Love Inspired June 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: The Cowboy's Homecoming\The Amish Widow's Secret\Safe in the Fireman's Arms (45 page)

“You, too.”

“Wow,” Maggie said as Julia walked away, a dreamy smile on her face. “Can you say ‘crush'?”

“You think so?”

“For sure, Aunt B.”

“Young love.”

“Beck has tunnel vision. He probably has no clue.”

“Speaking of romance, Maggie, how are you doing?”

“Me? Romance?” Maggie looked up from the dessert menu. “What do you mean?”

“This Saturday is the date you would have been getting married.”

“I know. My bank account reminded me this morning.”

“Apparently you aren't bemoaning the loss.”

“Only the dent on my savings after I sent a check to my parents for all the deposits they lost.”

“Oh, Maggie, you reimbursed your parents?”

“I was the one who ran.”

“Hmm.” Aunt Betty shot a stern frown at Maggie. “I was under the impression that the engagement and arrangements were your parents' idea.”

“I'm thirty-two years old. I should have put my foot down before everything got out of control. And it was way out of control, believe me.” She took a small drink of water. “Anyhow. That's behind me now.”

“Is it? Have you talked to your parents since you left?”

“No. I'm avoiding another conversation, as is my ‘head in the sand' way.”

“Maggie, you need to check in with them.”

“I will. Sunday is Father's Day. I'd planned to call then.”

Maggie folded and unfolded her napkin. “Aunt B, why is it I'm so different from my parents? Do you think maybe I was switched at birth?”

Aunt Betty chuckled. “I have often had similar thoughts about your Uncle Bob.”

“Uncle Bob? Why?”

“He and your father are so different.”

Maggie considered her words. “I never thought about it before, but you're absolutely right.”

“Have you ever wondered how we live comfortably in Paradise on the income from a fix-it shop in a town of less than two thousand?”

“Well, come to think of it...”

“Your Uncle Bob is as smart as your father. Not book smart yet smart nonetheless. He simply expresses it differently. Actually, you're a lot like him. Years ago Bob sold one of his fix-it shop projects to a big company in Denver.” Betty leaned closer and whispered. “He made a small fortune, Maggie, enough to allow him to fiddle happily with his projects for the rest of his life and not worry about the bills.”

Maggie's eyes widened.

“So the fix-it shop is a front?”

Aunt Betty laughed again. “I guess you could say that. He loves that shop dearly.”

“I don't blame him.”

“You're like Bob. Smart, but in a different way than most people. You both see the world differently. Don't despise what God has given you, dear. You're different. Period. He made you that way for a reason. There's no condemnation in Him. Be proud. After all, there's only one Maggie Jones, and I think she's pretty wonderful.”

Warmth flooded Maggie. She reached out and grasped her aunt's hands.

“Thank you, Aunt B. I needed to hear that.”

“Good. And you know, Maggie, the future looks very promising for you, here in Paradise. You're a new committee member of the Paradise Ladies Auxiliary.

“One step at a time, Aunt B. “I've only attended one meeting.”

“Trust me. You are a new member and you'll soon be a teacher at our high school.”

“I have to interview first. Besides, I don't even know who the other candidates are.”

“Maggie, you've got better qualifications than anyone working at that school.” She paused. “Actually, I don't think there are any other applicants.”

“That's odd.”

“No, that's Paradise. We're a vacation destination. Not many folks live here year-round. Keep in mind that all you have to do is stay out of trouble and you're in.”

“You're not the first person to say that.” Maggie shook her head. “You know, I don't go looking for trouble. For some reason it just sort of finds me.”

Aunt Betty smiled. “I know, dear. Maybe you could try to be more alert.”

“I will.” Maggie nodded. “Um, Aunt B?”

“Yes, dear?”

“What exactly does a committee member on the Paradise Ladies Auxiliary do?”

“Why, whatever Bitsy tells you to do.”

“I was afraid of that.”

Her aunt laughed.

* * *

“Isn't that Maggie Jones?” Duffy said as he shoved another bag of groceries into the fire truck.

“Huh? Where?” Jake picked up a twelve-pack of soda and glanced around. His gaze took in the Pay 'n Pak they'd just come out of, and moved down the street. “I don't see her.”

