Love Finds You in Daisy, Oklahoma

by Janice Hanna

  Sadie gave her hand a squeeze. “Your story’s safe with me.” She giggled at the pun. “Literally. Mum’s the word, I promise.” Her eyes lit up. “But I still want to know how you go about creating a hero for your story. Do you dream him up, or is he patterned after someone real?” She gave Rena a sly wink. “Someone you’ve got your eye on, perhaps?”

  Rena began to fan herself. “Heavens, no. My stories are pure fiction. Nothing but.”

  “Oh, I see.” The downcast look on Sadie’s face reflected her thoughts on that news. “Well, then, tell me about this man. This fictional man, I mean. I can’t wait to hear all about him. Is he suave? Debonair? Gallant?”

  “I suppose he’s all of those things, though not in the traditional way. I’ve written him to be kind and generous—very giving. That’s his appeal, not necessarily his good looks.”

  Sadie wrinkled her nose. “Are you saying he’s not handsome?”

  Rena couldn’t help the grin that arose. “Merciful heavens. Well, yes, he’s handsome. To me, anyway. I cannot say if other women would find him equally as appealing.”

  Sadie’s brow wrinkled. “I feel sure he’s quite dashing. But you’re sure you didn’t pattern him after anyone you know?”

  Rena shook her head, suddenly ready to put this conversation behind her. “This story was begun years and years ago, while you were still in primary school.”

  Sadie’s eyes widened. “You don’t mean to tell me you’ve been crafting the same novel all these years?”

  “Well, yes.” Rena paused. “I’ve been working on its various components. The plot needed work, you see. And the characterization left something to be desired. As I aged, I had to…well, I had to adjust the ages of the characters. And as my interests changed, I noticed that the story wanted to change along with me. So it has morphed over time into something quite different from what it once was.” She sighed and looked out the window. “Anyway, let’s don’t talk about it anymore.”

  “I’ll let it go on one condition,” Sadie said. “You have to let me read it.”

  Rena gasped. “No. I mean, no one has ever…” She shook her head, suddenly feeling ill. “It’s not for others. Not yet, anyway. Not until I’ve perfected it.”

  “After all these years, I’d say it’s about as good as it’s going to get.”

  Rena reached out to take it from her, but Sadie would not let go of it.

  “Sadie, please. I’m terribly embarrassed already.”

  “No need to be. And please don’t argue. I’m going to read it, if it’s the last thing I do.”

  Rena tried to swipe the book from her again, this time tickling Sadie to get her to release it. The notebook flew from the younger woman’s hands and shot into the air, and when it landed on the floor, a couple of loose pages fell out. Rena gasped as she realized that Gene’s love letters, which she’d hidden inside the notebook, were now in plain view.

  “What have we here?” Sadie rose from the bed, leaned down, and picked up the letters.

  “No!” Rena tried to grab them but only succeeded in ripping off the corner of the one on top.

  “‘My dearest Rena…,’” Sadie read the words aloud. Well, the first few words, anyway. After a moment, her cheeks turned pink and she grew silent. Looking up, she said, “Oh, Aunt Rena…”

  Rena buried her face in her hands.

  Sadie folded the letters, shoved them back in the book, and handed the book to her without a word. When she did speak, her words were laced with emotion. “I…I had no idea. I mean, I had some idea, of course. It’s clear when he looks at you that he’s smitten. And Charlie tried to tell me that he felt sure something was afoot.”

  “He…he did?”

  Sadie nodded. “Yes. But to think that Sheriff Wyatt could compose so beautiful a letter simply takes my breath away.” She paused. “Not that it’s my business. And now I feel just awful for reading something so private.”

  “You think you feel awful. I’m feeling downright sick. Never planned for a living soul to see those.” Rena pressed the notebook under her pillow once more and then—with her stomach in knots—finished making the bed. That done, she turned to face her niece and released a slow breath.

  Before she could say a word, Sadie gave her a little wink. “It will be our little secret,” she said, crossing her heart. “I promise, I won’t breathe a word to anyone.”

  Gene walked to the door of his office and looked outside.

