Rocky Point Promise

by Barbara McMahon

  “Hey, Tate, good to see you, son,” his father greeted him when he entered the house. Sitting in front of the television, with a sports report going full blast, Todd Johnson waved and muted the sound.

  “Hi, Dad. You’re looking rested.” Tate took in the scene as his father rose to give him a hug.

  “I am. We were on the go the entire time in Boston, but a different kind of activity from home, so I feel fit as a fiddle.”

  “Where’s Mom?” Tate asked.

  “In the kitchen—where else? That woman does love to cook,” he said affectionately. “She gave me a rundown on every meal we had in Boston, telling me what spices were used, how she would have prepared it. Honestly, I think she should have started her own restaurant.”

  “I’ll go say hi. Be back in a few.”

  Tate continued through to the kitchen where he found his mother stirring something on the stove. The aromas made his mouth water.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Oh, Tate, there you are. Nice of you to come see us when I know you must have had other plans.” She gave him a quick hug. “Want something to drink?”

  “I’ll get a soda. No other plans.”

  “Oh, well, that’s too bad.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “You could have brought Faith to dinner.”

  Tate raised an eyebrow at that. “Why would I do that?” He was not up to his mother’s matchmaking this evening. Bill Raymond had made some comment this afternoon about Tate seeing the new nurse in town when he’d run into Bill outside the post office.

  “Well, so we’d get to know her and all,” Cecile Johnson said.

  “She attends Trinity. You can see her Sunday,” he said, popping open the soda and taking a drink. “Can I help?”

  “No, I have everything under control. Dinner’ll be ready in twenty minutes.’

  “I’ll keep Dad company, then,” he said. Walking down the hall, he wondered why all of a sudden people thought he was seeing Faith.

  He was, but not like that. She was new in town. He was just showing her the ropes. They weren’t dating. He didn’t date. He had loved his wife and still mourned her death.

  And Faith was nothing like Mandy.

  “Mom chase you out?” his father asked when he returned to the living room.

  “She says she doesn’t need any help.” He wondered where she’d gotten the idea that he was interested in Faith. He’d been very clear with the new nurse that he was not looking for romance. She’d been burned herself. She was not looking for any involvement, either. Which made their friendship perfect.

  And that’s all it was—a friendship. He’d never even touched her.

  Well, except for the hug she’d given him at the clinic. But that had been in gratitude for finding out she could keep the dog. And a couple of times when their hands had brushed against each other while they were passing puppies around.

  He looked at his father who had started watching TV again. What did he think? And why had Bill Raymond made that comment?

  In less than fifteen minutes his mom called them to dinner.

  “Tell me about your trip,” Tate said after they had said grace over the evening meal and began to put food on the plates.

  “It was fabulous,” his mother said. “We saw all the historic sites, like the old North Church and Bunker Hill. Then Old Ironsides.”

  “Hadn’t you seen all that before? You took me when I was a kid.”

  “But that’s been years. And when we visited you and Mandy, we mostly came to see you two. It was fun to play tourist again. And the food was marvelous. Better than a cruise ship,” his father said.

  Tate laughed. “When were you on a cruise ship?

  “I know about them. Just never wanted to go.”

  “Sure. So what did you like the most?” Tate couldn’t wait to hear what his father’s take on their sightseeing was.

  “The waterfront,” his dad said quickly.

  “I liked the shopping,” his mother added. “You should see the pretty dress I bought to wear to the wedding. I was going to wear my old blue one, but I really liked this one. So are plans well under way?”

  “Far as I know. We have the rehearsal scheduled for Friday, then the ceremony on Saturday, reception afterward. I’ll be glad when it’s over.”

  “Oh, I love weddings,” his mom said with a big smile. “Yours was so lovely. I hope this one for Joe works out better than his first one.”

  Tate nodded. “I think it will.”

  His mother looked at him speculatively. “So how did you meet Faith?”

  “The nurse?” He tried to downplay the entire situation. “When Jesse’s boat rammed into my head. She’s the new nurse at the clinic and assisted the doctor.”

  “Yes, you’ve said that. But you’ve seen her away from the clinic, so I’ve been hearing,” his mother persisted.

  “A couple of times. I took her to the singles group at church, just to introduce her around.” Tate tried to sound casual about it. Who was gossiping to his mother? One of the drawbacks of living in a small town where so many people knew him.

  “That was nice of you,” his mother said. “Honey, do you want some more green beans?” she asked her husband.

  Tate waited for more questions, but after his father took the bowl of beans, his mother began to tell him more about their vacation. Tate was glad for the change of subject.

  “So, next weekend we’re planning our summer barbecue. Do you think you’ll have Saturday afternoon off?” his mother asked as she was preparing to clear the table when the meal finished.

  “I don’t know, Mom. It’s the last weekend before Labor Day and usually I ask for the entire crew to be on duty. Hard to take off when everyone else is working.”

  “We go through this each year,” she sighed.

  He smiled at her indulgently. “Why not have the barbecue later, then?” he asked.

