Early the next morning, it didn’t take Evy long to compose a short email of resignation to Mrs. Davenport. Or to pack her few possessions in the room she rented at the Crockett farm. Barely holding it together, she said goodbye to a tearful Miss Pauline, who begged Evy to reconsider.
Evy unlocked the stout library door as Kiptohanock awakened from its long, sleepy night. A long, sleepless night for her.
She paused on the porch to take in the view one last time as the sun bathed the tiny fishing hamlet in light. Streaks of lavender and rose pink banded the horizon. In the distance, the barrier islands gleamed like a string of pearls.
Recreational and fishing boats bobbed in the harbor. The post office. The outfitter and boat repair shop. The Coast Guard station flags fluttered in the crisp, autumn sea breeze.
Home. The closest she’d ever come to finding a place to belong. Where she’d made friends, found long-lost family members and discovered a purpose beyond herself.
She glanced beyond the gazebo on the village green to the gingerbread-trimmed homes. Overarching the side lanes, the tree canopy was a kaleidoscope of color. And beneath the fiery reds and golden yellows of an Eastern Shore autumn lay Charlie’s house.
Evy bit her lip and pushed open the library door. She’d never get to see the lovely Victorian home glow against the stark, bare beauty of winter.
She stumbled into the foyer. Nor read to the children at Story Hour. There were many things she’d never do again. At least not here in Kiptohanock. Never again with Charlie.
A small sob escaped from between her clenched lips. She put her hand over her mouth. It was the death of dreams. The death of everything she’d only just begun to imagine could be hers.
She balled her hand against her thigh. She must have been delusional to believe a man like Deputy Pruitt and someone like her could ever... An image of the window seat in Charlie’s house pummeled her like a fist.
The coulda’s, shoulda’s, woulda’s ate her alive. Her life in Kiptohanock was over.
She’d chosen sensibility—emotion—over good sense. And look where that had gotten her. Heartbroken. But she still had her pride. She couldn’t stay here. Not one minute longer than she had to.
Evy walked among the library shelves one last time. She collected a few personal items. Set things to rights for the town’s new librarian, whoever he or she might be. Took one final look around.
Her beloved books would no longer be enough. In Kiptohanock, she’d savored what it was like to be enveloped in the warm embrace of friends.
The library could no longer be her safe place in a crazy, uncaring world. Charlie had spoiled that for her. Providing a tantalizing glimpse of something more.
Her stomach knotted. She’d spoiled Kiptohanock for herself. By trusting. By believing in Charlie.
But never again would she play invisible for anyone. That’s why she had to leave. In a town the size of Kiptohanock, she and Charlie would cross paths repeatedly. And that wasn’t something she’d willingly subject herself to on a weekly basis.
Evy was done with being overlooked. With being forgettable.
She’d banish herself from Kiptohanock. For the sake of self-preservation, banish herself from Charlie Pruitt. And from the silly, ridiculous love that had been doomed from the beginning. Unlike the Duer sisters times three, there’d be no fairy-tale ending for her.
“Evy?”
She glanced up as the door creaked open. Her salt-and-pepper chignon askew, Mrs. Davenport rushed inside still wearing her bedroom slippers. Evy blinked at the usually immaculate Mrs. Davenport’s disheveled appearance.
Mrs. Davenport’s face sagged in relief. “I was so afraid you’d already left.”
Evy’s heart hitched. Mrs. Davenport had been a good friend, too. Her first real friend in Kiptohanock, welcoming a ’come here from nowhere.
“I’m sorry to leave the library patrons in a lurch.” Evy swallowed against the sudden lump in her throat. “I—I can’t stay here. I appreciate the committee’s confidence in me. Offering me this most wonderful of opportunities, but...but...”
She blinked away the treacherous tears. She’d thought—hoped—she’d shed the last of them in the wee hours of the morning. “I’m so sorry. Perhaps one of the other candidates you interviewed—” She gulped.
Mrs. Davenport came around the desk. “We didn’t bother to interview anyone else after you.” She wrapped her arm around Evy’s shoulders. “Don’t worry about the library. I’ll staff it in your absence. Until you clear your head and come back to us.”
