Chapter 10
“Okay, what are you up to?”
“Me? Nothing, why?”
“Jeannie, I’ve been married to you long enough to smell a setup a mile away…and you’re smiling to yourself. When that happens, someone’s on your radar.”
She shook her head. “Cliff, really. Why can’t I just be in a good mood?”
“You know, I’m not sure. Why can’t you just be in a good mood?”
“Because those two definitely need my help.”
He sighed loudly. “Which two?”
“Logan and Dakota.”
“Oh. Oh,” he repeated, drawing the word out. “I’d stay out of it, Jeannie. There’s a lot going on there.”
“Don’t I know it?”
The doorbell rang. Norma Jean turned to her husband. “Would you get that, sweetheart?”
The second Heathcliffe was gone, Norma Jean picked up the phone and dialed Dakota’s office.
“Hi, Ms. Jeannie,” Susan said. “I’m sorry, Dakota’s gone for the day, but I did leave her the message that you called earlier.”
“I know, but I was wondering if both of you are free to come to dinner at my house next Sunday. To be honest, I’m thinking of redoing the den for Cliff. You know, turn it into one of those newfangled man caves. I wanted her to look it over while she was here. It’s a surprise, so I thought why not invite everyone over for dinner. That way he doesn’t suspect anything.”
“Dakota’s schedule looks clear, but I’ll have to check with her first. She does have Belle Cove, and another client at the moment….”
“I’m only looking for some suggestions, no major renovations. Just pick-your-brain type stuff on decorating tips. I’m sure that won’t be too much for her.”
“Okay. I’ll let her know.”
“You’ll be able to make it, too, won’t you?”
“I’m sure I will. Thanks for inviting me, Ms. Jeannie.”
“You’re welcome, dear. I’ll see you Sunday.”
Norma Jean hung up the phone and returned to her crocheting. Sometimes it was hard to lead a horse to water and get him to drink, but she had a way of coaxing the steed so that by the time she was done, he’d never go thirsty again.
If she could bring happiness to her son, the avowed bachelor, surely she could help Dakota and Logan bridge the gap of hurt feelings and unconsummated love. One thing was for sure: she would try.
Heathcliffe returned, and she asked him who it was.
“Some kid selling chocolate bars for their school’s fundraiser. Like we need any chocolate bars.”
“How many did you buy?”
“Six, but that’s not the point.”
She hid her smile behind her crocheting.
“Back to our conversation. Jeannie, I’d tell you to butt out, but I know that’s a snowball’s chance in hell.”
“You worry too much, sweetheart.”
“Uh-huh. That’s the kind of stuff you say right before the matchmaking storm rolls in. I think it’s high time you retired and found a new hobby.”
“I’ve got plenty, thank you.”
Heathcliffe glanced up at the ceiling and then back to his wife. “You know, over the last forty years I’ve learned to pick my battles.” He bent down and kissed his wife soundly on the lips. “Time for bed, beauty.”
“I’m not sleepy, Cliff. Plus I’d like to get further along in my blanket.”
“Who said anything about sleeping?”
His gaze captured hers for a moment, and then he sauntered out of the room.
“Oh, really?” she called behind him. One thing she could definitely say about her husband—Heathcliffe was never boring.
Norma Jean put her yarn and needles into the basket by her chair, and after hitting the lights, followed her husband upstairs.
* * *
Dakota stirred and slowly opened her eyes. They burned, causing her to blink a few times to see. She was in Logan’s bed, and several hours had passed. The blinds were closed, but it was after five, so she knew it was already dark out.
Swinging her legs around, she got up and padded to the bathroom to rinse her face. Dakota dried it on a hand towel and went out to find Logan.
She spotted him stretched out on the sofa sound asleep. She sat on the side of the couch farthest away from Logan so she would not disturb him. Drawing her legs under her, she sat and stared at the flickering lights of the city.
Her head still hurt, but telling Logan about her parents was long overdue. Though drained emotionally, she felt better overall. There was still the visit to see him in college that she left out, but she was not ready to confess that yet.
“Hey.”