Leave a Candle Burning (47 page)

“I’m glad you told me. I think joining the lives of two people is very hard, and it would be harder still if we didn’t love each other. We need to keep talking, but we can’t get married until we’re sure we’re in love.”

“Why is it so hard?” Scottie asked. Her own experience with marriage was nothing like Dannan described.

“I think because we each have our own set of needs, and sometimes those needs don’t get met in the way we think they’re going to. And look at how hard it’s been for us to even find time to talk. If we were married, we’d see each other off and on during the day, but not necessarily be alone or able to talk.”

“Which reminds me,” Scottie put in. “At times I’m afraid to become Corina’s mother. Her mother sounds like she was a wonderful person, and I don’t know if I can fill her shoes.”

“Corina adores you,” Dannan assured her, not aware she felt this way. “And everything I’ve witnessed in you only reassures me that you’re perfect for the job.”

“Is that really how you feel?”

“Yes, but tell me why you fear this.”

“It’s ongoing. On days when I feel tired or even unthankful and complaining in my heart, I can take time for myself. A child’s needs must be met every day. Corina can’t wait for me to get myself settled. She’ll need me no matter what.”

“Your point is a good one, but I’m not seeing this selfish person, Scottie. You might have days when you’re tired, but your care of Eli could not be faulted. I realize you had Finn to aid in that, but I haven’t seen this unthankful, moody person who needs time alone.”

Scottie stared at him. Where had all this come from? She realized she was not a moody person and did work hard to be thankful and keep on, no matter what.

“I guess I’m just being tempted to fear,” she said.

“I can ask you about it in the days to come, but I’m not concerned about that.”

Scottie was glad to hear that and then realized this was nothing like she’d imagined. How could they sit so calmly across the room from each other and discuss this life-changing event with such clear minds? Scottie said as much, and Dannan smiled.

“I’m glad to think I’ve fooled you into thinking my head is clear.”

Scottie laughed. “What does that mean?”

“Only that my emotions concerning you are so strong, at times they gallop around the room.”

“What kind of emotions?”

“Love, among other things.”

“You already feel like you love me?”

“Yes.”

Scottie stared at him as a thousand thoughts ran through her mind. Why hadn’t she seen this? It was so obvious—the things he said, the way he watched her.

“I think Eli must have been right,” Scottie whispered, her voice holding all the wonder she felt. “I don’t know how to do this; I don’t even know what it looks like.”

“Courtship?”

“Yes. You’ve had feelings for me all along—you’ve even told me that—but I just didn’t see it.”

Dannan smiled a little. “I’ll keep that in mind in the future.”

“What exactly?”

“That I might need to explain things to you and not just expect you to know.”

“It’s true, Dannan.” Scottie jumped to her feet. “I don’t get this! It’s all so new.” She stopped and suddenly faced him. “Do you know what? You talked about Adam and Eve kissing, and I had no idea you were really talking about us. Not until right at the end did I catch on.”

Dannan had to laugh.

“Don’t laugh at this, Dannan. I’m pathetic.”

“I think the word you’re looking for is innocent, and it’s very endearing.”

His voice had changed. Scottie sat back down and looked at him.

“It’s scary to be so far out of my depth.”

“I’m sure it is, and I’m also sure it seems to you that I know exactly what I’m doing, but that couldn’t be less true. I flounder around on a regular basis. I’m just not sure you know me well enough at this point to see it.”

Scottie realized how much she wanted to know him. They had talked for several hours, but more was needed. Scottie told Dannan how she felt, and he agreed with her. His own feelings wanted to rush ahead, but just as he said, that would lead to disaster if she didn’t love him.

It had become very dark outside by the time Scottie admitted she was tired. Dannan walked her home. At her door, he asked, “I’m sure Reese would welcome us on Sunday. Shall I check with her?”

“Actually, the Muldoons are coming here. Why don’t you and Corina join us?”

“I’ll plan on it,” Dannan said, wishing her goodnight and knowing it was time to leave. If he stayed any longer, he would kiss her. Much as he would have enjoyed it, he didn’t know how Scottie was feeling on that issue. Not to mention the fact that his daughter needed to be picked up and put in her own bed.

The last Sunday in August was just the beginning. Scottie started by inviting the Muldoons and then Conner, Reese, and Troy. After that, Jace, Maddie, Valerie, Doyle, and Cathy all ate at Scottie’s house—Dannan and Corina always in attendance.

