Still Waters (19 page)

“Did you love her?” The question was out before Tiffany realized she was going to ask it.

“I thought I did. But if I had, I think I would have fought for the relationship more.”

“So she asked for the divorce?”

“She didn’t ask. She just made it a point to let me know she’d found other people to be with.” Jake’s tone was wry.

“No wonder you don’t want to get married again.”

“Partly. Mostly it’s fear. Fear that I’ll never have what I’ve always wanted—a wife, children. Family. I screwed it up once. I don’t want to do it again. Lately, though, I’ve wondered if I’m worrying too much and not trusting enough. God has a plan. Maybe it’s time I relax and let Him work it in my life.”

Tiffany’s heart began a slow, heavy throb, and her mouth went dry. If she didn’t know better, she’d think Jake was telling her he’d changed his mind about marriage and family.

“I’m beginning to see that God can do anything. And He will if we let Him. Tiffany, I…”

Bandit stood up and barked, interrupting his words. Jake turned to look at the house, then shook his head. “Looks like we have company.”

Tiffany followed the direction of his gaze and saw her par
ents at the gate. Bandit rushed toward them barking happily. At least someone was thrilled to see them. Tiffany loved her parents, but their timing stunk. Still, she managed to smile as she stood up and waved to them. “We’re over here.”

Her parents opened the gate and stepped into the yard, each carrying several grocery bags. Jake rushed to help, taking the bags from Tiffany’s mother and walking with her father into the house. Watching them with trepidation, Tiffany barely noticed when her mother stepped into the gazebo.

“Well, you two were looking cozy. I wish we’d gone for lunch before coming over. Sorry, honey.” Patti stretched up to give Tiffany a peck on the cheek.

“We weren’t cozy. Jake was helping with the gazebo and I brought him some lemonade.” Giving her mother a one-armed hug, Tiffany tried not to worry about the conversation Jake and her father were having.

“Okay. If you say so.”

“Mom…”

“Don’t worry, I’m not getting my hopes up. But Jake is an awfully nice man.”

“You said that about Brian, too, and look where that ended up.”

“Actually,” Patti paused, digging through the purse she carried on her shoulder and pulling out a brush, “I said Brian was a good catch. Not a nice man. There’s a big difference.”

“So you don’t think Jake is a good catch?”

“I didn’t say that. I just think he’s a nice man, too. Sit down, I’ll brush through your hair and braid it for you.”

Tiffany did as her mother suggested, thankful for help with the curly mess. “He is a nice guy. He always seems to be around when I need him.”

“Your father likes him, too.”

“Really?” Tiffany turned to look at her mother, wincing a little as the brush was pulled through tangles. “Dad’s usually pretty hard on men he thinks are interested in me.”

“Yes, well according to your father, Jake has his head screwed on straight. That’s a high compliment, you know. Of course, I don’t know why it matters. You aren’t interested, right?”

“I’m not even going to bother lying. You already know the truth. I just wish he were as interested in me.”

“What makes you think he isn’t? I saw him kissing you, remember?”

“How can I forget? I was humiliated.” Tiffany sent her mother a wry grin before continuing. “I know he’s not interested because he’s told me he wasn’t.”

“I don’t believe it. That man would have to be blind not to be.”

“You have to say that, Mom, you’re my mother.”

“I don’t have to say anything. It’s true. And I’m not going to argue with you, even though you’re looking better today.” She finished brushing Tiffany’s hair and quickly braided it. “Looks like I’ve finished just in time. The men are returning.”

Tiffany turned her head and caught sight of Jake and her father walking toward them. Though Jake’s low voice didn’t carry, her father’s words were clearly audible. “So, Jake, I suppose law enforcement pays a pretty good salary.”

Mortified, Tiffany jumped to her feet and opened her mouth to put a stop to her father’s third degree.

“Honey, let Jake fend for himself. He may as well get used to your father.” Her mother spoke at the same instant Jake glanced Tiffany’s way. His eyes held hers for a moment before he winked and turned to answer the question.

Tiffany didn’t hear what he said, but her father chuckled and patted him on the back. Not sure how her life had come to a point where, at thirty-three, she still had her father questioning a potential beau, Tiffany sat back onto the swing. “I cannot believe Dad just asked him that.”

