Heart's Design: A Contemporary Christian Romance (3 page)

A plump, pleasant-faced woman with beautiful white hair hurried around the corner, nearly running into Kat. “Oh!” Visibly startled, the woman moved one hand to her chest, breathing heavily. “Sorry. I didn’t hear you come in.” Recovering her composure, she wiped her hands across a flour-covered apron worn over a cotton dress. “Welcome, girls. I’m Beverly Landon.”              

Caroline smiled and stepped forward. “You have such a beautiful place here, Mrs. Landon.”

“Why, thank you, dear. How kind of you to say. Randy and I bought it from my parents more than twenty years ago, so we’ve been here a long time. It’s a lot of upkeep, but we love it.” Judging from the well-etched lines surrounding her eyes and mouth, smiling was the most natural thing in the world for this woman.

“We stopped at Mahoney’s Market,” Caroline said. “Clara recommended your B&B and suggested we stop here to see if you have a vacancy.”

Beverly’s brows drew together over her dark-eyed gaze. “Dear Clara. I should call her and find out how her sweet little granddaughter is doing today.”

“If you’re referring to Lacey, she woke up with the croup.”

Caroline ignored the stares from her friends and Beverly didn’t appear surprised to hear this news from a stranger. “Well, now, I’m sorry to hear that. It’s a shame, but they were afraid that was going to happen. Seems like that poor child has suffered from one thing after another from the time she was born. Okay, now, girls. As it happens, your timing is great. We have one room available since we had a last-minute cancellation not even an hour ago. The room is spacious and has two double beds, if that’s satisfactory. Otherwise, we’re full up.” With a weary smile, Beverly glanced at each of them, her gaze finally resting on Caroline.

Kat winked at Caroline. “Trust me, we’ve shared primitive conditions the last few days. I’m sure we can put up with each other. Not a problem.”

“Wonderful. Then let’s get you signed in.” Beverly walked behind a desk in a corner alcove and pulled out a heavy-looking book.

“I’m sure it’s a very busy time for you with all the wedding festivities. Clara told us your daughter’s getting married,” she added when Beverly glanced up from the book. “If we can get the key, we’ll find our room, and let you get back to whatever you need to do.”

“Oh, it’s no bother.” Beverly waved her hand. “Everything’s under control for the wedding. We’re pretty simple around here, and I have lots of help. The good Lord must have known you’d be coming and needed a place to stay. Let me have you sign the guest register, and then I’ll take you up to your room.”

Again, Caroline sensed Kat and Paulina’s eyes on her, most likely at the kindly woman’s mention of
the Lord
. If it were possible, Jesus would indeed most likely take up residence in this marvelous place.

Mrs. Landon shook her head when Caroline withdrew her money pouch from her backpack. “Payment’s not necessary until you check out. We can settle up then.” People must be very trusting in this town.
From what she’d seen, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Beverly studied the book and then flipped a page. “The same room was also booked for tomorrow night. Would you like to go ahead and reserve it?”

When Caroline glanced at Paulina and Kat with an arched brow, they both nodded. “That sounds great. Thanks. It’ll give us time to rest and regroup.”

“Great.” Mrs. Landon turned the book around. “Please come sign your names and home addresses in our guest register, if you don’t mind. That way we’ll have a record of your stay and you might just get a Christmas card from me.”

Caroline signed the book first. “We were housemates at Wellesley College and graduated a few months ago. This trip is kind of our last hurrah, I guess you could say. We’ve been hiking and camping in the Great White Mountains Forest the last couple of days, and we’re more or less going where the wind takes us.”

Why she felt the need to say all that, she had no idea. Perhaps the mountain air was somehow affecting her mind and loosening her tongue. Still, Beverly had the kind of warm, friendly manner that made her want to confide in her, something she rarely did. Must have started with meeting Clara at Mahoney’s. These women encouraged her to share her thoughts. Normally not accustomed to such openness with strangers, Caroline rather liked it. She almost laughed at the expressions on Paulina and Kat’s faces as they both stared at her. They probably wondered if she’d sipped suspect creek water up in the mountains.

