Kitabı oxu: «Georgia Sweethearts»

Chapter One

The third time Lillianne Barnes dropped the knitting needle—along with two stitches—should have been a clue. But she kept clacking the needles and wrapping the yarn like Great-Aunt Talitha had taught her, trying to make the soft blue yarn into something...anything. She glanced at the supposedly simple, “no-fail” directions. No fail for everyone else, maybe. But not for her.

Lilly chewed her lip as she tried one more time to carefully slip the loop of yarn to complete the transfer of the stitch from one needle to the other. It went where it was supposed to go, but the last two uneven loops followed prematurely and began to unravel.

She’d left her perfectly good job as manager of women’s clothing at a high-end department store—secure, enjoyable, with benefits—for this...mess?

With a growl, she tossed the whole bundle aside. “I give up. I cannot knit.”

“Must be a problem if you work in a yarn shop.”

She yelped, then jumped up, the metal folding chair scraping the floor behind her. A man built like a professional athlete stood in the doorway watching her with a bemused expression. His dark blond hair, playful blue eyes and crooked smile made her suck in a breath and hold it. Still, gorgeous or not, Mr. Six-Foot-Plus and his big, broad shoulders had barged in, ignoring the sign out front.

She exhaled long and loud, as if she found his presence annoying, though in reality, she was more frustrated by her clash with the knitting needles than by the handsome intruder. “I’m sorry, we’re closed for the day.”

He held up his hands palms forward. “I apologize for scaring you. I’m not here to buy anything.” He stepped farther into the room, his rugged jacket and muscular build out of place next to the softest of baby yarns. “My name is Daniel Foreman. I’m Ann Sealy’s grandson.”

Ann, Aunt Talitha’s good friend. The ache of loss once again settled in Lilly’s chest, squeezing like a fist.

Lilly left the circle of folding chairs in the corner and walked behind the counter, trying to remember if she’d seen this man at the funeral. But that whole week was still a blur.

She busied her hands straightening receipts, anything to keep from giving in to the tears stinging her eyes. “Your grandmother was very kind to help my great-aunt in her last days.”

“I’ve met Jenna. So you must be Lilly, the other niece who inherited this place.” His friendly expression gentled as he moved to the counter. “I’m sorry for your loss. Miss Talitha was a kind, generous woman.”

“Thank you.” A fresh wave of grief battered her already-tender heart. Talitha Barnes had been both kind and generous. But more than that, she’d been the only family Lilly and her sister, Jenna, could ever count on. Their aunt’s long-distance love had been the one constant throughout their unstable childhood.

“I heard you lived in Louisville before moving here to Georgia. Has coming to as small a town as Corinthia been a shock?”

“A bit. But everyone’s been really nice.”

“So how’s business?”

“A little slow today.” And the day before. And the day before that. At his look of sympathy, she escaped to the corner seating area and picked up her knitting, pulling out the remaining stitches and starting over.

She wouldn’t share the fact that The Yarn Barn was in terrible financial shape. That she’d only sold three measly skeins of yarn earlier that day—from the bargain bin.

Or that Aunt Talitha had requested Lilly and Jenna run the store one full year before selling the business.

Once again, her heart raced—this time in anxiety—making her face tingle and her hands go numb. Not helpful when working with pointy needles.

“So you don’t knit, huh?” The sparkle returned to his eyes, teasing her, pushing away his look of sympathy...and with it, a little of her grief and panic.

As she fought for slow, even breaths, she glanced at the bins full of colorful yarn, at the shiny new computer on the sales counter, at the rack of pattern books—anywhere but in his eyes. Then she forced herself to meet his smile with her own. “Can’t knit. Or crochet. I’m a total klutz when it comes to anything craft-oriented.”

A laugh burst out of him, deep and rumbling, warming her, tempting her to relax, to quit worrying so much.

This time, she couldn’t look away from those playful blue eyes. She joined in the laughter. “Ironic, huh? Please don’t advertise my ineptitude.”

“I guess it wouldn’t be good for business.”

As their gazes locked and held, something passed between them. A kind of connection, or attraction.

She shook off the ridiculous notion. A good-looking man comes in, and she acts like an idiot, imagining things.

She stuffed her ugly, uneven knitting into the canvas tote bag to practice that night at home—Jenna’s home—and concentrated on the positive. Another day passed. One day closer to fulfilling the stipulation of her aunt’s will.

He turned and stared toward the back wall where she’d displayed some of her photos. “Nice. Who took these?”