“Over there in the window of Patti Jo's, with Mrs. Jones.”

Jake turned around. “I can't tell. They're sitting in that high booth.”

“When she stood up a minute ago, I could see her.

“All I can see is the top of that woman's head and there isn't a ponytail.”

“I'm telling you, that's Maggie.”

“Duff, you need glasses.”

“Chief, I already wear glasses.”

“Why don't we go get a couple dozen cookies and find out?” Jake said.

“Cinnamon oatmeal raisin?”

“Chocolate chip.”

“I'm not going with you for chocolate chip,” Duffy returned.

Jake pulled the keys from his pocket and tossed them in the air. Caught off guard, Duffy struggled to catch them.

“Then you can wait here,” Jake said.

“No way. I think Maggie likes me. I'm not letting you cut into my territory, either.”

“Dream on. The only female in your future is a dalmatian. And for your information, Maggie and I are strictly friends.”

“Ha!” Duffy crowed, struggling to keep up with Jake's long strides. “That's a good thing, because you two have nothing in common. I never met two more opposite people.”

Jake stopped walking and glared at Duffy. “What are you talking about?”

“You and Maggie. She's about as laid-back as they come.”

“So?”

“Well, you're, uh...not.”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“No offense, Chief, but you're kind of tense.”

“I'm not tense. I just like things...structured.

Jake started walking again.

“Did you know she's into plants and bees and stuff? She wants to open an organic nursery.”

“How is it you know so much about her?” Jake asked, irritation mounting to an all-time high.

“She told me.”

“When did you and Maggie have the opportunity to engage in such a deep conversation?”

“When I took her report.”

Jake snorted. “Opposites can complement each other,” he muttered.

“Are you telling me you're staking claim here, Chief?”

“No.”

“Sure sounds that way to me.”

“I told you. Maggie and I are friends. Period.” Jake pulled open the door to Patti Jo's and Duffy smoothly slid into the café ahead of him.

“Don't turn around, Duff. Play it cool for once, will you, please?”

“I can do subtle.

“Uh-huh.”

“Watch me.” He stood stiffly at the counter. “Two dozen cinnamon oatmeal raisin, please.”

“Make that one dozen and a dozen chocolate chip,” Jake said.

“You get an extra cookie for every dozen,” the young redhead at the cash register informed them.

Jake narrowed his eyes to read her name tag. Tiny print. Maybe he was the one who needed glasses. “Hey, great, Julia. Make them chocolate chip.”

She nodded.

“Oh, and could you do me a favor?” he asked.

“Sure.”

He leaned against the glass and lowered his voice. “Could you tell me if that's Betty Jones and her niece in that booth?” He gave a nod of his head in the direction of the window.

“Yes, sir. Mrs. Jones and her niece, Maggie.”

“Told you so,” Duffy said. “You take care of the bill. I'm going to go say hello.”

“Wait a—”

“That's twelve dollars, sir.”

Jake tossed a ten and a five on the counter. “Keep the change.” He grabbed the bag and swiveled around to follow Duffy to the booth.

“Duffy and Jake. What are you boys up to?” Betty Jones greeted them with a smile.

“Doing a little grocery shopping for the fire station,” Duffy said.

The woman with Betty turned away from the window, the layers of her hair caressing her head as she moved.

“Maggie?” Jake choked.

“Told you,” Duffy said under his breath, with an elbow to Jake's side.

“Your hair,” he breathed.

“She had it done at the Emporium. Doesn't she look nice?” Aunt Betty interjected.

“Man, I'll say,” said Duffy. “You look sort of exotic with those bangs. Right, Chief?”

A slight pink tinged Maggie's cheeks.

“You look good, Maggie,” Jake said.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

“Going to the parade?” Duffy asked.

“Yes. Susan asked me to help her hand out flyers for the Paradise Ladies Auxiliary,” Maggie said.

“Oh, brother. What's Bitsy selling now?” Jake asked.

“I have no idea. We'll have to wait and see,” Maggie returned with a grin.

“I'll take whatever you're selling,” Duffy interjected.

Jake shook his head. Yeah. That was subtle.