The hospitality that Scottie had yearned to extend when Eli was still alive became a normal part of her life. All of her renters were invited in turn, and one Sunday she even asked Finn and Iris to join her, not allowing them to lift a finger. The time between them was especially sweet.

September gave way to October, the days and nights cooling fast and colors changing all around them. Reese had asked Scottie and Dannan to join them at the big house for dinner, but the meal no more began when Reese’s pains hit her.

All could see that, for Conner, having Dannan on hand was his idea of a miracle. The anxious father hovered in the background while Troy and Scottie played downstairs with Corina.

Conner came and went, as did Dannan, but hours passed. At one point, Reese asked to see Scottie, who ventured upstairs, her heart begging God to keep her friend safe.

“You’re still here,” Reese said with tired pleasure. “I wasn’t sure.”

“It’s too exciting to leave.” Scottie took Reese’s hand as she spoke. “I wish it wasn’t so long for you.”

“Dannan says it will be a while yet.”

“But it is going to happen,” Scottie said with a smile. “And October is such a nice month to be born.”

“When is your birthday, Scottie?”

“October.”

Reese was still laughing when the next contraction hit. And unfortunately for Reese, Dannan was right. Troy ended up walking Scottie and Corina home so that the little girl could sleep through the night. At the big house, midnight came and went, and still no baby. Not until the wee hours did Reese need to push, and then things happened very quickly.

Howling for all he was worth, the youngest Kingsley entered the world at nearly two o’clock. Troy had still not gone to bed. He sat in the upstairs hallway and waited for Conner to emerge. The older man shed his own tears when he saw Conner’s.

“A boy.” Conner’s soft voice was hoarser than usual.

“Reese?”

“Worn out, but that’s all.”

Conner didn’t linger. After hugging his friend and business partner, he went back to his wife, and Troy sought his own bed. Daylight would arrive before anyone was ready. Troy did not fall immediately to sleep, but that was all right. They had a baby boy, and Reese was doing fine.

“Danna!” Corina squealed when he arrived at the Peterson house just after breakfast.

“Hey, you,” he said, scooping her up to share a hug and kiss.

All the adults had come when they heard her voice and were waiting for the news.

“A boy,” Dannan wasted no time in sharing. “Big and healthy. Reese is doing great.”

“If I know Reese,” Iris said, “she’s already out of that bed and about her business.”

“You’re probably right,” Finn agreed.

“How late was it?” Scottie asked.

“About two o’clock.”

“Did they name him?” Iris thought to ask.

“Not before I left.”

“Will you be stopping back today?”

“I’m headed there now.”

“Tell her we’ll have dinner ready for them today,” Scottie offered. “Finn can bring it at about noon.”

“I’ll do it.”

Dannan took a few more minutes with Corina and then left. Scottie joined Iris in the kitchen, working alongside her because two meals were needed. Iris added ingredients where she could, but Scottie made a separate dessert. And just as they’d said, Finn made a noon delivery to a grateful Troy and Conner.

Finn, still smiling over what he’d learned, delighted in telling the ladies he knew the baby’s name. He didn’t give it up that easily, however. Iris was serving their own dessert when Finn announced that the newest person in Tucker Mills was named Levi Conner Kingsley.

Scottie waited until later in the week to visit Reese, and when she arrived, it was to find Maddie in attendance as well. Valerie was with Cathy. The three women, Maddie holding Levi, settled in the parlor, and neither Maddie nor Scottie could believe how good Reese looked. In fact, when the women offered to come and help, Reese had to be honest.

“It’s kind of you, but I don’t need it. I’ve been up and around since early yesterday morning.”

“What did Dannan say about that?” Maddie asked, concern in her voice. “Every time I stood up, I bled heavily. Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I’m fine, and Dannan doesn’t seem to have issues with my being active this soon.”

Maddie was glad to hear it. It had taken her a while to feel good again. She bent her head over the baby again, a round bundle in her arms. He was so pretty and looked to be pounds heavier than Valerie at this age.

“How is he doing?” Scottie asked.

“He likes to be awake in the night. Eventually I’ll let him cry, but not now.” Reese’s smile was very content. “It’s too fun to hold him.”

“Speaking of which—” Scottie prompted, her eyes on Maddie.

“Must I?” Maddie teased.

“Yes, it’s my turn.”

Maddie surrendered Levi into Scottie’s waiting arms, but the move was not successful. Levi woke and wanted to eat, and Reese ended up having to take him. Still working on her breast-feeding skills, Reese was thankful Maddie was on hand. Levi settled down after a bit of work, allowing the women a comfortable visit for the next hour.