Page 29 of Dangerous December (Northern Pines Suspense #8)
Beth cradled her mug of hot tea with both hands and studied Sophie’s worried expression. “You’ve just got one semester left, right? Surely things will work out.”
Sophie fingered the wedding rings she still wore on her left hand. “I hope so...but it’s all like a house of cards, just waiting for the first breeze. My financial aid is half what it was last year, and now the restaurant is cutting back its hours over the winter, because business has been slow.”
“Maybe you can pick up another job?”
“I’ll sure try, but it’s tricky, with my long commute and my class schedule. And in the spring, we’ll have long hours of practicum at the hospital.” A corner of her mouth rose in a wry grin. “My life sounds like quite a soap opera, doesn’t it?”
“I think you are amazing. Just think of what you’re doing—raising a son, going to school full-time, and supporting yourself.
How many people could do what you’re doing?
Just getting into the physical therapy program was tough.
I can’t imagine how difficult those classes are.
You need a T-shirt with Super Mommy on it. ”
Sophie broke into laughter. “Stop. You’re making me blush.”
“Well, it’s true. I’m so proud of you. When Rob died, you were so devastated that you didn’t know where to turn. And look at you now.”
“Well...I just hope I can continue. My parents are discussing the possibility of moving again. They want to start spending their winters down south, before they’re too old to enjoy it...or even make it their year-round home. And they should, if that’s what they want.”
“But then you won’t have them to watch over Eli.”
“It’s selfish of me, I know. But Eli can be a handful, and he needs consistency.
I’m praying that they’ll stay here just one more winter so I can finish college and get a decent job.
” She bit her lower lip. “They’ve just been wonderful, letting him stay there on weekends so I can pick up some extra shifts at the restaurant. And after school...”
“No one can care for a child just like his grandma,” Beth said with a smile.
“Especially one with special needs. And they refuse to let me pay them a nickel, which is a blessing because money has been so tight.”
“If they do go, you’ll need someone every day after school and on the weekends, right?”
“Not every day. It’ll depend on my spring class schedule during the week. I’m hoping for more regular waitress shifts on Friday and Saturday nights, because the tips are better.”
“Do you think he’d be willing to come to the bookstore after school?”
Sophie’s eyes widened. “I wasn’t hinting, honest. I know you’re not in the day-care business. What single gal wants to spend her Friday and Saturday nights babysitting?”
“The weekdays are no problem. I’m at the store from ten until nine in the evening anyway.” Beth took another sip of her peach tea. “He could have supper with me. And the weekends...we could work that out. If you can arrange something else, fine. But otherwise, it’s not like I’m dating anyone.”
Sophie blinked and sat back in her chair. “You are the most wonderful, best friend ever. Ever. I won’t impose on you like that, but the fact that you’d even offer is just incredible.”
“It’s not imposing. I’ll be disappointed if you don’t let him come over on the weekdays at least.” Beth grinned.
“He’s a good kid, and he always behaves well at the store.
And hey, since I’m destined to be a childless, crotchety old spinster, I’ll consider it a favor if I can enjoy him for a while. ”
“Thank you,” Sophie said fervently. “Maybe my parents will stay in town. But just knowing there’s another good option is such a relief.”
She paused, then her eyes took on a wicked gleam.
“But I don’t know about this ‘crotchety old spinster’ stuff.
Maybe you and I should try one of those online dating services after I graduate, just to see who is out there.
Maybe there’s an Adonis with a PhD, just around the corner. A perfect Mr. Right.”
Beth smiled, but shook her head. “I had my experience with a Mr. Right—I truly thought he was. But after that, I think I’ll be happier to live alone.”
Beth walked into Sloane House and inhaled the wonderful aromas of sage, parsley, butter, and onion. Lots and lots of melted butter.
“Oh, my word. This is incredible,” she breathed. “Someone is making dressing for Thanksgiving tomorrow, and I don’t think I can wait until then.”
From the settee in the parlor, Frank waved his cane at her and laughed. “Imagine coming home to this today, after almost four weeks in the hospital. Home cooking, and Thanksgiving to boot.”
“I’m just thankful for the invitation tomorrow.” She walked into the parlor and leaned over to give him a hug, careful to avoid the leg propped up on a footstool and pillows. “Maybe we can raid the kitchen when Elana and Reva aren’t looking.”
