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  “Watch this.” Caleb walked to the couch. He clapped his hands together loudly a few mere inches from Owen’s ear.

  The sleeping man didn’t so much as stir.

  “I used to believe that something was wrong with him, or that maybe he was going deaf. But after seeing him like this so many times, I realize that he’s just an extremely deep sleeper. I wish I could sleep that deep. Maybe if I had a beautiful woman wrapped around me all night on a permanent basis, I just might someday.” His eyes took on a dream-like quality. “But I get your point.” He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. “Let’s go to my study. We can close the door and speak in private.”

  Lynsey followed him to a nice-sized downstairs room that served as a study. “Oh, I love these big leather chairs,” she remarked, and sunk into one.

  He sat on the edge of the desk. “Thanks. So, what were you going to tell me?”

  She didn’t want to dwell on the past, but she had felt so much guilt for the way she had just stopped corresponding with Caleb when she had been in Switzerland. “I just want to apologize for the way things ended between us all those years ago. You were really good to me, and I stopped writing to you without any explanation.”

  “Oh, forget it, Lynsey,” he said. “I’m the one who is sorry about all of that. You were still a kid, much too young for me to be pressuring you for a commitment. But I have to admit that I sometimes wish that I would have followed you to Switzerland and begged you to marry me.”

  She was glad he hadn’t harbored any ill will toward her. Now she wished that she and Nick could put some closure on their past as well. But he didn’t seem to want to dredge up the memories.

  Now she had a question for Caleb that could no longer be put off. “Caleb, are you still married?”

  He exhaled deeply. “Lynsey, promise me that you’ll hear me out before you rush to judgment,” he began.

  He’s married! Why were so many men she was interested in already or soon-to-be married? She was a magnet for men who were spoken for. She didn’t answer him, but simply nodded.

  “I’m not married anymore, but I have been—twice.”

  She breathed a mental sigh of relief.

  “I was married the first time when I was in my early twenties. It didn’t last long. I was a fool who thought he was in love, and then a quickie ninety-day, no-fault divorce ended all of that nonsense.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying you were married when we first met?”

  “I’m saying that I was already divorced when we met. It’s not something I really wanted to discuss with a young lady who I was just getting to know. I didn’t think you would understand. I was married for quite a few years to my second wife, Debbie. She’s an architect. I divorced her last year.”

  “What happened? I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

  “She was very career and money-oriented. She pressured me to move to the city. She even took an apartment in Mount Pleasant and commuted to Unity on the weekends.

  “I woke up one morning and realized I was over forty. I wanted a steady, committed marriage, and children. She didn’t—it was never the right time for her. I don’t think it was ever going to be the right time—not with me, anyway. I did her a favor by filing for the divorce. She wasn’t happy either, she was just making do. Divorce isn’t exactly pleasant, but one of us had to initiate it sooner or later.”

  “I’m sorry, Caleb,” she said softly.

  He shrugged, casually lit a cigarette, and offered it to her.

  “No thanks, I don’t smoke.”

  “Does this bother you?” He held the lit cigarette away from her.

  “Not particularly,” she answered.

  “I’ve been smoking for twenty-five years. I find it just about impossible to quit, especially when I don’t have any incentive. I have made myself a promise, though—as soon as I become a father, my smoking days are over.”

  “That’s a noble goal, and I wish you the best of luck with it.” She smiled. Well, they both wanted to be parents. That was something they had in common.

  “Lynsey, would you stay with me tonight?”

  There was an intensity in his gray eyes that caused her to quiver just a bit. Before she could answer, her cell phone began to ring inside her handbag. She dug it out and looked at the incoming number. It was Nick. “Excuse me for one minute, Caleb. I need to take this call.”

  “Hi Nicky, what’s up?” she asked cheerfully.

  “Hey, Lynsey. I just got in from work. I was wondering if you plan on coming home tonight? I don’t want to throw the deadbolt on the inside of the front door and lock you out if you’re coming back.”

  Caleb had his back to her, an obvious pretense of giving her some privacy while he read the news from the internet.

  She didn’t need to debate long about staying with Caleb or returning back to Nick’s house. “I’ll be back. See you later, then.”

  She disconnected the call and considered that Nick had never been concerned before about locking the deadbolt. As a matter of fact, she didn’t even remember there being a deadbolt on the front door. Was it at all possible that Nick was simply calling to check on her, or perhaps he was hoping to break up an intimate moment?

  “I swear that tightly-wound pain in the ass has radar. Whether it’s twenty years ago or tonight, he’s still trying to step in between us,” said Caleb.

  “No, no, Nicky is just protective of me…like a big brother,” she explained.

  “I don’t think he’s ever spoken more than two sentences to me at any one time. The boy sure knows how to hold a grudge.”

  Lynsey didn’t want to tell him that Nick had only recently described him as a sleazy whore. Some things were better left unsaid.

  “Well, whether you realize it or not, he’s in love with you. Either that or he’s obsessed. Personally, I’m leaning towards obsessed. Because of that, you might be the only one who can talk some sense into him.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, Nick is in the process of committing career suicide.”

