Cover design by OBT Graphix

Front cover photo: © NadyaPhoto│iStockphoto.com

Front cover barn photo: used with permission

from David Arms, of the

David Arms Art Gallery,

Leipers Fork, TN

Teacup photo: public domain

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher.

Home to Walnut Ridge │ Book Three of the Teacup Novellas

Copyright © 2013 by Diane Moody

All rights reserved.

Tea with Emma

The Teacup Novellas (Book One)

Strike the Match

The Teacup Novellas (Book Two)

Home to Walnut Creek

The Teacup Novellas (Book Three)

At Legend’s End

The Teacup Novellas (Book Four)

The Christmas Peril

The Teacup Novellas (Book Five)

Other Titles from OBT Bookz

From Author Diane Moody

The Runaway Pastor’s Wife

Blue Christmas

Blue Like Elvis

Confessions of a Prayer Slacker

Of Windmills and War

From Author McMillian Moody

Ordained Irreverence

Elmo Jenkins (Book One)

Some Things Never Change

Elmo Jenkins (Book Two)

The Old Man and the Tea

Elmo Jenkins (Book Three)

The Elmo Jenkins Trilogy

To Sharon Jacob

For your amazing gifts of

inspiration and restoration;

For always seeing the potential beauty

in old furniture (and people too);

For your contagious passion for life,

and your sweet, gentle spirit . . .

How blessed I am to be your friend.

On the third day, He will restore us

that we may live in His presence.

Hosea 6:2b

If you do a good job for others,

you heal yourself at the same time,

because a dose of joy is a spiritual cure.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Prologue

It’s Monday morning and I desperately need to get to work. A few minutes ago, I made a fresh pot of Earl Grey and poured it into a unique and intriguing teacup. It’s a part of the collection of teacups I inherited recently from my beloved Aunt Lucille. And just like when I wrote my two previous novellas inspired by these family heirlooms, I can already feel her smiling down on me as I begin this newest tale.

So why am I still staring at a blank page on my laptop screen? Why am I having so much trouble staying focused this morning? Well, if you must know, I’ll tell you.

Last night, at long last, I went out to dinner with Mark Christopher, my hunky UPS guy. And we had the most wonderful time.

Actually, it was what you’d call a rain-check date after a false start on Saturday night when I completely forgot about our double date with my brother and his girlfriend until the last possible minute; at which point I busted tail to get myself ready just in the nick of time, only to have Mark show up in his company browns telling me he had a work emergency and needed a rain check . . .

Wait. I think that last paragraph might just qualify as the second longest run-on sentence on earth. The first, of course, penned by Victor Hugo on numerous pages in his masterpiece, Les Miserables. I once tried to read the unabridged version, but finally gave up after dear Victor took an entire page for one sentence. One sentence! Now, I love Jean Valjean as much as the next guy, but Victor‌—‌a little brevity is not a bad thing now and then. Just sayin’.

But I digress.

Bottom line, I should be in the deep end of my next novella by now, but instead I’m chasing rabbits here, there, and everywhere while suffering from a severe case of what I shall call the Monday Morning Mushbrain. And if I’m honest, this sheer lack of discipline all points back to last night’s date with Mark. So why not cut to the chase and just blame it on him?

I really can’t remember the last time I went out on a bona fide date. My brother Chad says the characters in my books have more of a life than I do. And I think that’s the problem. I get lost in all these colorful stories, and I’m consumed with their dramas. I get weak-kneed telling their sweet love stories and describing their breathtaking romances.

Then some Joe the Loser wants to take me out for gas station corn dogs and call it a date? No, thank you. Give me fiction. I’m much more comfortable in the LaLa Land of storytelling.

Still, I admit I was rather enchanted when I heard Mark wanted to go out with me. I knew he was a nice guy, and I’d always enjoyed his delivery visits. But frankly, since I work at home and never bother with the whole hair and make-up thing before “going to the office” each day, he always catches me beauty-challenged, shall we say. Not exactly a guy-magnet, if you know what I mean. On the other hand, his adorable dimples and tanned muscular calves have always caught my eye. And did I mention he has a great laugh?

Yes, but where was I? Oh, yes. The date.

Can I just say that Mark is quite possibly the nicest guy I’ve ever met? That sounds so clichéd, but I’m pretty sure they broke the mold with this one. How do I know? As an author, I keep an ongoing list of character traits and descriptions in a little notebook I keep stashed in my purse. Let’s just say I had to sit on my hands so as not to write down all the thoughtful things he said, the sound of his easy laughter, and his subtle kindnesses. Like when I came to the door wearing the exact same dress and shawl as the night before when he’d rain-checked me. I felt awkward about it, but right away, he smiled.

“Wow, Lucy, you look amazing. Is it okay if I tell you I was really hoping you’d wear that little black dress again?”

“You had me at wow, big guy.”

Okay, no. I didn’t say that. Honest.

But see what I mean? And I think what I enjoyed most about Mark was his positive outlook on life. Not in a fake cheesy kind of way (think four-for-a-dollar powdered mac ‘n cheese mix). It’s just who he is. He looks for the best in people and situations. It made me realize how rare that is these days. Which made me feel pretty darn lucky to have those baby blues looking my way last night.

After dinner, we walked to a little pub down the street. He casually took my hand then spoke my love language‌—‌ “Best bread pudding on the planet,” he said. “Lucy, it will rock your world.”

He was right. We shared a serving big enough for four NFL linebackers.

“I think I just found my new office,” I said. “I could set up shop right here in this booth with my trusty laptop, downing four or five of these decadent bad boys every day. Would you swing by with your forklift to pick me up after work?”

And there was that laugh again. I decided then and there that Mark’s unrestrained laughter was one of the happiest, most contagious sounds I’d ever heard. And that’s why, without so much as a thought, I leaned over and kissed him.

I have no idea what came over me. And for the record, I’ve never done anything like that before. Ever! It just seemed so perfect, so right. And guess what he said, after our perfect, first kiss?

“Whoa . . . thanks, Lucy.”

Be still, my heart.

Which is why I’m not worth squat today. Which is why I can’t stop smiling and looking forward to seeing him again. Which is why I’m addicted to Amazon’s two-day free delivery . . . by way of UPS.

But enough with the excuses. Time to work. No, really.

And as much as I’ve procrastinated this time, I’m really looking forward to writing this next novella. There’s a “story within the story” this time around and that always makes it fun. A little history, a little mystery, a little romance . . . throw in a Harley or two, and I’m ready to roll.

So to speak.

Chapter 1

With a deep cleansing breath, Tracey Collins closed her eyes. The decision had come quickly once she’d finally been honest with herself. She’d known all along this was what she needed to do. How naive I’ve been, she thought. How easily I’ve been fooled, thinking I could ignore the constant warning bells sounding off in my head. Thinking I could withstand the subtle overtures day after day.

Gently shaking her head to banish the thoughts, she opened her eyes and placed her hands on her laptop keyboard. And as she did, Tracey’s mind flashed back to the reception she’d attended last night at the White House. Standing at the beverage bar, she’d just stirred cream into her coffee when he approached her, his voice hushed.

“Tracey, you look amazing tonight.”

The warmth of his breath so near her neck had sent a shiver skittering down her spine. Refusing to acknowledge Morgan’s presence, she’d smiled at the waiter and thanked him for the coffee, buying herself a moment. Turning around to face the other guests in the East Room, she’d avoided eye contact with him. “I sent your draft of the Ledford Bill to Senator Crawford’s assistant before I left the office. She assured me he’d take a look at it and get back to you tomorrow.”

“Tracey, I don’t want to shop talk tonight,” he said, still facing the bar, his arm brushing gently against hers as he took a sip of his wine. “C’mon. I just gave you a compliment. Don’t you want to tell me how handsome I look?” he’d said, arching his eyebrows.

She’d continued, doing her best to ignore him. “Also, I went over everything with Paul to get him up to speed on the projects needing attention while I’m away.”

He blew out a sigh. “So you’re still planning on taking the next couple of weeks off?”

She leveled her gaze at him. “Yes, Morgan. I’m taking the next couple of weeks off. You’ve known that for three months now.”

He looked sideways at her, his glass at his lips. “I know, but I was kind of hoping you’d change your mind.”

“Give me a break, Morgan. You sound more like a spoiled child than a United States Senator.”

“The two aren’t mutually exclusive, you know,” he teased.

She started to walk away. “Very funny.”

“Wait,” he said, catching her arm.

She glanced down at his hand then faced him directly. “Do you mind?” she whispered.

“It’s just that there’s something we need to discuss before you leave.” He motioned her toward a corner of the room by a large floral arrangement.

“Fine, but make it fast. There are several people here I need to speak with tonight.”

He led the way, lowering his voice. “I was hoping you’d come back to the office with me tonight.”

She studied his face, alarmed by the unmistakable look in his eyes. She’d seen it before, a gaze so tender, so inviting.

It would be so easy . . .

And so, so wrong.

Morgan Thompson had always stood for things she believed in. He fought for causes she was passionate about. Family Rights. Religious liberty. The ongoing battle against those who would stomp on the Constitution. When he hired her fresh out of Vanderbilt’s grad school, his alma-mater, she worked tirelessly beside him while getting her feet wet learning how things worked inside the Beltway.

Staring into those warm blue eyes, she knew precisely why he wanted her to go back to the office with him. She tucked her hair behind her ear and looked away. “Morgan‍—‍”

“Hey, you know I hate it when you use that tone with me.”

“That’s because you know what I’m going to say.”

He leaned closer. “Please, Tracey. How many ways can I say it? I need you.”

She wadded up the small embossed beverage napkin then stuffed it in her half-empty cup. She returned her eyes to his. “No, Morgan. Not tonight. Not ever. Go home to your wife.” She shoved the cup and saucer into his hand and turned to walk away.

She’d cried all the way home. Not from a broken heart, but because of the implications of his invitation. He’d never been so transparent. Had she somehow inadvertently encouraged him? Morgan Thompson‌—‌the face of family values in Washington‌—‌what could he possibly be thinking to come on to her like that? Did he just assume she’d fall for him and no one would ever know?

As if any secret was safe in Washington?

But worst of all was the intense betrayal washing through her. Amanda Thompson had welcomed Tracey to Washington the day she arrived, taking her under her wing, helping her navigate the perilous waters of the nation’s capital. But more than that, Amanda was her friend. They attended the same Bible study at church. They baked together. They shopped together. Tracey had twice stayed with their kids when Morgan and Amanda had last-minute trips come up.

Now, as her flight headed homeward, she couldn’t help but wonder. How has it come to this? Has he lost his mind?

She shook her head again, trying to refocus on the task before her.

Morgan,

I’ve done a lot of thinking since last night, and there’s something I need to do. I should have told you this in person before I left town, but the coward in me won the toss, so I’m writing you instead. We’ve both known this day would come. I wanted so badly to believe I could maintain a professional relationship and continue working alongside you for as long as you remain in Washington. However, it’s quite obvious that’s no longer possible.

If I’ve done anything to cause you to think of me in any way other than professionally, I can assure you it was unintentional. Over the past several months, I’ve asked you repeatedly to stop making advances toward me. In all honesty, I should have reported such harassment. But out of respect for Amanda, I decided not to do so. Your wife is my best friend, Morgan. Are you really that heartless?

You’ve given me no other choice, so please accept this as my two-week notice. I have no plans to return to Washington. I’ll be in touch with Paul to finalize my departure from the office and square things away with personnel.

In the beginning, it was an honor and privilege to serve with you. That’s no longer the case. I truly hope you’ll find your way back to the man you used to be. You owe that to Amanda, to your kids, to your constituents, but most of all, to the God you purport to serve.

Tracey

Tracey keyed in the address of Morgan’s personal email account and clicked SEND. There was one more note she needed to write. She quickly opened a new message page and began typing.

Dear Amanda,

I owe you a long phone call and an explanation, but for now, I just wanted you to know I’m resigning from my job as Morgan’s assistant for personal reasons . . .

Her hands froze on the keyboard. For personal reasons? How benign that sounds. Amanda knows me too well. She’ll pick up the phone and call the minute she reads those words, then pelt me with a thousand questions.

Tracey wasn’t ready for that. She quickly deleted the email, shut down her laptop, and slipped it back into her leather bag. A long sigh eased from her lips as she rested her head against the seat back and looked out the small oval window beside her. No sooner had she done so than the calm voice of the pilot interrupted her thoughts.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re on final approach to Nashville International Airport . . .”

He continued the usual announcement which was followed by the obligatory end-of-flight instructions by one of the flight attendants. But Tracey tuned them out. She leaned closer to the window, wishing the autumn landscape below would refresh her weary soul. She felt detached. Strangely adrift. As if she’d finally broken free of the tangled mess lodged somewhere in the vicinity of her heart.

So why is there so much sadness creeping through my veins?

As the 737 gently banked toward home, Tracey uttered a silent prayer.

Oh God, what have I done?

“Tracey Jo! Over here!”

She heard her father’s voice just as she grabbed her bag from the conveyor belt. Turning to search him out, she found herself buried in a bear hug, his familiar laughter encircling them.

“Oh, sweetheart! It’s so good to see you!”

Tracey clung to him, her face buried against his chest. “Hi, Daddy. It’s good to be home!”

As she pulled back, she got her first look at him. “Dad! What‌—‌I mean, how . . . good heavens, look at you!”

“Yeah, I know‌—‌my hair’s a little longer than last time you saw me. Right?”

“That’s a huge understatement.” When he turned his head, she all but gasped. “You have a ponytail?!”

Buddy Collins flashed her his signature crooked smile and dancing eyes. He flipped his head back and forth, causing the long salt and pepper mane to whip from shoulder to shoulder. “Pretty cool, huh?” He hoisted the smaller bag over his shoulder and grabbed the handle to her rolling suitcase, starting toward the sliding doors. “C’mon. I’ve got a surprise for you.”

She followed him, eyes still wide as she looked over this strange new version of the father she loved. He wore a black leather jacket with some kind of insignia on the back. His faded blue jeans were frayed at the hems over black boots studded with silver.

He turned around, stopped abruptly, and tilted his head to one side looking back at her. “What? Did you forget something?”

“No, no I got‌—‌Dad, what’s happened to you?”

“To me? What do you mean?”

“The last time I saw you, your hair was a bit shaggy, but‍—‍”

He started walking again. “Ah, sweetie, it’s no big deal. I just thought it’d be fun to grow it out‍—‍”

“And when was the last time you shaved?”

He jutted his chin out, showing off his close-cropped white beard. “Not bad, eh? I just got tired of the routine. It’s a nuisance, having to shave every morning, sometimes twice a day. I figured, who cares if I have a few whiskers?”

“I know, but‍—‍”

“I mean, it’s not as if I’m gonna have a bunch of nosy deacons calling to complain about it. Know what I mean?”

She finally caught up with him just as sunlight glistened off the general vicinity of his ear. She stopped, grabbing his arm and pulling him to a stop. “Is that . . . is that an earring?!”

He parked the rolling bag and reached for his earlobe. “Yeah! You like it?”

She blinked, unable to speak.

“Half a carat. It’s the stone from your mother’s wedding ring.”

“What?!”

“Well, sure! She left it behind when she took off with that home-wrecker. And I figured, why let a perfectly good diamond go to waste? So I took it into town, had a jeweler yank the stone and make me some bling with it. I like to think of it as a fitting symbol of my new life. My own little declaration of independence, if you catch my drift.”

“That’s Mom’s diamond?”

“Not anymore!” His guffaw rolled across the parking lot as he reached for the luggage handle.

Still aghast, Tracey slowly started following him again. The last time she’d seen her father‌—‌had it been a year? ‌—‌he was better, but nothing like the larger-than-life guy he’d always been. Known for his abiding faith and contagious sense of humor, Buddy Collins never met a stranger. But that had all changed a couple of years ago when their mother up and left him. Then a few weeks later, the church he’d pastored for more than twenty years let him go when a handful of deacon bullies deemed him “unfit to serve.”

The double punch decked him hard, sending him into a severe depression. Tracey and her sister Alex were devastated for their father and seriously concerned. Alex—short for Alexandra—moved back into the family home with him not long afterward. Since then, she’d kept Tracey informed of some recent “changes” but hadn’t been specific.

Still, watching his easy gait and that swinging ponytail, Tracey had to admit it was good to see him happy again. She looked forward to a long chat on the way home to find out where all these changes had come from.

And that way we keep the conversation on him, not me. Perfect.

Tracey switched her leather bag to the other shoulder. “Dad, where’s the car?”

He whipped around, his face lit up. “That’s the surprise!”

“What do you mean?”

He took a few steps to the right, put her bags down, and posed like Vanna White‌—‌at a huge motorcycle. “Ta da! Tracey Jo, meet Stella. Stella, meet Tracey Jo!”

“You have GOT to be kidding.”

“Ain’t she a beauty?! She’s a 2007 Harley-Davidson Touring Road King Classic. Paid extra for the Pacific Blue Pearl color. Worth every penny. Check out those white wall tires. Sweet, huh?”

“Dad, this isn’t funny. In the least.”

His face fell. “Ah, sweetie, don’t spoil my fun! I could hardly wait for Stella to meet you!”

“There’s no way I’m riding a motorcycle forty-five miles to Jacobs Mill.”

“But I’ve‌—‍”

“No. I said no. I meant no.” She snatched the handle of her rolling bag and tried to grab the one off his shoulder.

He held it tight, pulling away from her. “Tracey Jo, please. It’ll be fun! Look, I even borrowed this Sport Trailer for us to stash your bags.” He unlocked the fancy three-wheeled trailer and started loading her things. “See? Worlds of room. And here’s your helmet.”

“Dad, I don’t‌—‍”

He put it on her head, oblivious to her protests, explaining the proper way to strap it on. “We can even talk! Here’s your built-in microphone. Just keep that turned on, and we can jabber all the way home. Cool, huh?”

Tracey stared at him, uncomfortable with the helmet pressing against the tortoiseshell barrette holding her long brown hair up off her shoulders. She pulled the helmet off her head. Her father sighed wearily, visibly disappointed, then reached out to take the helmet from her hands.

She held tight, refusing to give it up. He looked up at her. Narrowing her eyes, she cocked her head to one side. “Patience . . .” she scolded. Then, tucking the helmet under her arm, she reached up and unclipped the barrette, releasing her hair. She pulled the helmet back on.

“There. That’s better. What are we waiting for?”

Chapter 2

Exiting the airport, Tracey could hear her screams grow louder as the Harley gained speed up the entrance ramp to I40. She clung to him, her eyes squeezed shut behind the protective sunglasses, and her arms in a grip lock around his ribcage.

“Tracey Jo! I can’t breathe! Ease up on that grip, will ya?”

“I CAN’T! I’LL FALL OFF!”

She heard the sound of his laughter over the roar of the engine. He raised his voice just enough for her to hear him. “You’re not gonna fall off. But we’re heading into some heavy traffic, so I’m gonna need a little oxygen to get us through it, okay?”

She tried to relax her grip.

“Yeah, that’s better, but a little more, sweetie. C’mon, you can do it.”

Visibly shaking, she consciously made the effort to stop squeezing his middle.

“Atta girl. Now sit back and enjoy the ride!” The Harley roared to life as they blended in with six lanes heading into Nashville.

She cracked open one eye, peeking just long enough to see the mass of cars, trucks, and tractor-trailers crowded around them. “DAD! CAN’T YOU TAKE A BACK ROAD AND GET US OFF THE INTERSTATE?”

“First of all, you don’t have to shout. You are right in my ear. I can hear you just fine. Second, you just need to take a nice deep breath and trust me. We’ll be out of the thick of it in just a few minutes. We’ll hop on I65 and head south to home. The traffic will ease up. You’ll see.”

She swallowed hard and talked herself into opening both eyes this time. She darted her eyes to her right hoping to see the skyline of Nashville, but a semi eclipsed her view. Its side showed the façade of a Cracker Barrel restaurant, complete with a row of rocking chairs out front. She’d always loved the cozy restaurants and their familiar menu of good Southern cooking. But at the moment, those rockers seemed much too close for comfort. She looked the other way just as they started up the ramp that arced high then banked them south.

I will not scream. I will not scream . . .

When her breathing finally started returning to normal, she tried to keep her mind off the vehicles zooming past them. “Why do you call her Stella?”

“It’s from that old Marlon Brando movie. You know, the one where he stands outside her window and yells, ‘STELLAAAAA!’”

“Okay, but what’s that got to do with a Harley?”

“Absolutely nothing. I just enjoy yelling, ‘STELLA!’ every time I see my girl.”

As Stella ate up the pavement beneath them, her father chatted about sights they passed along the way. Soon the congested traffic unknotted itself, giving them plenty of room on the road. As the sprawling commercial areas gave way to neighborhoods then farmland, she felt the tension slowly slipping away. She let her eyes feast on the stunning fall palette coloring the rolling hillsides beneath a perfect blue sky. Here and there she’d see cattle grazing and flocks of birds flying in perfect formation.

The wind sailing around her soothed her soul and sent her mind down an unexpected path. How long had it been since she stopped to notice the landscape around her? Washington offered spectacular displays of the changing seasons, but the frantic pace had somehow blinded her to it. That same frantic pace had robbed her of a personal life, zapped her energy, and sent her home exhausted every night. When had she lost that initial zeal? What happened to the excitement that once propelled her to work each morning? When had she lost that camaraderie she’d always enjoyed with her friends at church and at the office?

With each question floating through her mind, she saw his face, and she knew. The disillusionment hadn’t come from the projects she’d so passionately worked on or the long days she put in. It was all because of him.

Tracey shook off the stress that had trickled back in, instead taking another deep breath, willing the fresh air to somehow repair what was damaged inside her. I’m gonna be okay. Right, Lord? I didn’t just leave D.C.; I’m walking away from my life there. I lost my way. Open my heart to something new. Show me what You want me to do.

Tracey let her mind wander imagining all kinds of possibilities ahead of her. Still she couldn’t imagine anything that didn’t involve politics. She decided optimism would surely come later. For now, she just wanted to go home.

Forty-five minutes later they rolled into Jacobs Mill. The small town located just a few miles east of I-65 seemed to welcome her with open arms. The row of Bradford Pear trees on Neely’s Lane almost took her breath away, their deep crimson leaves making quite a show this year. As they turned onto Main Street, it seemed nothing much had changed, and that made her smile. Barrows Hardware Store, the cozy log cabin library, Emma’s Coffee Shop, Dorsey’s Barbershop, The Depot‌—‌the town’s only pub‌—‌they all looked just as she remembered them.

Tracey leaned slightly to her right to see around her dad. Here, the four blocks of Main Street came to a three-way stop, but straight ahead‌—‌Walnut Ridge.

Home.

Tracey smiled again as she looked up at their 190-year-old home sitting high above town on 45 of the plantation’s original 500 acres. The two-story home had been in her family since it was first built by her father’s ancestors. With its two wings flanking the original structure, four white columns, six working fireplaces, wide front porch, and seven outbuildings, Walnut Ridge had been the hub of Jacobs Mill from its beginning.

As they rolled up the long driveway, Tracey felt her heart swell at the sight of the magnificent oak tree that sheltered the front of her home. She hugged him hard, this time from sheer joy. “Oh Daddy, it’s so good to be home.”

They rolled to a stop at the bottom of the porch steps, pulled off their helmets, and climbed off the Harley.

“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it!”

At the sound of her sister’s voice, she ran up the steps. “Alex!”

“Tracey, Tracey, Tracey!” Alex cried, embracing her little sister. “I can’t believe you let him drive you home on that thing!”

Buddy beamed. “Are you kidding? She loved it! Didn’t you, Tracey Jo?”

“Not so much at first, but I have to say‌—‍”

“You don’t have to say another word,” he said, joining them at the top of the steps. “I rest my case. Now c’mon, big family hug here.” He wrapped them both in his strong arms and planted a noisy kiss on both their cheeks.

“I made us some tea,” Alex said, pulling back. “Y’all have a seat, and I’ll be right back.”

He squeezed her shoulder and hustled back down the steps. “Thanks, honey, but I’ve got to skedaddle.”

“Dad, you just got here!”

“I know, but I’ve gotta check on my Elders. They’re helping over at the city park. I’ll be back in time for dinner.”

“Elders?” Tracey whispered.

“Tell you later,” Alex mumbled, tossing a wink as she turned to go back inside.

Buddy bounced back up the steps. “Here’re your bags, Tracey Jo. You need me to run them up to your room?”

“No, I’ll take them later. Thanks anyway.”

“Good. See you tonight.” He hooked his elbow around her neck and pulled her close enough for another peck on the cheek. “Good to have you home, sweetheart!”

A moment later, he brought the Harley to life and took off down the long winding drive.

Alex backed out the front door then let it slam shut, a wooden tray with two glasses, a pitcher of tea, and a small basket of sugar cookies in her hands. “So Biker Buddy took off, did he?”

Tracey grabbed a cookie and took a seat on one of the cushioned wicker rockers. “Good grief, Alex. You said he’d changed, but seriously‌—‌who is that guy with the ponytail?”

Alex sat down and poured their glasses of tea. “The ponytail, I’m used to. It’s the‍—‍”

“Earring? I almost passed out when I saw it! Buddy Collins got his ear pierced?!”

“I’m sure he told you where the diamond came from.” Alex took a sip of tea.

Tracey tucked one leg beneath the other and leaned back. “With great pleasure, I might add. I’m sure Mom could care less, but don’t you think it’s a bit juvenile on his part?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Though I admit I was upset about it at first.”

“How come you never told me?”

“Because I didn’t want to bother you with it. To be honest, I thought it was just a phase he was going through. First the Harley, then the hair and the beard . . . I kept thinking one day he’d come downstairs looking like the clean-cut Buddy Collins we’ve always known.”

“You mean like the Pastor Buddy Collins we used to know?”

Alex stopped and slowly turned to face her. “Yeah, I guess that’s what I kept hoping for.”

Tracey looked out across the sweeping lawn as a breeze swirled some leaves down the hill. “That guy’s never coming back, Sis.”

“I know.”

Tracey studied her sister’s profile. She had always envied Alex’s thick blonde hair, even her wispy bangs. She had their father’s smile and compassionate eyes, though Alex’s glistened a deep sable. The ever-present readers gave her a sophisticated but somehow endearing look. Hers was a sister everyone loved.

Alex had always been the Martha in their family, always trying to stay a step ahead, anticipating everyone else’s needs. Hers was the shoulder Tracey had cried on when Randy Simmons broke her heart in sixth grade. It was Alex who always baked the cake or cupcakes for her birthday parties. And when she was older, Alex was the one who explained the facts of life to her. For as long as she could remember, Alex had been more of a mother to her than Mom ever was.

Which was good since their mom never seemed to have much time for them when they were growing up. Or any time, come to think of it.

“And I have to say, I’m not sure I want that guy to come back.”

Alex turned to look at her. “Why not?”

“Well, think about it. He devoted his life to that church for twenty years. He was at their beck and call, day in and day out.”

“But he loved it, Trace.”

“I know he did. And they loved him. But the first hint of trouble with Mom, and what did they do? They kicked him out the door.”

Alex took another sip of tea but said nothing.

“All those years he gave to them. Then at the worst time of his life, when Mom humiliated him by taking off like she did, instead of supporting him in his time of need, they gave him the boot.”

“You know it wasn’t like that. It was‍—‍”

“Dad did nothing wrong. They punished him for something Mom did. It isn’t right.”

“Why are we rehashing all this again? We’ve been over it a thousand times before.”

Tracey blew out a huff. “I know, I know. But it still irks me.”

Alex reached over and covered Tracey’s hand with her own. “You’ve got to let it go, Sis. Dad did, so you need to forgive them and move on.”

Tracey picked at the polish on her thumbnail. “Dad may have forgiven them, but it took a long time before he could.”

“I know. I don’t know what we would have done if Uncle Rob hadn’t shown up.”

“Of all people, who would have ever thought Uncle Rob would be the one to get through to Dad.”

Alex smiled. “The Lord certainly moves in mysterious ways. But dragging Dad out of the house on that road trip was exactly what he needed.”

“Remember how funny he looked perched behind Uncle Rob on his motorcycle?” They both laughed out loud. “I thought for sure he’d fall off before he got to the end of Main Street.”

“And he looked so serious, sitting ramrod straight, with his hands clamped to Sam’s waist but at arm’s length?”

They simultaneously mocked the pose then laughed at themselves.

“My, how far he’s come now,” Tracey chuckled. “He looks like he’s ridden all his life.”

Alex grabbed a cookie and turned to face her sister. “Enough about Dad. Tell me about you. I can’t believe we’ve got you home for two whole weeks! What do you want to do while you’re home? Any plans?”

Tracey’s thoughts jumbled at the sudden question. She took a long sip of tea, wondering what she should say. “Well, to be honest‍—‍”

“Out with it, already!”

“I don’t know, Alex. Mostly, I just need a break. I want to unplug, sleep late, maybe do a little cooking‍—‍” Her cell phone chirped, interrupting her wish list.

“So much for unplugging,” Alex added.

Tracey silenced the tone as she saw Morgan’s name on the small screen. “Yeah, I might have to keep this thing buried somewhere. I really need to be unreachable.”

“Do you need to take that call?”

“No. I absolutely do not have to take it.” She slipped the phone back in her pocket. “So where were we?”

“You were telling me what you want to do while you’re home.”

She waved her off. “I’m here. I’m home. That’s good enough for me.”

“Good! And since you mentioned cooking, come on in and help me get dinner ready,” Alex said, standing. “I made apple cobbler for dessert.”

“Yum! I think I gained five pounds from just visualizing it.”

Alex took her empty glass. “Which you could stand to gain. You’re too thin, Trace. I’ve got to fatten you up while you’re home. But first I’ll help you get settled up in your room.”

Tracey opened the door for her. “Martha, Martha, Martha. I’m pretty sure I can handle that by myself. You go. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

“Deal. And stop calling me Martha. You know I don’t like that.”

“Sure thing, Martha‌—‌I mean, Alexandra.”

“Thank you, Tracey Jolene.”

Chapter 3

Buddy wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Alex, I believe this may be the best meatloaf you ever made. And I’m not just saying that.”

Alex passed the biscuits to Tracey. “You say that every time I serve it, Dad. You just love it because it’s Granny Jo’s recipe. You grew up on it.”

Buddy smiled. “Maybe, but I still say yours is the best.”

“It’s the chili sauce. I use chili sauce instead of the ketchup in Granny’s recipe. Gives it a little more flavor.”

“See?” He nodded toward Tracey. “Do I know my meatloaf or what? Your mother didn’t have a clue how to make a meatloaf. I hope Mr. Movie Mogul likes dining out because he’ll starve if he’s living off Regina’s cooking.”

Alex rolled her eyes. “Dad, let’s not‌—‍”

“I’m just saying, it’s a good thing he’s got money. He probably hired a chef after the first time she cooked dinner for him.”

“How’s Mom doing?” Tracey asked her sister. “Have you heard from her lately?”

“She actually called last week.”

Buddy’s head snapped up as he stopped chewing.

“Really?” Tracey asked.

Alex smirked. “She wanted to let me know she was about to have a tummy tuck.”

Buddy guffawed, falling back in his chair.

“You’re kidding, right?” Tracey asked.

Alex took her time sipping her coffee. “Apparently Jared likes her thin, and she’s put on a little weight.”

Buddy continued laughing, wiping his eyes with his napkin. “Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up. Your mother never weighed more than a hundred pounds her whole life. Jared must go for the anorexic look.” He tossed an exaggerated shudder.

Tracey ignored him. “Didn’t she just have some cosmetic work done last year?”

“Just a brow lift and a lip plump. Nothing major.”

Buddy composed himself though a smile still lit his handsome face. “Girls, you have no idea how often I thank God that He sent your mother away from us.”

Tracey flinched. “Daddy, don’t say that.”

“But it’s true, Tracey Jo. I know God doesn’t ever like to see a marriage end in divorce. But the truth is, just because two people get married doesn’t mean God ordained that marriage. I knew when I married your mother that she had little use for the Lord. When I gave my heart to Christ a couple years later, she didn’t seem to mind. But when I felt God calling me into the ministry, she let me know she sure didn’t hear God calling her to be a pastor’s wife.”

“But she stayed with you,” Tracey said. “All those years, she stayed.”

“Well, you girls had come along by then. I think somewhere in that selfish heart of hers, she knew you girls needed her to stay. I’ll give her that much. You were both well on your own before she took off.”