“I’m not coming back.”
Mrs. Davenport sighed. “I heard what happened between you and Charlie.”
Of course she had. This was Kiptohanock, and Mrs. Davenport was its grapevine.
“Did you know about him pretending to be my—my...” Evy stiffened. “How stupid can I get, to think a man like him would join a Jane Austen book club? Did everyone know but me?”
Mrs. Davenport squeezed Evy’s hand. “No, honey. And I don’t think Charlie Pruitt was pretending.”
Evy pulled away.
“I see the way he looks at you.” Mrs. Davenport wagged her finger. “I’ve known the deputy since he played tiny-tyke football. That boy is completely smitten with you.”
Evy slung her tote bag over her shoulder. “SuperDeputy played me. In a weird sort of way, I get why Honey started this, but what I can’t understand is, after Charlie got to know me, how he could continue to investigate me while—” Her cheeks burned.
“All the while romancing the truth out of you?”
Evy scowled.
“But where will you go, Evy?”
“I don’t know exactly. San Francisco?” She shrugged. “Maybe I’ll join my parents in France.”
She hugged Mrs. Davenport. “This has been the best...the most...”
Mrs. Davenport cupped Evy’s face between her hands. “I wish you’d stay, but I understand why you feel the need to go. Just remember, with or without Charles Everett Pruitt the Third, there are people here who love you and who will miss you. Including yours truly.”
Tears threatened to spill onto Evy’s cheeks. She had to get out of here—before she lost the will to leave. “I—I won’t forget, Mrs. Davenport. I love you, too. But I have to go.”
With an arm around Evy’s shoulder, Mrs. Davenport walked her to the door.
On the threshold, Evy hesitated. “You’ll finish the book club for me? I saved my favorite for last. We haven’t discussed Emma yet.”
“Consider it done.”
With a final promise to send her contact information once she got settled, Evy slipped out onto the porch and closed the door behind her.
It was time to boldly go...somewhere else. To cast off the uncertainty of her right to exist. To be Jane. To be Evy. Perhaps, at long last, to find a place where she could be both.
And discover her own happily-ever-after. One thing she’d never leave behind, though? Her eyes skimmed the steeple brushing the sky above Kiptohanock.
The peace. The joy. The hope she’d take with her wherever she went from now on. Despite everything that had happened—past and present—God was still so very good.
There was one other consideration... Sawyer had spent the night at the hospital with Honey. Evy thought about stopping by the hospital on her way out of town, but rejected the idea immediately.
Riverside Hospital was in the opposite direction from the Bay Bridge Tunnel and the mainland. But more importantly, she hated goodbyes. She felt nauseated contemplating telling Sawyer goodbye. Her reaction, probably a carryover from being wrenched apart as children. When she believed she’d said goodbye to him and to Jane Kole forever.
No more guilt. No more pretending. She sent him a text.
Can’t stay here. I’ll call when I get to wherever. Not goodbye forever. Goodbye, sweet brother, just for now.
She stared at the words. It was better this way. She’d call Dixie on the other side of the bridge. When she was out of reach of anyone trying to persuade her to stay. She pushed her glasses higher onto the bridge of her nose.
And hit Send.
She was so sick of goodbyes. Her life had been one goodbye after another. It was past time to find somewhere she could call home. A place filled with hello.
* * *
After Evy walked away outside the hospital, Charlie went straight to headquarters and volunteered to do another shift. He didn’t want to go home. He didn’t know how he was ever going to face the yawning emptiness of his house and his heart.
So he spent a long night on duty. A long night when nothing much happened in Accomack County. Great news for the citizens. Bad news for Charlie. Who had nothing to do but examine in minute detail how he’d blown things with Evy.
Charlie replayed every conversation they’d ever had in his head. Berated himself for every missed opportunity. But he’d been so afraid that if he told Evy the truth, he’d lose her.
He hunkered inside the patrol vehicle. He’d lost her anyway. And he had no one to blame but himself.
