  That did sound like an enticing idea.

  “Well, Tuesdays are usually pretty slow. I guess I could call Mavis Anne to let her know.”

  I saw the smile that crossed Henry’s face and smiled back. I squeezed his hand before getting up. “I’ll give her a call.”

  “Mavis,” I said when she answered. “Ah, I’m not at Koi House. I’m at the condo.”

  “Oh.” After a short pause, she said, “Ohh, I see. Got it.”

  “I was wondering if you could handle the shop today without me. I’d like to spend the day with Henry. If that’s okay.” I felt like a teenager asking permission.

  “Of course it’s okay. I’ll ask Louise to help out if it gets too busy. She’d be more than happy.”

  “Great. And thank you, Mavis.”

  “Not a problem. I’m just happy to hear that you were paying attention last night when we told you to have fun. You did, right?”

  I laughed. “Oh, yeah. I did. Thanks again and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I walked out to the balcony and stood behind Henry. When I put my arms around his neck, he leaned his head back and I placed a kiss on his lips.

  “All set. I’m yours for the entire day.”

  “Well done.”

  “I’m going to hit the shower and get dressed.”

  “And I’m going to cook us breakfast.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I know I don’t. I want to.”

  I kissed him again and headed to the shower.

  I walked into the kitchen to the aroma of French toast and bacon. Henry had the table set and in the center was a bowl of fresh fruit.

  “This looks wonderful. I just realized I’m hungry.”

  “Good. You have to keep your strength up. All that lovemaking burns up energy. Have a seat.”

  I laughed and sat down.

  “So what do you have planned for today?” I asked. “Or are you going to keep me here in your bed all day?”

  Henry laughed and joined me at the table. “Don’t tempt me. But I thought we could take the dogs and drive down to New Smyrna Beach. Walk around and find an outside place for lunch where the dogs will be welcome.”

  “That sounds like fun. Let’s do it.”

  “That was a delicious breakfast,” I told him when we finished. “Thank you.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

  I was helping Henry clean up when I remembered something he’d mentioned the night before.

  “You said something about going to Hawaii in May for a photo shoot.”

  “I did, and I accepted the assignment with the hope that you would join me. I’ll have to find a pet sitter for Delilah because I don’t board her, and that person could also watch Basil. They get along so well. I’d love it if you’d come with me. The shoot is on the island of Kauai and I’ll be renting a beach house there for the week. I’ll be working for a few hours each day but there’s no reason you couldn’t drive around with me. The rest of the time would be completely ours. You don’t need to give me an answer right now, Chloe. Things really have moved along fast since yesterday. So think about it. And while you’re thinking about Hawaii, I’d also like you to give some thought to our relationship.”

  “Our relationship?”

  “Yeah. Back in the sixties, it was called going steady. Committing to one special person. I have no idea what it’s called today. People in our age group who aren’t married but live together or have a committed relationship refer to each other as their significant other or partner. So what I’m saying is . . . I’d like to be that person to you. The only man in your life.�
��

  We were moving fast. “I’ll think about it, Henry. I think the first thing I want to do is tell my sons about you. And Isabelle and Haley have a right to know also. I will definitely think about it—about us and about Hawaii.”

  “Good.”

  He walked toward me and pulled me into an embrace before kissing me. “I love you, Chloe,” he whispered. “No matter what you decide, I will always love you. That can’t change.”

  I felt the smile that crossed my face. “I love you too, Henry. I think I might have waited my whole life for you.”

  I couldn’t remember the last time I’d spent such a perfect day. We drove down to New Smyrna Beach, walked around with the dogs, and found a great seafood place for lunch overlooking the water.

  By the time we got back to the condo, it was almost five and again I marveled at how quickly time flew when I was with Henry. We never lacked for things to talk about. He was very well read and kept up on political and social issues, which I enjoyed discussing with him.

  “Well,” I said, after we finished coffee on the balcony, “I hate to say it, but I really have to get going. I need to take Basil home and feed him. This has been the most wonderful twenty-four hours I think I’ve ever had.” And it was true. I really hated the thought of being away from him.

