Shadows On The Lake
Leona Karr
WHAT LIES BENEATH…A lonely houseboat on an isolated dock was not what Courtney Collins expected when she and her infant son arrived at Hidden Cove for the summer. But their cold, mysterious host was Courtney's reclusive aunt and the only family they had left.As the days passed, the hostile atmosphere was broken only by their landlord Neil Ellsworth's charming attention to Courtney.The sexy-but-forever-single businessman offered a strong shoulder for Courtney's uncertain fears and for once Courtney could foresee a happy future. But her dream was shattered the moment her baby was kidnapped. With few clues and a nearly spotless crime scene, could Neil hold the key to unlocking the truth?
Courtney stood on the deck and watched the wake of the boat disappear in the distance
She and Neil were from two different worlds, and she ought to have the sense to realize it. Sighing, she turned to go into the houseboat.
“I’m back.” A haunting emptiness echoed her words.
She stiffened as an undefined apprehension assaulted her from the dark gloom of the houseboat. Something was wrong. Her heart was suddenly pounding as she bounded to her sleeping compartment to check on her baby.
She froze in the doorway when she saw that the bassinet was empty and the diaper bag was gone. She spun on her heels. She searched everywhere…but found nothing, no one.
There was no sign of her baby on the floating house….
Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,
This month you’ll want to have all six of our books to keep you company as you brave those April showers!
Debra Webb kicks off THE ENFORCERS, her exciting new trilogy, with John Doe on Her Doorstep. And for all of you who have been waiting with bated breath for the newest installment in Kelsey Roberts’s THE LANDRY BROTHERS series, we have Chasing Secrets.
Rebecca York, Ann Voss Peterson and Patricia Rosemoor join together in Desert Sons. You won’t want to miss this unique three-in-one collection!
Two of your favorite promotions are back. You won’t be able to resist Leona Karr’s ECLIPSE title, Shadows on the Lake. And you’ll be on the edge of your seat while reading Jean Barrett’s Paternity Unknown, the latest installment in TOP SECRET BABIES.
Meet another of THE PRECINCT’s rugged lawmen in Julie Miller’s Police Business.
Every month you can depend on Harlequin Intrigue to deliver an array of thrilling romantic suspense and mystery. Be sure you read each one!
Sincerely,
Denise O’Sullivan
Senior Editor
Harlequin Intrigue
Shadows on the Lake
Leona Karr
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A native of Colorado, Leona (Lee) Karr is the author of nearly forty books. Her favorite genres are romantic suspense and inspirational romance. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a B.A. and the University of Northern Colorado with an M.A., she taught as a reading specialist until her first book was published in 1980. She has been on the Waldenbooks bestseller list and nominated by Romantic Times for Best Romantic Saga and Best Gothic Author. She has been honored as the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year, and received Colorado’s Romance Writer of the Year Award. Her books have been reprinted in more than a dozen foreign countries. She is a presenter at numerous writing conferences and has taught college courses in creative writing.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Courtney Collins—A single mother who is the victim of a dangerous deception. What is the fate of her baby boy?
Neil Ellsworth—Drawn into a tangled mesh of love and danger, Neil has secrets of his own. Can the single mother whose baby is missing break down the walls of his hardened heart?
Devanna Davenport—Courtney’s aunt has agreed to help her niece under false pretenses. What is the truth hidden in the darkest depths of her personality?
Detective McGrady—This dedicated sleuth with a big heart tracks a murderous kidnapper.
Jake Delaney—An angry business associate who threatens revenge. But will he have to pay the ultimate price in the end?
Steve Woodward—What will happen when the police discover his participation in investment fraud?
Harold Jensen—This kind gentleman had no idea that his past acquaintance with Devanna would forever seal his fate.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Prologue
Dark waters of a mountain lake quietly rippled as a lone woman eased the rowboat to a small dock beside a floating houseboat. After quickly tying up the boat, she made sure there was no sign of the passenger she had left behind in the middle of the lake. It was done, she thought with satisfaction, quietly laughing to herself. She really did have a talent for this sort of thing. Buzz would be proud of her.
From the beginning she’d followed his instructions. She’d made friends with a middle-aged woman, Devanna Davenport, who had rented a houseboat on Lake Manitou, Idaho, and invited her niece and baby to join her for the summer. Fortunately, all arrangements had been made by telephone, and her offer to help Devanna get settled had been accepted. They had arrived at the houseboat that afternoon. As she moved away from the rowboat, a short, otherworldly chuckle escaped her lips.
Inside the houseboat, she unlocked a small locker, and placed her handgun inside. Then she took out a picture of a rugged, stern-looking man wearing a cowboy hat and western clothes. As she held the photo only a few inches from her face, she could feel his breath and read the message in his dark, hypnotic eyes. She had borne the guilt of their aborted bank robbery when he had been shot to death. But Buzz was still with her, still in charge. Willingly, she continued to do his bidding. As his silent voice had instructed, she had arranged to get her hands on a baby boy, and had also found a place to hide until Buzz ordered her to kill and rob again.
“Our son will be here soon,” she promised him.
Chapter One
“We’re almost there, Jamie,” Courtney said as she turned her small car into the parking lot of a café on the outskirts of the bustling resort town of Manitou, Idaho. She smiled back at her four-month-old son as he opened his deep blue eyes. He’d been changed and fed at their last stop, and had been sleeping peacefully in his carrier until the motion of the car stopped.
“I need to stretch my legs, look at a map, and we’ll be on our way,” she chatted as she got out of the car then reached into the back seat to unfasten his carrier. Being a mother did wonders for developing muscles, she mused as she slung her purse over one shoulder, a diaper bag over the other one, and lifted the baby carrier out of the car. “Here we go, fellow. This is our last stop before we get home.”
Home? The word had a mocking sound to it, and Courtney quickly shoved it away. A few weeks’ visit with an aunt she hadn’t seen since childhood was not a homecoming. During the long drive from Cheyenne, Wyoming, she had begun to question her decision to accept Aunt Devanna’s invitation to join her in Manitou where she was renting a houseboat for the summer.
Courtney’s husband, Clyde, had been killed in a construction accident a few months before the baby’s birth. Except for Aunt Devanna, there were no other members of Courtney’s family to quell her loneliness. That’s what comes from being an only child, she’d often thought. Her parents had always been on the move because of her father’s uncertain employment, and she’d lost both of them before she was twenty-one. She’d put herself through business college, and had married a strong Irishman more out of loneliness than deep love. The union with Clyde Collins had not been one made in heaven.
“You’re just tired. Everything will look different when you get some rest,” she said, silently encouraging herself as she crossed the parking lot. She felt a decade older than her twenty-nine years, and more alone than ever before.
She’d planned on arriving before dark but night shadows had already spread across the mountain valley, and they were still about five miles from Lake Manitou. She needed to look at her map of the area to locate Hidden Cove, where the houseboat was anchored.
Bright lights and the bustle of the café welcomed her, and some of the tension that had been building in her neck and arms eased as she quickly made her way to the restroom. She blessed the infant changing table as she changed Jamie’s diaper. He happily giggled as she playfully buried her face in his tummy and told him what a good boy he was.
After a quick look in the mirror, she combed her straight shoulder-length fair hair and washed her face. She might have brushed on some lipstick, but had no idea where to find it in her bulging purse.
Refreshed, she found an empty booth, set the baby’s carrier on the seat, and slipped in beside him. There was a homey feeling about the place, and it seemed popular. Almost all the tables and booths were filled, and Courtney was surprised when a middle-aged waitress came over quickly to take her order.
“What a darling baby,” she cooed. “Look at those beautiful blue eyes.” Jamie rewarded her flattering attention with a wide, toothless smile.
“His name is Jamie. He’s four months,” Courtney offered, unable to keep pride out of her voice.
“I have a granddaughter about that age. They’re such a blessing, aren’t they?” She handed Courtney a menu. “Take a look, and then I’ll catch your order.”
“Oh, I’ll just have coffee, and a ham-and-cheese sandwich.”
“We have a special on a four-ounce steak?”
Courtney shook her head. “Just the sandwich.”
The steak sounded wonderful, and her taste buds began to quiver at the thought, but she’d kept expenses down during the trip by eating light, and avoiding expensive restaurants and motels.