“Don’t worry about it. Jake didn’t seem to mind.”

“Mind what?” Jake moved up the steps and into the gazebo, his gaze on Tiffany.

“Mind that my father is being nosy.” Tiffany shot her father a reproving look. He didn’t even try to look penitent.

“I’m just curious about the man’s job.”

“Dad, don’t even try the innocent routine. We all know what you were doing.”

“
I
wasn’t quite sure about it. Maybe you could explain.” Jake spoke as he leaned against the rail, smirking in Tiffany’s direction.

She glared back, trying not to grin. “You’re a rat. And so is my father.”

“Yeah, but we’re cute rats.”

Tiffany shook her head and gave up. “Fine, I’ll keep my nose out of the male bonding ritual. But don’t blame me when Dad gets even more intrusive. Next thing he’ll be asking for is your stock portfolio.”

“How do you know I haven’t already?”

“Dad—”

“All right, children, enough.” Patti cut into the good-natured ribbing, linking her arm through her husband’s as she spoke. “We actually came for a reason, besides dropping off groceries and giving you a hard time. Did you finish your entry for the quilt show? They want them at the church by Wednesday night so they can get things ready for Saturday’s fair.”

“I’m glad you reminded me. I did finish the piece. I guess I’ll drop it off later this week.”

“Why don’t your dad and I bring it now? We’re heading in that direction and I can fill out the paperwork.”

“I’ll get it for you.”

“We’ll walk with you. We’ve got to be on our way.”

“I’d better go, too, I’ve got the night shift.”

Tiffany felt like a band leader as she led her parents and Jake to the house and into the sewing room. The quilt sat where she had left it, spread across the table. Flicking on the light, Tiffany reached out and touched the gold lettering, pleased with the effect against the dark green sun. “I’m calling this
Stillness.
”

The name seemed opposite of the piece, whose streaks and swirls of vibrant color seemed to possess energy and motion. However, the midpoint of the quilt was the sun, which stood still and motionless in the midst of the fiery background. A metaphor, Tiffany thought, of God’s steadfast presence even during life’s most chaotic times.

“I think that’s the best you’ve ever done.” Patti moved up beside Tiffany and leaned in close to eye the tiny stitches. “Did you use the machine?”

“No, it’s all hand-stitched.”

“Well, it’s gorgeous. Are you going to sell it?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Too bad.” Jake moved up behind Tiffany and placed a hand on her shoulder, leaning over to look at the quilt. “I’d have bought it.”

His hand felt warm against her shoulder and Tiffany fought the urge to lean back against it. “Maybe if you do a good job on the gazebo, I’ll give it to you as a Christmas gift.”

“I’d rather have it as a wedding present.”

Jake’s words were so shocking, Tiffany dropped the quilt she’d been trying to fold with one hand. Her mother quickly
retrieved it. “Don’t get it dirty. You don’t want to wash it before the show.”

Swallowing down her surprise, Tiffany tried to focus on the task at hand. “I’ve got a label somewhere. Do you mind sewing it on for me, Mom? I can probably manage, but the stitches won’t be as even as I’d like.”

She felt Jake’s gaze as she fumbled through her sewing basket and pulled out a label, placing it on top of the neatly folded quilt her mother was holding. A wedding present? Jake said he never planned to marry and yet this was the second time he had hinted that he had changed his mind.

She didn’t dare ask him what he meant, not with her parents there. Not at all. Instead she smiled and nodded and talked as the four of them moved from the sewing room into the hall and out the front door. Jake lingered on the porch for a moment after her parents left but didn’t mention his earlier comment.

“I really need to go. I’ll be back tomorrow to finish some of the work.”

“All right.”

“It’s your turn to provide breakfast.” Jake’s voice was playful as he turned to walk down the steps.

“I only have one good arm.”

“You’re resourceful. I’m sure you’ll think of something. See you tomorrow.” Not giving Tiffany a chance to respond, Jake got in his truck and drove away.

