Chapter Nineteen

Today had been so emotional that Kira felt like she’d just gotten off a rollercoaster by the time she pulled back the covers on her bed. She kept staring at the box she’d found in the attic and couldn’t wait until she could tear into it.

After she’d had her shower and a bite to eat, she went into her bedroom and picked it up from the dresser.

Sitting cross-legged in the middle of the bed, she lifted the lid. The red velvet lining was pulling away from the sides of the container. Removing the contents, she saw the letters.

Her heart raced as she lifted the old, torn envelopes out of the box, one by one. She was so excited to be able to read the words her aunt once wrote.

She carefully removed the first one from the envelope. The paper had turned yellow. She saw the two different handwritings and was fascinated to read what Charlie described.

“I can’t wait. I’m still on the list, I’m moving up! I have another year and a half. I’ll have the surgery and we can get married. And if it’s successful, we can start planning for a family.”

Right underneath was Charlie’s reply.

“I can’t wait until you’re my wife in the biblical sense. Our honeymoon will be the most special event of our lives, my sweet Sophia.”

“The first happiest day of my life will be when I become your wife and then when we have our first son or daughter.”

“I love you, Sophie.”

“Wow,” Kira exclaimed as she scooted back closer to the headboard so she could get comfortable. As she eyed the stack of letters, she wanted to relax.

A few hours later, Kira tearfully reflected on all she’d read. It was an experience that she wouldn’t forget easily. Charlie Bennett and her aunt Sophia had a real love.

Turning over some of the messages she’d read between them in her mind, she thought of herself and Franklin. There had always been something about him even the first time he’d come into the inn. His presence affected her in ways that she’d never experienced before.

As she got to know him, their impromptu dance, his playful and serious way. Looking out for her, his overall help with the inn was something that she couldn’t deny. She looked forward to seeing him every day and thought about him when they weren’t together.

Maybe I’m even more like my aunt than I realized.

She carefully made sure that each letter was placed back in its original envelope. Not knowing what to do with them, though, she felt that they needed to be kept safe in some way. As she looked through the photos, she had several thoughts. Was it destiny that Davis women fall for the Bennett men?

Even though it was death that kept her aunt and Charlie apart, she wasn’t going to allow anything or anyone to block her from pursuing a relationship with Franklin. But after their blowout today, was it too late?

She checked the clock on her bedside table—it was way after midnight, and he hadn’t called or sent her their nightly text message. She was so busy reading the letters that she hadn’t thought about reaching out to him first.

As she placed the contents of the box back inside and slid it into the drawer of her nightstand, she made herself a promise. She would fulfill all the things her aunt couldn’t. She needed to talk to Franklin right away, so she didn’t squander the opportunity to be with an upright man with a giving and kind heart. She picked up her phone and started an apology text. After the first two words, she hit the delete button and watched every letter vanish. That was not the way to communicate with someone she cared for. It needed to be in person.

Turning off the light, she hoped that sleep would claim her quickly, so she wouldn’t be staring at the ceiling, thinking about how to fix things with Franklin all night.

It was no use; her heart wouldn’t settle until she did.

…

Once Franklin walked into the kitchen where his parents were sharing breakfast, he took a good look at them. They were excellent role models, and he appreciated everything they’d done for him and his siblings.

“Good morning,” he said, headed to the cabinet. He removed a mug and then poured hot coffee into it from the pot nearby.

“How are you feeling, son?” Charlie asked.

Now was the perfect time to talk to them about his decision. He knew that it had been on their minds since he returned.

Franklin pulled out the chair and sat across from his mother. That way, he was close enough to touch them both.

“Would you like some pancakes or a scrambled egg?” his mother asked.

“I’ll pick up something at the inn, Momma.”

“So, you’re going in today,” his father said. “Does that mean that you’ve spoken to Kira?”

Franklin glanced at his mother.

“She knows everything, son, so you can speak freely.”

Slowly, Franklin shook his head. “I don’t know what to say.”

His mother reached across the table and patted his hand. “The words will come. Speak with an open heart and they will come.”