  “Same here,” he said. “I wish we could spend the night together again, but I guess I have to drive you home.”

  A thought hit me and I felt a smile cross my face.

  Henry laughed. “That’s an extremely seductive expression. What are you thinking?”

  “I’m thinking that you and Delilah could have a sleepover at my house tonight. I mean, you know, it’s only right to have manners and reciprocate.”

  Henry threw his head back laughing. “Chloe Radcliffe, you’re my kind of woman. I love the way you think.”

  Chapter 47

  By the end of the month we had worked out a routine of spending a few nights a week either at Henry’s condo or Koi House—and we continued to fall more and more in love.

  I enjoyed having Sundays and Mondays off work when the shop was closed. I had just put a load of laundry into the washer when my cell phone rang.

  I smiled when I saw Eli’s name on the caller ID. “How are you?” I said. “I’ve been meaning to call you.” I had spoken to my son a few weeks before but had neglected to mention Henry. “Are you and Treva still loving your new house?”

  “We are. My job is going well and moving to Jacksonville was a good choice.”

  “I’m so happy for both of you. Are you planning to get down here to visit soon?”

  “We’re hoping within the next few weeks. And you’ll have to get up here too to see our new place. But the reason I’m calling . . . I have some news for you.”

  “Oh, good. I have some news for you too. What’s yours?”

  “Treva’s pregnant. You’re going to be a grandmother.”

  “Oh, my God, Eli! Really?” I could feel the moisture in my eyes. “I’ve waited so long to hear you say those words. How is she? Is she okay?”

  Eli laughed. “She’s fine. Only about four weeks along but she’s already seen the doctor and everything is great. She’s due in June.”

  A grandchild. I was going to be a grandmother. “Eli, I’m so excited for both of you. And for me too.” Thoughts of knitting baby sweaters and booties and blankets floated through my mind.

  “I knew you would be and we wanted you to be the first to know. I plan to call Mathis and let him know he’s going to be an uncle.”

  “I know he’ll be thrilled for you.”

  “So, Mom. What’s your news?”

  “Oh.” I could feel myself hesitating. “Well, it certainly can’t compare with your news. But, well . . . I’ve met somebody.”

  “That’s great. It’s about time. Somebody special?”

  “Very special, yes.”

  “This sounds serious,” he said.

  “It is, Eli. More serious than I would have thought possible. It just kind of... happened.”

  “That’s wonderful. Who’s the lucky guy?”

  “It’s Henry. Henry Wagner.”

  “The guy you rented the condo from?”

  “Yes. He came down here about six weeks ago and we met and well . . . it’s been a whirlwind, to say the least. But . . . we both know we want each other. It all sounds so high school, I know—”

  “Don’t be silly, Mom,” Eli interrupted. “That’s how love is. It just comes along and hits you full force and there’s no turning back.”

  All of a sudden my son sounded like the parent. “That’s exactly what happened.”

  “Well, I look forward to meeting him when we come to visit. And Mom, I’m really happy for you. You deserve to have a great guy in your life. He is great, isn’t he?”

  I laughed. “Oh, yeah. The best.”

  After my call with Eli, I decided to call Mathis and tell him my news, and his reaction was the same as Eli’s. He was very happy for me and said he was planning to come down and spend Christmas with me this year.

  My next call was to Henry. “Good morning,” I said. “I’m going to be a grandmother!”

  Henry’s wonderful laugh came across the line. “Oh, Chloe. That’s great. I’m so happy for you. I know you’ve been hoping for this.”

  “I have, and I wanted you to be the first one I shared it with. Eli called a little while ago to give me the happy news. Treva is due in June. They’re planning a trip down here to visit in a few weeks and you’ll get to meet them.”

  “I’m looking forward to that. Are we still on for this evening?”

  “We are. Basil and I will be over around four.”

  “Great. I’ll see you then. Oh, and Chloe . . . I love you.”

