Yesterday had worn out Jessa, from the early morning conference call with other nearby chamber of commerce directors to the varsity football game that went into overtime last night. Jasper Lake High won the game after a nail-biting end, sending them to the playoffs.

After the long day, she’d fallen into bed and slept soundly until waking up at ten that morning. She refused to feel guilty or lazy about it. Everyone needed a day to sleep in from time to time, and today was hers. No tasks awaited completion, and no one expected her anywhere.

An entire day with nothing on her schedule. Whatever shall I do? She thought the words in a fake southern accent and laughed at herself. Didn’t someone once say the hallmark of a good personality was to enjoy your own company? She did enjoy time alone, as long as it didn’t extend for long periods of time.

She missed breakfast, but she’d wander downstairs in a little while in search of leftovers. Mrs. Addy usually had extra muffins and scones leftover, especially on the weekends since she made more. If not, lunch was around the corner, and Jessa also kept a bin of snacks in her room for when she had the munchies. Mrs. Addy didn’t mind as long as they were kept in a sealed, plastic storage that wouldn’t invite critters.

Sitting up, she decided she ought to get moving. Sleeping until ten was one thing, staying in bed ’til whenever was another. One fantastic benefit of living at Addy’s was the lack of housekeeping. She only had to do her own laundry and keep her room tidy, but Mrs. Addy had employees to take care of the rest.

Beatrix, her youngest sister whom everyone called Trixie, referred to Jessa’s housing situation as only a step up from a college dorm. Jessa disagreed entirely—if so, why would people spend hundreds of dollars a night to stay here. Sometimes she wished for more room, but at this stage in her life, the arrangement suited her well. She passed Trixie’s comments off to jealousy, as her sister lived in a rundown, one-bedroom apartment not much bigger than Jessa’s entire room at the bed and breakfast. Had lived. No one knew where she lived now.

She stretched her arms and stood to her feet after sliding her feet into a pair of slippers. Even with the upgraded central heating system, the hardwood floors were chilly in the mornings. She grabbed the elastic tie from her nightstand and pulled her hair into a quick ponytail until she got to the shower.

Continuing her morning routine, she unplugged her phone from the charger and checked for any messages. Memories of yesterday surfaced, and she envisioned Landon standing by the gas pumps. It had to be Providence that put them in the same place at the same time. He’d looked good, happy and peaceful, unlike the first two times she’d seen him. He’d also gotten a haircut, and the tighter trim fit him better than the shaggy style.

How’d he fared overnight? Perhaps he’d exaggerated how irresponsible and provoking his parents were, and this time with them had opened his eyes. Or maybe she wanted to see his family situation through rose-colored glasses in hopes she could transfer that same optimism to her family. They’d once been happy—she couldn’t understand how so many things went wrong in such a short time. Her upstanding, role-model citizen family, had been shattered by events of the last year.

Everyone told her God had a lesson somewhere in there to be learned, but she wasn’t so sure. Couldn’t life be a perfect storm of heartache without God making it a teaching experience? Because truth be told, she’d rather not learn the lesson. And bypass all the trials too.

Unwilling to ruin her Saturday-morning-sleep-in good mood, she purged her mind of thoughts regarding her family. Why let them lease unpaid space in her head? Instead, she sent Landon a text, wishing him good luck today. She understood family dynamics and how quickly they could sour. With the background he’d given her, she could see an argument break out of the blue.

Probably over something dumb at that, like a missing straw at the restaurant. Goodness, that night had been a mess. She could laugh about it now, but it hadn’t been funny at the time. Other families had suffered falling-outs over less ridiculous arguments, right? She shook her head, chuckling to herself as she walked to the shower. One day she’d write a book about all the crazy events in her life recently.

Landon hadn’t replied by the time she finished her shower. Probably out sightseeing with his family. She hoped they made it to Theodore Magnus’s cabin. There was a short hike to get there, and the path was paved, but she didn’t know his grandmother’s physical condition. Landon had said she was in good shape for her age, but that left much room for interpretation.

Instinctively, she knew Landon would find a way to make it happen no matter what. He had that go-get-’em personality, evidenced by his willingness to invite his parents on a trip he didn’t want them on just to make his grandmother happy.