T
rue to his word, Jake arrived the next morning ready for breakfast. When Tiffany opened the door, he smiled charmingly and handed her a bouquet of wildflowers. The purple, pink and orange blossoms were fragrant, the bright colors intoxicating. Charmed by their simple beauty, Tiffany ushered Jake into the kitchen and placed the flowers in a leaded crystal vase.

“That’s a fancy vase for a bunch of wildflowers,” Jake teased as Tiffany arranged the bouquet.

“I think it’s perfect.”

Jake eyed the arrangement critically before nodding his head. “You’re right. It is. There’s only one problem.” He paused, his gaze roaming the kitchen. “I don’t smell anything cooking.”

“You will.” Tiffany gestured to the counter where a shallow dish filled with thick slices of egg-soaked bread sat.

“French toast?”

“Yep. And bacon, once I get it out of the fridge.”

“Sounds good. Sit down and I’ll cook.”

“It’s my turn. Remember?” Tiffany took out a heavy skillet and placed it on the stove.

“I was kidding. You’re supposed to be resting, not cooking breakfast for me.” Jake opened the refrigerator and took out the package of bacon.

“I think I can manage a few pieces of French toast and some bacon. Besides, I feel much better.”

“In that case, I’ll start the coffee. I need some caffeine.”

“Did you just finish your shift?”

“An hour ago. Tonight’s another night shift, then I’ll be working days for a couple of weeks. I trade off with the other full-time officers.”

Tiffany turned on the stove and began cooking the bacon. “There aren’t many officers, are there?”

“No, only eight. In the winter that’s plenty. In the summer we could use a few extra people. I hired a couple of part-timers. That’s helped.”

Tiffany listened as Jake described some of the people he worked with, and finished cooking breakfast as he related some of his scary moments as a D.C. police officer. They ate slowly, enjoying each other’s company and conversation until Jake stood and brought his empty plate to the sink. “I could talk to you all day, but I promised I’d get some work done on the gazebo. You coming out?”

The idea was tempting and Tiffany considered it for a moment before shaking her head in regret. “I’m afraid not. I’ve got a ton of paperwork that needs to be filed and invoices that have to go out today. One of the drawbacks of owning my own business is that even during my weeks off there’s work to do.”

“Too bad. How about I take you to lunch later, after we’ve both gotten some work done?”

“Flowers and lunch all in one day. Better be careful or people will talk.” Tiffany attempted a flip tone, while her heart began its familiar dance.

“I’m willing to risk it. How about you?”

“Sure.”

“Good. See you later.” Jake leaned toward her, and to Tiffany’s surprise, planted a kiss on her cheek.

She watched him go, bemused and pleased by his display of affection. Having Jake for a friend eased the loneliness she’d been feeling for months. Now if only she could rein in her errant emotions and stop hoping for more. Not that Jake made it easy with his flowers and invitation to lunch.

Sighing, Tiffany scraped leftover French toast and bacon into Bandit’s bowl and retreated to the office. The stack of mail and paperwork was more daunting than she’d remembered and Tiffany spent an hour sorting through the pile. She’d almost finished the task when the phone rang; expecting it to be a business call, she let the machine pick up.

“Tiffany, this is Gracie Sheridan. Your mother told me you’re feeling better. I’m glad. Listen. My daughter Jackie was signed up to supervise the setup and cleanup for the quilt show Saturday. Well, wouldn’t you know it, she had her baby three weeks early. A beautiful little girl. Anyway, there’s no way she can fulfill her responsibilities and I wondered if you could fill in.”

Tiffany grabbed the phone, picking up before Gracie finished. “Hello, Mrs. Sheridan. Congratulations! What is this? Jackie’s third?”

“Oh, Tiffany. You
are
there. This is her fourth, actually.”

“Wow.”

“Yes. My thoughts exactly. So, do you think you can lend a hand?”

“Unfortunately I only have one. Did my mom tell you I broke my arm?”

“Yes, and I know you’re still recovering but we’re desperate. The group is small and we’ve all got jobs already.”

“Mrs. Sheridan—”

“It really won’t be a lot of work. We’re setting up the quilts and the table for our bake sale. All you have to do is make sure everyone is where they’re supposed to be, doing what they should be doing.”

