Chapter Thirty-Eight
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
After breakfast on Christmas Eve day, Franny went back to her room. The day stretched before her and she thought about how she wanted to spend it. She glanced at the small desk by the window, and the one remaining letter that lay there, unopened. She was going to open it the next day on Sunday. But something compelled her to reach for the envelope. One day wouldn’t make that much of a difference. And she felt restless and wanted something to do.
She carefully slid the flap open and withdrew the heavy notepaper with her sister’s wobbly but elegant handwriting.
Dearest Franny,
This is my last note to you and I do hope I have saved the best for last. You are probably wondering why I wanted you to stay and to visit all these places. I wanted you to remember and to open your mind to possibilities. You’ve always loved the Cape and I know you loved Albany and your married life, too.
It is my hope that during your month here after my passing, that you might find yourself falling in love again with the Cape—with Chatham. I only ever want to see you happy, Franny. And that is why I saved the most important information until the last letter. I could have told you up front, but I wanted to better prepare you to be fully open for whatever magic might happen when you open this door.
Franny wondered what on earth her sister was going on about.
I only discovered this wonderful surprise when I read an article in the Chatham paper. I wanted to go in person to see for myself, but I was too weak. So, I want you to go, Fanny. Go to the new wine and cheese shop on Main Street and ask to see the owner. And remember, Franny, I will always love you and want the very best for you.
Love,
Ella
Franny had been to the wine and cheese shop several times now and the only person she’d seen in the shop was the lovely woman behind the counter who was so helpful. Was she the owner? And why would her sister want Franny to introduce herself? It was an intriguing mystery. Franny had been planning to go there today anyway. She wanted to pick up some more cheese and had a few ideas for gifts, too.
Her curiosity was aroused and Franny did not want to wait any longer. She decided to head over to the shop immediately. She bundled up with her heavy wool coat, hat, and gloves and set out down Main Street. The shop opened at ten and even though it was only a few minutes past, there was already a small crowd inside. Like before, the same woman was behind the counter, dishing out samples and ringing people up.
Franny walked around and gathered up everything that she wanted and got in line. When it was her turn, the woman smiled, recognizing Franny.
“Good morning! It’s so nice to see you again. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Franny shook her head and placed her items on the counter. She handed over her credit card and when the woman handed it back with the charge slip, Franny cleared her throat. “I do have a quick question. I’m just curious, are you the owner of this shop?”
The woman laughed. “No, I just work here.”
“Is the owner in by any chance?”
“Sure. Hold on, he’s out back unloading a shipment. I’ll go get him.” Franny took her bag of cheese and moved to the side, to get out of the way. The woman stepped into the back of the store and returned a moment later with a man about Franny’s age, with a head of thick white hair and eyes that were so familiar. And when he saw her, he stopped short and smiled and Franny’s heart jumped. It was Joe. Her Joe from so many years ago.
“Franny? Is it really you? I thought you moved away years ago?”
“I did. But I came back for my sister’s funeral. She passed recently.”
He nodded. “I saw that in the paper, but not until about a week later. I wanted to offer my condolences, but I didn’t know how to reach you. I didn’t think that you might still be in Chatham. Franny, I am so very sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. I thought you were gone, too, that you lived on the West Coast.”
“I did, for many years. But my wife passed about five years ago and I grieved for several years. This year, I decided it was time to move home. I always wanted to come back to the Cape. I watched for the right opportunity and when this shop came available it seemed like a sign. We opened just six months ago.” Joe seemed like he was in shock, that it wasn’t really her. And he still had that same smile when he looked at her, like there was no one else for him. Of course Franny knew that was just her memory playing tricks on her. It had been much too long for Joe to still have feelings for her.
“I’ve been in the shop several times. And I told Beth about it. She’s the woman that owns the inn I am staying at. Her daughter loves it here, too. I’m so proud of you, Joe. I can’t believe you’re here.”
He grinned. “How long have you been here, Franny? How long are you staying?”
“I’ve been here for a little over a month. I was due to head home after the New Year, but I went and bought a house! I close in a week, so maybe I’ll stay a little longer. I bought it so I’d have the option to come whenever I want. I was thinking it would probably be for the summers. But I’m really not in a rush to leave.” That was an understatement. Chatham and the people here were beginning to feel like her true home.
He smiled and it reached his eyes and sent the most adorable laugh lines dancing across his face. “Well, you don’t know how glad I am to hear that. Franny, we have so much to catch each other up on. When can we meet? I’m leaving tonight as soon as the shop closes to head to my son’s house. He still lives in California. I’ll be back Monday night. Are you available Tuesday evening? I’d like to have you over for a home-cooked dinner.”
Franny’s heart beat faster. “Oh, I’d love that. I didn’t know you could cook?”
He laughed. “I’ve picked up a few skills over the years. I’m actually a very good cook and I would love to make you my favorite dish.” He jotted his address down on a piece of paper and handed it to her. Then he came out from behind the counter and pulled her in for a big bear hug. “I couldn’t let you leave without a hug. It’s just so wonderful seeing you, Franny. You’re just as beautiful as I remember. You haven’t changed a bit.”
Franny felt herself melt as Joe’s warmth wrapped around her. “You look just the same, too, Joe. As handsome as ever.” And it was true. His hair wasn’t dark brown anymore but his eyes and smile were exactly the same. “Merry Christmas, Joe.”
“Merry Christmas, Franny. See you soon.”
Franny walked out of the cheese shop in a bit of a daze. The magic and wonder of Christmas was all around her and her sister had given her the best present of all. Franny couldn’t wait to see Joe on Tuesday.