nineteen

He’d answered every question Chet had at least twice, but the guy still seemed reluctant to hang up. Luke shifted the phone to the other ear and leaned on the wood railing of his mom’s back porch, the one quiet place he’d found to talk. The Sunday afternoon spring breeze still held the sweet scent of the grass that he’d mowed an hour earlier. His mom had refused to take money, but until he found a job to get a place of his own, he refused to be a loafer.

“When are you coming home?” Chet’s gruff voice carried over the line.

Luke’s heart tripped at the question. That was why Chet didn’t want to hang up. “I just told you. My real home is here.”

“That’s hogwash. Your home is here. You have a family here. People here need you.” His voice hitched at the end.

Luke drew a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. Chet’s words floated back. You’re the closest thing I ever had to a son. Why couldn’t life be simple?

“I’ll come visit you, Chet. I promise.”

“I’m not talking about me.” He cleared his throat. “Not just me. What about that Thornton girl? She needs you.”

“Hannah?” She didn’t need anything. Luke shook his head even though Chet couldn’t see him. “I wasn’t even supposed to be in that town. I was supposed to be here. This is where I belong.”

“I don’t agree with what your daddy did, boy. But you ending up here was no mistake. Lottie needed you something bad. You may have never seen it, but you healed something in her. I never thought I’d see her smile again after Timmy. But you came along and brought life to that house again. And what about Hannah?”

Luke pinched his eyes shut as images of Hannah’s smile filled his mind. Would the memory ever not be painful? “What about her?”

“Her daddy once told me he was pretty sure you were the only thing that kept her from shrinking away after her mama skipped town.”

Luke had found her crying in the treehouse the first day of summer after seventh grade. He hadn’t known what to say or do, but he’d known what it felt like to be lonely. So he sat with her and painted the treehouse ceiling for her. They’d ended up spending the whole summer together fishing, biking, and playing games in the treehouse.

“If I hadn’t been there, God would have used someone else.” His words lacked conviction.

“But He didn’t. Don’t you see? God chose you. He used your bad situation for good things.” Chet drew a deep breath. “Just like that Joseph in the Bible. The one sent to Egypt as a slave. What his brothers did was bad, but God used it for good.”

Joseph again? And since when did Chet even talk about God? Sure, the guy had had a permanent spot in the third pew from the back ever since Luke could remember, but he’d never once in all their conversations brought up faith.

Luke must have paused too long.

Chet cleared his throat again. “Didn’t know I knew any Bible, did you? I like that Pastor Nate. He told me that God cares more about my heart than whether I smoke a pipe. But he also said if I didn’t want another stroke I should quit.”

“Nate’s a smart guy.”

“He was talking about that Joseph on Sunday. And as soon as you told me about your dad, the story came back to mind.”

Luke turned against the railing and eyed the robin in its nest, which was now complete. “Even if I did believe that God used me there in the past, I’m not needed there now.”

“If you believe that, then you aren’t nearly as smart as I thought you were.” His voice had turned gruff again. “The town still needs you, Luke. Hannah still needs you. She puts on a good face, but she’s walking around like she lost her best friend. You should have seen her face when your mug popped up on the news.”

Luke cringed. He hated that story. He’d said a lot more, but they’d picked the one sound bite that made him sound like an idiot. Or at least as if life in Heritage had meant nothing to him. All his words about how great the town and people were had been edited out. But that’s the news for you.

He shifted the phone to the other ear. What did Chet expect of him? Didn’t he know how much he loved Hannah, how much it killed him to leave half of his heart behind? “I don’t even have a house there anymore.”

“The council . . . postponed making the decision.”

That was vague. “Why?”

Chet didn’t speak for a long time. “I never agreed with Lottie when she decided not to adopt you. I don’t want you to make the same mistake she did.”

“How do you figure?”

“Lottie refused to see the gift she was being offered instead of focusing on what had been taken from her. A lot was taken from you, Luke. I won’t question that. But a lot was given to you as well. Don’t let that slide through your fingers.”

“You mean Hannah? Or Heritage?”

“Come home, son. It’s time.”

Luke’s chest tightened as he sank into the wooden patio chair and dropped his head in his hands. “I’ll think about it.”

He ended the call and stared at the blank screen. Lord, what am I going to do?

He tapped the app to open his photos and flipped to the one Hannah had sent of him and Mrs. Shoemaker. She did really smile at him as if she were proud. For the most part, she’d treated him like a son and he’d treated her like his mother. But even after the little time he’d spent here, he could see that she’d held back. Held back on fully loving him. Held back on accepting what she’d been given.