Gracie paused before pushing home her point. “We made it as easy as possible because Jackie insisted on participating even though she was so pregnant and swollen and had those three little boys to care for.”

Tiffany knew she’d never live it down if she refused a job that a pregnant mother of three sons had felt capable of doing. “All right. I guess I can help.”

“Great. How about if I fax over all the information?”

“Sure.” Tiffany reeled off her fax number, said goodbye, and sat wondering how she had been outmaneuvered by a woman who handed out homemade chocolates every Christmas and baskets filled with goodies every Easter.

“A woman that sweet shouldn’t have a devious bone in her body,” Tiffany muttered under her breath as she tapped a pen against her desk and waited for the fax. The machine hummed and spit out several sheets of paper.

The list of people and tasks looked daunting but after a few minutes of careful perusal, Tiffany could see that Gracie had been right. Every woman in the group had a specific job and, if all went well, Tiffany wouldn’t need to do much more than show up.

“You look frustrated.” Jake’s voice sounded from the open door.

Startled Tiffany jumped, dropping the papers on the desk. “You scared the life out of me!”

“Sorry. I knocked at the back door but you didn’t answer.”

“It’s okay. What’s up?” Tiffany glanced at her watch. “It’s not lunchtime yet, is it?”

“No. And I’m afraid I’m going to have to cancel. I got a call from Jessica Ann at the station. Someone stole one of Amos Mirrah’s prize sows. He’s insisting I come and talk to him.”

“Someone stole a pig?”

“He says so.” Jake shrugged, his broad shoulders pulling at the T-shirt he wore. “Two months ago he insisted someone took his goat. I found it munching on grass about a mile up the road. Amos had left the gate open and Gertrude wandered out.”

“Amos sounds like a character. I’m surprised I haven’t met him.”

“He lives quite a ways outside of town and he keeps to himself. Sorry about lunch. I was looking forward to it.”

“Me, too.” Tiffany stacked the papers she’d dropped and stood. “But I understand. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

After Jake left, Tiffany finished her paperwork and made a few calls confirming the job list for the quilt fair. With that done, the afternoon stretched before her, empty of any but the most menial tasks. She picked up a quilting magazine and leafed through it, but was unable to focus. Every creak of old wood, every sigh of leaves brushing against the house, sent Tiffany’s heart skittering with fear. Even Bandit’s large body pressed close to her feet did little to comfort her.

Finally, Tiffany had enough of being alone and she stood, grabbing her purse and keys. “Come on, Bandit. Let’s go for a walk.”

Bandit rushed to get his leash and sat patiently while Tiffany fumbled to attach it to his collar. They walked out the front door together.

The heat hit Tiffany like a warm, wet blanket and for a moment, she couldn’t breathe. Luckily, the sun had retreated behind a layer of dense clouds and the pavement wasn’t hot enough to burn Bandit’s feet. They’d walked a half mile when the first drop of rain fell. Grabbing a plastic bag she’d shoved into the pocket of her shorts, Tiffany quickly covered her cast. The sprinkling of raindrops grew heavier, falling with increasing intensity.

One good thing about the rain—it drove most summer residents indoors. With any luck, the beach would be deserted. Smiling in anticipation, Tiffany tugged at Bandit’s leash and began a slow jog, ignoring the slight ache in her head and the annoying, itchy pain in her arm.

Jake found the pig behind Amos’s barn, cheerfully snuffling at a bag of trash. It didn’t take long to get the animal back in its pen, and Jake arrived at the station before noon, ready to file his report.

The phone rang as he typed the information. He picked up on the second ring. “Reed, here.”

“Hey, Jake, how’s it going?”

The voice, though he hadn’t heard it in months, was easily recognizable. “Pete?”

“Yep. The one and only. How’re things in Smallsville?”

Jake didn’t respond to the jibe. “Good. Things so slow in the city you got time to call me?”

“Actually, just the opposite.” The teasing had gone from
Pete Bradshaw’s voice and Jake wondered if his old boss was in trouble.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, just busy. The summer is too hot and too humid. People are getting edgy. Crime rate’s up and I’m supposed to do something about it.”