“Be sure to look for the fire department in the parade. We always ride the vintage pumper and pass out plastic fire hats to the kids. They love us. Right, Chief?”

“Yeah. Right.”

Jake was still adjusting to the new Maggie in front of him. Sure she looked great, but he liked the old Maggie, as well.

This whole do-over-Maggie thing must have been Susan's idea. Susan had a new project every year. Now thanks to her, Maggie would be beating men off with a stick at the supper for sure.

Jake released a frustrated breath. Nope, he didn't like that thought one bit.

Chapter Seven

J
ake's hand touched the small of Maggie's back as he led her toward the huge tent covering the park's grassy knoll. Overhead the sky was clear and the trees twinkled with tiny white lights. As they crossed the lawn the scent of summer flowers and pine floated on the faint breeze. The soft crooning of a saxophone called their names, welcoming them to Paradise's biggest event of the year.

Maggie shivered in anticipation.

“Cold?” Jake asked.

“No,” she murmured. Not cold, simply giddy with excitement. The Founder's Day event might be something Jake took for granted, but to Maggie this was more than special. After all she was the bookworm who never even attended her high school prom. Tonight she was making up for the lapses in her history.

Inside the tent the space had been transformed, becoming a glittery paradise. More tiny lights crisscrossed across the high ceiling. The subdued lighting served to enhance the dreamy atmosphere.

Long dining tables covered with white linen tablecloths filled a corner of the tent. Folding chairs were elegantly disguised with white slipcovers. Each table held a scattering of golden glitter and a centerpiece of yellow blooms: tulips, peonies, lilacs, lily of the valley and daisies.

Across the room and against the wall, an endless buffet table barely contained its overflowing bounty. Tiny canapés, fresh shrimp, bowls of salsa with red and blue chips and other appetizers started the feast, which continued to the far end of the buffet, finishing with a lavish array of desserts. A beverage bar occupied the last bit of space at the end.

A small stage dominated the rest of the tent with chairs casually placed around the area. An old-fashioned four-piece band was beginning a set, and already several couples were lured to the stage, swaying as the musicians played familiar melodies from bygone eras.

Maggie softly hummed to the music.

Jake's breath tickled her ear. “You sing, too?”

“Humming. That's what the tone-deaf do. They hum.”

He laughed. “I'll have to keep that in mind. I've been advised not to sing loudly at church anymore. It frightens young children.”

She chuckled.

As they stood listening to the band, a stream of Paradise's citizens stopped to say hello to the chief and meet Maggie.

“They're all curious about you,” Jake said.

“That's because I've been on the front page of the
Gazette
twice.”

“No, it's because it's not often I show up in public with such a lovely lady.” He paused and adjusted his collar. “Wait, I never show up with a lovely lady.”

Maggie smiled and gave a small laugh.

“Have I told you how nice you look tonight?” Jake asked.

“Yes, several times, but don't let that stop you.”

It was Jake's turn to smile. “You do look lovely, Maggie.

“You clean up nicely, too.”

Jake was as at home in the gray suit as he was in his fireman's turnout coat.

“Did you have fun at the parade today?” he asked. “Every time I saw you, you were rushing off somewhere.”

“I was on duty for the auxiliary.”

He released a groan. “I never did find out what Bitsy's next project is, and that should worry me.”

“More fund-raising.”

“That's how I ended up being raffled off to start with.”

“This time it's benign. Beautification of Paradise, missions and hospital visitation. No abuse of firemen is planned at this time.” Maggie put a hand over her mouth. “Oops, except for the Firemen's Ball this Christmas.”

“I knew it. Why doesn't she pick on Sam's department instead of mine?”

“That was discussed at the meeting, but the sheriff's department only has three men.”

“That's too bad. No raffling us off, though, right?”

“Oh, no, but it will be a Sadie Hawkins thing, where the girls ask the guys. There are three men for every woman in Paradise.”

“Those are some pretty interesting odds.” Jake shook his head and eyed the beverage table. “I need a drink. What can I get you? Iced tea?”

“Iced tea would be nice.” She smoothed the skirt of her dress, her gaze following Jake as he walked away.

