Sunrise Point

Chapter Eight


To Tom’s great pleasure, it was a clear night. Cold, clear and the sky was peppered with a million stars. He walked with Darla down the lane between the two big groves, hands tucked into their jacket pockets.

I can see why you love it here,” she said. “It’s so quaint and peaceful.”

I guess I never think of it as quaint. It’s so much work. We move tons and tons of apples and gallons of cider.”

But you have employees,” she said.

Several. And now that I’m home I can manage the business end of things—accounts, payroll, shipping—all stuff Maxie did with Junior’s help while I was gone. I think she’s entitled to a slower pace. It was either run the orchard or think about selling it in the not-too-distant future.”

Sell it?” she asked.

It’s been in the Cavanaugh family since the first trees were planted—a very long time ago. I think it was my great-grandfather. I think Maxie would grieve it. I’m pretty sure I would. I can’t think of anything I could do but this.”

And this is a good business?” she asked.

Good enough to take care of all our needs year round. And in the winter when we’re not planting or picking, it keeps us very well.”

Is it lucrative?” she asked.

I guess so,” he said with a shrug. The fact was, Tom didn’t think like that. He wasn’t comparing his orchard to anyone else’s. They did very well and when there was profit left over, they always put it into the land, crop, equipment and the house. There were some savings of course, but mainly their money went back into the business. They were continually enlarging their crop. And of course they paid employees and provided benefits for all but the seasonal help.

But what a great place to come on weekends, to get out of the rat race,” she said.

Better than Jamaica?” he asked teasingly. “Better than front-row seats at a Lakers game?”

She gave him a playful slug in the arm.

You come up here any weekend you feel like it,” he invited.

Will you come to Davis?” she asked.

Probably not during the harvest,” he said. “I rarely take a whole weekend off between the end of August and Thanksgiving. I can wrangle a day sometimes. Or an evening.”

But you were gone for seven years and they did fine,” she pointed out.

But I’m home now and they don’t have to make do.”

Am I keeping you from something important now?” she asked him.

He stopped walking and looked down at her. “This is a treat. After spending all day in the orchard, I don’t usually do this. Walking through the trees at night, under a clear sky, it gives me a whole new appreciation for the place.” He took a deep breath and put his hands on her waist. “So, how are you doing, really, since Bob’s been gone?”

Very well,” she said. “I had my time of grief, which was so hard, but I’m better. I’ve even had a few dates. Nothing very promising, but hey…”

You know, I kissed my first girl in the orchard,” he said.

I bet you’ve kissed a lot of them since.”

Not in the orchard.” And he slowly closed in on her, cautiously meeting her lips. Her hands rested on his forearms and she tilted her chin up, offering her mouth. He moved over her lips softly, then slid his arms around her waist, pulled her against him and got serious about the kiss, deepening, demanding a bit.

Darla went along with this for a moment and then gently pulled away with a nervous laugh. He didn’t let go, but watched her smile, her eyes. “Let’s take this nice and slow, Tom,” she said.

Sure.” Then he took her hand in his much larger one and walked with her down the lane. “I’m surprised that you got in touch, Darla.”

Really? Because I thought you could tell when you visited—I was hoping we’d see each other again.” She looked up at him. “I asked for this class, Tom. I thought it might give us a chance to get to know each other better.”

No kidding?” he replied, stunned. Then he grinned and squeezed her hand. “I’ll be damned.”

You shouldn’t be so surprised. You’re a desirable man—handsome, accomplished, successful.”

I am?”

She laughed and leaned against him. “We’re going to have a good time this weekend.”



* * *



Tom enjoyed watching Darla gasp in awe at the redwoods, at the rocky coast, aiming her cell phone at scenic views for pictures and short movies. He was surprised by the amount of pleasure it gave him to answer her many questions about the area, the business of operating an orchard, how he grew up with his grandmother. He assumed she had very few questions about his time in the Corps because, after all, that was how she lost her husband.

She did say she was comfortable around him because she felt as though he knew her, having served with her husband. Tom nodded, but in fact he didn’t feel like he knew her at all. Bob hadn’t talked about her much, just to say things like he couldn’t wait to get home, that his wife was gorgeous—no argument there. But Tom hadn’t known anything more about her. Tom was a captain, Bob was first sergeant. They weren’t exactly old friends, but Tom served with him in the sandbox and had a lot of respect for the guy. Bob was looking at a military career while Tom had been pretty sure he was heading out after that deployment.