She ran a brush through her hair and went downstairs. When she came back, she’d blow dry it, but if she took the time now, she’d risk missing lunch as well. A slight exaggeration, but it did take her upwards of thirty minutes to blow it dry. The only way she could get out of it was keeping it in a ponytail for a day, which didn’t sound like a bad option.

Mrs. Addy met her on the steps. “We missed you at breakfast.”

“I needed a slow morning.”

“Don’t we all at times.” Mrs. Addy winked with understanding, though Jessa wasn’t sure the older lady had ever slept passed five a.m. a day in her life. “I saved you a blueberry scone. It’s wrapped in a napkin on top of the stove to stay warm.”

“You’re the best landlord a girl could ask for.”

“Now you’re breaking my heart. Is that how you see me?” Mrs. Addy’s eyes twinkled.

“Among many other roles, such as another grandmother.” She gave the lady a brief hug.

“That’s more like it.” After giving her cheek a kiss, Mrs. Addy continued up the stairs, likely heading to her private residence on the third floor.

Jessa found her scone where Addy had left it, then poured a glass of milk. Due to her long slumber, she felt plenty rested and didn’t need coffee to get moving. Instead of eating at the main table, she carried her brunch to the breakfast nook and ate there.

She cupped her hands and wiped the crumbs from the table and dumped them into the trash bin, then went to the kitchen and washed her cup. Her phone vibrated in her back pocket. She dried her hands and pulled out her phone.

Landon replied! She tried to squelch the giddiness that bubbled from her heart, but it was useless. She knew better than to let the instant attraction she’d felt toward him grow, but she was helpless to stop it. Even reminders of Chris didn’t send enough warning to fizzle her bubbliness where Landon was concerned.

That said, she wasn’t completely naïve. Landon barely counted as a friend, let alone a boyfriend. He only stopped by Jasper Lake, and that hardly qualified him as significant other material. Regardless, she’d enjoy whatever time she had with him.

The message…get back to the message. She held the screen up to see what he’d sent and immediately cringed. It didn’t sound good.

—Still willing to be a listening ear?

—Of course. What’s up?

—Dad and I had a blowup this morning. Not pretty. At all.

Just as she’d feared once she’d viewed his situation through realistic glasses. —What happened?

—Too complicated for texts. Gran goes to bed around eight. Any way you could meet up tonight?

—Come to Addy’s, and we’ll have a coffee nightcap.

—She’s open that late?

—Not exactly, but I live here. It’s fine. Mrs. Addy didn’t mind visitors as long as they didn’t disturb other guests, but there were plenty of rooms on the first floor to enjoy a quiet conversation.

—Oh. Are you sure you don’t mind? I shouldn’t bug you, but I’ve put on a good act for Gran all day since it happened. If I can’t vent to someone, I’ll lose it and ruin the weekend.

—I’m sure. Promise. Mrs. Addy locks the doors for non-guests at eight, so text me when you get here, and I’ll let you in.

—Thanks. Appreciate it.

—You’re welcome. By the way, red velvet or german chocolate?

—Huh?

—Cake, goof. Which do you prefer?

—German chocolate. Why?

Well, they had opposite tastes in cake, but that was fine. German chocolate tasted good, too, even if it held no comparison to her beloved red velvet. —I might be able to sway Addy on which flavor to bake today.??

—You don’t have to go to that trouble.

—It’s not.

—Gran’s ready to leave for lunch. We’re heading to the diner before going to visit several antique stores and Theodore Magnus’s cabin. Any chance you can join us as a buffer???

—Tempting, but you know it’s best to do this on your own for now.

—I know, I know, but it was worth a shot. I’ll touch base later this afternoon about tonight.

Laying her phone aside, she closed her eyes, said a brief prayer. Dear Lord, I don’t know what happened between Landon and his father, but I pray they can find peace with each other. Amen.

Conviction collided with her chest. Okay, okay. She closed her eyes a second time and amended her prayer. And help me to find unity in my family, as well. If I am to be the peacemaker, then show me the way.