When he grew silent, Tracey and Alex shared a silent glance. They both knew that despite all the bravado, he still had a soft spot in his heart for their mother. It had come as a complete shock to both of them. She’d called each of them, explaining the whole sordid story of reconnecting with her childhood sweetheart. Jared Blakely had searched her out on Facebook, of all places. He said he’d never forgotten her and had to see her again. An A-list agent in Hollywood, he wasted no time sending his private jet for her.

At the time, Buddy was overseas in Thailand on a month-long mission trip. He knew nothing about it until he got home. By then, Blakely had wined and dined Regina, lavishing her with expensive gifts and introducing her to some of the biggest names in Hollywood. It was the perfect escape she’d been looking for. She filed for divorce immediately, and didn’t even bother coming home to pack her things. Apparently, she had all she needed in Beverly Hills.

Alex and Tracey had taken the news hard, stunned by their mother’s brash disregard for their father’s feelings and the implications it would have for him. She’d minced no words, saying she’d paid her dues and was glad to finally be rid of Jacobs Mill, the church, and yes, even Buddy. “He bored me to tears,” she liked to say.

Tracey flew home to be with her father even though her sister still lived in town. Alex had taught at the elementary school in Jacobs Mill for twelve years, a respected and cherished member of the community. Though she’d never married, she’d bought a cottage a few miles south of town where she lived happily in a home cluttered with books and travel guides to places she’d visited and dreamed of visiting.

But when Buddy Collins came back to find his wife gone and his deacons murmuring for his dismissal, he lost it. He’d slipped into such a deep depression, the girls quietly had him admitted to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. Several weeks later, they’d brought him home, and Alex moved back into Walnut Ridge.

Now, as Tracey passed her father another biscuit, she tried to move the conversation back to safer ground. “Well, all I have to say is, thank God for Alex and Uncle Rob.”

Buddy blinked away the moisture in his eyes, his smile slow but sincere. “And I do thank God for them. And for you too, sweetheart. Every day.”

Alex lifted the bowl. “Who wants more mashed potatoes?”

Tracey reached for it. “I do, Sis. I can’t remember the last time I had mashed potatoes.”

“Did you tell her your news?”

Tracey and Alex turned simultaneously toward their father. When Tracey realized he was addressing her sister, she slowly caught her breath, thankful the question wasn’t aimed at her. “What news?” she asked.

“I assume you’re referring to my early retirement?”

“You retired? But Alex, you’re only thirty-four!”

Alex glared at her over her glasses. “And thank you so much, little sister, for reminding me. But this has nothing to do with my age.”

Buddy wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Tell her how you let ol’ Deacon Stone have it.”

“Alex? What did you do?”

Her sister toyed with a green bean. “Oh, nothing really. I just refused to bow at the altar of the almighty ruler baron of Jacobs Mill.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning,” Buddy answered, “that among other things, your sister threatened to rat him out for swindling all these old folks around here out of their property.”

“Dad, you know that’s not what hap‌—‍”

“How on earth did you get involved in that?” Tracey stared at her.

Alex placed her silverware on her dinner plate. “That’s a long story for another day.”

“Go on, Alex. Tell her,” Buddy pressed.

She stood, gathering their dishes. “No, Dad, I really don’t want to talk about all that tonight.”

“But what will you do?” Tracey asked. “Are you looking for another teaching position?”

Her sister scoffed. “No point in that, not as long as Deacon’s still on the School Board.”

“I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

“Don’t be sorry. Besides, I think I’ve decided to make a new start. Do something different for a while. Someday I may go back to teaching, but in the meantime, take a look under the tablecloth.”

Buddy looked at her then at Tracey then back at Alex. “What are you talking about?”

“Here, let me show you.” She set the dishes back down and reached down to pull the cloth back.

“Is this a new table?” Tracey asked.

“No. Look closer.”

Buddy moved his tea glass out of the way and pulled the cloth back on his side. “Well, I’ll be. That’s our old table, isn’t it? What’d you do to it?”

Alex cocked her head to one side. “Gee, Dad, thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Tracey studied the finish on the surface of the large oblong table, then leaned over to look beneath at its elaborate legs. The old cherry finish had been painted over with a creamy ivory paint of some kind then distressed in all the right places to show some of the dark cherry. “This is beautiful, Sis. Isn’t this what they call shabby chic? Who did it for you?”

“Nobody. I did it myself.”

Tracey sat back up. “You did it yourself? When did you‌—‌did you take a class or something?”

“No, I learned how to do it from one of those HGTV shows. I’d been wanting to do something with this old table for a long time. It was all scuffed up and scratched and desperately needed refinishing. But I wanted something different, so I got some paint and voila! New table.”

“She’s right, Alex,” Buddy said. “This looks great. How come I never noticed it before?”

Alex picked up the dishes again. “Oh, I don’t know, Dad. Could it be you’re a bit décor-challenged? Which would explain why you’ve probably never noticed the hutch over there and the armoire back in the den.”

Tracey and her father got up to check out the other pieces of furniture. “This is amazing, Alex!” Tracey said, admiring the hutch. Its broad counter, doors, and open cabinets all finished to match the dining table. “Seriously, when did you do all this?”

“Couple of weeks ago, I think,” Alex answered, following them into the den. “It was when you were on that trip to New Orleans, Dad.”

“No kidding? These are fantastic, Alex.”

“Oh, and check out the armoire,” Tracey added. “It’s gorgeous! How’d you get this look? Paint it black then sand it?”

“Actually it’s a color called Typewriter. That’s pine under there, so I use a milk paint that gives it a natural chippy look. I love this paint because basically, it distresses itself. It’s really fun because every piece responds differently.”

Tracey looked more closely, running her finger along the inset panels of the armoire’s door. “So, is this what you meant when you said you wanted to do something different?”

“Actually, it’s exactly what I meant. I’m thinking of opening a little shop, then try my hand at buying and refinishing furniture. I’ve been going to yard sales and estate sales, picking up pieces here and there, then working on them in my spare time. Believe it or not, I’ve had some interest in them from friends of mine, parents of my school kids, a few others. So, Dad . . . I was thinking about remodeling the big smokehouse for my shop. It’s right on the road and big enough for a workshop in back and a showroom up front. What do you think?”

“I think it’s a great idea!” Buddy wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Oh!” he said, snapping his fingers. “And I know just who to help us turn that old shack into a cozy little place for your business‌—‌my Elders!”

“Who are these elders you keep talking about?” Tracey asked. “Do you mean the deacons from church?”

“Good heavens, no!” Buddy laughed. “My Elders. That’s what I call the guys I work with. Haven’t I told you about them?”

“No one ever tells me anything, apparently,” Tracey said.

Buddy sat down on the hearth. “My biker buddies. But they’re more than that. We do things for people. Help ‘em out when they need help. Odd jobs, big jobs, you name it.”

Tracey dropped into the wingback chair beside the fireplace. “What, like a business?”

“Not at all. It’s a ministry. After Rob brought me back from that first road trip, I knew I needed to find a new ministry for my life. I’d met all these guys who like to ride, but a lot of them, like me, had way too much time on their hands. Some are retired, some are all but homeless. Some have problems they’re dealing with‌—‌some have done time, some are battling addictions and what not. Some of them . . . well, like me, some of them just needed a reason to get up in the morning.

“And one morning, I was out there on the back porch having my coffee and reading my Bible, and it came to me‌—‌almost like God just spoke it into my mind. I knew these guys all had talents of one kind or another. And right there, as if the whole idea just rolled out before me like a great big panoramic vision, I could see us putting our heads and hands together to help those in need.”

He scratched the beard under his chin. “It’s a strange phenomenon. I never felt more alive than when I was over in Thailand on that mission trip. And it wasn’t just when we told folks about Jesus. It was more about being Jesus to those people who had no idea who He was. We built homes for them. We dug wells so they could have fresh water. We had a medical team that taught them about health and hygiene.

“See, it would’ve been a wasted trip if we just dropped in on those folks, told them about a Man who lived thousands of years ago and died on a cross so they could live, then took off again. Sure, that’s the message we wanted to tell them. But we did it by getting to know them, by investing with our time and resources in them. We didn’t just tell them, we demonstrated the love of Christ through our actions.”

Tracey could hear the passion in his voice as he talked and see it in his blue eyes that danced on a face warmed with compassion. She’d always thought his ready smile and kind, gentle eyes comprised the most compassionate face on earth. But it had been a long, long time since she’d seen him so engaged and excited. “So you and these guys‌—‌your Elders‌—‌you just look for things to do? Do you advertise online or in the paper?”

“We haven’t had to. As soon as we finish one job, another one comes along. Sometimes lots of ‘em. It’s the craziest thing. Course, I know where all these jobs come from.” He nodded toward the ceiling. “‘I know from whence my help comes,’ so to speak.”

Alex took a seat on the arm of the sofa. “Dad, I’d love the help, and I know the guys would do a great job, but you said it yourself‌—‌what you all do is ministry. I’m not exactly an old widow needing her grass mowed.”

“Obviously not, but who’s to say which task is a job and which job is a ministry? As I recall, you didn’t bat an eye when I came back from the hospital. You moved back in here, took care of me, made sure I didn’t off myself‍—‍”

“Dad! Don’t say‍—‍”

“I’m just sayin’, sweetheart, that sometimes we do things because we simply feel led by God to do them. Besides, I’ve been wanting to do something with that old smokehouse for years. I can’t think of a better project. I’m excited about this!”

“Yeah?”

“What’s not to like? The way I see it, we’re both on similar journeys. I give these guys fresh starts, you give your furniture a new life. Looks like we’re all about second chances, y’know?”

“Dad! That’s the perfect name for my shop‌—‌Second Chances.”

“It’s perfect, Alex,” Tracey added. “Just perfect.”

Buddy jumped up. “I can’t wait to get my guys on this. Do you have time to take a walk-through in the smokehouse tomorrow? Maybe sketch out some ideas?”

“Well, sure,” Alex said, her face beaming as she glanced over at Tracey. Her smile fell. “But maybe we should wait‍—‍”

“Don’t wait on my account,” Tracey argued. “Besides, it sounds like fun. Why not let me help too? And maybe you could teach me some of your magic. Show me how you transform your little beasts into beauties.”

“I’d love to, Trace. We can work on a piece or two, but I don’t want to tie up your whole vacation on all this.”

Tracey felt her face warm. “Well, now that you mention it,” she began, then cleared her throat. She stopped and looked back toward the kitchen. “How about we put on a fresh pot of coffee and dish up some of that cobbler? There’s something I need to tell you both.”

Chapter 4

“I can tell you one thing right here and now,” Buddy snapped, angrily stirring his coffee. “I’ve got a mind to hop on Stella, drive up to Washington, and tell Senator Whistlebritches just what he can do with those ‘family values’ of his.”

“Dad, that kind of talk doesn’t help,” Alex said.

“Maybe not, but it would sure feel good to smack that pretty boy’s face into the next county.” He punched his fist into his open hand.

“Dad, please. Alex is right. And you and I both know you’d never do any such thing.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Tracey Jo, does his wife know anything about all this?”

“No, at least I don’t think so.” The thought hadn’t occurred to her. Could Amanda have picked up on anything? Morgan hadn’t been very discreet lately. Then again, he’d never been out of line when the three of them were together. “No, I seriously doubt it. We’re‍—‍” Tracey glanced down, watching her finger crush a piece of the cobbler’s crust. She quickly dusted the crumbs off her hands. “The thing is, I love Amanda. I don’t ever want her to know about this. It would break her heart.”

“Yes, it would,” Buddy said quietly. “Take that from one who’s been there.”

Alex patted her father’s hand then turned to her sister. “So he doesn’t know yet that you’re not coming back?”

“I wrote him an email on the plane giving my two-week notice.”

“Good for you,” Buddy said.

“The problem is, it’s more difficult than that. There are procedures for leaving jobs like mine. There are exit reviews and debriefings and confidential information that has to be‍—‍”

“Something tells me Dick Nixon didn’t have an ‘exit review’,” Buddy grumbled.

Alex peered over her readers. “Not helping, Dad. Okay?”

“Fine. But all I’m saying is, don’t make this so hard on yourself, Tracey Jo. You’ve got enough to deal with on an emotional level. Deal with the rest of it later.”

“What about your things?” Alex asked.

“I could probably just send for them. Ask my landlord to have them boxed up and shipped to me.”

Buddy slapped his hand on the table. “No need. I’ll grab a couple of my Elders, and we’ll take care of it. All we’ll need are your keys.”

“You and your Elders,” Tracey teased. “What am I gonna do with you guys?”

“Oh, you’ll love us. I guarantee it. You won’t be able to help yourself.”

Tracey walked over to hug him. “Thanks, Daddy. I love you.”

“Right backatcha, sweetheart.”

Back in her old bedroom, Tracey slept like a rock. There’s something intrinsically soothing about having the same sheets and blankets and quilts piled over you that you slept under when you were a child, she mused. She smiled at the thought and rolled over on her back, yawning as she gazed at the clock which read 9:45.

I haven’t slept this late in years. This is heaven . . .

She reached for her cell phone on the bedside table and unplugged it from the charger. The face lit up showing twelve more missed calls since she went to bed. She flopped her head back on the pillow, debating whether she should look at the list of names. She gave in and scrolled down the list. Just as I thought. Morgan, Morgan, Morgan . . . after ten calls, could you not get the hint?

Then she saw Amanda’s name, and her heart skipped a beat. She pressed the link for her voicemail and listened, bracing herself. There was no way to skip directly down to Amanda’s message, so she listened to Morgan’s first message‌—‌a fabricated reason for calling, nothing more. She skipped through the rest of his messages, hearing only snippets of each until she came to Amanda’s.

“Hey girl! Morgan said you’ve already left town on your vacation! I thought we were going to have coffee this morning before you left? Well, knowing me I got the times mixed up and missed my chance to say goodbye. I’ll miss you terribly, but I know you need some time at home. Call me sometime if you feel like chatting‌—‌oh, hold on. Someone wants to say hi.”

“Oh no, I don’t‌—‌” Tracey stopped herself, realizing she was talking to a machine.

“Hi, Taycee!”

Tracey smiled with relief as she listened to the voice of three-year-old Aaron Thompson.

“Where are you go? Come see me, Taycee. Come my house?”

She pressed her lips together, visualizing the little guy in Amanda’s arms, his big brown eyes and thick head of blond hair so like his mother’s.

“Mommy, why Taycee not talk?”

“Because she’s gone bye-bye. Okay, Tracey, I’m jamming up your voicemail. Well, have fun, okay? I’m already missing you! Love you! Bye.”

Tracey clicked off her phone and dropped it on the covers. “Oh Amanda . . . I hate this. Hate. It.”

“HEY!” her dad yelled from down the hall. “Are you gonna sleep all day?”

“I just might. Who wants to know?”

“Nobody. Go back to sleep. But if you miss us, come on down to the smokehouse. The Elders are here. I left the coffee pot on. Grab a cup and come on down.”

“We’ll see.”

At the sound of his footsteps going down the long staircase, Tracey decided to get up and take a shower. Fifteen minutes later, with her wet hair piled up on her head with a clip, she threw on a pair of worn jeans and a plaid flannel shirt she found in her closet. She made her way downstairs thinking she might make some toast before she went down the hill.

“Hello.”

She jumped, missed the last step, and grabbed the banister to keep from falling.

“I’m so sorry!” he said, reaching for her elbow. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No, it’s okay‌—‌I just didn’t know‍—‍”

She looked up at the man behind the voice and found herself staring into the face of . . . an angel? Backlit with sunlight from the open side door, a bright aura seemed to surround him. For a moment, she wondered if she’d actually fallen, cracked her head open, died, and this was the angel Gabriel escorting her through the pearly gates.

“Are you all right?” he asked, kneeling beside her.

“I, uh . . . I think so. Who are you?”

“I’m Noah Bennett, a friend of Buddy’s.”

She blinked. “Do I know you?”

“No, we’ve never met. But I’m guessing you’re Tracey.”

“Yeah, that’s me.” She tried to stand and he rose with her, his hand supporting her arm.

“Listen, I’m sorry. We’re kind of used to coming and going around here. Buddy’s always told us to make ourselves at home.”

“That definitely sounds like my dad.” She stopped and turned to face him as she connected the dots. “Oh, you must be one of the Elders.”

His smile spread into deep dimples beneath a day’s growth of dark whiskers. His messy hair, the color of dark chocolate, wasn’t particularly long. His eyes were clear, somewhere between a green and light brown. Hazel?

“That’s what he likes to call us. Which I’ve always thought was a bit strange considering‌—‍” he paused, his brows lifting. “Well, that whole church thing and all.” The angel’s face colored as he looked away.

Tracey couldn’t help snickering. “Yeah, you’ve gotta love ‘that whole church thing.’ But please don’t be embarrassed on my account.” She rounded the corner heading into the kitchen. “It’s ancient history. Besides, Grace Church had deacons, not elders. I’m sure it’s some kind of personal joke that he dubs you all his Elders.”

“Here, allow me.” He opened the cabinet and reached for two mugs, then filled them both from the large urn.

She made her way to the refrigerator for cream. “What happened to Mr. Coffee and his pot?”

He handed her a mug. “It was forever running out, so Buddy bought the urn. Said it was the kind they had at the church.”

She poured cream into her coffee and offered him the carton, which he waved off. She put it back in the refrigerator. “You and the guys come here a lot?”

He chuckled softly. “You could say that. We try to be respectful and not abuse his generosity. Especially for Alex’s sake.”

“Good to know. I’m sure she appreciates that.” She could just imagine her sister playing hostess to a house full of ragamuffins. Although, she noted, the tall man leaning against the counter could never be called a ragamuffin. An angel? Definitely.

Suddenly, she realized he was staring at her over his mug as he took a sip. “Yes, well,” she said, “I was about to head down to the smokehouse, so if you’ll excuse me.”

“I’ll join you. I was on my way there when Buddy sent me up here for coffee. After you,” he said, holding his hand out like a perfect gentleman. He followed her through the hall then stepped ahead to open the screen door for her.

“Thanks.”

“You’re most welcome. It’s a beautiful morning, isn’t it? I’ve always loved fall.”

“Me too. In fact, it’s my favorite time of year at Walnut Ridge. Well, except maybe for winter when it snows.”

“Ah, true. You can’t beat a Tennessee snowfall.”

She pushed a renegade strand of hair out of her eyes and looked at him. “You don’t sound much like a Tennessean.”

“That’s because I’m from Virginia.”

“Oh?”

“And Connecticut, North Carolina, and New York. Pretty much in that order.”

“You move around a lot.”

“Used to. Not so much anymore.”

She pulled a bright yellow leaf from an American elm tree and twirled its short stem in her hand. “What brought you to Tennessee?”

He looked away. “Oh, this and that. Needed a change of scenery, I suppose.”

“Lot of that going around.” She smiled briefly then took a sip of coffee. “So do you just hang out here with the guys? Or do you have a job? Family?”

“Actually, I do have a job. I’m a roadie, but I’m between gigs right now.”

“A roadie? Like with musicians?”

“Right. Tour buses and a different town every night. That pretty much sums it up.”

“Wow, that’s got to be exciting, huh?”

“Sometimes. It’s nice to see different parts of the world. But it can be rough at times. A drag, y’know? Same thing day after day, night after night.”

“Then why do you do it?”

“Because it’s what I do.”

Wondering what that meant, she turned to face him. He smiled back at her, but it was the kind of smile a guy slaps on his face when he’s said all he’s going to say.

“Noah!” Buddy shouted. “I was wondering what happened to you. I see you met my daughter.”

As they approached the back of the old building, Noah finished the rest of his coffee, then said, “I had the pleasure, yes. Though I’m afraid I gave her a bit of a start.”

Tracey stepped into her father’s outstretched arms. “Morning, Daddy.”

“Morning, sweetheart.” He held her close, then kissed the top of her head. “Y’all come in and take a look. Alex is so excited, she’s like a kid in a candy shop. Except there’s no candy. Just a lot of dust and ancient cobwebs.”

They followed him through the rustic back door. She could already smell the familiar smoky scent. “Daddy, how long’s it been since they stopped curing meat in here?”

“Ah, this old shack hasn’t been used for smoking meat since the fifties, I guess. Long before you were born.”

“Maybe so, but I sure remember the smell. Always makes me think of Granddaddy’s barbecues. Like he used to say, ‘that was some good eatin’.”

Alex came through the front door with several guys. She brushed her hands on her jeans. “Tracey! What do you think? Isn’t it perfect?”

“Yeah, I mean, it needs a lot of work, but I can see some possibilities.”

“Where are my manners?” she said. “Have you met the Elders yet?”

“She met Noah up at the house,” Buddy said. “Let me introduce you to the rest of my guys. This half-pint here is Earl Givens, but we call him Stump.”

Tracey shook hands as her eyes trailed the long way up to the face of a gentle giant. He had to be at least six-eight, maybe six-ten, with the breadth to support every inch. “Well, hello up there. I’m Tracey. Nice to meet you, Earl.” He pulled his hat off which had covered a mass of thick, black-brown hair. His beard covered most of his face and reached somewhere near mid-chest.

“Pleasure’s all mine, Miss Tracey. It’s okay if you wanna call me Stump. It don’t matter none to me.”

“Good to know.”

“And this good man here is Greg Sells. He goes by Gristle.”

“Gristle?” Tracey asked as she shook hands with the young African-American.

“My mama called me that ev’ since I was just a lil’ snot-nosed kid. Said I was always tough like that chewy stuff you sometimes get on a steak. Not that we ever ate no steak. Mamma just liked ev’body thinkin’ we dined on t-bones and rib-eyes. Name just stuck.”

“Well, Gristle, if it’s good enough for your mama, it’s fine by me. Nice to meet you.”

“You ev’ bit as pretty as they says you was.”

“Now, don’t you start charmin’ my girl like that, Gristle,” Buddy said. “And certainly not while I’m standing right here.”

“Trace, you’ll have to watch out for Gristle,” Alex chimed in. “He could charm the trunk off an elephant.”

“Ah, go on. Y’all know I’m just playin’ w’cha.”

Buddy tossed Gristle a pair of work gloves then glanced back at Tracey. “You’ll never find a man more gifted with a saw. Puts on his tunes and I mean, he tears it up.” Buddy turned to the last one, a stocky young man with a shock of wild red hair. “And this is Hank Biddle.”

He reminded her of the troll dolls they sold at flea markets. Tracey took his outstretched hand. “Wait‌—‌let me guess. They call you Red, right?”

“No ma’am,” he said, looking somewhat bewildered. “Folks just call me Hank Biddle.”

“Well. Okay then, Hank Biddle, nice to make your acquaintance.”

He didn’t respond. Just stared at her like she’d sprouted a third eye on her forehead.

“Hank’s your man if you need any sweeping,” Buddy added, patting the redhead on his shoulder. “He’s got a real knack for knowing how to clean things up in a jiffy. We couldn’t manage without him.”

“I was head of maintenance at State,” he announced.

“Really? I had lots of friends who went to State,” Tracey said.

His brows drew close together, but he said nothing.

“Ah, she means Tennessee State University,” Gristle said. “Nah, Miss Tracey, he wadn’t at no college. He was at‍—‍”

“Never mind that, Gristle,” Buddy interrupted. “How about you and Stump go take a look outside and see which limbs need to be trimmed off that big elm tree.”

“Sho’nuff, Buddy. We on it.”

“Noah, come tell us what you think,” Alex said. “Any ideas for turning this decrepit old building into a quaint little shop with a workroom toward the back?”

For the next hour, they tossed around ideas, brainstorming how to best use the space available. Tracey remembered her grandfather once telling her that the original smokehouse, a stone’s throw from the kitchen wing at Walnut Ridge, was used only for the family. The “new” larger smokehouse where they now stood, was added a few years later when the plantation had begun to flourish. By that time, the family had sold off part of Walnut Ridge to a friend in need. As a result, the spacious smokehouse sat on the county road that bordered the east property line. Then, almost a century later during the depression, Hiram Collins doubled the size of the building. With so many of the townspeople and those in neighboring counties in need, he wanted a place where folks could stop by and pick up a slab of bacon or some ground beef or stew meat.

Tracey loved the story, picturing her great, great grandfather graciously providing for those who had little or nothing. “God doesn’t bless us to spoil us,” he was known for saying. “He blesses us so that we might bless others.” Looking at the men around her, it seemed Buddy Collins was carrying on the family legacy. Tracey felt a lump in her throat, so filled with love for her father and the incredible miracle that had taken place in his own life. Here, decades later, Buddy blessed his Elders and by doing so, showed them how to bless others.

“Those are some great ideas, Noah,” Alex said, interrupting Tracey’s thoughts. “When do you think y’all might get started?”

He scratched his head for a moment. “How about this afternoon?”

Chapter 5

Noah let himself in the back door of the cottage and tossed his keys on the kitchen table. He grabbed an apple from the bowl on the counter and took a bite as he kicked off his boots. The face of Buddy’s younger daughter drifted into mind. Funny, he’d never given much thought to the one called Tracey Jo who worked in Washington. He wasn’t sure why he’d assumed she was the nerdy type, all caught up in politics. He realized she was anything but nerdy. Still, she was just home for a week or two. He doubted he’d see much more of her.

His mind switched gears, brimming with ideas for the smokehouse conversion. When Buddy first mentioned the idea, he wasn’t sure if he should commit to helping. He still hadn’t heard back from Dawson’s people about the concerts they had scheduled between now and the holidays. Last he heard, Beau Dawson was having some kind of problem with his vocal cords and his doctors hadn’t signed off for him to go back on the road yet. Noah wondered if the problem was indeed medical or if Dawson was having marital problems again.

None of it mattered to Noah. He wasn’t invested in their lives, as such. He was nothing more than hired help. Most folks in the business just knew him as “Beau Dawson’s guitar guy” and didn’t bother with his name. Which suited Noah just fine. He’d lived in that world of who’s-who once and didn’t miss it.

He iced down a glass of water and took a seat on the sofa, stretching his legs out on the coffee table. He really liked it here at the cottage. When Buddy first offered the place to him, he told him thanks but no thanks. At the time, he’d been unattached from anyone and anything for quite a while. He wasn’t ready to be tied down, least of all to a place of his own. Then, the more he thought about it, the more the idea grew on him.

He’d liked Buddy from the first time they met on a weekend bike trip over to the Blue Ridge Mountains. A couple of the other roadies were Harley riders and invited him on one of their weekend trips. Noah had learned to love the open road and never passed up a chance to ride. On that particular trip, he’d been curious about the guy everyone called Buddy. He seemed genuine, but you never know about the religious ones. Buddy wasn’t obnoxious about all that, but it slipped into conversation now and then. For some reason, coming from this guy with the fun-loving smile and white ponytail, it seemed natural. Just a part of who he was.

Noah sunk down into the leather sofa and rested his head against the cushion. His mind drifted back to that first night they’d talked beside a fire pit on the campground where they stopped for the night. Buddy had asked him where he was from. He’d mentioned growing up in Virginia, and how much he loved playing sports. Undergraduate degree from Florida State and his graduate work at Harvard Law School.

“Harvard!” Buddy had marveled. “Didn’t realize I was in the presence of an Ivy Leaguer.”

“I keep that to myself most of the time,” Noah had said. “That’s all ancient history now.”

“Really? You never practiced law after graduating?”

“I did. For a while.”

“Where was that, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“New York City. I had a lot of doors opened to me along the way.”

Buddy had waited, probably expecting some kind of explanation. Noah hesitated, then realized the guy seemed sincerely interested. And so he began telling him his story. About his successes on Wall Street as a finance attorney. About his wife who he’d married the day after graduation from law school. About their life together in the Big Apple.

And then he’d stopped. The break in his voice seemed as good a sign as any to draw the line. Why burden a stranger with all that?

“Noah, you probably don’t know this, but I used to be a pastor.”

“Oh?”

“I’m not doing that anymore, but I still have a good ear, and I still do a good bit of counseling now and then. Which means, my friend, I still know how to tell when someone’s burdened with heartache.” He’d leveled his gaze at Noah. “So if you need someone to talk to, son, I’d be honored to listen.”

Noah remembered staring at Buddy, seeing the kindness in his eyes as the reflection of the fire danced around them. He had a feeling the man looking at him could surely see all the way to his soul.

“Melissa . . .” he’d whispered.

“Your wife?”

Noah nodded because he couldn’t speak. Buddy seemed to have all the time in the world. When Noah dug in his pocket for his handkerchief, Buddy had patted his knee. As if to say take as long as you need. When he could, he tried again.

He told Buddy of the April day he’d been tied up in court with a judge who had a serious God-complex. Noah knew if he had left, the case would be thrown out, and his firm would reassign him to the mailroom. He’d texted Melissa, apologizing profusely and promising he’d meet her at the address she’d sent him as soon as he could. She had found the perfect loft for them to buy in Soho, and wanted him to see it so they could make an offer before someone else snapped it up. Hopefully, they’d wait until he got there. Her text came back immediately‌—‌HURRY!

A half-hour later he’d dashed from the court house in the pouring rain and flagged down a cab. He was soaked by the time one stopped. As soon as he settled into the back seat, he dialed her repeatedly but couldn’t reach her.

“Traffic was at a standstill,” he’d told Buddy. “I was about to crawl out of my skin, and I remember yelling at the cab driver to turn at the next light and take a different way. He yelled back, but I couldn’t understand a single word . . . I remember shouting at him, telling him if he was gonna live and work in the U.S., he should learn the blasted language.”

Noah looked up at Buddy. “Though in a somewhat more colorful choice of words.”

Buddy smiled.

“I finally gave up, threw some money at him and decided to make a run for it. And that’s when . . . that’s when . . . I saw her . . .”

Buddy waited several moments, then quietly asked, “You saw her?”

Noah shook his head. “Not her. Her car.” He cleared his throat and tried again. “Or what was left of it.”

“Oh no,” Buddy groaned.

Noah attempted a smile. “She’d always loved Volkswagen Beetles. I’d given it to her two years earlier on her birthday. It was bright red. I ordered a vanity plate‌—‌My Lil’ Bug. And Melissa, she always kept a bunch of daisies in the little vase on the dash. She loved daisies. And she really loved that car.” He swallowed hard. “So I knew immediately it was hers. The driver’s side had been broadsided by a delivery truck that ran a red light. The truck driver, a bicycle courier, and Melissa were all killed.”

Lost in the fog of those memories, Noah startled as his ringing cell phone pulled him back to the present. Alex’s number appeared on the phone’s small screen. Noah almost answered, then stopped. Instead, he silenced the ring without connecting the call. She and Buddy had invited him up to the house for dinner as they often did. He’d actually intended to go. But the lingering trace of melancholy drifting through him gave him pause.

He tapped the phone against his forehead and closed his eyes. He couldn’t put it in words, this sadness that sometimes washed over him. Sometimes he could almost visualize it‌—‌like thick ribbons of fog seeping through a crack in his armor, or drifting like a mighty wave through an open door. Eerie, dark, snaking through him until it reached fingers around his heart and squeezed‌—‌tighter and tighter until he could hardly breathe. He’d learned to fight it, mentally slamming the door on the despair before it overwhelmed him and left him drained and despondent. Again.

Noah opened his eyes and slowly exhaled. He hated these moments and knew the easiest way to keep them at bay was by doing something else, going somewhere, escaping. It was why he loved his Harley. He raked his fingers through his hair and got up, tossing the half-eaten apple into the trash. He retrieved his phone and listened to Alex’s message.

“Hey, Noah, it’s Alex. I wasn’t sure if you were coming up to dinner or not, but just wanted you to know we’re having fried catfish tonight. Hope you’ll come. We’ll eat about seven. Bye.”

He felt a smile tugging at his face. Buddy and Alex always seemed to be there when he needed them. Even on voicemail. Alex knew how much he loved catfish. He sent her a text, then hopped in the shower, hoping to wash away the dust and filth from the smokehouse.

And if he was lucky, maybe some of the fog in his heart while he was at it.

“Noah, c’mon in!” Buddy chimed as he walked through the back door into the kitchen. “We were about to give up on you.”

Tracey slid the last biscuit into the basket and looked up as their guest arrived. His eyes met hers, but before she could say hello, she couldn’t help noticing how handsome he looked. He wore a blue chambray shirt beneath a navy cable knit sweater. The blues brought out the green in his eyes. She smiled. “Hello, Noah.”

“Hi, Tracey. I hope I didn’t hold up dinner. I figured the least I could do was clean up after crawling under the smokehouse half the day.”

“And you don’t clean up half bad for a Yankee,” Buddy teased, carrying a dish of pan fries. “Grab that bowl of fried okra. I’m starving!”