  “I love you too, Henry.”

  Now I wished the yarn shop were open today so I could spread my grandmother news. I saw it was just after ten and knew Mavis Anne would be on the patio enjoying her coffee and the Sunday newspaper.

  “Come on, Basil. Let’s go visit Mavis Anne.”

  Both Mavis and Yarrow were sitting on the patio with David and Clive, all four poring over different sections of the paper.

  “Good morning,” I called.

  “Chloe. Good morning,” Mavis Anne said. “Come and join us. Would you like some coffee?”

  “Thanks, but no. I was in the middle of doing laundry when Eli called, and I have the most exciting news that I wanted to share with you . . . I’m going to be a grandmother.”

  Yarrow jumped up to give me a hug. “Oh, I’m so happy for you.”

  David was right behind her, kissing both my cheeks. “Congratulations, Grandma.”

  “This is very exciting news,” Mavis Anne said, a huge smile covering her face. “How wonderful—I know you’re just thrilled. When is she due?”

  “Thanks. The baby is due in June. So it’ll be a while.”

  “That’ll give you a lot of time to knit all those baby items I know you’ve been itching to make,” Yarrow said.

  I laughed and nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. Gosh, I can hardly believe it. I’ve looked forward to this day for so long and now, it’s finally happening.”

  “Most things do,” Mavis Anne said. “Everything in its own time.”

  “Very true. Well, I want to go call Isabelle. I wanted to tell her about Henry, but now I have even more news to share.”

  Basil and I headed back through the gate to the house. I picked up my phone from the counter and dialed Isabelle’s number.

  “Hello,” I heard her say.

  Her voice sounded scratchy. “Oh, gosh, did I wake you up? It’s Chloe.”

  “Oh . . . Chloe . . . hi.”

  “Are you okay, Isabelle? I’m sorry if I woke you.”

  “No . . . I wasn’t sleeping. Just dozing. How are you?”

  “I’m good, but you don’t sound like yourself. Is everything all right?”

  “Yeah . . . fine. What’s going on?”

&n
bsp; I sensed everything wasn’t all right and now I felt awkward telling her about Henry and my grandmother news.

  “Well . . . I just wanted to share some news with you. You remember Henry Wagner? The man I rented the condo from?”

  “Sure. Didn’t you finally meet him and go out for dinner?”

  “I did, and that one dinner has evolved into quite a few more. Over these past six weeks . . . well, I know it happened pretty fast, but we’re now in a relationship.”

  “Oh . . . that’s great, Chloe. I’m happy for you.”

  But her voice sounded apathetic—not jealous or angry or even happy, just devoid of emotion. What the hell was going on with Isabelle?

  “Where’s Haley? How’s she doing?”

  “Oh . . . she must be at the gym again. Practically lives there now.”

  Something definitely wasn’t right. Was Isabelle depressed? Sick?

  “Are you sure you’re okay? Any luck finding a job?”

  “No luck at all. I can’t seem to find anything. But I’m okay. Really.”

  Her voice perked up a little but I wasn’t sure if it was forced to convince me or she really was okay.

  “Have you given any more thought to relocating down here? Maybe you’d have better luck finding a job in Ormond Beach.”

  “I have been thinking about it, but haven’t made a decision yet. We’ll see. Oh, I have another call. Probably Haley needing me to pick her up at the gym. We’ll talk again soon. Love you, Chloe.”

  “Love you too,” I said to the disconnected line and realized we’d hung up before I could give her the baby news.

  I made a mental note to call Haley later before I went to Henry’s. Something was definitely not right with Isabelle.

  I walked upstairs with clothes from the dryer on hangers. Opening my closet door to place them on the rack, my eyes strayed to the spot where Emmalyn’s wooden box was still hidden. I had given David the letter, but for some reason I wasn’t able to part with the box or the remaining contents. Just as I had suspected, there had been no further dreams of the woman in the red evening gown. Perhaps Grace had been right—the dreams were meant as a message to me. A helpful message.