It was the second Monday of May. The sky was a cloudless cerulean blue. The weather was perfect. Quincy’s gaze devoured their surroundings, the lush carpet of grass rimmed by maple trees and wildflowers. He filled his lungs with a deep breath. Instead of the big city stench of smog and
garbage, he reveled in the scents of freshly cut grass, moist earth, and the nearby Pearl River.
Ramona wagged a chiding finger at their host. “Now you know how we felt when you exiled yourself to these cabins for two years.”
Jackson started toward Quincy’s trunk. “I’ll help you with the bags.”
“We both will.” Audra trailed Jackson.
“I’d appreciate it.” Quincy unlocked his trunk. “Ramona still hasn’t embraced the concept of packing light.”
“We’re going to be vacationing for two months.” Ramona opened the rear car doors to pull suitcases from the backseat.
With the six suitcases distributed among the four of them, Quincy followed Audra, Ramona, and Jackson to the cabin. He mounted the steps to the wraparound porch and waited while Jackson nudged open the door. The rental cabins owner obviously hadn’t felt a need to lock the door while he waited for his guests.
“Thanks for letting us stay here.” Quincy deposited his suitcases beside the others in the great room. “We appreciate your generosity, but we want to pay for the rental cabin.”
Jackson shook his head. “If you feel that strongly about it, give the money to the elementary school. They could use some supplies.”
“Done.” Quincy relaxed. He’d anticipated an argument. He should have known Jackson would have a quick solution—and one that benefited the community. That sense of community was one of the things he’d missed about his hometown.
“I don’t think the front office phone has stopped ringing.” Audra’s champagne eyes were wide with amazement. “So many people have called to find out when you’re arriving.”
“I was tempted to rip the phone from the wall.” Jackson’s grumble was halfhearted. He linked his fingers with Audra’s, then led everyone back onto the porch.
Audra laughed. “It’s a good thing you’re staying for six weeks. Something tells me you’ll need every day of that time to catch up with the people who want to see you.”
“We were coming for Doreen and Alonzo’s wedding.” Quincy slipped his hands into the front pockets of his khakis. “We’re glad Vaughn’s play is scheduled for the weekend before.”
Quincy scanned his surroundings. A modest lawn lay like a rich green carpet between the cabin and a lush spread of evergreen and poplar trees. In the distance, sunlight danced on Pearl Lake like diamonds on blue velvet. The area was quiet, isolated, peaceful. The tension of being in Philadelphia these past nine months eased from his shoulders. He was home. Could he convince Ramona that she was home, too?
“We’re excited about Vaughn’s play.” Ramona rubbed Quincy’s back in an almost absent gesture of affection. Her warmth seeped through his cotton short-sleeved shirt.
“After Doreen and Alonzo’s wedding June twentieth, we’re leaving to spend two weeks in Tampa with my family.” Quincy breathed in Ramona’s scent, powder and roses.
Ramona’s smile seemed forced. “Yay.”
Quincy squeezed Ramona’s waist. “We’re going to have a great time.”
Ramona looked from Jackson to Audra. “Quincy’s mother doesn’t like me.”
“She doesn’t know you well yet, honey.” Quincy planted a quick kiss on Ramona’s forehead. “She’ll love you once she gets to know you.”
“I can empathize, Ramona.” Jackson released Audra’s hand and drew her closer to his side. “Audra’s parents are visiting later in the summer.”
“And you’ll impress my mother, the voracious reader, by introducing her to the owner of Books and Bakery.” Audra smiled up at him. “And you’ll win over my father, the workaholic, by taking him fishing, which he hasn’t done in decades.”
“You see?” Ramona waved a hand in Jackson’s direction. “You have a plan. But after the Wedding of the Century, I’ll be counting the days until Quincy and I return to Philadelphia and reclaim our lives.”
Quincy tensed. How would Ramona react if they didn’t return to Philadelphia?
“You’ll win them over, Ramona.” Audra’s assurance recaptured Quincy’s attention. “But we should let you get settled in. Let us know if there’s anything you need. It’s so good to have you home.”
After exchanging more hugs and handshakes, and promising to see each other later, Quincy and Ramona found themselves alone again. He followed Ramona back into the cabin.
It was a cozy, welcoming floor plan. The great room’s walls, floors, and ceiling were made of gleaming honey-colored wood. A granite stone fireplace dominated the room. The furniture was decidedly masculine, including the dark overstuffed sofa and fat fabric chairs. But feminine accents complimented them. Quincy gazed at the large flat-screen, cable-ready television with relief. He’d be able to track the countdown to Major League Baseball’s World Series.
“The color scheme in this room is perfect.” Ramona’s comment drew Quincy’s attention from the T.V.