However, to her those eyes didn’t feel like her father-in-law’s gaze. It was difficult to tell because the feeling was so faint. But when Ezra’s father looked at her, she always felt unworthy. Judged. Uncomfortable. Though he never admitted it to her, she knew he disapproved of her and it made her second guess every move she made when she was around him.
This didn’t feel like that. It felt like someone was watching, but it didn’t make her self-conscious. Rather, this gaze put her on edge in a different way. She was alarmed because of the unknown.
Clara glanced at the bathroom door, still closed, then went over to the window. She pushed aside the black lace curtains and peered out into the night. The outdoor lights were on automatically, but they didn’t reach far into the darkness. They only allowed her to see that no one was right up close to the house.
That would have to be enough for now. She knew no one was watching her anyway. It was simply a silly feeling from the stress of everything. She went to turn away from the window, then stopped.
Just at the edge of the shadows, by a big willow tree, was the figure of a tall, imposing man. Clara froze. Terrified. She wanted to call to Ezra, but she didn’t want to scare him. She considered calling the police and reporting a trespasser, but she wasn’t sure if that was an overreaction. She wasn’t sure if what she was seeing was even real, or just the result of a tired mind. The figure was dark, barely formed.
And then it was gone.
The man, if there really was a man standing there, disappeared into the night. Clara watched, anxious to see if the light would reveal him again. All she saw was the stillness of the mountain. Peaceful snow.
A few minutes later, the water turned off in the bathroom. Clara debated if she should tell Ezra what she saw. It could be important for him to know. If there were an intruder on the property, they’d have to be vigilant. But she didn’t want to stir up old feelings he had towards his father. He was already stressed enough lately. She suspected if she told him she felt like she was being watched and she saw a black figure of a man, his mind would instantly go to his father. Sure, the rational side of him would know better. The other side might worry that the ghost of his father was watching, disapproving.
She moved away from the window and sat at her ornate, gothic desk. She couldn’t tell Ezra. She wasn’t even sure of what she’d seen, and she didn’t want to worry him unless it was necessary. It was likely the product of fear. If she saw something like that again, she’d speak up.
For now, she pulled out her journal. She wouldn’t tell Ezra, but she would write what she’d seen. In case it happened again, at least there would be some record of it. She jotted it down, then quickly tucked it away to enjoy her first night in their amazing new house with a husband she loved with all her heart.
11
“I found the thermostat and adjusted it,” Ezra said as he brought Clara some coffee. She was reading in front of the fireplace, flat on her stomach, lounging on the coziest blanket she could find. Fuzzy socks warmed her shifting feet, but they couldn’t fight the cold completely. They were still learning how to keep the fire going, and it had gone out yet again a couple of hours ago. Taking care of the home was going to be an adjustment, but they were adjusting. “I know you like the idea of keeping this place warm by the fireplace alone but…”
“I’ve given up on that,” she laughed as she sat up. She accepted the much-needed coffee, laying her book on her lap. “I didn’t realize how much maintenance it would take. Now I can see why furnaces were invented.”
“Right? I think the fireplaces are a nice touch to give a little extra warmth to the rooms, but we’re not talented enough to completely shrug off modern advances.” He glanced down at her book. “Interesting choice. I don’t think I’ve seen you pick up a novel by Jodi Picoult before.”
“It’s my first,” she admitted. “I wouldn’t have thought to pick it up on my own, but it was chosen by the local book club, so I grabbed it before we came here and am almost finished reading it.”
“Book club? I didn’t know you joined a book club.” He joined her in front of the fire, appreciating the warmth of the flames. Tucked next to her like this, in their dream house out in the mountains, was everything he never knew he wished for.
“Sorry, I thought I told you. There’s just been so much going on lately I must’ve forgotten. The meeting’s tonight actually, so I don’t know if I technically joined it yet. It’s at the local library and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.
“I figured that as newcomers, the town might be a little wary of us. They’re probably a tight-knit community. They won’t know what to think of the city slickers who bought the new bed and breakfast and will be changing things a little bit. That could present a challenge as we attempt to draw guests in.
“So, I figured I’d get ahead of this potential issue and get to know people. Maybe if I can make friends, they’ll help us spread the word about our new business. Maybe I can get some solid advice from the people who know the area best, and eventually perhaps we can even work with other businesses in the area.”
“That’s a great idea,” Ezra said. He was glad they bought the bed and breakfast. Clara was glowing. It seemed she
