Lilacs for Laura Page 28

  At the next table, an old man with a hearing aid was staring and Brett realized his voice had raised several notches. Quieter, he added, “If she chooses her family over me, again, I’m leaving and never looking back.” His words held more conviction than his heart. He refused to look at Max, because he knew his friend sensed it. Maybe he wasn’t so different from Angelina after all.

  Max sighed. “I’d never offer you advice on women. Lord knows how I’ve messed up in that department.”

  Unable to resist a peek at his face, Brett saw sadness and regret lingering there. This guy was full of surprises.

  How could someone like Max have problems with women? He was a hot commodity that turned female heads of any age, a millionaire with resources out the wazoo, a guy who could come and go at will, eat breakfast at ten in the morning with the old retired dudes, and head to Florida on his Lear jet in the afternoon.

  “I just wondered if you’d consider coming back to Crystal Falls to work for me.” Max took a bite of eggs and green peppers.

  Aghast, Brett stared at him.

  Max set down his fork and dabbed his mouth with a napkin.

  “I’m closing a deal with Bo Hatley myself. I’ll be building that addition sooner than I thought for a new suspension shop. It’ll be a nice contract for Chad, and I’d like to hire you as chief engineer. If you’re interested.”

  Brett’s head was spinning. Did he hear that right?

  After a pause, Max filled in the details. “Carter Racing would be a division of Bo Hatley, Incorporated. You’d still be working for Bo, it’d only be a transfer. Since McCoy Racing went bankrupt, demand for suspension services has risen so much, Bo has been turning work away.”

  “I figured McCoy went bankrupt because there wasn’t enough work.”

  Max laughed. “No. Old man McCoy retired to Florida and his son went on a spending spree and ran the business into the ground. My father will never let me forget it, either.”

  Brett stared, motionless, trying to digest it all. His breakfast sat in his belly like a lump.

  “Bo considered expanding,” Max continued, “but zoning problems would delay an addition for over a year. The marsh behind his shop would have to be drained and filled, and the county pitched a fit over destruction of wetlands.”

  “So how did you get involved?” Brett wondered aloud.

  With a wry grin, Max said, “My father golfs with Bo.”

  “You’re kidding.” Brett blinked in disbelief.

  Max shrugged, munching toast and sipping juice as if that connection were the most natural thing in the world.

  A thought struck Brett. “You got me the job.”

  Swallowing, Max gave him an easy smile. “No, bud, you did that on your own. Bo’s a friend of my father’s, not mine. To be honest, I was disappointed when you took the job, because I’d hoped to keep you here.”

  Max wanted to hire him all along? “Why didn’t you tell me?” Brett studied the regret on his friend’s face.

  “Nothing was definite,” he said with apology. “I couldn’t keep you waiting around on a maybe. My father just called with the idea the day you got Bo’s offer.”

  Brett got Bo’s offer on September first. Today was only the thirteenth. “Things moved pretty fast.”

  “You got that right.” Max’s eyes twinkled with excitement. “When I contacted Bo and proposed a division in Ohio with plenty of open space and zoning approval in hand, he jumped on the offer.” He paused, poking at the eggs on his plate. “Of course, my father’s recommendation didn’t hurt,” he admitted.

  “Go figure,” Brett teased, but immediately regretted it. He recognized damaged pride as Max stared at his plate. Brett knew how it felt to ask dear old dad for help. He wondered if Max’s dad threw it up in his face too.

  “Bo must have been grateful for the opportunity to work with you,” he boosted his friend’s self-worth. “You’ve got quite a reputation.”

  Max looked up with a hint of smile. “Thanks.” He finished his omelet, eating every stray mushroom and onion, and gulped down the last of his juice. Pushing his plate away, he studied Brett.

  “With the transfer, you’d get the same salary package, same perks and benefits, and occasional travel to visit race teams and work out details. All expenses paid.”

  It was too good to be true. A home in Crystal Falls with Laura, and travel to NASCAR tracks too? Thoughtfully, Brett swirled tea in the bottom of his cup.