Twenty-four hours into Darla’s first visit to the orchard, Tom already had a very hard time picturing her as a marine sergeant’s wife, especially a career marine. She was very proud of her job, loved what she did. She was passionate about her career.

He asked her if she and Bob had hoped to have children and she said they had barely talked about it. But over dinner on Saturday night, they managed to talk about more personal things. He told her about growing up an orphaned only child and she told him about growing up with one older sibling and devoted parents. It sounded like she had led a charmed life until choosing to marry a marine and being suddenly widowed. He felt bad about that; everyone had tough stuff to carry, but this pretty and successful girl shouldn’t have had to go through that trauma. It made him think about how many happy, pretty young women lost their men and how many fine young men had buried their wives because of the same war.

On Sunday morning they found that Maxie had managed to provide granola and plain yogurt for Darla, something that brought a bright smile to her lips. After his usual hearty breakfast, Tom kissed her forehead and told her he’d be back after doing a quick check of the orchard.

Please do be quick,” she said, smiling sweetly. “I have to leave by noon and I don’t want to go without saying goodbye. And planning when we can get together again.”

And so Tom was back at the house in plenty of time. He found Maxie in the kitchen and grinned at her. “You’re something, you know,” he said. “How far did you have to go to find granola and yogurt?”

Not that far,” she said. “But I can’t have her on my conscience. I saw her eat one asparagus spear all weekend.”

I saw her eat more than that,” he said with a laugh.

Thank God. She might not eat much, but she’s got an ensemble for every hour of the day.”

I think that’s the reasoning behind staying slim,” Tom said, giving his grandmother a little tap on the nose with his index finger. “She’d have to file bankruptcy if she grew out of those clothes.”

At least Maxie laughed. “She’s packing up,” she said. “Go see if you can do anything to help. And offer her lunch, although I have no idea what she’d be willing to eat. I could mow the lawn and offer her a plate of grass… .”

Don’t be mean,” he said, frowning. But then, chuckling to himself, he mounted the stairs and found Darla gently folding things away.

She smiled at him but he frowned. “Darla, are you folding your clothes with tissue paper?”

Yes,” she said proudly. “It absorbs any odors, helps keep wrinkles out and if there’s any kind of luggage malfunction, like a hairspray or perfume spill—tissue paper is one more layer of absorbent. But really, I do it for odors and wrinkles.”

Amazing.”

I’m guessing you don’t go to this much trouble,” she said.

No. A couple of clean drawers and a shaving kit—that pretty much does it for me.”

Such a guy.”

There were three suitcases open on the bed. She was wearing her fourth pair of boots for the weekend—these were black with thick heels—and her fourth soft, sexy sweater. Since she was wearing boots, he assumed the fancy red boots that sat on top of the largest suitcase were traveling back to Davis. He picked one up. “Tell me about these boots,” he said.

Tell you what?” she asked.

Well, they look like they might be special. Are they special?”

She broke into a wide smile. “You could say so. They’re Jimmy Choo.”

Jimmy Who?”

Choo. A very high-end designer.”

Okay, now tell me—do you have them because you need them, like them, love them, what?”

What an odd question,” she said, taking the boot out of his hand. “Bob used to ask questions like that, but he still liked looking at me in those boots. They’re very special and they make me feel special. Isn’t that really enough?”

I guess,” he said, “if you can afford it. I bet they’re expensive. They look expensive.” In fact, he thought, she looked expensive all over.

I can afford it, Tom,” she said, laughing.

Well,” he started, pushing over a suitcase to sit on the bed, “here’s a question, since I have absolutely no idea what it takes to make a beautiful woman like you feel special—how expensive?”

You don’t really want to know,” she answered, folding away a scarf that he’d never seen.

I do. I do want to know.”

She shook her head. “It’s really not something you’ll ever have to worry about. I never buy anything extravagant that I can’t completely afford.”

Humor me,” he said. “I’m curious.”

She leveled her gaze on him. “Are you sure? Because I won’t tolerate you judging me. I can already tell you’re not interested in things like designer boots and coats and that’s fine with me. But I won’t have you judging me for trying to look beautiful and being willing to spend my own money to do so.”

He put his hand to his heart. “Absolutely not. I like you beautiful.”

She smiled very nicely. “Okay. They’re a lot. Over a thousand.”

He could be cool. After all, he’d been shot at—he wasn’t going to cave to a woman who spent a ridiculous amount of money on clothes. “Seriously? How much over?”

She took a breath. “I got a deal. Thirteen-hundred-seventy-five.”

