Heart's Design: A Contemporary Christian Romance (22 page)

Chapter 26
~~♥~~

Caroline chatted with Clara and Hannah as she waited in the line to pay for her lunch at the Presbyterian church. A few minutes later, she strolled down Elm Street, smiling and waving at her friends who manned different booths for the Harvest Festival. Toby had a booth to showcase his paintings and Meredith’s booth featured her jewelry. As she passed the Mahoney’s booth, Caroline waved to Tommy after he called to her. All the restaurants in town participated with lunch and dinner specials. The aromas of grilled meats and roasted nuts filled the air.

This is what small town living is all about
.

Seeing an empty bench near the gazebo, Caroline hurried over to it. She ate her chicken salad sandwich and sipped from her can of Diet Coke.

“Here you are!”

Caroline glanced up and waved as Liesel pushed a stroller toward her with a sleeping Isabella. She parked the stroller and dropped down onto the bench beside her.

“Want to share my sandwich?” Caroline held it up, offering it to her.

“No, thanks. I ate over at the church. I’m trying not to eat too much since I gained so much weight with the pregnancy, but staying away from Hannah’s chocolate pecan pie is torture.”

“I’m sure nursing will help you lose weight. Bella’s only a newborn, and you need to give yourself some time. But you’re right. No one should deprive themselves of Hannah’s pie.”

“Is Seth meeting you here?” Liesel adjusted the blanket around her rosy-faced, sleeping baby. “I shouldn’t keep her out too long since it’s getting colder, but at least the sun’s warm this afternoon.”

“He had a class to teach and then he’s coming over,” Caroline said, unable to hide her smile. “We thought we’d poke around some of the booths and grab a bite to eat.” Then go home and read together, one of their favorite activities—Caroline parked on one side of the sofa and Seth on the opposite end—the fireplace crackling and popping in the background, and cups of coffee or cappuccino sitting on the table between them. Playing footsies, sharing their dreams for the future, being silly as they laughed and talked together, learning more about one another, closing their books and snuggling while they watched a movie.

Liesel smiled. “I’m about ready to burst my seams seeing you two in love. You’re adorable together, like the poster couple for Mr. and Mrs. Healthy Living in Maine. I can picture in my mind all the kiddos you’ll have lined up behind you, ready to go hiking in the woods, like a cute little trail of ducklings.”

“That’s quite an image but let’s not jump to conclusions yet.”

“Well, I know you’re glad Seth’s awakened to the fact that he can’t hold his anger against your dad against
you
. From what I can tell, loving you has gone a long way toward that man’s ability to forgive.”

Caroline nodded. “He needed to work through it all and I’m thankful he finally has. We’re talking about going to see both sets of our parents, too. It’s a hurdle we need to face together.”

Liesel’s pretty face creased with concern. “That can be tough under any circumstances. I’ll pray that the Lord will soften their hearts.” She giggled. “Somehow this whole thing between you and Seth seems so, I don’t know, Capulet and Montague. The whole love at first sight factor”—Liesel held up one hand—“don’t even bother to deny it, as well as the underlying tension between you two because of the connection of your fathers.”

“As long as we’re not star-crossed and don’t meet the same fate, we’ll be fine.”

“Have you received your weekly bouquet of red roses yet?”

Caroline smiled. “I still have the roses from my birthday, so it’s not like I’m deprived.”

“Who knew Seth Barnes had such a green thumb?”

Caroline pushed her hair behind one ear. “Take a peek at my new earrings.”

Liesel burst out laughing. The baby startled and Liesel put one hand over her mouth. “So, you finally got yourself some genuine moose poop earrings. Very nice. Another gift from Seth?”

“Yes,” Caroline said. “Part of my birthday gift. My mother would have a fit if she saw these and heard what they’re made from.” They shared a smile. “Liesel, is it true that Seth introduced you to Paul?”

“Sure is. I didn’t like Paul at first. Couldn’t stand him, to be honest, but things obviously worked out between us.”

Caroline nibbled on her sandwich. “Why didn’t you like him?”

“Probably because he didn’t like me.” Liesel laughed. “Paul thought I was an airhead and I thought he was arrogant. Turns out, my SAT score was higher than his, and he’s just a quiet, reserved guy. Nothing wrong with that. And I love watching Seth watch
you
when you don’t realize it. That man notices everything you do. He treasures you, Caroline. He’s a keeper.”

Caroline gave her friend a quick hug. “Thank you. I love how Seth can see the humor in situations and be so sensitive and caring. He’s the first to grab my hand and pray for someone or about a certain situation. He knows how to listen to people and draw out the best in them. That’s a rare talent.”

