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An earthy smell permeated the air as the sun warmed the moisture-soaked earth. The early morning rains had given way to clear skies and balmier weather. The sun warmed Tara’s cheeks as she accompanied Caleb to his car. She was looking forward to their lunch with Heather, but he strode ahead in brooding silence.
Tara guessed that he didn’t share her enthusiasm for the day’s adventure. What could she expect? He didn’t like to be around her, and she couldn’t exactly figure out why. He’d been surprised that his parents had hired her, but that couldn’t be the entire reason.
Tara slipped into the passenger seat and buckled her seat belt, the question sticking in her mind like the crimson leaf plastered to the windshield. The rain and blustery wind had denuded a lot of trees, and colorful leaves lay everywhere. Leaf-peeping season was just about over. The Hawthorne Inn would grow quieter in the weeks to come until the Christmas season started. She had always enjoyed the little respite between this time of year and Thanksgiving when she’d worked at the inn.
“You’re quiet.” Caleb’s deep voice interrupted Tara’s thoughts.
She glanced his way. “You’re one to talk. You haven’t said much since we left.”
“I was waiting for you to start the conversation.”
“Really? Why?”
“Safer that way. I can’t say anything that would get me into trouble.”
Tara gave him a little frown. Had she given him any reason to think she would disapprove of what he said? She hated this pins-and-needles feeling she had whenever they were together. “What have I done to make you dislike me?”
He looked at her as he stopped before turning onto the main road. “Did I ever say I disliked you?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then why do you think that?” He raised his eyebrows as he continued to stare at her.
Tara wished she could take back the question. If he hadn’t disliked her before, he surely did now. “Just a feeling.”
“We’re good.” He shifted gears as he maneuvered the car down the road that wandered through the forested area. “I’m still getting used to having a receptionist who also lives in my parents’ home. That’s all.”
“Okay.” Her response came out in a squeak. She wasn’t at all sure she believed him, but she wasn’t going to argue. Would she ever feel completely comfortable around him? Maybe it was good that she couldn’t relax. Then she wouldn’t succumb to her attraction to the man.
Caleb was everything Blake hadn’t been. Caleb was grounded, responsible, and serious. Was that what attracted her? She gave herself a mental shake. She’d been wrong about Blake, so maybe she was wrong about Caleb, too. Wishing she could steer her thoughts in another direction, she could hardly wait to get to the inn.
They rode in silence for a few minutes. Tara didn’t usually mind a quiet ride, but today it lent itself to thinking time she didn’t want or need. “I’m glad you’re going to get to meet Heather. She’s such a good-hearted person. And Molly, too. They are some of the most giving women I know.”
“Do you know a lot of those kinds of women?”
Thinking his question was odd, Tara stifled a frown. He made it sound like they weren’t the kind of people she should be around. “I know a lot of people who share an interest in helping others, especially those who have cancer, and I’m grateful to have met them.”
“I’m sure you are.”
“They’ve been my lifeline.” Tara wondered why Caleb’s inquiries seemed to put her on the defensive. Was he implying something about her activities?
“I’m happy to meet some of your friends.”
“You’ll like them.” She wasn’t convinced Caleb was actually glad he’d be meeting Heather and Molly. “Our turn is coming up just around this curve in the road.”
Minutes later, Caleb drove down the lane toward the ornate pale-blue Victorian house with the white trim. As he parked the car, he glanced in her direction. “I’m surprised my mother never mentioned this place. How long did you say it’s been in operation?”
“They’ve been open a little over two years.”
“How long did you work here?”
“A little over a year.” Tara opened her door. “Molly and Kurt are fabulous people to work for. Kurt did all the renovations on the property.”
“He did a great job. It looks like the perfect bed-and-breakfast that I see in brochures.”
“You’ll have to tell him.”
Caleb walked around the car and joined Tara. “I’ll get to meet Kurt, too?”