Franklin appreciated their empathy and their acceptance of his and Kira’s relationship. He didn’t, however, want to get off on something else before discussing an important topic.

“You guys have been anxiously waiting for me to tell you what I’ve decided to do with the rest of my life.”

His father dropped his head. “Please don’t say that you’re going back.” He grabbed Franklin’s arm. “Son, you don’t have to run away. You can’t allow words to keep you from someone you care deeply for. I did it, and it was the wrong decision.”

Franklin couldn’t help but stare at his father. The passion and determination in his voice touched him. Now, he just needed to relieve him.

“No, no, no. It’s just the opposite. I want to move to Clover.” He saw his mother’s eyes widen. “I’d get my own place, of course, but I want to work with Aaron at the construction company and you can retire.”

For the first few seconds, it was so quiet in the room, Franklin thought he’d said something wrong. His parents were staring at each other, but neither of them said a word.

“Well…aren’t you guys going to say something?”

His father’s face was void of any kind of emotion. Franklin studied it, trying to anticipate what he was going to say.

“You’ve thought carefully about your decision and you’re sure, son?”

“Yes, I want to grow and develop in a different way. My experience in the military will always be with me. But it’s time to move on to a new phase of life.”

“Have you told your brother?”

“We talked about things yesterday, but he doesn’t know that I’ve made a decision.”

His father got up from the table so quickly, Franklin did the same. He hugged him tight. “I’m so glad that both my boys will be working with me.”

His mother, still seated, asked, “Are you sure, sweetie? You know how you and your father clash at times while working.”

Franklin loved his mother because she could always sense things. She was a peacemaker.

“Aw, honey. It will be fine, and I’ll only be there another year anyway.” His father reached for her hand. “I meant what I said about wanting to retire. Now that Franklin is onboard, it could happen even sooner.”

“Yes, I believe that we can work all of that out. I’m just ready to be home with my family,” Franklin replied, proud of the decision he’d made. He was ready to make a difference.

His mother rose from the table and walked over to him. “And Kira,” she said, holding him tight.

Turning his mother’s words over, he was aware that Kira had a lot to do with his decision. But, not only that, he also thought about her family and the inn. She was trying to preserve its legacy, and he wanted to do the same for his family. With his brother’s help, they had a chance.

“Yes, Momma, Kira too.” He smiled before placing a kiss on her forehead.

“Pop, we’ve got to get together with Aaron. I’ve got a lot of things to take care of on my end.” He needed to go through the steps to apply for retirement from the military.

His father was beaming with pride, and it made Franklin smile even bigger. “You’d better get out of here if you want an early start at the inn.”

Franklin grabbed a piece of toast from the table. “Yes, let me go now.”

“Make sure that you take care of your personal business, too, while you’re there,” his mother said as he walked out of the kitchen.

His parents were so funny at times, but he understood fully what they meant. He just hoped the words that he needed would come out of his mouth when the time came.

…

Kira heard Ben and Gail before they even entered her office. “I hope you’re not fighting again. I don’t need that today,” she shouted.

Both stopped just inside the doorway and looked at each other.

Gail came forward. “What is your problem this morning?”

Kira cleared her throat, embarrassed by her behavior. “I heard the commotion and thought you guys were into it again.”

Ben stood next to Gail. “Oh, no, we were coming to see if Franklin was going to show up today.”

“He would have been here already,” Gail said.

Since she opened her eyes this morning, that had been the question Kira asked herself. She didn’t have the answer, so she couldn’t pretend that she did. “I have no idea.”

Gail frowned. “Did something happen between you two?” She leaned over on the desk. “You’ve fought for that man since the day he stepped in here. What’s going on, Kira?”

Waving her cousin off, Kira stood. “Nothing for you to worry about.”

“I have every right to worry. We’ve got a lot riding on him being here to help us.”

“I know that, Gail.”

“He’ll be here,” Ben replied. “I believe he’s a man of his word.”

Kira wasn’t unaware of that fact; it was actually one of the things she adored about him. But after yesterday, she didn’t know if her behavior was the final act to make him walk away for good.

