In His Eyes Page 9

  Chapter Nine

  Ellene waited in the bathroom until she heard Connor close the door of his bedroom. She peeked out and saw the night-light turned on in the hallway and knew he’d gone to bed.

  She opened the door and tiptoed out into the living room. The house was quiet, and she assumed Aunt Phyllis had fallen asleep with Caitlin. She saw no point in waking the woman to traipse down to the sofa.

  After finding the pile of bed linens in a chest under the window, she made up the sofa and settled down. Though her body lay still, her mind continued to struggle with her conversation with Connor. She’d been wrong, and she knew it, but it was too late now.

  His faith journey filled her thoughts. She’d never let that stop her from loving Connor. He had every admirable trait that the scriptures commanded—kindness, gentleness, compassion, humility and forgiveness.

  Forgiveness. She needed to find forgiveness in her heart. Connor had walked away because she’d sent him, and he’d explained what he’d been thinking. Nothing made sense to her, and now so much time had passed since they’d been in love. Ellene thought she’d been over the breakup for a long time. Apparently she hadn’t been.

  Guilt shrouded Ellene’s thoughts when those memories led her down an unwanted path. She’d tried to forget another part of her life, but it always came back to haunt her. After she’d heard Connor had married so soon after their ended engagement, she’d dated any man who asked, but the relationships felt empty and sad. Yet at the time, she’d been so fixated on hurting Connor that she didn’t care.

  Finally, she’d stopped, determined to remain true to herself, remembering how useless it felt and knowing what God expected from Christian relationships.

  Yet she recalled the day she’d met Owen. He’d captured her interest, and after months of dating, he’d tempted her emotions. They’d talked about marriage, and Ellene relived the day they’d looked at rings. With the promise of marriage, he’d convinced her to show her love. She’d given in, and before the wedding date was finalized, he’d walked away, too.

  Afterward, Ellene felt dirty, unloved and unforgiven. She’d gained nothing. She’d allowed emotions to rule her heart instead of her head. From that day, she’d promised God never again to give herself to anyone outside of marriage. The guilt and sorrow, the chance of disease or pregnancy was not worth it.

  Now she thought about Connor. He stirred her. She cared about him, but she realized their past left her feeling uncertain and untrusting. They’d both changed, but she had no guarantee things would be any better the second time.

  The one thing that stayed in her mind was that Connor had always been moral. He’d never touched her. He’d wanted to, but he’d respected her Christian upbringing, and he’d promised never to allow passion to overrule what was right and good. She would always admire him for his respect and protection.

  Ellene pressed her eyes closed, wishing sleep would come. The wind made night sounds, and she heard the creak of rafters and the crack of branches breaking from the weight of ice. The night-light gave her assurance the electricity hadn’t failed them.

  Morning arrived with the sound of Connor’s footsteps approaching her. She pulled down the blanket and opened her eyes. “Up early?”

  “I didn’t sleep well,” he said, passing by and heading for the kitchen. “Why did you sleep here?”

  “It didn’t make sense to wake your aunt.” She pushed herself up using the arm of the sofa and braced her back with her free hand. The sofa wasn’t the most comfortable place to sleep, but she felt good that she’d taken a turn.

  When she lowered her feet, they felt cold against the parquet floor. “I suggest you add carpet to this area when you do your renovations. I think it would help hold the heat better.”

  He grunted something, and she leaned back, covering her gown with the blanket and watched him. While he faced the counter, she decided to escape to change her clothes. She darted into the bathroom, hopped into the warm shower, then slipped into her clothing.

  When she came out, dressed again in her pink sweatshirt that said No Bone To Pick, the scent of coffee filled the great room. Finally feeling at home, she ambled across the room, pulled out a cup and poured.

  She leaned her back against the counter while Connor had his head stuck inside the refrigerator. “I’m sorry about last night,” she said.

  He jerked his head out so fast, it hit the edge of the freezer door. Rubbing the spot, he turned to stare at her. “That would have been nice to hear before I went to bed.”

