Moving On (14 page)

“Then I’ll stock up. You’ll have to drop over for more dinners.” She pushed her chair back and started picking up plates.

“You stay where you are,” he said. “Tea or coffee?”

“Tea, please. The pot is on the shelf above the glasses.”

“And the tea bags are on the counter. I’ve found them,” he said.

She practiced a few steps under the table while he moved back and forth with the plates and leftovers.

“What do you usually do in the evenings,” she asked, “when you’re not out dancing with the women in town?”

“I exercise. I swim. I read. I help Magdalena with her reading.”

She tilted her head. “Tell me.”

“When I was learning to walk again, I took a literacy course. Magdalena is one of the women on the Hutterite Colony. She helps Dad at the B and B. One night she told me she wished she could read so when she has children, she would be able to read stories to them. I think it’s easier for some people to tell their secret to someone who has challenges, too.” He sipped his tea. “She’d probably be over tonight, except for the rain, and of course now that Dad’s home, she’ll come when he’s there.”

“So you were completely surprised about his marriage?”

“Totally!” He paused before he spoke. “If you knew my dad, you would never suspect he was the type of man to experiment with cyberspace dating.”

“He must have been lonely. Herman said your dad was alone for a long time. Did your mom die?” Anna played with the placemat.

“No. She didn’t like being a farmer’s wife.”

“Nick, I’m so sorry.” She reached for his hand on the table and he felt its warmth against his skin. In the army men chucked each other on the shoulder or nudged them with an elbow to show sympathy and support.

“It was a long time ago.” As he poured himself another mug of tea he thought how long it’d been since a woman held his hand. “Even though Sharon seems very nice, I still don’t get it, though. You’ve met the widows here. There are a number of women who would have gladly moved into his house.”

“There’s a difference between love and making do.”

“I guess. What about you?”

When she didn’t answer, Nick decided to drop it for now. He walked toward her work bench. “What do we have here?”

“I’m building a miniature house for a client. It’s what I do now.” She jumped up and moved toward the kitchen with her empty mug. “Let’s take our tea onto the deck. The rain stopped.”

“Are you prepared for Herman and Margaret joining us?”

“We’ll be quiet and I’ll light some candles,” she whispered.

“Ha! They’ve already noticed my truck and so has half the town. There won’t be any secrets here.”

“Do we want the fact we’ve had dinner together to be a secret?”

“No. I just meant it was nice being alone with you.”

“Thanks,” she replied, putting the tea things on a tray, while he pulled on his boots. He was so adept, she forgot he didn’t have two feet. She’d read about the advances made in prosthetics.

While they sat on the deck, the birds chirped their ‘getting ready for bed’ song.

He said, “I’d like to show you the lake by canoe sometime. Would you come?”

“I don’t know how to paddle.”

“I can teach you.”

“I’d like that.” Anna smiled.

“Because Last Mountain Lake is long and narrow, we have to be cautious about the winds. The best time is just after sunrise or just before sunset.”

“Give me a call and I’ll meet you whenever.”

“Your garden is really growing,” he noted. “I see you’ve found a secret supply of rocks.”

She shrugged nonchalantly.

“I’ve never been so excluded from so many things as this last little while. But when I have a secret of my own, I guess it’s to be expected.” He stretched his legs straight out.

“Why haven’t you told people?”

“It took me a while to believe it myself. With the prosthesis on, most people just knew I had hurt my leg. They assume it’s on the mend. And in many ways, it is.” The air was filled with sudden tension. “Like you, it’s somewhere I don’t want to go right now.”

The breeze rippled the new poplar leaves and the scent of lilacs wafted around the yard. The crunch of gravel under tires indicated a vehicle driving down the street.

“Are many fish caught off the pier?” she asked.

“We catch the best perch in June. Do you fish?” He’d been staring out at the garden but brought his attention back to her.

“I love dangling one little piece of bait on the end of a line and waiting, hoping some fish will decide it can’t resist the morsel.” She pretended to hold a fishing rod and slowly turn the reel.

“Do you clean them, too?”

“I learned last year, but I didn’t perfect it.” She shuddered. “Yuck. The guts.”

He placed his cup in the saucer. “Tell me why you decided to be a nurse.”

“Rather than a CEO or an astronaut?”

“Women have more choices today. Why one of the traditional roles?”

“Short answer, I thought I could make a difference in someone’s life every day,” she replied wistfully.

“Why don’t you nurse now?” He leaned toward her with his full attention.