  “I’ll travel with you most of the time,” Max said. “I’m always anxious for a trip to warmer climes. And that means you need to learn how to golf.” His smile was infectious. “So whaddya say?”

  How could he say no? Yet one enormous obstacle stood in the way. If he accepted this offer, Laura wouldn’t have to keep her promise. Until he knew she was willing to choose him over her family, he couldn’t return to Crystal Falls.

  “Let me talk to Laura before I decide,” he answered.

  Max looked puzzled. “You think that’s necessary?”

  “Yeah,” Brett replied.

  Talking to Laura was definitely necessary.

  ****

  After work on Wednesday afternoon, Laura went straight to Mitchell’s Mill. She drove over the bridge where Layla Gallagher was killed, awestruck that Jake had walked that distance uphill and several miles to Rose Hill Drive with his injuries.

  On the creek bank stood a weathered building with a water wheel, and next door was the tiny yellow house where Brett grew up and his parents still lived. She pulled in behind his Corvette.

  Herbs and vegetable plants filled the side yard. Rose bushes, trimmed and mulched, circled a small birdbath in the front. Thriving geraniums and trailing vinca filled the window boxes. She liked his mother already.

  From everything she’d heard, Angelina Mitchell would make a fine mother-in-law. His father was another story, but it didn’t matter. She sighed.

  Brett had made no commitment to her. But thinking over the events of the last two weeks, she realized he was waiting for a commitment from her. But she hadn’t given it.

  She followed the homemade brick walk. Clusters of daisies flanked the front steps. A wreath of dried roses and herbs graced the sage green door. Laura knocked.

  The door whooshed open and Angelina stood before her. A broad smile, Brett’s smile, lit her face.

  “Laura, what a wonderful surprise!”

  Before she could react, the woman embraced her and kissed both her cheeks.

  “I’m so happy you’re here,” Angelina gushed. “Come in, sit down.” She motioned to a sofa slip-covered in green and white stripes. A fresh bouquet of daisies adorned the coffee table and hominess filled the cozy room.

  Laura sat and the tiny woman removed her cherry print apron as her cheeks turned pink. “I have dinner almost ready. Can you stay for lasagna?” she asked. “It’s Brett’s favorite.”

  “Uh, well...” Laura was tempted. It was her favorite too, and Brett raved over his mother’s lasagna.

  “Of course she’ll stay.” His voice came from the hallway. He wore only faded jeans, riding low on his hips.

  Forgetting to breathe, she stared at his tanned, muscular chest. Her eye followed a line of dark hair to his navel, where it widened like an arrow pointing down. She jerked her eyes up. Breathe. The deep breath filled her lungs, fueled her pounding heart.

  “Hi.” The single word rolled off his tongue with more passion than she could withstand. Yet his expression was guarded. She couldn’t read his eyes. He came nearer and Angelina disappeared into the kitchen.

  Laura stood. “We need to talk.”

  He smiled uncertainly. “Yes, we do.” He held her gaze as he moved toward the kitchen. He sidled close to his mother. “We’re going for a walk. Be back in a bit.”

  “Okay,” she replied cheerfully. “The lasagna will be ready in twenty minutes, but it’s better after it sits so take your time.”

  He kissed her cheek. “Thank you.”

  Turning to Laura,
his eyes locked with hers. Hope and fear mingled there. He was afraid she’d go back on her promise. She’d hurt him again.

  “Let me grab a shirt,” he said and turned down the hall. His back muscles bunched as he walked. Two little dimples peeked over the waistband of his jeans. Her fingertips itched to dip into those tiny hollows in his smooth, warm skin.

  “You will stay for dinner, won’t you?” Angelina smiled from the kitchen doorway, holding a sauce-stained wooden spoon. She’d donned the cherry print apron again.

  “I’d love to.” Brett reappeared in a long-sleeved chambray shirt with pockets. Love twinkled in his eyes, but his jaw set with quiet determination. Determination to stand his ground, not to be hurt. Distrust, just like she had. She loved him on her terms, and now she understood why he left. Conditional love didn’t feel so good.