When he'd arrived at her door tonight his eyes had widened after one glance. Of course it was all a matter of timing. Everything had come together nicely. The haircut, the dress. She had Susan to thank for that. Who would have thought two weeks ago that brown-mouse Maggie would come out of her cocoon. If only her parents could see her.

She had to admit, it was fun being all dressed up for one night; as long as Cinderella could go back to her real self in the morning, of course.

Maggie lifted her wrist, fingering the delicate white miniature rosebuds and red satin ribbon. She had Jake to thank for the corsage. Having him escort her had turned out to be much less worrisome than she'd imagined. He'd been on his best behavior and hadn't teased her or anything, which was good because now that she was aware of his tragic past, she was determined not to give him a hard time anymore.

Jake was a handsome man, but more importantly, he was a nice man. A Godly man, who deserved happiness.

All in all, the sort of man any woman would be thrilled to be in the company of. Including her. She enjoyed the growing ease of their burgeoning friendship.

While he could definitely take her breath away, she knew that a man like Jake would never think of her as anything except a friend. That was probably a good thing, Maggie rationalized, since rebuilding her life was taking all her energy at the moment.

Still, her gaze wistfully followed his broad-shouldered silhouette as he disappeared through the crowd, to the far end of the tent. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone like Jake really care for her?

Tonight the past and the future didn't matter, she reminded herself. For a few hours Jake MacLaughlin was hers, and she had one hundred and forty-seven raffle tickets to prove it.

Maggie walked around the room, stopping at a large display on the history of Paradise.

“Oh, Maggie, you look amazing.”

She turned and grinned. Her cousin, as usual, was nothing short of regal in a white Grecian sheath. “So do you, Susan. Still a beauty queen.”

“Do you like it? I texted a picture to Al. I want him to know what he's missing. Three weeks of fishing with my father is much too long.”

“What did Al think of the dress?”

“Oh, you know Al. Not a jealous bone in his body. He sent me back a picture of a bass he caught today.”

Maggie laughed.

“Where's your handsome date?” Susan glanced around.

“My escort is getting a beverage.”

“Are you glad you came?” Susan asked.

Maggie nodded. “Yes. I really am. Tonight I was forced to realize how small my world had become. Thank you, Susan. For everything.”

“That's what fashion-consultant cousins are for.” Susan dispensed an air kiss. “Ooh, look over there. Bernice Harris stopped by as part of her tour. She's doing a photo op for the
Paradise Gazette
.”

“The Bison Queen.”

“Yes. That's right. Remember I told you about her?”

“I saw her at the parade, signing autographs.”

Bernice Harris was hard to miss with a Denver mile-high lacquered blond upsweep and a huge tiara. “What is that hairy thing she's sitting on?”

“That's a stuffed bison. It goes with her on tour to promote the Paradise Valley bison industry.”

Maggie shivered. “How unfortunate. That is one ugly bison.”

“She'll make up for the ugly bison by getting the local firemen and police hunks in the photo.” Susan laughed. “See, there's Duffy now.”

“Duffy is so sweet,” Maggie commented as he posed with his arm around Bernice. “He bought me an ice-cream cone today at the parade.”

“Be very careful of Duffy,” Susan said. “He falls in love at least twice a year.”

“Oh?”

“Our Duffy is like a big overgrown puppy dog. So unless you're really interested, it's best not to lead him on.”

“I hope he doesn't think... Goodness, Susan. Thanks for the heads-up.”

“No problem.” Susan's eyes widened. “Oh, no, Bernice's dress is caught on the bison. I better go help. Catch up with you later, Mags.”

Maggie turned back to the photo gallery of Paradise's historic past. Black-and-white photographs of local citizens and landmarks had been blown up, framed and suspended by wire.

“‘Over a hundred and fifty years ago, in 1859, the first settlers came to Paradise. The name started as a joke, but stuck. Paradise was founded during the mining boom and survives thanks to our thriving tourist industry.'”

Maggie whirled around. “Mr. MacLaughlin. You have this memorized?”

“I'm just Mack.”

“Mack,” she said. The senior MacLaughlin was every bit as handsome as his son tonight, his snow-white hair combed back from a high forehead.

“I've heard the history of this town enough times from my mother over the years that I better have it memorized.”