Alex walked in from the dining room. “Noah! I’m glad you came. What can I get you to drink?”

“Iced tea would be great.”

Tracey covered the biscuits and turned toward the dining room just as Noah turned to do the same. “Whoa! Sorry‍—‍” she said, jostling their cargo. A few pieces of okra spilled from Noah’s dish onto the floor. She leaned down. “I’ll get them.”

“No, let me,” he said, squatting. “I’m such a klutz‍—‍” At that precise moment, they bumped foreheads. “I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” He reached out to steady her.

Tracey laughed, rubbing her forehead and trying to ignore his hand on her elbow. “I think so. Though I’m beginning to wonder about—well, you know‌—‌this morning, when we‍—‍”

“Oh, yeah. That.” He chuckled as his face reddened. “I suppose I should have warned you that I’ve never been good at introductions.”

“No problem.” She threw the fallen okra into the trash. “I have quite a history of falling down stairs, if that makes you feel good.”

“Well, now that you mention it‍—‍”

“Will you two stop with the chatter and get the food on the table?” Alex squawked. “I’d like us to eat before it all gets cold.”

They gathered around the dining room table, placing the remaining dishes in the center of the cloth-covered table.

“Where are all the others?” Noah asked.

Buddy held out Alex’s chair before taking his seat at the head of the table. “Tonight’s their bowling league in town.”

“Ah, I forgot,” Noah said, pulling Tracey’s chair out for her.

“Thank you.”

As Noah took his seat across from her, Buddy reached out his hands and they followed, holding hands around the table. “Father, for Your incomparable goodness and blessings, we thank You. Bless my daughters for the meal they’ve prepared. It’s in Your name we pray, Lord.”

“Amen,” they said in unison.

Over dinner, they discussed the day’s accomplishments, making a few more suggestions along the way. Tracey watched Alex bubbling over with ideas, pleased to find her sister so animated and excited about the prospects of her new business. It saddened her to think she’d walked away from teaching because of the town bully. Deacon Stone had always been a pain, but she was tired of him hurting the people she loved. First Dad, now Alex. Not to mention the countless others in town he’d squashed like so many bugs beneath his big fat thumb.

She looked up and caught Noah watching her. She smiled before taking a sip of tea, curious about the two little lines between his eyebrows. Frown lines? Worry lines? And yet, his was a kind face. Alex said something amusing which caught his attention. He smiled but didn’t laugh.

Tracey forked a piece of the steaming catfish and gazed at her sister as she took a bite. That moment, something slowly occurred to her. She’d often wondered why no one had ever swept Alex off her feet and married her. She was so full of life and funny, so thoughtful, and the hardest working person she’d ever known. As she let her eyes drift back toward Noah, she wondered if there might be something there? She hadn’t had a chance to ask Alex about Noah‌—‌to find out what brought him to Jacobs Mill, how long he’d been around, and if he had a wife or family. She noticed he wasn’t wearing a ring. And obviously, if he had a home, he’d be having dinner there now, not here. She tore off a piece of biscuit and made a mental note to talk to Alex after dinner.

Nothing would make her happier than to see her big sister fall in love and marry.

“So what do you think, Tracey?”

She glanced up to find them all looking at her. “I’m sorry, what was the question?”

“Pay attention, Sis!” Alex said. “Noah asked what you thought of extending the front porch of the smokehouse a couple feet wider and building an awning over it. That would give it a covered porch where we could have some rocking chairs, hang some ferns‌—‌make it a really inviting entrance where people could also sit and visit.”

“Great idea,” Tracey answered. “And that would make it so easy to decorate for the seasons. You know, hay bales and pumpkins and cornstalks in the fall, Christmas lights and fresh garlands strung with lights‍—‍”

“Oh, Trace, that’s a GREAT idea!” Alex cried. “Noah, we’ve got to get this done! I’m so excited!”

“Sweetheart, let the man finish his dinner first, okay?” Buddy said. “You worked him all day, I think he deserves a little peace and quiet while he eats. Isn’t that right, Noah?”

“Buddy, I’ve been around Walnut Ridge long enough to know‌—‌there’s never ‘a little peace and quiet’ when the Collins get together.”

“Yeah, Dad, you heard him. So Noah, how early can we get started in the morning? If I have breakfast ready at five, will that work for you?”

“Five o’clock?” Tracey moaned. “Isn’t that awfully early?”

“Okay, fine. We’ll make it six!”

Chapter 6

After an enormous Southern breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, grits, biscuits, and a piping hot urn full of strong coffee, the team headed down the hill to get started on the smokehouse makeover. Tracey insisted on cleaning up the kitchen so Alex could go with them. Her sister had been up bright and early, banging around pots and pans long before the sun came up. Rinsing off the breakfast dishes, Tracey smiled, finding her sister’s enthusiasm highly contagious. Much to her surprise, Tracey’s thoughts had been filled with visions of the new shop as she drifted off to sleep the night before.

Her smile faded when she realized what a drastic change that was. How many nights had she lain awake consumed with the stress of her job? And yet, that was nothing compared to the angst that had hovered over her night and day as she contemplated how on earth to keep the job she loved while constantly having to fight off Morgan’s subtle nuances.

As she dried the large cast iron skillet and stored it back in the cabinet, she silently thanked God for this new distraction. On her flight home, Tracey had wondered how she would get through the first few weeks away from D.C. She was certain the whole mess she’d left behind would constantly eat at her and drain away all her energy. Her conscious decision to check her cell for messages only once a day had worked wonders. What a relief to be untethered from it. From that life.

Instead, here she was, anxious to get started in something she’d never even thought about before. To turn pieces of discarded junk into one-of-a-kind treasures. To work alongside Alex, filling the old smokehouse with these treasures, then open their door for business. She felt invigorated! She couldn’t begin to understand why she was so eager to do it. Then again, maybe she did know. It was new. It was different. It was an about-face to everything she’d ever done before. And it was all about making old things new.

Tracey noted the symbolism, felt it touch deep in her heart.

It was everywhere. Her father’s new life‌—‌so radically different from that of the small-town pastor he’d once been. His band of Elders, men whose lives had been transformed as a direct result of Buddy’s own metamorphosis. She was anxious to meet the rest of them, curious to hear all their stories and find out how their lives had changed. Noah’s face popped into her mind, and she wondered at his story most of all . . .

And Alex. Dear Alex. At a time when anyone else would be filled with bitterness and spite at the hand that was dealt her, Alex dusted the whole situation off her shoulders and chose to look forward.

A lesson I’d do well to learn. Thanks for raising the bar, Sis.

Tracey filled a large thermos with coffee, grabbed a sleeve of Styrofoam cups, and headed outside. The brisk fresh air filled her lungs, making her grateful for the old Vanderbilt sweatshirt she’d thrown on over her blouse. Septembers in Tennessee had a mind of their own. Warm one day, chilly the next. She enjoyed the walk down the hill, hearing the breeze rustle through the leaves. How she’d loved growing up here, raking up mountains of leaves then flying into them from the swing Dad had hung from their oak tree’s massive branches. If she closed her eyes, she could probably still hear the little girl giggles as she and Alex took turns on that swing, like a soundtrack from her childhood. She could smell the intoxicating aroma of the leaves Dad always set to burn just over the hill. One of her all-time favorite scents.

Yes, it’s good to be home.

As she neared the smokehouse, she found the men hard at work clearing out rubble, pulling off rotted planks of wood, and lots of other dirty work.

“Hey, guys,” she said, holding up the thermos. “I’ll have this inside if you need a cup. Just come on in, okay?”

“Sure thing, Miss Tracey,” Gristle said, using his forearm to wipe some dirt from his chin. “That’s real nice. We thank you.”

“No problem, Gristle. Looks like you’re making headway out here.”

“Yes, ma’am, we are,” Stump said as she passed by him. “Mighty fine breakfast you and Miss Alex served this morning.”

“It was our pleasure, Stump. Nice having you join us.”

Just before she stepped up to the back door, she noticed an unfamiliar face. She smiled at him, but he didn’t smile back. Just gave her a nod. She tucked the bag of cups under her arm and extended her hand toward him. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Tracey Collins.”

He nodded again, brushed his gloved hand against his jeans, then shook her hand.

“Miss Tracey, that’s Lester,” Stump said. “We don’t know what his last name is. He don’t talk much.”

Tracey looked back at the scraggly beard and ruddy complexion of the man as he shook some dirt off his worn boots. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, but she wondered if he might be younger with a lot of wear and tear from a rough life.

“He’s harmless,” Gristle said. “Don’t mind him none, Miss Tracey.”

She turned back toward Lester, surprised to find he’d walked off.

“He just like that. Keeps to hisseff. He don’t mean no nuthin’ by it.”

“Thanks, Gristle,” she said, stepping up to the building. “I was afraid I’d offended him somehow.”

“He an odd one, but Buddy sees sumpin’ in him. He likes Buddy.”

“Good to know,” she said then slipped inside. There, a bank of temporary light stands bathed the room in a surreal light.

“Oh, Trace! You’re here!” Alex said. “Come here! I’ve got to show you something!”

Tracey found a rough-hewn bench against one wall and set the thermos and bag of cups on it. “What is it?”

Alex grabbed her sleeve and pulled her toward the front of the building. As they approached a section of an interior wall that had been partially ripped out, Noah stepped through the front door. “Did Alex show you what we found?”

“She was just about to,” Tracey said. “You both look like you’re about to pop. What did you find, Jimmy Hoffa’s body?”

“No, silly.” Alex squatted down and unwrapped some kind of old cloth. Tracey kneeled beside her. “Look at this.” Carefully, as if handling the Hope Diamond, Alex lifted an old teacup from the cloth. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

Noah kneeled beside them. “We found it in the wall here. It was wrapped in this long piece of cloth, wound around and around. Obviously to protect it. Which worked, since it’s in perfect condition.”

“And look, Trace,” Alex said in a near whisper. “The saucer was wrapped separately but just as carefully. Not a fracture or crack on it. They’re both perfect.”

Tracey held the saucer in one hand, gently fingering it with the other. “So why would someone store their fine china in the wall of a smokehouse? I wonder who put it here?”

Noah held one of the cloths in his hand. “I’m no expert, but that looks like some kind of crest.” He pointed to the design on the cup. “Much more regal than I would expect to find in most Tennessee homes.” He carefully turned it over. “Unfortunately, there’s no stamp by the china company. That would help, at least to know where it came from originally.”

“I still don’t understand why these were in the wall,” Tracey said.

Alex carefully began rewrapping the cloth around the teacup. “I don’t either, but I bet we can Google it and find out. But it sure adds to the mystique of this place, doesn’t it? I’ve always wished the walls at Walnut Ridge could talk. Now maybe they will!”

“In the meantime, I’d suggest taking these up to the house and storing them somewhere so they don’t get broken,” Noah said. “In fact, I promised Buddy I’d meet him there. He’s got another generator for these lights until we get an electrician to wire the place. If you’ll trust me with them, I’ll put them in your dining room hutch.”

Alex helped him wrap the saucer. “Good idea. In fact, let’s put them in my backpack there so they’ll be easier to carry.”

They placed the fragile dishes gently into the canvas bag and sent Noah on his way.

“Okay, Sis. I brought some of Dad’s work gloves, so put me to work.”

Side by side, Alex and Tracey pulled down cobwebs, swept the filthy floor, and continued prepping the interior for more serious work. Nasty work, but Tracey loved it.

She leaned over to look out the back door before lowering her voice. “I’ve been wanting to ask you about Noah. He told me he met Dad on one of his biker weekends and that he’s a roadie of some kind, but not much else. What’s his story?”

Alex didn’t even bother looking up from her work. “Well, there’s not a whole lot more to tell. He’s been in the area a year or so, give or take. From what Dad said, he used to be some big financial attorney in New York, but gave it all up after his wife died.”

“He’s a widower?”

“That’s usually what they call a man who loses his wife,” Alex said.

“I know, but‌—‌well, how did she die? Cancer?”

Alex stood back up and arched her back. “No, she was killed in some kind of accident.”

“That’s so sad,” Tracey said. “I mean, he’s so young.”

Alex blew a strand of hair out of her face. “I know. It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? He still struggles, from time to time. He disappears now and then, and not just when he’s on tour with those musicians. He’ll just take off on his bike, and we won’t see him for a week or two.”

“Where do you think he goes?”

“No idea. I’m guessing he just gets on the road and goes. Maybe it helps clear his thoughts. Who knows. But he’s come a long, long way since Dad more or less took him under his wing. They’re really close, as you probably noticed.”

“Which explains why he’s living in your cottage.”

“When I moved back to the house to help Dad, it just seemed like I was supposed to stay. So I stayed. Left most of my things down at the cottage, in case I ever change my mind. But it was stupid to have it sitting there empty when Noah didn’t have a place to hang his hat.”

Tracey picked a piece of straw off her sister’s shirt. “So, tell me. How well have you gotten to know him? He seems really comfortable around you.”

Alex clumsily scratched her ear with the oversized glove on her hand. “What do you mean? The guy eats dinner with us occasionally, he does odd jobs around the house, helps Dad with his ministry projects, and they bike together now and then. Yeah, I know him a little more than the others, but why do you ask?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I was just hoping maybe you and he‍—‍”

“Oh, for crying out loud, Trace,” Alex whispered hoarsely. “If you’re asking if I have a crush on him—”

“No! I just thought maybe you and he might have gone out for dinner or a movie or something.”

Alex laughed. “Who are you, Cupid?” Then, after glancing through the back door to make sure no one was listening, she said, “No, little sister, I do not have a crush on him, and we have not been out on a date together. He’s a wonderful guy who’s survived an unspeakable tragedy. Sometimes a guy like that just needs a sense of security and friendship. The last thing he needs is romance.”

“Oh no,” Tracey croaked, grabbing her arm. “Look out front.”

Deacon Stone was making his way up the front steps, his signature mustache and aviator sunglasses in place.

“Quick, Trace! Lock the door!”

“I would but there’s no lock. Want me to body-slam it shut?”

The town’s self-appointed unofficial boss man stepped inside the smokehouse, took off his sunglasses, and looked around the room. “Ladies, ladies, what have we here?”

“Gee, Deacon, I don’t recall asking you to stop by,” Alex said, brushing her bangs aside then planting her hand on her hip. “To what do we owe this pleasure?”

He tucked the glasses in his shirt pocket, taking his time as he nosed around the large room. “Oh, you know, just stopping by to say hello, Miss Collins.”

His saccharine tone irritated Tracey, but she tamped down a burning desire to spit on his fancy leather boots. She’d never liked his Tom Selleck mustache, especially since everyone had long told him he resembled the older actor. Tracey didn’t see it, forever distracted by a rather large mole just below his left nostril. Plus, Deacon’s personality certainly didn’t match that of the famous actor. She let out a huff. “What do you want?”

“I heard you were back in town, Tracey Jo.” He chuckled, still glancing around. “I’ve always found it amusing how our national politicians vote themselves big fat salaries, then find every excuse they can to take a vacation. Not just our elected officials like your boss, Morgan Thompson. But staff like you as well. Must be nice.”

“Tracey asked you a question,” Alex said, stepping closer to him. “What do you want?”

“Well then, I’ll get right to it. I couldn’t help but notice all the commotion around this old building. You’re obviously not tearing it down. Looks to me like you’re into some kind of renovation or such?”

“Could be,” Alex said. “But I sure don’t see how that concerns you, so if you don’t mind‍—‍”

“Actually it does concern me. As a member of the City Council, I don’t recall seeing any kind of paperwork about this particular building. I inquired of our City Manager as to whether you’d applied for a building permit. Faye said she’s seen nothing of the kind. So I suppose you could say I’m here on official city business. Because if you’ve got any plans whatsoever for this ol’ shack, you’d best stop right now. Nothing happens in Jacobs Mill without approval of our City Council.” He plastered a smile on his face and waited for a response. “It would be wise to remember that.”

Tracey saw anger smoldering in her sister’s eyes. Not tears‌—‌more like Vesuvius on the brink of eruption. She stepped between them. “Deacon, why don’t you just cart yourself down to Faye’s office and have you a nice little pow wow. We’re busy here.”

His gaze moved slowly to hers. Another fake smile. “Did your sister here tell you the School Board had to ask for her resignation? She flagrantly broke school rules and wasn’t the least bit shy about it. She’d been warned about it before. She knew she was in violation of‍—‍”

“Are you done?” Tracey snapped.

Alex pushed Tracey out of the way. “Deacon, so help me, if you don’t get out of here this minute‍—‍”

“What? What exactly are you going to do, Miss Collins?” He stretched himself to his full height, a good four or five inches taller than Alex. “Hmm?”

Alex inhaled and slowly let it out, trying to control her temper. “I mean it, Deacon. GET. OUT.”

He laughed. Tracey couldn’t believe it. The man actually threw his head back and laughed.

Tracey blocked Alex just as she reached out to shove him.

They turned at the sound of footsteps behind them. Noah, Gristle, Stump, Lester the quiet one, and even Hank the redhead gathered slowly around them. Tracey noted the glint in Noah’s eyes, but he didn’t say a word.

“Well, well,” Deacon said, his tone once again laced with sweetness. “I see we have us a party here.”

None of the Elders said a word. They just stared at him, their message unmistakable.

“I see then, well, I’ll be on my way,” Deacon said, turning to leave. “Miss Collins, you just let me know if there’s any way we can be of service‍—‍” He stopped as he opened the door, glancing over his shoulder “‍—‍With whatever it is you all are up to here.” His mustached smile didn’t quite reach the disdain in his eyes. He turned and made his way out the door and down the steps.

Alex let out a long, graveled groan. “I mean to tell you, if that man‍—‍”

“Alex, what’s going on?” Noah asked.

Tracey answered before Alex could. “Just an old bully flexing his muscles. Nothing new about that.”

Alex let her head drop back, her eyes closed. “I can’t tell you how badly I wanted to smack that fat gnarly mole right off his face.”

A snort sounded behind them. They all turned to find Lester snickering with a crooked smile. A split-second later they all broke into laughter.

Everyone except Alex. “No, I can’t laugh. I won’t. There’s nothing funny about that jerk. Nothing.”

As their laughter settled, Tracey put her arm around her sister. “Oh, c’mon, Sis. You can’t let him get to you. That’s exactly what he wants. But you know what?”

Alex huffed and tossed her a glare. “What?”

“I think he just met his match,” she said, nodding her head at the guys around them.

They looked at each other as if considering the idea.

“You want me to go slash his tires, Miss Alex?” Stump asked, completely serious.

“No, how ‘bout I go teach him a thang or two about manners?” Gristle gestured with great flair. “That dude think he all that. And I’m tellin’ you right now, he ain’t.”

Tracey looked at Alex. “Y’know, I have to agree. Don’t you?”

They all laughed, then Noah planted his hands on his hips and shook his head. “That may be, guys, but you don’t want to cross him.”

“Ah, c’mon, now!” Gristle cried. “Where’s the fun in that?”

“Noah’s right.” Stump folded his arms across his massive chest. “You can’t let him scare ya away, but you sure don’t wanna get him all hot ‘n bothered. Just let it go so as he’ll leave you alone, Miss Alex.”

“Easier said than done, Stump. I’ve still got battle scars from that one.”

He stepped closer to her, rested his hand on her shoulder as an easy expression warmed his bearded face. “Well, don’t you worry yourself none. We gotcha covered.”

Alex exhaled, relieved, and looked up at him. “Good to know. Thanks, Stump.”

Tracey looked at him, this tall, tall man, and decided beneath all that hair and height and breadth was a big soft heart. The thought eased her own tension.

“Okay, show’s over, let’s get back to work,” Alex said, clapping her hands.

The men stood there, not moving.

“What?”

“Nothin’, Miss Alex, ’ceptin’ we only came in fo’ a cup of coffee,” Gristle mumbled. “That okay wid’ you?”

Chapter 7

While Buddy and Noah rigged up additional temporary lighting, the girls told him about Deacon’s visit. He assured them he would handle the permits and Deacon Stone. Tracey could see the immediate relief in her sister’s face. She reminded herself to ask Alex sometime about the whole sordid story of her retirement‌—‌which clearly wasn’t.

The day had been exhausting, but productive. The Elders took off at four-thirty when Alex thanked them and sent them on their way. Alex had told Tracey they all had their own places and liked their privacy, which was why she didn’t offer them dinner every night of the week. Just on occasion.

The three of them ate a quiet dinner together, then both Dad and Alex called it an early night. Tracey was tired, but rarely ever went to bed early. Her D.C. hours had left an indelible mark on her sleep patterns.

Besides, there was something she wanted to do. She made herself a hot cup of tea, slipped her laptop under her arm, and headed for the back porch. As much as she loved the grand front porch at Walnut Ridge, the large screened-in back porch was her haven. Cozy and intimate for its size, it was the perfect spot to get lost in a good book or stretch out on the cushioned sofa for an afternoon nap. Several years ago, Buddy added a stone fireplace on the east side of the porch, making it even more inviting on nights like this.

Tracey built a small fire like her father had taught her years ago. Satisfied, she trekked back inside for one more thing, then returned, placing the fragile, wrapped items on the wicker coffee table. She unwrapped them, first the cup then the saucer, and turned on the small lamp on the table beside her. All day, thoughts of their unexpected discovery had needled her.

Carefully holding each piece up to the light, she studied the design. Basically, both pieces had a white background edged in gold and a deep, dark shade of red‌—‌no, now that she looked at it in the light, more like a dark maroon or magenta. A white twisted rope pattern set inside the gold band rimmed both cup and saucer. Below that, a quarter-inch band of the dark maroon with a single row of tiny gold dots circled the pieces.

And on the face of the cup, an eagle with its wings outstretched, its head turned to the left with the faintest wash of yellow behind it‌—‌almost as if the sun glowed behind it. What looked to be an olive branch was gripped in the eagle’s talons atop a shield of sorts with muted red and white vertical stripes below, topped by a horizontal band of navy blue. How odd that the shield leans to the left just ever so slightly, she thought. Protruding from the upper right edge of the shield were four or five arrows.

She wondered if it were some kind of colonial design. Something about it seemed familiar, but she just couldn’t put her finger on it. The eagle, the red, white, and blue shield, the olive branch—

“Good evening, Tracey.”

“Ah!” She caught herself, juggling the cup but saving it. “Noah! You’ve got to stop sneaking up on me like that. I almost dropped the cup we found today.”

As she set it down, he came around to the back entrance of the screened-in porch and opened the door. “I’m so sorry‌—‌really. I promise I’m not trying to spook you.”

“I know, but‌—‌maybe I should give you bells to wear around your neck so I’ll hear you coming.”

He smiled. “I hope not. Never been one for wearing dog collars.”

“Well, never say never,” she said, pushing her hair back out of her face. “Was there something you needed?”

As he approached the sitting area, Tracey noticed he’d changed into an olive-green sweater and a clean pair of jeans, his hair still damp from a shower.

“Please, have a seat. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I saw the light back here and decided to take my chances and see if anyone was up.”

“Oh? Did you need Dad or Alex? I doubt they’re asleep yet.”

“No, please don’t disturb them.” He pointed to the rocker adjacent to the sofa. “Mind if I join you?”

“Please, have a seat. Would you like a cup of tea? Or I could make some coffee.”

“No, I think I’ve had enough caffeine for one day.” He sat down and gently set the chair rocking, his glance moving to the cup and saucer on the table. “Apparently we’re both on the same wavelength. When I got back to the cottage, I couldn’t stop thinking about them. Where they came from‍—‍”

“‍—‍and who put them there?” Tracey added. “Me too. I was just about to go online to see what I could find out.”

He chuckled softly. “Like minds. I did the same thing, but I’ve misplaced my charger and my laptop’s out of juice. I’m bad about that sort of thing. That’s why I came up to the house. I wanted to take a better look at the pieces.” He leaned forward, pointing at the cup. “Do you mind?”

“No, not at all.”

He lifted the cup then leaned back in the lamplight. “So what have you found out?”

“Nothing, yet. I’m curious about that crest or whatever it is. What do you make of the symbols on it?”

He held the face of the cup up to the light on the table between them. “I actually had a thought about that. I thought it looked like some kind of crest or coat of arms, but it occurred to me it might be something else. It almost looks as if it could be some kind of official china. I can imagine it in a place setting at the governor’s mansion for some kind of state dinner, can’t you?”

“At the Tennessee governor’s mansion?” she quipped. “I doubt it. I’m sure those cups have some gaudy orange and white design. Go Vols and all that.”

He smiled. “You’re probably right. But since you’re a Vandy grad, I doubt you’d approve. You’d expect something gold and black.”

“Well, of course. Much more elegant for the governor’s mansion, in my opinion.” She reached for the saucer, inadvertently pulling the linen wrapping along with it. As she did so, something fluttered to the floor. “I wonder what that is?”

“I’ll get it.” Noah set the cup on the table between them and reached for a torn piece of paper. “Whoa. Where did this come from?” He transferred it to his other hand, holding it in his palm. “Looks like parchment or something.”

Tracey set the saucer down and leaned over for a closer look. “Has to be parchment. Can you make out what it says?”

He moved it closer to the light. “Hard to read. The ink is really faded.” He looked up at her. “Do you have a magnifying glass handy?”

“Dad keeps one in the kitchen. I’ll get it.”

“I’ll come with you. I think we need better light.” He followed her, blinking when Tracey flipped on the lights over the kitchen counter. “Much better. Let’s take a look.”

They sat side by side on the tall bar stools. Noah carefully laid the small note on the counter and held the magnifying glass over it.

“Wow, this must be really old,” Tracey whispered in awe, just before gasping. “Noah, look!” Leaning closer, she pointed at the last line of the note. “That’s a date‌—‌April 29, 1863. Can that be right?”

“Whoa . . .”

“What do the words say? There,” she pointed. “Is that an F or a P?

“I think it’s a P,” he answered reverently. “I think it says, For safe‍—‍”

“For safe-keeping?”

“For safe-keeping . . . until the‍—‍”

“‍—‍until the war is over! That has to be the Civil War!”

He turned, their faces just inches apart. “Do you realize what that means?”

She turned at his question, looking into his eyes. “What?” When he simply stared at her without answering, she asked again. “Do I realize what what means?”

A moment more then he looked back at the small piece of parchment. “It means this note was written around 150 years ago.”

Still watching him, she pressed. “You were going to say something else.”

“I was?”

“Noah?”

He glanced briefly at her then back at the note. “Nothing. I guess I was just overly excited or something.”

She wasn’t convinced.

“I think these must be someone’s initials. And if I’m not mistaken, it’s CJC.”

She leaned in closer, taking the magnifying glass from his hand. The capital letters were in script and rather swirly, but she had to agree. “CJC. Has to be one of my ancestors, wouldn’t you think? The last C most likely stands for Collins.”

“Probably. No way to know for sure, but it’s a place to start.” He leaned back and folded his arms across his chest. “Do you have some kind of record of family names?”

“There’s an old family Bible with that sort of thing, but I think it’s up in the attic.”

“Probably not the best time for us to be rooting around up there,” he said, carefully picking up the note again.

“I guess you’re right.” Tracey hopped down from the stool. Maybe I can look for it in the morning.”

“Have you got a Ziploc bag we could put this in? We should probably try to keep it as sterile as possible.”

She pulled a plastic bag from a drawer and opened it for him to drop the parchment in. “Hey, I bet Mrs. Sadie over at the library would have some old records. She’s quite the historian.”

He followed her out to the back porch. “Should we take her the cup and saucer?”

She sat back down, tucking her feet under her as she picked up her laptop. “I suppose. But I’m not sure I can wait. Let’s see if we can find out something about the china.” She looked up at him. “Are you in a hurry?”

“No. Are you sure you don’t mind me sticking around?”

“Not at all. We’re in this thing together, right?”

“Yes, I suppose we are,” he said, smiling. “In which case, do you mind if I‍—‍?” He motioned to the sofa beside her so he could see the laptop screen.

“Have a seat.” As he sat down, she caught a whiff of his cologne and decided it suited him. After powering up her laptop, the screen came to life. A chat screen popped up. Morgan: Trace, are you there? She quickly closed the chat and felt her face warm.

“If you need to answer that, I can go,” Noah said, starting to get up.

Tracey grabbed his sleeve and pulled him back. “No need. Now let’s see. What should I Google‌—‌teacup?”

Noah leaned back, wondering why she hadn’t answered the chat notice from her boss. It seemed a little odd that a U.S. Senator would use chat to communicate with his staff. Then again, what do I know?

“Try using Google Images first,” he said. “That way you’ll see the pictures, not just a listing.”

“Okay.”

“And type in ‘teacup with eagle crest’ and see what you get.”

The monitor filled with pictures of all kinds of teacups, teacup-sized puppies, crests, and even a teacup-sized piglet or two.

“This is going to take forever,” Tracey mumbled, scrolling through the images.

“Stop,” Noah said, placing his hand on hers over the mouse. “Scroll back up.”

“Why? What did you see?”

“Do you mind if I take the mouse for a moment?”

She took her hand off the device. “Sure. But tell me what you‍—‍”

“There,” he said, clicking on an image. As an enlarged image filled the screen, he slowly turned his face toward hers. “We’re going about this all wrong.”

“What?” she asked, meeting his eyes.

Intensely aware of her closeness, he reached up and gently turned her face back toward the screen. “That.”

“Okay, it’s a‌—‌oh my gosh,” she croaked, turning to face him again. “It’s a presidential seal?”

He smiled. “Yes, it is. Now keep that thought. If the note we found from your great-great-great-uncle-Craggie is authentic, and the date is right . . .” He arched his eyebrows encouraging her to connect the dots.

She gasped, both hands flying to her cheeks. “It’s . . . it’s‍—‍”

“It’s entirely possible that teacup and saucer over there came from the White House.” He paused. “Which was occupied at the time by‍—‍”

“ABRAHAM LINCOLN!”

He laughed out loud, cupping his hand over her mouth. “Well, yes, but must you announce it to the whole world?”

Tracey grasped his hand over her mouth and drew it away. “Abraham Lincoln could have sipped tea from that cup?!” she whisper-squealed.

“Yes, I think that’s entirely possible.”

He couldn’t take his eyes off her. The discovery may have been breathtaking, but no more so than the young woman sitting beside him. From the moment he met her, Noah had been intrigued. Her quiet confidence. Her warm and ready smile creating the perfect frame for eyes the color of dark caramel. Her hair‌—‌a deep, rich brunette, always shining, reaching well below her shoulders.

As she stared into his eyes, he could tell her mind was far away. “What are you thinking?” he asked.

“I’m imagining a much younger version of the White House. I’m there in the State Dining Room where President and Mrs. Lincoln are hosting their guests. And everyone’s seated at decorated tables, all set with this same china.” He watched as she blinked back to the present.

“Then again,” he said quietly.

“Yes?”

He tipped his forehead down to touch hers. “Then again, it could have been Mary Todd.”

“Mary Todd?”

“Mrs. Lincoln. She could have sipped from that cup over there, not Abe.”

“Ah.”

Their eyes seemed locked on one another . . . and then the moment passed.

“Yes, well‌—‌” she said.

“Yes, well,” he echoed as she turned her attention back to the screen.

“May I?” She reached for the mouse.

“Sure. Fine. Absolutely.” He slid it over to her.

He watched as she keyed in Lincoln china pattern, then hit ENTER. The familiar images filled row after row of the exact same pattern.

“Whoa!” Noah leaned back. “I can’t believe it!”

Tracey’s smile widened as she glanced at him in utter shock. “Unbelievable,” she whispered.

For the next half hour, they followed a cyber rabbit trail of pictures and information about the Lincoln china. They learned that the crest on the actual plates and bowls and platters was more detailed than the one on the teacups‌—‌a lower arc of clouds on the bottom half of the design; the nation’s motto, “E pluribus unum” written on floating ribbons against the clouds; an arc of clouds edged by sunlight above the eagle’s head and wings. They talked over each other, pointing out this anecdote and that, comparing one picture with another.

After Noah grew quiet, Tracey paused. “I’ve worn you out, haven’t I?”

“Not at all. This is fascinating, and I’m anxious to find out how a cup and saucer from the Lincoln White House ended up in your smokehouse.”

“Well, yes, there’s that,” she said with a tired smile.

Noah stood. “But I’ve got an early morning, and I need to get some rest.”

She set the laptop aside and followed him to the back door. “I hadn’t even noticed the fire died out. Some hostess I am.”