“I was released. Laid off. Put out to pasture. Demoted.” Her head bowed. She didn’t look at Nick. “I quit. I quit being a good nurse, so when the time came to make budget cuts, I was one of them.” Anna circled her thumb along her cup’s rim. “What about you in your temporary positions?”

“I’ve been fired from the B and B, except for this weekend. Applications for the town position close tomorrow. Soon, I’ll be a man of leisure.” Nick’s cell phone abruptly rang. He looked at the call identifier. “Excuse me.”

He stepped away, took the call, then returned to the table. “That was Dad. He and Sharon want to have their evening swim, and he was wondering when I’d be home to have mine. I told him to go ahead, and I’ll swim later. I’ll help you with the dishes. That should take up some time.”

“I have a better idea. Why don’t you help me practice some line dancing steps? Dishes can wait.”

When he bent to untie his boots, she said, “No, leave them on. I’ll take my chances.” She dug into her shopping bags and brought out a line dancing CD.

Nick pushed the coffee table to the end of the room. Peering into one of her bags, he pulled out a cowgirl hat and propped it on her head. As the music began, they lined up with their thumbs in their belt loops, ready to grapevine and slip and slide.

When he reached for her for the couple’s dance, she laughed up into his face. “You’re much easier to follow than Margi.”

His body was relaxed and his hand applied gentle pressure on her back. Her hand felt secure in his. His gaze riveted on her lips. Her eyes closed. Maybe she wouldn’t notice if he just gave her a quick kiss.
Don’t be stupid. We’re going to be friends. Friends don’t kiss friends in that way if they want to stay friends.

She stumbled. Nick’s arm tightened around her briefly, then his hand lifted the damp hair on her forehead before he released her and stepped back.

“Thanks for dinner. I wasn’t ready to go home to the newlyweds. This has been fun.”

She released a soft chuckle. “If I understand this whole small town gossip thing, they’re going to be saying ‘like father like son.’ I happen to know there were a couple of women looking for you at the dance last night.”

He shrugged. “Maybe they’ll be right. It’s easier to be a friend with a stranger, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, and both of our secrets are still intact.”

“Nobody died on your shift, did they?” he kidded.

She blanched and backed to the nearest chair.

He immediately reached for her. “I’m sorry.”

She put her hand up. “Just go.”

With the music over, the room had grown quiet. “I don’t want to leave you like this,” Nick protested.

“I’ve been like this before. I’ve survived.”

“No. I won’t leave you.” He crouched in front of her chair.

“I’m not prepared to talk about it.” She pulled her legs under her.

“That’s all right. I don’t need to hear the details.” He took off her hat and plucked a blanket from the sofa; wrapped it around her. He sat across the room in a chair with his feet stretched out until she fell asleep. Then he got up and washed the dishes.
How could I be so insensitive? I know she has a secret and she’s here to heal. She isn’t in jail, so she obviously didn’t do anything illegal.

He continued checking on her. Her breathing settled. When her arm was limp, he picked her up and carried her to her bed. He removed her shoes and undid her belt and the snap of her jeans. When he pulled the comforter up around her chin, she curled her fists into the blanket as if it would keep her safe.

He took off his boots, pants and prosthesis, leaning it against the stool, and stretched out on the couch, willing himself to relax. His muscles were not going to deteriorate without a workout for one night. Besides, she shouldn’t be left alone. He should call home and tell his father he’d be late, but he was twenty-six years old and his father might get the picture. They would deal with the wagging tongues tomorrow.

Since arriving with Peter Pan collars and knife-pressed slacks, Anna had changed and it would cause all kinds of ribbing. Maybe he could say she got sick, but then people would suspect the water. He had thought about asking her assistance explaining the benefits of boiling water, but if she was sick, then what kind of example would that be?

Nick finally dozed off.

He woke to Anna shaking his shoulder. “Nick, wake up. You’ve got to go home, please.”

He looked at his watch. It was only after midnight, still a reasonable time to visit without having to explain anything. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “You’re looking better.”

“Thanks. But you have to go. If anyone drives past, they’ll have a field day tomorrow. Someone will start to speculate about me.”

Anna passed him his prosthesis. He tucked the blanket around his waist, then exposed his stump. He smoothed the cotton sock and secured the socket.

She watched with intent interest. After his leg was attached, Nick reached for his pants and slid the hidden zipper on the seam. She turned away when he was ready to stand and pull them up.

“Will you still come for canoe ride with me some time?” he asked.

