Exactly. Jake gestured with his mug, realized the coffee was in danger of sloshing out, and set it down. Thats what has me losing sleep over it. As far as I can tell, Lainey Colton knows little or nothing about the lifestyle Rebecca led. What if she should decide to slap Rebecca into a nursing home, away from the rest of her family and friends? Or what if she decided to bail out...go back to her normal life and ignore whats happening here?
That was the thing that bugged him most. Lainey was such a fish out of water here. She must be longing to go back where she belonged.
Well, if this young woman is going to walk away from her responsibilities, its incumbent upon you to gain her cooperation in straightening out the question of the power of attorney. A family fight over it wouldnt be in anyones best interests.
Dad, at his most professional, was looking at him as if he expected action. Right.
Jake straightened his tie and checked to be sure his keys were in his pocket.
Id better talk to Lainey Colton before I do anything else. Its time she made a decision.
Aware of his fathers gaze on him, Jake headed for the door. With any luck, hed catch Lainey before she left for the hospital.
Rebeccas house was just three blocks away, so he decided to walk. Jake headed down Main Street, relieved to be out and moving. The worst thing about being an attorney was the amount of time he had to spend sitting at a desk.
Deer Run looked its best on a sunny October morning. Chrysanthemums bloomed in pots or window boxes in front of most of the businesses, and the maples that were planted at frequent intervals along the street were already turning color.
Several kids from the high school were clearly enjoying a morning out, painting Halloween scenes on the storefront windows for the annual art contest. He paused to watch three girls painting a witch sailing across a stormy night sky. When they noticed him watching, they nudged each other and giggled.
He moved on. Only buckets or planters of mums decorated the fronts of the Amish businesses like Millers Shop. The Amish didnt observe Halloween, considering it a pagan idea. Still, the town wore a celebratory air as it prepared for the annual Apple Festival.
Small pleasures, he supposed, but he appreciated them. Unlike a lot of his classmates at Dickinson Law, hed already known the life he wanted. No high-powered law firms in New York or Los Angeles for him. Everything he wanted was right here, where nobody cared if he drove a battered old pickup or spent his fall Saturdays playing touch football or relaxed with a beer at the local sports bar. And it made him proud, though he wouldnt openly admit it, to be in partnership with someone as respected as his dad.
Hed only made one unscheduled detour on his life plan, and it still left a bitter taste in his mouth when he thought of it. That had been the only time hed acted impulsively in his adult life, and hed definitely lived to regret it.
No more mistakes of that sort for him. When he decided it was time to marry and start a family, hed find someone who wanted what he did out of life.
He passed Meredith Kings place and started up the walk to Rebecca Stoltzfuss house. What would Lainey Colton think of that peaceful Main Street scene hed just been appreciating? Shed probably find it boring, he supposed. Shed be used to a bit more excitement in her life.
He tapped on the front door, but no sound came from inside. He knocked again, louder. Her rental car was still in the driveway. He hadnt missed her, then. Why wasnt she answering?
Finally he heard footsteps on the stairs. The door swung open. He blinked.
Hed clearly caught Lainey before she was ready to face the day. Her black hair hung in wild ringlets past her shoulders, and he had to reject the impulse to touch it to see if it would curl around his fingers. Dont go there, he ordered himself. She wore an over-size tie-dyed T-shirt and a pair of yoga pants so fitted they showed every curve. He forced his gaze back to her face.
Sorry, he said. I shouldnt have come by so early. I wanted to catch you before you left for the hospital.
What time is it? Her voice sounded blurred with sleep, but there were dark circles under her eyes.
He glanced at his watch. Just after nine.
She groaned, turning away but leaving the door open. He took that as an invitation and stepped inside, closing it behind him.
Coffee, she muttered, heading for the kitchen.
He followed, finding her staring at the old-fashioned percolator on the gas range with what he thought was loathing.
Ill fix the coffee. He pulled out a kitchen chair for her. Its the least I can do after getting you up.
She didnt argue, but her expression said that letting him make the coffee was the lesser of two evils. I suppose you think its a crime to sleep late.
Nope. Do it myself on Saturdays. He measured out the coffee. Luckily hed spent enough time at the family hunting cabin to know his way around a gas range. You must still be tired from your trip.