  He cradled her elbow as they stepped outside. Even his touch radiated uncertainty. They walked in silence down the brick path. The air took on its evening chill. “It’ll be warmer in the building.” He led her toward the old mill.

  They crossed the damp grass. He unlatched the weathered door and it creaked open. Her mouth dropped. The mill overflowed with plants thriving in the humidity. Some of the roof boards had been removed and covered with sheets of glass, letting in loads of warm sunlight. The building served as a perfect greenhouse.

  “Did...did your mother do all this?”

  He nodded with a smile. “She’s quite adept at improvising. We can sit there.” He pointed to a wooden swing on the dry side of the building, hung from the rafters with heavy chain. They sat facing a large opening where the water wheel sloshed in a merry circle, spraying fine mist over moisture-loving hydrangeas and ferns.

  “How's your father?” He asked compassionately.

  “Better today. They stabilized his meds. Surgery is set for Friday.” A ball of dread settled in her gut.

  Grandma’s words echoed in her head. ‘I would have spent a lifetime pining for him. If you love this boy, you have to trust your heart. Follow him wherever he leads you.’

  She took a deep breath. Guilt lingered over her grandmother’s death. Her words could not be forgotten. Grandma had trusted God to work through her life, and He had. Laura would follow that example. Once she’d put her trust in God, she’d felt His love flow through her.

  God would always take care of her, and He had given her a trustworthy man in Brett. For love to flourish, they had to trust God and one another.

  “What are you going to do?” Brett’s eyes flickered with fear and trepidation.

  “Mama and I had a long talk today.” She looked into his apprehensive face. “She told me I’ve done enough, and it’s time to live my own life.”

  He looked cautiously hopeful.

  “Daddy proposed selling the horses and renting out the stables.” A huge sacrifice—he loved those horses. “Chad agreed to oversee the operation and maintain the barn.” Her brother came through for the family with true strength as always. Unlike Chad, Laura realized she had clung to the security of Rosebuds , masking her fear of being independent. She twirled a strand of hair. “If Rosebuds doesn’t make it, I guess it’s not meant to be.”

  With guarded eyes, Brett searched her face. She felt the conflict in her expression—half elation for Brett, half heartbroken for Rosebuds .

  “They’ll move into the cottage and rent out the farm house too,” she told him. “Better than selling it. With the profit, they can make a competitive offer to a new florist. Unfortunately, it won’t be Rachel.” Disappointment filled her. “She won’t give up her health insurance and 401K.”

  Doubt masked his face.

  “As soon as Mama finds someone, I’ll come with you and start looking for a job. And an apartment.” Did he realize she was following her grandmother’s advice, but forsaking the heritage her grandparents built? Taking a huge leap of faith, giving up everything to be with him?

  He blinked. “You’re coming to Charlotte?”

  “Yes.” Regret filled her heart at his tortured uncertainty. “Oh Brett, I’m so sorry I hurt you.”

  Relief and forgiveness filled his features. Jumping to his feet, he snatched her and whirled her around. Her feet knocked over a pot of impatiens.

  Setting her down, his forehead touched hers. He smiled wider than she’d ever seen him smile. “Oh, Laura, you’ve made me the happiest man on earth.”

  Dizzy from her spinning head and emotions, she searched his playful eyes.

  “I have some news too,” he teased mercilessly.

  Her heart flipped over and her jaw dropped. Could that grin mean...She was afraid to hope.

  “But first—”

  His lips engulfed her in their warm softness. The kiss lingered, long and sweet. She was lost and didn’t want to be found.

  “I love you, Laura.”

  “Oh, Brett, I love you too.” Her heart soared. “I can’t live without you.”

  With a grin, he bent on one knee at her feet and pulled a velvet box from his pocket.

  Her breath caught.

  “I’ve had this for weeks. It’s high time I gave it to you.” He opened the box to reveal a perfect diamond solitaire. “Laura, will you marry me?”