  Her brow furrowed. “What are you talking about, Caleb? Nicky loves his job. From my understanding, he’s very good at it as well.”

  “I do not doubt his ability, Lynsey. It’s his drive.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “There are two positions opening up at the precinct. One is a sergeant position—exclusive daylight hours to boot. The other is a detective position, also straight daylight. He hasn’t applied for either, and he has so much seniority that he can have his pick. People are just starting to wonder…and talk.”

  “I can’t say what Nick thinks, Caleb,” she said with a shrug. “I do know that if Nick isn’t interested, then he has his reasons, and everyone should respect his privacy.”

  “Well, with all of the new housing and businesses springing up all over Unity, along with the influx of people who will be moving in, there is to be a huge hiring soon. Nicholas is going to very soon find himself being bossed around by some snot-nosed little brat.”

  “Dominick. His name is Dominick, not Nicholas,” she told him, all the while thinking that the subject of Nick’s job wasn’t something she wanted to discuss with Caleb. If the opportunity presented itself, she might casually mention something to Nick.

  “So, do you want to go upstairs and get out of that dress?” He turned on a devilish smile and rubbed his hands together. “I can promise that you won’t regret it.”

  She was thrown by the sudden change of subject. “I’m sorry, Caleb. As flattered as I am by the offer—and by the way, I am flattered—it’s way too soon. You see, I’ve reached a time in my life where I’m ready to settle down and have children. I don’t want a fling, and I don’t want meaningless sex�
��not that it would be a fling with you, Caleb…or meaningless…” She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. The words weren’t coming out right, and now she felt like a stammering fool.

  “I totally understand where you’re coming from, babe, and I have enormous respect for you.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “I want everything that you want, Lynsey. I’m prepared to wait for as long as it takes.”

  ***

  Lynsey arrived home after midnight to a darkened house. She looked closely at the inside of the front door. There actually was a deadbolt. Who knew?

  As she passed through the kitchen, she noticed that the door to the porch was still open. Was Nick still awake? She peeked outside. He was sitting on the swing with a few lit candles burning on the small table nearby.

  “Well, hello there,” she said brightly.

  “Hi, angel, how was the party?”

  She wondered if he really wanted to know, or was just making polite conversation. After all, he never hid the fact that he despised Caleb Smith.

  “It was good. I met some new people, and reacquainted with some I already knew.” She took a seat beside him on the swing and remembered the last time they spent together on this very swing. It was the night of Kelly’s funeral, and she had held Nick in her arms. It was the first and only night he was entirely hers.

  “So, were you dancing on the tables at Caleb’s house? I imagine he would enjoy that.”

  “In these shoes? No way.” She chuckled.

  “There won’t be many more warm nights like this one. I wasn’t really tired after work so I thought I’d enjoy sitting outside for a while,” he commented.

  “I love autumn. I’m looking forward to the change of season, and to Halloween.”

  “You look beautiful, by the way. If it were earlier, I’d take you somewhere to show you off.”

  A smile formed on her face. She didn’t think he had noticed her new dress. “Well, we could drive for the next two hours or so and maybe find an open coffee shop…or we could just stay here and enjoy this lovely night.”

  When he slipped an arm around her shoulder, she took the unexpected opportunity to snuggle closer to him. Although she had just spent the evening in the company of some of Unity’s finest eligible bachelors, this innocent time with Nick far surpassed any of it.

  Chapter Five

  Lynsey was surprised to receive a phone call early Sunday morning from Suzy. She wanted to meet for coffee at the Cozy Corner Diner. Since Suzy’s calls were so sporadic of late, it was a delight to hear from her.

  At noon, when Lynsey arrived at the Cozy Corner , Suzy was already waiting for her.

  Lynsey slid onto a chair across the table from her friend. “I’m so glad you called.”

  “Well, I know I’ve been out of touch a lot lately. I’m not trying to avoid you, Lynsey.” Suzy laughed lightly, but it seemed forced, and she avoided making direct eye contact.

  “How are Doug and the kids doing?” She hoped that Suzy would say something that might explain her peculiar behavior.

  “Fine. Doug took the kids to his parents’ house for the day. I needed a break.” She sipped her coffee. “Anyway, I wanted to see you and find out how things are going.”

  “Things are going well. My house will be ready in about two weeks. The painters are nearly finished now, and the carpet will be laid this week. Yesterday I went to a party at Caleb Smith’s house. It was to celebrate his promotion to detective.”

  “Oh, and how did that go?”

  “It was great.” She clasped her hands together. “I have a tentative dinner date with Owen Mitchell. He’s very everything—very attractive, very sexy, very interesting.”

  “Lynsey, he has a metal mouth! He probably can pick up radio reception from Eastern Europe with those teeth!”

  She ignored the comment. “And,” she lowered her voice, “Caleb wanted me to stay the night.”

  “You didn’t, did you?” Suzy nearly shrieked, causing Lynsey to startle.