“Maybe. He may be off working on a restoration somewhere.” Tara took in the piles of leaves in the yard on the right side of the inn. “Looks like Kurt left the leaves for the kids to play in.”
“Kids?”
“Yeah. Kurt’s twins, Emily and Eric. And some of the women who come to the shelter have kids, too.” Tara fell into step with Caleb as they moseyed up the front walk. “When Hailey’s health permitted, she used to love playing with the kids. That’s the one thing I miss about living here. Playmates for Hailey.”
“Are you sorry that you’ve moved?”
Tara shook her head. “Oh, no. It has been better for everyone that I moved out and opened up a space for someone else. Hailey will make new friends.”
“You sound confident of that, despite the problems from the other day.”
Tara sighed. “She’s good at handling challenges. She’s battled cancer.”
“I’m glad you have confidence in her.”
“I try to keep my worry to myself.” Tara straightened her shoulders. “Hailey doesn’t need to see that from me.”
“You’re a good mother.”
Tara drank in the compliment. “Thank you. I appreciate your saying so.”
“You’re welcome.”
“There’s Heather.” Tara motioned toward the wraparound front porch. A moment later, Tara embraced her friend, then introduced her to Caleb.
“It’s nice to meet you, Caleb. I’ve met your mother. She’s a dear person.” Heather pushed a strand of her shoulder-length dark-brown hair behind her ear. “I hope you don’t mind, but Max, my fiancé, is joining us, too.”
“Wonderful.” Tara turned to Caleb. “I’m so glad you’ll get to meet Max. He’s been a role model to Hailey.”
“I think Max would say Hailey’s been a role model to him.” Heather patted Tara on the shoulder. “He isn’t here yet, but I’m expecting him any minute. In the meantime, we can go to our table.”
“Sure.” Tara glanced over at Caleb, who had been politely quiet. Was he wishing he wasn’t here? She had to quit trying to figure out what he was thinking. Pushing aside her concerns, she walked alongside him as Heather led the way into the inn.
Heather stepped through the door and waved a hand around the foyer, where a staircase turned at a right angle as it led to the second floor. “Isn’t this a fabulous restoration?”
“Wow! This is magnificent.” Caleb surveyed the area. “The dark woodwork is gorgeous. I can tell a real craftsman did the work.”
“You see the tall woman with the strawberry-blond hair talking with the couple over there?” Tara nodded her head toward the dining room on the right.
“Yeah. Is she the owner?”
Tara nodded. “That’s Molly Jansen. You can tell her.”
“I hope I get the chance,” Caleb said.
“I’m sure you will. Molly makes a point to stop at each table to chat with her guests for a few moments.” Heather gave her name to the hostess.
The threesome settled at a table beside a window that looked out on the side porch. While they studied their menus, Max arrived, and Heather introduced him to Caleb.
Standing, Caleb shook hands with the man. “I’m glad you could join us. Now I won’t be the odd man out.”
Max chuckled as he took a seat. “Yeah, these two women can steamroll a guy before he knows what’s happened.”
Heather gave Max an annoyed look but couldn’t hide the smile lurking behind the frown. “Just because you think I like to run things doesn’t mean you should lump Tara in with me.”
“I’ve seen you two together.” Max turned to Caleb. “You’ll soon learn that Heather is the planner, but Tara eagerly takes up the cause. Then everything is settled before a guy can say a thing.”
Caleb nodded. “That pretty much sums up why I’m sitting here.”
Tara couldn’t tell if there was even a hint of levity in his statement. She wondered what Caleb thought of Heather and Max’s playful teasing. Caleb was always so serious, even when he was sharing time with Hailey. Tara tried to relax and not stew over his participation, while the waitress took their orders.
Caleb gazed across the table at Heather. “So Tara tells me that you have a house for the families of cancer patients?”
“Yes, we opened it earlier in the year.” Heather smiled. “It’s been a big help to the families who have to stay here for an extended period while a family member receives treatment.”