“They’re mine. I majored in photojournalism. Ended up in retail.” When she returned to Kentucky, she planned to remedy that. To finally risk trying the career she’d always wanted.

“Sounds like an interesting story.” He moved closer to inspect one—her favorite, of an elderly woman in Appalachia looking up from a quilt she was working on, laughing. A woman who’d reminded Lilly of Aunt Talitha.

He tilted his head a little to the left. Then he took a step back but kept examining the photo. “You really captured the spirit of the woman in this one.”

She swallowed, touched that he’d shown interest. “Thanks.”

For a few seconds, he glanced away as if embarrassed. But then, squaring his shoulders, he said, “So is this a place for knitters to hang out?” He sat in one of six rickety folding chairs, dwarfing it, as he checked out the room.

Expecting the chair to buckle at any moment, she watched his expression fall into a slight frown as he inspected the hinges on the chair. She agreed with the sad state of some of the equipment, but they didn’t have the money to do anything about it. “What can I help you with, Daniel?”

He quit his perusal and stood. “I’m sorry to bother you after hours. But I’ve come by to check on the agreement to rent the basement of your building.”

Rent downstairs? “What agreement?”

His brows drew downward. “Didn’t Talitha mention she’d agreed to let our church rent the space?”

What had her aunt been thinking? “Well, actually...no. Please fill me in.”

“I’m pastor of a fairly new church, and we’ve outgrown our meeting space.”

“A pastor?” The man certainly didn’t look like he spent his day behind a desk. Or a pulpit.

He confirmed it with a nod. “In her last weeks, Talitha wasn’t doing well, and the shop was struggling. So my grandmother suggested she rent us the basement as a solution for everyone.”

“Aunt Talitha agreed?”

“She did. Told me we could have the space if we wanted it. I was hoping to take a look around. If it’s suitable, we’re ready to move in.”

“We can’t finish the basement right now. Plus, when we do, I plan to offer classes.” In the unlikely event she mastered knitting. “I’ll need the space.”

The pleasant look he’d maintained since entering the shop gave way to a flicker of impatience. But then he masked it. “If our church grows quickly enough, we wouldn’t be in your way for long. I don’t have anything in writing, but I hope you’ll consider honoring Talitha’s verbal offer.” He pulled a business card out of his pocket and gave it to her. “Give me a call any time.” He backed away and waved, once again the epitome of charm. “I’ll let you get back to your, uh, knitting?”

Ha-ha. He thought he was so funny. She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’ll have you know, I used to know how.” No need to admit she’d never been more than proficient.

His crooked smile morphed into a full-fledged grin that sent her heart rate off the charts. A grin she’d find seriously attractive, if it weren’t coupled with the fact he was proving to be a complication to her plans for boosting business at the shop, a complication who seemed to think he was a comedian, no less.

“My apologies for underestimating your talent.” The teasing look in his eyes said otherwise. “I look forward to seeing your needlework, Lilly. Soon.” He gave a jaunty salute as he turned and left the shop.

She tried to suck in a full, stuttering breath to tell him he didn’t need to bother coming back. But of course, he’d already shut the door behind him.

She thought about his joke and had to laugh. She’d be a fool to let him get under her skin just because he was so attractive and they’d shared a moment. Besides, it wasn’t Daniel’s fault she was inept at all things crafty. It wasn’t his fault the store was struggling.

And even though she’d like to blame him, it wasn’t his fault she found it difficult to resist his charm.

No, she needed to look into his claim. What if Aunt Talitha had made the promise?

The thought sent her heart to racing once again. She’d recently moved to town. Had just joined Jenna in running the business. At the moment, income wasn’t keeping pace with outgo. And they still hadn’t been able to reach the shop’s accountant to learn more about the financials. Now they might have to add landlord duties, as well?

They knew nothing about leasing property. And they’d first have to finish off the basement, which they couldn’t afford.

She wished she could simply claim new owner, new policies. Especially since he and Talitha hadn’t put anything in writing. But her conscience said she needed to investigate further. Just one more thing to add to the mile-long list of tasks for the business.

She couldn’t bear to see her aunt’s beloved shop fail. It was the least she could do for the only family member to show her and Jenna love. She looked around the room at the diverse colors and textures. Bins of soft acrylics, rougher wools, knobby blends. All strange and new to her. New like her life in this small Georgia town that Aunt Talitha had loved. Lilly had a promise to fulfill.

Now, back to the first item on the list. To make a go of it, she did need to learn—relearn—to knit and crochet. A huge sigh escaped as she picked up her tote bag of yarn to practice that night. With her skill level, she wasn’t worthy of the luxurious fluff of sky-blue yarn.

