Page 110 of Peaks and Promises

“That’s all right. I’m not in a rush, as long as I can sit down. I’ve been on my feet all day.”

“Of course you have.” She gestured for me to follow. “Can I get you something to drink? Water, lemonade, or maybe something stronger?”

“Just water would be great.”

I went to the living room and sank down on the couch while she got me a glass of ice water. She joined me, sitting in an adjacent armchair.

“How is it working at the Copper Kettle?” she asked.

“It’s great. Tiring, but restaurant work always is.”

“I’m glad it’s going well. You seem like you’re settling in.”

“Thanks to you. I really appreciate you watching Nate so often.”

“He’s no trouble at all. I’ve hardly seen him this afternoon. He and Thomas have been tromping around the woods.”

My chest tightened. “I’m so glad he actually made a friend. Sometimes I feel like he’s on a different wavelength from other kids his age.”

“He’s an old soul.”

“He really is. You’re not the first person to notice that about him.” I took a sip. “I don’t have much of a family, so this is new to him. But he likes you all so much.”

“You’ve done a good job. He’s a great kid.”

“Thanks. That means a lot. You didn’t just raise one boy, you raised six. And they all seem to be such good men.”

Her warm smile lit up her eyes. “They are good men. I’m very blessed. And with all the grandchildren they’re giving me, I’m downright spoiled.”

“They’re lucky to have you.”

“Thank you. That’s sweet of you to say.”

The back door opened, but it wasn’t Nate and Thomas. Paul Haven came in, dressed in a dark red flannel with the sleeves rolled up his big arms.

“Do you want me to cook dinner?” he asked without preamble.

“That would be great, honey,” Marlene said. “Thank you.”

His eyes moved to me. “Are you staying?”

“I don’t think so. But thanks for offering.”

“I’ll get started in a bit. Gotta few more things I want to finish in the shop first.” He moved toward the back door, but seemed to change his mind. Coming into the living room, he leaned down to give Marlene a quick kiss before heading out again.

She watched him leave with a smile that stirred up a pang of jealousy. Not the bad sort of jealousy that makes you angry at the other person for having something you want. Simply the sort that reminds you of a longing deep in your heart.

I wanted what they had. Their quiet love had such confidence behind it.

It was so different from what I’d seen between my mom and Stryker. He treated her like a possession—an object he could use and discard at his whim. And her life centered around keeping him happy so he didn’t go looking elsewhere.

“You know, you and Paul are relationship goals,” I said.

Her smile grew. “We’ve been through a lot together. But instead of tearing us apart, it made us stronger.”

“Reese told me that when you got together, you each had three kids. How did that happen, if you don’t mind me asking? How did you meet?”

“I don’t mind at all. I knew Paul from a young age. He was my older brother’s best friend, so he hung around our house a lot.”