“It wasn’t available when I was getting my treatments, but it would’ve been a big help for my folks when they came to visit.” Max reached for Heather’s hand. “Even though I kid her about being a steamroller, she’s a mighty fundraiser.”
Heather smiled at Max. “Thanks, honey. Let’s find out what Tara and Caleb have in mind for their fundraising project.”
Glancing at Caleb, Tara wasn’t sure whether to take the lead. “Actually, Caleb’s mom was the one who came up with the idea, but she put us in charge.”
“Caleb, can you tell us about it?” Heather laid down her menu.
“She hopes to involve the children in our church and other area churches so the kids can learn about giving in a personal way.” Caleb glanced at Tara, seeking confirmation.
Tara nodded. “We want to involve all ages from kindergarten through high school. We’re planning to have the kids make Christmas ornaments and decorations and sell them at a number of events this fall. We bought a lot of supplies today, and we’ll have age-appropriate projects for everyone. We’ll be working in the fellowship hall of the church we attend in Hawthorne.”
“Your project sounds like quite an undertaking,” Heather said. “Do you have everything in place for your tax-exempt status?”
Caleb rubbed a hand over his chin. “That’s a good question. We didn’t discuss that, but I’m pretty sure my mom has it covered, or she wouldn’t have made these plans. You can talk to her about that.”
Tara hoped they didn’t think she was rushing into something without the proper planning. “I know this is kind of last minute, but I saw it as a way to get the kids involved in an activity that benefits others. We plan to start next week on Wednesday night, which is the night our youth group meets.”
“That would be a perfect time for our youth.” Heather smiled. “And if anyone can pull this off, it’s you.”
“Thanks.” Tara wondered if Caleb had the same confidence in her. Why did she care what he thought? This wasn’t about him. It was about helping people affected by cancer. It would be her lifelong cause.
While Tara tried to stifle her worry about Caleb, the waitress came and took everyone’s order.
As the waitress left, Max looked around the table. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. The one-year anniversary of my transplant is coming up at the end of October. My grandparents who live here are planning a big event to celebrate. They’ve rented a hall, and I’m sure they’d let you set up a table to sell items there.”
“Do you really think so?” Tara didn’t want to get her hopes up. “I got my invitation to your party, so Hailey and I are already planning to attend.”
“That’s great.” Max turned to Caleb. “I’ll send you an invitation and talk to my grandfather about your project, especially since the funds will go toward the House for Families.”
Caleb nodded. “I appreciate that.”
“My grandfather has made a point of helping with any project that involves raising money for cancer. Last summer he surprised both Heather and me with a Fantasy Day at Fenway Park.” Max glanced at Heather. “We both love the Red Sox, especially this lady. When she broke her leg last year, she got a red cast.”
“I take it you both like baseball.” Caleb chuckled. “Sorry about your broken leg. Looks like you’re fully recovered.”
“Thanks. I am.” Heather smiled. “But the most important recovery is Max’s. That’s what we’re going to celebrate.”
“And our little project would like to be part of your celebration,” Tara said.
“And it will be.” Max nodded. “Looks like our food’s here.”
After the servers placed all the dishes on the table, Max offered a prayer of thanks. Tara said a silent prayer of thanks for friends who shared a common cause, and she prayed that she would find the right balance in her relationship with Caleb. In minutes the group helped themselves to the family-style dishes that accompanied the entrees, while the conversation centered on upcoming events.
Tara drank in the camaraderie, even with Caleb. He seemed to be enjoying the company, too. She hoped that was a good sign for their upcoming project. She had to quit fretting about the future, but worry had been her constant companion throughout the last few years. Trusting God to see her through each crisis didn’t come easy. Why couldn’t she remember that God had brought someone into her life to help her with each and every predicament? One day she would lean on Him and learn not to worry. That was a promise.
***
The food churned in Caleb’s stomach while he watched Tara laugh and talk with Heather and Max as if everything was right with the world. He shouldn’t be bothered that she always seemed uptight when she talked with him. Could he blame her? He hadn’t exactly welcomed her with open arms.