  “Of course not. It’s too soon. But I do have to say, he’s now at the top of my eligible man list. Have you seen him? I mean, actually looked at the man? For forty-five, he looks amazing. I also have to admit that I am desperately lonely, and the thought of a handsome man holding me in his arms all night is very enticing.”

  “Just don’t sleep with him and you’ll be fine.”

  “He would give me beautiful, red-haired children,” Lynsey provoked.

  “My brother will give you beautiful, blond-haired, blue-eyed children,” Suzy countered.

  Lynsey stared down into the cup of black coffee the waitress had just placed on the table. Suzy was convinced that with her encouragement, she and Nick would become a couple and live happily ever after, but what happened between her and Nick was their own personal business. She didn’t care if Suzy was his sister.

  Her eyes shot daggers at Suzy. “Your brother never wants to get married again. He also doesn’t want children. He’s told me so.”

  “I can’t believe that,” she balked. “When did he tell you that?”

  “We went out on the lake a few days ago. Nicky told me that he was married for a long time, and now he wants to spend some time alone—maybe forever. He also said that he wanted kids at one time, but not anymore. I believe his exact words were, “I don’t foresee fatherhood in my future.” As a matter of fact, I think he was so uncomfortable talking about it with me that he actually considered jumping out of that itty bitty row boat and into the lake, just to get away from me.”

  “Then you’re doing something to make him say those things. My brother loves you. I don’t understand why you continually push him away. To me, it’s almost as if you think that he’s not good enough for you!” Suzy’s tone was blistering.

  Anger ignited within Lynsey. “How dare you say that to me! Until very recently, your brother was still wearing a wedding ring! He still has a tan line around his finger! What we share is an occasional kiss or two. Sometimes it’s a lingering touch. If he did feel something for me, he’s had every opportunity to tell me!”

  “Nicky is just shy. He thinks that you’ll reject him.”

  She didn’t want to argue with Suzy about Nick any longer, or speculate about what he may or may not be thinking. Standing up, she dug in her handbag for cash and threw several bills onto the table. But before she left, she had one more point to make.

  “You know Suzy, I’ve always been happy for you and supported all the decisions you’ve made in your life, whether I agreed with them or not. I don’t understand why you can’t show me the same courtesy. Between you and your brother, I almost wish I never returned to Unity.” With those words, she stormed out of the diner, the glass door banging closed behind her.

  ***

  Nick showed up unannounced at his sister’s house early on Monday morning bearing an apricot pastry from the local bakery and take-out coffee. His original intention was to find out why Lynsey was so sad of late, and why she continually stayed closed away in her bedroom.

  But when he stepped into Suzy’s house, he was immediately thrown by the changes not only in the house, but in his sister.

  The once-immaculate home was now cluttered and smelled sour. Dirty dishes were stacked both in the sink and on the counter, with gnats buzzing around the mess. The cereal bowls from breakfast were still on the kitchen table. Below his feet, the linoleum was sticky and dirty. Even clothing had been left discarded in piles in every corner.

  Suzy herself looked absolutely pale and drawn. She was now so thin and frail that she looked positively breakable. Her clothes were rumpled, and her hair was in strings.

  “What is going on with you?” he asked as he gathered up the breakfast dishes from the kitchen table and placed them in the already overflowing sink
.

  “I have four kids and a husband who is always on the road. That’s what’s going on with me,” she snapped.

  He didn’t believe her. “Granted, Doug has never been away so often before, but you’ve had four kids for quite a few years now. Your house is coming down all around you . Don’t you care? Your kids are living in this filth.”

  “If you don’t like it, Nicky, you know where the door is. Don’t let it hit you on the way out.”

  He took a seat at the table and uncapped his coffee. “I’m sorry; I didn’t come here to badger or berate you. All I want to say is if something’s going on and you need my help, just give me a shout.”

  “Listen, let’s not make a big deal out of this, Nicky, or get into any wicked arguments with each other, okay? I’m just going through a bit of a rough patch, and the house just seemed to spiral out of control. I plan to get my act together and start cleaning this afternoon.”

  He hoped she was serious. Over the years, he had called Child Protective Services for homes that weren’t as half as bad as Suzy’s. “Actually, I came by to ask you if you know if anything’s wrong with Lynsey. She’s pretty much been barricaded in the bedroom since Sunday afternoon.”

  “Oh, about that…” Suzy picked at the icing drizzled across the apricot pastry. “Lovely Lynsey and I got into a rather heated disagreement Sunday morning at breakfast. It didn’t end well. She left the diner angry, and I haven’t heard from her since.”

  He frowned. “I’ve never known you two to argue—ever.”

  “Well, I said some things I shouldn’t have, I guess. I need to apologize to her.”

  “For what?” It wasn’t his business, but he needed to be sure that he wasn’t somehow involved.

  “Lynsey told me about Caleb Smith’s party. It seems he’s trying to rekindle their old relationship. Caleb is telling her everything she wants…no, everything she needs to hear.”

  “Like what?”

  “That he wants to settle down, get married, and have children right away. Nicky, she’s lonely and she’s vulnerable. She’s going to fall under his spell.”