Blue the exact shade of Daniel’s eyes.

She pushed away the thought like a pesky fly. She would love to avoid Daniel at all costs.

But the stack of bills behind the counter reminded her that she better find a way to make the shop profitable—and soon. Or else, agreement or not, she’d be forced to accept his offer.

* * *

Daniel chuckled as he reflected on the meeting. With cheeks flushing, her chin raised high, Lilly Barnes had proven she was a spitfire. Had scorched him with one flash of those big hazel eyes. Eyes that had warned him away.

His laughter died on his lips. So why had he felt that pull between them? Even after her clear hesitation over the idea of renting to them, he’d felt the sizzle of attraction. Had enjoyed the good-natured banter about her knitting.

He had to remember she was still grieving. He shouldn’t force the issue, but he would have to figure out a way to convince Lilly to rent to him. They didn’t have any other affordable leads.

When he pulled in his grandmother’s driveway and saw his dad’s car, he glanced at the clock on the dash. Why did his father have to be here the one night he’d come in late?

Determined to hold his tongue throughout dinner, he hurried up the driveway and around to the back.

Light from the kitchen spilled out onto the back porch, soothing some of Daniel’s tension. He loved this place. Had spent a lot of summers here after his mother had died, after his dad had further buried himself in work. Though his dad had tried to ease the burden on family members by shipping Daniel from relative to relative, time with GranAnn had been his favorite.

Ever since, the white clapboard house with the homey kitchen had been a haven. When she’d asked him to live with her while he started the church in Corinthia, he’d jumped at the chance.

He stepped inside the kitchen door, the aroma of freshly baked bread like a hug from the woman herself.

“Oh, good. I’m glad you made it, baby.” Gran’s light blue eyes lacked their usual spark, and her normally easy smile seemed strained, as if begging him to behave and play nice. She patted his back and directed his attention toward the table. “Look who’s joined us.” Once again, GranAnn was trying to force them to spend time together. Something Daniel had tried to do in the past and had failed.

Blake Foreman, a carbon copy of Daniel except for his graying temples and faint wrinkles, sat straight as a goalpost, looking down his disapproving nose. “You’re late.”

“I apologize,” Daniel forced out.

Semiretired, Blake had moved to Corinthia a couple months before Daniel. “Seems you could have called to let your grandmother know you were delayed.” Blue eyes a shade deeper than Daniel’s narrowed, issuing a challenge.

Anytime the two of them got together, they were like two dogs circling each other, readying for a fight. Animosity sizzled in the air, something he wanted to reach out and seize, to try to understand. But tonight he didn’t have the energy for the struggle.

He pulled away his attention from his dad. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it earlier, GranAnn. I had a late counseling session, then got delayed over at the yarn shop with Lilly Barnes.”

“Oh, good, I’m glad you two met.” With a relieved, happy grin, she motioned for him to sit. “I kept your plate warm.”

Only then did he notice they’d already finished eating. Man, when he messed up, he messed up good.

GranAnn bustled around the kitchen with her familiar floral apron around her waist, pouring syrupy sweet iced tea from the same brown glass pitcher she’d had when he was child.

Blake leaned back and crossed his arms. “Who’s this Lilly Barnes?”

Daniel was tempted to tell him it was none of his concern. Instead, he opted to break down and ask for help.

As if he would ever get involved in something important to me.

He swallowed back his bitterness. The church had to come first. “Lilly and her sister, Jenna, inherited the yarn shop at the edge of town. The former owner had agreed to rent the basement to our church since we need a bigger space. Apparently Lilly knew nothing about the arrangement.”

“Oh, it’s the perfect space,” GranAnn added. “I’m sure Lilly and Jenna will be glad to rent it to you.” She pulled his plate out of the oven with a dish towel to keep from burning herself and set the meat loaf and mashed potatoes on the place mat in front of him.

Daniel put the faded cloth napkin in his lap. “Since we’ve been drawing more people from over in Appleton, the location is perfect. I just haven’t seen the basement yet to confirm it’s large enough to hold at least fifty. Lilly didn’t seem willing to show me around.”

“So she’s not going to honor the previous owner’s contract?” Blake asked.

“We don’t have anything in writing, and I didn’t want to force the issue. She’s still grieving the loss of her great-aunt. Do you know of any other place that would hold fifty—within our small budget?”