The accidental life-insurance policy the construction company held on all their workers had paid off at Clyde’s death, and if she watched her spending, the money would give her a breathing spell before she had to find some employment.
While she waited for her order, she pulled out a map of the area and spread it on the table. Before she could look at it, Jamie decided he’d had enough of his carrier. His little arms and legs shot out indignantly, and he began to raise a fuss.
“All right, sweetie.” Courtney quickly put him on her lap. It wasn’t time for him to eat again, so she tried to placate him with his water bottle.
Jamie took the nipple, sucked on it a couple of times, and then spit it out. In one wild sweep of his determined little chubby arms, he sent the water bottle and map careening to the floor.
A man sitting at a nearby table was instantly on his feet. He rescued the map and bottle, smiled at Courtney and chuckled, “I think the little fellow has a mind of his own.”
“Thank you,” Courtney said quickly, a little embarrassed. The stranger was good-looking, somewhere in his thirties, she guessed. Impeccably dressed, he wore a summer jacket over a soft, open-collar shirt, and tailored deep brown slacks. She decided he had the polished appearance of a businessman. “I’m sorry to have bothered you.”
“No problem,” he laughingly assured her. “Picking up things is a natural reflex from having more than a dozen nieces and nephews.” He chuckled. “They keep their uncle Neil hopping, all right.”
NEIL WAS SURPRISED when the attractive woman didn’t pick up on the conversational lead he’d given her. Her smile was polite, but nothing more. Usually his most benign comment would spark some interest in the opposite sex, and a friendly conversation would easily follow. She was quite pretty with soft amber hair, arresting blue eyes and a shapely, firm mouth. He had noticed that she wasn’t wearing a wedding ring, and his ego smarted just a little. He rose to the challenge.
“I guess you’re not from the area,” he said indicating the map. “I’ve lived here most of my life. Maybe I can be of help?”
She shifted the baby from one shoulder to the other, and hesitated a moment before she told him, “I’m joining my aunt for the summer. I was looking for Hidden Cove.”
“It’s right here.” He quickly pointed out the location on the map. Pulling a pencil out of his jacket and bending over the map, he marked it.
“Thank you,” she said in that same polite, dismissing tone.
Neil refrained from telling her that Hidden Cove was on the same side of the lake as his home. Her distant and guarded manner didn’t invite any casual chitchat. He returned to his table without introducing himself.
BY THE TIME THE WAITRESS brought Courtney’s order, the baby had settled down with his pacifier. As she quickly ate her sandwich, she sent several secret glances in the stranger’s direction. Shiny, dark wavy hair drifted nicely down on his forehead, and accented dark brown eyes under well-defined brows. His features were strong and well molded. She noticed that several people stopped at “Uncle Neil’s” table to chat with him. From their friendly banter, Courtney concluded he must be well known in the community.
She sighed. As usual she’d handled the situation all wrong. Striking up conversations with strangers had never been easy for her, especially with a man as good-looking as this one. Because her parents had always been on the move, her childhood had been filled with constant warnings about not taking up with people she didn’t know. Unfortunately, she’d carried that admonition into adulthood. As a young adult, she’d never been part of a social group, nor had the chance to develop skills that would have allowed her to pursue an acquaintance with an attractive man who had come to her rescue.
Oh, well, she consoled herself. She’d never see him again, and she wouldn’t have known what to talk to him about anyway. She kept her eyes away from his table as she paid her bill and walked out of the restaurant.
Neil watched her leave, and wished he’d pointed out the road that would take her around the north side of the lake. If she missed the junction, she could wander around for hours on the wrong side, looking for Hidden Cove.
Impulsively, he quickly took care of his tab, and followed her outside, but as he watched her fasten the baby carrier in the car, he hesitated to approach her. She might misinterpret his helpfulness, and he certainly didn’t want to create any kind of a scene. He decided it might be better to get into his own car, and keep a discreet distance behind her as she took the interstate through the center of town. That way, he’d be ready to catch up with her if she missed the correct turnoff.
The prosperous resort town of Manitou hugged the north side of the expansive lake, and frontage roads circled the water on both sides. In his new two-door sports car, it was easy for Neil to keep her taillights in view. When she made the correct turn at the junction, he was pleased.
Most of the women who had passed through his life were totally predictable. No surprises. No challenges. He hadn’t met anyone in a long time who intrigued him. Something about the way the young mother had handled herself gave him the impression that she was an interesting combination of softness and honed steel. He couldn’t believe he’d let her get away without finding out her name. If she wasn’t married, he’d like to know her better. He wondered which one of his neighbors the attractive young mother was going to visit.
His home was one of the scattered, fashionable houses built on the wooded slopes overlooking Hidden Cove. The northern lake road ran between the water’s edge on one side, and steep mountain hillsides on the other. He was puzzled when she began to slow down because all the homes in the cove were still some distance ahead. He stiffened. Was something wrong with her car? Did she have a flat tire?
She kept going at a slow speed as if looking for something. When she pulled into a narrow parking area above the lake, he let out a soft whistle. So that’s where she was headed! Her destination must be one of the houseboats nestled around the cove.
Well, what do you know? he thought. His real estate company handled the rentals on those particular houseboats. As he headed up the steep winding road to his home, he laughed softly. He was pretty sure he could come up with a good reason to drop by and check on his renters.
Courtney found a parking space marked with the number her aunt had written her. She sat in the car for a long minute before getting out. A brisk wind had come up and she could see ruffled water on the dark lake catching glimmers of moonlight as ripples moved restlessly upon the shore. The scene was a foreign one to her. Because she’d never been around the water very much, she’d never learned to swim. Living in a floating house would be a new experience for her, and she wasn’t sure she’d like it all that much. A strange sense of dread settled on her as she sat there and struggled with some undefined reluctance to get out of the car.
“I’m just tired,” she said aloud. “Come on, honey bun. Let’s go meet your auntie.”
Holding the baby securely, she descended narrow steps leading to a narrow dock and the houseboat snugged up to it. She’d unpack the car later when she had Jamie settled. She had brought only necessities with her and had stored her few possessions for the summer.
An orangish light mounted on a high pole above the stairs gave an eerie cast to the brown, boxlike structure. The name of the houseboat, Nevermore, was carved in a wooden sign swinging in the wind, and a small rowboat tethered at the small dock made a moaning, sucking sound.
A sliver of light edged one of the curtained windows and was the only sign of occupancy. Courtney knew Aunt Devanna had only taken possession of the houseboat a few days ago, but she’d written that she had hired a woman to help her get settled.
A relentless flickering of shadows on the surrounding lake, and the play of boards under Courtney’s feet, added to her growing uneasiness as she stepped on the narrow deck of the houseboat and approached the front door.
Shifting the baby, she freed one arm and knocked loudly on the weathered wood. Nothing happened. Not a sound from inside.
She knocked again and the door opened slightly. She sensed someone peeking out, but couldn’t clearly see who it was. Courtney knew her aunt hadn’t seen her since she was a youngster, and they’d never exchanged photographs, so she quickly identified herself.
“It’s me, Aunt Devanna. I’m sorry to be arriving so late. You gave good directions in your letter,” she offered the reassurance. “I found the houseboat without any trouble.”
The door slowly opened and a woman was silhouetted by the small light behind her. Courtney couldn’t see her features clearly as she opened the door wider and motioned her inside.
When she didn’t say anything, Courtney said, “I really appreciate your invitation to come and spend the summer with you.”
As they stepped into the light, Courtney could see that her aunt was a rather plain, sturdy woman, about five foot eleven, with hair obviously dyed to cover any gray. She was plainly dressed in slacks and a pullover, and looked a lot younger and healthier than Courtney had expected.
The frown on her aunt’s face eased as her gaze dropped to the baby in Courtney’s arms, and a visible warmth rose in her face.
“This is Jamie,” Courtney said quickly, pleased at her aunt’s reaction. As she reached for the baby, Courtney promptly handed Jamie into her waiting arms. “He’s probably ready for his nightly bottle and another diaper change.”
“A baby boy.” Her aunt’s voice was soft and loving as she gazed at the infant. “How old?”
“Four months,” Courtney answered. Her aunt must have forgotten that she’d told her his age in one of her letters. At the time, Courtney had been concerned that Devanna wouldn’t appreciate all the fuss and paraphernalia that a baby required, but that worry was put to rest as she watched her aunt sit on the couch, cuddling Jamie.
