—She’s open that late?
—Not exactly, but I live here. It’s fine.Mrs. Addy didn’t mind visitors as long as they didn’t disturb other guests, but there were plenty of rooms on the first floor to enjoy a quiet conversation.
—Oh. Are you sure you don’t mind? I shouldn’t bug you, but I’ve put on a good act for Gran all day since it happened. If I can’t vent to someone, I’ll lose it and ruin the weekend.
—I’m sure. Promise. Mrs. Addy locks the doors for non-guests at eight, so text me when you get here, and I’ll let you in.
—Thanks. Appreciate it.
—You’re welcome. By the way, red velvet or german chocolate?
—Huh?
—Cake, goof. Which do you prefer?
—German chocolate. Why?
Well, they had opposite tastes in cake, but that was fine. German chocolate tasted good, too, even if it held no comparison to her beloved red velvet.—I might be able to sway Addy on which flavor to bake today.??
—You don’t have to go to that trouble.
—It’s not.
—Gran’s ready to leave for lunch. We’re heading to the diner before going to visit several antique stores and Theodore Magnus’s cabin. Any chance you can join us as a buffer???
—Tempting, but you know it’s best to do this on your own for now.
—I know, I know, but it was worth a shot. I’ll touch base later this afternoon about tonight.
Laying her phone aside, she closed her eyes, said a brief prayer.Dear Lord, I don’t know what happened between Landon and his father, but I pray they can find peace with each other. Amen.
Conviction collided with her chest.Okay, okay. She closed her eyes a second time and amended her prayer. And help me to find unity in my family, as well. If I am to be the peacemaker, then show me the way.
Goodness, that was a heavy prayer she hadn’t expected. Had she meant it? She’d have to ponder on that. Sure, she wanted her family unit restored, but was she willing to be the one to do it? She rubbed her neck. That was a question without a clear answer. It required forgiveness, and she had a road to travel before she reached that point.
***
When the credits began to roll, Jessa turned off the movie she watched. She hadn’t expected to cry, but when the sweet golden retriever ran away and was found by the heroine’s long-lost boyfriend whom she’d lost contact with when he went away to war, the tears flowed. As the couple reunited after forty years apart, the tears came in buckets. She’d always been a sucker for happy endings, even the bittersweet ones.
She grabbed another tissue and dried her face. What would it be like to love someone so deeply, that their love didn’t fade after forty years of separation? Many couples today couldn’t stay in love while together, let alone being miles from each other with no contact.
Her phone buzzed, and she read the message from Landon.—Is now still a good time?
When had it gotten so late? The movie started at five-thirty. She’d thought it’s length said two hours, but she must have read the time wrong because it had lasted for three.—Sure.
—Be there in twenty.
Eek. She’d spent the last thirty minutes crying like a baby, and now she’d have to see Landon? She jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, splashed cold water on her face. It did little to disguise the fact she’d been crying. Unless she wanted Landon to see her looking like a splotched tomato, she’d have to apply makeup, and a dusting of powder wouldn’t cut it.
She applied a light coat of makeup, barely enough to cover the red. Forgoing lip color, she chose a simple lip gloss instead and passed on mascara. Although she didn’t want to see him with tear streaks down her face, she didn’t want him to think she’d gone out of her way to impress him. A girl had some pride.
Her hair remained in the ponytail she’d put it in earlier. She never went back and dried her hair so the hairstyle would remain. Same with her outfit. Jeans and a sweatshirt weren’t the most stylish in her wardrobe, but they were comfortable and unassuming.
She slipped her feet into a favorite worn pair of Chucks and went downstairs to put the coffee brewing. Peeking in the fridge, she spotted gingerbread flavored creamer, traditional, and pumpkin spice.Tis the season for autumnal deliciousness. She left them in the cold until needed, but at least she knew the options to offer.
Two wide slices of german chocolate cake waited on the counter, covered with plastic wrap. Even though it wasn’t her favorite, it took all her self-control to resist a piece after dinner. Mrs. Addy tried a new recipe for the frosting and had asked Jessa to sample it. She’d blended the coconut and pecan before mixing the remainder of the frosting ingredients. The result was a smoother texture that Jessa found more enjoyable.
A text from Landon came though, letting her know he’d made it there and was waiting outside on the porch. She left the kitchen, walked past the bathroom and formal parlor, and into the foyer. She twisted the deadbolt and opened the door.