“No,” Gran said, clutching his arm, her face pinched in a grimace of worry. “Promise me you won’t give up. Those girls need the rent money, even if they’re not willing to admit it yet. You have to help them.”

He couldn’t remember ever seeing his grandmother so tense. “Since we’ve outgrown our current location, I have to put the church first. But I plan to talk to her again.”

His grandmother relaxed into her chair with a huff. As if she’d accomplished something that left her drained. “Blake, Daniel’s done a wonderful job with the church. Especially getting his members involved ministering to the community.” She squeezed Daniel’s hand in her warm, soft grasp as she stared into his eyes, pride beaming. “You should be proud of your son.”

Daniel smiled his appreciation even as he girded himself for his father’s dismissal.

“Fifty, huh?” Blake asked.

For a split second, he thought his dad looked surprised—maybe even pleased—at the rapid growth. Then he realized Blake probably found the size laughable. Disappointed by his son’s career change, he’d probably be happy if Daniel’s venture failed.

“We’re nearing fifty,” Daniel said. “I’d like to have room for growth until we find a permanent location.”

“Doesn’t matter to me what size. You quit a lucrative job against my advice. Then poured good money into seminary, only to recklessly start your own church instead of taking a position at an established one with a dependable income.”

He’d heard the same spiel from his dad so many times he could recite it word for word. The man acted as if Daniel had taken up a life of crime.

“So do you know of anywhere we could rent?” Daniel asked, unable to keep the exasperation from his voice.

“Nope.” Blake pushed away from the table. “Ann, I’m sorry, but I need to go. I’m expecting a conference call.”

Her eyes flashed as she got up from the table. Nothing made her madder than family members who didn’t get along. “I hope you can stay longer next time. Maybe schedule that call for earlier in the day.”

She opened the refrigerator and hunkered in front of the shelves as if searching for something, no doubt avoiding further confrontation with her son-in-law. Daniel could imagine her clenching her jaw to keep from speaking her mind. He understood the temptation.

“Thank you for an excellent dinner.” With nothing more than a nod of the head at Daniel, Blake exited the back door, shutting it quietly behind him, as if to prove he was the only one in control of his emotions.

GranAnn popped out of the refrigerator and smacked the door shut. “If I didn’t love that man like my own son, I’d have to shake him ’til his teeth rattled.”

At the image of his tiny grandmother shaking his brawny father, Daniel laughed. “I’d be happy to help.”

“Don’t you give up on your daddy. He’s bottled up a lot of pain. I think having you both here in Corinthia is a blessing. God can work miracles.”

Yeah, he’d started praying for that miracle at the age of nine, when he realized other boys had dads who didn’t work every waking hour, dads who showed up for peewee football games, who ate meals at home and tucked their kids into bed at night. He’d prayed for a dad who cared until the day he left for college, when he finally let go of the desire to matter to his father and changed his focus to look to the future. To quit wallowing in self-pity and make a difference in the world.

“You must be starving. Now eat,” Gran said.

He bowed his head and thanked God for the food.

As soon as he opened his eyes, she dropped into the chair across from him. “Cricket’s mother called before dinner. She wanted to thank you for coming over this afternoon. Said she thought Cricket seemed better.”

The breath rushed out of him in a surge of relief. The girl, pregnant at fifteen, was severely depressed. “Good news. I’m meeting with the family again next week.”

“Even better news is Cricket has finally agreed to see a psychiatrist about the depression.”

“I’m glad. I should probably follow up with her parents, to make sure she goes. I’m uncomfortable waiting a week before we meet again.”

A sense of unease over Cricket wouldn’t let up. He decided to call her mom in the morning to offer assistance. Then, he’d regroup and figure out a way to convince Lilly Barnes that renting out her basement could benefit them both.

* * *

Lilly walked in the front door of her sister and brother-in-law’s house, her temporary home, tension knotting her gut over what she’d find inside. As if concern over the yarn shop hadn’t already tied her stomach tightly enough.

“I’m home,” she called. Both Jenna’s and Ned’s vehicles were there. Which meant potential for an evening of arguing.

The cool, dark entry hall enveloped her. Quiet. A good sign. Maybe she’d dreaded coming inside for no reason. Maybe tonight would be one of the good nights.

As she hung up her coat in the closet, her stomach started to relax. Then a bedroom door slammed down the hallway of the tiny two-bedroom rental. Behind the closed door, voices raised, one high-pitched, the other low.

Jenna and Ned.

She considered slipping out to go to a restaurant, but then a whimper came from the family room.

Will.

