change her mind. But at eighteen, he had felt helpless, fighting an enemy he couldn’t see. Charlotte had been so adamant, so final in her answer, that any more verbal battles would have been cruel and selfish on his part. He looked at the man. He wasn’t going to ask for any more advice, but he knew his eyes told a different story.
The man stretched his legs out on the steps. “You’ll have to decide like my friend did. You’ll either have to put the puzzle away for good, or take it down from the shelf, and you and Charlotte can put it together. See what you have.”
Sam stiffened, but he wasn’t sure if it came from the ever increasing intrusiveness of the man’s comments, or that the concrete steps had given him a backache. Of course, there was a third option—that what the man said held too much truth for comfort.
“Yeah, I can see why any number of men in Middlebury would be enamored with Charlotte Rose Hill,” the man continued. “With that sweet personality and those enchanting hazel eyes.”
Sam bristled at the man’s remark. Seemed awfully intimate talk for someone who just loved her tea.
The man seemed to watch him as if gauging his reaction. “Charlotte also gives me little jobs so I don’t hungry,” he said. “And she brings me up to one of her front tables and sits me there like I’m somebody. Charlotte is a great heroine . . . in this little Middlebury hamlet.”
Yes, she is. A great heroine who once shattered his heart like his rock hammer on glass. “By the way, I forgot to introduce myself.”
“I’m used to it. Some people don’t think I have a name.” The man rose. “These steps will kill your back if you sit too long.”
“So, I noticed. I’m Sam Wilder.”
“Justin Yule.”
Sam got up from the steps, reached out to Justin, and gave his hand a healthy shake. “Good to meet you, Justin.”
The chapel door burst open and Pastor Wally strode out. “Good afternoon, gentlemen. Are you busy counseling my next client, Mr. Yule? If you keep doing this I’ll be out of a job.”
Justin grinned. “Just making the road smoother for you.”
Pastor Wally chuckled as he shook their hands. “Is your fiancée still coming, Sam?” He glanced at his watch.
“I think so.” Sam looked at his phone. “She hasn’t texted me saying otherwise. Maybe she’s been held up at the spa.”
Pastor Wally and Justin looked at Sam but didn’t say anything.
A new silver BMW pulled up in the chapel’s circle drive—Audrey’s car. “That’s my fiancée.”
“Nice car,” Wally said.
Sam stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Early wedding present.”
“Nice wedding present,” Justin said.
Audrey got out of the car and clippity-clopped toward them in her spiky shoes. She stood in front of the three of them, out of breath said, “Sorry I’m late. The girl at the salon put on too many coats.” She blew on her fingernails.
“No problem. I want you to meet my new friends, Pastor Wally Barns and Mr. Justin Yule.”
“I think they’re dry now.” Audrey shook hands with the pastor. “So, you’ll be the man marrying us. Important job.”
“Indeed.” The pastor smiled.
Then Audrey looked at Justin. She seemed surprised at his furry and threadbare appearance, but with little hesitation, she shook his hand.
When Audrey released Justin he backed away and for a moment he stared at his palm.
Sam said to Audrey, “Since Mr. Yule could use a job, and we need some help, I’m going to hire him to take charge of the greenhouse. It’s going to need a lot of work.”
Something unreadable lit Audrey’s face. “That sounds wonderful.” She turned her attention to Justin. “That is, if you would like to work on our estate.”
“I would enjoy working in a greenhouse.” Justin smiled at her.
“Great.” Sam was surprised to hear Audrey already including herself as co-owner of the Wilder estate, but he let it go. “Well, since everyone is in agreement, Justin, you may start tomorrow morning if you’d like. The pay will be generous, and there’s a comfortable apartment above the garage. All lodging and meals will be included.”
“I appreciate the work.” Justin’s behavior drifted even further into meekness. Or was it just a more quiet confidence? Sam couldn’t account for the sudden change in his temperament.
“Well, that worked out well,” the pastor said to Justin. “I’m glad you’ll have some work that’ll be steadier than mine.” He gestured toward the chapel door. “Now, if the happy couple is ready, we can go to my study.”
Sam opened the door for Audrey. He said good-bye to Justin, but as he turned to go, he noticed tears glistening in the man’s eyes. Perhaps all the talk of a wedding made Justin miss his wife—the woman he had loved the most.
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