“I hope so, Ben.” Gail turned back to Kira. “Did you talk to Aunt Mary Louise about the Sip and See?”

Kira shook her head. “Not yet.” She picked up the phone and dialed her aunt’s number. “Let’s see if she’ll come out here. We can do it together.”

“Good morning,” Franklin said, walking into the room.

Kira nearly dropped the phone. Her mouth fell open wordlessly.

He came back.

Gail rushed over to him. “Hey there. I was just asking Kira where you were. You usually come into the kitchen early to get your coffee and a bite to eat.”

Kira’s gaze landed on his face. He was smiling, and that was a good sign. But she could tell his thoughts were somewhere else.

“I was running a bit late this morning,” he answered Gail, but his eyes were still on Kira.

Clearing her throat, she pushed away from the desk and got up. “Gail and Ben, can you guys let me talk to Franklin for a minute?”

“We’ve got a lot to do, Kira.”

She turned to her cousin. “I know. I know. Why don’t you call Auntie and see if she’ll come out? Then we can talk to her about the Sip and See.”

“Sure, I’ll let you know what she says,” Gail replied before grabbing Ben’s hand.

After they walked out, Kira turned around. “Did you see that?”

She felt a chill in the air after Franklin’s silence. She knew why. Standing in the middle of the floor not even two feet from each other, silently staring, was awkward, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away.

She swallowed hard, knowing that she had to speak, needed to say something to him. It was her statement that had started their disagreement in the first place.

She took one step forward, her eyes never leaving his. “Franklin, I was wrong in the way I spoke to you yesterday.”

When he remained silent, her pulse quickened, as she could never tell what he was thinking in the first place, but now it was bothering her that she didn’t know.

“I thought we were going to trust each other?” Franklin asked. His voice was steady and the tone low.

“Can we sit down?” Kira asked.

“I think we should talk later. I’ll come by the cottage tonight and we can discuss it then. Right now, we’ve got some things to finish.”

At first, Kira was shocked, but then she thought about Franklin and the kind of man he was—his decision to wait was his way. He hadn’t turned his back on her.

He grasped her hand and squeezed. “Are you okay with that?”

Kira gave him a slight nod.

“Now, do you know if the tables came in?”

“Yesterday afternoon.”

“Okay, good. What is a Sip and See?”

Kira giggled. “It originated in the South, to be used for family and friends to come over to see a new baby when they came home from the hospital.”

She saw his face wrinkle, so she moved on quickly. “Of course, we’d be doing this as an open house–type format where we can have hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and tours. You know, talk about the new menu and the way we’ve spruced the place up.”

“Sounds good.”

“My aunt or some of my other relatives could come and be tour guides, talk about family history and that.”

Franklin nodded. “I see. It’s a good idea, since you’ve applied for landmark status. By the way, any word yet?”

Kira blew out a big breath. “Not a peep. I need to do some follow up on that.” She went back to her desk and scribbled a note on a piece of paper.

“You’ll also need a photographer to take photos. It would be an excellent way to mark the occasion,” Franklin added.

“Oh yes, we can use them on the new website,” she said, making additional notes so she wouldn’t forget.

“If you’re talking about having this event in a couple of weeks, I know that’s not enough time to build a website,” Franklin warned.

“Probably not, but we will have the content when it’s time. Don’t worry about it, Franklin. I’ve got it covered.” She didn’t want him to get on his soapbox. She was in control of the situation.

“We don’t want to half do this, Kira.”

She rolled her eyes but wasn’t surprised at his reaction. “Trust. I’ve got this. Just let me handle it my way.”

Franklin moved toward the door. “I guess we’d better get to it, then.”

Kira smiled. “I’ll be right there.”

He walked out, and she stood there for a moment, still wondering what he thought. It was a relief that he’d come back after what happened between them. It was his heart and his way, to keep his word, and for that she was grateful.

She’d wait until the evening to tell him what she knew about his father and Sophia. But right now, she had to get to work.