The Harvest Page 8

  She jumped at the sound. “Yes. We had dinner. It was nice.”

  “You’ve forgiven him, then?”

  “I admitted I’d jumped to conclusions too quickly. I hadn’t given him a chance to explain, but at that time, I couldn’t concoct anything that made sense. You have to realize I trusted Al. He was my husband. I’d trusted him with all my heart. Can you imagine how the deception hurt? How it destroyed my faith in people? My trust?”

  Helen clutched Tess’s shoulder and shook her head. “I’d be lying to say I did, but everyone doesn’t act like Al. Look at Dan. I have no question he’s been faithful. Not all men run around, Tess. I just hope you give Ryan a chance.”

  Her wish slithered through Tess’s thoughts. “I’ve said I’m sorry, but I… I don’t know. I just don’t think I have a future…with anyone.”

  “Why not? You have a lifetime, Tess. You seem to like Ryan a lot and you like his family. The two of you only had a few days together. You have a lifetime to give him—or someone—a chance.”

  A lifetime. A lifetime without children, perhaps. It wasn’t fair.

  “We’ll see,” Tess said, knowing she’d already decided. “Anyway, I know I need change in my life. I’ve been thinking about selling the house.”

  Helen gave her a questioning stare. “Your house?”

  “Maybe I’ll buy a condo. No yard work. No outside building maintenance. Perfect for a single woman.” She handed Helen the last dish.

  Helen slipped it into the dishwasher and closed the door, then turned and rested her back against it. “I think you should take time to decide that, too, Tess. Really. You’ve decided to sell the cabin. Now your house. You can’t run away from life. You can’t close doors on everything.”

  Was that what she was doing? Tess shrugged. “I don’t know. I feel I need to do something.”

  Helen shook her head. “I think you could do something less drastic than selling your home. For one, you could give Ryan a chance.”

  Ryan gazed outside at the Open House sign stuck into the lawn. He hated these long Sundays, waiting for prospective buyers to drop by. Today he’d taken only two families through the condo.

  He glanced at his watch. One more hour. He released a sigh and propped his elbows on the kitchen table to hold up his chin, then listened for the front door to open.

  Since the night he’d had dinner with Tess, sleep had escaped him. They’d had a good talk. Even a few laughs, but Tess didn’t budge. Even though she said she believed him and understood what happened, she didn’t want to see him. She said they had nothing to offer each other.

  The words smacked his heart a second time. How could she say it? They had so much to offer each other. They’d spent days together sharing the things they enjoyed—and enjoying the things they shared. Her attitude made no sense.

  A sound from outside caught Ryan’s attention. Someone came through the front door, and he rose and strode to greet the new client.

  Passing through the archway, he halted. “Tess.”

  “Ryan.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Looking for a condo.”

  “A condo? You never mentioned wanting a new place.”

  She shrugged. “I’m making changes, I guess.”

  The autumn sun streamed through the wide front window and shot red highlights through her hair. She stepped forward, averting her gaze, and pivoted as she eyed the room.

  “Let me show you around,” Ryan said, keeping his voice from reflecting his unwieldy emotion.

  She followed, and he pointed out the main features as his mind scrambled with some way to set things right between them.

  “I don’t know,” she said, standing in the kitchen. “I suppose I’m spoiled, living in a house. I never thought about sharing walls with other families.”

  Ryan drew in a lengthy breath. “I have standalone condos I can show you, Tess, but please, have a seat.” He gestured to the kitchen table. “I’ll show you some other listings.”

  She waited while Ryan pulled a chair beside hers, then lifted a bound listing book from his case and laid it in front of her. “Why are you giving up your house, Tess?”

  She shrugged and turned the pages to face her. “I need change.”

  “But you’re selling the cabin. Isn’t that enough?”

  She shrugged a shoulder.

  “I’m taking the buyer up to Mackinaw this week. You sure you want me to do that?”

  She nodded.

  “You can come along, and I’ll get you home before Thanksgiving.”

  “No, you go ahead.”