Goodness, that was a heavy prayer she hadn’t expected. Had she meant it? She’d have to ponder on that. Sure, she wanted her family unit restored, but was she willing to be the one to do it? She rubbed her neck. That was a question without a clear answer. It required forgiveness, and she had a road to travel before she reached that point.

***

When the credits began to roll, Jessa turned off the movie she watched. She hadn’t expected to cry, but when the sweet golden retriever ran away and was found by the heroine’s long-lost boyfriend whom she’d lost contact with when he went away to war, the tears flowed. As the couple reunited after forty years apart, the tears came in buckets. She’d always been a sucker for happy endings, even the bittersweet ones.

She grabbed another tissue and dried her face. What would it be like to love someone so deeply, that their love didn’t fade after forty years of separation? Many couples today couldn’t stay in love while together, let alone being miles from each other with no contact.

Her phone buzzed, and she read the message from Landon. —Is now still a good time?

When had it gotten so late? The movie started at five-thirty. She’d thought it’s length said two hours, but she must have read the time wrong because it had lasted for three. —Sure.

—Be there in twenty.

Eek. She’d spent the last thirty minutes crying like a baby, and now she’d have to see Landon? She jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, splashed cold water on her face. It did little to disguise the fact she’d been crying. Unless she wanted Landon to see her looking like a splotched tomato, she’d have to apply makeup, and a dusting of powder wouldn’t cut it.

She applied a light coat of makeup, barely enough to cover the red. Forgoing lip color, she chose a simple lip gloss instead and passed on mascara. Although she didn’t want to see him with tear streaks down her face, she didn’t want him to think she’d gone out of her way to impress him. A girl had some pride.

Her hair remained in the ponytail she’d put it in earlier. She never went back and dried her hair so the hairstyle would remain. Same with her outfit. Jeans and a sweatshirt weren’t the most stylish in her wardrobe, but they were comfortable and unassuming.

She slipped her feet into a favorite worn pair of Chucks and went downstairs to put the coffee brewing. Peeking in the fridge, she spotted gingerbread flavored creamer, traditional, and pumpkin spice. Tis the season for autumnal deliciousness. She left them in the cold until needed, but at least she knew the options to offer.

Two wide slices of german chocolate cake waited on the counter, covered with plastic wrap. Even though it wasn’t her favorite, it took all her self-control to resist a piece after dinner. Mrs. Addy tried a new recipe for the frosting and had asked Jessa to sample it. She’d blended the coconut and pecan before mixing the remainder of the frosting ingredients. The result was a smoother texture that Jessa found more enjoyable.

A text from Landon came though, letting her know he’d made it there and was waiting outside on the porch. She left the kitchen, walked past the bathroom and formal parlor, and into the foyer. She twisted the deadbolt and opened the door.

Landon stood with slumped shoulders. Extra creases formed at the corner of his eyes and his demeanor could only be described as beatdown. “Thanks for letting me come over.”

“I’m glad you called. Come in.” She led him through to the small library/office. “Wait here and I’ll bring the cake and coffee. What do you take in it?”

“Black is fine.”

“No creamer? We have the fun seasonal flavors.”

“I’m good, but thanks. Need any help getting it?”

She shook her head. “Sit and relax. It won’t take more than a minute.”

After he settled into the overstuffed, pink armchair, she strode to the kitchen and prepared everything on a tray to carry to the library. When she walked back in, Landon was browsing a row of books.

He turned around at the noise of her approaching. “Did you know many of these are signed?”

“No, but I’m not surprised.” She set the tray on an end table and joined him at the shelf. “Addy loves books. Before she took over the bed and breakfast, she worked for a publishing company for a decade.”

“Do you read a lot?”

She shrugged. “When I get the time. I’m not an avid reader, but I enjoy a good story now and then. I read a lot more when I was younger. You?”

“I never read much, but my family started buying me audiobooks since I’m on the road a lot.”

“What type do you listen to?”

“Thrillers and mysteries mainly, some non-fiction. I like true crime, but I discovered I have to limit those because I have a cynical nature already.”

“You don’t say.” She softened the comment with a wink.

He chuckled, taking the comment in the lighthearted way she’d intended. “Hey, all things considered, I turned out pretty well. We’re all allowed a flaw or two.”