  “Yes!” Quick tears sprung to her eyes.

  “One stone, one ring, one love,” he whispered. “One perfect woman for me.” He slipped the ring on her finger.

  Glittering in the sunlight, her finger shone like her heart, nearly bursting with joy. Brett was all the security she ever needed.

  With a serious expression, he stood. “But there’s a problem with your plan,” he said.

  Her heart skipped.

  “If your parents move into the cottage and hire a new florist, I’ll be out of a home and you’ll be out of a job.”

  What? She stared at him, flabbergasted.

  Grinning like a fool, his head jerked up as a pickup truck passed. “My dad’s home. Let’s go tell him.” He yanked her toward the door.

  Too shocked to argue, she ran along behind him. He’d be out of a home? She’d be out of a job? But his home was in Charlotte, she’d find a job there...

  Wayne stepped inside and held the back door open.

  “Evening, miss,” he said with a smile.

  “Good evening, Mr. Mitchell.” She smiled back.

  “Evening, son,” Wayne greeted Brett with a smile.

  “Hey, Dad.” He thumped his father on the back.

  Laura almost fell off the step. When did this happen? She caught herself and stumbled inside. Her heart thrilled at their affection, then quickly sank for her own family.

  Angelina’s kitchen smelled wonderful. The table was loaded with plates of gooey lasagna, crunchy Caesar salad, and thick garlic bread. Wayne said a prayer of thanksgiving for family. But Laura grew impatient as they began to eat. When would Brett finish what he started to say?

  As if reading her mind, he said, “I have news. Laura said yes.” He held up her diamond-embellished hand.

  Angelina covered her mouth and burst into tears.

  Wayne smiled. “Congratulations. She’s a fine woman.” Surprisingly misty-eyed, he said, “I’m proud of you, son.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Wayne added lightly, “Any kid who stands up to an old man like me deserves some respect.”

  Brett laughed. “Was it the hose incident or leaving town against your advice?”

  “Both!” Wayne shook his head and heaved a sigh.

  Still holding her hand, Brett turned serious as he looked into Laura’s eyes. “It gets better. Max offered me a job this morning.”

  Her heart jumped to her throat. Did he mean...?

  “I’ll be returning to Crystal Falls,” he continued, “where we’ll live happily ever after.”

  Joyful whoops filled the air. Laura couldn’t tell where hers ended and Angelina’s began. Even Wayne belted out a few. Brett watched with a grin on his face. “Thank you, Brett!” Laura gushed, “You’ve made all my dreams come true.”<
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  “Your dreams are my dreams,” Brett whispered. His eyes glimmered with devotion. The uncertainty was gone. He trusted her.

  Laura finally trusted God and trusted Brett. Love flourished with trust. Love was the best security on earth.

  Lilacs For Laura

  Laura James froze in her tracks.

  Good heavens, was that Brett Mitchell in the gazebo? Back in high school, every girl in Crystal Falls had a crush on him. He graduated a year ahead of her, in her sister’s class, and had left for college.

  Handsome as ever in a uniform shirt and jeans, he wolfed down a sandwich. Laura hadn’t expected him to return to Crystal Falls, especially not with a father like his.

  She heard a noise behind her, and a sudden, sharp pain pinched her behind. With a shout, she leapt into the air and whirled around.

  An open black beak jabbed at her.

  “Ahhhh!” She flailed her arms at the oversized bird. It headed for her sandwich. Laura swung her purse at a wing. The swan dodged flying makeup and keys.

  “Awwwk!” With beady eyes aimed for attack, its long white neck thrust toward her.

  Laura threw her purse at the bird and turned to run. The swan bit her butt again. She yelped and ran, looking back as it nipped at her heels.

  Suddenly she hit a wall of hard flesh. Strong arms lifted her off the ground. She spun around and landed with Brett Mitchell between her and the swan.

  His nearness took her breath away.

  Lilacs For Laura

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Lilacs for Laura: The Crystal Falls Series, Book 1

  COPYRIGHT © 2008 by Dianne Miley

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com