She nodded, and then rubbed the back of her neck as if it ached. That, and the fact that I got very little sleep last night.
Not used to the quiet? He adjusted the flame under the coffeepot and then sat down across from her.
Actually, I find the lack of traffic noises very soothing. I just had a bad dream or two, thats all.
About your aunt? He wouldnt have thought she was the kind of person whod let a nightmare keep her awake.
No. She clipped off the word, closing the door on that conversation. Im sure you had a reason other than making coffee for stopping by at this hour. Did you talk to my aunts brother-in-law?
He nodded. At least telling her about his visit to Zeb would let him lead up to what he wanted to say.
I went by the farm after supper last night. I figured there was no point in going any earlier if I wanted a quiet conversation.
And was it? Quiet, I mean. Zeb impressed me as the kind of person likely to shout. The drowsy look was gone from Laineys face, and she seemed ready to do battle. Zeb must have really annoyed her yesterday.
Yes, well, he can be a bit...dictatorial. His point is that his brother was the one who bought the land, and that he, Zeb, certainly is in a better position to understand about the property than...than someone from outside.
Putting it in polite terms, are you? Her eyebrows lifted.
He grinned. Something like that. And I can understand his feelings, but as I explained to him, it wouldnt be proper for him to have the power of attorney, given that he has financial interests of his own.
Zeb hadnt responded to that line of reasoning very well.
Did he accept that? The aroma of coffee brewing seemed to distract Lainey, and she glanced toward the stove.
Not entirely, he hedged. Ill talk to him again. When Zeb had had time to cool off. Hell come around.
Laineys gaze fixed on his face again, her eyes so deep a blue that they looked almost black. It seemed to him there was a question in them.
Youre going to a lot of trouble over my great-aunts situation, she said.
It was the last comment he expected. No more than I would for any of my clients. He hesitated a moment, not sure what she was driving at. I suppose, in an urban area, a law firm tends to be more impersonal. Its tough for me to stand on ceremony with people whove known me since I was delivering their newspapers. Besides, Rebecca is a special person.
Apparently hed hit the right note, because she smiled. It was tinged with a little sorrow, maybe, but a smile none the less. Yes, she is.
He smiled back at her, and their gazes seemed to catch and tangle. He was suddenly aware of how pale and delicate her skin was, startlingly framed by that blue-black hair. Aware of how close she was, with only the small table separating them. Of the soft curve of her lips
He leaned back, breaking off the gaze. Whoa. Back off. That was definitely not the way he should be thinking of Lainey.
Jake cleared his throat, hoping his momentary lapse hadnt been too visible.
Lainey rose abruptly, turning toward the stove and reaching for the coffeepot, as if she didnt want him to see her expression.
I...I actually came over to ask you something. Since she didnt turn, he plunged ahead. Have you come to a decision about whether or not to take on this responsibility?
Lainey turned to face him, her expression guarded. Can I have a bit more time? Id like to see how Aunt Rebecca is this afternoon and talk with her doctors before I come to a conclusion. I didnt have an opportunity to meet with them yesterday.
Yes, of course. Thats fine. Only... He wasnt sure how to say it, but he knew it had to be said.
Only what? Her tone had an edge to it.
If you do decide not to accept the power of attorney, there are some formalities to go through, he said carefully. It would be helpful to come to an agreement with the other relatives as to who would take on the job.
I understand that. She all but tapped her foot with impatience.
You realize its important that you not just...take off.
Her lips pinched together; her eyes narrowed. No, I wont just take off, as you put it. What do you take me for? She made an abrupt, slicing motion with her hand. No, dont bother to answer that question. Its pretty obvious what you think of me. She spun away from him, bracing her hands on the countertop. Thanks for making the coffee. You can find your own way out, Im sure.
Jake opened his mouth to offer an explanation, an apology, but the set of her shoulders and the rigidity of her back dissuaded him. That hadnt turned out well, had it? Still, hed had to say it. It was Rebeccas welfare he was concerned about, no one elses. If Lainey couldnt understand that, it was just too bad.
* * *
LAINEY GLANCED IN the small mirror that hung over the dresser in the bedroom she already thought of as hers. She looked halfway decent, despite the dark shadows under her eyes. She patted a little concealer on and surveyed the result. Too bad she hadnt been ready for that early-morning visit from Jake Evans.