He swallowed and let her have a small smile. “Quite the deal,” he said.

I know,” she said. “It required some serious searching! I might’ve found some on eBay but I won’t have used! If I’m going to spend the money, they have to be new.”

Absolutely,” he said. But inside he was thinking, insane. Except they were kind of fun to look at. He could think of ways they would be more fun… . “The pharmaceutical sales business must be good.”

Oh, very. However, I did come into some money last year…” She dropped her gaze briefly and Tom nearly winced—Bob’s death. “I could’ve paid bills, but I thought I deserved a few special things…”

Of course,” he said. “I’m sorry, I—”

That’s so wonderful of you to understand. Most men don’t get it, what beautiful things mean to a woman.”

He ran the knuckle of his index finger along her soft cheek. “Well, Darla, I get it. I really do.”

A few minutes later, he carried the luggage out to the Cadillac. He held the driver’s door for her and rather than getting in, she stood just inside the door, put her arms around his neck, gave him a full body press and openmouthed kiss. She put a little tongue into it and moaned slightly with what he could only perceive as longing.

Like Pavlov’s dog, his arms went around her, pulled her in tight and bent to the task of doing that kiss justice. One hand slowly slid up her back until he was caressing the back of her neck, his thumb and forefinger moving in slow circles while he deepened the kiss. He thought about the fact that he should get back in the house so he could resuscitate Maxie before she went into full cardiac arrest, because she was certainly watching. But Maxie had had a full life… . He concentrated on the banquet before him and wondered why he hadn’t tasted this passion the day before or last night when they were alone, when they could’ve talked about taking this a bit further.

She pulled back slowly, rubbing a hand along his chest and giving him a very sweet smile, her lids lowered seductively.

He laughed almost uncomfortably. “Where was that kiss last night? I’d have been happy to pull off the road on the way home… .”

We decided there was no rush,” she said. “But if you want to know what I think, I think this friendship has potential.”

I know I’ll be checking my emails more often,” he said, lifting her chin for another kiss. But he kept it brief. As tempting as it was to linger, she was leaving and he didn’t feel like making out in the drive between the house and barn.

Good. I’m sure I’ll see you soon. Please thank Maxie for me. She’s so wonderful.”

Would you like to run inside and thank her yourself?” Tom asked.

I said thank you this morning. And I must really be going. There’s an orientation this evening.”

I’ll tell her,” Tom said. “How about a call later, just to let me know you made it safely.”

Sure.” And she leaned in for a quick peck on the lips. “And thank you, Tom. I didn’t know it was going to be so wonderful.” And with that, she got in her car, executed a wide U-turn and drove away.

Me, either,” he said to himself, scrubbing off his cap and running a hand through his short hair.

And then he followed on foot so he could close the gate behind her.



* * *



It had come as no surprise to Nora that Jed wanted to come back again as soon as she would allow another visit, and that he wanted to bring Susan. He stood at the door on another Sunday afternoon with another box of gifts. “This is getting almost predictable.”

Oh, wait,” the woman beside him said with a smile. “Hi, I’m Susan and I’m so happy to meet you. Thanks for letting me be included. Watching Jed discover his family has been…” She sighed, closed her eyes briefly and said, “It’s a joy. It’s been his dream for so many years. He’s enjoyed my daughters and grandchildren, but this is a whole new thing. He’s in ecstasy!”

Susan,” he said. “Don’t scare her. I’m not obsessed.”

Susan, a woman for whom glamour was obviously not a priority, just laughed. A woman in her fifties, she had chosen to let the gray hair in and wore no makeup. She was dressed in jeans, a T-shirt and wore a flannel shirt over it. Very plain, very down to earth, completely approachable. “He’s obsessed,” she confirmed. “But you don’t have to be afraid.”

Jed didn’t waste any time—he was down on the floor with his box of goodies. Curious Fay was there in a flash, crawling up to the box while Jed slowly removed toys and books. Berry was slower, but she edged near, sitting on the floor, keeping the box between herself and Jed.

Can I get you something to drink, Susan?” Nora asked.

Nothing, thanks. I just want to watch Jed. But we can both do that and talk. I wanted to know if you had a major picked out when you were in school. Did you have any ideas about what you wanted to study?”

Nora sat down on the sofa and Susan joined her there. “I thought maybe education, but I had no experience. And no idea why I was drawn to the idea.”

But even if you didn’t have the details, you knew your dad was a teacher.”