“Has your family always had a hardware store in Paradise?”

“Four generations. The old building was closer to the outskirts of town. Used to be we sat outside the store and knew everyone that passed by name. We can still do that, only not from June to September. Too many tourists.”

She smiled.

“Dad, I see you're bending Maggie's ear,” Jake said as he approached.

“Just keeping her safe for you, son.”

“Almost couldn't find her,” he admitted with a smile for Maggie. “Thought for a minute you'd ditched me. Then I remembered you were the girl in the coral dress with the amazing hair.”

Speechless, Maggie's face heated at his words.

“Thank you,” she said, when he handed her a tall glass.

“So, Dad, are you here alone, or did you bring a date?”

When Jake raised his brows pointedly, Maggie glanced between the two men, trying to read the underlying current.

“I like to enjoy all the ladies in Paradise, son. I'm an equal opportunity flirt. You know that,” Mack said with a grin. “Speaking of lovely ladies, here comes Bitsy Harmony.”

“Uh-oh,” Jake murmured, his warm breath tickling Maggie's ear. “I'll be right back.”

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“I'm going to get us a plate of hors d'oeuvres.”

“Chicken.”

“I'll see if they have any.” He grinned.

Bitsy slid into the space Jake vacated. “Where's Jake running off to?”

“Chicken,” Mack said.

“I thought as much.”

“You look festive tonight, Bitsy,” Maggie said. The older woman's hair was wound into a soft braid on the back of her head. She wore a lovely silk shirtdress of royal blue with gold flecks running through the material.

“Thank you. But I tell you, I've been hearing about this mystery woman with Jake from everyone, so I had to check things out for myself.”

“Mystery woman?” Maggie asked.

“You. Everyone's abuzz about the beauty on Jake's arm.”

Maggie inhaled her tea and began to cough.

“You all right? I know CPR,” Bitsy said.

“No. No. Definitely no need.” Maggie waved a hand in the air as she cleared her throat. “I'm fine.”

“This is always such fun. Have you ever heard such music?” Bitsy continued.

“They're quite good,” Maggie agreed.

“Bitsy plays in the Paradise band on occasion,” Mack said. “Clarinet.” He beamed with pride as his eyes met Bitsy's.

Maggie blinked. The tender expression that passed between the couple was unmistakable. Bitsy Harmony and Mack MacLaughlin were in love.

Her heart melted. Then she froze with the realization that Jake didn't have a clue. Well, she wasn't going to be the one to break the news to him. No way. He obviously had some Bitsy Harmony issues and she was going to keep her distance from that ticking bomb.

The band finished one song and started another. Bitsy looked up at Mack.

“Our song.”

Mack paused to listen. “From 1962. Right?”

“What a memory.” Bitsy laughed, and Mack joined in at their private joke.

He held out a hand to Bitsy.

“Will you excuse us, Maggie?” he asked.

She smiled. “Of course.”

A moment later, Jake appeared at her side and handed her a china plate filled with appetizers. “Where did my dad go?” he said.

“Dancing.”

“My dad never dances.” Jake craned his neck, his gaze searching the crowded dance floor. “If he's dancing, who's he dancing with?”

Maggie shrugged. “There are so many women here.”

Jake took a crab wonton from the plate she held. “Hmm,” he said, as he popped it into his mouth.

“Good?” she asked.

“Better than good. Try one?”

“I will. I'm pacing myself.”

“Good for you. Someone has to do it. My plan is to eat my way through the evening.”

She laughed as he devoured a bacon-wrapped wiener.

“What did Bitsy have to say?” Jake asked as he examined the plate in her hand. He picked up a mini quiche and took a bite.

“Jake, you're going to have to stick around if you expect to keep up.”

“Fair enough.”

He took the plate from her and placed it on a nearby table.

“I thought we were going to eat those.”

“Let's dance,” he said, taking her hand.

She trailed behind him. “I don't dance.”

Jake stopped and turned around. “Don't or can't?”

“I have many talents, but I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time. I'm a bit clumsy. Realistically, it's safer for the world at large if I do not venture near the dance floor.”

“You know, Maggie, that's what I like about you.”

“What's that?” she asked, certain he was going to give her a hard time.