Heart's Design: A Contemporary Christian Romance (7 page)

Crossing his arms on the table, Seth hung his head. “Duncan Prescott,” he muttered. Lifting his head, he drained the last of the coffee, as black and bitter as the hardness in his heart. “That’s his name.”

“Is that a fact?” An odd expression flittered across Beverly’s features. “After all these years, I don’t think you’ve ever told me his name until now.”

“I hate to even say his name out loud, but you’re right. Keep praying for me. The Lord knows I need it.”

“I always pray for you, Seth. But you can’t know that man’s soul. That’s not your job. It’s God’s job, so give him over to the Almighty and let Him handle it. You are to love and pray for Duncan Prescott. Pray that somehow the Lord makes Himself known to him in a special way so that he accepts that he’s not the only man in the universe. Enough so that he’ll accept what Jesus did for him on Calvary. Pray for that man to enter into the kingdom of God—whether it’s now or on his deathbed or whenever his time comes—because you don’t know that there’s no one else to do it for him.”

Seth’s jaw tightened. He hated to admit it, but Beverly was right. As usual.

Beverly wrapped her arms around him from behind. “Forgiveness is a powerful thing. I always go back to one of my favorite verses in Ephesians that says, ‘Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.’ Just promise me you’ll think about it. And keep praying that He’ll release you from the bitterness. In its own way, your anger has erected prison walls around your heart.”

“I promise.” He wasn’t happy about praying for Duncan Prescott, but he’d do it out of honor and respect for his dear friend, if for no other reason. Because he couldn’t think of any better reason.

~~♥~~

After showering, Caroline pulled on long denim shorts and retrieved her rumpled, pale pink green T-shirt from her backpack. Since she hadn’t brought many clothes on the trip, it’d have to do. Seth’s invitation hung in the back of her mind, refusing to let go. No, she’d definitely done the right thing in telling him she couldn’t attend the reception with him.

Her hair hung in long, damp ringlets framing her face. Frowning as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she wondered if she should attempt to contain her wild mane in a ponytail. Deciding against it, she closed the bedroom door quietly and descended the staircase.

Tantalizing aromas greeted her as she rounded the bottom of the stairs a few minutes after seven. Beverly was working in the kitchen, but no other guests sat around the table.

“Why, good morning, Caroline!” Beverly lifted the lid on one of the silver warming trays and stirred what looked like scrambled eggs. “I trust you slept well. Breakfast is ready, so please help yourself to anything you’d like. The jams and butter are on the table. There’s coffee, tea, orange or cranberry juice, and milk. What can I get for you?”

“Cranberry juice is fine, thanks.” She surveyed the impressive assortment of food. “Everything looks so good. It’ll be hard to choose.”

“Go ahead and help yourself since you’re here first,” Beverly told her, setting a stack of plates beside the sideboard. The heaping platters of pancakes, bacon, fresh fruit and a variety of homemade breads and muffins looked tempting. When Beverly moved back to the stove, Caroline spooned out some eggs and fresh fruit. She limited herself to only one strip of the thick bacon and selected the smallest slice of banana nut bread she could find.

“So, if you don’t mind, tell me about yourself.” After setting Caroline’s glass of cranberry juice on the table, Beverly stood by the counter. Raising a mug to her lips, she eyed her through tired but kind dark brown eyes. Faint dark circles beneath her eyes hinted at a lack of adequate sleep.

“I just graduated from Wellesley College with a double degree in economics and political science. I was born and raised in Boston. I have two older brothers, Sidney and Bryce.” Caroline took a bite of her eggs, wondering how much she should tell this woman. Maybe how she’d much rather have majored in English literature? No, if she opened up too much, she’d probably embarrass herself and a torrent of emotions would spill out to this caring woman. Best to stick with the basics and stay tight-lipped or it might be difficult to stem the tide.

“You’ve been a very busy young lady. Congratulations on the double degrees. I’m sure your parents are very proud of you.” When Caroline didn’t immediately answer, Beverly continued. “Did I hear one of the other girls mention that you’re entering law school in a few weeks?” Beverly walked over to the table to add sugar to her mug. “That sounds like quite an undertaking for a young woman.” Grabbing a teaspoon from the sideboard, she slowly swirled it inside the mug.

Caroline nodded. She couldn’t get away from the subject if she tried.

