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It was strange driving down the two-lane road Rowan hadn’t seen in almost nine years.
Everything was exactly the same as the day she left.
They passed the Chambers’ property and she smiled at the cows milling in the pasture closest to the house. She’d always loved his family home, his land.
As they approached the turn to Miss Jeffries’ home, the driver pulled to the side of the road and James pointed through the window. Rowan gasped at a house across the road from where she grew up. A house where only trees had been.
Her home.
The house Bennett built for her.
She blotted at the tears in her eyes. “It-it’s perfect.”
“He knew you’d love it,” James said quietly. “Bennett told me of all the houses he’d bought and built over his life, this one was his favorite because it was beautiful and uncomplicated just like his Rowan.”
“I’m glad you’re finally seeing it,” Mary-Margaret added. “His ex-wives wanted houses that were twenty-thousand square feet of excess and luxury. You’re tearing up over a three-thousand square foot Craftsman inrealcountry. He loved that about you, darling.”
“I wish he could have been here with me so I could thank him for seeing me, knowing me, the way he did.”
“He wanted you to have surprises and reasons to smileafterhe was gone.”
Rowan frowned. “He planned other things?”
Mary-Margaret arched her brow. “I’m sure I wouldn’t know.”
The driver turned the limo into Miss Jeffries’ drive and the two SUVs that flanked them turned as well. James stepped out on the gravel and extended his hand to help them out.
Rowan was floored at the changes to the home she’d grown up in as she took a deep breath of the country air.
“Bennett, you outdid yourself.”
Gage’s mother came out on the front porch with her arms out. “Rowan! It’s been so long!”
Accepting a hug from a woman she’d always liked and admired, Rowan murmured, “You look exactly the same.”
Leaning back, Mrs. Chambers quirked her brow, “Honey, did youfinallylearn how to lie?”
“No, ma’am. I’m still terrible at it.”
“Good. You look so pretty, Rowan. I can’t believe how sophisticated you are now.” She squeezed Rowan’s shoulders. “I was real sorry to hear about your husband.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I appreciated your beautiful letter.”
“You’re old enough now to call me Tabitha.” She introduced herself to James and Mary-Margaret before explaining, “Gage asked me to come over to meet y’all. He has a cow about to drop a calf so he’ll be a little while. Let’s get inside. Miss Jeffries is gonna be tickledpinkthat you came.”
Inside, the house was almost unrecognizable. Rowan walked through the first floor to Miss Jeffries’ bedroom and bath behind the kitchen. She was in her bed, looking impatient.
“Rowan! Child, ain’t nobody needs to be worryin’ about me. Just a stupid pulled muscle is all.” She sighed. “It ispowerfulfrustratin’ to get old.”
Lowering to the side of the bed, Rowan took her hand. “From ten years old, I watched you cook, clean, and wrangle countless girls moving in and out of your house. You handled their personal care, everything from case legalities to visitation with their birth parents, extracurricular activities, and school. When Child Services sprung surprise visits on you to inspect the place, every one of us was clean, well-fed, and stable. You didn’t get old, Miss Jeffries. You wore your poor body out making sure strangers had what they needed in your care. It’s time for you to have some help. Real help that lets you do what you do without worry.”
“Rowan…”
“Let mehelp, Miss Jeffries. I’m sure Bennett offered and I’m equally sure you turned him down like you’re going to try to do to me right now.” She squeezed her hand and lifted it to kiss the back. “I owe you for so much more than meals and a roof. Please let me help.”
Tears filled her soft gray eyes. “No matter how many I take in, there’s alwaysmore, Rowan. So many hurtin’ girls. It’s like tryin’ to empty a river with a bucket.”