“Or three or four in my case.”

His brows arched. “I doubt you’re any more flawed than anybody else.”

“I think that’s a compliment?”

“Let’s call it an assurance.” He turned on his killer smile. “If I’m going to hand out a compliment, there will be no mistaking it.”

Her cheeks warmed. Would she soon be the recipient of one of those compliments? “Ready for cake and coffee?”

“That answer is always yes.”

“A man after my own heart.” She laughed. “One of those flaws I mentioned is a deep abiding love for anything with sugar in it.”

“We all have our vices.”

“What’s yours?” She crossed the room, returning to the chairs.

“Don’t laugh, but chocolate milkshakes.” He sat down in the same chair he’d claimed earlier.

“Why would I laugh?”

“It seems so childish. Most men have a beer to kick back and relax with, but I don’t drink.”

“It’s not childish at all. Much better than resorting to alcohol.” She handed him a slice of cake with a fork and his coffee.

“When one of your best friends has been killed by a drunk driver, it makes you stay far away from the stuff.”

Ouch. She couldn’t blame him for the resentment in his tone, but what would he think about her if she opened up about Hunter? For now, she’d keep silent. She didn’t want the friendship to end before it had a chance to really begin. “That’s tough.”

“Life lessons learned early in life.” He uncovered the cake and forked a bite to his mouth. “This is amazing.”

“Mrs. Addy makes the best cakes. She said she’ll teach me one day if I want.”

“Do you bake at all?”

“The only cakes I make are out of a box.” She sipped her coffee. “My mom did teach me her chocolate chip cookie bar recipe though, and I can hit that out of the park.”

“Gran is the best cook. When we were younger, she’d make homemade bread often and always had a homemade treat waiting when we got home from school.” He took another bite, his eyes taking on a faraway glaze. “Before Granddad died, he made it a point to do something special with each of us kids individually. Sometimes it was tinkering on his cars, working on the garden, and on extra special occasions, he’d take us for ice cream. We’d sit at the table, and I’d have his undivided attention while I talked about my day and drank my milkshake. That’s probably why they’re my vice now—they take me back to good memories.”

“Makes perfect sense.”

“Did your family have any special traditions?”

“The normal, I guess.” She didn’t want to talk about her family, not now. Tonight was about helping him. “Growing up, I didn’t think we were anything special, but when I look back, I see the little things my parents did to make it memorable.”

“Like what?” He took another bite of cake, and when she still didn’t answer, he elaborated. “Remember my childhood was atypical, so I’m curious what a normal one looked like.”

“My parents made us sit every night for a time of family devotion and prayer. We always complained about it, but it brought us together. Every other Saturday, my dad would take all us kids out for the morning to give my mom a break.” The memories of those outings made her smile. “I thought every dad did that. Little did I know.”

“How many siblings do you have?”

She coughed. “One brother and two sisters.”

“You don’t talk about them much.”

“There’s not much to say.”

His mouth twisted into a frown. “I find that hard to believe.”

“We’re not here to talk about me.” She stretched her arm and nudged his shoulder. “What happened with your dad?”

He took the bait, but with questions remaining in his eyes. “I’m not sure how it started. One minute we’re on the porch, taking in the view, and the next he’s accusing me of being a poor excuse of a Christian.”

“Isn’t he the one who abandoned you?”

“Right?” He threw his arms up. “That’s what I said, then he yammered on about how he’s a changed man and I should forgive him, blah, blah, blah.”

“What happened to prompt that accusation?”

Landon glanced away, but not before she saw the sheepish scrunch of his features. “He thanked me for inviting him and mom on the trip and told me it meant a lot that I was reaching out to reconcile.”

“Please don’t tell me you told him Gran made you.”

“I might have.” He looked up and ran a hand through his hair. “He caught me off guard, and it came out before I could catch myself.”

“And he didn’t take it very well?”

“I may as well have slapped him across the face.” One of his hands curled into a tight fist. “He teared up. I’ve never seen my dad show emotion like that. It was weird.”

She considered her next words carefully, debated not saying them but decided they needed to be said. “Maybe he’s truly changed.”

He shook his head with unsuppressed vigor. “That’s what he wanted me to think. It’s all an act, and I let him know as much.”