“If you’ll forgive the observations of a stranger, dear, it seems you’re not exactly thrilled at the prospect. Are you intimidated by the thought of law school?”

Caroline sipped her cranberry juice as Beverly quietly watched. “I’m not sure intimidated is the right word. It’s
expected
is more like it.”

Beverly nodded. Somehow, this woman in little Evergreen, Maine, seemed to understand her. Appeared to actually
care
about her. “Is your father in the legal profession? Or one of your brothers?”

“Yes.” Caroline nodded. “My dad has a firm downtown and both of my brothers are junior partners.”

“What type of law?”

“My dad specializes in criminal cases, but the firm also does some corporate and civil litigation. Prescott Tate Burnesse, LLP.” Why she volunteered that information, she had no idea. Maybe Beverly
had
heard of Duncan Prescott or his prestigious firm. A lot of people in New England were familiar with her father’s reputation. He’d been interviewed numerous times in the New England media and was frequently sought out as a legal expert on high-profile trials in Boston, across the country, and even abroad on occasion.

Beverly nodded slowly. “Sounds impressive.” When Caroline met her gaze, the other woman’s eyes widened as if she’d experienced one of those
a-ha!
moments. A moment of clarity or understanding perhaps. Lowering her mug into the sink, Beverly turned on the faucet. As the hot water filled the basin, steam arose. She squeezed dishwashing soap into the running water and a hundred tiny bubbles floated into the air in a light, airy dance. “Are your brothers planning on following in your dad’s footsteps and working on criminal cases?”

Caroline shrugged as she chewed her strip of bacon. “They’re working on different types of cases to make that determination. My oldest brother would make a good criminal prosecutor—Sid’s seven years older than me and Bryce is four years older—but I think Bryce would rather go into corporate work. Contracts, mergers and acquisitions, that sort of thing. Of course, Dad’s claim to fame is that he’s only lost three cases in his long legal career.” Maybe she shouldn’t have made that last statement since it sounded like she was boasting although she
was
proud of her father.

“Which area of law would you like to specialize in?” Beverly asked as Caroline continued to eat the delicious breakfast. Maybe it was the mountain air but it was the best breakfast she’d had in a very long time.

“I’d rather pursue family law or become a public defender. Help those who need the legal expertise but don’t have the funds to hire an attorney. Not that, um, that’s something that could ever happen.” Caroline stiffened, smoothing her napkin on her lap and avoiding Beverly’s intense gaze. Her parents might consider disowning her if she balked tradition. Not that she cared about the money if they did disown her, although chances were it would be spearheaded by her mother, not her father.

She cared more in the way a little girl never wants to disappoint her father. In spite of everything, she loved the man and he’d often played the role of both mother and father to compensate for her mother’s lack of inability to parent and bridge the gap of inadequacy…or was it apathy? The sad thing was that she didn’t know which it was. Wasn’t sure she even
wanted
to know after all these years. Facts were facts. As busy as he’d been, Dad had been there to give her the pep talk when she fell off her bike, been in the audience at her first dance recital, and been the loudest to clap for her when she’d received her high school and college diplomas.

“Have you tried praying about it?”

Caroline looked up quickly. “No. My family’s never been very big on praying.”

“Speaking from my own experience, I’ve always sought out God’s help when facing major difficulties or decisions in life.” Beverly Landon continued on as if she hadn’t heard her answer although Caroline suspected she had. “You might have heard some people say that God is their source of strength and comfort. That’s the way it is for me.” Hesitating for a split-second, she said, “Do
you
have a source of strength and comfort you can turn to, Caroline?”

Not answering, Caroline slowly chewed a bite of her scrambled eggs and forced it down as she mulled over the question. The food lost all flavor. She had no idea how to answer so she said nothing.

“You’ll find a Bible in the table between the beds in your room, honey. Please take it if you’d like. I hate to leave you now, but I need to run upstairs and take care of some things before the wedding.”

“Of course. Please go do what you need to do. Enjoy your daughter’s wedding. Would you like me to watch over the breakfast or wash the dishes?” She couldn’t believe Beverly had stayed and talked with her, a near-stranger, as long as she had when she must have a million other more important things on her mind.