“You can say that again. Oh, I wanted to tell you there was a lady over at Meredith’s booth asking about you. She seemed to really like your designs and she was asking questions about the jewelry. Looks like your pieces are selling like hotcakes, by the way. I’m sure she bought something.”

“Always good to have new customers. Is she from around here, do you know?”

“No, she’s from the city, darling. Which city is anyone’s guess, but she’s dripping money. You can just tell. Very upper crust with expensive leather shoes and a designer handbag that cost more than our car. Very formal in her speech.” Liesel smirked. “Not that there’s anything wrong with having money, but you’ve always been so low key. You don’t throw it in people’s faces and don’t put on airs. You’d never know you come from such a wealthy family.” Liesel flushed. “Sorry. I hope I didn’t just stick my big foot in my mouth.”

“No worries. You didn’t.” A ping of awareness shot through Caroline. Liesel’s description of the woman sounded too close for comfort. Could it be. . .? No, her mother would never travel to Maine to see her. Never. Would she? After taking another long drink of her Diet Coke, she finished her sandwich, trying to tamp down a sudden surge of anxiety.

“Oh, wait! I see the woman over there now. The one in the beige sweater and brown pants.” Liesel pointed to the sidewalk but there were so many guests milling about that, other than many familiar townspeople, Caroline didn’t see anyone who fit the woman’s description. Not that she even
wanted
to see her.

“The weather this weekend is beautiful, isn’t it?” Caroline lifted her face to the sky, closing her eyes, basking in the warmth of the early afternoon sun. “Perfect for the Harvest Festival.” She did it in part to try and forget about the woman. She really had no desire to meet her and preferred to focus on the positives of the lovely day.

Liesel quietly cleared her throat. “Caroline, we have company.”

Caroline’s eyes fluttered open and her smile froze on her face.

Bryce’s prediction was right. They’re here
.

Chapter 27
~~♥~~

“Hello, Caroline.” Eleanor Prescott’s smile appeared as shaky as Caroline’s emotions.

“Mother! I had no idea you were coming this weekend.” Hopping up from the bench, Caroline planted a dutiful kiss as her mother offered her cheek. “Welcome to Evergreen. What a nice surprise.”

If she weren’t so nervous, Caroline would laugh at the expression on Liesel’s face as she glanced back and forth between her friend and her mother. “Liesel Mattingly, I’d like you to meet my mother, Eleanor Prescott.” Her pulse might be racing out of control but at least her manners were still in place.

“This is your mother? I mean, it’s so nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Prescott. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Liesel shot Caroline a glance and her cheeks flushed again.

“I’m sure you have.” Sarcasm dripped with every word. Maybe it was an inherited trait.

“What brings you here, Mother?”

“You, as a matter of fact. Your father and I thought it was time to come and see you since you seem disinclined to come home to Boston these days.” Eleanor opened her handbag. “Do you girls mind if I smoke?”

Caroline frowned. Her mother only smoked when she was nervous, or in social situations where it seemed the norm, and she’d hoped she’d broken the habit. Her dad was here, too? The fact they’d come to see her warmed her at the same time as it shredded her nerves.

Be calm. All will be well.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t want my baby exposed to cigarette smoke.” Liesel jumped up and gripped the stroller handle with both hands.

“Please don’t leave on my account, dear.” Eleanor removed the long, slim cigarette she’d slipped between her ruby red lips. “What am I thinking?” She tossed the package of cigarettes back into her handbag and stepped closer to the stroller. “Of course you don’t want this dear little baby of yours to be exposed. Oh, he’s so tiny,” Eleanor observed.

“He’s a
she
, Mother. This is Liesel’s daughter.”

“My apologies.” Eleanor pushed her hair, longer and thinner than before, behind one shoulder.

Liesel shrugged. “I’m used to it since she doesn’t have much hair yet. I don’t like dressing her in pink all the time or putting headbands on her with a flower or a bow bigger than her head.”

“Why, she’s just a newborn. Hello there, you precious little angel,” Eleanor cooed as she leaned over the stroller and stroked Bella’s cheek. It was a more tender side of her mother that Caroline rarely glimpsed. Straightening back up again, Eleanor looked over at Liesel, nearly catching her mid-smirk. “What is her name?”

“Princess Leia Organa, but we’re calling her Lo for short.”

Caroline fought the urge to burst out laughing. The Lord knew she needed the break in the heavy tension caused by her mother’s presence. How Liesel managed to keep a straight face was a miracle. Caroline wished she had a camera to capture her mother’s expression. Shocked astonishment pretty much covered it.