How sad that Devanna had never had any children of her own, Courtney thought, watching her with the baby. Her aunt had married a man twice her age, and when he died, she’d inherited a modest lifetime income that allowed her to withdraw into herself and live as a recluse. She must be close to fifty years old now.
Courtney’s mother had rarely heard from her sister. Apparently there had been some friction between them. After her mother’s death, an exchange of Christmas cards with her aunt had been the extent of their communication until Devanna learned of the death of Courtney’s husband and the birth of the baby. No one was more surprised than Courtney when her aunt made the effort to mend family ties. As Courtney watched Devanna with the baby, she was glad she’d decided to come.
Glancing around the houseboat, Courtney could see her aunt had made little, if any, preparation for their arrival. In fact, it didn’t even look as if Devanna had gotten herself settled in. A galleylike kitchen area at one side of the room had numerous boxes sitting on the counters. There were stacks of books on the floor waiting to be put on shelves. Clothes were piled on chairs in the sitting and dining areas.
“Haven’t had time to straighten up,” her aunt said as she watched Courtney’s gaze pass over the clutter.
“I thought you had hired a woman to help you.”
“She didn’t work out,” she answered flatly. “I had to get rid of her.” For an instant it seemed as if a faint smile hovered on her lips.
“Oh, that’s too bad,” Courtney answered, puzzled why her aunt would be pleased about the situation. “Well, I’m here now, and you can tell me what needs to be done.”
Jamie let out a wail that settled matters for the moment. Courtney hurriedly heated a bottle and accepted her aunt’s offer to give it to him.
“Thanks, I’ll go bring everything in from the car. I need to boil some bottles and water for a new batch of formula.”
“You’ll teach me how,” her aunt ordered in a commanding tone that startled Courtney. “You’ll show me everything.”
“Yes, of course,” she responded, totally surprised, not knowing exactly how to handle her aunt’s insistence on caring for the baby.
Courtney made several trips up and down the narrow steps as she unloaded the car. The houseboat was a big disappointment. All imaginary pleasures of living on the water quickly faded as Courtney realized what little privacy she was going to have.
Having seen Hollywood’s version of romantic life aboard such accommodations, Courtney had allowed herself a foolish hope that her visit would be, at the very least, a change from her humdrum routine. The present situation mocked those idle fantasies.
There was more living space in some of the modern RVs Courtney had seen. The houseboat sitting area was divided from a small galley by a counter and barstools. The kitchen included a three-burner cooktop and a small refrigerator crowded with just the things Courtney had unloaded from the ice chest. No dishwasher, but it was blessed with a compact clothes dryer mounted on top of a washing machine. At least she wouldn’t have go out every day to wash the baby’s soiled clothes.
There were two sleeping quarters, small but private.
“That’s mine,” her aunt said in a warning tone to Courtney and she quickly shut the door of one, as if to emphasize that it was off-limits. “You and the baby take that one,” she said curtly, pointing to a door opposite hers.
The sleeping compartment was postage-stamp sized with bunk beds, a small closet, and barely enough floor space to turn around. Courtney set Jamie’s bassinet on the lower bunk, settled him in it, and eyed the top bed with less than enthusiasm.
“It’s plenty big,” her aunt said in an argumentative tone when Courtney didn’t say anything.
“And the bathroom?”
“Right there.” Devanna pointed out a minuscule bathroom crammed in between the two sleeping compartments. The floor space was scarcely big enough for the necessities of toilet and shower, and a couple of small shelves were already filled with her aunt’s toiletries.
Courtney’s expression must have registered her irritation because her aunt quickly opened the door of a small cupboard under the sink. “You can put your stuff here. And there are some extra towels for the baby—and you.”
Devanna smiled with such satisfaction that Courtney was taken aback by the sudden warmth in her eyes. Maybe everything was going to work out after all.
“I’ll get Jamie bedded down for the night, and then we can talk.” Courtney said, anxious to keep her aunt in a good mood. Even though she was dead tired, she knew it was important that they get off to a good start.
Her aunt’s behavior was not at all what Courtney had expected from her friendly letter. Except for her loving attention to the baby, Devanna seemed totally indifferent to Courtney’s presence. Her responses to questions were vague and noncommittal. Even though Courtney knew her aunt had been a recluse most of her life, her lack of social skills was startling.
As soon as Jamie nodded off to sleep, Courtney returned to the sitting room to have some quiet time with her aunt, but she wasn’t there and her sleeping compartment door was closed.
Courtney made a cup of tea, hoping it would help her stay awake until her aunt returned and they could chat. She eased down in a recliner chair that was as well worn as the couch.
The dank, musty smell that Courtney had noticed before seemed even stronger as she sat there in the muted light. The constant sound of a mooring chain clanking against the dock scraped her nerves. As the wind battering the houseboat grew stronger, the ever-present movement of the floors increased under her feet. A sharp peppering of rain against the black windows created a trapped feeling that finally brought her to her feet.
She’d waited long enough. The get-acquainted conversation with her aunt would have to wait until tomorrow. Jamie was sleeping peacefully as she kissed his warm cheek. Just looking at him, she had a sense of purpose in her life that she’d never had before.
As she settled in the upper bunk, a cacophony of weird noises echoed across the water. They were like voices rising and falling in warning. Courtney tried to close her ears to them. Tomorrow in the sunshine, everything would feel different.
Wouldn’t it?
Chapter Two
Courtney spent a restless night, and it seemed to her she’d just dropped off to sleep when Jamie made his presence known and demanded his early-morning bottle. She threw on a robe and picked him up.
His demanding cries would surely wake her aunt at this ungodly hour, she thought as she tried to hush him, but as she hurried past Devanna’s closed door, muted sounds of someone talking and laughing were faintly audible.
Did she have someone in the room with her? The idea was so preposterous, Courtney quickly shoved it away. A radio! Of course. Devanna must be an early riser, listening to an early wake-up program, Courtney decided as she hurried to the kitchen.
Having some company at this early-breakfast hour would be a pleasant change, Courtney thought as she laid the baby on the sofa, changed his diaper, and braced him with pillows while she heated his bottle. She expected her aunt to join them at any time, but Jamie finished his bottle and dropped off to sleep, and still Devanna hadn’t come out of her room.
As Courtney passed the closed door on her way to put Jamie in his bassinet, she listened for the earlier sounds, but there was only silence. Apparently her aunt had fallen back asleep.
Courtney eyed the top bunk, but decided to get dressed instead of going back to bed. She debated about taking a shower before she dressed for the day. If Devanna had gone back to sleep, she didn’t want the sound of the water to awaken her. Better wait until later, after they’d established some kind of mutual routine, she decided.
A displaced feeling was steadily growing in spite of the fact she’d only just arrived. It was probably fatigue that was making her feel jumpy, she reasoned as put on her last pair of clean jeans and a comfortable summer knit top. She’d quickly lost the weight she’d gained with Jamie, and her wardrobe was very pragmatic, mostly denims and summer cottons. She doubted that she’d need anything more during her visit. Her one good outfit would do if Devanna wanted to go out somewhere.
The rain had stopped during the night, leaving a moist fog behind. As the sun began to break through lingering gray clouds, wispy tendrils of a mist rose from the lake. As Courtney looked out the windows, she felt as if the houseboat were floating away into an unknown dimension of nothingness.
It was midmorning before Devanna emerged from her room. She wore dark slacks and a plain green blouse. In the daylight, her complexion looked ruddy, and the deep creases in her forehead showed.
“I made coffee,” Courtney told her quickly, wanting to get the day started off right. “And I could fix you something.”
“I don’t eat breakfast,” she answered ungraciously. “Where’s the baby?”
“Asleep, but he should be waking up anytime now. I’ll be giving him his bath.” Courtney smiled. “He likes it. Splashes water all over the place.”
Devanna just gave a dismissing wave of her hand. “I’ve got business this morning.”
Clearly, her aunt had other things on her mind as she walked over to the counter and picked up a notepad. “Here’s the grocery order. The delivery boy will pick it up when he makes today’s delivery. Make a list of what you want, and he’ll bring it next time.”
“We don’t have a phone?”
“Not unless you’re to fork up the deposit and pay the monthly charges. Not worth the money to me.” She added, “Paying the city for electricity and water hookups isn’t cheap, either.”