Beverly’s gaze softened. “Why, that’s so kind of you to offer. If you’d like to stay until I can come back down in about thirty minutes, I’d be greatly indebted. If any guests come in, just invite them to help themselves to the food. Make sure the warmers are working and make sure they get something to drink.”

Beverly turned to leave but then turned back from the doorway. “Caroline, I’d really like it if you’d come to Liesel and Paul’s wedding reception this afternoon. Matter of fact, feel free to come to the wedding as our guest, too.”

A second invitation? If she shared Beverly’s faith, Caroline might believe God wanted her at that wedding for some reason. “I didn’t bring appropriate clothes.”

“Tell you what. Liesel’s room is upstairs. First room on the left at the top of the stairs. I’ll unlock the door. When I come back downstairs, you go on up and pick out something nice. Liesel’s your height but slightly larger now. She used to be more your size and I know she wouldn’t mind. You’re about a six or eight?”

Caroline nodded. Close enough.

After only a moment’s hesitation, Beverly spoke again. “Invite Katherine and Paulina if they’d like to come, too, and they’re welcome to look through Liesel’s closet. Just so you don’t have to go to the expense of buying something new.”

“I know Kat discovered a boutique in town. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind doing a little shopping to find a dress. Same for Paulina.”

“Well, that’s an option, too. Whatever you’d like to do, honey. Just know the offer’s open. I think Liesel still has some pretty summer dresses in her closet.”

“Maybe we’ll plan on coming to the reception.”

“Wonderful! If you want to wait in the front room, I’ll send Randy to get you after the wedding’s over. It’ll probably be close to three o’clock or thereabouts.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Landon. You’re very kind.” Putting both hands on the table, Caroline pushed to her feet. “I’ll hold down the fort until you come back downstairs. Don’t worry about a thing.”

No sooner had Caroline placed her empty dish in the sink than she heard movement behind her. Turning, she expected to see one of her roommates or another guest.

“Good morning, Caroline.” Seth’s smile warmed her every bit as much as the sun filtering through the window above the sink.

What a great start to the morning.

Chapter 7

~~♥~~

“Hi, Seth.” Caroline returned his smile. “Have you had breakfast yet?”

“Matter of fact, I have. I came in earlier and helped Beverly set up. She fed me well and now I’m trying to work it off again.” He laughed when she quirked a brow. “Never fear. I’m staying on solid ground today. I actually came in to get another mug of coffee. Didn’t get as much sleep as I would have liked last night. Caffeine is my drug of choice. Did you sleep well?”

“I slept hard once I finally got to sleep,” she said. “I’ll get your coffee. If you have a few minutes, maybe you could join me. I mean, if you want.” This man must be used to women falling all over themselves and acting like fools around him. She didn’t care to be one of them, but it seemed she was falling into that category whether she wanted to or not.

Seth stopped halfway to the coffee pot. “That’d be nice but don’t feel like you have to wait on me.”

“I don’t. It’s a rare offer, so I’d take advantage if I were you. Sit down, please.”

“Let me guess. You worked as a waitress to pay your way through Wellesley?”

From some guys, that comment might come across as borderline insulting, but she knew Seth meant it in a teasing way. “Hardly. But I also don’t get to play domestic very often.”

He laughed. “Glad I can fulfill that need for you even if it’s only a mug of coffee.” He grunted and dropped down onto one of the benches by the table.

Caroline grabbed a deep green, ceramic mug from the sideboard. After pouring the steaming brew, she carefully placed the mug on the table in front of him. “So you’re not hiking today?”

“No time, unfortunately.”

“Sugar?”

“Yes?” Seth grinned and the dimple surfaced. That dimple could be her undoing. Seemed Paulina wasn’t the only one affected by them.

“In your
coffee
?” She crossed her arms. “You know, I come across a lot of flirts, but I’d say you rank right up there.”

“Glad to know I’m in the running. In answer to your question. I take my caffeine straight-up. Black, in other words.”

“I may not be domestic, but I know what straight-up means. Not that I drink or anything.”

“Have a seat and let’s chat some more. Start with where you’re from.”

“Boston born and raised.”

“Ah.” That same look surfaced in Seth’s eyes again, the same as yesterday. Like he didn’t like her answer. Didn’t like Boston. Something.

As if on cue, Paulina came into the kitchen, yawning all the while. Her eyes widened as she spied Seth. “Morning,” she mumbled, shuffling straight for the coffee.