She headed toward the sound and found her ten-month-old nephew standing in the exercise saucer, leaning over, trying to reach a toy on the floor.

“Hey, sweet thing. Did you drop your doggie?”

Will’s big brown eyes lit up, and he gave her a slobbery grin that made her feel like the most important person in the world. He sprang up and down on his chunky little legs as he raised his arms to her, straining for all he was worth.

She pulled him up and out of his seat and kissed the top of his head, the silky brown curls tickling her nose, the powdery scent of baby shampoo calming her. Then she handed him his toy. “Let’s go see what’s for dinner.”

The voices down the hall escalated, but Will didn’t flinch. Apparently, he’d grown accustomed to his parents arguing. Like she and Jenna had grown accustomed to their parents arguing. Or so she’d told herself.

Lilly blew out a huge sigh as she headed toward the kitchen, wishing that she could as easily exhale all the old memories and be rid of them permanently.

Jenna pretended all was well in the Jones household, but Lilly knew better. And from what she’d observed, she feared Jenna and Ned might not be able to work out their differences. Jenna refused to go to marriage counseling. Why couldn’t she see she’d snagged a decent guy worth fighting for? He was a good father, a hardworking firefighter who loved Jenna. If not for Ned’s help, they couldn’t have managed repairing the yarn shop building.

Yet, Jenna seemed to have checked out, sabotaging the relationship, just like she had every other one. Lilly hoped Ned would be patient and not give up on his wife.

Though the tiny kitchen’s countertop was stacked with a day’s worth of dirty dishes, Jenna had left a pot of chili simmering on the stovetop. Two jars of unopened baby food sat on the high chair tray beside a clean bib. “Looks like you and me, kid. Dinner for two. Although I’ll pass on your smooshed-up peas.”

She placed him in his chair and snapped the bib in place. The spicy steam wafted her way, making her stomach growl, but she needed to feed Will first.

As she opened the jars of food, he banged the tray and started to fuss. “Eee!” His impatient version of eat.

He cranked up a pitiful wail. A splash of Cheerios on his tray appeased his appetite and allowed for independence as his little fingers snagged the oat circles he loved. Since he usually spit out half of what she fed him, she’d learned to distract him with the cereal while she tried to sneak in some vegetables and meat.

They’d managed some success with her method when she heard Ned’s heavy footsteps coming down the hall toward the kitchen.

He walked in, cheeks high in color, dark, wavy hair disheveled. “Hi, Lilly.” He kissed his son on the head. Wiped a smear of sweet potatoes off Will’s cheek. “Eat like a good boy. Daddy’s got to go to work.”

She couldn’t ignore the elephant in the room. “Ned, I’d be glad to move out if it would help. I don’t want my presence to cause additional strain for you two.”

His cheeks flushed redder. His dark brown eyes darted around the room as if he was embarrassed by her comment. “No. Stay. You’re good for her, and for Will, too. It’s just...” He ruffled Will’s hair as his throat bobbed up, then down. “I’ll see y’all later.”

Her appetite followed him right out the door.

Jenna walked in the kitchen shortly after, her pretty green eyes red and swollen. She wore sweatpants and a faded, holey college T-shirt. “Thanks for feeding Will,” she said as she grabbed a bowl and ladled out a small portion of chili. Enough for a mouse.

“You need to eat more.”

“I can’t.”

“What’d y’all argue about this time?”

“Nothing.”

“That nothing made you cry.”

Jenna plopped the bowl onto the scratched pressed-wood table and slid into her chair. She’d forgotten a spoon but didn’t seem to notice. Lilly got up to get one, waiting for her to talk.

“Thanks,” she said, taking the spoon, then proceeding to shove the chili around the bowl, never taking a single bite.

“I’ll feed you, too, if I have to.”

That drew a little smile. “We can’t agree on anything. He wants to spend. I want to save. He wants to buy a house. I want to rent a little longer. He wants to go to church on Sundays. I want to stay home and have family time. He wants another baby. I don’t.”

Lilly wasn’t a professional therapist, but she understood that with her and Jenna’s family history, trust was an issue. Jenna’s actions all pointed to someone who was afraid to believe her relationship had a future. “Sounds like maybe you should go with him to talk to a marriage counselor.”

“That’s not going to help at this point.” She nibbled a tiny bite, enough to nourish a flea. “Let’s talk about something else.”

Will banged on the high chair and squealed, ready to get up and move again. They’d somehow managed to get most of the two jars of food into his stomach with only a small percentage landing on his bib and in his hair. Success, in Lilly’s opinion.