A clear replay of the argument was coming into view. “Can I ask a question?”

“Go ahead. You’ve been asking.”

“Why are you convinced he can’t change?” She thought of Hunter sitting in a prison cell. She wanted—had—to believe he could turn his life around, that one poor decision—albeit a very, very, poor one—wouldn’t define his life.

“He had twenty-plus years to come around. Same with Mom. Nothing changed after Granddad’s death, but I’m supposed to believe Gran almost dying provided a grand catalyst for turning over a new leaf?” He snorted. “Yeah, and I have oceanfront property in Arizona.”

“I wouldn’t be too quick to write them off.” She lifted the coffee mug and cupped it with both hands. “Is it your mom or dad that’s Gran’s child?”

“Dad.”

“Are your mom’s parents in the picture at all?”

“They passed before my mom and dad met.”

She sipped the coffee, again contemplating her words carefully. “When your grandfather died, they still had Gran. But with her near death, it could have made them realize she’s all they had left parentally.”

“I don’t know.” He breathed out a heavy sigh. “You could be right, but my gut says otherwise.”

“Regardless, you feel bad about what happened, don’t you?”

“Yes. I don’t want to, but I do. Until now, I’ve managed to stay respectful by keeping a distance. I knew this would happen, which is why I didn’t want them on this trip.” A dry smile appeared. “That, and I plain didn’t want to be around them.”

Did he want more of her advice or only an ear to listen? He seemed receptive so far to what she’d said, so she pushed her luck. “What would you like to see as the resolution of this argument?”

Unexpected to her, Landon burst into laughter. “I’m sorry, but that sounded exactly like a question the childhood therapist would ask. Gran took us several times in elementary school when Archer and I acted out, thinking it had to do with our parents’ abandonment, but it was us being boys.”

She grinned, thankful for a shift in mood. “Good to know I have another career path if I choose to switch.”

“You would do well as a therapist. You’re a good listener and care about what I’m saying, even if I’m a big idiot.”

“I never said that.”

“No, but as I’ve been telling you about what transpired, I realized how pompous I’ve been.”

“In what ways?” Though she had an idea, she wouldn’t presume.

“My parents are still my parents, whether they acted the part or not. And while I’m not ready to accept that they’ve changed, that gives me no right to speak to my father like I did.” He frowned. “My grandparents lived by the ‘if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all’ philosophy. I failed big time.”

“You’re human. It happens.”

 “The worst part is that in my heart, I know I said what I did to hurt him. It didn’t slip out like I claimed. I saw the opportunity to inflict a fraction of the pain he caused me, and I took it. He’s right.” He wrung his hands during a drawn-out pause. “I’m a terrible person. Not that I ever claimed to be a great one, but this was bad.”

“Sounds to me like you know what you have to do.”

“Do I?” He grinned, but his eyes still reflected the heaviness of heart he’d expressed. “I don’t want to apologize. It stinks, big time, especially when he’s the one who’s done me wrong so many times.”

“I know.” She leaned back in the chair and tucked a leg under her lap. “I’ve done my share of apologizing that didn’t seem fair, but when it’s right, it’s right.”

“Are you sure you’ve never met my grandmother? I can hear her giving me the same advice.”

“I’d venture to say we both had wise influences in our lives.” She absently ate the final bite of her cake. “How’d your day with her go, if you take out the argument with your dad?”

“Great. I didn’t know how much we’d be able to cram in before she tired out, but she’s a trouper.” The angst left his tone, replaced with reverence. “She wants to visit more antique stores in the morning before we leave, find a souvenir for the trip.”

“That’s cute. I’m glad she’s enjoying herself.”

“I wish we had more time. I thought about planning another trip for spring and adding a day or two.”

“You should.” She resisted putting on her tourist information hat and kept the friend one on. “If you decide to, let me know. I can help plan it if you’d like.”

“As if I’d refuse help from the expert.” He smiled wide, revealing two perfect lines of teeth.

Her heart fluttered against her earlier warnings to herself. “My, my, was that one of those compliments you mentioned?”

Maintaining his grin, he winked. “Told you you’d recognize it.”