“Maybe.” Frank gave her a speculative look. “I hear you’re bringing pecan and peach pies, and cranberry-orange bread. Is that pecan pie good?”
“My grandma’s recipes, all of them. So I don’t dare tamper with them.” Beth winked at him as she sat on one of the carved walnut chairs flanking the settee. “I’d be in the doghouse until next Thanksgiving if I did.” She looked around, curious. “Where is everyone?”
“Carl is puttering on his car. Cody and the women-folk are in the kitchen.” Frank raised an eyebrow. “And just in case you’re interested, Dev brought me home from the hospital and then had to leave right away for an appointment at the VA in St. Paul.”
“The hospital?”
“Something about a required second checkup. He looked mighty tense about it, too. I think he has a lot riding on a clean bill of health. It’s already almost eight o’clock, so he oughta be home by now, wouldn’t you think?”
She sank against the back of her chair.
Dev had made no secret of his plans to go back into active service as soon as he’d healed and satisfied his commitment to Vivian’s will. He’d been crushed when his first VA appointment revealed he no longer qualified for active service.
So what was this about? Had he improved enough? If the Marines had some sort of change of heart, would he disappear into the Middle East again for years?
A hollow, aching place in her heart started to grow.
“You could convince him to stick around, you know,” Frank mused. “He might find Agate Creek is the very place he should put down roots.”
“I don’t think anyone will convince him of that. He’ll follow his heart...and I have a feeling it’s anywhere but here.” She stood and looked out the window toward the cottage, where she could see the glow of a solitary lamp through the living room curtains. “Does he leave lights on when he goes?”
“I’ve never noticed. If you see a light in there, maybe you should check it out.” Frank chuckled. “You can get a start on letting him know why he should stay around.”
Grabbing her purse and keys, she headed for the front door. “Great to have you back, Frank. See you tomorrow!”
Darkness had fallen, but silvery moonlight filtered through the thick, bare branches overhead, creating paisley designs of light and shadow on the stone walk.
A nervous flutter started dancing in Beth’s stomach when she reached up to knock on the door, but the door was ajar, so she gently pushed it with her fingertips. It swung wide with a soft creak. “Hello? Are you here?”
Bent over the antique oak desk near the fireplace, Dev jerked upward at the sound and spun around, his face tense and drawn.
“I hear you went to the VA today. How did it go?”
The expression in his eyes grew dark, unreadable.
“I asked for another check-up on my shoulder, and I asked them to reexamine my hearing. There’s actually been some improvement in my hearing—something the previous docs said would never happen.
” A half smile tilted one corner of his mouth.
“The shoulder is still weak, but maybe I’ll defy the odds.
They told me to report to North Carolina for a desk job.
Eventually, I might have another chance at combat duty. ”
The room seemed to fall away as she processed his words. “What about Sloane House? Your inheritance?”
“I talked to Nora. She said she couldn’t in good conscience force a soldier to stay home over this, especially since you live here permanently and the residents have been making such good progress. They’ve made some really positive comments about both of us, which helped.”
“So, y-you’re leaving. Just like that.”
“It’s been my life. I feel...cast adrift. Everyone I know is in the military.”
“Not everyone,” she said softly. She moved closer and rested a hip against the overstuffed chair by the fireplace, not trusting her knees.
After trying to forget him, her traitorous heart had fallen for him all over again.
“You have people who are like family right here in town. Carl and Reva and Cody.” And me. “People who care. What about your store? And Frank?”
He rubbed his jaw. “Frank is a natural. He reads up on everything, studies YouTube and the rest of the Internet, and is turning into quite an encyclopedia on the sports merchandise we offer. He’s great with the customers. He’ll be a fine manager whether I’m around or not.”
“But...you once said that you never wanted to be behind a desk.”
“For a while it will be okay.” Dev turned and rested his hands on her shoulders and brushed a brief kiss against her forehead. “It’s tempting to stay in Agate Creek, but...well... we both know that it’s over between us, so I’d better move on.”
He was right. She savored the warmth of his hands and the sweet, electric sensation of his gentle kiss, knowing she couldn’t read anything more into the reassuring gesture than it was.
Because soon he’d walk right back out of her life. And this time, it would be for good.