I don’t want you to make the same mistake she did. Chet’s words echoed in his head. How could he say that? Then again, how long had Luke resisted relationships in Heritage? How long had he resisted closeness with Hannah? He’d had a lot taken from him, but God had also blessed him. He couldn’t deny that Hannah had been one of those gifts. Maybe it was time to stop slapping God’s hand away.

But did Hannah still want him? Chet said she missed him, but she hadn’t called since the day he left. Thomas had been mowing his lawn and checking his mail, but he never mentioned Hannah in any of his texts.

He pulled out his phone and stared at it. He couldn’t very well text her out of the blue: I miss you. Do you miss me?

Yeah . . . no.

He tapped Thomas’s number instead and typed out a text.

How’s Spitz?

A reply came back a few seconds later.

On a walk with Hannah.

Maybe she didn’t need him. Maybe Spitz and Hannah were just fine without him.

You still up for the auction?

The auction? Surely Hannah would have taken him out. He’d been gone almost a month, after all.

Luke pulled up the internet on his phone and typed in Heritage. A new home page flashed on the screen. The gazebo. His gazebo. Complete. It looked even better than he had imagined. He clicked the festival link and breathed a sigh when the image disappeared. Just the glimpse had made him homesick.

Sure enough, he was still listed on the auction. Was she hoping he’d still come back for it? Her words from the treehouse echoed in his mind. I need to have someone to bid on.

But so much had changed since then. Hadn’t it?

He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. What did he want?

Hannah. More than anything, he wanted Hannah. Yet he’d given up on them just like he’d promised he wouldn’t. She might never forgive him.

His mom poked her head out the door. “Luke, dinner’s ready.”

Maybe he should talk to his mom about it. She’d asked about Hannah once—she had even said she’d like to meet her before Luke redirected the conversation. Shutting even his mom out like he did with everyone. Maybe it was time to stop shutting out those he loved.

Hannah might never give him another chance, but he had to try to prove she could count on him. He’d start by introducing his mom to her.

He lifted his phone and pulled up the text from Thomas.

I’ll be there. And I’m bringing someone with me.

She had to keep Hannah from seeing these. Janie slid the box of programs under the booth where they’d be hidden by the table skirt. The auction was set to start in an hour, and everything had gone smoothly so far. But this might push Hannah over the edge. Janie rolled her neck around and reached for her thermal mug. Coffee was a must. She had been up baking pies half the night.

“There’s my favorite baker.” Thomas joined her behind the booth, holding a giant elephant ear. “Please tell me you didn’t put all those pies up for sale.”

“I did.” Her stomach growled as the sweet smell wafted toward her. She reached forward and tore off a piece of the pastry. “And you’ve got some explaining to do.”

“What?” He took a bite.

Janie reached under the table and pulled out a program, shoving it in his face. “You told Hannah you’d remove Luke from the auction.”

“No, when she asked me to, I told her I’d take care of it. And I did.” He shoved the last bit in his mouth and dusted the sugar from his hands.

She dropped her hands on her hips. “Thomas James, what did you do?”

He tugged at her arms to pull her closer. “I texted Luke and asked him if he’d be here for the auction.”

Janie gave a little hop as she clapped her hands together. “He said yes?”

“Yes.” Thomas held up a finger. “But . . .”

“But what?” She clutched the front of his shirt. “Why are you making that face?”

“He also said he was bringing someone with him.”

An uncomfortable wave settled in her stomach. “Like one of his long-lost relatives or a date?”

“He didn’t say.”

“Didn’t you ask?” She smacked his arm.

Thomas shrugged. “I figured if he wanted me to know, he’d have told me.”

“You’re such a guy.”

“I thought you appreciated that fact.” He leaned down and brushed a kiss across her lips. His tasted of cinnamon and sugar. He made it so hard to stay mad.

“So, the rumors are true.”

“Caroline!” Janie screamed and wrapped her childhood friend in a giant hug. “You’re here!”

“We wouldn’t miss it.” Caroline’s husband, Grant, turned to survey the new center of town. “I mean, look at this place.”

“I know, right? It was all Hannah. Well, and Luke.”

“Oh my goodness.” Caroline clasped her hands in front of her. “I can’t wait to see them. Where are they?”

“Hannah is around here somewhere. But Luke’s not here.”

“Yet. I have faith in my boy.” Thomas leaned on the table as he offered her a wink. She wished she had his confidence.

“What do you mean, not here?” Caroline stepped closer to Janie and picked up the program.