He pushed open the screen door and turned to look back at the fireplace. “It’s nice back here. I’ve always enjoyed my visits with Buddy out here when he builds a fire.”

“I’m sure Dad’s fires never die out.”

“No, but you’ll get the hang of it. Just takes practice.”

“I’ll try to remember that.”

“It was fun. Thanks, Tracey. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He let the door tap shut behind him. “Next time I’ll try to remember my dog collar.” He mimed the noisy collar. “Lots of bells.”

“Please do. And I’ll try not to jump when I hear them.”

“Good night, Tracey.”

“Good night, Noah.”

Chapter 8

At breakfast the next morning, it was just the three of them again. Tracey couldn’t wait to tell her father and Alex about the amazing discovery she and Noah had made last night. She’d brought the cup and saucer into the kitchen, setting them on the table beside her. Knowing they’d want to see for themselves, she’d also brought her laptop along. When the moment came, she enlarged the photo of the Lincoln china and spun the screen around so they could see it.

“Ta da!”

“Oh. My. GOSH!” Alex cried.

Buddy pulled the laptop closer to him. “You’ve gotta be kidding me!” He tilted his head up so he could view it through the readers perched on his nose. “Well, for the love of Pete! Sure enough‌—‌there it is. Tracey Jo, how’d you find out? How’d you even know where to look?”

“I was studying the pieces when Noah stopped by last night, and he suggested we do a Google Image search. Then he‍—‍”

“Wait, Noah came by?” Alex asked, with raised brows. Like her father, she turned to look at Tracey through her half-glasses.

“He came over after you guys went to bed. I was out on the back porch, and he said he saw the light on. Apparently he was curious about the pieces too, but‌—‌OH! I completely forgot! Tracey jumped up and stuck her hand into the pocket of her robe. She carefully removed the Ziploc containing the note they’d found. “You will not believe this!”

They leaned closer. “What is it?”

“It’s a note! Last night as I was unwrapping the cloth from the saucer, it fell out. I guess when we unwrapped it before, it must have stuck to the cloth. Or maybe we never completely unrolled the rest of it. Doesn’t matter. Look at this.”

“What’s it say?” Buddy asked.

“It says, ‘For safe-keeping until the war is over.’ Then it’s signed with the initials CJC. But look at the date‌—‌1863!”

Alex leaned closer, her hand over the faded letters and numbers. “Are you sure? It’s so faded, how can you be sure?”

Tracey stepped over to the kitchen drawer and pulled out the magnifying glass. “Here.”

Alex and Buddy crowded over the small piece of parchment, both looking through the magnified glass. “Oh. My. GOSH!” Alex gasped for the second time. “Dad! Look! She’s right. It says 1863 just as clear as day!”

He leaned back and pushed the readers up on his head. “This is unbelievable, Tracey Jo! But who’s CJC? Obviously a Collins, but‍—‍”

“I don’t know and that’s exactly why I’m climbing up in the attic as soon as I finish breakfast. Are all those old trunks and boxes still up there?”

“A few, but we donated most of the documents and letters to the library,” Alex said, still bent over studying the note.

“What about the old family Bible? Is it still up there?”

“Yes, but I know it doesn’t go back to the mid-1800s. Check with Sadie over at the library. She probably has it all documented and categorized. This kind of thing is right up her alley.”

Alex finally leaned back. “Oh, she’ll have a ball with this. Why don’t we take this and the pieces over to her as soon as we get dressed? The library doesn’t open until nine, but she’s always over there by seven.”

“Perfect! But don’t you need to work at the smokehouse with the guys today, Alex?”

“No,” their father answered instead. “It’s mostly just grunt work at this stage, so the Elders can handle it. In fact, a few more of the guys are coming out today. Besides, I’ve got to go to City Hall and file all the permits and have a nice little chat with my favorite demon‌—‌I mean, deacon.” He rolled his eyes and downed the last of his coffee.

“You need back up? Alex and I can go with you. Better yet, take the Elders. They scared him off yesterday, maybe they’ll have the same effect today.”

“No, this is between Deacon and me. And the lovely Miss Faye. Don’t you girls worry about it. All that to say, the guys can handle the work today. Alex, I’ll let you know if we need you. Y’all go on and see what you can find out from Sadie over at the library.”

Alex stood up, gathering their dishes. “Will do, Dad.”

“And whatever you do, don’t drop the cup and saucer! Those must be worth a fortune!”

“He’s right, Trace. We should probably find something more secure to put them in. Heavens, if I’d known these were Lincoln’s, I’d never have let Noah carry them in my backpack. I’ll see what I can find. I’ll clean up, so you go on and get dressed.”

Dad took the dishes from her. “No, I’ll clean up so you two can get ready. Go on, scoot.”

Alex kissed his bearded cheek. “You’re the best. Thanks, Dad.”

Tracey pecked his other cheek then headed for the stairs. “Love you, Dad.”

After she showered and dried her hair, Tracey dashed on a little make-up. As she waved the wand of mascara over her lashes, she saw the face of her cell phone light up. She’d kept the tone on silent, so she’d missed all of Morgan’s calls over the past couple of days. But this time it was Amanda’s number that flashed. She reached for her cell, then stopped herself, slowly pulling her hand back.

“Amanda, I know we need to talk but not now,” she said aloud. Returning to her make-up, she felt the familiar uneasiness. Just because she’d left Washington and thrown herself into her home and family life didn’t mean she’d forgotten all she’d left behind. She couldn’t imagine how Morgan must be handling it. And truth be told, she didn’t really want to know.

But Amanda was a different story. She promised herself she’d either email her or call her soon. Just not yet.

As Tracey and Alex made the short walk from Walnut Ridge to the library, Noah slowed his Harley to a stop after spotting them on Main Street. He told them he was headed up to Nashville to order supplies for the renovation.

“I’ll be anxious to hear what you find out. I’ll stop by later today to hear what you learned.”

“Come for dinner,” Alex said. “I put a roast in the crockpot earlier.”

“Sounds good. But only if you let me bring dessert.”

Alex shielded her eyes from the morning sun. “You baking or buying?”

“Very funny. No time today, so I’ll pick up something in town.”

“Drive safe,” Tracey said as he put his helmet back on.

“I always do. Later, ladies.”

As he took off, Tracey watched over her shoulder until he drove out of sight. He looked completely different in his black leather jacket with that big black helmet on his head. Different in a good way, she thought. I wouldn’t mind taking a ride in that seat behind him . . . When she turned back around, her sister was staring at her.

“What?”

“Did I say anything?”

“No.”

“Well, there you go,” Alex answered. “Oh look, there’s Sadie’s car in the parking lot.”

Sadie Woolsey smiled as she unlocked the door to let them in. “How lovely to see you girls this morning. Come in, come in!”

Tracey had always loved the little log cabin that housed the town’s library. The large paper maché tree towering over the children’s section had always reminded her of The Giving Tree, one of her childhood favorites. On the other side of the room, a large fireplace warmed the cozy atmosphere and invited readers to have a seat in one of the rocking chairs before the hearth. And all around them, rows of shelves stood filled with books. She’d spent many a happy afternoon here when she was young. Good memories.

“Tracey Jo, I heard you were back for a visit. How are you?”

She placed her laptop bag carefully on the table then gave the elderly woman a hug. “I’m fine, Miss Woolsey. It’s good to see you.”

“How’s our fine senator? We’re all so proud of you up there in Washington. People say you’re his right-hand man‌—‌I mean, right-hand girl, of course. Must be quite an honor to work with Senator Thompson.”

Tracey forced a tight smile. “I suppose you’re right, but let me tell you why we’re here.” Then, while explaining yesterday’s find in the smokehouse wall, she and Alex carefully opened the bag where, instead of a laptop, the cup and saucer were each secured in bubble-wrap. They unwound the wrap, revealing the two pieces.

“My goodness, what have we here?” Sadie asked, picking up the teacup.

Tracey filled her in on last night’s research. Holding the cup, she turned it so the presidential seal faced the librarian. “And that’s when we put two and two together and realized‌—‌these were from Abraham Lincoln’s White House china service.”

“What?!” she gasped, dropping into the chair behind her. “You can’t be serious!”

Tracey found the eighty-year-old’s expression utterly priceless‌—‌her eyes wide open, her hand to her chest, the other on her rouge-dusted cheek. Alex had once commented how much Sadie Woolsey resembled the old-lady version of Kate in the movie, Titanic. At the time, Sadie had far fewer wrinkles than the actress. Now, her pale, paper-thin skin seemed crinkled enough they could be twins.

“It’s true,” Alex said, digging the Ziploc out of the bag’s inside pocket. “But that’s just the beginning.” She placed the clear bag on the table in front of Sadie. “The real mystery is who put it there and why.”

“Which is why we need your help,” Tracey added.

With the help of the magnifying glass they’d brought along, they discussed the note, its date and initials.

“Oh my goodness, it’s almost too much to comprehend,” she said, leaning back in her chair, her hands clasped like those of a child in prayer. “It’s as if the Holy Grail is right here in our grasp.”

“Miss Sadie, are you okay?” Tracey asked. “Can I bring you some water?”

“Oh dear, no, I’m fine. Just a little shocked. To think that our dear President Abraham Lincoln could have sipped tea from this very cup . . .” She shook her head in disbelief.

Alex and Tracey laughed. “We’ve had that same thought. It’s pretty surreal, isn’t it?”

Sadie sat up straight. “Girls, you must secure these,” she said in a hushed voice. “If anyone knew you had something so valuable, you could be robbed!”

“Oh, I doubt anything like that‍—‍”

“No, it’s true! I read emails from my friends all the time about how easily thieves can get into your home using nothing more than a credit card. And another one told how they case your house, so you should always put your lights on timers and leave the TV on so they think someone’s home.” She punctuated the information with a knowing nod.

Tracey and Alex shared a smile. “We’ll look into that, Miss Sadie. But what about these initials‌—‌CJC?” Alex asked, pointing back at the note. “We assume it’s someone in our family, one of our ancestors. But Dad said you have most of the Collins family documents in your archives here.”

“Oh, yes. I’ve got them . . .” She fell silent, staring at the note.

“What is it?” Alex asked.

Sadie looked up, still dazed. A moment passed then two. “I know who put these in the wall . . .” Suddenly she blinked, looking back and forth between them. “And I think I know how he came to have them!”

Chapter 9

It was well after one in the afternoon before Tracey and Alex climbed into their father’s pickup truck and drove to the estate sale west of town. They chatted like magpies, discussing everything Sadie had shared with them, much of it conjecture on their part. Finally, Alex had enough.

“Okay, I think we should table any further discussion until we can talk to Dad and Noah tonight at dinner.”

“I’m sorry we’re late getting to the sale. We should have left Sadie to search through all those papers.”

“Are you kidding? She was so excited, I thought we were going to have to put the dear soul on oxygen. If we’d left and she passed out, we’d never forgive ourselves.”

“I know, but didn’t you tell me you like to get to these sales early so you can have first pick?” The old Chevy pickup hit a bump in the road and sent them bouncing. “Good grief! When was the last time you had the shocks on this thing checked?”

“I think Lincoln was still in the White House,” Alex quipped. “No, Sis, it’s okay. We would’ve been completely distracted if we’d come here before going to the library. And the way I see it, no matter when I get there, if one or two sweethearts are meant to be mine, they’ll still be there waiting for me. You’ll see.”

“By ‘sweethearts’ are you referring to the stuff you buy at these sales?”

Without taking her eyes off the road, Alex batted at her. “Bite your tongue, Tracey Jolene Collins! I’ll have you know I do not buy stuff. I take in orphans. They may be battered and abused and showing a lot of wear and tear, but that’s just because they need a little TLC.”

Tracey smiled. “I’ve got to hand it to you. You’ve put your heart and soul into this, haven’t you?”

Alex laughed heartily. “You have no idea. I’ve never had so much fun in all my life. It’s positively addicting. I bring home these pitiful little souls, clean them up, pamper them, give them a fresh coat of paint, and just love on ‘em. I can’t wait to show you how much fun it is.”

Tracey grew silent, contemplating her sister’s burst of enthusiasm. Alex pinched her arm. “Ouch! Why’d you do that!”

“You got so quiet. What are you thinking? Did I say something wrong?”

Tracey rubbed her arm. “Geez, Alex, that hurt.” For as long as she could remember, Alex had always pinched her to get her attention. It was a wonder she could ever go sleeveless after a lifetime of such abuse.

“Spit it out.”

Tracey rolled her eyes. “Fine. It just occurred to me that the way you were describing the furniture you find at these sales as your ‘sweethearts’ is exactly how you used to talk about your students. And that made me wonder again what happened. You loved teaching. It was your passion. How could you let Deacon and the School Board let you go?”

Alex stared straight ahead. “First off, they didn’t let me go. They fired me.”

“But why? What did they accuse you of doing?”

“They accused me of proselytizing my kids. Which, of course, I did. They had warned me repeatedly; someone called the ACLU, and when I refused to stop, they axed me. End of story.”

“So what exactly were you doing? How were you proselytizing?”

“Oh, the same thing I’ve always done. I started my class each day with prayer. I read them Bible stories every morning. I taught them about the real meaning of Easter, and I let them dress up and act out the story of the Nativity. Y’know‌—‌the usual hardcore proselytizing.”

Tracey snickered. “Yeah, hardcore. I’m sure you ruined them for life.”

“Likewise, I refused to spend a full week guilting them for ‘ruining the planet’ during Earth Week, opting instead to let them explore the wonders of nature and God’s miraculous creation. That one got the tree huggers all hot and bothered.”

“You have students who are tree huggers?”

“No, silly, their parents. Actually, it only takes one. They freak out when they hear little Susie might learn something truly horrific like . . . like how God made the woodpecker’s tongue so long, it wraps around its skull when not in use. Better I should teach her how cow flatulation is destroying the ozone.”

Tracey laughed. “And who doesn’t love a good cow flatulation story now and then?”

“Exactly! So someone called the ACLU. The ACLU called Deacon, who got his boxers all in a wad over it. Demanded I comply with public school dictates on the subject, and then voila‌—‌pink slip.”

Tracey adjusted her seatbelt so she could turn and face her sister. “But that’s what I don’t understand. You’ve never let them railroad you like that before. Why didn’t you fight it?”

Alex made a sharp left turn onto a country road, bouncing them hard. “Ah, there it is just up ahead.”

“C’mon, Alex. Answer me. Why didn’t you fight them?”

She slowed the truck to a stop on the side of the road and shifted into park. “Because, little sister, they have the law on their side. Of course I knew what I was doing was against school policy. I’d always known it would happen someday, but in my heart of hearts, I just wanted my kids to know Jesus loves them. And I couldn’t not tell them, if that makes sense.”

Tracey reached out and gently squeezed her sister’s arm. “I’m so sorry, Alex. They’ve lost the best teacher they ever had.”

Alex patted her hand. “Well, somehow I doubt that, but I appreciate you saying it. But enough of that. We have babies waiting for us!”

An hour later, they loaded the last of their treasures into the back of the pickup and headed home. There, Alex and Tracey unloaded their purchases into the back part of the old barn at Walnut Ridge.

“So this is where you work,” Tracey said, looking around the cluttered room. “Oh, Alex! All these pieces‌—‌I had no idea! No wonder you need a showroom for them.”

Alex set a side table in the corner with some other unfinished pieces. “I told you it’s a bit of an addiction on my part. Though, I prefer to think of it as my ministry. Check this one out,” she said, moving a rocker out of the way to get to an unusual table against the wall.

“Wait, how come there are only three legs?”

“I’m guessing it had four originally, and who knows why the other leg is M.I.A. I’m thinking about using it as a display table in the shop, so we’d just bolt it to the wall to make it stable. But look at the scroll work on these legs! It will be stunning by the time I get done with it.” She looked up at Tracey with a smile. “When we get done with it.”

“I don’t know, Sis. I think you may be giving me too much credit too soon. I don’t know the first thing about all this.”

“Not a problem. You’ll pick it up as we go along. Oh, and look at this hall tree I found at a garage sale.”

“Hey, what is this?” Tracey picked up a wooden box the size of a cigar box. “This is beautiful.”

“You like that? You should have seen it before. Hold on, I keep before and after pictures.” She crossed the room and opened the top drawer of an old refinished filing cabinet. She fingered across the top of several folders. “Ah, here it is. See how scuffed up it was?” she said, pointing to a photo.

“Did you fix all that or just paint over it?”

Alex glanced at her over her glasses. “That’s why I use a milk paint called Miss Mustard Seed. You don’t have to prime, you don’t have to sand, you just clean it then paint. Then, like I told you before, the paint just does its thing. It flakes off into what I call ‘chippy goodness’‌—‌sometimes a lot, sometimes just a little. Then after it dries, you can use your fingers to help remove as much flaking as you like and let some of the original finish show through. I love it because each piece is truly unique.”

“And that’s all there is to it?”

“That’s it, except for the top coat. I use either furniture wax or hemp oil to seal it. Gives it a really rich but soft look. Now, open it and look inside,” she said, opening the lid. “I found these vintage postcards at an estate sale and thought they were the perfect contrast to the black finish. So I Mod Podged them, and‍—‍”

“What is Modge‍—‍”

“Mod Podge. It’s a creamy white liquid that seals whatever you’re working on then dries clear. It’s like a watery Elmer’s glue that spreads really well. Comes in different kinds of finishes. I used a matte finish on this one.”

“Kind of like we used to decoupage when we were kids?”

“Smart girl!”

In the bottom of the box, three long black velvet trays, each slit down the middle lengthwise, were nestled side by side. Tracey rubbed her fingers along them. “Where’d you get these ring displays? I could keep all my rings in this.”

“Yard sales. You can’t believe what you can find.” Alex closed the lid and placed Tracey’s hand over it. “It’s yours.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Tracey, meet Olivia. Olivia, meet Tracey.”

“You named it?”

Alex rearranged some of the other pieces in the room. “I name all of them. I told you, Trace,” she said, looking over her shoulder, “they’re my children.” She danced her brows and pinned a wide smile on her face.

Tracey clutched the beautiful ebony box to her chest and looked around. “Y’know, I think I’m gonna love this.”

“Told you it’s contagious. Now let me introduce you to the rest of my babies.”

Chapter 10

Sadie Woolsey took a seat at the table where Buddy held out her chair. “What a treat to be invited for dinner tonight. I’m honored!”

Alex placed the salad bowl on the table then sat down. “It was Tracey’s idea. We decided to wait to tell Dad and Noah what you told us about the cup and saucer this morning. Then she suggested we let you tell them since you’re the one who knows the story so well.”

“Oh, it would be my pleasure,” she said, her face aglow with anticipation.

“But first, let’s have a word of prayer,” Buddy said, encouraging them to hold hands around the table. He offered a brief thanks to the Lord before they began passing the dishes.

Noah laughed as he forked a piece of roast. “I can’t wait another minute, Miss Woolsey‌—‌please, tell us your news.”

“Noah, you must call me Sadie. I insist. But as for the news, let me begin at the beginning. When I saw the cup and saucer the girls brought over this morning, then learned it was from the Lincoln White House, why‌—‌I was astonished! Then they showed me the note they found signed with the initials CJC. And something starting fussing at the back of my mind. Then all of a sudden, I knew!”

Buddy set his fork on his plate. “The suspense is killing me, Sadie. Out with it!”

“Ah, but you must hear the story first.” She slowly took a sip of her hot tea then set the cup back on its saucer. “You see, back in the time when Lincoln became president, the protocol was for the president’s family to furnish the White House. Meaning, they supplied their own beds, tables, dinnerware, that sort of thing. The White House had very few possessions of its own because at that time, it was considered a public building. So people came and went all the time. Of course, this was long before they had any security measures like they do now. It is told that folks could be found wandering through the house any time of the day or night. Can you imagine?

“So when a president left office, oftentimes the public would just help themselves to whatever they left behind. It’s told they’d even tear wallpaper from the walls and rip up pieces of carpet for souvenirs.”

“Basically, they vandalized the White House?” Noah asked.

“That’s precisely what they did. And that’s why in 1861 when Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln moved in, they found the house in complete disrepair. As you might imagine, Mary Todd Lincoln found this quite unacceptable. And among the improvements she took upon herself to oversee was to replace the fine china, silver, and glassware. The cup and saucer the girls showed me were indeed the same pattern she chose while on a shopping spree to New York.

“The original design she found had a blue band around it. Preferring the more popular color known as solferino‌—‌a bright purplish-reddish shade similar to burgundy‌—‌she requested the change and placed her order which was produced by Haviland & Company in Limoges, France. Originally there were 666 pieces of this pattern which, by the way, was the first set of china used for state dinners chosen by a president’s wife.”

“Now, tell them how the cup and saucer ended up here at Walnut Ridge,” Tracey urged.

“Trace, let her eat!” Alex said. “She’s hardly had a bite. Go on, Miss Sadie. Eat your dinner before it gets cold.”

The librarian thanked her and took three tiny bites of the roasted vegetables. “Oh, this is simply delicious.”

Buddy took a sip of his tea. “Am I right in remembering that Mary Todd Lincoln was a difficult person to get along with?”

“I always heard she suffered from mental illness and headaches,” Noah added.

“That was her reputation, I’m afraid,” Alex said. “She suffered from terrible migraines, even worse after a carriage accident. I also think her severe depression was responsible for much of her behavior. But who could blame her after losing two of her children?”

“Okay, back to the cup and saucer and the note,” Buddy said. “Whose initials are those?”

Tracey smiled. Her dad was a cut-to-the-chase guy who grew restless with long, drawn-out tales such as Sadie’s. “Dad, be patient. She’s getting there.”

“Yes, well, where was I?” Sadie asked, gazing up at the ceiling. “Oh yes. Those initials. This is where the story gets truly interesting. As you know, Buddy, your father’s family has lived here at Walnut Ridge since the plantation was first built in the early 1800s by Jacob Elias Collins. And, as you know, the town and its mill were named for him. I should be able to tell you how many great-great-greats he was from you, but I’m drawing a blank at the moment. Now, Jacob had a son named Eli Andrew Collins. Of course there were many other siblings, but for our interests tonight, I’ll just stick to Jacob’s descendants. When Eli married Celeste Parsons, their first born was a son they named Craig Jacob Collins‍—‍”

“CJC,” Noah added.

Sadie’s eyes twinkled as she smiled. “Yes, CJC. And what an interesting boy he was. By the time Craig was around twenty, Walnut Ridge had grown into a thriving plantation growing tobacco and raising cattle. But Craig wanted no part of it. He was a rebellious child who preferred to go by Craggie, which actually suited him better. Craggie developed a terrible case of wanderlust, so one night he took off without telling a soul, and especially not his parents. Later, they would learn, he roamed the country for several years, always picking up odd jobs along the way until he had enough money to move on. Then, around 1861 he found himself in Washington D.C.”

Tracey glanced around the table. She smiled, observing her father and Noah hanging on Sadie’s every word, totally mesmerized by her story. They hadn’t even noticed when Alex served dessert, though they’d both taken several bites of the apple chunk cake.

Sadie continued. “By this time, Craggie had learned the ways of the world enough to know how to charm himself into any job he set his eyes on. And so it was, our own Craggie Collins found himself a butler in the Lincoln White House!”

Buddy leaned back in his chair. “Well, for heaven’s sake. How on earth did he do it? I wouldn’t think you could just walk up and knock on the White House door and ask for a job.”

“Dad, remember what Sadie said about folks coming and going in the White House day and night?” Tracey asked. “It’s not like they had guards out front and metal detectors at the door. Times were different then.”

Noah finished a bite of cake. “Who knows, maybe he met someone in a pub or a boarding house. And if that’s the case, then things really haven’t changed that much‌—‌it’s all in who you know.”

“Of course, we have no way of knowing,” Sadie said. “The family archives had no such information on how he got the job. What we do know is that he was quite fascinated to be a part of the White House staff. By then, I’d like to think he’d matured and knew his manners. Still, with the states at war, Craggie found himself at odds with those who walked the halls of the White House.” She stopped and looked around. “Oh dear, where did I leave my valise?”

“It’s probably with your coat,” Alex said. “I’ll get it for you.”

“Yes, please, dear. Because there’s something I must show you. Do you suppose we could clear away some of these dishes?”

“No problem,” Tracey said as she and Noah started gathering dishes. “By the way, your apple cake was delicious, Noah.”

“Wish I could take credit for it, but the compliment goes to Publix.”

“Can’t beat their bakery,” Alex added as she handed Sadie the thin leather case.

Buddy leaned forward. “Tell us what you’ve got there, Sadie.”

The librarian gently removed a folder and laid it on the table in front of her. She carefully opened the file and removed a page in a clear plastic sleeve. “This is a letter I found in your family’s archives, Buddy.” She turned it for them to see and slowly slid it across the table.

They all stood up, their chairs scraping in unison against the oak floor as they crowded to take a look.

“As you can see,” Sadie began, “this is a letter signed by Craggie Collins dated May 6, 1862. It was a letter he wrote to his father who had recently written to tell Craggie that his older brother Evan had been killed in the Battle of Shiloh in early April. Evan had been the one sibling Craggie got along with before he left home. Tracey, why don’t you read it for us since you and Alex had a chance to look it over with me this morning.”

“Sure,” Tracey said, picking up the protected page. She took her seat as Noah, Dad, and Alex leaned over her shoulders.

Dear Father,

I was so very sorry to hear that Evan had been killed in battle. I hadn’t shed a single tear since I was a boy, but I confess I cried all night after receiving your letter. How I wish I’d told Evan how much he meant to me.

Even though I’m from the South, I’ve always liked Mr. Lincoln. He’s very kind to all of us who work here. When his son Willie died back in February, President Lincoln did not return to work for almost three weeks, as he and Mrs. Lincoln suffered through their grief. We all felt the sadness in every room of this great house.

But now, as I experience my own grief‌—‌one caused by this wretched war‌—‌I find myself angry as well and fearful of my actions. Others I work with know I am from Tennessee and regularly provoke me about my allegiances. Just yesterday I nearly punched a footman for a vulgar joke he made about the Confederacy.

That is why I have decided to leave here at once and come home to Walnut Ridge. If you and Mother will have me, I want to come home.

Your son,

Craggie

Chapter 11

After Sadie left, Buddy said goodnight and went upstairs. Noah helped Alex and Tracey finish the dinner dishes, then Alex headed off to the barn to work for a while. Noah was much too wired to call it a night, so on a whim he invited Tracey to take a ride with him. She balked at first, uneasy about riding a motorcycle in the dark. The fact that she quickly came around pleased him. She borrowed Buddy’s leather jacket, spare helmet, and protective eyewear, then followed Noah out to his bike.

“Wow. This is a lot bigger than Dad’s. A lot more chrome, too.”

“Bigger, but older than Buddy’s. It’s an ‘04 Ultra Classic, but it’s got all the bells and whistles.” It even has helmets with communication headsets.” He then showed her how to plug into the communication port on the bike and where the switch was to activate the headset. He climbed on and helped her up onto the seat behind him. He motioned for her to hold on. “You’ll probably want to‍—‍”

“Oh, I’ll definitely want to.” She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his ribcage. “I’m new at this, you know. I practically cut off Dad’s circulation on the way home from the airport.”

“Good to know. If you notice my voice jumping an octave or two, you might want to ease up. Ready?”

She tightened her arms around him. “Ready.”

Holding the clutch, he turned the key and powered up the Harley. It was one of his favorite sounds‌—‌like a personal, open invitation to relax. He gently eased off the clutch and slowly drove the bike down the long, winding driveway. A few minutes later they were rolling along, the cool autumn air whisking over them.

“You okay back there?”

“Doing great. You okay up there?”

Noah laughed. “I’m good, thanks. Check out that moon.”

“Whoa! It’s beautiful! I forgot how big those harvest moons can be.”

“What, you didn’t have them in D.C.?”

“Yes, wise guy. We have harvest moons in Washington. But I was always too busy to notice. Hard to take in a sight like that sequestered in an office ’til all hours.”

Noah drove them out of town on the two-lane country road with no particular destination in mind. He’d never had a woman passenger before, but he decided then and there he liked it. In fact, he liked it a lot. It felt good to have Tracey’s arms wrapped around him. A little strange considering they’d only known each other a few days. That, and how intimate it was, feeling her pressed against him like this.

They rode in silence for fifteen or twenty minutes until they came to a bluff overlooking a river. Slowing, he pulled off and parked. “I’ve never been up here before. Mind if we take a look?”

Tracey pulled off her helmet and eyewear. “This was a favorite parking spot back when I was in high school. Mind you, I was never up here. Dad always convinced Alex and me that if we ever did that sort of thing, he’d know. ‘I’ll just know,’ he’d say. I had images of him jumping out of the bushes if I ever came up here with a guy. He sure put the fear of God in us.”

Noah secured their helmets. “I guess we’re safe then.”

“Safe?” she asked, following him up the steps to the lookout.

He turned back, reaching for her hand. “Buddy’s home in bed. I don’t think you have to worry about him jumping out of the bushes.”

She laughed, keeping up with him until they reached the top. A concrete wall served as a barrier to keep them from falling down the long, steep embankment below. “What a view‌—‌I had no idea we were this high up.”

Tracey walked around him. “It’s absolutely breathtaking. Oh my goodness, I don’t know which is prettier‌—‌all the twinkling lights below or the canopy of stars above. Especially with the moon looking all fat and orange like that.”

“Well, I did call ahead. Asked for something breathtaking.”

She laughed quietly. “Did you now? So you planned this? Like a rendezvous or something?”

He could tell by the look on her face she hadn’t meant to say that. Even in the moonlight he could tell she was embarrassed. “Ah, yes, ma’am, it surely does. I called up Dial-A-Sky and said I’d be coming up here with a beautiful young woman at‍—‍” he checked his watch‌—‍ “8:55 and would they please toss out a few stars. I had to pay extra for the moon, of course. Being so big and all.”

“So now you’re mocking me? You and your stars and your big fat moon?”

“Not hardly. I’m not that clever. But you have to admit it was a good one.”

“What, the Dial-A-Sky?”

“Subject change,” Noah said, turning around so he could lean back against the wall. “I still can’t get over all this business with the Lincoln teacup and your Uncle Craggie hiding it in the wall of the smokehouse. If I hadn’t seen the letter with my own eyes and compared the handwriting to the note we found with the cup and saucer,” he shook his head, “I wouldn’t have believed it.”

He watched Tracey looking out at the view below. “Unbelievable, isn’t it? And thank goodness Sadie is such a stickler for keeping the town’s archives. Imagine if we’d found that teacup and had no possible way to find out how it got there.”

“She’s incredible,” Noah said. “She’s quite the fountain of information. I keep trying to envision this Craggie fellow on his last day at the White House. What possessed him to steal that teacup? Was it just a souvenir? I find it hard to believe someone with a reputation like his would be smitten with a particular pattern of china.”

Tracey chuckled. “Yeah, probably not. And from what Sadie found in her research about that china and how so many pieces of it were broken and missing‌—‌it makes you wonder if Craggie was part of those on staff who deliberately dropped a piece here or there out of spite toward Mrs. Lincoln.” She shrugged. “Then again, maybe he just stole it right from under their noses.”

“Which in Abe’s case, was quite large.” Seeing her perplexed expression, he added, “His nose. You could hide a band of gypsies under that nose of his.”

She bumped against him, smiling. “Hey, have a little respect. He was our president, after all.”

“Duly noted.”

“Or, is it possible, as Sadie indicated, that the china really was defective,” Tracey continued. “Remember she said Mrs. Lincoln replaced it with a whole new different set when her husband was re-elected? How sad that they never got to use any of it because he was assassinated.”

“Somehow I doubt the First Lady gave it a thought, considering someone just murdered her husband.”

“Duly noted.”

Noah turned to face her, his hip still leaning against the wall. “So somehow, whether he just wanted a souvenir of his tenure there at the White House‍—‍”

“Or maybe he took it as proof that he’d actually worked there. Think about it. He’d always been this wild child, roaming half the country. Everybody back home probably thought he was an embarrassment to his family. There’s no telling what they all thought of him.”

Noah followed her lead. “Maybe it was just a last-minute whim on his way out the door. Maybe he was about to leave and noticed a tray with the cup and saucer just sitting there. So he grabs it, slips it under his jacket, and walks out the door.”

Tracey nodded, a far-off look in her eyes as if imagining the entire scenario. “Then he comes home, maybe even tells his folks it was a parting gift from the Lincolns.”

“But‌—‌being the ne’re-do-well the townspeople knew him to be‌—‌maybe no one believed him. Or . . . or maybe, after all his bragging around town, he began to worry that someone might steal it.”