  Sending up a quick prayer, Ryan slid his hand over hers. “Let me give you a change, Tess. Not a house, but me. A friend. A chance to get to know each other. No permanent commitment…now. Just a faithful, honest friendship.”

  She didn’t draw away her hand. Instead she gazed at him with moisture pooling against her lashes. “I miss you, Ryan.”

  His heart leaped, and he cradled her hand deeper into his. “I miss you. I know we don’t know each other well, as time goes, but I feel in my heart I’ve known you forever.”

  She nodded, her voice a whisper. “Me, too.”

  “What do you say?” He rose and drew her to his side. “Good friends? Companions in this lonely world?” He grinned, thinking of Jill’s comment that he’d read too many women’s magazines.

  Tess smiled, too, for her own reasons. “Friends only. Okay?”

  He nodded, hoping one day she’d change her mind. Then he drew her up to stand beside him, and with gazes riveted, as if each were seeking answers from the soul, Ryan slipped his arm around Tess’s shoulder and drew her closer. She didn’t resist, but rested her body against his, a slight tremor rippling through her.

  He tilted his head to see her face, her lips moist and soft-looking in the sunlight that streamed through the window. Without restraint, he lowered his mouth to hers, and Tess accepted it, yielded to it as if time had stood still, and they were again standing in the woods, watching leaves flutter to the ground and hearing waves roll to the shore.

  “To friendship,” he said when he eased his lips from hers.

  “Friendship,” she whispered.

  Chapter Ten

  Tess lowered her legs from the bed and walked to the window, looking down on her parents’ driveway. She’d decided to take a couple extra days and come early for the holiday. To Tess, the little town of Holly seemed the only place to be for Thanksgiving—her parents, her childhood home, her family church and her youth.

  The town suffused her in memories: hayrides, skating on the winter ponds, walks in the spring rain, swimming in the lakes nearby. A life that had seemed endless and perfect. But now she realized life wasn’t always perfect.

  Since she’d had the talk with Ryan a few days earlier, she’d tried to relax and enjoy his company, but she found herself struggling with so many things. Most important, she cared about him too much.

  She’d been the one to insist on friendship only…and for her own purpose. Ryan should have a wife and children. Children she might not have—or children that she might miscarry, sending her husband, discouraged, to another woman’s arms. A fertile woman who could give him children.

  Tess had accepted the blame. But she couldn’t do it again. She couldn’t put Ryan through that. She had to rein in her emotions while wondering if her first decision had been the best—the decision not to see him at all.

  She wiped the condensation from the window as she thought about Ryan in Mackinaw. The idea of selling her northern property weighed deeply on her heart despite what she’d told him.

  Taking her time, Tess showered and dressed, then ambled downstairs for breakfast. She couldn’t hide much from her parents so she expected to be grilled as thoroughly as the morning’s breakfast sausage she’d smelled drifting beneath her doorway.

  Tess reached the landing, plastered a smile on her face and walked into the kitchen.

  Ryan’s car faltered, then picked up
speed again. Puzzled, he checked the gauges on the console. Something was wrong. This had probably been a bad time to travel up north for an overnight trip to show Tess’s cabin with the Thanksgiving holiday this week, but the couple had liked the idea. He’d looked forward to seeing the cabin again, to recall the warm feelings he’d shared with Tess. But instead, he encountered a lonely, forlorn feeling.

  Now as he was returning home, traffic on the freeway was heavy with travelers heading places for the Thanksgiving holiday. Years ago, motorists would stop to help, but today, people were cautious. If something was wrong with his car, he had no desire to be stranded on the freeway.

  The motor faltered again, and Ryan eyed the exit signs. He’d already passed Flint so he wasn’t too far from home. Holly was the next exit. Maybe he could take the back roads home. At least, he’d be nearer a service station.

  The city of Holly rang a bell, and Ryan searched his memory. Tess’s family lived in Holly, he recalled and she’d mentioned being in town for the holiday. The recollection sent gooseflesh down his arms. Could this be God’s hand, again, guiding him up the freeway exit ramp?

