11

I focused like a laser on ideas for Shelley’s Heart Bed and Breakfast that evening after I left Tracy and Liz’s house. But the mess with Darryl kept scraping against my thoughts like a broken tooth against the side of the tongue.

Shelley’s journals were full of names and addresses. I searched the guest book for repeat guests and made a list. Maybe I could call and book them. A mail out, or even a couple of social media pages for Shelley’s would be great, but then I didn’t know if I would stay beyond the fall. Too much business might make things difficult for Scott when I got things sorted out with Pinewood Manor. My mind wandered to the money troubles at the diner. Scott probably couldn’t spend much, but the radio station’s community hotline was a free phone call, and a small advertisement in the paper wouldn’t cost a fortune. I planned to talk with him about these things the next day. I didn’t have to wait. He knocked on the door.

He took off his cap but stood at the doorway. The early September breeze outside blew cool. A full moon cast a soft glow on the front porch. “Hey, I know it’s late, but I wanted to check on you. How was your evening with the Salas girls?”

“Let’s sit outside.” I motioned toward the rocking chairs. “This is my favorite time of year.”

Scott waited for me to sit before he did. He propped his feet up on the railing and leaned his head back against the rocker.

“My evening was wonderful. Those girls can cook, let me tell you. And they think the world of you and your parents. Taking them in and helping them get a new start after Tracy’s father died…it blessed me, just hearing about it.”

“That was Mom and Dad. Generous to a fault. I’d like to be more like them. These days I can barely think of anything but Dad and work.” He stopped rocking and reached for my hand. “I find, though, that I have plenty of room in my mind to think of you. I’m so glad you’re here, Bailey.” He spoke softly, entwining our fingers.

I looked at our hands. I loved how Scott’s hands were so much bigger than mine, work-hardened, but gentle. It occurred to me that Darryl never seemed to want my touch.

He tightened his hold and brushed the back of my fingers with a feather-light kiss. “Are you doing all right? Hope you’re not worrying too much about everything.”

“I’m OK, I guess. I feel like a first class idiot for ever having trusted Darryl. What if I lose Pinewood Manor?” I didn’t want to think of what my lapse in judgment might cost me. I hated the way that part of my life was merging with this new experience on Exit 477. “Jim Ballard is on the case for me now. I’m waiting for him to call. It’s just so humiliating that I let this happen.”

The moonlight falling onto Scott’s face made his eyes shine, and Darryl was the last person I wanted to discuss here where this man had kissed me. “I want to thank you again for standing up for me this morning. I hate to drag you into this mess.”

“No problem, anytime. I’m praying for you.” He leaned his head against the rocker again. “Surely your lawyer can prove that your ex falsified that document. I wouldn’t worry about it.” Scott let go of my hand, but brushed his fingers along my arm. The cares of the day left me.

“Thank You, Lord.” I breathed my thanks out loud.

Scott smiled.

The breeze played tag with the pine branches, making a sound like gentle ocean waves on the shore. Crickets sang in time to the creaking of the rockers. I began to feel a slight chill but wouldn’t have moved a muscle to save my life.

Scott had fallen asleep. All the tension vanished from his face. This man should have this kind of peace all the time. I wanted to take care of him, to help him. I knew at that moment that I didn’t want to leave, ever. Scott seemed to care for me, but would he continue to? Even after he got to know me with all my insecurities and shortcomings?

I pulled his hand to my lips and kissed it, hoping to wake him gently.

He opened his eyes and looked toward me. He pulled my hand to his own lips and kissed it again. Maybe we could sit here like this after all, forever. Wasn’t the look in his eyes what I’d been looking for all my life? I shivered with happiness.

“Oh, Bailey, you’re cold. How long did I doze?”

We stood, and he pulled me into a hug.

“There, get warmed up, now.” He kissed the top of my head then put his hand under my chin and lifted my face toward his. “Bailey, I care about you so much. You’re so beautiful and sweet. I can’t imagine you not being here, and it’s only been a few days. I know you’ve been through a rough time. Is it too soon? I mean, is there any chance that you care, too?” His took a breath and held it. His fingers under my chin trembled a bit.

I answered him with a kiss.

“Well now, OK.” His cute, sideways grin dimpled both his cheeks. He backed down the steps holding both my hands. The wind tousled his hair. I reached up and smoothed it back down then tousled it up again. We both laughed. He pulled his hands away and went to his truck.

I leaned on the porch rail and waved as he backed down the driveway. The truck suddenly stopped and headed back up the driveway. Scott jumped out of his truck, bounded up the steps, and took me in his arms and kissed me.

“Now, I’m locking you in. What a beautiful sight, you waving and watching me leave with that grin on your face. But I want to think of you safe inside this house.” He turned me around, put his hand on my back, and led me inside the door. He locked the doorknob on the inside, pecked me on the cheek, and pulled it closed. I peeked out the window to watch him leave.

He hopped down the steps, stopped, turned back toward the house, and clutched his cap over his heart. I think he was praying.