Chapter Fourteen

Kira was excited about her date tonight with Franklin. Even though the small cottage she lived in sat on the same land as the inn, she’d never invited a man to her home.

Standing in front of the mirror, she assessed her outfit, which was a dressy black pantsuit with a black-and-white striped top and gold buttons going down the front of the jacket. She slipped her feet into her black pumps when she heard a knock on the door.

Kira checked her watch—seven o’clock on the dot. She rushed to open the door. “Punctual as always,” she said, then giggled, pulling him inside.

“Hey, babe,” he replied, bringing her flush against his body.

Kira didn’t wait for him to initiate; she stood on the tips of her toes and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

“What was that for?” he said.

“Either you’re special or I haven’t been out on a date in so long, I’m overly excited,” Kira said, joking with him, but he looked stunned. “I’m kidding, Franklin. I’m kidding.”

She turned and walked back over to the mirror. “I’m almost ready to go.”

“You look nice,” he complimented her as he looked around the small cottage. “How long have you lived here?”

Kira was trying to fasten her earring. “The cottage once belonged to my aunt, and for a while when I first came to Clover, she stayed here with me, too. It’s cool, though. She moved into the Davis family home because it was sitting empty shortly after.” She pushed the gold post of her earring into her ear as she stood in front of the mirror.

“It’s a nice and cozy place,” he said. “I like that it’s not that far from the inn.”

“Yep. Love it.” She grabbed her jacket and her handbag. “Where are we going?”

Franklin took the jacket and held it open so that she could slip her arms into the sleeves. “I think you’re going to like the food.”

He was avoiding the question. This would either be very good or very bad.

Kira smiled. “You know I love to eat. I just don’t have time to do so as much as I want.”

They walked out of the cottage down to where his car was parked. As usual, Franklin held the door open and waited until she was inside before closing it behind her.

They drove about fifteen minutes and pulled up in front of a beautiful cottage-style house. Kira didn’t put two and two together right away, then she turned to him.

“Franklin, where are we?” She had a sneaking suspicion but wanted him to confirm before she blew up at him.

“I wanted my mother to get to know you, and the only way I can achieve that is for you to meet her in person.”

“What?” She was trying to wrap her head around his actions.

“We both know that she’s not coming out to the inn, so I’m doing the next best thing.”

Kira’s stomach clenched. Her anger crept up, and she hated the way she felt when she got angry. Truly angry. It turned her into a person she struggled to control. She stared quietly at him for a long time, seething. He may not have meant any harm, but he didn’t take into consideration her feelings about meeting his mother. The circumstances were strenuous.

“Why would you bring me here after everything that’s happened?”

“I want my family to see what I see, Kira. I’ve never brought anyone home before.”

It was special knowing that he thought enough of her that he wanted his family to meet her. But that wasn’t the point. She was thinking about if someone saw her and told her family, anybody with the last name Davis, that she was seen at Charlie Bennett’s house.

She could feel the heat rising in her face, and she wanted to be careful with her words, but as much as she cared for Franklin, this stunt was underhanded.

“I don’t appreciate this, Franklin. I really, really don’t. How could you?”

Franklin placed his arms around her shoulders, and she tried to move away, but the door prevented her. She could feel his warm hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Kira. I was so excited that I didn’t think. You know what? I take that back. I did think. I thought that you and I were on the same page with this feud and that we were going to show our families how to work in unity.”

She looked straight ahead. “We did accomplish that, and I meant every word. But this is not business. This is very personal for us both.” She finally looked in his direction.

“Please forgive me, Kira. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

She didn’t know if she was hurt because he brought her here or if she was afraid of what his father might say to her. “I don’t want to be humiliated, Franklin. What if your father kicks me out of his house? Huh? What do I do then?”

“He’s not going to do any such thing. I promise.”

Kira huffed. “You can’t make that kind of promise, Franklin. You of all people know how that feels. Remember what happened the first day you worked at the inn?”

The venomous way her cousin and aunt had treated him. He should know this was a bad idea.

“Uh-oh,” Franklin said under his breath.

Kira stared at him, wondering what made him trick her like this, when he knew all the players and the consequences. Then she turned her attention in the direction he was looking. From the car, she saw a silhouette of a person standing in the doorway.

“Damn.” She stared at him. “You know what?”

Franklin tried to give her a sad face.