“Morning, Paulina.” Seth sampled the coffee and gave her a thumbs-up. As if she’d actually brewed it. Well, she’d let the man suffer his illusions.

“The food is over here on the sideboard. Help yourself. It’s quite a spread.”

After putting her coffee mug on the table, Paulina surveyed the bountiful selection. “You’re not kidding. These people know how to eat up here.” Taking a plate, she plopped a couple of fluffy pancakes on it. “If I lived here, I’d be a two-ton Tess. There’s something to be said for this mountain air. I haven’t eaten like this in years.”

“I think we burned enough calories in the first part of our trip that you don’t need to worry about gaining weight.” Caroline set the syrup pitcher in front of Paulina.

“Well, okay then. You don’t need to tell me twice. Extra syrup for me.” Lifting the lid, Paulina poured the thick, sweet-smelling syrup over her pancakes. She dipped a finger in the syrup and then tasted it, licking her lips. “Now
this
is the real thing.”

“Fresh from Vermont. I always bring some with me when I come visit Bev and Randy.”

“Tell us more about your work,” Caroline said to Seth. “Do you come to Evergreen a lot?”

“Probably once a month on average. Even though I don’t live that far away, I always stay with the Landons when I’m here in town. I’ve known them for years and they’re my second family.”

“Pronounce what you do again,” Paulina said, still sounding groggy. “You know the mineral thing. It’s too early in the morning for me to try and say it. Not that I could pronounce it stone cold sober in the middle of the afternoon either.”

Seth exchanged a grin with Caroline. He patted the empty space on the bench beside him and raised a brow. She took a seat but left a decent distance between them.

“The White Mountains are prime territory for minerals and gems.”

“I understand from reading some of the guidebooks that the Oxford Hills area, especially, contains some of the largest concentrations of certain valuable minerals to be found anywhere on the planet.” Caroline avoided Paulina’s stare. It wasn’t a lie, after all.

“Right.” Seth’s smile was engaging and she’d hit on a favorite topic. As if that was a surprise. “There’s no other place in the entire
world
in an area of the size of Oxford County—of which Evergreen is a part—that contains such great mineral diversity.”

“I can see why you love spending time here,” Caroline said. “It’s beautiful. Do you explore areas looking for rocks and minerals?” Maybe that was another dumb question and she scrunched her nose when he grinned. She liked Seth’s grin way too much. “Forgive me. I don’t know how to discuss it intelligently. But I’d really like to know.”

“Don’t apologize. Most people don’t understand what I do and I’m sure a lot of people find it pretty boring. I appreciate your interest.” Seth took a quick sip of his coffee.

“So,” Paulina said, swallowing a bite of her pancakes, “you’re like an Indiana Jones kind of guy.”

Seth laughed. “Sort of. I’m part of an exploratory team. We believe we’ll find large quantities of tourmaline on Plumbago Mountain and we’re planning an exploration there. But first we’re looking for amethysts in Stow. That’s our current project.” He shrugged. “Call it a hunch, call it intuition, call it God’s leading, but I suspect we’re on the threshold of some huge discoveries.”

“Like I said, Indiana Jones.” Paulina gave him a smile and slurped her coffee. “What other minerals are found in the area, Seth?” She winked at Caroline.

“Garnet, beryl, aquamarine and rose quartz are the most common.” Seth wiped his mouth with his napkin after draining his mug.

Paulina glanced at Caroline. “This place sounds more up-your-alley all the time.” She stopped mid-bite, her eyes wide. “Hey. Wait a minute. That’s why you brought us up here to Maine, isn’t it? You knew all along.” She shook her head. “Sneaky, but smart. Should have known.”

“Only what I read in the guidebook.” Caroline glared at her friend. She didn’t want to have this conversation. Not here, and certainly not with Seth sitting at the table.

“Why’s that?” Seth sounded intrigued. She’d thought he was about to leave the kitchen but Paulina’s comment had obviously caught his attention. Propping one elbow on the table, Seth angled his head against one fist, watching her. No, he wasn’t going anywhere soon.

Caroline cleared her throat. Might as well admit it. What could it hurt? “I’ve dabbled in jewelry design using some of the gems you just mentioned.”

