A Matter of Destiny (8 page)

He cast his wife an affectionate glance. "Couldn't bear the thought of your suffering and swore she'd never forgive me." His voice grew husky. "I just felt like we were holding you back, like you needed some time..."

Bea's eyes teared up and she brushed the moisture away.

Sharon smiled. "Of course, you're forgiven. I finally realized you were trying to tell me I had to go on, no matter what."

Her smile changed to a frown as she thought of her sons. "I'm worried about David, though. He's so quiet, more so than ever."

Her father scratched his chin. "Aye, I've been thinking about him myself. Should I have a word with the lad?"

"Please. If you have a chance."

Later in the day, Harry had that chance. Luke was at a neighbors', shooting hoops, while David sat alone on the front

porch. Harry studied him for a moment.

He had his mother's gentleness, but there was something of his father in him. Tom had had his brooding dark side, too. He moved toward the boy, clearing his throat as he sat down beside him.

Harry slipped his arm around David and gave him a brief squeeze. "How's my number one grandson?"

David smiled. "I'm fine, Grampa."

Harry's gaze swept over the yard as he tried to think of a way to draw the boy out. "How's school?" he asked, studying David's expression.

"It's all right."

So, it's that way, is it? Harry thought. Reveal nothing. He exhaled, as he pulled out his pipe and filled it from the pouch he always carried. David watched, and Harry lengthened the procedure, taking several deep puffs.

"Wanna try?" He didn't mean to encourage smoking, but wanted to acknowledge David's leaning toward manhood.

A rare grin lit David's face. "No thanks, but I like the smell. Besides, Mom would kill me, and you, too."

"Aye, that she would."

They sat in companionable silence until David spoke again. "Everything changes, doesn't it, Grampa?"

His tone was that of an old man, weary with the world. It pierced Harry's heart. "Aye, lad. That's the way of life."

He shifted his weight and leaned against a corner post. "But that doesn't mean all change is bad. You can be content again, if you give it a try."

David shook his head. "I don't think I can. It's too late now." He stared at the ground. "Dad and I never...we were never close, but I wanted to know him better. Deep down, anyway."

He looked at his grandfather. "He...intimidated me, I guess. Always larger than life. I never felt I could live up to what he expected."

Harry weighed his words, knowing he'd have few opportunities left to speak his mind while his grandsons were willing to listen.

"It's natural for a boy to feel that way about his father, David, but you can rest assured that he was very, very proud of you. Tom loved his family very much."

David's eyes filled with tears, so Harry went on.

"You have a lot ahead of you. Make the most of it, and you'll be fine. In fact, there's one thing to remember when your whole world seems darkest. It will change."

David nodded slowly. "If only..."

"Aye," said Harry. "Each life is full of 'if onlys'. Everyone has regrets when he loses a loved one, but you're human, David. Don't dwell on them, lad. It'll drive you mad."

"Do you have some 'if onlys', Grampa?"

Harry blinked back the tears as he thought of his infant son, buried so long ago. "Your mother should have had a brother," he said, his voice soft. "He died at birth and I nearly lost your grandma."

David's blue eyes searched his grandfather's features. "Mom told me about it once. How do you keep from remembering?"

Harry drew on his pipe, sending smoke spiraling upward. "I don't, David.
Do
remember, don't fight it. That way, you'll always have a part of your father. But at the same time, look ahead. Eventually, you'll like what you see."

David was silent after that, as if pondering his grandfather's advice.

Harry didn't know if he'd helped, but felt he'd said enough on the subject for now. "Here comes your brother. Must be time for supper."

While the Quinns were in Haden Lake, Joseph found himself driving by their darkened house at least twice a day. He also drove himself crazy thinking about their safety in the holiday traffic, so he hovered over them frequently, silently watching.

He missed Sharon more than he cared to admit and knew that wasn't wise. He'd have to say goodbye eventually and wasn't sure how he'd manage. He knew he'd worry about her always, no matter where he was.

He decided to spend some time with his fellow guardians, trying to soak up the joy so inherent in their beings. Their discussions were fascinating and engaging, but Joseph's mind kept wandering.

Finally, he sought out Serena.

"What's happening to me?" he cried in anguish. "I want to be back the way I was, in control of my destiny, sure of my role."

"Is that really what you want, Joseph, to never have met the Quinn family?"

He hung his head in defeat and mumbled a soft, "No."

Serena smiled and touched his shoulder, sharing her strength and wisdom. "You'll be all right with this, Joseph. Trust me."

Chapter Four

Sharon didn't have much time to fret over starting the new job. They reached Hollow Bend late Sunday afternoon and were surprised to find a note from Joe.

"The fire's ready to light, and there's a pan of cocoa in the fridge. Just warm it up. Welcome home, Joe."

Sharon couldn't believe it. What a sweet thing to do. Paula must've let him in, she decided. She headed for the phone to call him, but changed her mind. She'd see him at school tomorrow and thank him then.