Tracey faced him, continuing the supposition. “And Sadie said all this would have happened right about the time Craggie’s father was having the new smokehouse built.” She suddenly grabbed his arm, caught up in the imagery. “So he hid it in the wall because he was leaving to join the Confederate Army! Sadie told us he enlisted shortly after he got home, remember? He told his parents it was something he had to do, to fight in Evan’s place.”

He stared at her, a shudder rippling over him as his imagination drifted away from the image of the young man, and in its place, a deep and quite unexpected affection for the woman standing before him. She said nothing, her face still filled with wonder at the story they’d just shared. As if they’d both been there, witnessing the entire scene.

Her smile began to fade as she searched his eyes, no doubt distracted by his silence.

Kiss her . . . a voice seemed to whisper in his ear. He wondered where such a notion came from, and then he heard it again.

Kiss her!

And so he did.

He leaned down ever so slightly, his eyes still locked on hers. “Tracey . . . ?” Had he actually breathed her name? Or merely imagined it?

She hesitated only a moment. Then, “Yes?”

He swallowed, tamping down his own hesitation. “I think I’m going to kiss you.” He hadn’t meant for it to sound so matter-of-fact, but there it was.

Her eyes glistened in the moonlight as her face warmed with a smile. “I was hoping you would.”

As his lips touched hers, something inside him shifted. Changed. Melted. Giving way to something he hadn’t felt in a long, long time. Her arms slipped slowly around his waist, the familiar sound of their crinkling leather making him smile as their kiss lingered. He gathered her into his embrace, loving the warmth of her in his arms and admitting to himself he’d wanted to do this since last night on the back porch at Walnut Ridge. That he was actually holding her now beneath the stars and losing himself as she kissed him back . . . it all seemed too good to be true. And then that voice inside his head‌—‌the same one that had prompted him to kiss her—convinced him to stop all the analyzing and enjoy the moment.

And so he did.

Chapter 12

As the first rays of the morning sun crept into her room, Tracey rolled over on her back and pulled the comforter up to her chin. With her eyes still closed, she remembered Noah’s first kiss last night on the bluff. Then the second and third . . . and somewhere along the way, she lost count. She smiled at the memory, still surprised how suddenly it happened, and the way her heart had skipped a beat when he wrapped her in his arms.

They’d stayed on the bluff talking until the autumn night’s chill chased them home. She’d wrapped her arms around him all the way home, different somehow from the ride out there. Back at Walnut Ridge, she wasn’t ready to say goodnight. Nor was he. They made hot chai lattes and sat by the fire in the den. There they talked for hours about the silliest things. His love of Jimmy Stewart movies. Her favorite indulgence‌—‌getting lost in historical novels until the wee hours of the morning. His utter disgust for sushi. Her instinctive gagging reflex at the sight and smell of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and sauerkraut. His appreciation for a more relaxed life away from the big city. Her fondness for the old house and the chance to come home again.

When he asked what caused her to walk away from her job in Washington, she was evasive. She didn’t want thoughts of Morgan to spoil their perfect evening, but somehow it all came spilling out. She’d noticed the tiny muscle on Noah’s jaw twitching when she told him about that last night at the White House reception.

“You should report him, you know,” he had said. “There are laws about these things.”

“No, I could never do that, Noah. I couldn’t do that to Amanda. Never.”

Moments had passed. The old clock on the mantel slowly ticked as the fire beneath it crackled. Finally, he leaned back on the sofa and sighed. “I suppose it would be devastating‌—‌for her and for you. But it’s not right. He was taking advantage of you. He doesn’t deserve to stay in office.”

“I know, but it’s over now. I’m home.”

“You haven’t heard from him since you left?”

“Oh, I’ve heard from him. Last time I checked, he’d left thirty-seven voicemails and twenty-six text messages. I never answered, and I quit listening after my first night home.”

“Thirty-seven voicemails? Twenty-six text messages? Tracey, that’s a form of stalking. He’s a U.S. Senator‌—‌doesn’t he have anything better to do?”

“Can we please change the subject?”

He took her hand. “I’m sorry. Yes, by all means. Let’s change the subject.”

She pulled his hand free and lifted his arm around her shoulders, snuggling against him. They sat together silently for several moments. As his breathing steadied, she wondered if he was falling asleep. She turned to face him, pleased to find him gazing at her. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“After I met you the other day, I asked Alex about you.”

“Must have been a brief and boring little chat.”

“Not really.”

“And what did Alex tell you?”

Tracey swallowed hard. “She told me you’d lost your wife.”

Something in his countenance changed. She saw it in his eyes. He seemed to be holding his breath, and right away, she wished she’d never asked. When he said nothing, she did. “I’m sorry, Noah. Forget I asked.”

“No,” he said, quietly looking away, his eyes now fixed on the fire. “No, I . . . it’s just that . . .” He pulled his arm from behind her and took both her hands in both of his. He slowly looked up at her, searching her eyes. “I’ve had a really nice time with you tonight, Tracey. And I really like you‌—‌I do.”

He paused, briefly looking down at their hands as if searching for the right words. Her heart pounded, so afraid of what he might say next.

“I would really like to spend more evenings like this one with you. I’d like to see where that might go. But for now . . . “ He blinked, moisture filling his eyes. “For now, I’d like to ask you if we could have that talk for another time.” He closed his eyes, his expression pained. “If that’s okay with you.”

When he opened his eyes again, she pulled her hands free, then cupped his face with them. Unable to find the words, she’d simply nodded, then gently kissed him. “That’s perfectly fine with me.”

He’d held her quietly, then led her to the front door where he put on his jacket and with a final kiss, said goodnight.

Now, with last night’s memory fresh in her mind, Tracey sat up and wondered at the whole incident. Would they have that chance to see where their relationship might lead? Or had she blown it, asking something so personal, so soon?

As her thoughts ran wild, her cell phone vibrated.

Morgan. Again.

She threw back the covers and stepped into her slippers. “Senator, I have just one thing to say to you on this bright and beautiful morning‌—‌phhhbbbt!”

The old flannel-lined jacket felt good as Tracey made her way down to the barn. Ten minutes earlier she’d found a note by the coffee pot: Got an early start this morning. I’m down at the barn so grab a cup and come join me! ‌—‍Alex

The oversized mug warmed her hands on this clear, brisk morning. She let herself drink in the sights and sounds and smells as she walked along the well-trodden path to the barn. Walnut Ridge had always been her balm, her refuge. The rustle of leaves beneath her feet reminded her how much she wasn’t missing Washington and the stress that always kept her in knots day and night. She pushed those thoughts away, not wishing to ruin such a beautiful day.

It’s so good to be home.

“It’s about time, Sleeping Beauty,” Alex teased as she set aside her paint brush. “Nice of you to join me this morning.”

Tracey hugged her with her free arm. “Just because I’m not up before the chickens doesn’t mean I’m a slacker. Look‍—‍” she said, lifting her wristwatch face up. “Five minutes after seven. Not too shabby.”

Alex placed a noisy kiss on her cheek and turned back to her paints. “Yeah, especially since you didn’t get to bed ’til after two.”

“Yeah? And how exactly do you know that?”

Alex whipped around with a broad smile on her face. “Well, kiddo, it’s not like Noah just tiptoed down the drive when he left.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “His Harley has a distinct rumble when it starts.”

“Ah. Well, I guess there’s no keeping secrets from you. But why do I feel like I’m in high school again, and you’re spying on me and one of my boyfriends?”

Alex laughed then squatted down on the floor beside the coffee table she was working on. “Nah, I left that to Mom and Dad. I was too busy reading my books.”

Tracey set her coffee cup on an upturned barrel. “Yeah, like Mom ever cared about what we did or didn’t do. Y’know, I was thinking about her the other night before I went to sleep. And it dawned on me; she was probably going through menopause when all that happened.”

Alex dipped her brush in the pale mustard-yellow paint and started brushing quick, efficient strokes on the coffee table. “I had the same thought a while back. Let’s face it. Mom hit menopause and decided to fly to the moon. Or Hollywood, I guess. They’re basically the same.”

“Poor Daddy.”

“Oh, Trace, stop with the poor Daddy stuff. He’s fine.”

“You honestly think so? I keep wondering if he’s really as okay as he wants us to believe. Maybe beneath that ponytail, earring, and his proclaimed love for Stella, there’s actually a broken heart that still beats for Mom. Maybe he’s just hoping if he gives her enough time, she’ll come back to him.”

Alex glared at her. “I totally disagree. In fact, I’ve never seen him happier. Especially now that you’re home. His little princess has returned to the castle.”

Tracey grabbed a paint brush, dipped it in Alex’s paint, and dashed the tip of her sister’s nose with it.

“Well, aren’t you the clown this morning?” Alex twisted around, attempting to return the favor just as Tracey jerked her head away. A long yellow streak reached from her nose to her ear. “Ah! Perfect! I always knew mustard was in your color wheel, and now we have proof!”

Tracey shrieked, her laughter bouncing against the rafters of the old barn.

“Settle down, girl. Don’t make me paint you from head to toe.”

“Ha! As if you could.” Tracey grabbed a rag and peeked into the antique mirror they’d hung on the wall. Still snickering, she gently wiped the paint from her face.

“Okay, enough with the horse play. Get to work.”

“You’re not the boss of me.”

“Am too.”

“Are not.”

“Am too.” Alex raised a hand in surrender. “Okay, okay! I give up.”

“Good. Because I’ve got work to do, and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t keep distracting me.”

“Ah, my little seeester, it’s so good to have you home.”

“Yeah, yeah. Hey, did you see the finish I put on my little step stool?”

“Yes, and it’s perfect. Your first official baby. Congratulations!”

“Thank you, thank you.” Tracey bowed, then held up the small stool admiring her work. The unusual bowed legs on the short white stepping stool had been a challenge. She assumed it had been left out in the rain at some point, all warped and beat up. It was the first thing she’d picked up at the estate sale, and for a dollar, she couldn’t refuse it.

With Alex’s help, she’d cleaned it, giving the strange little legs extra attention. Tracey used a coat of a near-black shade of gray called Typewriter on the legs. Then, using a true rich red shade called Tricycle, she painted the top of the stool to give it an interesting contrast. Once it had thoroughly dried, she distressed it, exposing some of the dark undercoat. The look had amazed her.

“And what have you named your first baby?”

“Oh. I completely forgot. Silly me.” Tracey smiled. “Let’s see. It’s definitely a he and not a she.”

“Absolutely.”

“How about Stanley? A homage to his cute little legs.”

“Hey, it’s your call. Stanley sounds perfect.”

“Stanley it is. Now what shall I work on next?”

“Wanna help me finish Fredo here? He needs another coat of Boxwood.”

“Ah, Fredo-the-Coffee Table.” She pulled on her work smock. “Put me to work.”

Tracey settled in next to her sister. “So, do you have favorites? Which of your babies did you like best?”

“I love them all, so I can’t choose favorites. But there was a chest of drawers with a curved front that I absolutely adored. It took several days, waiting for it to speak to me and tell me what it wanted to be, what color, that sort of thing. But I was patient. Then one day I knew. She said her name was Beatrice, and she wanted a pale shade called Linen on top and a rich blue called French Enamel below. And that’s what she got. I distressed her more than I usually do, but she loved it, and so did I. Then she let me know in no uncertain terms that she wanted glass knobs and pulls. And she was so right. Oh Sis, she was just beautiful.

“And here’s the best part. I haven’t mentioned this before, but I pray for each of these babies while I restore them.”

“You pray for them? Okay . . .”

“I pray for the people who adopt them. But it was hard to let Beatrice go. Then one day my friend Gigi stopped by. She teaches with me at school. She and her husband were expecting their first child‌—‌a little boy‌—‌and she wanted some decorating ideas for her nursery. Trace, the split second she laid eyes on Beatrice, it was love at first sight! They had just painted the nursery walls a pastel shade of blue that matched the French Enamel just perfectly. And so it was that my Beatrice went home to care for Gigi’s baby‍—‍”

“Alex, are those tears in your eyes?”

Alex put her brush down and wiped her face. “Oh, sure. I can’t help it! Here I’d been praying for Beatrice, having no idea she would go home with my friend Gigi and be a part of her new baby’s room! I love when things like that happen.”

Tracey shook her head. “Who but my sister would see furniture restoration as a ministry? I love that about you, Sis.”

Alex finished wiping her tears and picked up her brush, dipping it into the olive-gray-green Boxwood paint. “Think about it‌—‌why would God give us a passion for something unless we could somehow use it for His glory? But the whole idea of restoring something old and worn out into something new and useful didn’t originate with me‌—‌God’s been in the restoration business from the beginning of time.”

Tracey thought for a moment. “You’re right. Just look at Dad. And the rest of the Elders, for that matter.”

“Speaking of which, tell me about last night. Did you have a nice time with Noah?”

Tracey couldn’t help smiling. “Yeah,” she nodded. “Really nice.”

“Evidently. He stayed long enough.”

“Well, we took a ride first, so he wasn’t technically ‘here’ the whole time. We went out to the river bluff. My first time there, I might add.”

Alex turned, her paint brush in mid-air. “Oh? Isn’t that where all the kids used to go to make out?”

Tracey focused on her paint strokes. “Yeah, I guess.”

“You guess?”

“Anyway, we just talked up there for a long time, then‍—‍”

“Did he kiss you?”

“What? You’re awfully nosy this morning.”

“Ah, so he did kiss you!”

“What is this, the inquisition? I’m not in high school anymore, y’know.”

Alex busied herself painting again. “You like him?”

Tracey didn’t answer at first. Hearing her sister’s questions‌—‌well, it just felt weird. Tracey wasn’t sure she was ready to let her mind go down that line of thinking, let alone discuss it with her sister.

Alex sat up again and looked at her. “Oh, dear.”

“Oh-dear what?”

She returned to her work. “Nothing. Don’t mind me.”

Tracey felt her heart flutter and wondered why. Then, as she continued painting, she remembered Noah and the bluff and his first kiss . . .

And she smiled.

Chapter 13

Noah had just returned from another trip to the home improvement store when Buddy approached him on the porch of the smokehouse.

“Noah, I’m glad you’re back. We just got word Mrs. Oglesby needs some help. That big ol’ black walnut tree in her back yard finally keeled over. Made quite a mess of her garage.”

“How can I help?”

“I’d like to leave most of the guys here to finish dry-walling, but I thought I’d get Gristle and Stump to bring their chainsaws and take care of the tree. You up for some minor roof repairs? I thought we could patch it up from the inside and get some shingles back on there before another storm rolls through.”

“Works for me. When do you want to head over?”

“Soon as we can. Let’s grab some of those shingles we had left over from the Farley’s roof. I think they’re in the barn if I’m not mistaken.”

Noah felt a catch of apprehension knowing Tracey was probably at the barn working with Alex. He hadn’t seen her since last night‌—‌well, this morning. He couldn’t believe they’d stayed up half the night. He hadn’t slept much when he finally got to bed, unable to get her off his mind. Over and over, he wished he hadn’t reacted the way he did when she asked about Melissa. He thought he’d finally started living again, that the worst was all behind him‌—‌right up until Tracey asked him about the wife he’d lost. He could only hope she understood. She seemed to handle it okay last night.

He only wished he had handled it as well. Instead, the images of his wife, the wreck, and all those dark months he’d lost to grief played over and over like a slideshow through his mind . . . and sprinkled among them, flashes of Tracey’s smile and the memory of how good she felt in his arms. He tried to shake it off before seeing her again. Especially in front of Buddy and Alex.

A few minutes later, Buddy backed the pickup to the barn door and they got out.

Buddy stepped into the barn. “How’s it going, sweetheart?”

Alex dusted off her hands on her smock. “Hi, Dad. Hey, Noah. What are you two doing here?”

“Just stopped by to pick up some shingles.” As Buddy told her about Mrs. Oglesby’s roof problem, Noah noticed Tracey coming from the back of the cluttered barn. When she looked up and saw him, she smiled.

“Hi, Noah.”

“Hi, Tracey.”

He could almost feel the abrupt silence in the air as Buddy and Alex just stood there looking at them. By the grin on Alex’s face, he knew Tracey must have told her about their evening together. But how much had she told her?

Awkward.

“Well, then,” Tracey finally said, “what’s this about Mrs. Oglesby?”

Buddy explained the situation again and the plan to fix her roof. “We’ll just load up some of those shingles back here then be out of your way.”

“You’re not in our way,” Alex said. “In fact, take Tracey with you. She can help. Might be fun for her to see you and the Elders in action.”

Tracey turned to her sister with her back to Noah. By the tilt of her head, he could only imagine the look she was giving Alex. Just as quickly, she turned back around with an exaggerated smile plastered on her face. “I’d love to. Let me get some gloves, and I’ll meet you in the truck.”

“Good,” Noah said. He returned Alex’s smile. “Good.”

“You said that,” Alex said.

“I know. Well, bye for now.”

“Bye, Noah.”

An hour later, Gristle and Stump had most of the tree limbs off the roof and had started cutting them for firewood. After making the repairs inside the garage, Noah and Buddy helped Tracey up onto the roof, and the three of them set to work pulling off the damaged shingles. Once that was done, they started hammering the new shingles in place.

At first, conversation had been difficult with the chainsaws buzzing below. Eventually Gristle and Stump finished and started stacking the logs.

Tracey reached for another shingle. “How often do you all do this sort of thing, helping folks out when they have emergencies?”

“All the time,” Buddy answered. “When I started getting to know these guys on the bike trips, I kept feeling like I needed to do something.” He hammered a few times and continued. “It felt like God was telling me to reach out to them, but in a specific way. Problem was, I couldn’t figure out what that meant. So for the longest time I just kept praying, waiting for some kind of sign or direction from the Lord. Well, as you are well aware, my dear daughter,” he said with a smile, “sometimes I’m a little slow on the draw. It finally dawned on me that one of the things that had helped me so much after my world caved in was taking my eyes off my own troubles and looking for other folks who needed a hand. Best medicine on the planet.

“And that’s when I decided to give these guys a dose of that medicine. The Bible says that helping widows and orphans in their time of distress is one of the ‘purest forms of religion.’ So I made a few calls, mostly to the older residents here in Jacobs Mill asking them to let me know if they had any odd jobs or projects they needed help with. I started getting requests, so I made a simple offer to some of the guys asking if they could help out. And little by little we got a reputation for doing these jobs well and efficiently.” Buddy held up his hammer. “I kept thinking, with every nail we hit or tree we clear away, we’re demonstrating the love of Christ, pure and simple.” He tossed her a wink and banged his hammer down to prove his point.

Noah finished hammering a shingle and looked over at Tracey. “I wish you could have seen some of those little old ladies when we first rolled up their driveways on our Harleys.” He and Buddy laughed. “I guess they thought the Hells Angels had arrived. They’d peek out from behind their curtains, probably convinced we were there to trash the place.”

“Then after a while, they’d warm up to us,” Buddy added. “Course, they all knew me, and let me know right up front they wished I’d cut my hair and shave my beard.” He shook his head as he smiled. “But God love ‘em, every single one of them gave my guys a chance. Took a while, but they finally learned to look beyond the loud motorcycles and shaggy appearances and just accept them for who they are.”

Noah wiped his forehead with his bandana. “You should have seen the day Mrs. Peterson tiptoed out of her house carrying lemonade out to ‘her boys’ as she called us. You could tell she was still nervous about us by the way the ice in those glasses kept rattling‍—‍” Noah re-enacted the widow’s trembling hands carrying an imaginary tray. “I thought she might just die from fright then and there.”

“Oh, poor Mrs. Peterson!” Tracey chuckled. “But how sweet of her to do that, even though you all must have terrified her.”

Buddy hooted. “Glory, by the time we finished painting her house, she was sending her boys home with pecan pies and watermelon and fried chicken‌—‌you never saw such a love fest.” He paused, slowly lowering his hammer. “But I’ll never forget the day Stump leaned waaaay down to give her a hug, then swept her right off her feet and twirled her around in a circle.”

Tracey laughed so hard, Noah was afraid she might fall off the roof. “Knowing Mrs. Peterson, I bet she shrieked with delight!”

“Oh, you should have seen that dear old soul,” Buddy said. “To this day, she has a standing invitation for Stump to come for Tuesday night dinner. Those two are a sight to behold.” He paused for a moment, looking down across the yard where Stump and Gristle were still piling the tree logs. “But Tracey . . .”

When he paused, both Noah and Tracey looked up at him. Noah could see the moisture in his eyes and the slight tremble of his lips.

“Tracey, what that woman has done for that big giant of a man‌—‌well, I can hardly find words for it. He came from such an awful background. No daddy. A mom who didn’t want him. Kicked around from one orphanage to another. And you can only imagine how all the other kids treated him, like he was some kind of freak. A horrible life from the day he was born. Stuff I won’t share because I consider it confidential as his friend and pastor, but also because it’s the stuff of nightmares.”

“When I first met him,” Noah began, “he scared me to death. Mean as a snake and every word out of his mouth was‌—‌well, ‘vulgar’ doesn’t even come close.”

“He kept everybody at a distance,” Buddy continued. “Nobody liked him and most of them hated when he’d show up for our rides. But y’know, after a while you’d catch him pretending not to listen when we’d talk about the Lord. And trust me, Tracey Jo, these conversations about the Lord were nothing like you’d hear at church. Oh, no sir, not even close.”

Noah reached for more nails. “Yeah, it could get pretty raunchy. Definitely not for the faint of heart.”

“Then slowly but surely,” Buddy continued, “he just‌—‌I guess the best way to put it, he just started to melt. His walls started crumbling down. He still didn’t say much, but you could just tell he wasn’t so angry and ready to bite your head off every time you were around him.

“Not long after that, we had a big storm come through. Tornados hopping all over the county. The boys and I immediately jumped into action, helping at the homes that had suffered the worst damage. And lo and behold‌—‌there was Stump. Never said a word, just started working with us, side by side. And after that, he was just one of us.”

“You said Mrs. Peterson‍—‍”

“Oh, yeah. By the time we painted her house, Stump had come a long, long way. But he still held back. You could just tell. He and I had talked by then, and I’d told him how much God loved him, and how his past was all behind him if he’d let Jesus have his future. But he just couldn’t seem to believe it. But then that tiny little wisp of a woman started having him come to dinner once a week . . .”

Noah smiled at Tracey after they both noticed the tears spilling down Buddy’s cheeks.

“Go on, Daddy. Tell me what happened.”

He wiped his eyes and blew his nose then started again. “Never saw anything like it. She just loved on him. Cared for him. Mothered him.” Buddy stopped again, then just gave in to it and let the tears flow. “And Tracey, all that love just got up inside Stump’s heart and dissolved every last ounce of resistance he’d been holding onto. He and Mrs. Peterson got down on their knees‌—‌right there in her kitchen‌—‌and ol’ Stump gave his heart to Jesus. And he has never been the same. Oh, he’s still shaggy on the outside, but he’s just a big ol’ teddy bear in here.” Buddy tapped on his heart, laughing through his tears. “Lord! Look at me, blubbering like a kid who just lost his marbles. Which might be closer to the truth than we know.” He laughed again, wiping his eyes. “I just can’t help it when I start talking about all the miracles God’s been doing in the lives of my guys.”

“Dad, that may be the sweetest story I’ve heard in years. I love what you’ve done for your guys‌—‌your Elders.”

“No, it wasn’t me, Tracey Jo. It was God. All God. Every bit of it.”

“Don’t let his humility fool you,” Noah said. “He always tells us it’s the Holy Spirit that convicts us, not him. But without your dad here, none of us would be here doing this. We’d all still be screwed up and . . . messed up.”

“Noah, I’m only doing what God led me to do. When my brother Rob dragged my sorry carcass out of the house a couple years ago, I’d pretty much lost the will to live. And he told me I basically had two choices. I could spend the rest of my life feeling sorry for myself and building a monument of hate to those who’d ‘done me wrong’ as he put it. Or I could get off my keister, kick out of that self-imposed prison of pity, and start over. Make a fresh start.

“Here he was, my own brother, telling me how to let God give me another chance. Rob, my crazy biker beach bum brother from Naples, Florida, telling me‌—‌the pastor‌—‌about forgiveness and purpose and the unconditional grace and love of Christ.” Buddy raised his hands in the air. “Ah, the strange and mysterious ways of Almighty God whose wonders never cease! Can I get an amen, brothers and sisters?”

Tracey laughed and shouted, “Hallelujah, amen!”

“I’ll second that hallelujah and raise you two more,” Noah quipped.

“Daddy, how come you never told me all this before? I wish I’d known.”

“Well, sweetheart, as I recall you haven’t been around much.”

“Ouch?”

“No, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just saying you were living your life, and I was living mine. It is what it is. But as the great Paul Harvey used to say, ‘and now you know the rest of the story.’ And that’s what matters most.”

Tracey put down her hammer and carefully crawled up to where her father sat on the ridge of the roof. She scooted beneath his arm and wrapped hers around him. “I love you, Daddy. I’m so proud of you.”

Not wishing to impose on their private moment, Noah bit his lip and looked away. He also didn’t want them to see the dam threatening to burst just beneath the surface inside him. It unnerved him, this inability to keep his feelings under control. He vowed to spend some time back at the cottage and try to get his emotions in check.

He pounded another nail then gazed over at Tracey as she made her way back to her work spot. Just then she looked up. And as she did, the kindest possible expression seemed to glow on her face. As if she were telling him‌—‌it’s gonna be okay. Trust me.

And oh, how he wanted to believe her.

Chapter 14

That night after dinner, Tracey turned on her laptop and opened her email. She’d avoided it as long as she could. She knew Morgan wasn’t stupid enough to put anything in writing, short of a cryptic “office” issue that he needed to discuss with her. Sure enough, as the new emails flooded her inbox she saw his name on a handful. Reading the first one confirmed what she’d expected. He needed to ask her something about her notes on that matter with Senator Crawford and would she please give him a call.

Not happening.

She browsed through the rest of them, nothing urgent popping out. Most everyone assumed she was still on vacation and had the decency not to bother her. But she couldn’t stop thinking about the voicemail Amanda had left the day Tracey flew home. She prayed Amanda would never have to know why she was leaving her job with Morgan. Sometimes, while lost in her thoughts as she painted, she tried to think of a way to explain her reasons without lying, but without having to tell her best friend the blunt truth.

Tracey took a deep breath and blew it out, then offered up a prayer for guidance. Then she opened a new email and started typing.

Dear Amanda,

I’m so sorry I forgot about meeting you for breakfast the day I left! I had so much to wrap up before leaving town, and honestly, it just slipped my mind. A thousand apologies. And please tell Aaron how sorry I am that I missed his call. You can just tell him Aunt Taycee lost her mind and has gone away in hopes of finding it. Or something.

I’m having such a great time here with Dad and Alex. The weather has been gorgeous. Alex is opening a new shop where she can sell the amazing vintage furniture pieces she’s been restoring. Amanda, you would love what she’s doing. I’ve never seen her so happy. And yes, she’s no longer teaching . . . long story, which I’ll explain another time. I’ve been helping her and loving every minute of it.

You’d also be happy to know I’ve met someone . . . He’s one of Dad’s friends (my age, thankfully!) and it’s been really nice getting to know him. I’d forgotten what it was like to go out on an actual date again. His name is Noah, and I know you’d love him. We’ll see what happens next.

Tracey’s hands rested on the keyboard. She started and stopped three times, carefully deleting lines she couldn’t finish, words that felt untrue. She mentioned the possibility of staying longer than she’d planned, then quickly erased those words too. She knew Amanda would have called or texted or written if Morgan had told her she quit, so she certainly didn’t want to go there. Fifteen minutes of starts and stops came and went. Oh, for heaven’s sake. She’s my best friend! Why can’t I just‍—

But of course she couldn’t. She would deal with it when she had to. Tonight was not the time.

I hope you’ve had a great week. I miss you, but thanks for understanding why I’m keeping my phone off and not checking email. I just really needed this break. Take care and keep me in your prayers.

Love you,

Tracey

She prayed another prayer‌—‌this one for Amanda. She needs it more than I do, that’s for sure. Tracey closed her laptop and set it aside.

“TRACEY JO?”

She smiled, remembering all the years her dad had called up the stairs just like that. She padded to the top of the stairs. “What do you need, Dad?”

“Me? Not a thing. But Noah’s here.” He quirked a silly grin and danced his eyebrows. “Just thought you might want to know.”

“Yeah?” she said with feigned indifference.

“He’s out in the kitchen. Why don’t you come down and say hello?”

She grinned. “Why didn’t you say so? I’ll be down in a sec.”

She dashed into her bathroom and brushed her teeth, brushed out her hair, and put on some lip gloss. A minute later she went downstairs.

Noah stood up from the kitchen table as she entered. “Hi, Tracey.”

His sheepish grin tickled her, knowing it had everything to do with her dad’s presence. “Hey, Noah. I would’ve thought you’d had enough of the two of us after spending half the day with us on Mrs. Oglesby’s roof.”

His smile widened. “You’d think, wouldn’t you?”

She smiled back. Then they both looked at Buddy.

“Oh. Okay, I think I’ll go upstairs and read for a while.” He stood up and grabbed his cup of coffee. “If that’s okay with the two of you?”

“Fine with me, Dad.”

“Fine with me too, Buddy.”

“Well then, it’s unanimous. G’night, you two.”

He headed for the kitchen door, his old slippers slapping against the oak floor. Just before leaving, he turned and gave Noah a nod of the head. Another smile and he was gone.

Tracey reached for a mug from the cabinet and poured herself a cup of coffee. “What was that all about?”

Noah sat back down at the table, his hands wrapped around his mug. “Ah, you know your dad. Nothing, really.”

“Nothing really, huh? Want me to warm you up?”

Startled, he looked at her with the strangest expression. Then his eyes landed on the coffee pot in her hand. “Oh . . . sure. Please.”

Tracey snickered. “My, my, Mr. Bennett. Surely you didn’t think‍—‍”

“Well, surely I did.” He raised his cup, a guilty smile on his face.

“You did?” She topped off his coffee and put the carafe back on the burner.

As she turned around, he reached for her hand and silently led her into the den. She had hoped he might come by tonight. Her thoughts seemed to be consumed with Noah and wanting to see him again.

Preferably alone.

She couldn’t help it. She was thrilled he’d come to see her, and even happier he’d led her back to the same exact spot where they’d been the night before. They set their coffee cups on the table and took a seat on the sofa.

Same sofa. Same fire blazing on the hearth. Same heart pounding inside her chest.

He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “Wow, you smell really good.”

“I could say the same for you,” she said, lifting her face to his. “In fact, you clean up pretty nice for a roofer.”

“I try.”

“You succeed.”

He took a deep breath and let out a long, contented sigh. “It was nice having you out there with us today. You’re not much of a roofer, but‍—‍”

“Hey! I think I kept up with you and Dad, so what’s the problem?”

“Just kidding. The thing is . . .”

“Yes? The thing is . . ?”

“Tracey, ever since last night, I haven’t been able to think straight. I know I got kind of, well . . . the thing is—”

“There’s that thing again. Out with it, Noah.”

“I can’t stop thinking about you.” He shrugged. “There I said it. “I can’t. I tried, but I can’t.”

She laughed, momentarily dropping her head to her chest. Finally, leaning back and pushing her hair out of her face, she looked up. “Ah, that’s too funny, because the thing is . . .” she paused, prolonging the anxious look in his eyes, “this is all I’ve thought about today.” She placed her lips on his and felt a wave of butterflies skitter through her stomach as he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her back.

Tracey felt herself relax in his arms, feeling the warmth of his body so close to hers, loving the scent of his clean skin against her face. It felt so right‌—‌so secure, so perfect. As his kisses grew more intense, she felt something else. A desire so unlike anything she’d ever known before. It was too much, too good, too soon‌—‌but she didn’t care.

Slow down, slow down, slow down!

Tracey stopped herself, pulling away, startling both of them.

“What’s wrong?” he breathed. “Did I do something‍—‍?”

“No.” She placed her hand against his chest. “No, not at all. I just . . .”

I just feel myself falling for you, and the thought of that scares me!

She’d never been in love. Lots of boyfriends. Lots of kicks, but never anything like this . . . “Whoa.”

“Whoa?” The hint of alarm in his eyes calmed her, made her smile.

“Whoa. I’m, uh, I think maybe I was just getting a little too . . . carried away.” She ducked her eyes, embarrassed.

He didn’t say anything but slowly tucked her back under his arm and leaned his head against hers. “Well, then. We’ll just have to work on that. Take things a little slower.”