“So you’re calling me?”

“I’ll get to the point, Jake. I want you back.”

Jake’s fingers clenched on the phone but he didn’t speak.

“Look, you’re a city guy. I know it and you know it, too, if you’re honest with yourself. We all understood you needed some time to regroup after Will’s death. No shame in that. But it’s been a year and a half. It’s time to come home.”

Jake could picture Pete’s dark, expressive face. The man could convince an elephant that it liked mice, but Jake didn’t plan to be talked into anything. “Sorry, Pete, this is my home now.”

“Okay, I won’t argue that point with you. I’ll just lay the offer out for you and you can make your own decision. I need two detectives for homicide. I want one of them to be you.”

“Detective?”

“Right. And I’ve been authorized to offer you ten grand more than you were making when you left.”

“That’s a lot of money.” Jake heard a noise and looked up to see Jessica Ann hovering in his doorway. He mouthed the word
later
and motioned her to close the door.

“Yeah, well, the department is willing to pay for the best.”

Jake laughed. “They’d pay for anyone willing to take on the job. Anyway, like I said, it’s a lot of money, but I’m not interested.”

Pete was silent for a moment as if considering how
worthwhile pressing the issue would be. Finally, he sighed loudly and conceded. “You know where to reach me if you change your mind.”

“Right.”

Jake hung up the phone, shaking his head at Pete’s attempt to pull him back to D.C. A few months ago, he might have considered it, but Lakeview had grown on him and Jake preferred the quiet, slower-paced life to the hustle of city living.

And, of course, there was Tiffany to consider. Even if he’d been tempted by D.C., he couldn’t leave Lakeview without knowing if she was a part of his future.

Smiling at the thought, Jake quickly finished the report.

Tiffany sat on cool sand, enjoying the soft drops of rain beading her shoulders and head. As she had predicted, the beach was empty, though a few fishing boats still floated lazily on the gray-green water of the lake. Cocooned in the warm rain, Tiffany watched Bandit prance along the shore, and enjoyed the peace and solitude.

“Tiffany!” The voice pierced the silence, putting an end to Tiffany’s quiet time.

She let out a muffled sigh and stood to face the interloper.

Henry Simmons rushed over, an umbrella clutched in one hand and a jacket in the other. “What are you doing out on a day like today? It’s raining cats and dogs.”

“I needed some fresh air.”

“Well, you’re gonna soak that cast through if you’re not careful.”

“I’m fine, Henry, thanks.”

“I’m riding patrol today. Saw you sitting here and thought maybe you could use an umbrella.” He thrust the umbrella at Tiffany and she had no choice but to take it.

“Thanks, but—”

“Wish I had time to stay and chat, but there’s something up at the station and I’m heading over there now to get the scoop.”

“What scoop?”

Henry glanced around, then leaned in close. “You didn’t hear this from me, but according to those who are in a position to know, Sheriff Reed is going back to D.C.”

“What?”

“His boss called today. Offered him a huge pay raise. And, get this, he’s going to be a detective.”

“That’s…great.”

“You think? I like having him around. He’s been handling these summer troubles like a professional. There’s a lot to be said for that.”

Tiffany tuned out the rest of what Henry said, her mind struggling to come to terms with the news.

“How about if I give you a ride back to your place? You look a little peaked.”

“No. I’m fine.” She smiled to prove her point, hoping Henry would be on his way.

He hesitated a moment, then nodded. “Okay. As long as you’re sure. Just be careful.”

“I will.”

Henry walked away and Tiffany turned back toward the lake. The water looked gray, choppy and uninviting. It matched her mood perfectly. She felt empty and sad, though she knew she shouldn’t be. Jake hadn’t made her any promises. He’d even told her what she could expect out of their relationship. She had been a fool to build dreams on a friendship that was never meant to be anything more.

And the worst part was, Tiffany knew Doris had been right. Some women were meant to fall in love one time.
And when they did, that love ruined them for any other relationship.

Jake was that love for Tiffany. The one by which she would judge all other relationships and find them lacking.

Heart heavy with the knowledge, Tiffany left the lake and headed back to her empty house.