“I’ll pay my share of everything.”
“Then I think we’ll get along.”
After she left, Courtney realized that her aunt hadn’t left any money on the counter for the grocery order. When the boy came, she paid for the delivery and gave him both grocery lists.
“Thanks,” he said when she gave him a tip, and looked surprised, as if he hadn’t expected one.
Her aunt was gone for most of the day. A poignant loneliness mocked Courtney’s high hopes for the summer. How she had looked forward to enjoying a sense of “family,” instead of facing the world on her own! When Aunt Devanna had reached out to her, she felt that she wasn’t totally alone anymore, but nothing could have been further from the feelings that plagued her now.
Ever since she’d arrived, her aunt’s welcome would have been totally without any interest or warmth except for the baby. Why? What had happened? Was Devanna regretting the invitation she’d extended in her letter?
As the hours crept by, Courtney struggled to understand her aunt’s behavior. Living as a recluse for years had made her aunt a loner. No doubt about it.
I’ll just have to be patient, she told herself, entertaining a pang of sympathy for her aunt. I’ll win her over. Instead of judging her, I’ll find ways to make her life a little happier, and, hopefully, change some of her eccentric behavior.
DESPITE COURTNEY’S valiant efforts, several days passed without much change in her aunt’s behavior. Her disinterest in Courtney continued, at the same time her growing devotion to the baby intensified. Devanna quickly learned Jamie’s schedule, and was eager to feed him, change his diaper and lull him to sleep.
Courtney couldn’t have found a better nursemaid. With time on her hands, getting the houseboat in shape fell to Courtney. She organized her aunt’s belongings as best she could, and was puzzled at Devanna’s disinterest in the books she’d brought, and the unfinished embroidery in her sewing basket.
When Devanna wasn’t caring for the baby, she spent a lot of time in her room with the door shut. Other times, she left the houseboat in her gray van without offering any explanations as to where she was going, or where she’d gone. She had a habit of bringing back fast food for herself, but never any for Courtney.
“I didn’t know what you’d like.”
Why didn’t you ask? Her aunt’s lack of interest in any open communication between them baffled Courtney. Devanna never reminisced about the past, nor shared any childhood memories of growing up with Courtney’s mother. Any attempt to engage her in casual conversation fell flat.
Even though they were docked, Courtney felt isolated from everything and everyone by water, so she spent uninterrupted hours on the narrow deck encircling the houseboat. The weather had turned clear and warm, and the view of the surrounding mountains and the ever-changing water of the lake was a balm to her growing discomfort.
She loved watching the activity on the lake. Private boats, large and small, dotted the dark blue waters. Water-skiers created white wakes like rooster tails as they skimmed by, and two commercial tourist vessels made many runs a day. Sandy beaches were filled with swimmers of all ages, but Courtney never had the urge to get into the water herself.
She spent time reading some of her aunt’s books, but when she spied a small ladder leading to the flat roof of the houseboat, she welcomed a new way to spend her idle time. A perfect place for sunbathing!
Her spirits rose as she quickly changed into her swimsuit and grabbed her suntan lotion. Since her aunt had disappeared on one of her mysterious drives, and Jamie was taking a morning nap, she was free to have a pleasant time in the sun.
She climbed up the ladder, and was getting ready to stretch out on the roof when the noise of an approaching boat caught her attention. A sleek cruiser skimmed the water with a foamy wake, and she watched as it docked at another houseboat a short distance away.
Her sigh was filled with envy. The old rowboat that her aunt had said came with the rental of their houseboat didn’t appeal to her, and she doubted that she would ever try to take it out on the lake.
Keeping a motherly ear for any sound of Jamie, Courtney let herself relax for the first time since her arrival. The warm sun felt lovely. After a few minutes, she sat up, preparing to turn over on her back, but as she glanced across the water, she was startled to see the sleek cruiser heading in her direction.
As it came closer, she could see a man wearing a nautical cap and white sports clothes at the wheel. She couldn’t believe it when he eased the boat into their dock, next to the rowboat.
Who in the world?
Hurriedly, she descended the ladder and made her way around the deck to the dock side. She was absolutely stunned when she came face-to-face with the man she’d encountered at the restaurant the night of her arrival. She couldn’t find her voice to even say hello.
Neil pretended to be as totally surprised to see her. “Well, I’ll be! Can you believe it? Remember me? The rescuer of baby bottles and maps?”
More than once the helpful stranger had been in Courtney’s thoughts as she’d wondered what would have happened if she’d only seized the opportunity to get to know him.
He laughed deeply at her astonishment and held out his hand. “Neil Ellsworth. It’s nice to see you again. I guess it’s a small world, after all.”
“Yes it is,” she echoed. “Courtney Collins.”
Her hand felt soft, yet firm in his. “Nice to meet you, Courtney.”
“Why—?” she stammered. “I mean I don’t understand. What brought you here?”
“Business,” he answered with a solemnity that contrasted with the twinkle in his eye and the curve of his lips.
She smiled back. “What kind of business?”
“I’m your landlord.”
“What?” she gasped in total surprise. “You own this houseboat?”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “No, but my company handles the rental on most of the houseboats in Hidden Cove.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“It’s true.” He launched into the explanation he’d mentally prepared. “Since all the arrangements for Nevermore were made by mail, I thought I’d introduce myself to Devanna Davenport and see if the accommodations were satisfactory. She must be the aunt you told me you were joining for the summer. What a coincidence.”
“I’m afraid she isn’t here right now.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I didn’t see a phone listing or I would have called ahead.”
“If you’d like to wait…?” She felt heat rising in her cheeks as she suddenly realized she was standing there in a very brief, hot-pink swimming suit that had never touched water. She’d bought it at a secondhand store, just for sunbathing.
“Thanks, I think I will. If it’s no trouble?”
“I was enjoying the sun, but I’ve really had enough for the first time out,” she lied. “Would you like to come inside? I think there’s some lemonade in the fridge.”
“Sounds great.”
As Neil followed her inside, he mentally patted himself on the back for orchestrating a way to see her again. Her slender figure was perfection in the revealing two-piece bathing suit, and the way she moved was sexy enough to stimulate his masculine desires. The pleasure of cupping her enticing backside with his caressing hands crossed his mind as she walked in front of him. She was every bit as physically attractive as he had remembered, but there was something more that had captured his interest from the beginning.
Ever since their casual meeting, he’d been asking himself what it was about her that intrigued him. Maybe it was a kind of melancholy vulnerability, or a challenging independence that reminded him of a frightened child bowing her neck to fight the world. Whatever the attraction, he only knew she touched some responsive chord deep within him, and he was drawn to her in some undefined way.
“Excuse me for a minute,” she said apologetically. “I need to check on Jamie. I’ll just be a minute.”
“No problem.” He sat down on one of the counter barstools to wait.
As Neil glanced around the clean and tidy room, he was satisfied he could reassure the owner that Devanna Davenport was a satisfactory renter. He was anxious to meet the aunt. Was she anything like her niece? he wondered.
When Courtney returned a few minutes later, he saw she’d draped a saronglike garment over her swimming suit. As far as Neil was concerned, the soft, clinging material only heightened the tantalizing lines and curves of her figure. He indulged in a fleeting masculine fantasy of drawing her close and feeling her loveliness pressed against him. Regretfully, he forced his thoughts back to reality and inquired politely about the baby.
“He’s still asleep,” she said, smiling. “He’s settled into the change nicely.”
“And what about you? Is living on the water to your liking?” Something in her bright tone seemed slightly false.
“I’m not sure.” Faint worry lines marred the smoothness of her brow.
“It may take some getting used to,” he offered.
“I guess so.”
Something in the situation was weighing heavily on her, Neil was sure of it. Even though he knew he should distance himself from any concerns about her private life, he couldn’t. The fact that he’d gone to such lengths to see her again mocked any indifference to her welfare.
“I hope this is sweet enough for you,” she said as she set down a pitcher and two glasses, and then took a stool beside him.
He took a sip. “Perfect.”
“You’re easy to please,” she said, smiling at him.
“Nope, to the contrary. My family accuses me of being the worst perfectionist in the world.”
“Tell me about your family,” she urged. In her childhood, she’d been the little girl looking through a fence, watching the extended family next door gathered for a family celebration. “I know you have a lot of nieces and nephews.” He’d referred to himself as “uncle” at the restaurant.