  “Looking for me?” His mother’s voice called from the outer office.

  “Oh, actually I was wondering what happened to Charlie. He went out a half hour ago to buy some coffee and never came back.”

  “I would guess he’s gone over to see you-know-who.” She grinned.

  “Probably.” The young deputy had been spending more time than usual at the children’s home. Gene had his suspicions that it had little to do with the children.

  “You have to admit, they’re a darling couple,” Gene’s mother said. “Though it will surely break his heart when she leaves for New York in a couple of weeks.”

  “No doubt. Can’t imagine what his frame of mind will be like when she goes.”

  “It’s your frame of mind I’m concerned with right now,” she said. “That’s why I’ve come for a visit. Hope you don’t mind.”

  “What’s wrong with my frame of mind?” Gene asked.

  “You’ve been acting a little odd lately. Are you feeling all right?”

  “I’m in perfect health. Never better.”

  “And the boys?”

  “They’re as happy as larks. You saw them on Christmas Day. They’re in fine form these days. They’re with the other children today. Jenny and Jonathan have taken them all to the Wilkersons’ farm to go sledding.”

  “Jenny and Jonathan, eh?” She pursed her lips. “Well, now, isn’t that nice?”

  “Mother, don’t meddle.”

  “Me? Meddle?” She grinned. “I’m not. I just think it’s sweet. Love is in the air. And you’re right about the boys. They do seem to be making progress.” She paused. “But that’s not really why I stopped by. I just thought you’d want to know that Rena and Sadie are on their way over to measure the windows for drapes.”

  “Mother, honestly, I think we can forego the idea of changing up the jail. It’s been perfectly fine like this for years, so I’m confident it’ll go on being fine for years to come just as it is.”

  A rap at the door interrupted his impassioned speech about how fine everything was. Gene looked over to discover Rena standing there, holding fabric samples and looking enthused.

  “Are you ready?” she asked.

  After shifting his gaze to her beautiful eyes, Gene had to admit…he would paint the jail cell bright purple if she asked him to. How in the world could he say no to a wonderful smile like that?

  As he helped her out of her coat, Rena rambled on about drapes. Behind her, Charlie carried in several packages for Sadie.

  Gene hung Rena’s coat on a hook and turned to his deputy. “There you are, Charlie. Took you long enough to get the coffee.”

  “Coffee!” Charlie groaned. “I forgot to buy the coffee.”

  “But that’s all you went after,” Gene said.

  “You can blame me,” Sadie said and then giggled. “See, we were in the general store making our purchases when Charlie arrived. I’m afraid I was a terrible distraction. I asked for his help in choosing fabrics. He does work here too, and I felt sure he would know which fabrics you might prefer.” She flashed a smile Gene’s way.

  He sighed. “Guess I’ll have to go to the store myself. Can’t make it through the afternoon without coffee.”

  “Oh, before you go…” Rena gave him an imploring look. “I’ll need to take measurements of the windows.” She stretched out a measuring tape and took a few steps toward the east window. “We’ll need to buy rods, of course. And paint. But getting the correct measurements is so important. I wonder if you would be so kind as to help me?”
r />   She pulled a small stool over to the window and attempted to step up on it but nearly toppled in the process. He got there just in time for his hands to wrap around her slender waist, breaking her fall. She landed in his arms and the two stood face-to-face. He felt her breath on his cheek. Still, he did not release his hold. Not yet, anyway. Instead, he gazed into her eyes, his heart quickening. The sweetest smile lit her face, and he felt sure she had that same sense of longing that had so recently swept over him.

  From across the room a giggle rang out. “Well, lookee there,” Sadie said. “The hero sweeps in and saves the damsel in distress. That’s a story worthy of publishing in one of those dime novels my mama reads.”

  Gene couldn’t help but wonder at the glare Rena shot Sadie’s way. Had he offended her by breaking her fall? Surely not. Perhaps the lingering gaze had been his downfall.

  Rena’s face turned red and he let go of her at once.

