Luke knew Ben wasn’t referring to their current topic, the staffing problem. He shook his head, no. He didn’t want to go there again. “Drop it.”
“I’m happy.”
“Good. I’m glad.”
“I mean it. I feel like I have a fresh start.”
“Look, Ben, it’s simple biology. You’re not the first guy to fall for a pretty woman who’s a few years younger. I just wish—”
“Wish what?”
“You could’ve taken her on a few dates. Gotten to know her—to know you could trust her. I get that you don’t approve of people just moving in together, but marriage can be inconvenient in a real life kind of way when the whole thing goes south.” Or if she turns out to be a thief. He hadn’t told Ben what he’d seen at the party in the coatroom. Now, while he might grouse about Ben’s actions, it was too late to lay that kind of speculation on the table. He rapped his knuckles on the desk.
Pastor Herrin should’ve talked sense to Ben, not given his blessing. But who was closer to Ben than Luke? No one. And even he had failed to convince Ben to settle for something other than marriage. Ben had moved forward so uncharacteristically fast he’d caught them all by surprise. In the end, what did you say to a dying friend, a cousin who was more like a brother, who was determined to have his way?
You showed up at the wedding and kept the peace by keeping your mouth shut.
“Come on out and speak to her.”
“I saw her yesterday at the wedding.”
Ben sat in silence.
“I spoke to her yesterday.” Exasperated, he threw in, “Alright, but Ben, don’t push this too far—you might be mesmerized by a pair of blue eyes and good legs, but she’s not my type. I prefer a woman who doesn’t marry a stranger for money. A little integrity and self-respect would be a good start. You married her, she’s nothing to me.” Nothing but the woman who was going to break his cousin’s heart. He froze at the hurt on Ben’s face wishing he could call back the angry words.
Ben rose and rearranged his expression into a smile. “I understand, Luke. I know you better than you know yourself and you don’t mean half of what you just said. You wait and see. I’ve always been a better judge of people than you. Am I right?”
Luke nodded. It sounded weird to say this about a guy, but Ben saw with his heart, not his head.
“For now, be kind. That’s all I ask.”
They stared at each other for a few, long seconds. Luke shrugged. He’d never had Ben’s capacity for patience. His faith. Was Ben really asking so much of him?
“Okay. Lead the way.”
Chapter Six
She couldn’t keep from sneaking a glance at the office door every few seconds. The fact of Ben and Luke sitting behind a closed door discussing who-knew-what shouldn’t concern her. She and Ben had a business arrangement. Personal issues with inconvenient relatives should make no difference.
“Juli?”
She jumped, clapping a hand to her chest. “Oh. Sorry. Guess my mind was elsewhere.”
Maia laughed. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Take a look around and I’ll check on the customer who just came in.”
She hadn’t even heard the bell. Maia and the customer moved over to the counter. Juli strolled around checking out the pottery and the wood carvings. A four-foot-tall, carved white egret made her pause. The sleek feathering cut into the wood begged to be touched.
The bell rang again as the customer left.
“He’s a beauty, isn’t he?” Maia had returned to stand beside her. “A local artist, Paul Hemmings, carves wildlife from native woods.”
“Do you think Ben would like him?” Juli looked more closely. “There’s no price tag.”
Maia giggled and put her arm around Juli’s shoulders and gave her a quick squeeze. Juli was surprised by the impetuous embrace.
“Girl,” Maia said, “listen to me. Ben didn’t mention any price limits, did he? Just go with what you like. Plus, he gets a nice discount.”
“Okay, I like it.”
“I’ll wrap it up.”
Ben and Luke walked out of the office together. Ben had his hands in his pockets. Luke’s arms were crossed. They were about the same height. Ben’s coloring was warmer and softer.
“What did you choose?” Ben took the wrapped egret from Maia. “I recognize this. Excellent choice, Juli. I’ve admired this piece many times. Can’t think why I didn’t get it myself a long time ago.” He leaned toward her and touched her arm.
Did he want to kiss her cheek? She thought so and she wouldn’t have minded, but didn’t encourage him. It didn’t feel natural. Instead, she returned his look with eyes she hoped were glowing. If Ben wanted Luke to see he was happy with his decision, she’d be delighted to help.