If he was honest with himself, he would admit that he was afraid to let her get too close. Could he be her friend without letting his attraction to her grow into something more than he wanted? He couldn’t continue to torture himself this way. He would be her friend, starting now. He could do this.
“Molly’s coming our way.” Tara’s statement interrupted Caleb’s thoughts.
“Hi, everyone.” The tall strawberry blonde stopped beside their table. “I hope you enjoyed your meal.”
A chorus of yeses emanated from the group. Then Heather jumped in and made introductions.
Molly looked at Caleb. “I’ve met your mother. We’ve done some fundraising projects together.”
“Yes, my mother seems to know everyone. I guess that’s a good thing.” Caleb realized that his parents were possibly trying to orchestrate his life. With all the people they were putting in his life, he couldn’t help thinking that.
“And we love your mother, and your dad, too. They are going to start doing our books and giving Tara a chance to learn accounting firsthand.” Molly patted Tara’s shoulder. “We really miss her around here, but working for your parents is a real plus.”
Caleb forced a smile, his misgivings going into full gear. He couldn’t get over the way this was all playing out like the situation with Amy. She had come to work for his parents, who had offered to teach her how to keep books. Had his parents learned nothing from that bad situation? Were they blindly walking into a similar set of circumstances? They had never mentioned anything about Tara learning the accounting side of the business. She was supposed to be the receptionist. He would have a talk with his parents first thing in the morning.
“Did I hear correctly that you’re going to involve the kids in a fundraising project?” Molly asked.
Tara nodded, then went on to explain their tentative plans.
“Emily and Eric will be so excited to participate,” Molly said.
Tara smiled. “And Hailey’s looking forward to it, too.”
“And I’ll check with the children’s program director at our church to see if they want to participate.” Heather glanced over at Tara. “I’ll report back to you after I find out.”
“Sounds like your plans are moving right along.” Molly glanced around the table. “I just had a thought. We have a booth at the fall festival here in Hawthorne, and we could easily let the kids sell their stuff in our booth. That way you won’t have to go to the expense of renting a booth for your project.”
“That would be perfect.” Tara clapped her hands. “We were talking earlier about whether there is a fall festival. Now we know.”
“When you get everything set, let me know the final plans. Now I need to get back to work.” Molly nodded. “Thanks again for coming in.”
“Thanks for your help.” Tara stood and gave Molly a hug. “I’ll be in touch.”
As Molly hurried away to talk to other guests, Caleb let his earlier thoughts sift through his mind. Had God brought all these charity-minded people into his life to show him that he’d been wrong to worry about his parents’ giving nature? Despite that question, he wasn’t ready to let his guard down yet. He’d ask Tara about his parents’ plan, but this wasn’t the time or place.
Heather finished the last of her meal and looked over at Tara. “Tell me about your plans to learn bookkeeping.”
“I’m so excited about it. Sheila asked me the other day if I would like to learn about accounting and suggested that I take some online classes.” Tara’s face lit up with excitement. “So I’m registered and everything. I can hardly wait to get started. I always did like math in school.”
Taking in Tara’s enthusiasm, Caleb almost felt guilty for his doubts about her. Almost. He wasn’t ready to let go of his skepticism, but he was glad for Heather’s inquiry. At least he knew where the idea had come from, and he had the sneaking suspicion his parents were paying for Tara’s classes.
“That’s fantastic. I know you’ll do a great job,” Heather said, then glanced his way. “Caleb, can we recruit you for our PMC team?”
“You mean the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge?” Caleb wasn’t sure he was up for the hundred-mile trek on a bike, even if it was for cancer research.
Heather nodded. “Yeah, that’s the one. Hailey’s been our Pedal Partner for the past two years.”
“She’s going to do one of the kids’ rides this year. She is so excited about that.” Tara grimaced. “I just have to make sure I get her a bike for Christmas.”