  She handed him the measuring tape. “Would you…I mean, would you mind measuring it for me? I need height and width, please. And while you’re doing that, I’ll go fetch the coffee.”

  Before he could say “What did I do?” she disappeared through the door and into the cold.

  Strange…it suddenly felt colder inside the jail than outside in the snow.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  TIPS FOR DEALING WITH UNRULY YOUNG’UNS—I would like to offer a tip for dealing with undisciplined children: be consistent. If a parent establishes a daily routine—meals at a certain time, naps at a certain time, and so on—the child will feel safe. Children respond well when they know what to expect. As the parent, you must not only set the routine, but you must stick to it. This is never more important than at bedtime. A happy child is a well-rested child.

  —Virginia Jewel, of the Gulfport Jewels

  The day before Sadie was set to leave for New York, Charlie went missing. Gene wondered about him all day and even made a few calls to search for him, but the young deputy could not be found. By early afternoon Gene had received word from Rena that Sadie was missing, as well. No doubt the two were sneaking in one last day before she had to leave town. He didn’t blame them, of course, but Charlie should have mentioned it. This wasn’t like him.

  Late afternoon, Gene stopped by his mother’s place to pick up Jacob and William. She met him at the door and ushered him inside.

  “Hungry?” she asked.

  “Starved.”

  He took a seat at her table alongside the boys, who were calmer than usual. They actually sat through the whole meal without punching each another. Strange. Must be something in the water.

  After the boys finished eating, Gene lingered at the table to talk to his mother.

  “You’ve got something on your mind?” she asked.

  “Concerned about Charlie. He didn’t show up today.”

  “Ah. I heard from Rena that Sadie was missing too. I’m sure they’re off together on some last-minute adventure.” She rose and began to clear the dishes. “I’ll be honest…I’m worried about Charlie. When Sadie leaves tomorrow, he’s probably going to fall apart. Likely you’ll be the one dealing with the heartbreak on this end.”

  “I’ve already thought about that, and it concerns me. Not sure how he’s going to recover with her so far away.”

  “Sadie’s had quite an effect on him.” She paused and set the gravy bowl back down on the table. “She’s so much like her aunt, don’t you think? Same kind, loving manner. They both have such a way of winning folks over.”

  Gene thought about what she’d said. “I guess you’re right. Never thought about it.”

  “Speaking of folks who are being won over, I guess you’ve heard about Molly?”

  “What has she done this time?”

  “I think you might be surprised.” His mother quirked a brow. “I saw this with my own eyes—otherwise, I’m not sure I would’ve believed it. She actually spoke several kind words to Rena at the general store this morning.”

  “Perhaps she’s ill. Or maybe she’s not in her right mind. Too much eggnog.”

  “No. She seemed perfectly normal. Only…kinder. Perhaps it’s some sort of New Year’s resolution to be a better person. Or maybe Rena’s growing on her.”

  Like she’s growing on all of us.

  His mother picked up the dishes once again and disappeared into the kitchen. She returned moments later with the coffeepot in hand. She filled Gene’s cup, and he reached for it before leaning back in his chair.

  “I, for one, think it would be wonderful if Molly comes around. Perhaps if she grows close to Rena, she will eventually see the good in the children under Rena’s care. Don’t you think?”

  Gene shook his head as concerns kicked in. “Actually, I’m more worried that the opposite might take place. Maybe Molly will sway Rena away from her post. Did you ever think of that?”

  “Oh, surely not.” Concern now etched his mother’s face. “Rena’s meant to be here with those children. It’s quite obvious.”

  “To you and me, perhaps, but I’m not sure she’s completely settled. At least, not to the extent I’d hoped. So I hope Molly isn’t some sort of catalyst to drive her back to Gulfport before the new director arrives.” For whatever reason, when he spoke the words “back to Gulfport,” Gene’s heart twisted. “If she goes away, it will change everything.” He grew silent as his thoughts shifted.

  After a moment, his mother cleared her throat. “I see how it is.”

  “W–what do you mean?”

  Her brows elevated. “If she went away, it would change everything?”

  He paused. “Well, with my boys, I mean. And the rest of the children.”