  Ellene was almost sorry she’d apologized, but she tried to put herself in Connor’s shoes. He’d been candid and honest. She’d offered little to the discussion. “You’re right. I make bad choices.”

  He looked at her a moment, then stuck out his hand. “Truce?”

  She gazed at his strong fingers pointed toward her and clasped his hand. “Truce,” she agreed.

  They didn’t say much more, and she curled up on the sofa thinking about her job and her home while listening to Connor bang around in the kitchen. Though the cottage had begun to grow on her in the past days, she continued to wonder about living on the island full-time. What about employment?

  She glanced his way, and when he swung around, she voiced her concern. “Why not keep the cottage for summer? Caitlin will still enjoy its charm, but during a more seasonable time of year.”

  He wandered over and sat on the sofa arm. “I’d like to own a business, and I can’t do it owning two houses. This one doesn’t have as much value as my house in St. Clair Shores. I’m getting a good price for it—”

  “You mean it’s sold?”

  “It will be when the buyers’ mortgage is approved, and that should be any day. Then with my inheritance, I can take a chance on buying a business.”

  The news left her uneasy. If he’d sold his house, he couldn’t turn back now. “What kind of business?”

  “I’m a salesman. I’ve been looking around.”

  She sensed he was being evasive, and she decided not to push him, but that added to her concern. Why wouldn’t he tell her what business?

  “It’s not my pride, either, if that’s what you’re thinking. I want a job with regular hours. If I’m the owner I have control. I want a business that’s more child-friendly.

  “Child-friendly? Are you buying a toy store?”

  He looked irked. “No, I mean a shop where I have an office. Can you picture a kid hanging around a car showroom?”

  She couldn’t but that wasn’t the point. “It’s your money, Connor. I have no say-so, but you know new businesses take a few years to catch on and most fail. You need a lot of financial backing.”

  He rose and walked away. “Thanks for your vote of confidence.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that, Connor. I only meant—”

  “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

  Ellene spun around when she heard Aunt Phyllis’s voice project from the doorway near the stairs. “Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing you argue.”

  “We’re not arguing,” Connor said.

  “You aren’t snuggling like two bugs in a rug, either.”

  Ellene chuckled, and so did Connor.

  Aunt Phyllis gave them both a look as she headed for the telephone. She picked up the receiver and hit the speed dial. “I’m checking on the ferry,” she said into the phone.

  Ellene listened, anxious for the response.

  “You don’t say,” Aunt Phyllis said, glancing her way.

  Ellene perked up. She wasn’t sure what that meant, but it sounded hopeful. When Phyllis hung up the phone, Ellene waited for the news.

  “Temperatures are warmer today and tomorrow. That could mean a breakthrough.”

  “Finally,” Ellene said. Being with Connor had become impossible. She longed to let her heart rule. She adored Caitlin, and she ached for the little girl, but trust seemed so impossible, even if she did forgive Connor.

  Breakfast was qu
iet until Caitlin came down the stairs with Pepper. She opened the door, and the dog darted outside as usual.

  Connor jumped up. “Why did you open the door?” he yelled, then darted outside after the dog.

  Caitlin stood inside, her lip sticking out an inch.

  In a moment, Connor reappeared with the dog in his arms. “You can’t open the door like that, Caitlin. Pepper runs out. You know that.”

  “I’m sorry.” Her lip trembled. “I wanted to see if it was warm so we could all go out and play.”

  Ellene’s chest tightened. The child had been housebound for the past couple of days, and she’d been so good. “We can go for a walk later, Caitlin.”

  “Can we build a snowman again?”

  “It’s a little warm today. It’ll be too slushy.”

  “I have a sled in the back shed,” Aunt Phyllis said.

  Ellene caught Caitlin’s attention and clapped her hands. “That’ll be fun.”

  She looked at Connor, who seemed to be irritable, and she was sure it was what she’d said to him about his business idea. He hadn’t asked for her opinion, and she needed to keep her mouth shut until he did.

  They returned to breakfast, and before she took a bite, Ellene heard her cell phone ring. She rose and pulled it from her handbag. Her father’s voice shot from the earpiece. “Are you ever coming home?” he blurted.