She nodded. “And when I was little, I played teacher with the girl next door and the dolls. But that was all play… .”

Don’t discount it too quickly,” she said. “I used to build villages as a child. I used flowers and toothpicks and rocks—anything at hand in the yard. Hollyhocks were my favorite people. But never dollhouses, always towns filled with people. I had great complex plays and adventures. My mother thought I’d be a playwright, my father thought I’d be an architect. Turns out I’m an anthropologist.” She laughed and Nora was so taken by how beautiful this plain, unfussy woman could be. Her eyes twinkled; her smile was alive with happiness. “I watched my daughters play and I guessed them right, but they were so obvious.”

Huh?”

Well, Lindsey was always undressing other children. She’s doing her residency in family practice. Melanie tried to diaper and breastfeed her dolls—she’s the one with three children and is a stay-at-home mom who still talks about college one day. We’ll see.”

Holy cow. I’m going to have to watch how Berry and Fay play!”

But what about you?” Susan asked. “What are you playing at these days?”

I’m picking apples,” she said with a laugh.

Do you like it?”

It’s very hard, heavy, taxing work. And yes, I like it. More than that, I love being there, in the orchard. It feels…natural. Healthy. But I’m doing it because the hours and pay work for me.”

Do you ever entertain the idea of going back to school?” Susan asked.

Susan,” Jed said in a warning tone.

He eavesdrops,” Susan said with a laugh. “But do you?”

Not for a few years,” Nora admitted. “Why think about things you can’t possibly manage?”

Well—”

Susan,” Jed said in a pleading voice, cutting her off. He took a breath and looked at Nora. And while he did that, Fay crawled trustingly into his lap. “Nora, this conversation can wait, we barely know each other. And since these little girls are my granddaughters and I want them protected, I completely support your caution with anyone, including me. But what Susan is jumping into here is—that’s an option for you. If you want to go back to school, complete your education, you have opportunity at Stanford.”

Jed,” Nora said with humor. “It’s not just tuition and books that stand in my way. I have a family to support. Even if you paid for school—”

Most of my friends are married men and women with kids,” he said. “I know what’s involved. Housing, subsistence, child care, transportation—lots of expenses. I understand. But listen—you should be more sure of me, comfortable with your decision, clear on your goals. Personally, I don’t care—if school doesn’t interest you, maybe something else does. I just want to help.”

Haven’t you helped enough?” Nora asked.

I don’t think so,” he said. “For seventeen years I sent a check to Therese without knowing how it was used. That was at least fifty percent my fault—I should have found a way. But now? I want to give you the things I couldn’t give you while you were growing up. And there aren’t any strings attached.”

Look out, Nora,” Susan said with laughter in her voice.

Susan!” Jed said. And again, Susan laughed. “I brought a few things you obviously need,” Jed said. “Things that will make your life a little easier. I want to do these things just because you’re my daughter and these are my granddaughters.”

What things? Like formula and diapers?”

And a car,” Susan said.

Oh, for the love of…” Jed rubbed his temples.

It’s used,” Susan said. “It was mine—used by me and I took very good care of it. I put a lot of miles on it, but I pampered it. I was ready for a new car so Jed bought it from me rather than me trading it in. It’s a few years old, in pristine condition and it comes with car seats.” She smiled that lovely smile again. “My daughter knew exactly what kind to get and where to get them at the right price—she’s an expert on that. The other one is an expert at saying, ‘Put on this gown, please.’ See, we all have our special gifts!”

Nora was speechless. A car? No, this was too much. No matter what anyone said, there had to be strings. And she wasn’t ready… .

I can’t,” she said, shaking her head.

But you can,” Susan said. “See, my ex-husband and I had to help my girls out with cars and with their insurance when they were sixteen or seventeen. They had jobs. We both worked and couldn’t chauffeur. It was a choice between helping with the transportation or no jobs. Then there were other expenses—proms, graduation, events, and the clothing and accessories became more and more expensive. So over the years, we ponied up for stuff they needed. Lindsey needed tons of college, Melanie and her young husband needed a down payment on a house. Had Jed been around when you were going through all those stages, it wouldn’t have seemed like such a windfall.” She smiled at Nora. “You’re very lucky. Your father wants to help and he doesn’t expect anything in return except for a chance to get to know you.”

Jed had Fay in his lap on the floor and Berry sitting cautiously beside him as he read the Please and Thank You Book.

Really?” Nora said.

He glanced at her. “Nora, I have a lot to make up to you. Not the other way around.”