  “And you?” She gave him a pointed look, one he couldn’t ignore.

  Gene shifted in his chair then tugged at his collar. “It’s been helpful to have her here, I must confess. She’s very…” He paused and attempted to come up with just the right word. Truly, she was a godsend. Everything about having her here had been a blessing, right down to the way she had bonded with his boys. Of course, that beautiful smile didn’t hurt, either. Neither did those pretty eyes. And those clothes she’d been wearing of late. All those colors did his heart good.

  Stop it, man. Just be honest with yourself for a change.

  Rena Jewel had been the one to fall into his arms the other day at the jail, but he was the one who’d fallen emotionally. Only, how would he tell her? Did she even feel the same way, or had he imagined the joy on her face in that wonderful moment?

  “Um, Gene?”

  He started back to attention and looked his mother’s way. “Yes?”

  “Son, there’s no crime in admitting you’re smitten. It’s no sin. And I, for one, think it would be terrific for the boys to have a motherly influence.”

  “Well, I suppose that’s what I was saying all along. Rena has already slipped into that role for all of the children.”

  “Yes, but I think your heart is hoping for a bit more with your two. Am I right?”

  He shifted his gaze out the window and noticed Molly walking by. “I think perhaps we’ve deviated from the original conversation, Mother. We were talking about Molly’s influence on Rena.”

  “Were we? I was sure we were talking about Rena’s influence on Molly.” His mother grinned then rose and took a step toward the door. “Though I must say, Rena’s influence appears to have affected more than just Molly.” She gave him a wink then pulled open the door and disappeared from view.

  Gene leaned back in his seat, his thoughts now tumbling. Charlie had fallen for Sadie in just a few short weeks. Their feelings for one another were undeniable. Why, then, had it taken Gene so long to realize he had feelings for Rena?

  He did, of course. And he could no longer deny it.

  Now, to figure out what to do about it.

  A wave of relief washed over Rena as Sadie came through the front door.

  “Sadie, where in the world have you been? It’s been hours. I’ve been worried sick.”
>
  “I’m so sorry.” Sadie’s cheeks flushed pink as she shrugged out of her coat. “I know I should have told you, but Charlie took me for a drive. We had the most wonderful day. He showed me the house he grew up in and then took me by the school. After that, we went to Tushka to see his mother.”

  “Tushka? You drove all the way to Tushka?”

  “Mm-hmm. And then we went to Atoka. Oh, it was so pretty. Charlie told me all about the tornado in Atoka two years ago. Did you know that’s how Gene’s wife died? She had gone to visit her mother, who was ill.”

  “Gene doesn’t really talk about it,” Rena said. “He’s very private.”

  “Yes.” Sadie shook her head. “Such a sad story.” After a moment, she smiled. “There’s still snow on the ground in Atoka, would you believe it? It melted here in Daisy days ago.” She fussed with the buttons on her coat, her hand fumbling over them. “Look at me. So silly.”

  “Sadie, are you quite sure you’re all right? You and Charlie had us all in a tizzy. Gene and Carolina came by this evening to see if I’d heard from you. I didn’t know what to say.”

  “Please don’t fret, Aunt Rena. I promise we were fine.” At this point, a look of desperation came over her. “But there’s something important I have to tell you. Maybe you’d better sit down.”

  Rena’s heart began to race. She took a seat in the chair and braced herself.

  Sadie walked to the fireplace and fingered the mantel. “Aunt Rena, you know me better than most anyone.”

  “Yes. Of course.”

  “You know I’m not prone to flightiness. Right?”

  “Right.”

  “And you trust my judgment.”

  “Until this moment, yes. But I have a feeling that what you’re about to say is going to change that.”

  “Oh, Aunt Rena…” Sadie rushed her way and took the empty spot next to her. “I’m in love with Charlie.”

  “You’re…you’re in love with him? I knew you were infatuated, of course. But…love?”

  Sadie closed her eyes and clasped her hands together. “Oh, yes. It’s the most wonderful feeling I’ve ever felt. I highly recommend it.”