“Liesel’s joking. This is Isabella, Bella for short.” When Caroline shot a look at Liesel, her friend winked and mouthed
I couldn’t help myself
. So many reasons to love this girl.

“Much better.” Was that a hint of a smile upturning the corners of Eleanor’s perfectly outlined lips? Dare she to dream that she’d get a genuine smile, much less a from-the-gut belly laugh from her mother one day? Maybe she should make that her personal mission.

“What a lovely name. Please tell me
your
name again, dear.” Okay, so she’d hoped too soon. Caroline cringed at the condescending tone that had returned in her mother’s tone. She prayed that Liesel would still be her friend after meeting her mother. She loved Liesel for being so bold as to make a joke in the face of her mother’s obvious lack of humor.

“It’s Liesel, Mrs. Prescott. Liesel Mattingly.”

“Liesel,” Eleanor mused. “Isn’t that the name of one of the children in that movie…?” She snapped her fingers and her brow furrowed. “I can see a novice nun singing on a mountain. Lots of children singing and dancing and swinging in trees. A baroness. Nazis. And not to forget a military man named Gaylord Von something or other.”

“Yes. The
Sound of Music
,” Liesel said. “Liesel is the name of the oldest daughter
.
”

“Ah, yes. I knew it sounded familiar, and very…German,” Eleanor continued. “Do you have German ancestors, dear?”

Not knowing where in the world her mother was headed with that question, Caroline broke into the conversation. Whether or not her mother found her interruption rude didn’t matter. She needed to stop her before she said something they’d all regret. Not that she hadn’t already passed that threshold.

“Mother, you said that Dad’s here with you? How long are you staying?”

“Yes, your father is here. He stopped off to look at some local artwork or some such thing. I’m sure he’ll be along momentarily.” Her parents should know better than to show up unannounced, even though Bryce had hinted of the possibility. Still, she never seriously considered such a thing might actually happen. But now, here they were, and as usual, her mother was spreading joy and happiness.

“Did you see my designs, Mother?” Caroline braced herself. If only her mother knew how much courage it took for her to ask that question.

Something indefinable lit in Eleanor’s eyes and her features relaxed. “I did. You’re quite talented, Caroline.”

Caroline’s heart swelled. Compliments from her mother were so rare that she knew it was genuine and honest. “Thank you.” She swallowed back unexpected tears. “I appreciate that more than you know.”

Eleanor inclined her head. “It’s true. I’ve always believed in paying credit where it’s due.”

That surprised her since her mother had never. . .
Stop it!
No sense in going over all the times in her mind when Eleanor Prescott had been noticeably absent. Recounting the strikes against her did no one any favors, and in fact, caused more harm than good.

“I’m glad you and Dad are here. Thank you for coming to Evergreen.”
To see me.
Now she really
did
want to cry. But she couldn’t. Because she was a Prescott. Prescotts didn’t cry, at least in the presence of other Prescotts. What a bunch of nonsense.

Eleanor nodded, and her gaze seemed to take in Caroline’s appearance as if for the first time. “You’re looking well, Caroline.” She moved her gaze to Liesel. Her poor friend looked like a trapped animal that wanted to be anywhere else in the world in that moment. “I’ve tried for years to get my daughter to control that wild blonde mane of hers into a more manageable hairstyle, but as you might know, she’s always remained resistant.”

Self-conscious under her mother’s scrutiny, Caroline stopped her fingers before they reached her hair. She’d left her hair natural and curly since she knew Seth loved it that way and she expected to see him soon.
Seth!
  She needed to warn him of impending disaster.

Calm down. No reason to panic.

“I love Caroline’s hair, Mrs. Prescott,” Liesel said. “It’s fitting and easy to take care of in this mountain environment, especially for hikes—”

“Right,” Eleanor agreed. “Earthy. You hike now, too, Caroline?” Eleanor smirked and looked off into the distance at the White Mountains.

“I haven’t done a lot of it, but I plan on doing more,” Caroline said. “So, how long are you and Dad staying?” Not wanting to be rude, she couldn’t seem to help herself as she repeated her earlier unanswered question.

You are a new creature in Christ, so act like it.
Sometimes that inner voice annoyed her although she knew it was right. She needed to demonstrate to her mother that the love of Christ lived inside her now and kill her—metaphorically speaking—with kindness.

Eleanor’s eyes narrowed. “We’re planning on staying for a few days before your father has meetings back in Boston on Wednesday.” Considering it was now Saturday, that meant spending the better part of the next three days in the company of her parents.