Whew. Tracey wondered why it seemed like she was on a roller coaster every time she was with Noah. It didn’t make sense, but at the same time, she could tell she was falling for him. Falling hard. And that concerned her.

“Probably a good idea,” she said, putting those thoughts aside. She reached for her coffee and handed his to him.

Noah took a sip. “There’s something I want to ask you.”

“Oh?”

“A bunch of the guys are going on a ride on Saturday, and I was wondering if you’d like to come along. With me, I mean.”

She smiled, relieved that they’d changed the subject. “Is that why Dad was acting so goofy a few minutes ago?”

He set his mug down, chuckling. “Yeah. I’d asked him if he thought you might like to go. Obviously, he does.”

“Will I be the only female on this little adventure?”

“I don’t know. Maybe? But you won’t be the first. Gristle mentioned bringing someone he’s been seeing.”

”Gristle’s seeing someone? Have you met her?”

“No, but to hear him you’d think she’s part Beyoncé, part Mother Teresa.”

Tracey laughed. “Now there are two names you don’t often see together.”

“I know, which is why I’m actually curious to meet her.”

“Me too. But tell me where you all are headed Saturday. Will I get saddle sores from hours and hours of riding?”

“No way,” he said, a smile forming. “As I recall, you didn’t seem to mind last night.”

“No, but that was a short little hop.”

“We’re heading over to Natchez Trace Parkway and riding down to Tupelo.”

“That’s pretty far, isn’t it?”

“Not to a biker.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Is that some kind of dare?”

His raised a brow. “Not unless you’d like it to be.”

She wasn’t at all sure she was up to it, but Tracey wasn’t about to let him know that. She raised her chin, shooting him more confidence than she felt. “Sure, I’ll go. What time do we leave?”

“Early. So don’t keep me up half the night on Friday. I’ll need my rest. Never a good thing to doze off behind the wheel.”

“Before sunrise or after?”

He tugged at a strand of her hair. “Neither. We leave right at sunrise.

“Not a problem.”

“One more question.”

“Now what?” she teased.

“Do you have plans tomorrow night?”

“I don’t think so. Why?”

“There’s somewhere I’d like to take you. But we’ll need to see if Buddy would loan us his car.”

“As long as it’s not his ratty old pickup, I’m fine with that.”

“Exactly. I was hoping for something a little more comfortable.”

“I’m sure he won’t mind. But where are you taking me?”

“It’s for me to know and you to find out. Dinner’s involved, just so you know.”

“Blue jeans or ball gown?”

He tilted his head. “More like something in-between.”

“Ah. Then I’ll send my boa out to be cleaned.”

Chapter 15

The team was making considerable progress on the smokehouse. The electricians had wired the shop and added plenty of recessed lighting per Alex’s wishes. The plumbers had set all the water pipes in place to provide running water, and the carpenters had successfully replaced the interior walls and cathedral ceiling with mismatched weathered planks to retain the vintage look. Similar weathered planks were used on the floor of the large front porch. And behind the building, a covered deck would provide room as a gathering area. Just beyond the deck, the Elders built a fire pit which the girls surrounded with primitive chairs and colorful cushions to encourage customers to relax and chat.

As Tracey and Alex entered the shop from the back door, they could barely contain themselves.

“I cannot believe how much they’ve done in such a short amount of time. Look at this place!”

Tracey could already feel the ambiance coming together even before the final touches had been added. The large back room would be their studio, out of sight to the customers behind a new wall separating the two rooms. With plenty of cabinets to store their materials and a large workbench in the center of the room, they would have a perfect work environment. Noah had suggested a couple of skylights cut in the roof to give them natural light in addition to the track lighting directly above the workbench.

The front showroom with its pitched ceiling made the room feel open and airy, giving them ample space for the constant flow of pieces they’d stage. She and Alex had ordered bright pillows and rugs to soften the room, as well as long curtains made of vintage fabrics to dress the windows. Alex found a ridiculously good deal on some quirky lamps to set on tables here and there giving the room a cozy feel. Up in the attic at Walnut Ridge, they’d found some surprisingly well-preserved upholstered chairs to use for seating as customers contemplated their purchases.

Tucked in the back right corner of the shop, the checkout counter offered endless possibilities. The spacious wooden counter Stump built them would provide plenty of room to wrap purchases. Slotted nooks beneath would house all their supplies. At an estate sale, the girls found a tall square pillar which they decided to use as a caddy for the brown paper sacks, twine, and assorted colors of tissue paper they’d use to bag smaller purchases. Tracey refinished it in a creamy sage and attached vintage decorative hooks to the sides and front. Perfect.

They continued wandering through the shop, making notes of display ideas and items that still needed attention. Gradually, they made their way out the front door and into the small lawn where they could stand back and take it all in. Tracey suggested the possibility of hanging floor-to-ceiling curtains made of outdoor fabric on each of the posts to “frame” the porch and make it feel more welcoming. They decided to put a few rustic rockers and chairs cushioned in coordinating fabrics, as well as seasonal flowers and greenery to cheer the entrance.

As they turned to admire the storefront, they noticed Hank and Lester up top, securing the awning that would cover the front porch. Alex and Tracey hadn’t decided quite what to do, whether to purchase a fabric awning or go with more of the aged wooden slats. Then early that morning, Hank and Lester had surprised them by showing up with a pile of rusted sheets of corrugated metal. The look would give the awning a more rustic appearance. Alex and Tracey had been skeptical, but once the two Elders started putting it together, the girls both loved it.

Tracey marveled now, watching the shop take on an entirely different look. “Who knew rusty old metal could add so much charm?”

Alex leaned close, speaking out of the side of her mouth. “Seriously, Sis, don’t you wonder how on earth those two came up with such a thing?”

Tracey snickered. “Oh, to have been a fly on the wall for that discussion. Can’t you just hear it?” She and Alex played the parts, keeping their voices low.

“Copper?”

“Yep.”

“Awning.”

“Sure.”

“The dump?”

“Why not.”

The sisters laughed, causing Lester and Hank to look up from their work.

“Looks great, guys! We love it!” Alex cheered.

“Totally makes the look of the shop,” Tracey added. “You guys are geniuses!”

The two awkward young men tried to hide their smiles but didn’t succeed. Without a word, they went back to work.

Buddy and Noah came around the corner to join the girls.

“I’ve got to hand it to you,” Buddy said, observing the dramatic changes on the old smokehouse. “You guys have outdone yourselves on this one.”

“Who, us?” Hank asked.

“Well, not just you‌—‌all of you. It’s been a team effort from the first day. Just look at how far we’ve come in a matter of days! Noah, have you ever seen anything like it?”

He smiled, shaking his head. “Not even close. I feel like we’re on one of those makeover shows on TV where a team comes in and completely overhauls a house in one week.”

“Ah, those guys?” Stump came up behind them, giving Buddy a pat on the back. “We’d give those turkeys a run for their money. Course, we don't have a hundred folks workin’ behind the scenes, so it’s taken a little longer, but they ain’t got nothin’ on us.”

“Still, it’s amazing,” Noah said. “Absolutely amazing.”

Buddy scratched the back of his head. “Now, if I can just convince Deacon to come around. He’s determined to find some piddlysquat ordinance on the books to keep us from opening as a business. You wouldn’t believe the lame attempts he’s made so far.” He put his worn baseball cap on his head backwards. “I honestly believe that man’s entire purpose in life is to make me miserable. His sole reason for walking on this earth.”

“I keep askin’‌—‌you want us to pay him a visit?” Stump offered. “All you’ve gotta do is ask.”

“No, but thanks for offering‌—‌again. I learned a long time ago to let the Lord fight my battles. He can handle them much better than I ever could. Things always seem to work out better when He’s calling the shots.”

“I keep meaning to ask,” Noah began. “Why’s he called Deacon? That’s surely not his real name?”

“Nah, his real name is Deke. But once he took over as chairman of the deacons at the church, folks just started calling him Deacon. He rather liked the title.”

“Enough about Deacon,” Tracey said. “Dad, the workbench in the back studio looks incredible! I can’t wait to get all our paints and materials in there. ”

“And the sooner the better,” Alex added. “Our babies are complaining about the cold nights out in the barn. They’ll love the nice warm heat up here.”

Buddy snapped his fingers and looked at his daughters. “That reminds me, did DeAnne Barlowe find you two?”

“Yes!” Alex said. “She told us you sent her down to the barn. Would you believe she bought that dining table and six chairs we just got in? We haven’t even started refinishing them yet!”

“She told us she was heading up to Nashville to buy something for her renovated dining room,” Tracey added, “but then she heard we were opening a shop, so she stopped by to see us first.”

Alex continued. “She was thrilled because this way she got to pick out the color and finish to match her decor. And she paid us full price‌—‌on the spot! She even said she was going to show before-and-after pictures on her blog and tell everyone about us. Did you know she has over 10,000 blog followers?”

“What’s a blog follower?”

They all turned to look up at Lester on the roof. When no one said a word, Tracey intervened. “A blog is an online journal. Like if you kept a journal—say, a journal about your hobbies or your work or maybe just a place to share the books you’ve read. Then you post it online and other people read it and make comments on it. It’s a popular means of social networking.”

Lester stared at her, blinking twice before scratching his chin. “But I don’t have a hobby.”

“Oh, well, you don’t have to have a hobby to blog,” Alex said. “Trace was just using that as an‍—‍”

“And I don’t like to read.”

“No, Lester,” Buddy said, chuckling. “See, all she was trying to say was‍—‍”

“And I don’t have an online either.” Lester went back to work, turning his back to them. Apparently, he was through with the conversation.

“Okay, then!” Buddy laughed as he turned to go. “Well, I’ve got to skedaddle. Pray for my meeting with Deacon so I don’t punch his lights out. Noah, you still have those boxing gloves I loaned you?”

“Sure thing. Stop by the cottage if you want to pick them up. They’re on the coffee table right next to my sword.”

Buddy turned around, walking backwards toward his bike. “Hey, now‌—‌a sword duel with Deacon. That has possibilities!”

Alex turned to go back into the shop. “Bye, Dad. Good luck.”

Just then Gristle rolled up on his Harley and parked right beside Buddy’s bike. “What’s this? Some kinda party goin’ on and no one calls me?”

“You just about missed me,” Buddy said, putting his helmet on. “You okay? We were wondering where you were this morning.”

Gristle took off his helmet and stepped off his bike. “Well, I needed to catch a class this morning, if you know what I mean.” He glanced at Buddy sheepishly.

“Ah.” Buddy reached over to grab Gristle’s shoulder. “Good for you.”

Tracey looked at Noah with questioning eyes.

“A.A.,” he mouthed with a smile.

“Oh,” she said silently.

“Mr. Daniels been calling you again?” Buddy asked.

“Yeah, he sho ’nuff been callin’. That dude must got me on speed dial. Called me a good six times ’fore I got up and just left. I never answered. I wanted to, but I didn’t.”

Tracey looked back to Noah for help.

“Jack Daniels,” he mouthed.

“Oh,” she mouthed again.

“But don’t you worry none, Buddy. I called my girl, and we found us a church service to go to. Good thing it was a Wednesday night, huh?”

“Good for you.” Buddy wrapped his arm over Gristle’s shoulders. “I like this girl already. When do we get to meet her?”

Gristle looked over at Noah and Tracey. “That’s what I was wantin’ to ask. Okay if I bring her along Saturday?” He flashed a goofy smile. “Maleeka, she loves my bike.”

“Maleeka?” Tracey said. “What a beautiful name.”

“Yes it is, Miss Tracey, but it ain’t half as pretty as she is.”

“Ah, that’s so sweet. I hope you’ll bring her. I’m riding with Noah, so it’ll be nice to have at least one other female on the trip.”

“Tell her we’d love to have her join us,” Buddy said just before keying his ignition. “Just don’t be late!” With a salute off of his helmet, he turned the bike and headed out.

“I goin’ park my bike out back and get to work,” Gristle said. “Okay wid’ you if I start varnishin’ that workbench?”

“That’d be great,” Noah said. “I’ll go wipe it down for you. Varnish is already inside.”

“Perfect. See you later, Miss Tracey.”

“Bye, Gristle. I’m looking forward to meeting Maleeka on Saturday.”

The goofy grin returned as Gristle cranked his bike to life again. “Ah, you goin’ like her. She’ sumpin’ else.”

As Gristle took off, Tracey tugged on the bill of Noah’s ball cap. “I’ve got to get down to the barn and help Alex. We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

“You sure you’ve got time to go to dinner with me tonight?” he asked.

As Tracey turned to go, she folded her arms across her chest as a cool breeze kicked up the fallen leaves around them. “For you? I’ll make time. Dad said we could take his car. I think I heard him vacuuming it out early this morning. How funny is that?”

Noah stepped up on the porch. “A man and his machines. It’s a beautiful thing. Pick you up about five, okay?”

“I’ll be ready,” she said. “Me ’n my boa.”

“You mean, you and your beau?”

Tracey smiled as he disappeared inside the shop.

Me and my beau?

Even better.

Chapter 16

Noah still hadn’t told Tracey where they were going. Taking the long, winding mountainous road heading east, he’d easily dodged all her questions. They’d been driving just over an hour when he pulled into the gravel parking lot.

“This is it?”

“This is it,” he answered, sliding the Buick Regal into an open space. “I promise you’re going to love it. Welcome to High Point.”

He opened the car door for her then took her hand as they made their way toward the enormous three-story stone mansion with the cobblestone roof. “Looks like it belongs back east. In those old neighborhoods in New York.”

“New York, eh?”

“So what’s the big secret? Why didn’t you just tell me about this place?”

“Ah, you’ll just have to wait and see. This old house has all kinds of secrets to tell.”

They stepped under the covered entrance and through the heavy arched front door. Inside, a hostess greeted them, acknowledged Noah’s reservation, then led them to a room with lots of windows, low lights, and a large stone fireplace toward the back. Seating them in the corner beside the hearth, she left menus with them and said their waiter would be with them shortly.

“Interesting place, Noah.”

He watched as Tracey looked around the room, taking in the tablecloths, folded napkins standing like pyramids on plates, candlelight on each table, and the fire crackling just beside them.

Her face glowed with curiosity. “It’s positively magical in here.”

After their waiter served their drinks and took their orders, Tracey crossed her arms and leaned her elbows on the table. “All right. Out with it. What’s so mysterious about this place?”

He smiled, reaching for her hand. “High Point has quite a history. You are sitting in a home once built and owned by Al Capone.”

“Right. And that couple over there is Bonnie and Clyde.”

“Now, Tracey,” he chided like a patient school teacher. “In fact, this was a stopping point for the famous mob boss as he traveled from Chicago down to Florida. Capone had it built in 1929. Supposedly there’s a whole system of underground tunnels beneath us that helped Capone transport his liquor during Prohibition. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but supposedly, there’s a layer of sand between the floor here and the tunnels below to stop any bullets from penetrating.”

“So you’re really serious? This really belonged to Capone?”

“I’ve also heard he built the house for one of his mistresses. Which was convenient, of course, since it was right on his way to Florida.”

He watched Tracey study the room again, this time with believing eyes. Turning to look out the windows, Noah noticed the sun had set and the growing darkness outside had engulfed the back patio area in an eerie shroud of fog.

She looked back at him. “Seems like they should be playing the theme from The Godfather instead of Tony Bennett.”

The waiter returned with their dinners‌—‌a bourbon-marinated rib-eye served with a fully-loaded baked potato and Caesar salad for Noah; a filet mignon served with a burgundy mushroom sauce, accompanied by steamed asparagus with hollandaise and an applewood spinach salad for Tracey.

“This is so good,” Tracey said, slicing off another bite of her steak. “How did you find this place?”

“One day I was out for a ride by myself, and I pulled off here in Monteagle for gas. When I asked the guy at the counter where he’d recommend for dinner, it was either McDonald’s or ‘a real swanky place’ up the road, as he put it. It was about this time of day, so I decided to check it out. One of the best meals I’ve had in years. And you can’t beat the ambiance.”

Tracey touched her napkin to her lips. “So you just hop on your Harley and go for rides whenever the mood hits?”

Noah felt a stab near his heart, unsettled that she’d unknowingly hit so close to home. That was exactly what he did‌—‌take to the open road whenever the memories and thoughts threatened to overwhelm him.

“Noah?”

“Something like that.” His smile didn’t feel legit, but it would have to do. Glimpsing the concern in her eyes, he busied himself with a sip of water. Change the subject. Quick.

“What have you heard from Miss Sadie? Anything new about the Lincoln cup and saucer?”

She rested her fork back on her plate. “I can’t believe I forgot to tell you! She stopped by the house early this morning to tell me she’d contacted the Smithsonian. You should have seen her, Noah. Her face was wild with excitement again, just like it was that first day she found out about the cup and saucer.”

“What did they tell her? The folks at the Smithsonian.”

“They said they’ll send a team to investigate and determine whether it really is an original. Apparently, it’s quite common for companies to make reproductions of presidential china patterns. Sadie said the person she talked to wasn’t convinced ours were authentic. That’s why she’s so eager for them to see for themselves. And not just the teacup and saucer, but the note and letter from Craggie Collins as well.”

“If they validate its authenticity, will you donate it to the Smithsonian?”

“I’m not sure. Alex, Dad, and I haven’t had time to talk through all of that yet.”

“I suppose not, with everything else going on.”

They talked about the progress on the shop and possible time frames for its opening, what else needed to be done, and the ideas Tracey and Alex had for decorating once it was ready. Noah loved the way her eyes lit up when she described the new business and all the potential it held.

“I didn’t have a chance to talk to Buddy after his meeting with Deacon and Faye, did you?”

The sparkle in her eyes quickly faded as she relayed Buddy’s comments when he got home.

“Never mind that our shop will bring people to town who’ve never been there before. We have plans to advertise throughout the mid-south. We’ve been working with a friend to design a website for us, and we’ll use all the usual social media networks to get the word out, showcase our pieces, and all that. So you’d think Deacon would be pleased at the prospect of having folks discover our little town, and visit the other shops and restaurants. But no‌—‌instead he’s trying every possible angle to stop us from opening. It makes no sense.”

The waiter cleared their dishes and Noah ordered coffee and dessert, though Tracey said she couldn’t eat another bite. “But wait until you taste this grilled pound cake. You won’t believe it.”

The waiter returned with an enormous slice of the grilled confection, a generous mound of vanilla bean ice cream resting on top, all drizzled with a caramel sauce.

“There’s enough here for four people, let alone two!”

He handed her a fork. “Oh, I think I can handle it. Here, just taste it.” He held the bite to her lips.

A moment later, she closed her eyes. “Oh, that is just decadent.”

“Told you.”

“Hand me the other fork. I think I suddenly found room for this.”

Later, as they finished their coffee, Noah mustered his courage and took her hand. “This is nice. I’m glad we came.”

“Me too.” She breathed in slowly, then let out a long sigh. “Even though I’ve only been back a few days, it seems like months now. I can’t tell you how much I needed an evening like this.” She smiled, her eyes sparkling in the candlelight. “I’m glad you brought me here.”

Noah rubbed his thumb slowly against the back of her hand. “Tracey, I need you to know that . . .” He’d rehearsed this in his mind before they left Jacobs Mill. Now, at the perfect moment to say what he wanted to say, the words eluded him.

Tracey leaned forward. “What is it?”

He gave her a nervous smile and pushed through the jitters wreaking havoc with his gut. “I just wanted to say that . . . I’m really thankful we met. I certainly never saw it coming. Ever since I’ve known Buddy, I’ve heard about you. I guess you know he’s really proud of both his daughters. He talks about you all the time.”

“Really?” she asked, tilting her head.

“To listen to him, you pretty much run Washington.”

She laughed. “Yeah, I can see him saying that. He’s never understood my fascination with politics, but that paternal pride sometimes works overtime. Dad’s always been a cheerleader for Alex and me. He’s definitely got the gift of encouragement.”

“Clearly,” Noah agreed. “Which is why all of us stick around. When I’m on the road now, I can’t wait to get back and see what Buddy’s got going‌—‌who needs a helping hand, where he’s headed on his road trips. Definitely a contagious personality.”

She smiled. “That’s my daddy. Everybody loves Buddy Collins. Well, except for Deacon and his cronies.”

“Yeah, but he’s the exception.” He swallowed hard and continued. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, until I met you, I didn’t think I could ever . . . I mean, I wasn’t sure anyone would ever . . .”

Her brows rose as she waited for him to spit it out. Why is this so hard?

“Anyone would ever what, Noah?”

He sighed. “I didn’t think I’d ever have these feelings again. I thought I’d live the rest of my life on my own. Unattached. Because to love again would just be‍—‍”

“—too much of a risk?”

“Yes. Too much of a risk. I’m not sure I’d survive if something happened again. If, well, if something were to happen to you. To us.”

She looked deeply into his eyes, her face filled with compassion. “Noah, life doesn’t offer guarantees. It just doesn’t.” She looked down at their hands. “Someday, when you’re ready, I want you to tell me all about Melissa. It’s important to me.”

He looked up, hoping she wasn’t expecting him to go there. Not tonight. He felt instant relief when she continued.

“But until then, promise me something.”

“And what would that be?”

“Promise me you’ll just take this‌—‌take us‌—‌one day at a time. Because for now, that’s all we need. Dad always drilled it into our heads that each day is a gift from the Lord, and he’s right.”

He nodded, grateful she seemed to understand his hesitancy.

“Noah, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you, too. It’s been a long time since I . . . well, since I cared for someone the way I care for you.” Her smile widened as a touch of mischief sparkled in her eyes. “And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t melt like butter whenever you kiss me.”

“Good to know,” he said, returning her smile.

“But we both need to take this slowly. There’s no reason to rush into something more. So let’s take the pressure off and just take it one day at a time. Fair enough?”

He felt a wave of relief drift over him. “Fair enough,” he said, leaning over to place a slow kiss on the top of her hand. “Fair enough.”

After paying the waiter, Noah and Tracey took a short tour of the mansion then made their way to the door. The hostess thanked them for coming then opened the arched door for them. As she did, a dense fog rushed into the entry area like a dark and hungry serpent.

“Oh my goodness,” Tracey said. “I’ve never see that happen before, have you?”

Noah stepped back, speechless. The fog sweeping into this old house . . . just like the living, thriving cloud of darkness that so often curled its way into his heart. How often had he experienced this exact phenomenon? What he now saw with his eyes‌—‌a visual façade of the flood of depression that so often crept into his soul. A chill raced from head to toe, making him shudder.

Tracey touched his arm. “Are you okay?”

He looked at her hand, and for a moment wondered who it belonged to.

She pulled him aside as another couple passed by, stepping out into the eerie abyss. He watched them, dreading having to walk through it himself.

“Noah, what’s wrong?”

He closed his eyes just for a moment, searching for something‌—‌anything‌—‌to grasp onto as the chilling darkness tugged at his heart.

“Noah!” Tracey whispered urgently. She placed her hands on his face, cupping his cheeks. “Noah, look at me. What is it?”

When he opened his eyes, he saw compassion and strength in her countenance. He breathed again, unaware he’d been holding his breath. Let her be your anchor. The words drifted through his mind like a soothing balm.

“I’m okay,” he said, placing his hands atop hers. “I’m sorry. I’m not really sure what . . . came over me.” But, of course he did. “Let’s go home.”

She smiled, though concern shadowed her eyes. “I’m ready if you are.”

He held onto her as they navigated through the thick fog, unable to spot Buddy’s Buick until they were right upon it. Slowly pulling out of the parking lot, they made little headway down the winding, mountainous road, unable to see much of anything beyond the Buick hood ornament. The first half hour was treacherous. He kicked himself, thinking they should have waited out the heavy blanket of fog. Now, on this two-lane road, there was no turning back.

Tracey rolled down her window, keeping her eyes locked on the yellow line separating the road from the shoulder. Noah kept his eyes glued to the center line. By the time they finally slipped out of the cloud, he was exhausted. Just a few miles from home, it began to rain. They said little the rest of the way, even when Tracey reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Back at Walnut Ridge, Tracey had snuggled into his arms for a hug at the door before they parted. “It was unforgettable, Noah. The food, that historic old house, the bizarre ride home . . . what a night.” She leaned up to kiss him on his cheek, then she was gone.

On his way back to the cottage, he wondered how such a perfect evening had been so quickly hijacked by the familiar, gripping oppression. He’d wanted tonight to be special‌—‌a chance to tell Tracey how much he liked her, how he found himself thinking of her first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. But he wasn’t sure he conveyed any of that to her. Instead, he’d been consumed with fighting off the haunting tug in the most fragile place in his heart.

Maybe he was fooling himself. Maybe Melissa would forever live on, her memory so deeply imprinted into his soul, leaving no room for anyone else. Guilt gnawed at his gut, once again plaguing him with the peculiar thread of unfaithfulness to his wife.

As he unlocked the cottage door, Noah pushed everything out of his mind, trying to pinpoint his sole focus on the image of Tracey’s face and the comfort he’d found there.

If only that were enough.

Chapter 17

The next couple of days flew by. Tracey couldn’t get the strange night out of her mind, but did her best to sidestep her concerns as she and Alex worked long hours to finish the pieces to showcase in the shop. Occasionally they’d stop for a quick bite, but little else. She’d asked Alex if it was okay for her to take Saturday off, even asking if her sister would like to go along. Alex gave her the look.

“But why not?” Tracey gently sanded the first coat of an armoire. “Think how nice it would be to take a break. All that fresh air in your lungs? C’mon, Alex, please?”

Alex continued painting an old rocker. “First, I’m not a biker. Never have been. Never will be.”

“But how do you‍—‍”

“Second, I would much rather stay here and have a day with no interruptions. I’ll cue up one of my audio books and lose myself here with my kids.”

“I know, but wouldn’t you‍—‍”

“And third‍—‍” she looked up briefly, her eyes narrowing as she scratched her nose, “I have no idea what I was going to say. But thank you for asking, sister dearest. You go, have fun, enjoy the ride, and don’t worry about me.”

“I’m not worried about you. I’d just like to see you do something fun now and then. All you ever do is work.”

“I disagree, but the bottom line is, I’m having a blast doing this, Tracey. I love it. And I would not enjoy this trip. To be honest, I still hate motorcycles. I have to pray my sanity back every time Dad takes off on Stella. I’ve seen the remains of too many motorcycle accidents on the news. I can’t get those images out of my mind. I could never ‘enjoy’ spending a day on one.” She feigned a shiver. “Never, never, never.”

“Okay, okay.” Tracey blew her hair out of her eyes. “I get it. No motorcycles. But would you just spend some time away from all this while we’re gone? If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for me.”

“Why would I do it for you?”

“Because I asked!” Tracey teased. “I forgot how stubborn you are!”

Alex touched up a couple spots on the rocker then balanced her brush across the top of the paint can. “Ah, I’m just stubborn because that’s what you expect me to be. I’m just a little teddy bear. You know that.”

“Yeah, right.”

Alex stood up, stretching her arms over her head. “Trace, is everything okay with you and Noah? I haven’t seen him up at the house much these past couple of days.”

Tracey pushed the annoying strands of hair from her face with the back of her wrist. “We’re fine. Not that we’re a we. To be honest, I’m not quite sure what we are.”

“Are you okay with that? Not knowing?”

“I think so. I’m just trying to give him space until he’s‍—‍” She looked up at her sister standing over her. “Until he’s ready for us to be an us. If that makes sense.”

Alex brushed the hair out of Tracey’s face, tucking it beneath the bandana her sister wore. “It makes perfect sense. And I’m glad you’re willing to give him that space. He’ll come around. Eventually.”

“You really think so? Sometimes I see this far-away look in his eyes, and I wonder.”

Alex squatted beside her. “Yes, Trace. I believe he’ll come around. And I think you’re just the person to be there for him when he does.”

Just before sunrise on Saturday, the bikers gathered at Walnut Ridge. As Tracey stepped out on the front porch, she watched as most of them busily buffed the finish on their Harleys. Buddy opened the door and joined her.

“Why are they all polishing their bikes now? Won’t they just get dirty once they get on the road?”

Buddy handed her his extra pair of protective sunglasses. “It’s a biker thing, sweetie. It’s like those show dog competitions on TV. You always see their owners fussing over them at the last minute, brushing their coats to perfection. That’s exactly how we feel about our Harleys. I suppose it’s a pride thing, wanting our machines to glisten in the sunlight. Look real sleek and classy while we’re on the road. Besides,” he said, heading down the steps, “Stella never lets me ride until she feels adequately pampered.”

Tracey followed her father down the steps. “So why aren’t you over there dusting her off?”

He grinned. “Stella likes to get up early. I gave her the spa treatment before any of these yokels showed up. She’s pristine and raring to go, don’t you think?”

Tracey admired his glistening bike, shaking her head. “Stella, Stella, Stella. You are one lucky girl.”

Noah joined them, wiping his hands on a cloth. “Morning, Tracey.”

“Hi, Noah. Hey, that reminds me. I never asked‌—‌do you have a name for your bike?”

He smiled. “Sure.”

She waited, he said nothing. “Okay . . . is it a secret or would you mind telling me?”

“Bike.”

“Bike?”

“What? You don’t like Bike?”

She laughed, pinching his elbow which made him howl. “Bike. Such a creative, clever name for such a beautiful, sleek Harley.” She put her arm around his waist as he wrapped his arm around her.

“I thought you’d like it.” He looked down into her eyes. “You ready?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Noah explained the protocol for group rides like this. Tracey was fascinated to learn how safety-conscious they were.

“Your dad’s riding lead today. That means he’ll ride at the head of the pack, staying to the left side of the lane. The rest of us stagger behind him‌—‌right, left, right, left. Now, if you were riding solo and it was your first time, you’d ride in that second slot just to the right behind the lead. That way, we’d have you surrounded should anything go wrong.”

“But since I’m with you, I won’t be treated like a newbie?”

“That’s right. Just before we start up, Buddy will determine what hand signals we’ll use today. It’s important to know those.”

“What kind of hand signals?”

Noah extended his hand down toward the ground and pointed. “If you see Buddy or anyone do this, it means there’s something in the road that could be hazardous. Like pieces of tires, debris, that sort of thing. When he extends his left hand at a forty-five degree angle and moves his hand up and down, low like this, it means slow down. He may see something ahead that you can’t see, so you obey his lead.”

“I always have,” Tracey quipped.

He went through several other hand signals. Speed up, ride in a single line instead of two by two, stop, left turn, right turn, and pull off the road.

“Well, all I can say is I’m glad you know what you’re doing. I’d be lost before we even left the driveway.”

“You’ll get the hang of it. And you need to know the hand signals as well as I do. Keeps us both alert so we don’t take any chances.” He mounted his bike and motioned for her to do the same. “Hop on.”

She started to the helmet on.

“Hold off with that until Buddy gives his instructions.”

“Oh, okay.” Tracey casually climbed onto her seat in back. “Is it true what they call these back seats?” she asked with a smile.

He chuckled. “I’m afraid so. How about we call it a princess seat today instead?”

“Much better.”

Just then, a bike roared up the driveway. Tracey recognized the older model black Road King, knowing immediately it was Gristle. A young woman rode behind him covered head to toe in black leather. He pulled up beside them and cut his engine. Gristle pulled off his helmet.

“Will someone please tell this pretty young thang that it is NOT cool to be late for a HOG ride?! GLORY, if the sistah don’t take fo-EV-ah to doll up her pretty lil’ seff and make me LATE!”

She pulled off her helmet, a radiant smile filling her face. “Don’t you all be listenin’ to him. He was supposed to call me at six to make sure I was up. But did he call? No, he did not. It’s a miracle we got here at all!” She laughed, climbing off the bike. “Hey, bikers! Since Gregory forgot to introduce me, I’ll just do it myself. I’m Maleeka. And thanks for waiting for us.”

Gregory? Then Tracey remembered Gristle’s real name‌—‌Greg Sells. She leaned over, extending her hand. “Hi, Maleeka. I’m Tracey, and this is Noah.”

The introductions were made quickly through the dozen or so other riders, all men. Tracey knew most of them, introduced herself to those she didn’t. All the while Gristle carried on and on about his girlfriend’s disregard for biker protocol.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Tracey,” Maleeka said, climbing back on Gristle’s bike. “Gregory told me there’d be another girlfriend here today.”

Tracey blushed at the term knowing Noah heard it. She caught a slight tilt of a smile before he turned back around. “I’m glad you came too, Maleeka.”