She squeezed his cheeks. “You make me sick, Franklin Bennett.”

“I know you love me,” he said, and they both froze. Nobody moved. Love? They just stared at each other until Franklin moved his face closer to her.

All the anger dissipated. Hearing him use the word “love” to describe her feelings. It wasn’t accurate, but not completely untrue.

“Are y’all going to sit in the car all night?” called a woman’s voice. Kira turned. “Who is that?” she asked as the woman started walking to the car.

“That’s my sister Charlotte. She’s harmless.”

“I guess we’d better go inside,” Kira said.

“We don’t have to stay long.”

“Okay, but if this goes sideways, I’m going to get you back.”

Kira watched as Franklin jumped out and came around to open the door just as Charlotte met him at the curb.

“So, big brother, you’ve brought a guest. You know, everybody can see you guys from the picture window.”

Kira got out of the car and looked around. There were several people sitting on their porches, and they waved at her. There was no need to shrink and try to disappear, they’d already seen her, so she waved back.

“Good evening,” Franklin yelled to the neighbors, and Charlotte waved at them.

“That’s Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. She worked as an English teacher, and he was the high school custodian,” Charlotte said, reaching over Franklin to shake Kira’s hand. “Nice to meet you. My brother sometimes loses his manners.”

Charlotte Jones was almost the same height as Kira. She had smooth, dark skin and very expressive eyes. Kira really loved her hairstyle, which fit her face so well. The long microbraids were cascading down Charlotte’s back. “Nice meeting you, Charlotte.”

“See my kids sitting in the window? Let’s get inside so we can eat.”

The pleasant exchange relaxed Kira a bit. So maybe it’s going to be okay. Keep thinking that, girlfriend.

Kira looked up at the cottage-style home that was in a very nice neighborhood where all the homes were well kept. She particularly loved the flower boxes underneath the windows on the front of the Bennett house.

Taking a deep breath, she walked inside the Bennett home, behind Charlotte and in front of Franklin.

“Hey, everybody,” Franklin said once they were inside, “I want you all to meet my friend, Kira Davis.”

Immediately, Kira thought about something she heard her father say once about a situation he was in. It was as quiet as a church mouse in the room. And the Bennetts looked as speechless as she was. The whole thing was awkward. Kira didn’t know what else to do but smile.

Standing next to Franklin in the middle of the living room, Kira’s eyes rested on Charlie Bennett. Charlie was nothing like she’d imagined. He was extremely good-looking, just like his son, something she hadn’t considered because of the horrible way her family described him. She’d always imagined that he looked like a monster. Not so. Now, the expression on his face was a bit intimidating, but she thought it was directed more at Franklin than her.

His mother came forward. “It’s very nice to meet you, Kira. Why don’t you all come on in and let’s get ready for dinner?” She gave Kira a hearty handshake. “Charlotte, will you help me get the food on the table?”

“Sure, Momma, I’m right behind you.”

“Can I help you, Mrs. Bennett?” Kira still hadn’t spoken to Charlie. The way he was eying her down, she didn’t know what to say. Besides, the expression he was giving Franklin, they needed to have a chat. “I’d be happy to help.”

“Sure, honey. That would be fine. I don’t usually like for my guests to work, but come on,” Shirley Bennett exclaimed with what Kira could only describe as a genuine smile. “Charlotte, show Kira where she can wash her hands and let’s get this food out. I know your father’s starving.”

Kira looked back at Franklin before she followed his sister so she could get cleaned up. There was no way she could leave now, because there would be something said about it. She remembered her conversation with Mrs. Potter. This just might be a great opportunity for her to learn more about Charlie and her aunt Sophia from the Bennett’s point of view.

…

As soon as Kira was out of earshot, Franklin knew his father was going to have a lot to say to him. He was ready for it, but he had to bring Kira to meet them. Obviously, he didn’t go about it in the right way, but she was important to him. And he wanted his family to see it firsthand.

His father stood and walked over to him. “What is your problem, son? Do you want the whole town to start whispering again?” He turned like he was going to walk away but came right back. “I don’t need that kind of drama in my life. Let me tell you. I’m looking forward to my retirement. Me and your momma don’t need this.”

“Pop, I’m not trying to do anything to you. I brought someone home that I care about very much to meet my family.” Franklin motioned his hands. “That’s all. Period.”