“I’d call it a bit more than dabbling, Caroline. You have a unique talent for it.” Paulina focused on Seth. “She made a few pieces for a boutique while we were at Wellesley. The owner practically beat our door down for more designs and our girl here was in very high demand.”

Seth glanced at Caroline. “Do you still design?”

She dropped her gaze. “No. My, um, father put a stop to it. Considered it a trivial pursuit.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted them. “It’s a rather long and sordid story best left untold.”

Seth’s magnetic gaze studied her, but he refrained from further questions. More than anything, Caroline didn’t want this man’s pity.

“I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but jewelry made from minerals found in the Oxford Hills is one of the community’s biggest commodities. It’s always in demand. Personally, I prefer it to the moose poop creations. They’re crazy popular around here.”

Paulina spit out her mouthful of coffee. Clamping a hand over her lips, she swallowed hard before bursting out with laughter. “Oops.” Grabbing extra napkins, she started to sop up the coffee on the table. “There goes my ladylike image.”

Finding it hard to keep a straight face, Caroline laughed. “Excuse me, the
what
?”

“Moose poop. Sorry if the name’s offensive, but that’s what it is, so…that’s what it’s called. If it’s more politically correct or gentle for you, moose
droppings
. It’s actually a cherished souvenir around the Oxford Hills. I’m totally serious. You’ll find them in all the boutiques.” He laughed when he glimpsed their skeptical looks. “A lot of guys buy their girlfriends and wives moose poop earrings, necklaces, pendants, brooches…”

“We get your point,” Caroline said, shaking her head. “Sorry I missed them when we were in town yesterday. What are they, like petrified droppings?”

Paulina pushed her plate across the table. “And I think I’m done with breakfast. Thanks for waiting until I was almost done. I’d seriously question a man who gave me anything made from moose poop.”

“They’re quite interesting looking,” Seth said, his gaze meeting Caroline’s and lingering.

Kat chose that moment to make her usual dramatic entrance. Perfect timing, as always, although Caroline didn’t mind the interruption from their current conversation, intriguing or not. “Is it just me or is it terribly humid this morning?” She wrinkled her nose. Seeing Seth, her green eyes widened. “Well, hello again, Dr. Rock.”

“Good morning, Kat. To answer your question, the humidity is very high this morning. About sixty percent. Well, ladies, I must regrettably be on my way now.” Seth pushed away from the table. Caroline wanted to ask him about the rest of his plans for the morning, anything to keep him at the table and in their lives. He could discuss moose
anything
as long as he wanted. But, as usual, she held her tongue.

“Until we meet again, ladies.” With a brief salute, Seth turned and departed the kitchen.

“What a man.” Kat grabbed a plate and started piling it high with food. One of the injustices in life. Caroline had seen her roommate eat like a three hundred pound trucker in a highway diner and yet she never seemed to gain weight. Disgusting. Until now, though, the rigorous tennis workouts must have kept her lean. Kat dropped onto the bench in the spot vacated by Seth. “Oh, how nice. Seth kept it nice and warm for me.”

“Is there anything in life you don’t associate with a man?” Paulina balled her napkin and tossed it across the table at Kat, who dodged it.

Kat shrugged and bit into a biscuit. “Not much. Is there any honey?”

“At least you’re honest. Here’s some fresh blueberry jam. Try that. It smells delicious.” Caroline pushed the jar toward Kat and noticed they were both staring at her. “What?”

Paulina smiled from above the rim of her coffee mug. “Admit it, Prescott. Seth Barnes is the perfect man for you. He’s great looking, he’s obviously brainy, and the two of you share a love of rocks.”

“Gemstones.”

“Rocks, gemstones, moose droppings. Whatever. Sounds like the beginning of a beautiful friendship to me.”

“Or a really satisfying mountain fling.” Kat sipped her coffee. “Not that our prim and proper Caroline would ever consider such a thing.”

No, she wouldn’t. But if she did—and if he were the type of man to indulge in such behavior—Seth Barnes would be the one. But he wasn’t. Still…no. It was wrong to even think about such a thing. She wished Kat hadn’t brought up the idea. She’d seen what her father’s infidelity had done to her mother. Not that his adulterous acts had made her mother the closed-in woman she was.

What a messed-up family. Perfect on the outside but crumbling on the inside.

Caroline forced a smile. “So, good news. We’ve all been invited to the wedding reception this afternoon.”