Charlie’s head fell back onto the headrest as he peered into the early dawn. He’d rationalized he was protecting Evy from hurt. But the only one he’d really been protecting was himself.
She’d never trust him again. Not that he blamed her. He winced, recalling the hurt and disbelief in her eyes when she learned the truth of why he’d pretended to be her friend. He ached inside.
Charlie had enjoyed being her friend. He scrubbed his hand over his beard shadow. Who knew a Bonanza kind of guy would fall in love with a Jane Austen kind of girl? He swallowed.
He’d fallen in love with Evy Jane. The quirky librarian. The delightful girly-girl. The ponytail. The glasses. The way her eyes lit up—his heart thudded—when she looked at him across a crowded book club meeting.
Charlie groaned. She’d never look at him that way again. And it sucked the life out of him thinking of everything his insufferable pride had cost him. Cost the both of them.
For he’d lost something irretrievably precious when she stalked away from him outside the hospital. He could no longer deny the depth and scope of his feelings for Evy. He loved her. He wanted her in his life so badly, he’d do anything to earn her forgiveness.
Maybe after she simmered down, she’d listen to his explanation of how things had gotten out of control. How he never meant to hurt her. How events snowballed and before he realized it, he’d fallen head over heels in love with her.
His conscience smote him. The words from Scripture hammered his brain. About what love was. And what love was not.
Love rejoiced with truth. Love bore all things. Believed all things. Endured all things. Love didn’t fail. He had failed Evy in the most fundamental of ways. And without her love, Charles Everett Pruitt the Third was nothing.
Yet love also didn’t give up.
Charlie remembered the familiar mantra of his football days. Don’t give in. Never quit. Keep moving forward.
He clamped his lips together. Charles Everett Pruitt the Third was nothing if not persuasive. He’d wear her down. He’d beg for mercy. Dog her at church and in the village.
When it came to winning back Evy’s respect, he’d do whatever it took. He’d become a frequent, card-carrying library customer. Maybe she’d have pity on him. Give him another chance to be her friend.
And after a while, maybe she’d forgive him. Trust him. Love him the way he loved her.
God, I messed up so badly. Forgive me. I don’t deserve a wonderful person like Evy. But I love her...
He slumped in his seat. “I love her so much. Soften her heart. Help her to let me into her life one more time. Show me what I can do to regain her faith in me.”
It was Evy who’d helped him let go of his bitterness. With her fresh eyes of new faith, she showed Charlie the way back to the God of second chances. Sweet Evy... God, would you allow me a second chance with her?
He was driving north to the station to clock out when his cell rang. He snatched it off the console. A text from Honey.
Do something. She’s getting away.
Charlie frowned. What was Honey talking about? Who was getting away?
His phone buzzed with another incoming text. Charlie’s eyes widened. Since when did Sawyer Kole text him?
Call me. Now.
Sawyer probably wanted his turn at reaming Charlie out for hurting his beloved sister. Which he more than deserved.
He pulled into a gas station to place the call. Teeth gritted, he redialed. Step one in his long-overdue twelve-step program of humility.
The Coastie cowboy picked up on the first ring.
Charlie took a breath. “Sawy—”
“Do you love my sister, Pruitt?”
“What?”
“Answer the question,” Sawyer growled. “Do you love her or not? After the stunt you and my beloved but delusional wife pulled, I’m not so sure.”
Charlie gripped the phone in his hand. “I love Evy a lot.”
“What does a lot mean to you, Pruitt? What’re your intentions toward my baby sister?”
“I—I...” Charlie’s heart hammered. “I’d gladly spend the rest of my life making it up to her if she’d marry me. Be my wife. Bear my—”
“Spare me the details,” Sawyer grunted. “I get the picture. Now it’s my turn to clue you in—if you don’t do something quick, she’ll be anybody’s wife but yours.”
Charlie tensed. “What are you talking about? Has something happened to Evy?”
“She resigned her job, packed her stuff and is headed off-Shore.”
Charlie’s heart raced. “But—”
“Got a text from her. I called her back. She told me in no uncertain terms she was driving to the mainland, then California or Paris—she wasn’t exactly forthcoming with the info. And she hung up. She won’t answer the rest of my calls. I’d go after her, but Honey and the baby are being released—”
“Where was she when you talked to her?” Fear and panic exploded in Charlie’s skull.