Janie didn’t want to gossip, but she’d also hated having to tell everyone herself when she and Thomas had broken up. “Hannah and Luke had a fight about a month ago, and he hasn’t been back since.”

“But he’s coming back today?” She flipped through the program. “This says he’ll be here.”

“Hannah hasn’t seen that.” Janie sent a pointed look at Thomas. “Thomas was supposed to take him out. But he texted Luke and asked him to be here. And he’s bringing someone with him.”

“Who?” Caroline’s eyes widened.

“Thomas failed to get that detail.” She shot another look at him.

“Seriously.” Caroline smacked Thomas’s arm with the program. “And Hannah doesn’t know any of this? This could be interesting.”

“Hey, look who’s back in town. I thought you forgot your way here.” Nate walked up and offered his cousin a hug. Then he turned to Grant. “Now that you married into my family you’d think I’d see you more, not less.”

Grant gave Nate a quick man-hug. “The ranch has been very time consuming, but we’re looking at opening this fall.”

“Really?” Nate offered a nod. “Maybe I need to make a visit that way. See what the fuss is about.”

“Yes.” Caroline clapped her hands. “We love visitors. Bring Olivia so I won’t get bored when you two are off doing guy things.”

Everyone got quiet.

She spun and looked at Nate. “You two still haven’t gotten that worked out?”

“I’ll try to come visit this fall.” Nate’s face reddened slightly but he ignored the question. “See you at the auction. I am bachelor number five if you want to take pity on me, dear cousin.” He tapped at the button on his shirt and disappeared into the crowd.

Caroline turned to Thomas and held up the program. “How’d you get out of this?”

Grant pulled the program from her fingers and started flipping through it. “Engaged.” He pointed at Janie’s finger.

“But that just happened.” Caroline’s brow wrinkled. “The auction has been advertised for some time.”

“He was engaged to someone else then.” Hannah laughed as she stepped into the circle and offered Caroline a big hug.

Hannah. Janie’s pulse spiked as she scanned the table. Where had the program wandered to? She shot Thomas a questioning look, but he just shrugged.

Hannah turned to look at them. “Have you two set a date yet?”

“We’re thinking in the spring.” Janie smiled and glanced from person to person, doing her best not to seem obvious.

There. Grant had it.

“I don’t know how you two can wait so long.” Hannah stepped toward the booth, shaking her head. She looked back at the gazebo.

As soon as Hannah’s back was to them, Janie jumped at the opportunity. She motioned for Grant to hide the program, but he just looked confused.

Thomas stepped between Hannah and her view of Grant. “Janie wants to save up for a nice wedding. I want her to have that.”

Caroline’s eyes widened as she caught on to Janie’s message.

Hannah turned back toward them and they all froze. Her eyebrow lifted, then she seemed to shake that thought away. “When I say yes, I think I want to have the shortest engagement possible. Maybe even marry the same day.”

“You can’t be serious.” Caroline shook her head as she slid her arm around Grant, forcing his hand holding the program to slide to her back. “We pulled off a wedding in three months and that felt overwhelming. And you never do things simple.”

Bless her. Grant stared at his wife with a confused look on his face.

“I am learning simple is better. But I won’t have to worry about that for some time.” Hannah shifted her gaze around. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and snag a guy at the auction today. Did the programs arrive?”

“No,” Thomas and Janie said at once with a bit more force than was called for.

“But isn’t—” Grant’s words were cut off with an “uff” as Caroline’s elbow connected with his stomach.

Hannah looked from one to the other. “Let me know when they do. I have to go check on a few other booths. I’ll be back.” Then she was gone.

Janie turned and smacked Thomas on the arm. “If Hannah gets her heart broken again today, you’re in trouble.”

“Luke loves her, Janie. Take it from someone who tried to stay away from the woman he loves for almost a year—the guy is miserable. He’ll be here.”

She shook her head and scanned the crowd. “Yeah, we know he’ll be here—he said that in his text. But will it be with or without a date?”

Everything was turning out perfect—well, almost perfect. Hannah stood at the top of the steps of the gazebo and scanned the crowd of out-of-towners and locals. Her heart sank, and she mentally chastised herself for even looking for him. He wasn’t coming and she was okay with that. Besides Luke’s absence, everything was picturesque.

Luke’s gazebo design fit perfectly. He’d even incorporated the look of the turret from the Manor in the roof design. She still hated to have lost that building, but maybe Thomas was right. Sometimes you have to say goodbye to parts of the past. Because as much as she loved the Manor, this open square provided a space for the town to do what they did best—community.

