Page 11 of An Uncertain Road

If anyone could understand that sentiment, it was Jensen. He felt the same way about Fred. Understanding seemed to be growing between himself and Owen. “Since I have to be there anyway, I’ll try to keep your sister from doing anything dangerous. She’ll be the one driving, of course, but I’ll do what I can to protect her.”

Owen’s shoulders relaxed. Pushing up from the chair, he stuck out his hand to shake Jensen’s. “Thank you. I hoped you would understand my concern, and I can see that you do. I’ll rest better knowing someone is caring for Flora. I’ll see you tomorrow at the wedding.”

Owen exited the office, leaving Jensen alone with his thoughts again. That was not where he wanted to be for any amount of time. Piling up the ledgers that would have to wait until Monday morning, he left, taking the back door to avoid anyone flagging him down with questions on the shop floor.

Once outside, he stood for a long moment, looking out across the neatly trimmed grass. How had he gotten so caught up in everyone else’s plans that he was now responsible for three other people in a ten-day race to see who could break their neck the fastest?

Footsteps on the sidewalk heading toward the building caught his attention after only a few breaths of cleansing fresh air. He wanted solitude but could hardly ignore his boss. “Hello, Mr. Harrison.”

The older man stopped next to him. “What brings you to loiter by the back door, Jensen?”

He couldn’t explain all the nuances of that subject, so he settled for a simple reply. “I needed some fresh air. It seems like it might help sometimes.” Jensen let his gaze stray across the grounds again.

“Yes, I know that feeling well.” Mr. Harrison’s voice was quieter and more serious than Jensen expected.

“You sound as though you could use a few deep breaths too. Is Mrs. Harrison having a good day? Even with all the preparations for the wedding, she seems to be thriving more than usual.”

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Mr. Harrison rocked back on his heels. “She loves a party, to be sure. It seems all the planning has helped focus her mind rather than tire her out as I expected. I only hope she doesn’t regress once Owen and Aggie leave for their trip and it becomes a reality that her daughter will have her own home. You’ll have to keep up your frequent lunches with her as you were in the habit of doing before this wedding took over our schedule. At least she’ll take comfort in that routine.”

“I wouldn’t miss the chance to spend time with her for anything.” He stopped himself before adding that he’d hate to miss a visit when any conversation might be the last one where she remembered him. Mr. Harrison didn’t need a reminder of that possibility. “Perhaps Fred and Beth’s presence will help her with the transition to Aggie living in her own home.”

Mr. Harrison shrugged. “It might. I’m thankful they’ll have the next few weeks here before you all leave for the tour.” A long pause stretched out as Mr. Harrison looked to be planning his next words. “How do you feel about the tour after some thought, Jensen? I know you’re hesitant, but can you see that my team needs you?”

Unfortunately, that was all too clear. “Yes, I understand your reasons for wanting me to go. I wish you would all drop this nonsense, but I know that won’t happen. So I’ll go and do my best to keep everyone safe.”

Mr. Harrison clapped his hand on Jensen’s shoulder, an understanding look on the older man’s face. “I had a feeling that would be your response. But my prayer is that you’ll find a way to release some of that dependence on the idea of safety and enjoy the trip. Take joy in the driving, the thrill of doing well, even the pride of winning if that opportunity arises. My boy, there’s so much more to life than getting through it safely.”

The words felt like a gift, but one that Jensen wasn’t sure how to operate yet. He tucked them into the back of his mind. Mr. Harrison might be right, but Jensen had already promised to look after the safety of his teammates, and he couldn’t go back on that now. If they survived the coming weeks, there would be time to consider adding more enjoyment to his life later.

CHAPTER 6

The morning of Owen’s wedding was perfect. The sun rose in a crystal-clear sky with birds chirping and squirrels racing each other across the lawn in front of Owen’s house. Flora spent too long watching the little creatures scurry around while memories of her own wedding day flitted through her mind. It had rained, stormed even at times. She’d been drenched by the time she arrived at the church, and her shoes hadn’t dried out the entire day. Henri had looked dashing as he waited at the altar for her, though, and at the time, she thought that was all that mattered.

How wrong she’d been.

The maid’s knock at the door to bring a breakfast tray shook her from her melancholy comparisons. Owen wasn’t wrong about choosing Aggie. She was kind and strong and part of a wonderful, loving family who embraced Owen as their own. His marriage would be as different from Flora’s as his wedding day was proving to be. She could rest in the knowledge that her brother had found a love that would last his lifetime.

So why did she feel such melancholy?

Flora rushed through her preparations, sliding on her favorite gown, a dove-gray silk with gold embroidery and chiffon sleeves that would be perfect for the hot day. Then she and Isabelle joined Owen in his carriage to go to the church. Seeing her beloved younger brother dressed in a fashionable suit, eyes shining with joy and anticipation, Flora was overcome for a moment. “Owen, I’m so happy for you and Aggie. I pray you’ll have the best life together.”

He embraced her, lingering over the hug. “And I pray for you to find the same happiness, you know.”

Her heart clenched and tears rose unbidden. She shook them away. “Mine will have to come without a marriage attached. But I’ll find it. There’s no need to worry about me.”

When they arrived at the church they’d attended with the Harrisons on Sunday, Isabelle went inside, but Owen hesitated. Flora stopped with him. He rubbed his hands on his trouser legs as they stood together. His thoughts must have moved on to the impending ceremony. She remembered when the reality that she was getting married hit at her wedding. It could be an anxious moment.

But then Owen turned to her with a huge grin lighting his face. “Let’s go in. I can’t wait to see Aggie.”

He led the way up the stairs, then disappeared into a cluster of men who would stand up with him, including Fred Harrison. Flora joined Isabelle and Beth across the foyer as they waited for the seating to begin.

Beth looked delicate and lovely in a simple, flattering pale-pink silk gown. She leaned close to Flora. “Don’t you just love weddings? All the fashion and romance? I could attend one every day.”

Flora’s instinct was to disagree. In her experience, weddings were a way to secure one’s place in the world, not a dreamy celebration. Yes, she’d thought herself in love with Henri at first. But it had soon become clear she didn’t know him nearly well enough for such depth of feeling. It had been a convenient infatuation, at best.

This was her brother’s special day, and she’d already realized how different it was from her wedding. “I suppose there is much to enjoy.” But the fearful, trapped feelings that accompanied her own marriage hovered in her mind, refusing to let her enjoy this day.

Beth laughed, a light, airy sound that fit her delicate looks. The doors to the sanctuary opened, and the ladies moved forward to find their seats. The pews were decorated with opulent garlands of exquisite white flowers. Matching bouquets in large vases surrounded the altar where the couple would stand.