“It’s no bother,” Sarah told the other woman, but she knew her voice was unwelcoming.
Rebecca paled and cast a desperate look at Luke.
He shrugged and turned toward the door. “I’m going to visit with Matt. Becky, why don’t you see if you can help Sarah in the kitchen?”
Then he left and the two women were alone. Sarah couldn’t believe he’d had the nerve to thrust this woman’s help upon her. He had to know how much she resented his brother’s interference in her life.
She hurried down the hall, leaving Rebecca to follow, or not, as she chose. Unfortunately, she heard Rebecca’s high-heeled shoes clattering on the wooden floor behind her as she reached the kitchen.
“What can I do to help?” Rebecca smiled, obviously determined to make friends.
Sarah spared her a scathing glance. “You’re not dressed for kitchen work. If you’ll wait in the parlor, I’ll bring you something cool to drink.”
Rebecca flushed then reached out to touch Sarah’s arm. “I know you’re angry with us. You have every right to be. But please, give me a chance to explain.”
Sarah stared at Rebecca for a long moment and then sighed. “I think an explanation is the least of what you owe me.”
Rebecca nodded and pulled out one of the kitchen chairs, seating herself at the table. “Sit down and talk with me for a moment.”
Sarah took the seat across from her, a frown tugging on the corners of her mouth. “I wasn’t the only one you and your husband hurt. Luke was devastated by your actions.”
Rebecca steepled her fingertips and stared at Sarah. There was no mistaking the speculation in her eyes. “So, you do care for him.”
It was Sarah’s turn to blush. She looked away, unable to meet the other woman’s steady gaze. “We’ve become friends. He’s a good man.”
“Yes, he is,” Rebecca agreed. “And that’s why his brother and I couldn’t bear to watch him stew in his misery any longer. He’s been lonely for so long.”
“He’s a very attractive man,” Sarah admitted. “I’m sure he’ll have no problem finding someone to love, once he’s ready.”
Rebecca glanced over her shoulder, as though to make sure they were still alone, and then lowered her voice. “Luke was in love once, to a woman named Christine.”
Rebecca’s words caused Sarah’s heart to sink. Even though she’d known there was a woman in Luke’s past, it pierced her to hear the name. “What happened?” she asked, unable to pretend she wasn’t dying of curiosity.
“Christine never loved Luke,” Rebecca told her. “She was horrified when he lost his foot. She told him she’d never share his bed because she found him so repulsive.”
Sarah caught her breath. Luke’s embarrassment and defensiveness made sense now. “Poor Luke.”
Rebecca reached across the table and squeezed Sarah’s hand. “I didn’t tell you any of this because I wanted you to feel sorry for him. I just wanted you to understand why he’s so angry and bitter. I don’t want you to give up on him. He’s worthy of your love, Sarah. He’ll realize you’re not like Christine. Everything will work out, just give him some time.”
Sarah snatched her hand away, determined not to give in to Rebecca’s friendly overtures so easily. “I’m not in love with Luke Chandler.”
But she knew it was a lie. She’d cared for Luke ever since the first time they’d had dinner together. And despite all the problems they were having, she knew she wouldn’t be happy until he loved her, too.
Rebecca gave her a knowing look. “He cares for you, Sarah. And he’s changed since you arrived. There’s a spark of life in his eyes that hasn’t been there in years.”
Sarah stared down at her clenched hands, wanting to believe Rebecca’s words but afraid to allow herself to hope once again. “He doesn’t want a wife. He’s told me so repeatedly.”
Rebecca laughed. “Well then, we’ll just have to find a way to change his mind, won’t we?”
Sarah smiled, warming to Rebecca’s unabashed optimism. “If you could help me do that, Rebecca, I could forgive you for deceiving me in the first place.”
“Call me Becky,” Rebecca insisted. “And that’s a deal I’m anxious to take you up on.”
* * * * *
THAT NIGHT, LUKE ENTERTAINEDhis guests in a house that sparkled with cleanliness. As he seated himself at the head of the dining room table, watching Sarah and Rebecca bring in steaming platters of roast and mashed potatoes, he realized the extent of the transformation she’d made in his life.
Sarah had made him proud of his home, unashamed to offer Matt and Rebecca the use of one of the spare rooms for the night. She’d given him so much, and he’d offered damn little in return.