  He followed the sign and drove the few miles away from the freeway into town. It was busier…and stranger than he expected. Women ambled along the sidewalks in long dresses and bonnets, covered in winter wraps with fur collars. Men with top hats and frock coats headed into stores, seemingly filled with customers. Dressed in knickers and caps, little boys played along the side streets barricaded to traffic.

  From his memory flew the answer. The Dickens Celebration. Thanksgiving was the opening of the Christmas Carol pageant with Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge, played on the streets of Holly. He’d never seen the festivities, but others had told him.

  In the center of town, Ryan eyed a service station. Feeling the car faltering again, he headed toward it, passing a man selling roasted chestnuts. The little town took him back in time, and at this moment, he wished he had a horse, instead of his dying automobile.

  Frustrated, Ryan parked along the service station fence and headed inside. He checked his watch. Almost noon. How long would he be stranded here? His stomach rumbled, and his neck ached from the drive and from the stress-filled situation.

  Ryan’s wait was short, and when he told the mechanic the problem, the man lifted his hood and, without delay, pointed to the difficulty. His drive belt had frayed and was holding only by a thread.

  “So how long?” Ryan asked. “I’m traveling.”

  “Not in this car, you aren’t.” The young fellow gave him a toothy grin. “At least, not ’til we replace this belt.”

  “I know,” Ryan said, trying to offer him a pleasant look. “But how long to fix it?”

  “Shouldn’t take more than an hour,” the fellow said, his smile broadening.

  “Great.” Ryan’s anxiety faded. “I’ll get some lunch and come back.”

  The man chuckled. “Hold on there. About an hour…when we get a drive belt.”

  Ryan wasn’t in the mood for the man’s joviality. “You don’t have one in stock?”

  “Nope. I’ll run in and see when we can get it. Have to order one from the dealer.” He held up a finger and headed back inside.

  The nippy air sent a chill down Ryan’s back. Or was it disappointment? He released a heavy sigh and followed the mechanic. If not one hour, then how many?

  Ryan watched the man’s face as he spoke on the phone, feeling his heart slip to his boots. He picked up words. Thanksgiving. Friday. Today was Wednesday. He was supposed to be in the office today. Who could he call to drive him home? Then he’d have to get a ride back to pick up his car.

  Or he’d rent a car. Scanning the main street, his hopes drooped. The town seemed too small for a car rental. Forget the office. Why hurry back anyway? Nothing waited for him there. But here, something did…if he had any idea where Tess’s family lived. Even their last name.

  Given the bad news, Ryan pondered his next move. The mechanic mentioned a motel within walking distance. He decided to leave his bag in the car until he had a room. With his luck, Ryan figured the motel would probably be booked for the Thanksgiving holiday.

  He stuffed his hands into his jacket pocket and headed in the direction of the motel. Tempting aromas drifted from storefronts: spicy apples, fresh baked bread and plain old hamburgers. His stomach growled again, reminding him he hadn’t eaten for hours. Motel first, then food.

  And if he only knew Tess’s maiden name. He’d never yearned so badly for a friendly face. Her lovely smile. If he ever needed God working in his favor, the time was now.

  Tess bundled into her warmest clothing and headed downstairs to join the family for their holiday tradition—the Dickens’s skit outside the Holly Hotel and then lunch in the historic building, famous for its resident ghost and vivid history.

  “I’ll drive,” Tess offered as the family headed outside. “I’m blocking Daddy’s car.”

  “You women always lollygag in those shops. How about we take two cars?” her dad suggested.

  “Clarence, be nice,” Rose said. “How often does Tess come for a visit?”

  Tess chuckled at her mother’s unnecessary concern and opened her car door. “Anyone want to ride with me?”

  “Sure,” Dan said, then called to their folks. “Helen and I’ll ride with Tess. Will you take the kids?”

  He grinned when they hollered sure. Dan and Helen climbed into her car. As Tess pulled out of the driveway, she turned on the radio, hoping to discourage any more probing questions from her brother about Ryan. To her relief, everyday conversation filled the few minutes to town.

  After parking, the family reunited and wandered toward the hotel, passing the holiday-decked shops that lined the street and filled the old buildings.