“I have four brothers and two sisters. They’re all great. One sister, and my younger twin brothers live in Manitou.”
She listened, captivated, as he talked about a large overflowing family, with deep roots planted in this community where he was raised.
“My parents are retired and enjoy traveling without a parcel of kids underfoot. All of my siblings are married and I’m the only single one left.”
“Why is that?”
“Oh, I’m not a good candidate for marriage,” he replied lightly, but there was a flickering of shadow in his dark brown eyes, and Courtney wondered what had put it there. “Of course, everyone tells me I haven’t met the right woman. What do you think?”
“I don’t know,” she answered honestly, at a loss when it came to understanding the desires of the heart. “There are a lot of reasons for getting married, I guess.”
“And divorced?” he asked pointedly.
She knew what he was asking. “I’m not divorced.”
He listened attentively as she told him about the unexpected death of Jamie’s father several months before the baby was born. “He was a construction worker. A faulty beam fell six stories, and killed him.”
“I’m sorry. How long had you been married?”
“A couple of years.”
When she didn’t volunteer any more personal information about her marriage, he refrained from asking any more questions. He hated it when people tried to dig around in his past. It wasn’t anybody’s business why he’d decided to forgo marriage.
They sipped their lemonade in silence until Courtney offered quietly, “I’m trying to get my life back together. I thought spending the summer with my aunt would help, but…” Her voice trailed off.
“Things aren’t working out the way you thought?”
She shook her head. “Maybe it’s me, but…” She might have said more but they heard the sound of footsteps on the deck.
Her aunt was back.
Neil instantly rose to his feet as Devanna came in. “Mrs. Davenport. How nice to meet you. I’m Neil Ellsworth. I handled your rental through the Ellsworth Real Estate and Investment Company.”
“Of course,” she responded with only the slightest hesitation. Her eyes lowered just slightly as if her thoughts were racing ahead. “Is there some problem?”
“Oh, not at all,” Neil assured her. “Just making a routine check on all the rented houseboats. I want to make sure everything is satisfactory.”
“How nice of you.” She visibly relaxed and smiled. “We don’t have many handsome men calling on us, do we, Courtney?”
“I find that hard to believe,” Neil responded gallantly.
Courtney couldn’t believe the metamorphosis in her aunt’s behavior. She was all smiles and began gushing about how wonderful it was to have her niece and the baby staying with her.
“I’m glad the houseboat is working out for you.”
“Oh, it is,” she assured him. “Lots of privacy. No nosy neighbors gawking at you. We don’t have even one complaint, do we Courtney?”
The ease with which her aunt was able to change her persona so dramatically disturbed Courtney in a way she didn’t understand. She was glad when Jamie’s protesting wail alerted her and she quickly excused herself.
She left Neil and Devanna chatting pleasantly, and when she returned with the baby a few minutes later, she was surprised to find that Devanna had already heated his bottle.
“Here, let me have him,” Devanna ordered. “He likes to have Auntie feed him, don’t you, sweetheart?” She took the baby out of Courtney’s arms and sat down on the couch to give him his bottle.
“Your aunt tells me you haven’t been away from the houseboat at all, Courtney. I was wondering if you’d like to have lunch with me at the marina?” Neil asked, giving her one of his people-management smiles.
“Oh, I’m afraid I couldn’t,” Courtney responded quickly. “The baby—”
“Is obviously in good hands,” he finished for her. “You really should take some time for yourself.”
“I agree,” Devanna said firmly. “She’s been much too gloomy to be good company.”
I haven’t been the only one, Courtney wanted to snap back, but restrained herself.
“The baby will be fine. Won’t you, darling?” Smiling down at Jamie, Devanna cooed, “Such a sweet, sweet, sweety pie. Auntie loves you.”
Courtney’s feelings were mixed. Should she leave the baby? Her aunt had taken enough care of him to reassure her that he’d be in good hands. It was true she’d slipped into a funk since her arrival. Getting away for a few hours might put some life back into her. Just thinking about being with other people tempted her to accept the invitation. She had no idea why Neil wanted to bother himself like this, but could she refuse?
“It’s settled then,” Neil said hopefully.
She nodded. “Give me a few minutes to change.”
When she returned, Neil smiled appreciatively at her nicely fitted denim slacks and yellow knit top that brought out the golden highlights in her hair. Her skin was lightly burnished from her time in the sun, and an excited sparkle in her eyes matched the lightness of her step.
She kissed the baby, gave her aunt some instructions about baby food and then turned to him. “I guess I’m ready.”
“Would you like to take a spin around the lake before we head for the marina?” he asked her as they settled themselves in his speedboat.
“If you have the time. I don’t want to interfere with your work.”
“Pleasure before business anytime,” he assured her, grinning.
His relaxed good humor was infectious. As the boat skimmed over the water, Courtney became a part of the scene she’d been watching from the deck of the houseboat. She lifted her face boldly to the wind and let her hair fly free. She laughed with Neil when the spray from a nearby boat bathed both of them.
She couldn’t believe she was actually going to lunch with such a charming, attractive man. He’d made it clear that he wasn’t interested in any serious commitments, and that was fine with her. She’d never felt such freedom to enjoy the moment and put aside any thoughts about the future.
Neil was delighted with her childlike pleasure. She was different from the women he was used to dating. Most of them were concerned about how they looked while they role-played the femme fatale. He was pleased that once Courtney seemed secure enough to lower her guard, there was no pretense about her. He wondered about her background, and was determined to know a lot more about her before their lunch date was over.
As they headed for the far end of the lake, Hidden Cove disappeared behind them and the brown houseboat was lost from view.
AS SHE SAT IN FRONT OF Buzz’s photo, her eyes sparkled with happiness. Laughing joyfully, she held up the baby for him to see.
“Look, darling. Just like we always planned. Our very own baby boy. Remember how you promised me a child of my own some day?” She snuggled against Jamie’s soft cheek. “And here he is. The moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was ours.”
Her expression sobered as she cocked her head and listened. “Yes, I know, Buzz. But don’t worry. I’ll make another hit, and then I’ll have money to travel. I’ve been checking out some of the banks.”
She listened again, frowning. “It’s okay, Buzz. Relax, honey. I have plans to take care of the woman soon.”
Cuddling the baby in her arms, she began to hum a lullaby.
NEIL DOCKED THE BOAT at the marina in a recreational area that stretched several blocks along the lake. The beautifully landscaped area was inviting with clean, sandy beaches, winding paths, park benches and nearby colorful shops. With Courtney walking beside him, Neil was surprised how her presence made him view everything with a fresh eye.
She commented on flower beds, fountains and lush green lawns, and when she saw mothers pushing baby carriages and strollers, she exclaimed excitedly, “I’ll have to bring Jamie here.”
“Maybe you and my sister Maribeth could arrange a play date. She has two little ones.”
Courtney gave a vague nod of her head. She thought it wasn’t likely that his sister would follow through on the idea.
“You’d like her,” he added with a smile. “She’s my youngest sister. There’s only a couple years difference between us, and I guess I’m closer to her than the others. I can always tell when she’s feeling down, and needs a pick-me-up.” He grinned at Courtney. “She has eyes that give her feelings away—just like you do.”
“I’m that easy to read?”
“Not entirely,” he assured her.
“Well, thank you for rescuing me.”
“My pleasure. What kind of food do you like?”
“Any kind I don’t have to cook,” she readily replied. “A hot dog would be just fine.”
“Oh, I think I can do better than that.” He boldly slipped his arm through hers.
They walked several blocks to a small café in a Victorian house, complete with an old-fashioned cupola and gingerbread trim. A plump hostess dressed in old-fashioned costume greeted Neil with a welcoming smile and gave Courtney a quick assessing glance as if interested in seeing whom he was squiring for lunch.
“A nice table outside?” she asked Neil as if the question were rhetorical. Courtney suspected the hostess was asking if he wanted his usual table.
“What would you like?” he asked, deferring to Courtney. “Inside or out?”
“Outside sounds nice,” she readily replied. She’d had enough of being cooped up in a houseboat, eating meals at a counter.
A canopy of trees shaded the wide veranda, and the hostess led them to a table near a fountain spilling water into a small pond circled by feathery green ferns. The faint perfume of roses touched Courtney’s nostrils and she drew in the heavenly scent. The fragrance was a sharp contrast to the musty, dank smell of the houseboat.
