Home to Hart's Crossing by Robin Lee Hatcher Page A

ears burning? We talked about you at our quilting club meeting this morning.”
    Out of habit, he started to rise.
    Till waved him down. “Land sakes. Don’t get up for us.”
    “Would you care to join me for lunch?”
    Till glanced at her companion, then said, “We’d love to,” and slid onto the seat across from him. Stephanie sat beside her.
    “Are you feeling more settled?” Till asked.
    James took two menus from the rack and handed them to the women. “Yes. Although, to be honest, it’s a bit strange. The house is familiar from my boyhood, and my furniture is familiar from my house in Bremerton. But the two together?” He shrugged. “They seem an odd combination.”
    “I can imagine they would,” Stephanie replied, giving him a warm smile.
    It occurred to James that she was as pretty today as she was when he kissed her on V-J Day. Granted, it was a different kind of pretty. Her face was softly wrinkled, and the freckles that had sprinkled her nose as a girl were gone. Her hair was white instead of the golden blond shade of her youth, and she wore it short and curly rather than long and straight, the way he remembered it. But the style flattered her. The one thing that hadn’t changed was that smile. He’d always been partial to Stephanie’s smile.
    Nancy arrived at the table with two more water glasses. “Hello, ladies. Joining Mr. Scott for lunch today?”
    “That we are.” Till pointed at the menu without having looked at it. “I’d like the Emerald City salad, please, with the dressing on the side.”
    “Anything to drink?”
    “Water’s fine, thank you.”
    “And you, Mrs. Watson?”
    “I’ll have the same, Nancy. Thanks.”
    More people entered the diner. A farmer in overalls and work boots. A businessman in slacks and short-sleeved shirt, sans coat and tie. Two young mothers with several toddlers in tow.
    “So tell me, James,” Till said. “I’m sure you’re sick of the question, but I want to know. What brought you back to Hart’s Crossing?”
    She was right. He was sick of that question. Sick of trying to come up with an answer that sounded logical—or at least humorous. This time he didn’t choose his words carefully. He just spoke from his heart.
    “Till, I’ve been asking God what I’m supposed to do with the rest of my life ever since I retired two years ago. When the Pattersons moved out of Mother’s house, it seemed like the answer to my prayers.” His gaze shifted to Stephanie. “I felt like the Lord said go, so here I am.”
    * * *
    His answer made Stephanie smile. She liked knowing that James was the kind of man who sought God’s guidance.
    Nancy approached their booth, carrying a large brown tray above her shoulder with one hand. In the blink of an eye, she placed the two salads, hamburger platter, and milkshake on the table. “Enjoy your lunch. Let me know if you need anything else.” Then she was off to wait on other customers.
    Stephanie picked up her fork. “The Scarecrow is my favorite burger,” she told James. “I love fried onions.”
    “I hope it’s as good as it used to be. I’ll try not to breathe on you when I’m finished.” He punctuated the comment with a wink and a grin.
    For goodness sake. Stephanie caught her breath. Patti’s right . James did bear more than a passing resemblance to Sean Connery.

    Chapter 3

    From: “Kurt Scott” [email protected]
    Sent: Saturday, September 24 8:16 AM
    To: “James Scott” [email protected]
    Subject: Online yet?

    HI, DAD. JUST WONDERING if your computer is up and running. Haven’t heard from you since you called to say you and the movers got to Hart’s Crossing okay. Directory assistance didn’t have a local number for you as of yesterday, so I tried your cell phone but couldn’t get through. I didn’t bother to leave a message. I figured you’re busy.
    I wish I could take some time off to help you move in, but it just wasn’t possible right now. Glad you understand. Don’t