One corner of the square hosted quilts, afghans, and a variety of other quality handmade crafts. Another corner had been designated for food. Jams, jellies, pies, and concession food. Janie had sold out of her pies an hour ago after they’d put out some samples. Very promising for the future of the bakery.

All ages traveled from booth to booth, eyeing and buying as patriotic music flowed from the speakers. The people of the town had poured themselves into the entire production. It had paid off too. Not just today but for the contest.

Hannah rubbed her cheeks against the pain from smiling so much. The letter had come only last week, but she could already recite it by heart. Semifinals. The little-known town of Heritage had made it into the semifinals. She didn’t know what the next stage involved, but she’d do all she could to be ready. Win or lose, this contest had turned Heritage around.

“I knew you could do something amazing with the glass, Hannah. But I never expected this.” Aunt Lucy stepped up to join her in the gazebo decked out in red, white, and blue. She stared up at the blue and white glass hanging above their heads. “I was surprised you donated it to the town, though.”

The twenty-four-inch starry sky served as a centerpiece in the dome and a shade to the central light. The project had taken hours of time and all her emotional energy.

“I needed to make that.” Hannah swallowed back the emotion that was clogging her throat. “But I needed to let it go too. And this is a way for my mom to give back to the town. It’s not worth ten thousand dollars, but it’s something.”

“It’s perfect.” Her aunt embraced her. “I always knew you had it in you. Now I have to get back to my booth.”

“Hannah Thornton?” A middle-aged gentleman with a fedora shading his eyes and the nicest Canon she’d ever seen hanging around his neck entered the gazebo.

“Yes, how can I help you? Nice camera, by the way.”

“Thank you. A perk with the job.” He extended his hand to her. “My name is Miles Cape. I’m a photographer from Reader’s Weekly.”

“I didn’t know we should expect you.” Hannah mentally listed all the things she should have planned for the guest. A tour guide at least, and where was he staying? Did he even know they didn’t have a hotel in town?

His thick mustache lifted as a smile filled his round face. “Yeah, we like to show up as a surprise at this stage.”

Surprise? Why did everyone think surprises were a good thing? She forced her smile to stay in place. “It sure is a surprise.”

A familiar set of wide shoulders caught her eye in the crowd. Hannah did a double take as her breath stopped. Luke? Her pulse thudded through her ears and her smile no longer had to be forced. She took a step his way and looked back at Miles.

“Is that all right?” He stared at her for an answer.

Shoot. She hadn’t even heard what the man said. Some impression she was making. “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”

“I was wondering if you could arrange for someone to show me the historical room that you mentioned in the application.”

“Absolutely.” Hannah held her breath and scanned the crowd. Who could she find to take him? She should do that, no doubt, but . . . Luke. She glanced back to where she’d seen him.

He hadn’t moved much. Chet had stopped to greet him, and Luke hugged the older man before turning to introduce the woman next to him.

A beautiful blonde woman.

Hannah’s stomach dropped as a stale taste settled in her mouth. Luke had returned and he’d brought a date. She might be sick.

She turned back to Miles. “I’ll take you.”

“You?” His face lit up with another smile. “Well, that will be great, but if you have responsibilities here then I understand—”

“No, I’ve been working on practicing delegation.” Hannah strode over to where Thomas and Janie stood talking and flirting at the main table. She cleared her throat, bringing their attention to her. “This is Miles Cape from Reader’s Weekly. I’m going to take him to see the historical room. I’ll be back.”

Janie’s jaw dropped as she checked the time on her phone. “Now? But what about the auction?”

Hannah forced a smile to her face and cleared her throat, refusing to look Janie in the eye. “Luke just showed up, so you might want to ask him if he’s still planning on being in it. Other than that, I think you should be good.”

“Wait, what?” Janie scanned the crowd before turning back to Hannah.

Tears pressed at the back of Hannah’s eyes. She couldn’t cry. Why had she never considered the possibility of Luke moving on this soon? She drew a breath and concentrated on her friend. “He’s over toward the peanut stand introducing his date to Chet.”

“Oh.” Janie winced and shot a glare at Thomas.

Why didn’t either of them look as surprised as she’d expected them to? “Did you two know—”

“Is this not a good time?” Miles glanced between the two women.

Hannah shook the question away and smiled at Miles. “It’s fine. Everything’s fine. You guys have this. I trust you. And I need to . . . be somewhere else.”

Janie’s teeth tugged at her lip and she nodded.

Hannah turned to Miles. “Ready?” She had to get away before she started sobbing right in front of him.

The last thing she needed was to lose Luke and the contest all in one swoop.