  “The weather could change. It just works out best now. The church picnic’s on Labor Day, so folks have that to go to. Later in the year isn’t the same. Plus, this year the weekend after Labor Day is the wedding.”

  “Are you two going to the church picnic?” Trinity had its annual end-of-summer picnic at Carlisle Beach on Labor Day each year.

  “I don’t know.... I expect we’ll stop in for a while. But it’s more for families, don’t you think? Remember what fun we all had when you and Stacy were younger?” his mother reflected with a fond smile. “Couldn’t get you kids out of the water sometimes.”

  He and his sister had loved those picnics.

  “We’re a family,” Tate said.

  “I meant with younger children. We loved going when you and your sister were little.”

  “We were younger then,” his dad added. “Didn’t mind the sand as much.”

  Tate laughed. His father always complained about the sand getting in the car and then into the house. “Yeah, but if you don’t go, sand will still find its way.”

  “You going?” his dad asked.

  “Only if there’s trouble.”

  His mother looked at him and smiled. “Then let’s see if you can make it to our gathering. I’m asking the Brewers, the Ballards, the Kincaids, the Winters and the Pollards, of course. I haven’t seen much of Zack since he’s been back.” She took a breath. “And I want to see Bill Winter. I heard he’s back at work a couple of days a week. Amazing to think he had a kidney transplant only a month ago.”

  Tate nodded. Marcie’s dad had come through a kidney transplant and regained his former health with remarkable speed. The annual summer barbecue was a family tradition going back to when he and his sister were kids. He’d do his best to arrange a few hours off to attend.

  If he didn’t fear that his mother wou
ld read more into it than warranted, he’d suggest she invite Faith. It would be a good place for her to get to know people better. She already saw Gillian a few times a week when Jenny went to see the puppies. She didn’t know Marcie as well, or Ally Ballard. She’d fit right in.

  But with the earlier comments ringing in his ears, he wasn’t going there at all.

  As he drove home later, Tate went through town. It was out of his direct route to his house, but he wanted to make sure things were okay. When he drove by the waterfront, he glanced up at the window of Faith’s apartment. It was dark. Was she out? He wondered where she could be. Maybe she’d just gone to bed early.

  The thought of another man taking her on a date wouldn’t dissipate as he reached home. Not that he’d begrudge her that. But who in town would be suitable? He couldn’t think of anyone.

  When Faith returned home Saturday from her shift at the clinic, her new answering machine was flashing. Had a friend from Portland called? She’d given her cell number to her closest friends, who called periodically. But who had her home phone?

  She pressed the replay button and was surprised to hear an unknown female voice.

  “Faith Stewart? This is Cecile Johnson. Tate’s mother. We’re having our summer barbecue next Saturday and wanted to include you. I know we haven’t met yet, but any friend of Tate’s is more than welcome. I think you’ll know several of the other guests. The Kincaids will be here. And Tate, of course, if he can get off work. Do plan to join us. Come around three. We’ll visit, have dinner and just enjoy ourselves.”

  She ended the call with her phone number.

  Faith played it again. Tate’s mother was definitely inviting her to what seemed to be a family tradition—a summer barbecue.

  “Well, Maggie, now what do we do? Go and start the rumor mill humming? Or stay and miss a great opportunity to learn more about the sheriff and cement friendships with others in town?”

  She sat down on the floor and played with the puppies while discussing the matter with the mama dog.

  “I fended off an inquiry at the store the other day. Today Marjorie was snippy again. I understand her being miffed that I took the job she hoped her niece would get.” But did her niece hope for a friendship with the sheriff, too?

  Maggie wagged her tail and tried to lick Faith. Her laughter rang out as she fended off the dog.

  She wanted to ask Tate about the event, but hesitated because she was overly conscious of Marjorie’s scathing comments about calling the sheriff and making a pest of herself. Maybe she’d see him at church in the morning and could ask him then. He’d be polite, of course, but maybe he’d rather she not join them. He wouldn’t want to give rise to talk of an incipient romance any more than she did.

  Why did people have to gossip?

  Faith still had not decided what to do when she arrived at church the next morning. The day was a bit blustery. Rain was expected later in the week, to the dismay of the vacationers. Not many visitors at the church, but Faith had heard some bemoaning the end of summer yesterday as she’d walked home, passing them on the sidewalk.

  She greeted everyone with a smile. Those she already knew, she stopped to chat with for a minute. Stan, from the singles group, asked her to join them for lunch at Marcie’s. “I’d love to. I’ll meet everyone there,” she said, glad to have plans. Pleased with the easygoing friendships she was making.

  She saw the Johnsons as she entered. She recognized them from the previous week. She should have called back to answer the invitation. Looking for Tate, she didn’t see him. She really wanted to talk to him before accepting—or declining.

  “Tate working this morning?” one of the women from the singles group asked when she saw Faith.

  “I expect so,” she said. This was getting out of hand. She didn’t know Tate’s plans any more than Janette or Stan did.

  “He’ll come if he can,” another said, with a smile at Faith.

  Was she reading into things that weren’t there? Or was there a knowing look in the woman’s expression? Surely members of the singles group knew better than others that everyone was there for friendship, not to start a romantic relationship.