“Absolutely!” She touched his arm. “I’m sorry. Some days it hits me like a ton of bricks out of nowhere. Thankfully, those times are becoming shorter and less often.”

Nick brought his arm around her shoulders and gave them a squeeze—a friendly, ‘uncle’ squeeze.

They were back on their previous footing.

When Nick arrived back at the B&B, he changed into his swim trunks and entered the pool from the back yard. He swam with long strokes, kicking harder with one leg for numerous pool lengths. He swam past the memories of pain. He breathed past the time it had taken his friend to secure the tourniquet until the medicvac helicopter landed him onto the base. Past the pain medication that kept him sane until he landed at the hospital; past the surgeons’ promises to save as much as they could.

He swam until his muscles were warm and hopeful. He swam until he felt the memory of Anna’s back under his hand. Then he pulled himself out of the pool and went to bed.

Molly left her spot outside the master bedroom and followed him to his room. She laid her head on his side of the bed for a while, her brown eyes watching him, her tongue rasping along his arm.

Dogs were smart animals. Perhaps he’d have to get another one when he settled down. This was Molly’s home. He couldn’t take her away.

Chapter 12

The next morning, more cars than usual were on the street and the sun was hot. Living in a resort community, of course the focal point was a beach. Anna smiled when she folded the blanket Nick had used, then clipped the tags from her new bathing suit and put it on.
Not bad for a city slicker
. She packed ice water, her iPod, and magazines on gardening and miniature house construction into her beach bag. Donning her straw hat, she picked up her beach chair and headed out.

On the beach, she watched teenagers sprawling on towels and straw mats for the first real hot day of the season. Girls applied sunscreen to their lean bodies, while boys threw Frisbees and called out to each other. The girls watched the male dexterity and showed approval with spontaneous quips and giggling, “Nice throw,” or a breathless, “Great catch.”

The beach scene hadn’t changed much since her teenaged days. Anna remembered similar antics at city outdoor pools. The boys raced in the water, while the girls sat around the edges cooing. Perhaps some innate gene triggered to make young women coo around young men who displayed their athletic abilities.

I should talk
. She’d swooned around Nick last night until his innocent comment about someone dying on her shift knocked her into an emotional downslide. Even after she crumpled without explanation, he stayed. This morning, she willed the Town of Regina Beach truck to drive past her house, but it didn’t. Many men would have packed up and taken off after her meltdown. He hadn’t even hinted he needed an explanation.

A young dad followed behind two excited little guys wearing swim trunks, brimmed hats pulled down around their ears. They ran shrieking toward the water. He settled himself at the water’s edge, while the boys clawed at the sand and piled it into castles surrounded by moats.

“Daddy, Daddy, I put a whale here to protect the castle!” one of them shrieked.

“Good idea, son.”

Anna dug her toes into the warm sand, thinking how nice raising a family would be in a place like this
.
The magazine with miniature houses flipped in the breeze, a reminder that even though she wasn’t building houses, she could be an entrepreneur in health care.

Families took time. They also took a father or at least a sperm donor. Could she raise a child on her own? Would she want to?
Now, where have these thoughts come from?

One little guy started to toddle along the sand toward a man and a muscled, canine body pulling on a steel linked lead walking beside the water. Anna froze. The dad reached out and pulled his son into his lap. At least the boys were safe. She didn’t want to attract the dog’s attention; the skinny owner couldn’t control the muscled-bound brute if it decided to charge.
Look at those young girls, any of them could be scarred for life
.

Anna gulped deep breaths, slowly gaining the confidence necessary to exit the scene. She didn’t want to watch this pathetic display of attention-seeking. What a difference between Nick and his Molly. He didn’t need Molly to make up for any deficit in his physique.

The dog seemed mild-mannered despite its thick neck and broad chest. And the way it tugged on the lead could be puppy exuberance. Anna knew from life experiences that judging by appearance alone was not sound. The other beach patrons continued enjoying their day. This was an opportunity to gain more control, where no one knew her fear.

Anna tipped her face to the sun and closed her eyes until something cold nudged her toe. Gripping the arm rests, she kept her feet firmly on the sand.

“Come, Sally.” A man called. Anna opened her eyes as the dog jerked its head from the scent it had been following. Anna felt momentary sympathy for the dog until it looked up at its owner, anticipating the treat that followed.

On the way home, Anna threw her hat into the sky and caught it. She was a champion for not allowing a canine to determine when she would leave the beach.