Smoothing a strand of white hair away from her forehead, Beverly didn’t hide her astonishment. “You mean to tell me you’ve been hiking on your own and staying in the mountains overnight?” She shook her head. “My, my. Well, far be it from me to put in my two cents, but I’m not sure that’s something I’d ever allow my daughter to do. You girls certainly are independent.”

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Landon. For one thing, we’ve practically been disinherited.” Paulina barely contained her grin. “If you ask me, we were safer camping in the mountains than being around the wolves in sheep’s clothing in the city.”

“She’s teasing.” Kat gave Paulina a nudge. “Speaking for myself, my parents think I’m out of my mind and questioned why they paid good money for my education only to jeopardize my entire future with this one hiking trip.”

“We hired a local guide to help us set up camp each night and he was invaluable,” Caroline said, wanting this kind woman to understand they weren’t completely without sense.

The expression on Mrs. Landon’s face was an interesting combination of what looked like faint disapproval mixed with wistfulness. “I see. Ah, to be so young and carefree.” Rotating the ledger on the counter, the older woman glanced at what they’d written. “Let’s see. We have Caroline from Boston, Katherine from Atlanta, and Paulina from New York.” She glanced at each of them in turn as she read their names, her warm smile in place. “Welcome to Evergreen. I’m glad you’ve found our little paradise.”

The bed and breakfast owner’s smile grew even brighter and her eyes lit as her gaze moved behind Caroline. “Why, Seth Barnes, you sweet boy! Aren’t you a welcome sight? About time you came back to see us. You come here and give me a hug this instant.” Quicker than Caroline would have thought possible, Mrs. Landon moved around the desk with her arms wide open.

Caroline turned back toward the doorway and met the very blue eyes of Hiker Guy.

Chapter 3

~~♥~~

Caroline watched as Seth embraced Mrs. Landon and kissed her cheek. “Hi, Bev. You’re looking well. Good to be back.”

“I’m so happy you could join us this weekend.” She patted his cheek and then gave him an affectionate tweak.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Nodding to the three girls in turn, Seth’s gaze lingered on Caroline. “Nice to see you again.”

Caroline smiled but couldn’t seem to find her voice. With her disheveled hair and somewhat rumpled clothing, she wasn’t exactly the fashion model type although her two friends always looked like they stepped from the pages of a glossy fashion magazine. So did Seth. He was one of the most naturally handsome guys she’d ever seen in his shorts and plain red T-shirt. She’d had enough of preppy, pretty boys. Ditto the ones in tailored Italian designer suits.

“Oh, you’ve met?” Mrs. Landon asked.

“In a manner of speaking. On the road into town.” A smile crossed Seth’s face, and the small dimple to the left of his mouth winked at her. Stepping forward, he offered his hand. “Hi, I’m Seth. And you are?” He shook Kat’s hand first, followed by Paulina, and then turned to Caroline. “Nice to meet you. . .”

“Caroline.” Why give him her last name? Sometimes anonymity was a good thing. Kept it impersonal. Casual. A little mysterious.

Something flickered in Seth’s eyes and flittered over his features as he briefly held her hand. “It’s nice to officially meet you.” Their eyes locked and held, and an indefinable sensation coursed through Caroline. In an odd moment of
déjà vu
, she sensed she’d seen this man somewhere before. But where? Something in the depths of Seth’s eyes spoke to her, pulled on her emotions. Could it be he felt the same connection?

You’re losing it, girl.

“You, too.” Caroline released his large, warm hand.

“Seth, honey, your room is ready.” Mrs. Landon pulled a key from a desk drawer and handed it to him. “Go on up. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Great. Thanks much.” With a brief nod in their direction, Seth started up the wide front staircase, and a few of the steps creaked in protest. “Remind me to look at these stairs,” he called over one shoulder without stopping. “And you need some touch-ups on the front of the house. I’ll take a closer look in a few minutes.”