Standing toe-to-toe with his father, Franklin had a pain in the pit of his stomach. He just wished that he didn’t care so much for Kira. He could see her with his mother and sister bringing out the food from the kitchen. They looked so natural, and he appreciated them not giving Kira a hard time.

He turned his attention back to his father. “Can you please do me a favor and be nice to her? It will only be for an hour or so, and I promise I won’t bring her back.”

Aaron joined them. “The way you two are acting, if I were her, I wouldn’t want to come back anyway.”

Their father shot him a long glance, and Franklin knew that tonight wasn’t going to be easy. But in his mind, it was all worth it.

“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. That girl is trouble,” his father said before walking away.

Aaron leaned closer to Franklin. “I’ve got your back. Let’s eat and have a good time. We can do it.”

He stared at his brother’s retreating back, because he’d never heard him speak in those terms before. Aaron usually sided with their father. Maybe the talk they had the other day changed his thinking.

Franklin had put Kira in this position, so he had to make her feel comfortable. He wanted to show her that he wasn’t going to allow an age-old feud to get in the way of them moving forward with their relationship. If he had to defend her honor tonight, he’d gladly do so. He just hoped it didn’t come to that.

…

So far so good.

Kira sat between Franklin and his sister, Charlotte, and across from his mother and brother. The children sat at a smaller table in the corner of the dining room.

“I tried to make everyone’s favorites,” Shirley said before grasping her son’s hand to prepare for prayer.

Kira watched carefully as Franklin reached for his father’s hand. She saw Charlie’s eyes drift to the extended palm, then to Franklin’s face. There was a little hesitation, and her pulse raced—she didn’t want her presence to come between Franklin and his father. But then Charlie grasped his hand, and everyone bowed their heads. Kira slowly released the breath that she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

She opened one eye as Charlie said the prayer. She wanted a visual of the man whose words came out like poetry. His tone caressed her ears, and the sincerity in his voice felt genuine. It reminded her so much of her great-grandfather that a warmth covered her. She was grateful.

“Amen,” everyone said in unison.

“So, Kira, I’ve heard so much about your inn,” Aaron said, lifting the platter filled with sliced pot roast. “How long have you lived in Clover?”

Franklin was busy passing the whipped mashed potatoes to her, and she answered, “I moved here about five years ago.”

She wouldn’t dare look at Charlie, even though she knew that he was watching her. It was almost over, and because she was starving and the food smelled so good, she wasn’t leaving until she filled her stomach with that Southern cuisine.

“Aaron, do you have experience in the armed forces like Franklin?” Kira asked, placing another tablespoon of potatoes onto her plate.

“Franklin didn’t tell you.”

Kira threw Franklin a questioning look.

“We own Bennett Lumber and Construction over on the far side of town.”

“No, I hadn’t told her,” Franklin said. “But now that you mention it, Aaron here is a master craftsman.”

“Is he?” Kira responded.

“Yes, he is meticulous and accurate.” He looked over at his father. “Pop, have you seen that crib that he’s doing for Mrs. Hanson’s sister?”

Charlie nodded.

“It’s exquisite. You can’t find anything like it in the stores.”

Charlie was cutting up his meat and stabbed the fork into it. “Nope. Well done.”

Everyone stopped for a few seconds, and Kira wondered what happened, but before she could say anything else, Franklin spoke up again.

“Have you ever thought about adding that service to the business, Pop?” Franklin picked up his glass and the glass pitcher filled with lemonade. “It could bring new customers while adding more offerings to your existing ones.”

Charlie frowned and then looked at Aaron. “Is this something you want to do?”

Aaron slowly nodded. “I think it will work, Pop.”

Kira watched Charlie silently look between his two sons. “Let’s talk in more detail after dinner. Right now, we have company.”

For the first time since she’d entered the house, Charlie Bennett acknowledged her. Not by name, but he did all the same. He stared at her for a moment before going back to his meal.

Kira thought carefully about the softness around his eyes as his gaze met hers. It reminded her of what others had told her about favoring her aunt. Was that the reason for his negative reaction when she’d entered their home? She didn’t know, and she was sad that she’d never thought about it. When she spoke to Mrs. Potter, she talked about how in love they were. Had anyone ever asked Charlie how he’d felt when Sophia died? If they were that much in love, it must have hurt him deeply.