“Driving out of Kiptohanock. She’s probably on 13 by now and headed south to the bridge. I’m not sure what you can do, but if anyone can convince her to stay, it’ll be you.” Sawyer heaved a sigh. “Beats me, but—for some reason I’m totally unable to fathom—my otherwise brilliant sister seems to be in love with you. No accounting for taste, I guess, huh?”
Whereas before Charlie would’ve bristled, he now knew Sawyer Kole well enough to catch the wry amusement in his voice.
“You wouldn’t mind then, if Evy and me—”
“Deputy Pruitt, if you return my only sister to the Kiptohanock fold, I’ll gladly dance at your wedding.” Sawyer sniffed. “After I teach you how to do a proper two-step, of course. Can’t have you disgracing the Kole family name.”
And in his words, Sawyer not only offered him an olive branch but also bestowed his cowboy blessing.
Evy and Honey had been right about the ex-Coastie. He was a good guy. A great guy. A man worth knowing. No matter how things worked out with Evy, Charlie would consider it an honor to be Sawyer’s friend.
Sawyer blew out a breath. “I’m not sure what you can do to stop her—”
“You leave it to me.” Charlie’s mouth flattened. “I’ve got this.”
Sawyer laughed. “Somehow I had a feeling you would. Go do your thing, Deputy. Bring back Cotton.”
“Roger that.” Charlie clicked off and palmed the wheel. Tires screeching, he wheeled out of the gas station and headed south on 13.
He reached for the mic and put in a call to the station. Charlie wasn’t about to allow the best person outside of God who ever happened to him to get away. Not on his watch.
Dispatch put Charlie through to his boss. Charlie got right to the point of what he needed.
“I realize this request is highly unusual, sir. Unorthodox. And if it means resigning my position and losing my career, I understand.”
“She means that much to you, does she, Pruitt?”
“Yessir. She does.”
The sheriff laughed. “Been there, son. While I can’t allocate taxpayer dollars in the pursuit of love, I can authorize law enforcement to be on the lookout for someone Deputy Pruitt needs to question.” His boss chuckled, his voice gravelly. “I’m assuming that once apprehended, you do have questions for the suspect. Or at least, one all-important question, Deputy?”
Charlie gripped the wheel as the intersection at the town of Painter blurred past his window. “I do indeed, sir. And I’d be much obliged for any help you could spare.”
“Got her number, by chance?”
Charlie smiled. “Emblazoned on my brain.” He rattled off Evy’s license plate number. “Thank you, sir.”
“No problem. Bring back the girl, Deputy.”
As Charlie sped past Nassawadox, the unofficial BOLO went out over the radio to his brothers in blue on the two-county peninsula to locate the pretty blonde librarian. Minutes later, his hope was rewarded when good friend Thad Walters responded.
“Vehicle spotted. Outside the Cackle and Crow in Cheriton. Stop and detain? Please advise. Standing by.”
Charlie’s heart thumped. Last exit before the bridge. She must’ve stopped for breakfast before heading over the seventeen-mile bridge and tunnel expanse. He had a bad feeling that if they didn’t catch her this side of the mainland, he’d never see her again.
He picked up the mic. “Be advised.” He released the button. Charlie set his jaw. He pressed down the button again. “Do not attempt to apprehend. I repeat, do not apprehend. Delay, yes, Trooper Walters.”
Thad laughed. “Advise. Is suspect dangerous?”
He flushed. So much for pride. Everyone with a scanner in a two-county radius was no doubt following this development play-by-play.
Charles Everett Pruitt the Third would once again be the laughingstock of the Delmarva Peninsula. But he’d do so and more for a do-over with Evy.
“Be advised suspect is dangerous.” He took a breath. “But only to my heart. Suspect must be approached with caution.”
“Roger that. Will delay till you arrive and then she’s all yours, Deputy Pruitt.”
Charlie blew past Exmore.
Oh, how he hoped so.