9

We returned to Shelley’s Heart to find that the Wilsons had already departed. Mom and Peeps were sitting in the kitchen eating leftover breakfast casserole. We joined them at the table.

“It’s true, Mom. He’s opened Pinewood Manor to the public.” I took a deep breath in preparation for the embarrassing part. “He claims that I deeded the house over to him as a wedding present with a quitclaim form. The only thing I signed was a power of attorney for him. I read every word of it. It had nothing to do with Pinewood Manor. He seems confident it’s legal.”

“Rat, rat, rat!” Peeps said, hitting his cane on the floor.

“Oh, honey, what a scoundrel,” Mom said. “You trusted him. But that can’t be legal. Let’s call Mr. Ballard.”

“I did. He’s on vacation. I left an emergency message with his answering service. We went by the notary office and it’s empty.”

“Let’s just wait until we hear from Mr. Ballard, then. He can tell us how to proceed.” She stroked my hair like she did when I was a child. “Don’t worry, honey, there’s no way he can get away with this.”

I expected her assurances were true, but I didn’t look forward to the humiliating story Darryl would tell. It sickened me to the core, but I guess he didn’t know me like he thought he did. There was no way I’d let him have my house. I knew now that he’d only hired me—and then stooped to make me his girlfriend—because he wanted that house.

“Nothing we can do now except wait for Mr. Ballard to call. He’ll help us straighten this out,” Mom said. “I’ve got to work in the morning, so I need to head on back to town. Are you all right? Do you want to come home with me?”

“No, I’m fine here, Mom.” I gave her a hug. “Go ahead. I’ll call you as soon as I hear from Mr. Ballard.”

“I love you, and try not to worry. Darryl can’t win this.” She gathered her things and left.

“I’d better get Dad home. He’s looking tired.” Scott helped his dad up from the chair. “Should I come back? Are you going to be all right this afternoon?”

“I’m fine now. In fact, I may take a nap,” I said, hoping I could actually fall asleep.

“And sorry I lost my temper earlier. I only wanted to help, but when he talked to you that way, it got my back up.”

I couldn’t speak for a moment. I didn’t want to cry again.

He smiled as if to say he understood and turned to leave with his father.

I put my hands on their shoulders to stop them. They turned, and I hugged them both.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your help this afternoon,” I said. “Thank you both for welcoming me into this little world on Exit 477. It’s been the help that I needed. If you still want me, I would like to stay on and run the Shelley’s Heart as you suggested, at least through the fall to see if it works out. But now, with this upcoming battle on my hands, you may want to change your mind.”

“Go on out to the truck, Dad. I’ll be there in a jiffy.” Scott opened the front door for Peeps and then turned to me.

Scott reached for my hand. He looked down for a moment, but just when I thought he wasn’t going to say anything, he looked into my eyes.

“Bailey, that’s the best news I’ve heard in months. I can’t tell you what it means to us to have the lights turned back on here. It was the heart of our family. We may live in a hot climate, but it’s been so cold for Dad and me since Mom died. We’re beginning to feel a little warmth again. Because of you. I’m sorry for what brought you here, but I don’t know what I’d do if you hadn’t come. You may find after a few months that we’re too much to handle. But as far as this place, I know you’ll do a wonderful job.”

The sincerity of his words touched me deeply. I found myself in the biggest mess I’d probably ever been in before, but I walked on solid ground, maybe for the first time in my life.

I opened my mouth to say thank you, but in that moment, Scott West kissed me. His lips on my mouth were the most natural thing in the world. A pleasant warmth settled over me. When Scott looked at me again, his eyes were brimming with unshed tears. I reached up and caressed his face then kissed him on the cheek.

“I’ll check on you later,” he whispered. “Are you sure you’ll be OK?”

I could only nod, too full of emotion to say anything. I watched them drive away, lingering at the door for several moments after they were out of sight.

I wondered if Scott was beginning to have serious feelings for me. Maybe his emotion was just gratitude. At that moment, it didn’t matter. I knew I could care for him, but that would come later. If at all.

Instead, I reveled in the moment. Bailey Brown, appreciated and accepted. The sweetness and reality of that did more to elevate me as a person than all of Darryl’s lectures. I hurried to the prayer garden so that I could say “Thank You” to God.