Later in the afternoon she updated her employment résumé before she began her work on the miniature house. She would email photographs of her progress; if Mr. Kindle was pleased, Anna could ship it from Regina Beach when it was finished.

Her hand skimmed the blanket each time she circled the couch.

Near the end of the afternoon, with the lake as calm as glass and the sky blue without a cloud, she wondered if Nick might invite her for a canoe ride.

Her heart fluttered at the knock at the door. The voice that called, “Hello in there,” was high and excited, not deep and calm.

Margaret stepped inside, all smiles. “Look what I borrowed for you. The history book was at the library. It doesn’t stay there for long, so I grabbed it. You’ll have two weeks to read up on this place of ours.”

“Thank you so much, Margaret. I keep missing the library’s hours.”

Margaret reverently handed over a green hardcover book. “You take care of this or Peggy Black will have my hide.”

“I will. I promise. Do you have time for coffee?”

“No, I’m on the run. Have to get dinner in the oven. Nick’s coming over for an early meal. His big day is tomorrow.” With that, she was out the door, her fluorescent pink shorts billowing around her thin legs.

Anna wanted to ask what ‘big day’ would or could end his temporary life. But she wouldn’t badger Margaret.
Accept the small gifts in life, girl. I met him, I shared friendship and I kept his secret. If it’s all I have, then I move forward.
Wasn’t that part of growing and changing?

Curling up in the wicker chair on the deck and learning Regina Beach’s history would be part of her change. She settled in and began to read.

The Indian legend naming ‘Last Mountain Lake’ and ‘Last Mountain’ was beautiful. The great chief of the world placed the last of his earth and water in the vast stretch of prairie which was now Saskatchewan. His daughter, Cheewana, named them ‘Last Mountain Lake,’ and ‘Last Mountain.’ Her reward was a beautiful rainbow blanket.

Anna read how dancing had always been a part of Regina Beach. In the early days, people came by train to dance at three different dance halls. They rented cotton bathing suits which came down to their knees and felt miserable when wet and clinging. Couples rented canoes and paddled around the point on moonlit nights between dances. It sounded very romantic.

Instead of street addresses, cottages were named ‘Com-on-Inn,’ ‘Kosy Inn,’ ‘Maybe Inn,’ ‘A Swell View,’ and ‘Clear View.
’ I should research my cottage’s name and paint it on a sign.

Anna made herself set down the book and go back indoors after realizing she was more than half-listening for Nick’s rumbling laughter to sail over the hedge.

After work, Nick drove into the lane and parked at the back. He didn’t want to see Anna today and hash over what happened last night. The stones in his truck bed had nudged his consciousness all day, a good indication he was already more involved than he wanted to be. He had to focus on tomorrow, and not on the feel of her body when they danced, her hips shifting as she swayed to the music.

He practically tripped when he glanced everywhere but over the hedge to see if she was sitting on her deck. This evening would be perfect to canoe around the point. He reminded himself after tomorrow, anything was possible.

Nick entered the Lambs’ kitchen and kissed Margaret on the cheek. “Thanks for having an early dinner.”

“You know we’d do anything for you.” Margaret beamed.

Margaret and Herman were like grandparents to him but still, the dinner was subdued. “You didn’t put your application in the hat for the town position, did you?” Herman asked.

“No. I didn’t. It’s probably even a better idea now that Dad’s back with his bride.”

“You’ve never been very good at taking the easy way out.”

“No, I guess not. I have the physical evidence of that right here.” Nick tapped his shin. “I should let humanity look after itself rather than thinking I can do some good.”

Herman looked deep into Nick’s eyes. “Then why go back? Why not just take the package I’m sure they’d give you and start your life all over again?”

“Ever since I was a young kid, I’ve wanted to serve Canada, keep it safe. Right now these peacekeeping missions and these conflicts may not be dangerous to Canada, but they’re dangerous to humanity. And we’re getting injured over there. I have a job to do.”

“And we’re glad you do. But it’s hard on everyone when we hear of troops getting hit and talk of injured soldiers and not knowing if you’re one of them. I know it was hard on Jack. Each time there was an announcement of an injured Canadian, he’d be over here for a coffee. He needed to be away because he was scared to be home and see the government car drive up the road,” Margaret said.

“That’s why I called him as soon as I could. I didn’t know then I’d lose my leg. I was pretty sure they’d be able to patch it up. The doctors are fantastic.”