“Okay, listen up!” Buddy called. “Looks like a beautiful day for a ride. Let’s go over our hand signals just to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

He demonstrated the various gestures, many like the ones Noah had just shown her. After a few minutes, Buddy said. “Looks like we’re ready to ride. Let’s have a word of prayer.”

For a moment, Tracey was surprised. It seemed odd for a bunch of bikers to bow their heads in prayer before taking off. Then she realized Buddy Collins would never miss an opportunity to pray before something like this.

“Father, thank You for this spectacular fall morning. We ask for Your hedge of protection as we ride today. Give us safe roads and sweet, sweet travel. And as we ride, help us be mindful of the beauty surrounding us. The changing leaves. The wildlife. The clear blue skies. Help us ride with a mindset of praise and thanks for You and the glory of Your creation all around us. We give this day to You, Lord. And the people said?”

“AMEN!”

“Let’s ride!”

As soon as helmets were in place, the bikes came to life, their roar eclipsing all other sounds on what had been a quiet Saturday morning. Boom boom boom! Boom boom boom! Tracey got goose bumps, feeling the rumble of the engine beneath her as it rocked the bike. With so many other engines revving to life, it felt like the ground beneath them literally trembled.

Even with the thunder of so much noise all around them, she noticed the unique sound of the engines. Adjusting her headset, she asked Noah why.

“It’s Harley’s trademark sound‌—‌potato-potato-potato. I love it, don’t you?”

She smiled, watching Maleeka grab handfuls of Gristle’s black leather jacket, her eyes already squeezed shut behind her sunglasses. Tracey chuckled, remembering her first ride with her father not so long ago. Buddy led them all down the long driveway, everyone taking their place behind him just as Noah had described. Turning out of the drive onto the road, the cycles roared even louder, announcing their departure to the sleepy little town.

As Noah pulled out onto the road, he took his place in the line-up and accelerated. Tracey couldn’t believe how exhilarating it was to be a part of this. “HEY, NOAH!” she shouted. “I LOVE THIS!”

“You don’t have to shout, Tracey! Remember?” She watched his helmet shake side to side and imagined him rolling his eyes.

She laughed. “Sorry about that! I can’t help it. This is GREAT!”

Just as they were about to pass Emma’s Coffee Shop, she noticed someone holding a Styrofoam cup in one hand and making a bunch of animated motions toward the bikers with the other. As they passed, she recognized Deacon Stone‌—‌his face purple with rage, his mouth in angry motion. She could only imagine the contempt spewing out of his mouth.

She shouldn’t have, but she couldn’t help it. As they passed, she waved at the gnarly old guy and with a big smile shouted, “GOOD MORNING, DEACON!”

He clamped his mouth shut and threw the coffee cup down on the ground sending a splash of brown all over the sidewalk.

“What’s his problem?” Noah asked.

“He’s just hateful, that’s all.”

“Obviously. But what’s that all about?”

Tracey leaned back, proud of herself for no longer needing to clutch Noah’s back. “Actually, it’s kind of a long story.”

“We’ve got nothing but time,” he said, turning his head so she could see his smile.

“I think it all stems back to years ago‌—‌maybe ten or fifteen; I’ve lost track. Deacon has a son named Thad. Only child. And all along, I guess Deacon assumed Thad would grow up and work in the family real estate office. Problem was, Thad had no interest in real estate. And if you ask me, I bet he mostly just wanted to work anywhere but with his dad.

“Thad was a smart kid. Really popular too. Quarterback of the football team, pitched for the baseball team. But he couldn’t handle all his dad’s constant pressure. So during his senior year in high school, he started visiting Dad at the church, asking advice on what to do with his life and how to follow his own interests when all the while his dad never let up on him. Dad counseled Thad, trying to help him find out what the Lord wanted him to do. And in the end, Thad wanted to go to Middle Tennessee State. He’d had all kinds of offers for football scholarships. Then, without telling his father, he signed with MTSU.

“When the news came out, Deacon was furious. He stormed into Dad’s office and accused him of undermining Deacon’s role as a father, of telling his kid to go against his father’s wishes‌—‌all that stuff. Apparently, it was pretty ugly because Dad refused to tell us what Deacon said to him that day. And ever since then, Deacon’s had it out for Dad.”

“The man sure knows how to hold a grudge,” Noah said.

“It’s more than that, really,” Tracey continued. “He’s so shady in all his real estate dealings. It’s no secret, but everyone’s afraid of him, so nobody’s ever blown the whistle on him.”

“Every town has its bully, I guess.”

“I guess so. What really irks me is how he takes advantage of so many of our older folks. He’s been quietly buying up property for years. All of it’s legal, or so they say. But it’s completely unethical. He approaches senior adults when they’re either in some kind of grief over losing a spouse, or facing some kind of medical or financial bind. He ‘buys’ their house from them for pennies on the dollar, then lets them live in their own homes rent-free until they die.”

“What a guy. He’s all heart, isn’t he?”

“He makes me sick. He’s conned so many widows in this area, it’s obscene. But so far nobody’s been able to prosecute him. He stays just within the law, like I said. But he’s knowingly taking advantage of these people. Dad’s tried for years to put an end to it, but Deacon always finds a way out. He really is a snake. I hate the guy for all the grief he’s given Dad over the years. I just wish he’d drop dead and give the whole town some peace for a change.”

“That’s a little harsh, don’t you think? Wishing him dead?”

“Probably. But still . . .”

They rode in silence for a while. An hour into their trip, they turned onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. The historic, winding, two-lane road stretched 444 miles from Nashville, cutting through the northwest corner of Alabama, and ending at Natchez, Mississippi. With the autumn leaves at their peak, the drive was breathtaking. Here and there they’d spot deer grazing in wide, open fields. Now and then, Noah pointed out chicken hawks in flight, and once they even saw a bald eagle.

Tracey closed her eyes, breathing in the crisp, cool air as it rushed past her. She tried to remember what it was like working in the pressure cooker that was Washington D.C. She smiled broadly when she realized it had been several days since she’d given her life there more than a passing thought. How quickly I’ve grown accustomed to this life, she thought. And I love it. I honestly love it. This is where I belong.

She opened her eyes again, realizing how much Noah was a part of those feelings. Tracey tried to keep her emotions in check‌—‌at least until she knew it was safe to let go of her heart and love him the way she wanted to. Give him time, she reminded herself. Give him time.

“What’re you smiling at back there?” he asked, breaking her thoughts.

Thankful for the sunglasses that hid her eyes, she quipped, “None of your business.”

She could see his face in the rearview mirror and watched him smile. She reached up, placing her hand at his waist, deciding to leave it there a while. As if reading her mind, he placed his gloved hand over hers, apparently deciding to leave it there a while too.

Not a bad way to spend an autumn day . . .

Chapter 18

Tracey was surprised how quickly the miles flew beneath them. They’d stopped only once at an overlook for a rest break before continuing their ride to Tupelo. She and Noah talked at times, but for the most part they’d ridden along listening to a random assortment of tunes over the Harley’s radio piped through their headsets.

They stopped for lunch, taking a short detour on Highway 20 to Florence, Alabama. There, they feasted on platters of fried catfish, shrimp, slaw, and hush puppies, while sipping sweet tea. Afterward, they headed back to the Parkway and once again enjoyed the bright blue skies above as they traveled.

Tracey closed her eyes and felt herself drifting off to sleep. “I can’t keep my eyes open.”

“Me neither,” Noah teased. “Wake me up when we get there.”

Her eyes flew open. “No! Don’t even talk like that!”

“Just kidding. Remember, I usually ride solo, so I’m used to long distances without interruption. You go ahead and fall asleep. I’ll wake you if you start to fall off, deal?”

“You have a really sick sense of humor, you know that?”

As they rounded a curve in the road, the line of hand signals cautioned them to slow down and come to a stop.

“What’s the matter?” Tracey asked, placing her hand on Noah’s shoulder.

“Looks like there may be an accident up ahead.”

As the bikers all came to a stop on the two-lane highway, they couldn’t see ahead because of an incline and bend in the road. All they could see were a dozen or more vehicles stopped in front of them.

“Can you see anything?” Gristle called out from behind them.

“Nothing,” Noah said as he and Tracey stepped off their bike. “I’ll go see what I can find out.”

“I’ll come with you,” Gristle said, handing his helmet to Maleeka. “Now, you stay here and stay outta the road, you got that?”

“Why? How come I can’t‍—‍”

“I’ll keep you company,” Tracey said as the guys walked away. An uneasy feeling crept under her skin.

“I don’t know about you, but I needed another break,” Maleeka said, twisting and turning. “How they do this‌—‌all these miles on these motorcycles? Least in a car you can move around now and then.”

“Ah, but think how much more‍—‍”

“Oh, this can’t be good,” Maleeka said, looking over Tracey’s shoulder. “Here comes an ambulance and a police car.”

The emergency vehicles cut their sirens as they came closer, their lights still flashing. Shortly after passing them on the shoulder of the road, they came to a stop. They could hear other sirens in the distance. Tracey and Maleeka started walking toward the crash scene, forgetting their promise to stay behind. As they crested the hill, they could see three mangled and twisted vehicles sitting at odd angles, on and off the road. Shattered glass covered the road along with bent bumpers and broken tail lights. The biting smell of gasoline filled the air.

“Oh good Lord, what a mess, what a MESS,” Maleeka said, taking the words out of Tracey’s mouth.

People surrounded the vehicles, including most of Buddy’s Elders, distinctive in their black leather jackets. She shielded her eyes from the sun, looking for her father and Noah. They appeared to be speaking to someone in a small red car that had flipped upside down. Buddy turned and shouted to the paramedics, motioning for them to hurry.

When she looked up, Noah was no longer in view. She assumed he was on the other side of the vehicle. Another ambulance arrived, its siren making short, loud chirps as though to say, get out of the way! Two more squad cars filed in behind it.

As the emergency personnel rushed toward the accident, the policemen began corralling the onlookers, pushing them back to a safer distance.

“Maleeka, do you see Noah?”

“No, I see Gregory and Buddy and some of the other guys, but not Noah.”

A fire truck arrived, its blaring siren filling her soul with dread. As it pulled into the grassy median alongside the wreckage, Tracey prayed silently. She watched in disbelief as the emergency personnel pulled a young child from inside the small red compact. Still inside, a woman screamed for her baby. Why aren’t they getting her out too?

She felt Maleeka’s hand take her own, clasping it tight. “Oh, dear Jesus, help these people!” Tracey joined her in silent prayer, thankful to close her eyes to the scene below.

Eternity seemed to pass before the crash victims were loaded into ambulances and driven away. Gradually, the Elders made their way back to their bikes, none of them speaking. Gristle took Maleeka in his arms as tears tracked down his face.

“The mama, she didn’t make it. She gone,” he cried quietly.

Tracey rushed past them, searching for Buddy and Noah. She finally spotted them off the side of the road. Noah sat on a guardrail, his head in his hands. Buddy stood over him, his hands on Noah’s shoulders. Dread washed over her again. Then, just as she neared them, Buddy held up his hand, shaking his head. The message was clear.

She stopped in her tracks, nodding a silent response. Wrapping her arms around herself, she bowed her head and continued to pray. Oh God . . .

Suddenly, she heard footsteps and looked up. “Noah?”

He didn’t look at her, but briefly squeezed her shoulder as he walked by. She turned to follow him, then felt another strong hand stop her.

“Give him a minute, Tracey Jo,” her father said, putting his arm over her shoulder.

“Is he okay?” When her father said nothing, she turned to look in his eyes and found them moist. “Daddy, what’s wrong?”

They walked slowly back toward the other bikers. “I don’t believe in ghosts, but I think sudden triggers can evoke all kinds of memories and images that haunt our souls. The young woman in the car . . .”

“Reminded him of Melissa?”

“Yes.” He said nothing for a moment or two. “I assume he’s told you about her accident?”

They stopped alongside Stella. “No, not yet. He promised to tell me at some point. Alex told me he’d lost his wife in an accident.”

Buddy gathered her into his arms. “Yes, he did. And on that day, his wife was driving a small red car.”

“Oh, no.”

“Be patient with him, sweetie. He just needs a little space right now.”

Noah felt like a short bungee cord was wound tightly around his chest. He’d experienced the sensation before, but now was not the time for breathing exercises or stretching out until it passed. As Noah approached his Harley, he put one hand on the handlebar and one on the seat to steady himself. He closed his eyes, trying desperately to shut out the glassy stare of the young woman in the small red car. Her seat belt had tethered her to the driver’s seat, suspending her from the roof of the upside-down vehicle. She was pinned at an awkward angle, unable to move her head against the smashed-in car door.

She had screamed for her child, unable to see the paramedics carefully unhooking the child seat where her little one was secured. As the toddler was safely removed from the back seat of the car, the mother’s screams had continued, begging to know if her daughter was okay. Buddy and Noah had tried to calm her as other paramedics worked to free her.

As Buddy continued murmuring his reassurances, she suddenly fell silent. Noah had leaned in, pressing his fingers to her neck but finding no pulse there. He tried again and again. Nothing.

After the paramedics asked him to step aside, they too were unable to find a pulse. Noah’s eyes had been riveted to the vacant eyes of the young woman, his own emotions crashing in on him. He’d turned away and rushed off to a nearby tree where he lost his lunch. Buddy had been at his side immediately.

“You’ll be okay,” he’d said calmly, handing him his handkerchief. “Take some deep breaths, Noah. It will pass. Let it pass.”

Buddy led him to the guard rail where he’d tried to breathe again, but nothing seemed to help. When Tracey had called out to him, he couldn’t think. The sun was too bright. Too many eyes were looking his way. I have to get out of here. Now. He’d hurried by her, knowing he couldn’t speak and thankful that Buddy was there for her.

The roaring riptide of emotions threatened to roll over him and drag him under.

He picked up the extra helmet, quickly stepped over to set it on Stella, then got on his own bike and cranked it up.

Gristle reached over to pat him on the back. “Noah? You okay, bro?”

Noah pulled away, holding his hands up, shaking his head.

Suddenly, Tracey was there, Buddy right behind her. The look on her face pulled the imaginary bungee cord tighter around his chest.

“Noah, where are you going?”

“C’mon, Noah. Don’t leave,” Buddy said.

“Back off!” Noah snapped, hating the sound of his voice.

They froze, all staring at him.

“Please don’t go,” Tracey pleaded with tears in her eyes.

He pushed his sunglasses in place. “I’m . . . I have to . . . I’m sorry.” He turned his bike the way they’d come, and roared off as fast as he could, refusing to glance in his rearview mirror.

Chapter 19

A week passed. Noah hadn’t called. He wasn’t taking Buddy’s calls. Apparently, he wasn’t taking anyone’s calls. Tracey had stopped listening for the sound of his Harley and wondered if he’d ever return. She wasn’t angry that he left. Both Buddy and Alex had told her he often took off like this, sometimes for weeks at a time. They’d learned to give him his space. Tracey was trying, but the consuming worry seemed to eat at her day and night. She knew he could take care of himself, but it was the condition of his heart that concerned her most of all. He’d come so close to letting her in. But now? It all felt like a distant memory.

Tracey busied herself finishing pieces for the shop which was almost completed. Their upcoming grand opening gave her less than a week to go. The deadline enabled her to focus all her efforts and thoughts into getting the place ready. But late at night, after a long soak in the tub, the emptiness of Noah’s continued absence loomed all around her.

On one such night, she padded downstairs to make herself some hot tea. She was surprised to find her father still up, reading in the den by the fire.

“You’d think after all these years, I’d know the sound of my daughters’ footsteps,” he said, placing the bookmark between pages. “I thought for sure you were Alex.”

“Sorry, Dad. What are you doing still up?”

“Couldn’t sleep. Came down for hot tea. There’s still some in the kitchen if you’d like it.”

“You must’ve read my mind. I’ll be right back.”

Tracey made her way to the kitchen, filled her mug with tea, then joined her father back in the den. She took a seat beside him on the sofa. “What are you reading?”

“C. S. Lewis.”

“Your favorite.”

“True. I wish I possessed even one one-hundredth of his wisdom. Maybe then life would make more sense.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, I think you do all right,” she said.

He closed the book and turned toward her, quirking a smile. “Lewis once said, ‘You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.’ I’d have to agree. Wouldn’t you?”

She nodded then blew on her tea.

“So what’s got you up so late after a long day’s work?” he asked.

Tracey took a sip then shrugged. “A little this, a little that. I’m excited about the store opening. It’s been good, having something to keep me busy.”

“Alex says you have a real knack for restoring furniture.”

Tracey smiled. “You know Alex. Always the encourager.”

“Maybe so, but I can see for myself she’s right.”

“Still, I just can’t . . . no matter how hard I try, I can’t‍—‍”

“You can’t stop worrying about Noah?”

She blew out a weary sigh. “I can’t stop worrying about Noah.”

He squeezed her shoulder. “He’ll be back. You’ll see.”

“Dad, it’s not just that. I thought I’d been so careful not to let my feelings for him rush ahead of me. We both agreed to take it slow, one day at a time. And yet, there’s not one trace of doubt in my mind that I’m in love with him.” It seemed strange, hearing herself say those words out loud.

His wide smile slowly deepened. “If you’re expecting to find shock on my face, don’t waste your time.”

She reached out and took his hand. “I know. It’s not as if I’ve tried to hide my feelings. I’m just not quite sure what to do with them at this point.”

Her father rested his head back on the sofa. “I think you just keep doing what you’re doing, and try not to overanalyze it.”

“Easier said than done.”

“True. But if I’ve learned anything these past few years, I’ve learned that worrying myself to death over this or that doesn’t help a thing.”

“I still remember that sermon you preached on worry back when I was in high school,” Tracey began.

“And here, all this time, I thought all you ever did in church was pass notes with your friends and giggle.”

“Most of the time, but occasionally I listened.”

Buddy tugged at a lock of her hair. “You were saying?”

“I remember the analogy you gave, comparing worry to a rocking chair. ‘It keeps you moving but doesn’t get you anywhere.’ I never forgot that.”

“A great word picture, isn’t it?”

Tracey nodded. “Yes, and I feel as if I’ve put a million miles on that rocker since Noah took off.”

Buddy took another sip of tea. “For what it’s worth, when I can’t seem to stop worrying, I always go back to one of my favorite scriptures. Philippians four, verses six and seven. ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ That’s a mighty powerful promise, if you ask me.”

“I know, Dad. I just wish I could live that out, you know? It sounds like the perfect antidote for worry, but something inside me just can’t let go enough to really buy into it completely.”

“It’s about trust, Tracey Jo.”

“I know. But it’s amazing how often that particular word picture gets blurred.”

“It’s a hard lesson to learn‌—‌trusting God completely. Especially when it comes to relationships with others.”

“Speaking of which,” she said, turning to face him again. “Where do things stand with Deacon and the City Council on our permits? Is that what the meeting is about tomorrow night?”

Buddy ran his hand through his hair. “I’m afraid so. It’s their monthly meeting, which means it’s open to the public. I figure it’s the only way I can get a fair hearing by the entire council without Deacon blocking me. I’m sure he’ll put up a fight, but he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. There’s no reason for him to block these permits, which means it’s sheer vindication on his part.”

“So what happens if he has convinced everyone else on the council to block the permits?”

“That, my dear, is when I cling to those verses we just talked about and put my trust in God. I have to trust He’ll be able to do what I can’t.”

Tracey stood up and stretched. “Guess I need to do the same where Noah is concerned.”

She leaned over and kissed her father on the top of his head.

“God will never let you down. That much I know for sure. G’night, sweetheart.”

“Good night, Daddy.”

Alex stepped back to admire Tracey’s work. Her latest project, two matching bedside tables, boasted three pastel shades highlighting the wainscoted detail on the front of each table.

“I cannot believe what a natural you are at this. Had I known, we should have done this years ago. Think how much fun we’ve missed!”

Tracey stood up, twisting to stretch her aching back muscles. “I doubt I’d be able to stand up straight now if we’d been doing this for years. I can’t wait to be up at the shop where we’ll have a worktable and stools. Much more of this and we’ll both be in traction, Sis.”

The loud rumble of a Harley drew closer to the barn. Tracey stopped to listen, then sighed when she recognized the familiar sound of her father’s bike.

“Trace, I’m sorry,” Alex said, rubbing her sister’s shoulder. “One of these days it’ll be Noah’s you hear.”

“But not today.” Tracey set aside one of the tall narrow tables and wiped her hands on her apron.

Buddy stepped into the barn. “Ah, my two favorite girls. How’s it going?”

“You look nice, Daddy. What’s the‍—‍”

Alex jumped. “Oh my goodness‌—‌what time is it?!”

Buddy checked his watch. “It’s a little after six. I thought you two were planning to come to the meeting tonight.”

Tracey yanked at the strings on her apron. “We completely lost track of time! When does it start?”

“City Council meets at 6:30 sharp. Think you can make it?”

Alex threw off her apron, then stopped herself to pick it up and hang it where it belonged. “Daddy, just go. We’ll be there!”

Twenty-two minutes later, Tracey and Alex dashed down the hill toward the town’s small City Hall. Even before they got there, they could see a line of people waiting to get in. When they reached the end of the line, Alex tried to catch her breath. “What’s going on? Why are you all out here?”

Tina Redmon’s face lit up. “Are you kidding? The showdown between your dad and Deacon Stone! Everybody’s talking about it. We’ll be lucky if we can squeeze in the back of the room.”

Alex grabbed Tracey’s arm and pulled her along. “Make way, make way! Family coming through. C’mon, people, let us through.” Slowly but surely, the sisters pushed through those in line and the crowd standing in the outer hall of the small building.

Suddenly, Stump appeared before them. “Miss Alex, Miss Tracey, Buddy said for me to bring you girls in. He saved you seats on the front row with him.”

Alex stood on her tiptoes and pecked the big guy on his cheek. Thankfully, he had leaned down so she could place her lips on the small patch of his face that wasn’t bearded. “Thanks, Stump! You’re our hero.”

He smiled as he showed them the way. Just as they took their seats, Deacon started pounding his gavel. Their father gave them each a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Ladies and gentlemen, take your seats and come to order.” Deacon continued pounding the gavel, his face pinched in a scowl.

“Looks like Ginny Stone’s been feeding her husband persimmons again,” Alex whispered.

Tracey smiled but was much too nervous to laugh. She spotted her father’s knee bouncing at a rapid rate, so quickly stilled it with her hand. “Dad. It’s gonna be okay.”

“Oh. Sorry, sweetheart.” He put his hand over hers. “I’m good. Really. Just ready to get this over with.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, that will be enough!” Deacon pounded the gavel three more times and held it up as he waited for the audience to give him their full attention. When the murmurs died down, he placed the gavel back in its holder. “That’s better. This City Council meeting has now come to order. My colleagues and I wish to remind you that we will maintain complete decorum during this meeting. If, for any reason, we find the actions of this gathering to be of a disruptive manner, we will clear the room. I trust all of you will comply.”

Tracey studied the six other council members, three on each side of Deacon, who, of course, was council chairman. They were all people she’d known her whole life. Good, decent people with one exception‌—‌they all kowtowed to Deacon Stone. Which, of course, is how they got themselves elected to this council year after year. How does he do it? Are the elections rigged? Surely after all these years, someone would have blown the whistle if that were the case. The real question is why. Why would anyone be so driven to rule a tiny community like Jacobs Mill? Big fish, little pond? Really? Are you that starved for power, Deacon Stone?

“At the top of our agenda this evening is the matter of the residential property owned by Buddy Collins. Mr. Collins, on behalf of his daughters, has requested a proprietary change of zoning for a shack on his property‍—‍”

“Oh brother,” Alex groaned.

“—which he prefers to now be zoned for retail business. The council has denied Mr. Collins’ request on numerous occasions for the simple reason that we have rules against such things. These rules are in place to prevent folks from turning their homes into businesses and thereby detracting from their neighbors’ property values.”

Tracey listened, marveling at the tone in Deacon’s voice. Just a good old boy looking out for everyone’s best interest. Like Andy Griffith explaining to Aunt Bee why she can’t sell her prized pickled beets from her kitchen. No wonder so many fall for Deacon’s bull. Who doesn’t love Andy Griffith?

“Who among us would want Lennie Flickerman to move his auto mechanic shop right next door to their home? Who among us would want Avery Cramer to open his fish bait shop right beside our front porch? Or who among us would want Birdy Simpson to move her beauty shop into the house next door? Of course, none of us would. That’s because we respect one another’s property and have each other’s best interest at heart.

“It’s really a very simple case of protecting our fair city against those who would ruin it. First, a store selling beat-up, secondhand furniture‍—‍”

Tracey noticed her sister’s fingers clenching and unclenching. On the other side, she saw both her father’s knees bouncing in rhythm now. She closed her eyes and uttered a prayer for both of them.

“‍—‍and what’s next? A thrift store? A Wal-Mart? A Jiffy Lube? Why, Jacobs Mill would be nothing but another tacky stop on the interstate! And I know not a one of you here want that to happen.”

To his far right, council member Flossy McMills leaned over to her microphone. “Deacon, I think we should‍—‍”

“Now, Flossy, remember our protocol. We do not interrupt one another.”

“Yes, but‍—‍”

“You can have your say when I’m finished.”

Flossy blinked and busied herself with a paper clip.

“The point is, ladies and gentlemen, we all know what’s going on here. Our town has quite a history of having to deal with this family and their ilk. Why, who hasn’t heard Buddy and his hooligans roaring through town on those enormous motorcycles? Which, by the way, are in direct violation of the noise ordinance.”

“Is he talking about us?”

They all turned when Hank Biddle spoke aloud to Stump.

“I believe he is,” Stump answered, glaring across the room at Deacon.

“We gonna let him talk about us like that?” Hank continued.

Buddy stood up and turned to face his Elders, all standing across the back of the room. “Guys? Let’s keep this civil, okay?”

The Elders looked back and forth at each other, then finally shook their heads in agreement. “If you say so, Buddy.”

“Thank you.” Buddy turned back to face Deacon. “Look, I can’t sit here and let you turn this into another personal vendetta for whatever it is you hold against me and my family.”

Deacon slammed the gavel down. “You’ll have your turn to speak, Buddy. Now take your seat.”

“Let him speak!” someone yelled from the outer hallway.

Deacon slammed the gavel again until the room grew quiet. “I think we can all see what we’re dealing with here. And as chairman of this council, I for one will not sit idly by while ANYONE tries to degrade our little town by refusing to obey the rules and laws that were set in place for the good of all.”

“Is he gonna shut up and let the rest of us have a chance to speak?” Alex whispered in her father’s ear, loud enough for those around her to snicker.

Deacon slammed his gavel down, his face reddening. “Miss Collins, did I not make myself clear that we would not abide disruption of any sort in our proceedings this evening?”

“Sure you did, Deacon,” Alex shot back. “I was just wondering how long you’re gonna listen to yourself bloviate before letting some of the rest of us have our say. Isn’t that why we’re here?”

A ripple of restrained laughter rolled across the room. Deacon adjusted his glasses and turned his direction to Buddy. “I see your daughter Alex is as caustic as ever. I suppose that’s no great surprise. Apparently, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Buddy turned toward his daughter. “Actually, she just took the words right out of my mouth. Thanks, honey.”

“No problem, Dad.”

The polite chuckles sent another wave through the room.

Deacon straightened the pile of papers in front of him. “Well, I see no need to take any more time. As anyone can see, this is an open-and-shut case. The Collins wish to change zoning. The Council stands on the laws on our books which prohibit such a change. There’s really no use in‍—‍”

“Let them have their say!” Sadie Woolsey warbled in a shout from the other side of the room. “Deacon, you know perfectly well it’s in the bylaws that folks can speak their mind before a final vote is taken. I’d be more than happy to read the pertinent bylaws if you’ve forgotten them.”

“Now, Miss Sadie, there’s no need to‍—‍”

She raised a booklet in the air. “I have the bylaws right here.”

“I’m sure you do, but we’re all adults here. I believe we can‍—‍”

“I’m glad you see it that way,” she said. “Now who’ll speak first?” She turned to look around, her back to the chairman whose face crimsoned even more.

“Miss Sadie, please take a seat before‍—‍”

“I’ll speak first,” Alex said, already making her way to the microphone at the front of the short aisle. She tapped the mike. “Is this thing on?”

Deacon let out a loud sigh as he groaned, “Yes, Miss Collins, I’m afraid it is.”

“Good. I’ll make this short and sweet.”

Tracey watched her sister with fascination. Alex wasn’t the least bit flustered, looking each council member in the eye as she spoke.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we all know what this is about. As most of you know, the ‘shack’ Deacon is referring to is, in fact, the old smokehouse that has been on our property since the mid-1800s. As many of you know, my great-great grandfather later opened that smokehouse to the public during the depression to give the folks of Jacobs Mill food when they had none. Fortunately, there were no ‘laws on the books’ prohibiting his benevolence.

“Several weeks ago when we started renovating that property to turn it into a storefront, Dad complied with all the paperwork and petitioned for the zone change.”

“Yes, well, Miss Collins,” Deacon said, stifling a fake yawn. “You have as yet to tell us anything we don’t already know.”

Alex smiled sweetly. “I’m getting there. But please, go ahead and take a nap if you’re bored. We’ll wake you when we’re done.”

Laughter erupted then quickly abated with the glare on the chairman’s face. “Miss Collins, I will not warn you‍—‍”

“Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first time. Now. Where was I?” Alex snapped her fingers. “Ah, I remember. As I said, Daddy petitioned for a zone change. Deacon sat on it. Even refused to discuss it with his fellow council members here. We’re about to open for business, and yet our esteemed, self-appointed town dictator‍—‍”

“That’s enough!” Deacon shouted, pounding the gavel over and over.

“‍—‍has handled this simple request‍—‍”

“I said that’s ENOUGH!”

“‍—‍the same way he handles everything in Jacobs Mill. By bullying everyone on this council the same way he’s bullied me and my father and everyone else in‍—‍”

“MISS COLLINS! I SAID SIT DOWN!”

Everyone froze. The gravel fell to the floor as Deacon clutched at his chest. His purpled face quickly drained of all color. “I said . . .” His eyes rolled back in his head just before he fell backwards, hitting his head against the credenza behind him then slumping to the ground.

For a split second, no one moved.

“SOMEBODY GET THE PARAMEDICS NEXT DOOR!”

Suddenly, the room exploded into action as people rushed toward the front to help the fallen chairman. Others backed away in shock. Buddy, Tracey, and Alex joined the other council members who knelt beside Deacon. Seeing the blood pooling beneath his head, Buddy yanked out his bandana and placed it gently beneath Deacon’s head.

“Where’s Ginny? Is she here?” Alex called back to the crowd, looking for Deacon’s wife.

“No. She’s in Texas with the grandkids!” Flossy cried, standing beside her chair at the table. “Should I call her?”

Just then paramedics from the Fire Station rushed into the room. “Clear out, folks! Give us room!”

Tracey backed away from the knot of council members circling Deacon. As she looked up, she saw Stump calmly urging everyone to leave the room.

“That’s it, nice and quiet like,” he said. A few of the townsfolk looked at him with suspicious eyes, but followed his instructions.

“Do as he says,” Mrs. Peterson instructed, appearing beside her big friend. “Let’s gather ourselves outside.”

With the paramedics checking Deacon’s vitals, Tracey and her sister stepped back to give them room.

“Can you believe this?” Tracey whispered.

When her sister didn’t respond, she turned to find out why. Alex’s eyes were glued to the back of the room.

“No, I can’t believe this,” she whispered. “And neither will you when you turn around.”

Alarmed by the look on her sister’s face, Tracey turned around. There, standing amidst the outgoing flow of the crowd, stood Noah.

Chapter 20

Moments before, Noah had arrived at City Hall just in time to witness Deacon’s outburst and fall. He’d rolled back in town a few minutes earlier, stopping by Walnut Ridge in hopes of seeing Tracey. But the house was empty, as were the shop and barn. Not until he drove down Main Street had he seen the crowd and stopped to ask what was happening. Someone he didn’t know had told him the Collins were having a showdown with Deacon and the City Council.

He’d parked his bike and elbowed his way through the crowded outer room. Squeezing into the council room, he’d spotted Alex at the microphone, though her back was turned. He searched for Tracey, finding her up on the front row with Buddy. Then, before he’d even caught his breath, Deacon collapsed.

As the room cleared out, he pushed his way through the last of the townsfolks as he made his way toward Tracey and Alex. This wasn’t at all how he’d planned to face Tracey after his absence. As she turned to face him, he swallowed hard. Closing the space between them, he then stopped.

“Hello, Tracey.”