A bike for Christmas. Caleb could see his parents chipping in on that deal. They had practically made Hailey an honorary grandchild. He gave himself a mental shake. What could be bad about giving a child a bike? He was letting old hurts make him a Scrooge. Hailey deserved whatever she wished for Christmas.
“She’ll love that.” Max grinned.
“The ride’s not until next August,” Caleb said.
“True, but we like to start getting our team together and training early, so we have plenty of time to do our fundraising.” Heather looked over at Tara, then back at Caleb. “Tara’s going to ride this year, too.”
Caleb wondered if that was supposed to be an incentive for him to join the team. Was Heather thinking of Tara and him as a couple? He hoped not. He didn’t need more matchmakers in his life. His mother was more than enough. “I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it. It all depends on how busy we are and if I have time to train.”
“You’ll have time if you get started now. I’m going to ride this year, too.” Max reached over and took Heather’s hand. “She didn’t get to ride last year because of her broken leg, and I was getting chemo. But this year we’re going to be there in full force.”
As Caleb watched the other couple interact, their love for each other clearly visible, he wondered whether he could ever trust a woman enough to surrender his heart again. He didn’t see a clear path to that happening anytime soon.
“So what do you say?” Max ran a hand through his dark-brown hair. “A year ago I was as bald as bald could be, but it all grew back. I’m feeling great and looking forward to new adventures.”
Caleb looked over at Max. He appeared healthy, not a sign that he’d been through months of chemo and a bone marrow transplant. If Max could ride, Caleb knew that he should, too. He had no excuse. “Okay. You’ve convinced me.”
When the group had finished eating, Tara glanced around the table, her gaze finally landing on him. “Do you all have time to take a quick tour of the grounds here at the inn?”
Heather nodded. “I’m off today, and Max is his own boss these days. So we’re good.”
Tara looked Caleb’s way. “Okay with you?”
He didn’t want to seem disagreeable, but he wondered about the time away from the office for her. Was this part of the plan his mother had in mind? He was probably reading all kinds of things into this meeting because his mind and heart were twisted into knots of guilt, distrust, and hurt. “Okay, but we can’t linger.”
“We won’t.” Tara stood and pushed in her chair. “Let’s get started.”
Caleb frowned. “Don’t we have to pay the bill?”
“No. Molly said it was on the house.” Heather popped up from her chair. “The Jansens are very generous people.”
“Yes, they are.” Tara smiled at Heather.
Wishing that smile had been for him, Caleb placed his napkin on the table, then stood. He didn’t understand why one minute he was doing everything in his power to keep her at a distance and the next minute making a foolish wish like that. “Okay, Tara, you lead the way.”
After the group gathered their belongings, Tara led them toward the other side of the dining room and stopped in front of a swinging door. “The kitchen’s through this door, but we won’t go in and disturb the work. Molly gives culinary instructions to some of the women who come here.”
“She takes in a lot of women who are just getting out of prison, right?” Heather asked.
Tara nodded. “She helps all kinds of women in need. She helps them learn a skill if they need it to get back on their feet and be productive in society.”
Caleb wondered if the Jansens ever had problems with any of the women they helped, but he wasn’t going to ask. Amy’s betrayal colored all his thoughts about charitable work. He wished it wasn’t so, but it rifled through his thoughts like a gunshot every time people stepped out to give help to the less fortunate. Silently, he followed the group into the foyer.
Tara stepped toward the stairway. “Most of the rooms are occupied, but Molly told me there’s one we can look at.”
As everyone climbed the stairs, Caleb took in the stained-glass window that looked out on the landing where the stairs turned at a right angle to the upper floor. As they walked down the hallway, a young woman pushed a cart out of a room.
When she saw Tara, she rushed forward. “Tara, it’s so good to see you. Did you bring some visitors?”
“Yes, Jenna.” Tara gave the other woman a hug, then introduced everyone.