“Such a good boy he is.” Grabbing a set of keys from a hook on the wall behind her, Mrs. Landon started for the wide, carpeted staircase.

Following behind the middle-aged woman, Caroline noticed how heavily she leaned on the beautifully carved, intricate banister for support. A colorful, handmade quilt adorned the wall at the top of the stairs. “What a beautiful quilt. Did Francie make this one?”

“Why yes, she did. Are you familiar with her work?”

“I saw one of her quilts at Mahoney’s earlier. It was gorgeous.” Caroline winked but otherwise ignored the raised brows of her two friends.

“They’re one-of-a-kind all right. A real treasure to own one of these quilts let me tell you. My mom bought this one for me when my Liesel was born. This particular quilt was on our bed for years, but when Randy and I took over the B&B, I figured I might as well let others enjoy its beauty and craftsmanship.”

Mrs. Landon led them down the hallway. Several antique pieces lined both sides of the wide hallway. Fresh flowers in beautiful vases sat on every table. Turning and heading back toward the front of the large, rambling house, she went all the way down to the end.

“This is your room, girls.” Standing aside, Mrs. Landon waited for them to enter the room with Caroline bringing up the rear. The afternoon sunlight filtered into the room and a gentle breeze wafted through the tall, open windows, ruffling white eyelet curtains. Two light wood poster beds with pretty yellow, white and cornflower blue quilts stood in the middle of the room. A small table sat between the beds and a matching desk graced the far corner. Light and airy. Welcoming.

“This is absolute perfection!” Hopping up and down, Kat tugged off first one boot and then the other before plopping on one of the two double beds. Flat on her back, she wriggled like a child. “A feather bed, no less. I love it!” Rolling over on her stomach, propping herself on her elbows, Kat laughed. “Mrs. Landon, I want to live here. You’re going to have to forcibly kick me out.”

Mrs. Landon beamed her appreciation of the remark as Kat reclined in total, blissful abandon. “You even managed to get the one room that has its own private bath.”

“Good thing since we’ll probably monopolize it for a while, anyway,” Paulina said, laughing.

“There’s also a small balcony that looks out over Elm Street. I highly recommend sitting out there in the late evening or early morning. Very peaceful. Well,” Mrs. Landon said, “I’d better get back downstairs before my strawberry rhubarb pies burn. Oh, there’s also an intercom on the wall.” She pointed to the small brown box mounted on the wall by the door. “Feel free to let me know if you need anything, but please give me a little time to get back upstairs. Normally, my daughter, Liesel, is here to help, but she’s a little preoccupied these days.”

Caroline spoke up. “We understand, Mrs. Landon. If we need anything, we’ll run downstairs ourselves.” Knowing Kat and Paulina’s penchant for room service, they might not think twice about asking for whatever they wanted, even from this woman. She’d try to thwart that behavior as best she could.

“You can usually find me in the kitchen. Breakfast is served in two shifts, at seven and eight o’clock in the morning, and it’s included with the cost of the room. I hope you can join us.”

With a grateful smile, Caroline closed the door behind Mrs. Landon.

“Isn’t this place a slice of heaven pie?” After stripping off her thick socks, Kat took a running dive onto the bed, giggling again with abandon like a little girl.

“Betty Crocker sure seems nice.” Paulina sauntered over to the desk with its complimentary fruit basket. Choosing a ripe pear, she bit into it with a wide grin. “Juicy and delicious.”

“Mrs. Landon sure fits the picture of domesticity, doesn’t she?” Caroline dropped her backpack to the floor and rotated her shoulder, thankful to be relieved of the load for a couple of nights.

“I can’t believe people actually live like this.” Lazily rolling onto her back again, Kat crossed her arms behind her head. “It seems like such a simple way of life, doesn’t it?” She wriggled her toes in the air for emphasis. Not one to be still for long, she sat up on the bed and unleashed her hair from its confining ponytail, shaking her head so that it fell around her shoulders. “I could probably live in a town like this.”