The conversations got lighter, and Kira felt maybe it was the way she responded to the family. She even held his sister Charlotte’s toddler while she went to heat up his food. Shirley volunteered, but the baby was eager to get into Kira’s lap, so she let him. Charlotte quickly came back and took him so that he could eat.

Franklin leaned over. “You even work your magic on babies.”

Kira punched him playfully, and Franklin dramatically grabbed his arm as if she’d wounded him. She laughed at his exaggeration. The rest of the dinner went smoothly, and before she knew it, they’d been at the Bennett residence for two hours. They all sat and laughed and talked as they ate, then the men cleared the table while Franklin’s mother cut the lemon supreme cake that had been prepared for dessert, along with piping hot coffee.

“Mrs. Bennett, this cake is divine. Is this a family recipe?” Kira asked, cutting another piece of the moist dessert.

“Yes, I’ll have to share it with you,” Shirley said.

Kira thought that Franklin’s mother was going to look at her husband when she made the statement, but she didn’t. She kept her eyes on Kira’s the whole time.

“I’d love that. I’m not a sweets eater, really, but this is so lovely.”

“You must come back to see us again.”

Kira looked at Aaron, Charlotte, and Franklin, who were all nodding in agreement. She was hesitant to look in Charlie’s direction, but she did anyway. Even though he didn’t react negatively, he sat quietly.

Franklin checked his watch. “Well, I’m going to get this little lady home. You know, running an inn, you have to get up early.”

Kira dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “Thank you all so much for having me,” she said, scooting her chair back.

Franklin pulled it out even farther to allow her to get up from the table. “Dinner was delicious, Momma. Just like every time.”

Shirley got up from the table, too. “Kira, why don’t I wrap up a piece of cake so that you can take it home with you?”

Kira waved her hand. “Oh, no, Mrs. Bennett—”

“Call me Shirley.”

A smile grew on Kira’s face and in her heart. She really liked Franklin’s mother. “I’ve eaten enough. The rest of the family will want more, I’m sure.”

Shirley went into the kitchen and came back with a small container. “Don’t worry about them. I make one of these almost every week. They don’t need it anyway.” She cut a slice and placed it in the container, then handed it to Kira.

“Thank you so much,” she said, following Franklin to the door.

“I’ll be back later,” Franklin said before they left the house.

As soon as Franklin got inside the car and closed the door, both he and Kira sighed. “I think that went really well,” he said, starting the car.

“I really like your family, Franklin.”

A wide grin spread over his face. “I can tell that they like you as well.”

“I’d love to get your momma’s pot roast and lemon cake recipe. Ben could probably add it to our menu.”

Franklin pulled away from the curb. “Even though I didn’t do this right, I’m so glad that I did.”

That one still didn’t sit well with her. “I don’t know why you’re so proud. That could have gone left real fast, Franklin, and you know it.”

He shook his head as he turned the corner. “I was sure that you would act the way you always do, so I won’t say I wasn’t concerned, but I sure wasn’t worried.”

Kira turned his words over in her mind. It was really a compliment. “I mean that much to you that you’d risk your relationship with your father?”

“Yes. I didn’t want something that happened decades ago to disrupt our relationship. I care too deeply for you, Kira.”

She couldn’t help but agree. The past should stay in the past. What happened between his dad and her aunt had nothing to do with them. She put her hand on his arm. “I care for you, too, Franklin.”

“One thing about my father, he will always be there for his children. Mad or not. It is his way. I just want to understand him better, is all.”

“Did you get anything out of tonight?”

“Yes, he doesn’t hate your family as much as he acted, or he would have made us leave.”

Kira was beginning to see what Franklin was talking about. It was just as she thought earlier that Charlie’s hate was actually more hurt than anything else.

“Maybe it’s been long enough, and like he said, he’s looking forward to retirement.” That thought led Kira to something else. “I wish I could have seen the crib your brother made.”

“Oh, Kira, it was simply beautiful. It was stained perfectly and the intricate scrollwork he added to the headboard was done expertly.”

“Maybe I can commission him to do something for the inn.”

“After tonight, I don’t see why not. I’ll have him send over some pictures of the things he’s done, and we can go from there.”

Kira stared out the window as they drove down Main Street toward the edge of town. She was grateful that she finally laid eyes on Charlie Bennett. It gave her more questions than answers, though. It was time for her to have a chat with her aunt Mary Louise to fill in some of the holes.