Neil held Courtney’s chair and then took a seat opposite her. The hostess handed them an ornate menu decorated with cupids and flourishes of flowers and birds.
“Thank you, Harriet.”
“My pleasure.” She gave Neil a knowing smile. “Please enjoy.”
Courtney took one look at the prices and knew the Victorian café would never be mistaken for a fast-food establishment.
“See anything you like?” Neil asked, seeing her frown as she studied the elaborate selections.
How could she make a choice when every single entrée stimulated her taste buds? “What do you usually have?”
“Well, let’s see.” He readily pointed out several selections, confirming that he dined there often.
She didn’t know about his usual luncheon dates, but if he expected her to order something dainty like a watercress salad, he was in for a surprise.
After a careful job of elimination, she said, “I think I’ll have lentil soup, baked pork with apple-sauce, creamed asparagus and scalloped potatoes. Raisin bread pudding for dessert.” She closed the menu and leaned back in her chair.
“Good choice.” He chuckled silently. Her frank appetite appealed to him. It was refreshing to date a woman who enjoyed good food and made no bones about it. “I think I’ll have the same. Would you like a drink while we’re waiting? I recommend an English beer. It goes great with pork.”
His twinkling eyes challenged her, but she shook her head. “I’ll settle for a pot of tea, please.”
As they waited for their orders, he entertained her with stories about the community and his family. “I took over the Ellsworth Real Estate and Investment Company when my dad decided to call it quits.”
“And you like it?”
“Most of the time. I’ve made some mistakes. Trusted some people I shouldn’t have.” A shadow flickered in his brown eyes, and Courtney waited for him to explain but he changed the subject.
When their food arrived, conversation petered off into brief comments about the delicious fare. He smiled as she lifted a delicate china teapot and poured the fragrant brew into a gold-rimmed teacup.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why are you smiling?”
“There was such pleasure in your face, I couldn’t help picturing you at an elegant tea party, offering gold-rimmed cups to fashionable guests.”
She laughed. “Nothing could be further from the truth. I don’t think we ever had cups that weren’t chipped, and no two alike. Every time we moved, which was often, we had to start from scratch replacing what we’d broken or left behind.”
“What did your father do?”
“He was a welder. Not a very good one, I’m afraid,” she said sadly. “He tried hard, but never stayed with any job for very long. I put myself through business college, and was working as a secretary for a construction company when I met my husband, Clyde.” She paused. “Our marriage had its challenges.”
“Well, I decided a long time ago I’m not husband or father material.”
Undoubtedly, more than one unattached female considered him a good catch, Courtney thought. She wanted to assure him that she wasn’t looking for a man to complicate her life. Even though she had married out of loneliness, there had been very little companionship in her marriage, and the tender love she’d desperately sought had evaded her. She certainly wasn’t about to open herself to that kind of heartache again.
She gave her attention to the delicious pudding steeped in brandy sauce, and finished the last bite when she glanced at her watch.
“Oh, my goodness, I’ve got to get back. Jamie is always fussing after his noontime nap.” She instantly felt a sense of guilt for putting her son completely out of her mind for nearly three hours.
“He’s in good hands,” Neil reassured her. “While you were getting dressed, your aunt told me how much Jamie means to her. I guess she’s never had children of her own. Anyone can see she feels very possessive about him.”
“I’m beginning to think Jamie is the only reason she invited us to come,” Courtney said honestly. “It’s been quite a disappointment. I thought she and I would become friends and enjoy a special companionship this summer. But it’s not happening.”
“You’ve only been here a few days,” he reminded her. “If she’s not used to living with anyone, it may take a little time for her to adjust.”
“I suppose so.”
“You’ll win her over.”
Courtney wished she could be that optimistic. She couldn’t understand her aunt’s baffling behavior, let alone find a way to change it. She dreaded returning to the houseboat’s oppressive atmosphere and negative energy, but her son was her first priority. She had no business running around, thinking about her own pleasure.
When they docked beside the houseboat, Courtney thanked Neil for the outing.
“Maybe we should do this again,” he suggested.
“I don’t think I should make a habit of being away from the baby, but thank you for today.”
There was a finality in her refusal that surprised him because she’d given him every indication that she had enjoyed his company. Obviously, she wasn’t as taken with him as he had been with her, he decided, his pride smarting just a little. He wasn’t used to having women turn him down.
“Enjoy your visit,” he said in a polite tone. As he waved goodbye from his boat, he didn’t think he’d give her a chance to reject him again.
Courtney stood for a moment on the deck and watched the wake of the boat disappear in the distance. They were from two different worlds, and she ought to have the sense to realize it. Sighing, she turned into the houseboat.
“I’m back.”
A haunting emptiness echoed her words.
She stiffened as an undefined apprehension assaulted her from the dark gloom of the houseboat. Something was wrong. She could feel it.
Her heart was suddenly pounding as she bounded to the sleeping compartment to check on her baby.
She froze in the doorway when she saw Jamie’s bassinet was empty, and the diaper bag she kept at the front of the lower bunk gone.
She spun on her heels. The only place left was her aunt’s compartment. Maybe her aunt had taken him into her sleeping room. Anxiously, she opened the door and looked in.
Empty.
No sign of Jamie or Aunt Devanna anywhere in the floating house.
Chapter Three
Fighting back rising panic, Courtney dashed around the narrow deck to the stern end of the houseboat. Sometimes her aunt spent time sitting there, but her chair was empty and no baby things in sight. The houseboat creaked with emptiness as Courtney checked again, inside and out. Then she took the narrow steps two at a time up to the parking area.
Her aunt’s gray van was gone.
Courtney couldn’t believe it. Devanna had taken Jamie somewhere! For a moment, anger overrode Courtney’s anxiety. She was furious! Her aunt had no business taking the baby anywhere without her permission.
Courtney started for her car and then stopped. Get hold of yourself! Common sense mocked her impulse to go chasing after the van. What good would it do, driving around blindly, trying to find them? She hadn’t the foggiest idea where her aunt might have gone. I shouldn’t have left my baby, Courtney mentally lashed herself.
Pacing up and down, she fought to calm a hurricane of fear. It was time for Jamie to have another feeding. Had Devanna taken a bottle with her? How long had they been gone? A few minutes? Or had Devanna driven away with Jamie as soon as Courtney and Neil had been out of sight?
Her eyes kept searching the lake road in both directions, and all types of scenarios filled her mind. There’d been an accident! The van had developed engine trouble! Jamie had gotten sick and Devanna had rushed him to the hospital! There was no telephone in the houseboat. Should she go somewhere to call someone? But who? Every time a car came into view, Courtney’s hopes rose, and then quickly fell. She even walked a short distance up and down the road as if that might hurry their return.
When the gray van finally came into view, Courtney thought she might be hallucinating until it slowed and pulled into the parking area.
Letting out a cry of relief, she rushed over to it. Her aunt gave her an innocent smile as she jerked open the front door and settled her frantic gaze on Jamie.
Thank God! The baby was securely fastened in his carrier and sound asleep. His little face was peaceful and content, and Courtney was weak with a combination of relief, frustration and anger.
“He was fussy, so I took him for a little ride. You weren’t worried, were you?” Devanna asked. The funny little quirk to her lips might have been a suppressed smile.
“What do you think?” Courtney snapped. “You scared me half to death, taking him off like that.”
Devanna looked surprised. “You should have known I’d never let anything happen to Jamie. You don’t have to worry when he’s with me.”
As Courtney took the baby out of the car, he opened his eyes and gave her one of his toothless smiles. She blinked back tears of thankfulness. He was all right. She’d been worried for nothing.
“He’s precious, isn’t he?” Devanna cooed. “And such a good baby. He settled right down once we were in the car. I brought his diaper bag along just in case.”
Her aunt seemed so sincere that Courtney felt guilty about lashing out at her. She should have known that her aunt was responsible when it came to taking care of Jamie. Her love for the baby was undeniable.
“And how was your lunch with that handsome fellow?” Devanna asked when they were back inside the houseboat.
“Very nice,” Courtney said honestly.
“I guess he’ll be coming around again?”
“I don’t think so.”
“That’s too bad,” Devanna answered, thoughtfully. “I thought you’d enjoy getting out, now and again.”