Caleb contemplated the reunion between the two women. Tara seemed to have friends wherever she went. So had Amy. As the group took a few minutes to inspect one of the rooms, he tried to wipe the comparisons from his mind by concentrating on the attention to detail in the furnishings that represented a bygone era in elegant style.
“The rooms are all gorgeous.” Tara motioned toward the front door. “Now I’ll show you the rest of the facilities here.”
Max held open the door. “Caleb, Tara told me that you’ve recently come back from Florida.”
“Yeah. On some of these cold days, I miss the warmer weather.”
“What brought you back?”
Caleb couldn’t share his worries with this group, no matter how friendly they were. Part of his mission was protecting his parents’ business, not sharing their problems. Any discussion about Amy and what she’d done to him and his parents was off limits. “My assignment there was finished.”
“You weren’t tempted to stay?” Max asked.
Caleb fell into step beside Max as they walked across the parking lot toward a blacktop drive that wound its way into a forested hillside. “Hawthorne is my home. It’s a good place to be.”
“Yeah, I miss my grandparents back in Montana.” A sad little smile curved Tara’s lips as she turned to look at Caleb.
His heart sank. He didn’t understand the feeling. Why should he care if she wanted to go back? She wasn’t like Amy, who had declared her undying love and promised to stay in Hawthorne, only to leave in the middle of the night, not only with his parents’ money but with his heart as well.
Max eyed Caleb. “Do you mind if I ask about your business in Florida?”
“Not at all.” Squinting against the sun, Caleb strode ahead, determined not to think about Tara or her leaving. “We had a client from Hawthorne, who owned a business. We did his books and taxes for years, even after he retired and spent most of his time in Florida. When he became incapacitated, his wife asked if someone could manage their affairs. My dad gave me the assignment. Their estate was quite extensive, so it took me nearly a year to get everything in order.”
“So it wasn’t all fun and games?” Max asked.
“Not really.” Caleb shrugged. “It was hard to see a once robust man unable to handle his affairs, and it was a little daunting to have these folks depend on me to get things settled for them. Handling other people’s money carries a big responsibility.”
“You must feel good about the trust they put in you,” Heather said.
Caleb nodded, unable to push away thoughts about how Amy had broken his trust. “My parents have built their business on trust. I definitely want to carry on that legacy.”
“Did you have time to golf while you were down there?” Max asked.
“I did.” Caleb wondered where this line of questioning was headed. “I have to admit that the beach and golf were easy to handle in my free time.
“Good.” Max reached into the pocket of his jacket. He held out a brochure. “I hope you’ll sign up for the charity golf tournament my grandfather is sponsoring this coming weekend at his club.”
“Are you participating?” Caleb asked.
Max chuckled. “Even though I’m not much of a golfer, I am. I just hope for good weather.”
“Yeah, I’m not much for golfing in the rain or the cold, especially after golfing in sunny Florida.” Caleb could wish for a day like today for the golf outing, but in a week’s time the weather could be rainy and cold again. But this event wasn’t really about the golf. It was about the money that the sponsors would collect to help a worthy cause. “You can count me in. I’ll see about teaming up with my dad.”
“Perfect. I look forward to seeing you there.” Max looped arms with Heather as they came to a stop at the end of the blacktop drive.
A parklike area with benches and children’s playground equipment stretched out in front of Caleb. If he closed his eyes, he could hear the delightful laughter and squeals of children as they played here.
Kids. The only thing that made him want to get back in the dating game. He loved kids and wanted to have some one day. If he wanted to do things right, that required a wife. Every time he thought about dating again, the fear of rejection grabbed hold of his heart and wrung it out until it was dripping with pain. He glanced at Tara, and for a moment wished things could be different. He pushed that wish away and bolstered his resolve to stay away from a pretty blonde whose ambition would lead her back to Montana.
Tara motioned toward the two buildings on either side of the open space. “These two buildings house the women and children who come here for help. The main building is named after Bonnie Jansen, Kurt’s first wife, who was tragically murdered. His former mother-in-law, Virginia Spencer, has funded much of this project.”