  “I’d love to, Dad. We’re still stranded.”

  “Living on an island is hogwash. We have customers who are crabbing about their appointments, and we don’t know what to say.”

  “I don’t, either.” She carried the phone toward the bathroom, went inside and shut the door. “Look, Dad, I’m ready to come home. Even if I hire a helicopter or plane to fly me home, my car’s still on the island. Can you be patient another day? It looks like the weather is breaking.”

  “That’s the last time we’ll do business on Harsens Island,” he said.

  “I told you—”

  “Sorry, Ellene. It’s not the island. It’s your clients’ complaining. Call the Dartmouths, would you? And the Cabonis.”

  “I will, Dad. I’m sorry.”

  “Not your fault. Give Connor my best wishes. Don’t tell him what I said. The boy can’t help that the cottage is on the island.”

  The boy. She shook her head. Connor was a man, a tall, broad-shouldered, good-looking man, and that’s what was killing her. “I’ll send your best wishes, Daddy. Be patient a little while, and I’ll make those calls.”

  “Love you.”

  “Love you, Daddy.”

  “Ellene.”

  “Yes.”

  “Call your mother. She’s driving me crazy, too.”

  She said she would and hung up, grinning at her parents’ inability to comprehend she was an independent woman who didn’t need to be looked after.

  “Trouble on the home front?” Connor asked when she left the bathroom.

  “Clients,” she said. “They miss me.”

  “I can understand that,” he said.

  “I’ll miss you if you go,” Caitlin added.

  Ellene’s chest tightened. “I’ll miss you, too.”

  Caitlin moaned to Connor, disappointed that Ellene had to work, but he convinced her they would sled after dinner.

  Connor knew that time dragged for Caitlin, so he kept his promise. When the meal had ended, his aunt said she’d clean the kitchen, and they headed outside.

  The temperatures had cooled from earlier in the day. Connor settled Caitlin on the sled and noticed the trees and lines were coated with ice, and the ground had frozen into deeper ruts.

  He felt the strain of his muscles as he tugged the sled across the ground while Caitlin giggled. Ellene jogged beside him, and he felt more lighthearted than he had all day.

  “Let Ellene ride with me, Daddy,” Caitlin called.

  He eyed the trim woman by his side and gave a nod. “Hop on.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Afraid?”

  “No, but I think you’ll kill yourself.”

  Caitlin rose, and Ellene settled on the sled, trying to hold her feet above the ground. Then Caitlin sat between her legs. “Mush!” she called and cracked an imaginary whip.

  Connor dug his feet into the rutted ground, his legs tensing as he picked up speed. He felt the burn in his muscles, and he figured if nothing more, he’d get some good exercise.

  Ellene’s laughter joined Caitlin’s, and Connor felt as if life couldn’t get better, but as soon as the thought entered his mind, it faded. Tomorrow or the next day, Ellene would walk out the door.

  “Run faster, Daddy,” Caitlin called.

  Pepper came bounding out of nowhere and leaped at Connor’s heels. He lost his footing, skidded to the ground and the sled took a ninety-degree turn, then tipped over.

  “Are you okay?” Connor called, seeing Ellene and Caitlin in a jumble.

  Ellene raised on one elbow and grinned, watching him hoist himself from the ground while Pepper jumped around him.

  “Get out of my way, Pepper,” he said, scooting around the dog to reach Caitlin and Ellene. “You’re okay?”

  “We’re fine,” Ellene said, pulling her leg from beneath the sled. “At least, I think so.”

  “You look fine to me,” he said.

  He helped her up, and once again, the closeness riffled her senses. “Thanks. I think I’ve had enough sledding.”

  “Not me,” Caitlin said.

  They laughed, righted the sled, set Caitlin back on with Pepper locked between her legs and headed back toward the house.

  The sun hung low in the sky, turning the snow to a grayish hue, and the last rays glinted on the ice-coated trees and power lines. An icicle dropped from a tree as they walked past, knifing into the crusted snow.

