“Only about three times. She’s a genuine joy.”
“Are we talking about the same teenager with the big mouth, buttinsky personality, and the chip on her shoulder?” Kendall asked. “And I mean that in the most loving way that only a sister can imagine,” she added with a smile.
“Actually we’re talking about the polite, discreet, and helpful girl right out there.” Charlotte tapped on the glass-plate window, pointing to where Hannah was helping Beth fold and display potential items for sale.
“Well, what alien invaded her body?” But she didn’t care so long as her sister was happy. And judging by the wide smile and constant movement of Hannah’s mouth, the young girl was thrilled to be chatting with Beth and assisting for the morning.
“I think it has to do with me not being her guardian that lets me see another side to her. Remember how you were with your parents?” Charlotte said and immediately clapped her hand over her mouth. “Oh, my God, I’m sorry. I forgot Roman told me you lived with different family members over the years. Geez that was insensitive of me.”
Kendall waved away a hand. “Don’t be ridiculous. It was a natural thing to say and a completely correct assumption about why Hannah’s being difficult with me.” She put a comforting hand on Charlotte’s arm. “Thank you for trying to help analyze the situation. Insight can only help.”
Charlotte inclined her head. “My pleasure then.”
“But you should know, I think her good behavior with you has more to do with your being Rick’s sister-in-law than anything else.”
Her eyes opened wide. “Hannah has a crush on Rick?”
“Not in that way, no. She just idolizes him.” Kendall sighed. “Rick seems to be able to reach her when I can’t. Honestly I’m grateful someone can.”
“I’d say that Rick has a way with all women but that would be too flip for the situation. What Rick has is a way with children. Teens especially. The DARE program is such a huge success in our community thanks to Rick. He continues activities over the summer on his days off because it keeps the kids focused even when school’s out. They look up to him.”
Kendall nodded. She’d noticed that herself. Obviously when Jillian had taken off, she’d deprived him of the opportunity of being a father. And, oh, what a wonderful father he’d be. To a baby, a toddler, a child, or a teen. She clasped her hands to her chest, then realized where her thoughts were headed. That new and scary direction again. But it was true. Rick would be an exceptional parent to a child of any age.
Still thinking about commitment of any kind wasn’t easy for Kendall. She’d never envisioned a lifetime that included forever. Then again, no one had extended an invitation her way either.
“Hannah seems to have responded to Rick like any typical teen,” Charlotte said.
Kendall nodded. “That’s true. Hannah and Rick clicked from day one.” Just like she and Rick had clicked from the second they’d met.
“Hannah’s not the only Sutton girl who’s fallen for Rick’s charms, is she?” Charlotte whispered, in obvious deference to eavesdropping patrons in line along with them. “I know I’m being presumptuous. But when I was falling for Roman, I had Beth to confide in and I figure that since you’re new to town, you don’t have someone to talk to. Someone who knows you and Rick. And, well, I wanted to offer an ear.” Charlotte blushed red. “If you want one.”
Kendall opened her mouth to speak but words failed her. Charlotte’s gesture, so warm, compassionate, and thoughtful, took Kendall off guard. “I’m not falling for Rick.” The standard words came automatically but so did her heart’s immediate denial.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow in obvious disbelief. A half smile formed on her lips. “Sorry, Kendall, but I’m not buying the story. Try saving it for someone who hasn’t been in your shoes already. Same shoes, different brother.” Charlotte tapped her feet against the floor, pausing in her rhythm only to take a few steps forward in line. “You can deny it for as long as you want. Seconds, minutes, days, or years. It doesn’t matter. One day your feelings for Rick will catch up with you. Just like my feelings for Roman caught up with me.”
Kendall wasn’t sure whether to be outraged Charlotte had read and intruded upon her private thoughts or be appreciative she’d cared enough to give her the warning. When it came to feelings, Kendall had always kept her emotions inside and dealt with them on her own.
Necessity had driven her to solitude at a young age. Habit and constant moves prevented her from sharing things with others as she grew older. Now Charlotte offered Kendall the chance to confide in another woman. More importantly, Charlotte offered a chance at the kind of genuine friendship Kendall had never had.
Charlotte couldn’t begin to imagine the importance of her offer. Gut instinct told Kendall that Charlotte’s warmth came easily and without thought, whereas Kendall’s desire to accept came with more difficulty. Although the lonely little girl inside her heart was dying to reach out and accept the gesture of friendship, fear prevented her from doing so.
Gathering herself, she met Charlotte’s patient gaze. “You’re presuming you and I are alike. We aren’t.” They couldn’t be.
Because anytime Kendall had allowed herself to get close to someone—her aunt, her parents, another kid in a new town—as soon as she let herself accept that sense of security, the blanket was ripped off and Kendall was left alone. And that was the crux of her fear, she realized for the first time. The basis of her need to run. People she loved, people she cared for, left her.
Her parents had abandoned her. In her own way, Aunt Crystal had done the same, first when she’d had to send Kendall away and later in death. In Kendall’s experience, one rooted in childhood, she always lost those she loved most. Kendall’s life and the people
