1105 Yakima Street - Debbie Macomber [100]
“No, they don’t, which is why Mom and I think the world of Miranda.”
Oh, Miranda was going to be so good for Will. Because he was attractive and successful and sophisticated, Olivia’s brother took pride in getting women to fall for him. His ego seemed to need it. She also wondered if he was one of those people who loved being in love, who was addicted to the excitement and unpredictability, the chase and the challenge. She’d actually fallen for him herself after her first husband’s death. Will had almost ruined her subsequent relationship with Cliff. Fortunately, she’d broken off with Will, which he’d made even more difficult by insisting he loved her. In retrospect Grace saw that he hadn’t really loved her at all. Yes, he was fond of her but what he really enjoyed was being in control.
Miranda wouldn’t be so easily manipulated and that would frustrate Will no end. But it was the best thing that could’ve happened to him.
“I do have to say Will’s attitude has changed since he came back to Cedar Cove. That’s been a surprise,” Olivia said.
“Oh?”
“You know better than anyone that my brother and I have had our differences over the years. I disapproved of some of the things he’s done, but it’s his life.” Olivia raised one shoulder in a shrug. “I didn’t know if I could trust him after he moved back here.”
Grace knew exactly what her friend meant… .
“But he’s made an effort to get involved in the community. And I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I don’t need to deal with everything concerning Mom by myself.”
Grace agreed. “He’s been wonderful with your mother and Ben.”
“I’ve come to appreciate my brother.”
“I’m glad.”
Goldie returned to their table with a coffeepot in one hand and a pot of hot water in the other. “You two ready for a refill?” she asked.
Grace looked at her friend. “None for me. What about you?”
Olivia shook her head. “I’m pretty full, too.”
Glancing down at the half-consumed slice of pie, Goldie asked, “You want me to wrap that up for you?”
“No, thanks.”
Goldie gave a disgusted snort. “Okay, well, see you girls next week.”
Next week. Same time. Same place. Grace would meet with Olivia, who’d always been with her. Who shared her burdens and doubled her joys. Her friend for life.
Thirty-One
Linc stepped into his office and smiled at the stack of work orders on his desk. Sheriff Troy Davis had helped him immeasurably by sending business his way. The sheriff was active in a number of service organizations, such as Rotary Club and Lions, where he’d made a point of spreading the word. At first, business had trickled in slowly, but as the weeks progressed, the auto body shop drew more and more work. As it stood now, Linc had all his employees working a forty-hour week.
The business wasn’t the only thing going well in Linc’s life. He was delighted with the duplex and his growing friendship with Mack. Most of all, he deeply loved Lori and looked forward to every minute he spent with her. If he’d known marriage could be this satisfying, he would’ve tried it a lot sooner, he’d joked to Lori. Laughing, she’d informed him that he never would’ve found anyone who suited him nearly as well—and she was right.
Thinking about Lori, he felt a twinge of sadness as he thought about the situation with her family. The conflict between him and his father-in-law remained unresolved. The fact that Leonard and Kate had separated over Leonard’s reaction to their daughter’s marriage was an additional burden.
Lori was in close contact with her mother once again. They talked nearly every day, but although Kate put a good face on it, Linc could tell how hurt and disappointed she was that Leonard had made no effort to get in touch with her.
Sitting down at his desk, Linc reached for the telephone directory and flipped through the pages. He quickly located the listing for Bellamy Enterprises in Bremerton.
A woman answered in a crisp professional voice. “How may I direct your call?”
“I’d like to speak to Leonard Bellamy’s assistant,” he responded in the same businesslike tones.
“One moment,