“For maybe a night or two,” Paulina said. “You’re not fooling us for a second. You’d miss the shopping, the restaurants, and the clubs too much. Even better, the cute valets and fawning waiters. Not to forget the Wall Street brokers with stock options.”

Pulling aside the delicate curtains, Caroline tuned out their teasing banter and gazed down onto the quiet street below. Seth emerged from Landon’s and walked down the sidewalk to the north. Seeing him, Caroline’s heart fluttered like a runaway butterfly.

“See something interesting?” When Caroline didn’t answer, Paulina quickly crossed the room to peer over her shoulder just as Seth turned the corner at the end of the street and disappeared from view.

“This could turn out to be a very worthwhile stop. With handsome Mr. Barnes right under the same roof, no less.” Catching Caroline’s warning look, Paulina directed her comments to Kat. “He looks a bit rugged for our Caroline, though, given her penchant for the intellectual man inclined toward classical music and boring literature.”

That comment rankled. “How do you know what my type is
since I’ve had so”—she heaved a sigh—“few dates in the past four years? Trust me. I realize how pathetic that sounds.”

Paulina draped her arm around Caroline’s shoulders. “Girlfriend, you’re too transparent for your own good. You may not have a proven type, but judging by the look on your face just now when Seth Barnes came into view, I’d say
he’s
your type.”

Retrieving her toiletry bag, Caroline tried to laugh off the comment. “I’d say someone has an overactive imagination. Let’s face it; Seth is the kind of guy who’d be the type for most women. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t have a woman in his life. Or more than one. You two can sit and speculate all you like, but I’m taking the first bath.” She tossed a glance over her shoulder as she headed into the bathroom. “If you’re lucky, I might save some hot water for you.”

“Spoilsport!” Paulina called.

“That’s why she’ll make such a great attorney. That intense focus on practical matters. She doesn’t care that she doesn’t have a man in her life. From what I can tell, she doesn’t want one, either.” Kat’s words seared straight through Caroline as she closed the bathroom door, shutting out the world.

Luxuriating in the hot sudsy water a few minutes later, Caroline slid further down into the porcelain footed tub. She lapped the water in gentle waves around her. With a sigh, she inched up and rested her neck against the back of the tub, breathing in deeply of the aromatic bath salts. Lily of the Valley if she wasn’t mistaken. Her eyes misted and she blinked hard to keep the tears at bay. Closing her eyes, she refused to give in to the show of emotion.

“Never show weakness in the courtroom.” How many times had she heard that admonition from her father? “Your adversary will pounce on that weakness,” he’d said. “They’ll twist it, skewer your words, use it to their advantage, and then make it your downfall.”

I’m not in the courtroom now, Dad
. She also couldn’t recall seeing her mother ever shed tears, not even at the funerals of Eleanor’s own mother and father. Not that she probably wasn’t crying on the inside. When
did
her mother cry? Her tears, if any, were intensely private. No wonder she’d been in therapy for years.

“I cry and I’m proud of it,” she said with conviction, feeling silly when the words echoed off the tiles in the bathroom. She hoped Kat and Paulina hadn’t heard, and based on the animated chatter from the other room, they hadn’t. While she was no cry baby, Caroline knew a good cleansing cry could do a lot for soothing one’s soul.

An image of Seth Barnes came into her mind. Sure, he was handsome, but it wasn’t so much Seth’s physical appearance that appealed to her as much as his carefree approach to life. Or maybe her overactive imagination was playing tricks on her, but what she’d told Kat and Paulina was true. The hiker presented the appearance of being
content
. Satisfied with his life. Happy. Hopefully, that wasn’t only an illusion. Back in Boston, Caroline could count on one hand the number of people she could call
truly
happy in their lives.

Oh, how she wished she could find that kind of peace in her life. Problem was, she had no idea how to go about finding it. Her eyes fluttered open and Caroline stared at the ceiling.

“God, if you’re up there somewhere listening, could you maybe give me a clue?”