  Faith sat with Janette again, moving in enough to leave space for anyone who came later. When the music started, she was startled to see Tate walking in. He slipped into the pew next to her, wearing his uniform without the utility belt.

  “I’m taking downtime for this. Still on call, so I hope the phone doesn’t go off,” he whispered as she moved over to give him more room.

  Janette leaned in front of Faith to smile a welcome.

  “Tell him about lunch,” she whispered to Faith.

  “A bunch of us from the singles group are meeting at Marcie’s for lunch,” Faith murmured, leaning close enough to smell his aftershave. It started her heart racing. She gripped the hymnal tightly, her eyes meeting his. For a second it was as if they were the only two people there. His dark eyes were warm, and his smile had her heart tripping again with that dimple showing.

  Then the organ music started and everyone rose to sing the opening hymn. Faith flipped open her book to the page and began singing. She was startled when Tate reached out to hold the hymnal with her and began to sing. His deep voice was lovely. She felt an uplifting in her heart to praise the Lord in song beside Tate.

  It was more difficult this time to focus on what the pastor was saying with Tate sitting just inches away. She was conscious of the invitation that his mother had given. Did he know? She wished she could have asked him before the service began, just to have it settled.

  Finally concentrating on the pastor’s message she listened to the lesson from Paul about faith unceasing. That’s what she needed, never any doubts about her future, just enduring faith.

  A peace descended and she was refreshed by the sermon.

  Tate listened to the words Pastor John spoke and wondered why it was hard for men to have that rock-solid faith. He’d studied the Bible over the years and knew the promise of the Lord. But when bad things happened—like Mandy’s death—his own faith wobbled. He had prayed and come to peace with the situation. But Paul would have soldiered on without the wavering faith. He wanted that same kind of steadfast spirituality.

  When the service ended, he rose and stepped in the aisle, waiting for Faith and Janette to proceed him out. On the front steps he replaced his hat carefully. The area that had healed was still a bit tender.

  “So, can you take time to join us for lunch?” Janette asked.

  Tate looked down at her. “I’ll check in and let you know,” he said.

  “Tate, there you are,” his mother came down the shallow steps and hurried over to him.

  “I didn’t see you in church.”

  “I came in just as the service started,” he said, giving her a hug.

  She smiled at the two women. “Ah, Faith Stewart, just the young woman I wanted to see.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Johnson,” Faith said, knowing what was coming. She glanced at Janette, wondering what she thought about all this.

  “I’m pleased to meet you at last,” Cecile Johnson said with a friendly smile.

  “Sorry, Mom, I thought you already had met. You remember Janette, of course.”

  “Of course I do. How are you?”

  “Doing fine, Cecile. A group of us are heading for lunch at Marcie’s. I’ll see you there, Faith,” Janette said as she turned and went to catch up with another member of their group.

  “I didn’t hear from you, so thought I’d catch you today to see if you’re coming next week,” Cecile Johnson said.

  “I got your message, but I didn’t have a chance to respond,” Faith replied.

  Tate looked back and forth between the women. Faith looked at him with silent entreaty. What was going on? His mother had invit
ed Faith to the barbecue?

  “Well, we do hope you can make it. My husband cooks the best barbecue ribs in town!”

  He looked at his mother. Why had she invited Faith without even mentioning it to him?

  “Tell her, Tate, how much fun it is,” his mother said, seemingly oblivious to the rising tension.

  “It’s fun.” He wasn’t sure how he felt. One thing for sure—he and his mother needed to have a chat. Was she matchmaking? After what Faith had gone through before with the fiancé who didn’t stick around, he didn’t want her to be the center of speculation.

  “I’ll have to let you know, if I can wait a bit longer,” Faith said. “I work at the clinic Saturdays.”

  “I know it’s open until one. We don’t start until around three and go on until after dark. We’ll have a lot of people for you to meet and some you already know, like the Kincaids.” She gave Faith a warm smile. “Lots of kids, actually, as most of Tate’s friends who come have children already. I can’t wait until we have our own grandchildren…”

  Tate wanted to groan. Definitely matchmaking. And she hadn’t a clue about the true situation with Faith. Every so often, his mother let something slip about wanting grandchildren. Let his sister provide them. Were they after her as much to get married and have kids? He’d have to ask her the next time they talked. She lived in New York and came home to Rocky Point only on rare occasions.

  “We have to go, Mom,” he said, taking control before anything worse came from his mother.

  He took Faith’s arm and walked across the lawn to the sidewalk.

  “Sorry about that,” he said. “If you don’t want to go, just say no.”

  “I’d hoped to find you before I had to answer to see what you thought. I mean, it’s really nice of your mother to include me, but is there a hidden message there?”

  “Like she’s matchmaking? My guess is yes,” he said.

  “Then I should stay away.”

  “The barbecue is fun. You’d know some of the other guests. The Kincaids always come, and Marylou and Sam. I also think Ally Ballard would be someone you’d like. And there are the kids. I believe this year Sean and his mother are coming.”