Page 29 of Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Faith’s cab rolled to a stop in front of her Victorian, and she couldn’t suppress a gasp of wonder at the transformation. What had once been a dilapidated eyesore now stood proudly against the clear fall sky—a testament to Jake’s dedication and vision.
The house had been completely transformed. The fresh sage-green paint with cream and burgundy trim highlighted the intricate gingerbread detailing along the eaves and porches. The newly rebuilt wraparound porch with its ornate spindles and brackets gleamed with fresh varnish. Tall, elegant windows—all replaced or meticulously restored—caught the afternoon light, their wavy antique glass sparkling behind polished mullions. The towering turret that had once looked ready to collapse now stood sentinel at the corner, its conical roof capped with a gleaming weather vane.
Gone was the sagging, rotted disaster she’d purchased on impulse. In its place stood a Victorian masterpiece, brought back to its original grandeur through Jake’s hands.
Faith paid the driver, her gaze sweeping the property for any sign of Jake’s truck. The absence of it brought both relief and an unexpected pang of disappointment that slid under her ribs like a blade.
“Well, don’t just stand there like a lost tourist,” Ruth called from the porch steps, rising with the fluid grace that belied her ninety years. “I won’t bite. Unless provoked,” she added with a wink.
“Where’s Jake?” Faith asked, pulling her wheeled suitcase through the gravel. The question was casual, or so she told herself.
Ruth’s eyes, so like her grandson’s, sparkled with mischief. “Catastrophe at the Henderson project. Something about a ruptured water main and a flooded basement. He was quite put out about missing your grand return.”
Faith nodded, not quite trusting the older woman’s innocent tone. After the poker game, she’d learned that Ruth Murphy’s angelic face concealed the soul of a renegade.
“Edward, be a dear and put the doctor’s luggage inside,” Ruth instructed the silver-haired man who materialized beside a gleaming black sedan. “We won’t be needing it where we’re going.”
Faith’s head snapped up. “Going? Ruth, I just spent a week living out of suitcases. The only place I’m going is back to the trailer for a hot shower and some peace and quiet.”
“That trailer,” Ruth said with a dismissive wave of her hand, “is a temporary solution that’s outlived its usefulness. Besides, Jake has been working day and night on the house while you’ve been gallivanting across the country. You’ll want to see the progress.”
“I can see it tomorrow,” Faith countered, eyeing her suitcase longingly. “Right now, all I want is?—”
“A little adventure,” Ruth interrupted, linking her arm through Faith’s with surprising strength. “You’ve been cooped up in stuffy conference rooms all week. What you need is fresh air and stimulating company—namely, mine.”
Before Faith could form a coherent objection, she found herself guided to the waiting car, Ruth’s grip surprisingly firm for a woman who looked as if a strong breeze might carry her away.
“There’s a charming little lake about twenty minutes from here,” Ruth continued, sliding into the back seat beside Faith. “Perfect for…contemplation. And discussing certain grandsons who’ve been moping around like abandoned puppies.”
“Ruth—” Faith began, but the older woman raised one elegant hand.
“Edward, Lakeview Drive, if you please. And do take the scenic route.”
As they pulled away from the house, Faith caught a glimpse of her Victorian in the side mirror. Jake had worked miracles in her absence.
Jake. The man who’d proposed marriage after knowing her mere weeks. The man whose radio calls had become the highlight of her evenings, whose voice made her feel both unsettled and secure in equal measure. The man she’d been running from since the moment they met.
“I don’t know, Ruth. I don’t think this is such a good idea,” Faith said as Edward turned down a narrow lane shrouded by ancient oaks.
The car slowed to a stop near a small clearing that sloped gently toward what appeared to be a private lake, its surface glimmering silver in the evening light. Before Faith could protest further, Ruth had bounded from the car with surprising agility.
“Edward, wait here. We won’t be long,” Ruth called over her shoulder, already making her way toward the water’s edge.
Faith reluctantly followed, glancing nervously at the elegant home visible through the trees. “Ruth, this is private property. We can’t just?—”
“Buck up, girl. If you’re going to be my granddaughter-in-law I want to see what you’re made of. Now strip those clothes off before someone drives by.”
“That’s the thing, Ruth. I don’t think I’m going to be your granddaughter-in-law.”
“Why the heck not?”
“Because I’ve been married before. It wasn’t an experience I care to repeat. I spent the entire two years of my marriage watching my husband rub other women in my face. I’m sure I’m presenting a great challenge to Jake, but in the end, when I’m no longer a challenge, he’s going to go look for the next one. A woman like me doesn’t hold the attention of a man like Jake for very long.”
“Well, that’s just plain stupid,” Ruth said, her attention suddenly caught by distant headlights. “Quick. Duck!”
Faith hit the ground with a jarring thud and hoped Ruth hadn’t broken anything in her quest to be invisible. She’d hate to have to explain why they were sneaking around on private property. She groaned as she sat up gently, small pebbles pressed into her knees and grass stuck to the palms of her hands.
“Come on. Let’s get this done with,” Ruth said, shedding her clothes in a heap on the ground.