"He shouldn't have come in our house while we were gone," David began and was silenced by a look from his mother.

Thoughts of Joe stayed with her throughout the evening, no matter how hard she tried to brush them aside. She kept thinking of the cozy fire and cocoa he'd left for them.

It would've been nice if he'd been there, too.

After several loads of laundry were done and the family fed, Sharon fell into an exhausted sleep.

The boys decided to ride to school with her the next day, even though she had to go in an hour earlier than they did. Luke wanted to run laps to stay in shape, and David could spend the time in the library.

Sharon appreciated their moral support and knew they were proud of her.

Luke unfolded his stocky legs and climbed out of the car. "Don't forget, Mom, I have practice after school."

She nodded. "All right, see you later."

He gave her his thumbs-up signal and waited for David.

"Good luck," said her older son.

"Thanks." She smiled into the handsome young face. How vulnerable he looked. Would he ever be the same again?

She hoped he was a survivor, along with the rest of the family. Her father had told her a little about their talk, but not enough to reassure her.

As soon as her sons had disappeared into the brick building, a wave of nervousness washed over her. Could she handle a job and her family? Many women did, though she had trouble seeing how they did it.

Sharon parked in the employees' zone and hurried toward the cafeteria. She paused momentarily when she spied Joe leaning against the wall next to the entrance.

It was so good to see him, her heart flipped over. She consciously calmed her breathing and continued toward him.

"Hello, stranger," she called, then realized she'd let the

joy slip into her voice.

Joe straightened and smiled, a deep welcoming smile that made her feel warm inside. He took both her hands into his own, and they stood grinning as foolishly as Cheshire cats.

When it appeared Joe would be happy to go on holding her hands without saying a word, Sharon asked, "Why are you hanging around the cafeteria door?"

"Just waiting to wish you luck."

A lock of black hair curled onto his forehead, and Sharon itched to smooth it back for him. Instead, she pulled her hands from his grasp and tucked them into her coat pocket.

"Thanks, I'm sure I'll need it. By the way, we all enjoyed the fire and hot chocolate last night. That was very thoughtful."

"My pleasure," he said in a tone that seemed to mean more than his words.

She remembered to inquire, "How was your Thanksgiving?"

He grimaced. "Actually, I tried cooking a turkey dinner for the first time. It wasn't too bad."

Sharon was appalled at the picture he described and regretted not inviting him to join them on their trip. She wondered what her parents would have said.

Joe must've guessed her thoughts from the look on her face. "Hey, don't worry about me."

She wasn't convinced. "You ate all alone? Are you sure you had turkey?"

Joe laughed, his white teeth in sharp contrast to his tanned complexion. "You don't think I can take care of myself?"

Sharon was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. She sounded like an overprotective mother...or wife.

Glancing at her watch, she said, "Well, I'd better get to work. I'd hate to be fired on the first day."

Joe stepped aside. "You'll do just fine. Enjoy. I'll see you later." With an encouraging wink, he headed for the front entrance.

She took a deep breath and went inside, grateful to be working for Esther Olson. The older woman could make anyone feel at ease. As far as Esther was concerned, the whole county was her family.

Esther spotted Sharon and grinned broadly. "Over here," she beckoned. "There's a closet in back for your coat. I'll get a uniform so you can change."

When Sharon had returned, wearing the light blue uniform with a navy apron, she watched in amazement as Esther bustled around the kitchen, issuing orders to the others.

"Sadie, you handle the main course while I show Sharon what to do." Addressing the plump woman standing next to the petite Sadie, she continued, "Delores, please start the dessert, and

Sharon will help with the fruit and vegetables as soon as I'm through with her."

They operated as a well-oiled machine, though it didn't take long for Sharon to realize they'd needed another worker. She had to ask a lot of questions, but was surprised how fast the morning flew by.

Soon, she stood at the serving counter dishing up the steamy sausage casserole to hungry youngsters. The din in the cafeteria quickly rose to a dull roar.

She'd all but forgotten Celia Moran was working at the school, too, until her neighbor paused in front of her.

Celia's black hair was pulled back and tied with a lavender scarf that matched her suit.

Sharon felt frumpy in her now food-stained uniform, but she straightened her shoulders and said, "Hello, Celia."

The Moran woman's lips curled into a malicious snarl. "Well, well, you can't seem to get out of the kitchen, can you?"

Sharon took a deep breath and held it while counting to ten. She counted to ten the second time, but it didn't do any good. She'd taken all she was going to take from Celia Moran.

"Why do you hate me, Celia? Is it because my husband didn't pick up on your cues?"

Sharon had tried to befriend the easterner until Celia had flaunted her blatant interest in Tom. She'd often wished the Morans would move away from Hollow Bend because they'd never fit

into the rural lifestyle or way of thinking.