Page 18 of Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat
Chapter Nine
‘Are you alright, ma’am?’
A uniformed policeman grabbed hold of Fee’s elbow to steady her. He didn’t need to introduce himself because this was Tom Chambers in another twenty years or so.
‘I’m fine, thank you.’
‘I apologise on behalf of my son. Don’t know what gets into the boy sometimes.’
‘Please don’t worry. I’m sure he had hisreasons.’ She’d been curious to find out more about Tom and now was being offered the opportunity on a plate. Fee stuck out her hand and turned on the warm, open smile she’d used so many times to persuade an unwilling subject to be photographed. ‘I’m Fee Winter and I’m staying at Black Cherry Retreat for a few weeks. It’s absolutely beautiful there.’
‘Thought you were a stranger ‘roundthese parts, ma’am. Sheriff Hank Chambers at your service.’ He stuck out his hand and shook hers so hard Fee was afraid it might drop off. The sheriff retained the strength and vigour of a much younger man, almost convincing her living a healthy, contented life might have its benefits. ‘How about joinin’ me for a spot of lunch?’
Yesterday’s added stress had done a number on her ulcer lastnight meaning she needed to be extra careful today. ‘Thanks, but I only came in for a cold drink. I’m happy to sit with you though.’
He grinned, and his eyes warmed to the identical shade of good quality hot chocolate as his son’s. ‘Deal.’
Half an hour later, Fee had to concede she’d been grilled by an expert. The man’s charming smile, slow deep drawl and easy manner disguiseda sharp mind. Hank Chambers had found out more about her in thirty minutes than Tom had in days. She’d told him all sorts of things from where she grew up, to her present job and a ton of stuff in between. While they spoke Hank managed to shovel down an enormous amount of food, spoke to everyone going in and out of the cafe and still made her feel she’d been completely focused on.
‘It’sthe ice cream lady.’ A high-pitched squeal rang out and next thing Fee was smashed back in her seat as Lulu flung herself at her, arms and legs flying in every direction.
‘I see you’ve met the family star,’ Hank joked, his indulgence matching Tom’s where the tiny girl was concerned.
Lulu wriggled around in Fee’s lap and pouted. ‘UncleT didn’t stay to play, it’s not fair.’
‘I expect he had work to do.’
‘UncleT said areallybad word and my mom told me he’d gone away to put soap in his mouth. Soap’s nasty. Why’d he want to eat soap?’
Fee caught Hank’s eye and struggled not to laugh. She’d leave explaining Tom’s behaviour to his father.
‘Come here, Lulubelle.’ Hank held out his arms and she instantly switched allegiance, hopping over ontohis lap instead. ‘You know you get mad at your mama when she tells you off?’ The child nodded and shoved her thumb in her mouth. ‘And you sometimes sass her, don’t you?’
‘Maybe.’
The slow, dragged out admission made Fee smile.
‘Well, pumpkin. I told UncleT off and he didn’t like it so he sassed me.’
‘Did he make you cry?’ Lulu asked, her big eyes wide. ‘I makeMama cry sometimes.’
Hank swallowed hard and forced out a smile. ‘No, Lulu, but I sure was mad at him.’ A sad rasp tightened his voice and Fee wished Tom could hear his father’s pain. ‘But we’ll be okay again, just like you and your mama. I promise.’
‘I always give Mama a big kiss and then she loves me again.’
‘Oh, honey, she always loves you.’ Hank ruffled Lulu’s brightred curls.
‘I know that.’
Lulu’s certainty hit Fee in the gut. She’d never experienced the same level of assurance with her own mother, always convinced she came way down Maddy’s priority list.
‘I ought to be going.’ Fee needed to get out of there and do some thinking. ‘Thanks for the lemonade.’
Hank shifted the little girl into his arms and stood up with her. ‘Comein anytime, ma’am.’
‘Bye, nice ice cream lady.’ Lulu leaned down and gave Fee a sloppy kiss on her cheek, leaving behind a sticky trail.
Back outside Fee sat in her rental car for a moment and watched the scene around her. She picked up the brown paper bag on the passenger seat and peeked inside, unable to keep from smiling. The cheap digital camera was something she’d give a childto learn on but maybe that was what she needed. To look at things though the eyes of a novice photographer might reignite the simple love of creating a picture that she’d discovered with her first camera. Will Sawyer gave her an inexpensive one on her tenth birthday after she showed an interest when he was taking photographs. He’d taken her on many expeditions around the Cornish coast, givingher encouraging hints and teaching her the basics of composition.
