Chapter 12 #2
Her heart felt lighter than it had in ages, buoyed by the evening’s entertainment and Mark’s companionable presence beside her.
As the cast took their final bows, she caught herself stealing glances at him, touched by the genuine enthusiasm in his expression.
After three curtain calls, the heavy velvet curtain finally swooped closed for good, and the house lights gradually brightened.
“Brilliant performances,” Mark commented as he turned to her.
She nodded in agreement, fumbling slightly with her wrap as the excitement of the evening still bubbled through her.
He took the wrap and placed it gently around her shoulders, his hand brushing her skin momentarily, and she was honestly surprised not to see sparks flying between them.
She needed to get her thoughts under control.
She took a step back as they waited patiently for the rows ahead of them to empty.
They walked slowly up the aisle to the lobby.
The theater doors were open, releasing a stream of chattering patrons into the warm evening air.
She stepped out beside Mark, her smile lingering from the delightful performance.
The sidewalk buzzed with energy as people gathered in small groups, discussing their favorite moments from the show.
Through the crowd, she spotted Eleanor and Jonah approaching. Eleanor’s hand rested gently on Jonah’s arm. Eleanor’s elegant dress and Jonah’s sharp sports coat suggested they’d made an evening of it too.
Eleanor caught her eye and raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a knowing smile. Darlene returned the look, acknowledging their shared understanding of stepping out of their comfort zones.
“Eleanor, Jonah,” Darlene waved. “I’d like you to meet Mark Donovan. He’s staying at the B&B.” She turned to Mark. “Mark, this is Eleanor Griffin and Jonah Burton, dear friends of mine.”
Mark stepped forward, extending his hand. “A pleasure to meet you both.”
“Likewise,” Jonah said, giving Mark’s hand a firm shake. “Did you enjoy the show?”
While the men exchanged pleasantries, Eleanor leaned close to Darlene’s ear. “Good for you,” she whispered, her eyes sparkling. “It’s nice to see you out on a date.”
“It’s not a date,” Darlene whispered back, though her cheeks warmed at the assumption. She glanced at Mark, who was deep in conversation with Jonah about the theater’s architecture. “I’m glad to see you out with Jonah.”
“We’re on an official date.” Eleanor smiled. “You might be too, and you just don’t know it.”
“Shh…” she said quickly as the men turned back to them. She nodded at Mark. “We should probably get back home. I have to get up early tomorrow and get breakfast going for my guests.”
“It was good to see you, Darlene. Maybe the four of us could go out sometime,” Jonah suggested.
“I… uh…”
“Sounds like I good idea,” Mark said agreeably as he turned to her and placed her hand on his arm. “Let’s get you back home.”
Darlene and Mark walked up the steps to the B&B’s porch, the old boards creaking beneath their feet. The evening had been magical, filled with laughter and a definite connection she couldn’t deny. As they reached the door, she found herself reluctant to let the night end.
With her hand on the doorknob, she turned to Mark. “Would you maybe… like a nightcap? I have a lovely bottle of wine I’ve been saving for a special occasion.”
His smile was warm in the soft glow of the porch light. “I’d like that very much.”
Their footsteps echoed in the quiet house as they made their way to the kitchen. She retrieved two glasses and the promised bottle of wine, then poured them each a small measure, the rich ruby liquid catching the light.
They carried their glasses back outside, where a gentle breeze stirred the potted flowers lining the porch. She settled onto a glider, and after a moment’s hesitation, he sat down beside her.
“It was a wonderful evening,” she said as she raised her glass to her lips.
“It was. I’m glad we went. It was a wonderful production. And your friend, Tori, has done a really nice job with the restoration of the theater.”
They sipped their wine in comfortable silence broken only by the occasional call of a night bird ringing through the air. Mark set his glass on the side table and gently pushed off with his foot, setting the glider in motion.
The rhythmic swaying was soothing, and she felt herself relaxing, the warmth of the wine and Mark’s presence easing the tension she hadn’t realized she’d been carrying. She leaned back, her shoulder brushing against his.
“This is nice,” she said softly. “I can’t remember the last time I just sat and enjoyed the evening like this.”
Mark hummed in agreement. “There’s something about this place, about being here with you, that feels… right. Like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
She turned to look at him, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his eyes. “I feel the same way. It’s been a long time since—” Should she go on? “Since I’ve connected with someone like this.”
“Me, too.” His hand found hers, and their fingers laced together.
The glider swayed in its gentle movement, and the air wrapped around them like a familiar melody.
He finally broke the silence. “I know we’ve talked about my past. But we haven’t talked much about yours.” His shoulder gently bumped hers. “Your… husband…?” The question hung in the air between them.
She let out a long sigh. “That would be Dean.” She paused, trying to form the words.
She rarely talked about him. Or the pain.
“We were very young when we got married. I was so in love with him. I thought he was my whole world.” She shrugged.
“Then I got pregnant with my son. Dean didn’t want anything to do with a child.
Or me, at that point. He just up and left without a word. ”
“While you were pregnant?” Mark squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry. That must have been hard.”
“It was.” The memories flooded back. Being so frightened and wondering what she was going to do as her life exploded around her. “Eleanor was there for me back then. Encouraging me. Helping me. She’s been a good friend.”
“I’m glad you had her.”
“Anyway, I found ways to make it work. I worked two jobs and luckily found people to help watch my son and jobs where I could take him with me. We did okay. I scrimped and saved and eventually bought the B&B. My son grew up, got married, and they had Felicity, the light of my life. I had no idea how much joy a grandchild could bring. She’d come and stay with me every summer. ”
“Ah, that’s why you two are so close. And do you ever hear from Dean?”
“No. Never. He never met his son or Felicity. Last I heard, he was somewhere in Montana. But that was maybe ten or fifteen years ago.”
“I’m so sorry you went through that. It’s… it’s hard to lose someone unexpectedly.”
“It was. I felt so deserted.”
He looked into her eyes and there it was again, that undeniable connection. He pulled her hand close to his chest. “Darlene, I…”
The sound of a car door slamming interrupted them. She pulled her hand away, suddenly self-conscious, the moment broken. She stood, smoothing her skirt.
“That’s probably Felicity and Brent,” she said, slightly breathless. “I should go and ask about her evening.”
He stood as well, his expression understanding. “Of course. I should probably turn in, anyway. Want to get an early start on the book tomorrow.”
She walked him to the door, and they stepped inside. “Thank you for a lovely evening. I had a wonderful time.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” he said, his eyes holding hers. She stared into their depths, trying to read his thoughts.
He just smiled at her, then turned and disappeared up the stairs, leaving her alone in the entryway with a million thoughts ricocheting through her mind. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the riot of emotions swirling within her.
She knew she was treading on dangerous ground, allowing herself to feel this way about a guest, about a man who was still grieving for his late wife.
She decided to slip upstairs without going to find Felicity.
She’d give her some privacy to say goodnight to Brent.
And if she was being honest with herself, she wasn’t quite ready for her granddaughter’s inevitable barrage of questions.