  Outside the hotel, crowds had gathered to watch the presentation of Dickens’s Christmas Carol. Tess and her family huddled together on the sidewalk awaiting the appearance of Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge.

  But before the play began, a strange sensation prickled at the nape of Tess’s neck like a feather grazing her skin. She raised her hand and brushed away the feeling. The tingle rippled down her arms, sending a chill to the marrow of her bones.

  Curious, she pivoted her head as best she could without turning around. Her heart soared. Ryan stood in the midst of the nearby crowd.

  Why was he here in Holly? She searched her memory. She’d never mentioned where her parents lived. Or had she? Vaguely she recalled telling him she’d grown up here. But had he expected to find her here? Before she made her way through the crowd, Ryan’s gaze found hers.

  His expression duplicated her own astonishment. She waved and watched him maneuver through the crowd.

  When he slipped beside her, Tess lifted her hand to calm her pounding heart. Looking at him with a multitude of questions surfacing, the sun brightened, sending an unexpected warmth penetrating her heavy coat.

  “What are you doing here?” she whispered. His smile warmed her more than the sun.

  The crowd had begun to hush, and he gestured toward the players ready to begin. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later.”

  Tess harnessed her questions while Ryan grasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. They didn’t speak, and Tess agreed there was no need.

  Her mother glanced their way and arched an eyebrow. Tess lifted her finger to her lips, hoping she’d be patient and wait for the explanation.

  Sensing her brother’s probing look, Tess shifted her gaze to Dan whose mouth formed the word Ryan. Tess gave a nod and chuckled as Dan whispered the news in Helen’s ear. Her nieces looked with curiosity at the stranger.

  Tess refocused on the players, applauding as Scrooge dealt with the ghosts of Christmas past and present as they numbered his shortcomings and sins.

  While her body reacted to Ryan’s unexpected nearness, her own shortcomings filtered through her mind. She needed to learn patience and to gain trust. Al’s infidelity had twisted her into her own kind of Bah-humbug
Scrooge.

  Standing beside Tess, Ryan’s thoughts soared. Why in the world had he lingered on this street and found her standing so close? He looked upward to the blue autumn sky with the sunlight filtering through the wispy clouds and said a silent thank-you. A power greater than he had arranged this. The best luck in the world couldn’t have come close.

  After Scrooge said his final words and Tiny Tim called out, “God bless you, everyone,” the applause broke the audience’s hush. Ryan turned to Tess. “I can’t believe I found you.”

  Her face flushed, and she raised her hand to her cheek. “Me, neither…but you did.”

  In seconds, her parents gathered around, and they stepped off the sidewalk to avoid blocking the dispersing crowd.

  Tess gestured. “Mom, Dad, this is Ryan Walsh. Ryan, my parents, Clarence and Rose Hunter.”

  They greeted him with smiles as friendly and warm as Tess’s. She introduced Dan and Helen next, then the girls. “This is Mandy and April, my nieces.”

  The children grinned while Dan squeezed his arm adding a “thumbs-up.” Ryan was mystified by what the gesture meant. He hoped Dan knew something he didn’t.

  “Who’s hungry?” Clarence asked. “My stomach was nearly as loud as those actors.”

  “I’m sure we’re all starving,” Rose said. “Are you all ready? Hopefully, they’ll still have a few seats for us.” She gestured behind her to the hotel.

  “You’ll join us, Ryan?” Clarence asked.

  “No, but thanks. I don’t want to intrude on—”

  “You’re not intruding,” Tess said.

  Ryan chuckled. “Sounds like that answers that.”

  The family climbed the steep steps to the hotel lobby, now only a restaurant, and the hostess went off to arrange seating for eight.

  Dan caught Ryan’s arm. “Check out the bar.” He gestured to the adjacent room. “Carrie Nation once stormed the place with her ax.”

  “The suffragette?”

  “None other.”

  Curious, Ryan took a peek around the archway before the hostess arrived and guided them to their table. Once they had ordered, Clarence turned to him with the question Ryan assumed everyone had on their tongue. “So what brings you to Holly?”