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“True. It’s easier for you young folks toroll with the punches, or is itgo with the flow?” Delores frowned.
“I think they mean the same thing. But I’m not sure you can count me in the young folk category.” Caleb shot her a wink and was rewarded with a smile.
“Of course you are. Younger than me. Make the best of what God gives you, that’s all I’m saying. Just like Cindy Bradley’s daughter, Madison. Now that’s a real case of going with the flow. She was gone for years up in New York City, lands back in town, and then is ready to take off again. Now that’s all changed, poor dear. She had her heart set on that job in California. Nothing I would want, all that travel everywhere. Me, I just want to stay at home and in Dover where I know most everyone.”
The minute Delores mentioned Madison, she had his full attention. Understanding what she was saying was an entirely different matter. “What do you mean, changed? Didn’t she leave this morning?”
Delores shook her head. “I heard at the coffee shop that her car broke down on the interstate and the tow truck out of Norwich took over an hour to arrive. She should have called Devon Turner. He may be busy being the only garage in Dover, but he wouldn’t have left Madison on the side of the road for as long as that other guy did. Not safe for a woman alone like that.”
This wasn’t the first time Madison had car trouble and he was pretty sure someone at Turner’s had done the repairs. Hopefully, it was a different issue…and it was an old car. “So I’m guessing she missed her flight?”
“That’s what I’m trying to tell you. Now, where was I? Oh yes, I need paraffin wax. These old hands of mine don’t look so good nowadays. Need to soften my skin for a more youthful look, you know, just in case Ed Dugard over in Greenflower wants to ask me out to lunch after church come Sunday.”
Caleb had to put an end to the conversation. “Let me get you the wax,” he said, moving to the aisle to grab a few boxes since he forgot to ask her how many she wanted. And he needed to move her along so that he could close the store. He’d been trying to think of what to say or do when Madison returned from her trip, but it would seem he had the opportunity now. And he wouldn’t let the chance to set things straight with her wait another minute.
This was his chance to prove to Madison he had changed his way of thinking and his outlook on life. Her messages had been loud and clear and now it was his turn to show he’d listened. Caleb never closed the store except on major holidays, so this was proof of how important she had become to him.
“Did you want one or two boxes?” he asked, ready to ring up her order.
“Just one. My hands aren’t that big.” Delores laughed and handed him her credit card.
“You wouldn’t know where Madison is now, do you? Is she still at the garage in Norwich, or did she get a ride home?” Caleb wasn’t above using the gossip chain to his advantage if it meant getting to Madison quicker.
“Last I heard, she was home.” Delores checked her watch. “But I left the diner over an hour ago.”
Caleb handed her back the credit card and pushed the package across the counter. “Thanks, Mrs. Stanton. Have a wonderful rest of your day.”
Except Delores didn’t move, her gaze never leaving his face. “I will. You seem keen on finding out about Madison. You like her or something?” The older woman grinned, her crooked teeth exposed.
Or something.A better word was love, but he wouldn’t be sharing that information with Delores. “Just making sure she’s all right. She helped with Joelle, and I feel I should help her in return.” It sounded plausible.
“Where is the little darling? She’s always with you. Best I can recollect anyway,” she added, glancing around the store.
“I let her go to a friend’s house today instead of coming here.”
“Good idea. The girl needs friends. Bye now,” Delores said, picking up her package and leaving.
Caleb followed her to the door and flipped theopensign toclosed. People might get upset, but this was too important not to handle this very instant. He locked up and then drove to Mrs. Bradley’s house, hoping Madison would still be there. He knew in his heart Madison was special, and he didn’t want to let her go. But he also understood he needed to give her the wings to fly. She deserved the future she wanted…had dreamed of. And if it meant she would leave Dover, then he should help her chase those dreams.
It was the very reason he knew he loved her. Loved her enough to put her happiness ahead of him and let her go. With a quick call to a friend of his, Caleb secured transportation for Madison to California…via a private plane. If they hurried, she would still make the interview.
He pulled into the driveway and made his way up the steps.
Knock. Knock.
Madison opened the door, much to his surprise.
“Caleb? What are you doing here?” she asked, glancing around as though looking for Joelle.
“I heard you had car trouble and I’m here to help in any way I can.”
Madison looked somewhat confused; her brow furrowed. “My car is a piece of junk and I should quit throwing money down the drain. Where’s Joelle?”
“At a friend’s house,” Caleb said, hoping she would understand the importance of that little tidbit of information.
Madison did a double take. “I thought…”
“You thought right, until recently.” He stepped forward and took her hand, drawing her closer. “I should have listened to you sooner, but just know this…I’m making some changes in my life.” Her answering weak smile wasn’t exactly what Caleb had hoped for. Maybe he’d been wrong about how she felt toward him.