Caroline pushed down another unkind thought and forced a smile to her lips. She’d get through it somehow but how she wished Bryce had come, too. “Where are you staying?”

“At a little establishment in town. We haven’t checked in yet.”

Liesel gulped and said in a small voice, “Landon’s Bed & Breakfast?” Liesel knew as well as she did that Landon’s had to be where they were staying since Caroline’s parents most likely wouldn’t be staying in one of the little roadside motels on the way into town. That wouldn’t happen no matter how odd they were acting.

“Why, yes. I do believe that’s the name.”

“That’s
my
bed and breakfast!” Liesel spouted. “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember seeing a reservation for Prescott on the ledger.”

“That’s probably because Duncan often books us under another name.” Eleanor said it in an offhand manner. Why wouldn’t most people reserve a room under an assumed name?

“How about Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clark? Does that ring a bell, dear?”

Caroline almost groaned out loud. Her father must have come up with that one. Those names were from the old
Out-of-Towners
movie about a long-married couple who had comical but also poignant misadventures in the big city. She’d watched the movie with him a number of times when she was younger and knew it was one of his favorites. At least he’d chosen a fairly original pseudonym to book them into the bed and breakfast.

“I’m sure that must be it,” Liesel said with a bit too much forced enthusiasm. “Caroline and her friends stayed at Landon’s on their first visit to Evergreen a few years ago. My mom and dad were running the bed and breakfast at the time, and Mom invited them to my wedding reception that same weekend. That’s where I met Caroline.”

“Is that right? Fascinating. I wonder where Duncan has gotten off to now.” Eleanor glanced around the area before her gaze rested on Liesel once more. “Yes, well, The Evergreen Inn was booked with some convention or other, so we thought we’d try one of the quaint, smaller local establishments. I’m so glad it’s
your
little place.”

Caroline hoped her sympathetic glance comforted Liesel for her mother’s grossly insensitive comment.
Congratulations, Mother. You’ve already managed to alienate my closest friend in the world.

“I’d…I’d better get going. Time to get back to the dairy.” Liesel nodded to Eleanor with such quiet dignity that Caroline wanted to throw her arms around her friend. Thankfully, Liesel was smart enough, and Christian enough, not to hold her mother’s transgressions against her.

Liesel inclined her head toward Eleanor. “I’ll look forward to seeing you later at the B&B, Mrs. Prescott. I mean, Mrs. Henry Clark.”

Eleanor turned to Caroline. “What, pray tell, is a B&B?”

“It stands for bed and breakfast.” How was it possible her mother didn’t know this? Talk about living in a cocoon.

“Oh, yes, of course. Delighted to have met you!” Eleanor called after Liesel as though an afterthought. By this time, Liesel was already a good distance away. Caroline had never seen her move so fast with the stroller.

“Mother, really. That wasn’t a very polite thing to say to Liesel. She runs one of the best bed and breakfasts in the state. I doubt you’ll find any better accommodations in the entire White Mountain region.”

“I certainly didn’t mean to imply anything. I see you’re still as sensitive as ever, Caroline.”

“You didn’t think you could stay with me at the house? No, I guess that would have spoiled the element of surprise, wouldn’t it?”
Lord Jesus, help me.
If she survived the weekend, it’d be a miracle. Caroline tossed her head and crossed her arms, knowing she was acting like a spoiled brat.

“Pumpkin.” Her father gave her a quick hug from behind and then swung around to her side and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

Caught unaware, Caroline jumped. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but it wasn’t…this.

“Dad,” she gasped. “You two pulled off the big surprise by coming up here this weekend, didn’t you?” She swallowed. “I mean, welcome to Evergreen.”

“We couldn’t very well warn you we were coming and have you run off in the opposite direction, could we?” The man had a point. Duncan slipped his arm around her mother’s shoulders. That, too, was new.

“We have a few days without anything pressing going on in Boston, so we thought we’d scoot up here to the mountains and see how our independent daughter is doing.” Sizing her up in one glance, Duncan smiled with what appeared to be a certain measure of approval. “It would seem this mountain environment suits you.”

The world’s gone mad
. It was the only explanation Caroline could accept for the way her parents were acting. Surely something was wrong. Perhaps they’d come with a hidden agenda of trying to convince her to return to Boston with them.

Caroline’s eyes were moist as she forced herself to look from her father to her mother, her gaze lingering. In their own way, they
did
care about her. They wouldn’t be here in Evergreen now if that weren’t true. Hope began to slowly replace the trepidation in her heart. Maybe this weekend would be a positive turning point.