“Noah, when . . . where did you . . .” Her expression seemed to crumble, a mix of emotions rushing through her eyes. He held out his arms, not knowing what to say, wishing her into his embrace. As a tear slipped down her cheek, she stepped closer‍—‍close enough that he could wrap his arms around her.

He buried his face in her hair. “Tracey, I’m so sorry.”

He felt a hand cover his and looked up to see Alex, her eyes pooled with tears as she simply nodded then passed by them. Buddy followed, giving him a hearty pat on his back along with a knowing wink before he joined Alex.

Tracey looked up at him. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again,” she said, her voice rasped with emotion.

He pushed a strand of hair from her eyes and wiped her tears away with his thumb. “I wasn’t sure you’d ever want to see me ever again.”

A nervous chuckle escaped as a smile tugged at her lips. “Noah, I want you to know‍—‍”

He put his forefinger against her lips. “Shh, not here. Not now. Can we go somewhere and talk?”

A paramedic interrupted them, guiding a gurney down the aisle. “Might be best for you folks to join the others outside.”

“Sure thing,” Noah said, reaching for Tracey’s hand.

She didn’t move, her gaze turned to those assisting Deacon. “Noah, do you remember that day we left on the ride when I said I wished Deacon would just drop dead?”

Noah put his arm over her shoulder and steered her away. “You didn’t mean it.”

“I know, but it’s like I willed it to happen or something. I feel awful.”

He looked down at her as they made their way toward the door. “Don’t. You had nothing to do with what just happened, okay?”

“But I should never have‍—‍”

“Tracey?”

“Yes?”

He rested his hands on her shoulders and leaned close to her ear. “You and I both know you didn’t wish the man dead,” he whispered. “So let that go, okay?”

She pressed her lips together, then finally nodded.

They stepped outside into the throng of folks still milling around in the early evening darkness, all waiting for news about Deacon. The quaint streetlights shone like spotlights on those gathered and others joining them from The Depot across the street. Noah wished he’d thought to exit through the back door to avoid seeing everyone. Right now, all he wanted was a chance to talk to Tracey. Alone.

Suddenly, Stump bear-hugged him. “Noah! When did you get back?”

Tracey stepped away, giving the guys plenty of room. At the moment, Noah’s friends seemed anxious to fill him in on all he’d missed, most of the animated conversation involving the council meeting. She noticed that he kept an eye on her, even as she joined her sister across the street in front of the pub. She watched him as well, thankful the Elders were making such a fuss over him.

“Well? What did he say?” Alex asked. “Where’s he been? Did he tell you?”

“No, we barely said a word before all this. We’ll have a chance to talk later.”

Just then, the doors of City Hall flew open again as the paramedics pushed Deacon’s gurney outside and into the waiting ambulance.

“I see the chairman survived after all,” Alex said sarcastically.

“Alex, stop that kind of talk.” Tracey noticed the oxygen mask over Deacon’s pale face. “I sure hope he makes it.”

Alex folded her arms across her chest. “Well, that makes one of us.”

Tracey pinned Alex with a glare. “Stop. Please.”

The ambulance pulled away, its flashing lights sending a bizarre light show bouncing against the buildings. As it turned the corner at the end of Main Street, the siren blared into the night.

People started chatting again, many making their way into the pub. Tracey looked for Noah again, finding him still across the street, but this time with her father. The two seemed locked in serious conversation. She envied her father, wishing for the same opportunity, but not about to interrupt them.

Everything had happened so fast with so much confusion. And then, in the midst of all the chaos, Noah had appeared out of nowhere. Where had he been? Why hadn’t he called? She couldn’t help the impatience gnawing at her nerves.

“Let them be, Trace,” Alex said, hooking her elbow. “Let’s go in and throw some darts or something. How about it?”

“I guess,” she answered, glad for something to bide the time. As they turned to go inside, Tracey stopped. “Go on in, Alex. I just want to get Noah’s attention and let him know we’ll be inside. Okay?”

“Fine. I’ll order us some wings.” Alex disappeared inside.

As Tracey turned around, a black sedan with darkened windows pulled up to the curb right in front of her, obstructing her view. Irritated, she moved so she could again see Noah.

“Tracey?”

She recognized the voice before turning her head at the sound of her name. Oh no.

The front passenger side window continued to lower. “I can’t believe I found you,” Morgan said, reaching for her hand.

She snatched her hand out of his reach. “What are you doing here?”

He pulled on a black Vanderbilt baseball cap and opened the door. Climbing out of the vehicle, he carefully kept his back to the others still standing around. “I need to talk to you. Come, take a ride with me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not going anywhere with you. I can’t believe you’re here.” She leaned to look inside the car where Morgan’s driver sat behind the wheel. “Scott. Nice to see you again.

“Hi, Tracey. Nice to see you too.”

She didn’t miss the awkward expression on his face. No doubt wishing he was anywhere but right here. “Scott, you need to take the Senator back to‍—‍”

“Tracey, we have to talk,” Morgan said, moving closer. That’s all I’m asking. A few minutes. I came this far‌—‌surely you’ll give me at least that much.”

Tracey shook her head, furious he had the nerve to show up like this.

“No? Would you rather we make a scene here in front of all these people?”

“Morgan, please. Just go home.”

“Five minutes. Give me five minutes then I’ll go. I promise.”

She blew out a huff then nodded toward the alley beside the pub. As soon as she stepped around the corner, Tracey turned to face him. “You have wasted your time coming here. I’m not coming back. There’s nothing you can say or do to change my mind.”

He smiled, digging his hands deep in the pockets of his jeans, stepping closer. “Do you have any idea how much I’ve missed you?” She started to leave, but he caught her arm. “Okay, okay! I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

She looked at his hand still on her arm. “Morgan, please.”

He removed his hand but remained close. “I came because I needed to see you. That’s it. Pure and simple. Since you left, I can’t think of anything but‍—‍”

“Stop it! That’s enough!” she snapped, raising her hands. “You make me sick, you know that? All that time I worked for you, I believed in you. I believed in your fight for what was right and good and just in this country. I was so grateful that you stood up for the family when no one else would. And now look at you! Groveling in a dark alley, whining like a stupid schoolboy.”

“I know, I know!” he shrugged. “It’s completely wrong. Don’t you think I’m aware of that? Don’t you think it haunts me day and night, that all I can think of is the one person on this planet who wants nothing to do with me?” He yanked off his cap. “Tracey, it makes me crazy. But I never asked for this! I didn’t go looking for someone‌—‌it just happened. Surely, you were aware of it too. I could see it in your eyes. Always. You were there, always there at my side‍—‍”

“No! I never once thought of you as‍—‍”

“You can’t lie to me,” he said, stepping closer. “I know you feel it too. You always wanted us to be more than friends. You’ll never convince me otherwise.”

“Morgan, SHUT UP! We are done here.” She turned on her heel, but he grabbed her, pinning her against the wall, his hands locked on her arms with a strength she never knew he possessed. He kissed her hard even as she jerked her head trying to pull away from him. He kissed her with such force, she couldn’t even cry out. As hot tears began to pour down her cheeks, she could think of only one way to break free. She bit his tongue as hard as she could.

He screamed then caught himself, one hand reaching for his mouth, the other gripping her arm and wrenching it behind her back.

“Morgan, LET ME GO!”

“TRACEY!”

Through her tears, she saw Noah rounding the corner in a blur.

Still, Morgan wouldn’t let go, yanking her arm up higher until she cried out in pain. Suddenly, Noah cold-cocked the senator right on his nose as the sound of cartilage cracking popped in the night air. Morgan spun backward and fell in a heap on the ground. He tried to lift his head then dropped it, out cold.

“Tracey! Are you okay?” Noah pulled her into his arms briefly, then held her at arm’s length. “Are you hurt?”

Tracey couldn’t control the sobs wracking her body. She melted into his embrace in a puddle of tears.

At the sound of footsteps, they both looked up.

“Oh no.” Scott rushed to the senator’s side. “Is he‍—‍?”

“No, he’s just out,” Noah said, still holding Tracey close to his side. “But you probably ought to get the car so we can‍—‍”

“I’m on it,” Scott said, already taking off for the vehicle.

“TRACEY!” Alex cried, rushing to her side. “Someone told me you’d been‌—‌oh my gosh, is that Senator Thompson?!”

Buddy was right behind her. “Tracey Jo, what on earth is he doing here?” He quickly knelt down and lifted Morgan’s right eyelid then his left. He turned to face his daughter with a proud smile. “Did you do this?”

“No,” Noah said, “the pleasure was all mine.”

Buddy stood up and reached out for Noah’s hand. “Then thank you. For Tracey Jo and for me!”

As the black sedan pulled into the alley, its headlights illuminated the scene. Morgan moaned, raising a shaky hand toward his broken nose. “What . . .?”

“Never you mind, Senator,” Buddy said as Scott joined them. “Your chauffeur and I will get you back in the car.”

“Huh?”

In a matter of minutes, they’d deposited the injured senator into the back seat of the sedan. Scott made his way back to the front seat and started the engine. Just as Buddy was about to shut the back door, Tracey reached for it. “A minute, please?” she asked her father.

“Sure, sweetheart. Whatever you say.”

As he stepped out of the way, Tracey leaned into the car. “Scott? Take the good senator home‌—‌to his wife.”

“Gladly,” he answered, shifting to reverse. “Take care, Tracey,” he said with a ready smile.

“You too, Scott.”

With that, she slammed the door as the car backed out of the alley then disappeared.

Chapter 21

It was close to an hour before Tracey and Noah could finally be alone. Back at the house, they’d patiently chatted with Buddy and Alex before those two said goodnight and went upstairs. With the sudden quiet, Noah felt strangely shy in front of her. They both started to say something at the exact same time.

“Sorry,” he said, “you go ahead.”

“No, you first.”

“I was just going to suggest we go out on the back porch and make a fire. Are you up for that?”

“Sounds nice. You go ahead, and I’ll bring us some coffee.”

By the time she joined him with two mugs of steaming coffee, he’d managed to build a blazing fire. They settled down on the cushioned wicker sofa‌—‌the same place they’d sat not so long ago when they researched the Lincoln teacup together.

She handed him a mug. “It’s decaf. I hope that’s okay.”

“It’s perfect. Thanks.”

Tracey sipped from her mug, her eyes focused on the fire.

“I was beginning to think we’d never have a chance to talk,” he said, placing his mug on the table. “Seems like at least twelve hours since I first saw you sitting in City Hall.”

She pushed her hair out of her face. “I know. Strange, isn’t it?”

She took another sip of coffee then he gently took the cup from her and set it down. He took her hand in both of his. “Tracey, there’s so much I need to say to you, I don’t even know where to start.”

She smiled, searching his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“And that’s a good thing. First, I need to apologize. It was wrong of me to take off and leave you that day on the ride.” He paused, searching for the words he’d rehearsed all the way home. “The thing is, you deserved an explanation, but I was so freaked out by the accident, I . . . well, I just bolted. It’s what I’ve always done whenever all that stuff‌—‌all those memories from Melissa’s crash‌—‌starts flooding my mind again. But seeing that little red car and‍—‍” He cleared his throat. “What I’m trying to say is, the whole scene made me feel as if I were reliving that day my wife died.”

He blew out a quick puff of air, wishing his chest wasn’t feeling so tight again.

“Noah, you don’t have to tell me right now‍—‍”

“But I do, Tracey. I have to. It’s never going to get any easier, and you have a right to know. Because I can’t have a future with you if I can’t deal with my past. It’s as simple as that. And up until now, whenever the memories got too vivid or the nights got too long, I’d just climb on my bike and disappear. But this time, I realized how futile, how stupid that is. I was just running away. And not just from my inability to cope; I realized I was running away from any possibility of ever living a normal life again. And while I was gone this time, I realized that’s got to stop.”

She turned to face him, tucking her foot beneath her leg, her hand still in his. “Then let’s make it stop. Together. Tell me what you need to tell me, Noah. If it takes all night, that’s fine. Just tell me.”

And so he did.

Noah told her every single detail of that rainy day in April. He told her about the arrogant judge who made him late for his appointment with Melissa and their realtor. She’d found the perfect loft in Soho and wanted him to see it. Noah told Tracey about the taxi driver who couldn’t speak English, and the traffic jam in midtown Manhattan. He told her of making a run for it in the pouring rain and coming upon the accident. He told her how he felt when he first saw the mangled red Volkswagen and prayed it wasn’t Melissa’s. How it felt when he spotted the daisies in the car and the vanity plate that read My Lil’ Bug.

Tracey squeezed his hand, urging him to go on.

“A policeman gave me a ride to the hospital. I kept praying she was okay, but knowing she couldn’t be after seeing the damage to her car. They finally gave me a moment with her . . . but she was already gone. My mind was crazy with grief, and I couldn’t stop crying. I can still hear the sound of my cries bouncing around in that emergency room.”

He stopped, taking a moment to wipe his tears and catch his breath. With a long ragged breath, he continued. “Before I left, the attending physician asked if I wanted to know if the baby was a girl or boy. At first, I had no idea what he was talking about.” Noah coughed and blew out another breath. “See, I hadn’t known . . . she hadn’t told me yet.”

“Oh, Noah,” Tracey whispered.

“I think . . . well, I think that’s why she was so urgent about showing me that loft. I think that’s how she was going to tell me‌—‌show me where we’d put a nursery. She was always doing things like that. Surprising me.” He swallowed hard. “But I couldn’t speak, so I just nodded for the doctor to tell me. And he, uh, he said it was a boy.” He tried to smile but couldn’t. “Later, I decided to name him Bradley—that was Melissa’s maiden name. Bradley Bennett. I put that on his gravestone. Next to his mother’s.”

Tracey laced their fingers, gently squeezing his hand. “It’s a beautiful name.”

He grew silent, trying to figure out how to go on. He took another deep breath and eased it back out. “Tracey, what I need you to know—what you need to know—is that I loved my wife very much. And when I lost her, I completely lost my will to live. Which is why I turned my back on everything I’d ever known and just left. I’d never even ridden a motorcycle before. But one day, on nothing but a whim, I traded my BMW for that Harley out there and just took off.

“And to make a long, long story at least a little shorter, a few months later I found myself working as a roadie in Nashville, met some other bikers, and one weekend took a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains and met a guy named Buddy Collins.”

Tracey smiled. “Ah, the wild, wild preacher man.”

“Yes, and that wild, wild preacher man told me about new beginnings and second chances, and how to find hope again through a personal relationship with Jesus. He drew me into his group of Elders, and showed me how helping others could slowly bring me out of my grief. He gave me opportunities to take the focus off myself and instead focus on the needs of others. Buddy let me learn for myself how to care again by hammering shingles on a roof or fixing a leaky faucet or mowing someone’s lawn.

“And the strangest thing happened. Little by little, I noticed I was starting to feel alive again. That I cared about getting up in the morning because there were people who needed a helping hand.”

He pulled his hands free for a moment to rub his face and dash away the blasted tears. “I’m sorry, I’m rambling. I think your coffee got cold.”

“That’s not a problem.”

“And the fire needs a little‍—‍”

“Noah?”

He looked at her. “What?”

“We’re fine. The fire’s fine. Go on. I’m listening.”

He turned to face her, their knees overlapping as he reached for her hand again. “The thing is‌—‌the reason I’ve told you all this is because, for the first time in a very, very long time‌—‌I realized how much I want a chance to love again. You’ve been so patient with me, even when I didn’t deserve it. And when I took off, even while I was wandering all over everywhere and nowhere, in the midst of all that, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. It finally dawned on me; I had a reason not to run away anymore. And that reason was you.”

She smiled, and that was all it took.

“Tracey Jolene Collins, what I’m trying to say is, I’m in love with you.”

“Yeah?” she whispered, leaning to rest her forehead on his. “I’m really glad to hear it because I love you, too.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Then would you mind very much if I kissed you?”

She smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.

And so he did.

Chapter 22

On a brisk autumn morning in late October, Alex and Tracey cut the pumpkin-colored ribbon stretched across the front porch of their new shop to the cheers of their friends, family, and neighbors from town. Above them hung a new sign, beautifully lettered in a quaint, swirly font that made it official‌—‌Second Chances was open for business.

They spent the rest of the day welcoming their first customers, offering cold apple cider and sugar cookies to all who stopped by. Sales were brisk and compliments poured in along with a steady stream of well-wishers. Noah helped out whenever he could, helping folks carry their newfound treasures to their cars. Out back, the air was filled with the delicious aroma of kettle corn cooking in a big black urn. Buddy and the Elders dished up servings to customers in colorful cone-shaped cups.

Sometime early in the afternoon, Tracey stepped outside for some fresh air. “Daddy, that smells wonderful!”

Gristle chomped on a bite of kettle corn. “I ain’t never tasted nuthin’ like this before! Why you never made none o’ this fo’ us, Buddy?”

“You never asked,” he quipped back. “But where are your manners, Gristle? Hand this to Maleeka for me.”

“That’s all right, Buddy,” Maleeka teased, reaching for the treat. “I’ll teach Gregory some manners, even if I have to take him back and make his mama slap some sense into him.” She took a bite, and her eyes grew wide. “But he’s right‌—‌why you never made this for us before? I gotta tell ya, this is to die for!”

Buddy laughed. “Well, thank you, Maleeka, but no need to die on my account.”

“Hey, speakin’a dyin’,” Gristle said, “whatev’a happen to that ol’ buzzard Deacon? Ain’t seen him round no’ more. He do us all a favor and shuffle off this mortal coil?”

“Nah, but he had to retire,” Buddy said. “After he suffered that massive heart attack at the City Council meeting, he had a stroke while he was still in the hospital. It paralyzed him severely, so he’ll be in therapy for quite some time. He isn’t able to say much, so I’d say Deacon’s days of playing the ruler baron are over.”

“Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy,” a voice behind them mumbled.

They turned to find Lester picking kettle corn out of his cup. He stopped eating and looked up. “What?” When no one said anything, the slightest hint of a smile tugged at his mouth.

They laughed at his reaction, as they often did when he caught them off guard like that.

Buddy stirred the big pot of corn. “Ah now, Lester, let’s don’t wish Deacon any bad will. He’s got a tough road ahead of him.”

“There you are!”

Tracey turned to find Mrs. Peterson standing in the back door of their shop. “How nice to see you, Mrs. Peterson. Come out and have some kettle corn,” she said reaching up to help the elderly woman down the steps.

“Don’t mind if I do, but someone else is here to see you, too.” Mischief danced in her eyes as she stepped aside.

There, leaning over to avoid hitting his head on the doorframe, a tall block of a man stepped out onto the stoop. As he straightened to his full height, the stranger stood tall beside the tiny widow.

It took Tracey a second. “Stump? Oh my gosh, it’s really you!”

“Holy cow, is that really you, Stump?!” Buddy hooted.

“Who else you know this tall?” Stump teased as he escorted Mrs. Peterson down the steps. Gone was the furry long beard. Gone was the messy, tangled head of matted hair. Gone were the ragged clothes he always wore. In their place, he wore a black sweater over a white oxford cloth shirt and gray slacks‌—‌and not so much as a single facial hair.

“Stump, you’re positively handsome!” Tracey cried, giving the big guy a hug. “Look at you, all clean-shaven! What a nice smile you had hidden under all that . . . stuff.”

He blushed, which was easy to see now with all that hair gone. “I have Mrs. Peterson to thank. I asked if she’d like to accompany me today and she said yes‌—‌on one condition.”

Buddy laughed. “I guess we can figure that one out. Mrs. Peterson, you are truly a miracle worker.”

The diminutive widow stood up on her toes, reaching up to tug on Buddy’s ponytail. “Yes, Buddy, it seems I am a miracle worker, and I think I’m looking at my next project.”

Buddy gave her a hug. “Well now, Mrs. P, don’t get carried away.”

Tracey laughed, enjoying the easy banter before stepping back inside. There she found Noah returning from delivering an armoire.

He gave her a side hug, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Don’t know if you’ve realized it or not, but if you and Alex keep this up, you’re not going to have a stick of furniture left by the end of the day.”

“Which would be an awfully nice way to end our first day, don’t you think?” Alex said, rearranging a display on the side counter.

“Bite your tongue, Sis! If so, that means you and I stay up all night refinishing what’s left in the back. And I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted.! All I want to do is‍—‍”

“Oh, girls! Girls!”

Sadie Woolsey rushed through the front door. “You won’t believe what’s just happened!”

Alex grabbed her by the elbow. “Miss Sadie! What is it? Are you all right?”

“Yes, yes, I’m just so excited, I can hardly contain myself!”

“What is it?” Tracey asked, guiding the librarian to a tall stool at the checkout counter.

Sadie held a hand to her chest as she tried to catch her breath. “Remember those specialists from the Smithsonian who stopped by last week to examine the cup and saucer you found here in these walls? Well, just minutes ago I received a call from them. They said they couldn’t reach you at Walnut Ridge, so they called me instead. I explained about the grand opening and asked if I could take a message. Well, lo and behold‌—‌are you ready for this? They’ve validated the pieces to be authentic china from President Lincoln’s White House!”

Their cheers filled the room. “I can’t believe it!” Tracey said, hugging the librarian.

“Yes, yes, it’s absolutely true. And in addition, they said the note from Craggie Collins was authentic as well. Apparently, they have some kind of test they can run to determine the age of the paper it was written on. So they’ve asked if you would be willing to donate the note in addition to the cup and saucer. Isn’t it just wonderful?”

With a hug, Alex said, “I’d say this calls for a celebration!”

Later that evening, long after sunset, the proud proprietors of Second Chances celebrated a happy ending to their first day in business‌—‌and the exciting news about the Lincoln teacup. Noah and Buddy took over kitchen duties, serving up hearty sandwiches and ladles of Alex’s baked potato soup. Sadie arrived with two of her famous chess pies, with her trusty camera slung over her shoulder. Most of the Elders had left earlier in the day, but Lester, Stump, Gristle and Maleeka gradually showed up to join the gathering. They all mingled from one room to the next, enjoying a relaxed evening together.

Around 7:30, Buddy gathered everyone into the den to take some photographs of the momentous occasion. Sadie, who fancied herself quite the photographer, took charge and set up each shot‌—‌Buddy and his daughters, Buddy and his Elders, a shot of Alex and Tracey, one of Gristle and Maleeka, and a solo portrait of the new and improved Stump. Only Lester refused to be photographed.

“Not happenin’,” he mumbled.

They all stared at him, then handed him another piece of pie and left him alone.

“Where’s Noah?” Sadie asked. “Let’s get him in here and have a shot of him with the girls holding the Lincoln teacup. Perhaps the Smithsonian would like to see the faces behind the historic discovery.”

“But you should be in that one too, Miss Sadie.” Buddy took the camera from her. “You go stand there with the girls.” He looked around. “Noah? Where are you?”

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” he said, joining them from the living room. “Alex asked me to get the cup and saucer out of the hutch.”

Lifting her hands to caution him, Sadie warbled, “Oh, be careful, Noah. We certainly don’t want anything to happen to them. Not after all this time.”

“Noah, how about you give the girls the cup and saucer and let them both hold it in front,” Buddy said, framing the shot. “Then you step there behind Tracey alongside Sadie.”

Noah handed the cup to Alex then stepped behind the girls. “How’s this?” he asked, wrapping his arm over Sadie’s shoulder.

“Here, Trace,” Alex said, holding the cup and saucer. “Let’s hold it together like this.”

“Okay, on three,” Buddy said. “One, two‌—‌three!” The camera flashed, and he checked the preview on its small screen. “Looks great, but let’s take a couple more. Okay, everybody‍—‍”

“Wait,” Tracey said, peering into the teacup. “There’s something in here.” She lifted out a wad of tissue paper.

Noah leaned over her shoulder. “What is it?”

“Oh dear, please be careful,” Sadie cautioned again.

“Just a wad of tissue paper,” Tracey said, lifting it out of the cup.

“Probably just trash,” Alex said, taking the cup and saucer from her sister.

Tracey started to unroll the wad of tissue. “No, it feels like‍—‍” She turned to look at Noah. A flash caused her to look back at her father, wondering why he took a picture before they were ready.

“Tracey, c’mon‌—‌you’re killing me here,” Alex prodded. “It feels like what?”

Tracey’s mouth opened as the tissue fell to the floor. She gazed back at Noah just as he dropped down to pick it up . . . then remained where he was.

On one knee.

“It feels like a ring?” he asked as another camera flash went off.

“Yes,” Tracey whispered, staring at the diamond solitaire in her hand. “But‍—‍”

“No buts, Tracey,” he said, his face beaming with expectation. “I need to ask you a question.”

“Uh oh,” someone uttered from the back of the room.

They all turned to look at Lester who grinned mischievously.

“Oh my goodness, “Alex breathed as she and Sadie moved over beside Buddy. She carefully set down the cup and saucer then clasped her hands together against her mouth. All eyes returned to Tracey and Noah.

“Tracey Jolene Collins, will you marry me?”

Unable to speak, she simply nodded as a tear slipped down her face.

Noah stood up, slowly sliding the diamond on her finger. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

For a split second, no one said a thing. Then spontaneous celebration filled the room, echoing against the rafters of the old house.

Time stood still as Noah and Tracey laughed through tears of joy.

“For heaven’s sake, Noah!” Alex shouted, “Give her a kiss!”

And so he did.

Epilogue

Of course, the Lincoln teacup and saucer in my hands aren’t authentic. Years ago, Aunt Lucille told me she bought the set in a gift shop at the Smithsonian in Washington. Still, I prefer to imagine the china I’m now carefully placing back in my hutch had originally been a gift from dear old Abe himself. Perhaps young Craggie Collins, or another White House employee like him, had dropped by the Oval Office to say goodbye. And who knows, maybe the President gave him the set as a parting gift. Knowing all too well that the First Lady had already ordered a new pattern since this one hadn’t stood the test of time, perhaps Lincoln and Craggie had a brief farewell exchange . . .

“Sure sad to see you go, Mr. Collins,” Abe says, extending his hand to the young man. “But I thank you for your service these past few years.”

Craggie shakes his hand as they head for the door. “You’re welcome, Mr. President.”

Beside the door, a tea service sits atop a tall table. The President peeks around the corner then lifts the cup and saucer. “Here, son. As a token of my appreciation. A little keepsake, if you will.”

“Oh, Mr. President, I couldn’t!”

Abe motions for Craggie to open his satchel. “Quick, before the First Lady catches me. She’s been on a tirade about this blasted china.” Safely securing the pieces, Abe closes and latches the young man’s leather bag. “Just think of it as a favor you’re doing for me.” He gives Craggie a wink, then pats him on the shoulder and sends him on his way.

Or something like that.

I take a deep breath and bask in the faux-memory. Funny, but when I imagine these scenes in my head, I can smell the musty air in that famous old building. I can hear Abe’s clock ticking over on the mantel. I can see the dark circles under the President’s eyes and the sadness hiding behind his kind countenance. I’ve never written historical novels, but I have to say it’s pretty fun hobnobbing with the movers and shakers of our past. I say that, but then I hear a gunshot ring out on an April night at Ford’s Theater . . . and I realize all stories eventually come to an end.

I shake it off, this gray cloud of darker days in our nation’s history. Time to change gears and start thinking about my next novella. I’ve been so distracted lately, I’m having trouble remembering which teacup goes with this new story. The setting is back east somewhere in the vicinity of Boston, I think?

My cell phone rings and I dig it out of my jeans pocket. On the screen I see Mark’s picture and my heart does a little two-step.

“Hey, Mark! How’s it going?”

“Morning, Luce! There’s something I need to know.”

“Ask away, big guy,” I say, twirling a curl of my hair with my fingers.

“Did Noah man up and come back for Tracey?”

I’m glad he can’t see me because my smile is so oversized, I look spastic. I know this because I see my reflection in the glass of my hutch. But how sweet is he? Most of the guys I’ve gone out with in the last decade couldn’t care less about my fiction world. The best I ever got was, “Well, uh, you done yet with that, uh, little story . . . thing?” Pathetic.

But Mark? He not only knows where I am in my current project—he knows my characters’ names.

“I could tell you,” I respond, “but then I’d have to kill you. Which would never work because we have plans tonight, right?”

“We absolutely do. And speaking of that, don’t forget to wear your crew shirt, okay?”

“It’s ironed and ready. Anything else?”

“No. But I can’t wait to see you tonight.”

“Me, too. You. Too,” I stammer, as usual. “Well, you know what I mean.”

“Bye, Luce. See you at six.”

I drop the cell phone back in my pocket then lean back to look down the hall. There on my bedroom door hangs my brown bowling shirt. Go ahead. Have your fun. Laugh all you want. Me—Lucy Alexander—bowling? I have to admit, I hated it at first. I warned Mark I’d be the laughingstock of the entire UPS fleet in our region. But he was so excited about introducing me to his friends and their significant others, how could I say no? If, however, you’re expecting a detailed summary of my efforts to stay out of the gutters at Ten Pin Alley, forget it.

Now, where was I?

Oh, yes. I’m trying to remember which teacup. Then suddenly I see it and remember. It’s always been one of my favorites because I have such vivid memories of sipping tea from it all those years ago the summer I visited Aunt Lucille. And oh, what a story it has to tell . . . a story of unrequited love, a mysterious legend, and those who have never forgotten its curse.

I can hardly wait to get started!

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Acknowledgments

With every book comes help from old friends and new, and Lucy’s newest novella is no exception. On her behalf, I would like to thank the following:

To my favorite local proofreaders, Glenn Hale and Sally Wilson. And to my new proofer extraordinaire, Bev Harrison, who has given my story its extra sparkle with her Australian expertise. Thanks to all of you!

To my favorite biker babe, Terry Young, and her wonderful husband, Ivan. Thank you for educating this motorcycle-challenged author and making sure I didn’t embarrass my characters with any misguided faux-Harley lingo. I hope I got it right. I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for those who love the open road. Love you ttmab.

To Sharon Jacob and Julie Harrel of Vintage Shabby Chicks, whose shared passion for restoring “used, discarded, and sometimes broken furniture and giving it new life,” was the inspiration for Alex and Tracey’s new business. Thank you for a business model that so flawlessly mirrors God’s promise to give us new life through Jesus Christ. Sharon, thanks for taking time to educate me on your painting magic and showing me so many of your beautiful transformations. To learn more, check out Sharon and Julie’s website at: http://www.vintageshabbychicks.com

A special thanks to Marian Parsons—a.k.a. Miss Mustard Seed—for permission to include her fabulous Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paints. To my readers, you can visit her website at: http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com. Take my word for it, you simply must pamper yourself by ordering a copy of her beautiful book, Inspired You: Breathing New Life into Your Heart and Home. I guarantee you’ll be inspired!

Also, special thanks to my new favorite artist, David Arms. Last January, God surely led me into your quaint barn gallery in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee just after I began working on this story. The moment I saw it, I knew this was the perfect setting for Tracey and Alex’s converted smokehouse, both inside and out. Thank you for graciously allowing me to borrow its charm for my cover art. To my readers, I invite you to spend some time visiting David’s website. There you can read his story, visit his studio, learn about his unique use of symbolism, then treat yourself by browsing through his amazing portfolio. I know you’ll find his work as unforgettable as I have. Visit David at: http://davidarms.com

To my beloved aunt, Lucille McKeag Hale, whose gift of teacups inspired the stories of this novella series. I miss you so much.

And as always, a huge thanks to my husband Ken who continues to make my dreams come true every single day. I love doing life with you. Next time we do El Jardin, dinner’s on me.

About the Author

Born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Diane Hale Moody is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. She lives with her husband Ken in the rolling hills just outside of Nashville. They are the proud parents of two grown and extraordinary children, Hannah and Ben.

Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she’s written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.

When she’s not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.

Visit Diane's website at dianemoody.net and her blog, “just sayin’” at dianemoody.blogspot.com.

Other Titles from OBT Bookz

(click the title for more information)

From Author Diane Moody

Of Windmills and War

The Runaway Pastor’s Wife

Blue Christmas

Blue Like Elvis

Confessions of a Prayer Slacker

Tea with Emma

The Teacup Novellas (Book One)

Strike the Match

The Teacup Novellas (Book Two)

Home to Walnut Creek

The Teacup Novellas (Book Three)

At Legend’s End

The Teacup Novellas (Book Four)

From Author McMillian Moody

Ordained Irreverence

(Elmo Jenkins - Book One)

Some Things Never Change

(Elmo Jenkins - Book Two)

The Old Man and the Tea

(Elmo Jenkins - Book Three)

The Elmo Jenkins Trilogy

Table of Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Other Titles