Courtney looked at her in surprise. Usually Devanna ignored her unless the situation had something to do with the baby. This was the first time her aunt had expressed any interest in her well-being. Maybe things were going to smooth out between them after all.
Unfortunately, the next few days Devanna seemed more preoccupied than ever, and in a world of her own. She left the houseboat frequently, and Courtney continued to hear radiolike talking and laughing in the middle of the night.
Devanna’s only consistency was her attention to Jamie. She was ready and willing to take over his care as much as Courtney would allow. The baby provided the only real sharing between the two women. Most of the time, Devanna seemed lost in her own world, and Courtney’s hope that a friendly companionship would develop between them quickly died.
A greater sense of loneliness than before settled on Courtney, especially when she thought about Neil. She relived over and over the time they’d spent together. Clearly, he was content with his single life, and a lonely widow wasn’t in his future. She’d never been one to lie to herself, and trying to make a Cinderella story out of their relationship would be pure stupidity. Neil might be interested in a light summer flirtation, but she didn’t want to go there. She’d never been able to center her life for momentary pleasures, and now, more than ever, she had to think about the future because of her precious Jamie. Yes, she’d done the right thing turning down his tentative suggestion of another date.
During one of Devanna’s absences from the houseboat, Courtney was lounging on the couch, reading one the books her aunt had brought—and never looked at—when there was a knock at the door. Her heartbeat instantly quickened.
Neil! Maybe he’d come back to see her.
Nervously she smoothed her hair, straightening the collar of her summer blouse, and took a deep breath as she opened the door.
It wasn’t Neil.
A gray-haired gentleman stood there, peering at her through gold-rimmed glasses. Slight of build, his hair was thinning at the temples, and a summer jacket hung a little loose on his shoulders.
“I’m sorry to bother you,” he apologized quickly. “I’m looking for an old friend of mine, Devanna Davenport.”
“That’s my aunt,” Courtney assured him quickly.
His face brightened. “Oh, good. I was afraid I might have the wrong houseboat. I’m Harold Jensen.”
“I’m sorry, she’s not in right now, Mr. Jensen. But I’m expecting her back any time. Would you like to come in and wait for her?”
“Yes, thank you. I’m looking forward to seeing Devanna again. It’s a pleasure to meet her niece.”
The use of her aunt’s first name and his warm tone suggested a personal acquaintance. Courtney was curious how “personal” it might have been. Her aunt had still been a young woman when her older husband died. Maybe there had been some men in her life during those years she chose to live away from the family.
“Please have a seat,” Courtney offered, glad that she’d straightened up the room before she sat down with her book. Jamie was kicking happily on a baby blanket she’d spread out on the floor beside the couch.
Mr. Jensen smiled at the baby as he took a nearby chair. With old-fashioned politeness, he made all the proper inquiries about Jamie’s name and how old he was. She was glad she’d dressed Jamie in a pretty blue romper suit with matching booties. She didn’t have many chances to show him off.
“May I get you something to drink?” Courtney offered.
“No, thank you. I’m fine.”
“I’m sure Aunt Devanna will be happy to see you,” Courtney told him, even though she knew better than to try and predict Devanna’s behavior. Her aunt might react to Mr. Jensen the way she had to Neil, all friendly and outgoing, or she might give him that cold, vacant stare that sent shivers rippling up Courtney’s back.
Mr. Jensen sighed. “To tell the truth, I lost track of Devanna years ago. I worked for her late husband, and spent a lot of time in their California home. I was his personal accountant until he died,” he said with a hint of pride. “I’ve always remembered how nice she was to me.”
As Mr. Jensen shared his memories of Devanna, Courtney realized how much her aunt had changed from those happy days when her husband was alive.
“I was sorry when Devanna sold the California company after her husband’s death, and moved to Seattle. I often wondered what happened to her.” He pushed back his glasses. “I’m now an accountant for Ellsworth Real Estate and Investment.”
“You are?” she asked in surprise. “I just met Neil Ellsworth a few days ago.”
“A very nice young man. I worked for his father until he retired. Anyway, yesterday I was handling some papers on houseboat rentals. Imagine my surprise when I came across Devanna’s name. I guess there’s no question about it being the same Devanna Davenport?”
Courtney assured him that her aunt’s personal history matched the one he’d described. Because the man seemed sincerely interested, Courtney shared a little bit about her aunt’s withdrawal from family contact and her tendency to be a recluse. In a way, she wanted to prepare him for meeting the withdrawn, strange woman her aunt had become.
After waiting nearly an hour, Devanna still hadn’t returned and Mr. Jensen decided not to wait any longer. Since Courtney had no idea where her aunt had gone, it was anybody’s guess when she’d be back. Obviously disappointed, Mr. Jensen prepared to take his leave.
“Please tell her that I dropped by, and I’ll be back to see her another time,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure chatting with you. Your aunt must be proud of you and the baby.”
“Aunt Devanna loves Jamie,” Courtney responded, wishing she could say the same affection extended to her. “I’ve enjoyed meeting you, Mr. Jensen. Please come again.”
“Thank you. I certainly will.”
She stood on the front deck as he crossed the narrow dock and climbed the steps. He drove away in a small white car. What a nice man. He’d helped her pass a lonely afternoon, and she looked forward to seeing him again.
When her aunt came back, nearly two hours later, Courtney eagerly told her about Mr. Jensen’s visit.
Devanna just shrugged. “I don’t even remember the man. And I doubt he remembers me that well, either.”
Her aunt’s crude dismissal startled Courtney. Several times her use of coarse expressions seemed incongruous with her aunt’s background, and Courtney wondered where she’d picked up the roughness.
NEIL’S PRIDE CONTINUED to smart from Courtney’s lackluster response about a second date. He concentrated on business and tried to shove her to the back of his mind. After all, there were plenty of numbers in his little black book if he got in the mood to date someone. Unfortunately, he had to pass by the houseboat on the lake road both coming and going to work, and he couldn’t help thinking about her.
When his sister Maribeth provided the perfect excuse to see her again, he thought, why not. There was always the chance that if he saw her again, he’d get over the ridiculous attraction that kept her at the edge of his mind.
She was sitting alone on the front deck reading when he drove to the houseboat to see her. A sudden glow in her eyes when she saw him was encouraging. Maybe she regretted her cool reaction about a second date after all.
“How have you been?” he asked as he dropped into a chair beside her.
“Fine,” she assured him after a slight hesitation.
“And Jamie? How is the baby?”
She brightened. “Great. I just put him down for his nap.”
“And your aunt?”
Once again Courtney hesitated. “Devanna seems to keep busy. I’m not sure exactly what she finds to do, or where she goes.”
“So you’re here pretty much by yourself?”
She gave him a faint smile as if she knew exactly what he was leading up to. Maybe it was no surprise to her that he was back again. Was he as apparent as all that, Neil asked himself.
Aloud, he asked, “How would you like to make my sister, Maribeth, happy?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Your sister?”
“She’s giving a birthday party for our twin brothers, Alex and Allen. They’re both married with families, but Maribeth is the one who organizes all the parties. She asked me to bring someone, and I was hoping you and Jamie might be my date. It’s the day after tomorrow.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Courtney responded quickly. A dozen reasons why she shouldn’t go flooded her mind as quickly as her next breath.
“There’ll be kids and babies all over the place. Utter confusion. Lots of food. Good humor and teasing. What do you say?”
For a minute, Courtney couldn’t say anything. She was completely taken aback by the invitation. Family birthday parties were completely outside her sphere of experience. How would she fit in at such a gathering? The way Neil was smiling at her, she wanted to go more than anything. It wouldn’t be a romantic date, she reassured herself, and she wouldn’t have to leave Jamie.
“I…I think I would like to go.”
“Great. It’ll be a casual affair,” he assured her. “Nothing fancy. Just a good time.”
Courtney couldn’t think of anything that sounded more wonderful. Every day she spent on the houseboat deepened her feelings of isolation and loneliness.
“Thanks for asking me…us,” she laughingly corrected herself. “It will be Jamie’s first venture out into Manitou society.”
“Good, I’ll pick you up about six o’clock.”
When Courtney told her aunt about the birthday party and her invitation to go, Devanna seemed pleased. It was only when Courtney told her she’d be taking Jamie with her that her aunt objected furiously.