Caleb wasn’t quite sure what to say. He remembered the incident that had happened when he’d been in college. Kurt Jansen had been sent to prison, accused of manslaughter in his wife’s death. Years later, he was exonerated and the real killer put behind bars. He hadn’t realized that Molly’s husband was that Kurt Jansen until now.
These folks sharing this day with Caleb had suffered the death of a spouse or had someone they loved suffer with cancer. They had put their lives together and moved ahead. Why couldn’t he? His problems were small in comparison to theirs. In addition, despite the tragedies in their lives, they had all stepped out to help others in need. His attitude had a long way to grow.
As they made their way back to the inn, Tara came up beside Caleb. “I hope you got a better idea about the wonderful work they do here at this place.”
Caleb gave her a wry smile. “I did. You’re a one-man, I mean one-woman cheering squad for charitable works. No wonder my parents hired you.”
“And you aren’t in favor of their charity?” Tara eyed him with disapproval.
Her look created a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, or maybe it was something he’d eaten. No, it wasn’t the food. Her disrespect churned his insides. “Did I say that?”
“No, but sometimes I get that feeling.”
Did he try to explain or just admit his failings? He feared explanations would only make things worse. “I think charitable work is commendable.”
“Why do I sense an unsaid but in that statement?” She gave him another one of those looks that sent his insides on a roller-coaster ride.
“I don’t know.” Raising his eyebrows, he grinned.
“Okay. I’m jumping to conclusions.”
“You said it. I didn’t.”
“Hey, you two. Are you going to let us in on your tȇte-à-tȇte?” Heather asked.
Without missing a stride, Caleb turned to look at her. “We’re just discussing charitable events. Seems to be a lot going on in that arena these days.”
Heather nodded. “There’s a lot of stuff happening in the next few weeks, whether it’s charity related or not.”
Max made a thumbs-up sign as they reached the parking lot. “Charity golf, kids’ ornament making, apple picking, fall festival, my celebration. Do we think that will keep us busy and out of trouble?”
“Apple picking?” Narrowing his gaze, Caleb looked at Max. “A group from our church is going in a couple of weeks. When are you going?”
“Probably the same time.” Max glanced at Heather for confirmation.
“I believe it is the same weekend. It’s church Saturday or something like that at the orchard on the other side of Oakton. They donate ten percent of their revenue for the day to local charities. So even the apple picking is a charity event.” Smiling, Heather surveyed the group as they approached the cars. “Hey, I’ve got a great idea. Let’s go together.”
The invitation swarmed through Caleb’s thoughts like a thunderstorm with lightning and plenty of black clouds—clouds of foreboding. He could hardly reject the invitation without appearing antisocial, but accepting would mean one more outing with Tara. Maybe she would turn it down. He could only hope.
“That sounds like a great idea. Hailey will love it.” Tara looked over at him. “Of course, Caleb may be too busy.”
He looked into her bright-blue eyes and read the challenge there. She was giving him an out, but at the same time daring him to accept. He’d decided to try to be her friend. This was certainly the first test. “I can probably find time to do some apple picking.”
“Fabulous.” Heather opened the door to her vehicle. “I’ll discuss it with Tara and let you know the final details.”
Max grinned and extended his hand toward Caleb. “You see what I mean? Heather plans, and Tara takes the reins.”
“I do see.” Shaking Max’s hand, Caleb grinned in return. “Good meeting you. And thanks for the golf invitation. See you on Saturday.”
During the good-byes, Caleb pushed aside any worries about the impending activities. Determined to make the best of it, he got into the car. When Tara joined him and smiled, his heart skipped a beat. Confidence about the wisdom of his decision fled. As he started the car, he gave himself a mental pep talk. He wouldn’t let Tara’s presence determine his attitude. He’d promised himself that they could be friends, and that was going to happen. Friends. Nothing more.