“Yeah, it seems to me when you were in rehab, he knew you’d be coming home and he seemed to pick up. That also could have been when Sharon came into the picture. She’s a classy woman.” Herman passed Nick the mustard.

“I hope she convinces him to leave his gold chains behind,” Nick laughed.

In the silence that followed, a few bars of country rock floated through the open window. He smiled.

Herman winked at Margaret. “I wonder about her.” He tipped his head toward Anna’s house. “There isn’t any information available, even though everyone has discussed it. I’m sure she has issues. A nurse who builds miniature houses.”

“There are secrets,” Nick agreed. “I don’t know how she came to be in John’s cottage, but I wish I did.” He felt a kick in his gut when he recalled her face last night when he asked if she had killed someone. For a split second, he almost wished she had. Then they would have another thing in common.

How could I even think such a thing?
Anna was a detailed person; nothing would happen on her watch.

As Nick helped Margaret clear the table, Herman said, “I’m serious, Nick. I’d be careful if I were you, leaving my truck parked later than ten at night.”

Nick flipped the dish towel at Herman. “If you knew all along I was there late, why didn’t you just ask? What’s this entire charade about?”

“Oh, just passing time and thinking about that prim and proper gal who is sure getting lighter on her feet every time I see her dance on the deck. She’s getting stronger, too. She can carry rocks like a yard man.”

“I’ll be glad when you can go to the leisure time club meetings and play pool again or even get out your fishing gear and fish off the dock. You have way too much time on your hands.” Margaret patted his cheek.

“When are you going over again? I see you’ve parked in the lane today. Less people to see you.” Herman winked.

“I don’t need less people. I only need less of your eyes,” Nick retorted.

“I know something about the kind of skills they teach you in the forces. I’m sure if you wanted to be there with no one knowing, you could be.” Herman gave Nick a meaningful look.

“You remember right from your days in the army. They teach us many ways to stay safe.” Nick was surprised at how often Anna entered into the conversation. He wouldn’t put matchmaking past either of his friends. “I’ve got to get this whole thing settled. And as you said yourself, she obviously has some things to sort out.”

One of the most important facts he knew with certainty, they didn’t share a common paternity.

“Have you asked her if she is related to John?” Herman prodded.

“I did.” Nick played with the napkin.

“And?” Herman practically jumped out of his chair.

“She isn’t.” He couldn’t keep them in suspense any longer. “Don’t you two say a word. She has no idea about my relationship to John and I don’t want her feeling as if she doesn’t have a right to be where she is right now. She needs to be there.”

“What time is your appointment tomorrow?” Margaret looked pointedly at his left leg.

“Eight. Not early enough. I doubt I’ll be able to sleep tonight.” He moved toward the door. “I like the life. I enjoy seeing the world. I enjoy those kids whose eyes shine when they see us coming.”

Margaret followed him to the door and slipped her arm around his shoulders. “Do the best you can and deal with the rest when you know.”

He returned her hug. She blushed.

“Hold on there, boy,” Herman said. “I may not be up to everything I should be, but she
is
my woman.”

“You two are special to me. It’s time to go. Magdalena is coming for a lesson and Dad and Sharon will be camped out on the sofa in the great room. I’ve never seen Dad happier.” Nick opened the door.

“I’m glad for him. He’s been alone for a long time.” Margaret looked knowingly at Herman.

Nick couldn’t resist saying, “Yeah, but it was his choice. The land meant everything to him.”

“For whatever reason he’s changed, and it seems to be a good move.” Herman nodded.

“You’re right. I guess I just always thought if this army thing didn’t pan out, I’d return to the land.”

Herman clapped a hand to his mouth and bent over laughing. “Nick, you’re no farmer.”

“I know, but—”

“Go and get ready for tomorrow.” Herman thumped him on the back.

Nick kept to the shadows along the walk to his truck. While he drove out to the B&B, the rocks rolled from side to side in the truck bed. He should have unloaded them at Herman’s. After tomorrow he could ask Anna if she wanted or needed them for her garden.

Back at the farm, he parked next to the garage. Lights shone from the main floor rooms. He found Jack and Sharon on the veranda cuddled together in a swing. “It’s a beautiful evening to be outdoors,” he commented.

“Hello, Nick. Have you had your dinner?” Jack turned with a half-smile in a relaxed face.

“Yes, thank you. Margaret fed me like a growing boy.” He looked down at his boots so his father wouldn’t see him grin. “I’m expecting Magdalena for her lesson,” he added.