This time, leaving Morehead City and driving across the bridge, back to Bogue Banks and to Emerald Isle, the familiar drive was welcoming.
Juli climbed the exterior stairs up to the side door and entered the house quietly in case Ben was napping. He wasn’t. Voices came from his study. The door was partway open and Luke was saying, “—idea what she’s up to. Have you—?”
Ben interrupted. “I understand your concern, and Adela’s, too, but you don’t understand and I hope you’re never in a position where you can.”
Luke exited the room and saw her standing by the door. He paused for a heartbeat, then brushed past, opened the side door and was gone.
Was it ruder to say mean things about someone behind their back? Or to ignore the person like it didn’t matter even when you knew they’d overheard? She relaxed her fists.
She didn’t want Ben to know she’d heard. She opened the side door gently and then closed it again more loudly. “Ben, are you here?”
“Hello!” he called out.
“I saw Luke leaving.”
He came out of the study. “He worries about me. About us. Worries we rushed into marriage.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That we did.” He laughed. “I told him I’m happy. I know it’s only been a few days. Are you comfortable so far?” Ben began emptying the bags.
“I’m fine.”
“Oh, hey, what’s this?”
“A sketchbook and pencils. An eraser. Nothing much.”
“I had no idea you were an artist.”
“I’m not. I haven’t drawn in years, but there’s amazing scenery around here.” She shrugged. “I might enjoy it again.”
“You should consider a camera, too. Do you have one?”
“A camera? No.”
“If you decide you want one, don’t buy it without me. I know exactly what you need.”
He wasn’t really a husband or a companion, but more like a friend—a good friend with deep pockets.
“Unload the refrigerator items. I’ve got a couple more bags to fetch. We need these groceries so I can cook. I don’t have much experience, but it isn’t right to eat at restaurants every day.” When he moved toward the side door, she waved him back. “No, I’ll get the rest. Save your energy for our walk.”
“I have something to tell you,” Ben said. He put the orange juice carton into the fridge. “I’ll be going to church on Sunday.”
She paused in the open doorway and waited.
“Yesterday, I didn’t go because I wanted us to have the day together, but I do attend regularly. It wasn’t something we discussed before and, while I’d like you to go with me, it’s your choice.”
“I don’t have anything against going to church, but it’s never been a part of my life.” Hope lit Ben’s face, but this was a business arrangement. “I’ll think about it.”
He nodded. She was relieved her answer was enough for him. It was true she had no experience with religion and church, but it was also true she had no bias either way. She might try it out, but not right at first.
Juli threw him a bright smile. “I’ll be right back with the last bags.” She paused again. “And tonight we have a date. You and I are going to figure out how to text.”
****
Luke stewed all the way home oblivious to the bright blue sky of the Emerald Isle afternoon. The colorfully painted homes and low green shrubby growth contrasted with the well-manicured lawns. It was a scene he was familiar with having lived here most of his thirty-eight years, but he rarely failed to appreciate the gift anew—the gift of being able to live in this place and to have successful business enterprises with which to support himself and his employees.
Today, he gripped the steering wheel tight with one hand and the gear shift with the other. Not that there was need to shift on this empty road.
He was at war with himself, torn between removing himself from the equation altogether or trying to protect his cousin. Ben had sat at his desk with a grin on his face, a silly grin, a foolish one. Ben had always had a good heart, but he’d never been soft in the head—until now. He acted like a teenage boy with his first crush.
It was a crush. Nothing more. It would burn itself out.
Luke turned onto his street. When he’d first heard about Ben’s condition he’d been especially glad he lived nearby. Ben would need him and he wanted to be there for him.
A nearby buzz, then his cell started ringing. The Flight of the Valkyries. Adela’s song.
Adela knew what was best, always, for everyone.
He couldn’t speak to her—not in this mood. Wouldn’t even touch the phone until it stopped ringing.