“No, that’s a stupid idea! A baby doesn’t have any business at some wild shindig where people are carousing around, acting like damn fools.”
“It’s not that kind of party,” Courtney protested. “It’s a family get-together.”
“You’ll have a better time without him,” Devanna said, trying a different tack. “No man wants to go out with a woman who’s lugging around a baby.”
“Neil specifically asked me to bring Jamie,” Courtney countered. “There’ll be other mothers and babies there.”
Courtney had never seen her aunt angry before. Devanna said something under her breath. Her face was flushed. Her eyes had narrowed to almost slits. She looked as if she were about to tell Courtney that she couldn’t take Jamie.
Courtney just faced her with steady eyes and a firm chin. When it came to Jamie, nobody was going to tell her what she could and couldn’t do.
With apparent effort, her aunt seemed to restrain herself, and said with a tight mouth, “I just want what’s best for him.”
“So do I,” Courtney replied shortly, but the anguish in her aunt’s face made her add gently, “Jamie is blessed to have an aunt who loves him so much. But he’s my child.”
Devanna turned away, went into her room and slammed the door.
THE NIGHT OF THE PARTY, Devanna didn’t come out to speak to Neil when he came to pick up Courtney and the baby.
“Here we go, fellow,” he said as he deftly fastened the belts across Jamie’s carrier. Courtney could tell he hadn’t exaggerated his uncle Neil role. He handled the baby like a pro. Neil glanced at Courtney as they drove through Manitou to his sister’s home in a lovely residential area on the west end of the lake. She looked lovely in a simple, pale pink summer dress, tiny pearl earrings her only jewelry, and her hair pulled up on top of her head, with wisps of fair hair curling around her tanned cheeks. He felt a tightness in his chest just looking at her.
He couldn’t tell from her tense expression if she was nervous about the evening, or unhappy about something. He wondered if she’d changed her mind about going out with him again. He’d never felt as unsure of himself with any woman as he did with her.
“Are you worried about something?” he finally asked, when every attempt he made at light conversation fell flat. Was she bored with his company already?
“It’s my aunt,” she sighed. “She threw a fit about me bringing Jamie. I can’t help wondering if maybe she was right.”
“Oh, so that’s it.” He smiled in relief. “A nervous mother. Believe me, you don’t have a thing to worry about. Maribeth will love you both on sight—and so will everybody else.”
“Tell me about your brothers. Are they identical twins?” she asked, wanting to keep the attention off herself. She wasn’t at all sure that Neil’s optimistic assurances weren’t more hopeful thinking than anything.
“Yes, but they’re different personalities and work together very well. They’re partners in a successful car dealership.” He chuckled. “Alex is the more aggressive. He’ll probably try to sell you his latest model if you give him an opening.”
When they arrived at a well-lit, two-storied home on the lake frontage, Neil held the baby’s carrier in one hand and guided Courtney into the house with the other.
“We’re here!”
Courtney scarcely had time to take a deep breath before she was enveloped in a sea of introductions to Neil’s family and friends. She got the impression that they were totally surprised that he was arriving with a woman and a baby, and she was sure the absence of a wedding ring on her finger didn’t go unnoticed.
“How nice to meet you, Courtney,” Maribeth said, squeezing her hand. Short, dark, curly hair framed her face and accented the same shade of brown eyes as Neil’s. She was rather plump, vivacious, and bubbled with friendliness. “And what a beautiful baby.” She nodded at Neil and winked. “Nice going, brother!”
“I thought you’d approve,” Neil answered, giving her an affectionate hug.
“Come on, Courtney, I’ll show you the nursery.” Maribeth took the carrier, then told her brother, “There’s food and drink on the terrace, and some of the fellows are watching a football game. We’ll make sure this little fellow is settled in, and then we’ll be down.”
“Sounds good.” He winked at Courtney. “Don’t get lost. My sister has a habit of monopolizing people she likes.”
“It’s true,” Maribeth laughingly admitted as she and Courtney went upstairs. “Neil never said boo about who he was bringing. What a lovely surprise. I didn’t know he was even seeing someone with a baby.”
Courtney wanted to correct the “seeing” part, but Maribeth didn’t give her a chance. A proud mother of a two-month-old little girl and a five-year-old boy, Maribeth centered the conversation on the demands and marvels of motherhood as she led the way down the upper hall.
“My son is playing with some of his cousins in the backyard. He thinks he’s much too big to stay in the nursery,” she said, laughing proudly.
Courtney tried to hide her shock when she saw the nursery. She couldn’t believe the spacious, beautifully decorated room was the domain of one little baby girl in a ruffled pink bassinet. White furniture and carpet blended with lovely swags of lace curtains at the windows, and harmonized with a pastel floral wallpaper. The wonderful, clean smell was a sharp contrast to the stale odors in the houseboat’s tiny quarters.
A large middle-aged woman in a nursemaid’s uniform stood at a small kitchenette in the far corner of the room. As they entered, she turned around and asked, smiling, “Another little one for the party?”
“Yes, Hazel,” Maribeth answered. “This cute fellow is going to keep Annette company.”
The nursemaid tickled Jamie under the chin as she took him out of the carrier. He rewarded her attention with one of his toothless smiles.
“What a darling,” she cooed. Nodding toward the diaper bag Courtney was carrying, she said, “I suspect there’s everything I need in there to keep him happy while you enjoy yourself.”
“He’s been fed, and if you give him his pacifier, he’ll probably drop off to sleep.”
As Hazel settled Jamie in a crib, Maribeth drew Courtney over to the pink bassinet. “This is Annette.”
Courtney gazed down at the sleeping baby girl dressed in a soft pink dress. “She’s beautiful. And look at all that lovely dark hair. I keep waiting for Jamie’s blond fuzz to thicken up.”
They began sharing some of the trials and joys of being mothers, and a half an hour sped by without either of them realizing it.
“Oh, my goodness,” Maribeth gasped when she heard the faint ring of a doorbell. “I’d better get back downstairs to my guests.”
Courtney was reluctant to leave the warm comfort of the nursery and the sleeping babies. Jamie had contentedly let the pacifier drop from his mouth, closed his eyes and fallen asleep. She knew he was in good hands, but lately, she’d felt a growing undefined anxiety about him. She’d gotten in the habit of checking him several times at night and nap time to reassure herself that he wasn’t getting sick. Her aunt had accused her of trying to smother Jamie with so much attention and seemed resentful that Courtney kept such a close watch on him.
Courtney’s hesitation to leave the nursery must have been evident because Hazel assured her, “I’ll call you if he isn’t happy without his mommy.”
“Neil’s going to chew me out for keeping you upstairs so long,” Maribeth said as they hurried downstairs.
The family party was in full swing inside the house and outside on the terrace. Guests flowed around a loaded buffet table or sat at scattered tables overlooking the lake. Courtney didn’t see Neil anywhere and felt self-conscious mingling with a crowd of strangers.
Maribeth introduced Courtney to her husband, Richard. He was a tall, rather serious-looking man who seemed to enjoy his wife’s bubbling personality. Courtney learned that he was an attorney. Obviously a successful one, Courtney decided, if he was able to afford the lovely home and paid help Maribeth seemed to take for granted.
“I’d better check on the food, and make sure we have enough of everything,” Maribeth said.
“May I help with something?” Courtney asked as she followed her into a beautiful, spacious kitchen.
Maribeth quickly looked over counters loaded with trays of food and nodded in satisfaction. “I wonder if we ordered enough beer and wine. I’d better check.”
As she disappeared into a butler’s pantry, Courtney became aware of two young women sitting at a round table in a kitchen alcove. She was surprised when one of them waved at her.
“Come join us,” a pretty plump blonde called out. “We’re the wives of the birthday boys, and enjoying our own private celebration. Would you like some wine? I’m Peggy, and this is Hollie.”
“Nice to meet you both. I’m Courtney. I came with Neil.”
“We know.” Peggy’s eyes sparkled over the rim of her wine goblet. “Our brother-in-law is full of surprises.”
“Why do you say that?” Courtney asked as she sat down and took the glass of wine that Hollie had poured for her. “Doesn’t Neil usually bring someone to these family affairs?”
“Oh, indeed,” Peggy answered. “Our brother-in-law is quite the swinging bachelor. Always got some good-looking gal in tow.”
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