It was his own fault for coming without calling first, and she wasnt remotely embarrassed at his seeing her that way. Was she?
When shed finally gotten to sleep it must have been nearly dawn. Odd that she couldnt even remember the dreams from which shed awakened shaking. Shed just had a sense of running, stumbling, sensing something chasing her, something terrible that was growing closer with every step.
Lainey turned away from the dresser and smoothed the handmade quilt over the bed, comforted at the touch. It was the same quilt that had been on her bed when she was ten. Sunshine and Shadows, the pattern was called, and Aunt Rebecca had said it was hersthat shed made it for her.
Mom had insisted she leave it behind when shed picked up Lainey to cart her off to another fresh start. They didnt have room for it, shed said.
But Aunt Rebecca had kept it where it belonged. Lainey remembered kneeling beside it, the hooked rug knobby under her skinny knees, saying prayers with Aunt Rebecca, and her great-aunts hands tucking her into bed.
Shed declared from the superior height of ten years that she was too old to be read to when Aunt Rebecca made the offer.
You can read to me, then, aint so? Rebecca had replied. Shed sat next to her, a book between them, listening while Lainey read aloud, showing every sign of pleasure in hearing the story. Theyd read their way through three of the Little House books that summer. She glanced at the row of books on the bookshelf under the window.
Laineys hand lingered on the quilt. Shed felt so safe, going to sleep in this room to the soft sound of Aunt Rebeccas and Uncle Isaacs voices drifting up the stairs from the living room. No quarrels, no crying or shouting, just soft-voiced conversation in the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect Lainey hadnt understood. Maybe you didnt need to understand a language to hear love in it.
Pulling herself out of the memories, Lainey headed down the stairs. Then, moved by an impulse she couldnt explain, she went back and took out the first of the Little House books. Silly, maybe, but if she read to Aunt Rebecca, perhaps at some level she would hear and be comforted.
What would Jake think of her, carting a childrens book to Rebeccas bedside? Hed never know, and she didnt care what he thought, anyway.
She went downstairs. Her tapestry bag hung from a hook in the back hallway, and she tucked the book inside. She probably should make a list and stop by the grocery store on her way back from the hospital. And maybe pick up some flowers on her way there...
List-making fled from her mind when movement in the driveway along the side of the house caught her eye. An Amish buggy rolled to a halt at the hitching rail by the back porch. Her stomach clenched when she saw the man who held the reins. Zeb Stoltzfus looked as stern and unbending as he had yesterday at the hospital.
She smoothed her palms down the flaring print skirt, glad he hadnt been the one to come to the door before she was dressed. If he was here to renew his argument, he might as well just leave. Nobody was going to force her into a decision she wasnt ready to make.
Zeb approached the door, followed by two other dark-garbed figures. Pushing away the thought that they were ganging up on her, Lainey went to greet them.
Good morning. She stood holding the door, not at all sure she wanted to welcome him inside if hed come to argue.
Zeb gave a curt nod, his graying beard looking a bit unkempt in the breeze. I have brought two of my grandchildren to meet you. Ella has a basket for you.
The young woman behind him stepped toward the door, smiling shyly, and held out a covered basket. Just some beef stew for your supper. And a shoofly pie. My mamm thought you wouldnt have time to cook, running back and forth to the hospital so much, aint so?
The smile and the gesture disarmed Lainey. How kind of her, and of you. She swung the door wide. Please, come in.
The girl...Ella, hed said, went straight to the kitchen and set the basket on the counter as if this were familiar territory. Zeb followed her, and the third member of the little party trailed in his wake. The boy must be about fourteen or fifteen, lanky as boys that age often were. He darted what seemed a wary glance at her and then lowered his gaze to his shoes.
Lainey hesitated, not sure whether to hold out her hand to him or not. She settled for a friendly smile. Im Lainey. Whats your name?
The boys blue eyes held a hint of panic, and he glanced toward his grandfather.
Answer your cousin, Zeb said sharply.
Thomas, he muttered, a flush mounting to his straw-colored hair. Even the tips of his ears turned red. Im Thomas.