  “Can’t you keep up?” Connor asked Ellene as she lagged behind.

  “It’s getting slipperier.”

  “It’s freezing again,” he said, reaching back to grab her hand.

  She laughed as he forced her to trot alongside him. He loved the sound of her laughter and the feel of her hand in his. He’d warned himself not to let his emotions get carried away, but he hadn’t listened to himself, and Caitlin hadn’t helped the situation at all with her obvious admiration of Ellene.

  When they arrived home, Connor leaned the sled against the house and shooed the dog in first. The room’s warmth blanketed them, and he realized his cheeks were stinging from the cold and wind.

  “Have fun?” Aunt Phyllis asked.

  “We did until Pepper entered the scene.”

  She shrugged. “I opened the door and he vamoosed.”

  “I had fun,” Caitlin said, pulling off her boots and dropping them by the door. She gave a large yawn.

  “Tired,” Connor said, giving her a hug as he passed. He looked at his aunt. “The wires don’t look good.”

  “I saw ice on the trees,” she said. “We probably should prepare, just in case.”

  Ellene plopped on the sofa. “You two sound like doom and gloom.”

  “Being realistic,” Connor said. With that thought in mind, he located a couple of flashlights and set out two candleholders.

  Caitlin had curled up on the sofa and rested her cheek against the arm. Connor glanced her way and watched her deep breathing. “She’s out already.”

  Her eyes popped open. “No, I’m not. I’m resting like you do, Daddy.”

  Connor smiled, recalling a few times he’d drifted off on the sofa and given her that excuse.

  “Let’s play Old Maid,” she said, bolting up from her resting spot.

  “I don’t think so. It’s getting late.”

  “Just one game?”

  Her plaintive voice filtered through his attitude. “What do you say?” He looked at Ellene and his aunt.

  Ellene shrugged. “I haven’t played Old Maid in years.”

  “I’ll teach you,” Caitlin said.

  Connor gave Ellene a wink.

  Aunt Phyllis
found the game, and they sat around the table, matching Little Bo-Peeps and Little Boy Blues.

  Caitlin giggled when Connor became the Old Maid, and they agreed to play another game. By the time they’d finished four games, everyone had been the Old Maid except Ellene.

  “I’m already an old maid,” Ellene said, although Caitlin missed the point, but Connor didn’t.

  Aunt Phyllis narrowed her eyes. “It’s your choice, you know.” She followed her comment with a yawn and offered to put Caitlin to bed. She grabbed a flashlight to be safe and headed for the stairs. “Now, you call me when you’re ready for bed, Ellene.”

  Ellene gave her a wink, then picked up the cards and put them away.

  Connor moved to the fireplace and crouched. They hadn’t enjoyed a fire in a few days, and tonight seemed like a perfect time. He stacked kindling on the bottom, tucked in a fire starter and lit a match. The wax and sawdust starter blazed and soon the kindling began to crackle. He waited until the flames rose, then threw on a small log.

  Rising, he stretched his back. “I think that fall did more damage than I thought. I’m stiff.”

  “It was fun,” Ellene said, curling her feet beneath her as she gazed at the fire.

  Connor’s stomach tightened, seeing the flickering glow reflect on her upturned face. A warm smile curved her mouth.

  “It was,” he said, joining her on the sofa. He stayed closer to the far end, not wanting to cause her concern.

  As he leaned against the cushion, the kitchen light flickered and went out. Connor gave a soft chuckle as the fire’s glow filled the room.

  “I think you made this happen with your pessimism,” Ellene said.

  “I call it wisdom.”

  “You do?” She shook her head.

  Connor rose and snapped off the lights and pulled cords on the appliances. “Safer to do this than have a power surge.”

  He returned and sat closer, turning to face her. “It’ll be cold tonight. You’ll need extra blankets.”

  “I’ll sleep down here by the fire. I’ll be fine.”

  He didn’t open his mouth, afraid he’d say something that he’d be sorry for. “With the weather warming, I’d guess the ferry will open soon—if not tomorrow, then the next day.”