Page 30 of Threads of Kindness
Alistair
Maggie and John went to bed as soon as they got home last night. In bed before midnight on New Year’s Eve? I’ve been living in the Rosemont attic as a ghost for years, but even I thought that was ridiculous.
I drifted up to my attic in a bit of a funk. This hadn’t been the holiday season I’d hoped for. I floated over to the window that faced the old mill. The night sky was clear and cloudless. In the distance, muffled pops and cracks signaled the arrival of midnight. I strained my eyes and caught glimpses of a few high-arching fireworks. I suppose I’ll have to be satisfied with that level of frivolity.
New Year’s Day began in a leisurely fashion. Maggie and John both slept in and spent a quiet day at home. I wafted restlessly up and down the stairs, longing for something to break the monotony. Late in the afternoon, a car pulled into the drive. I immediately recognized the tall, trim gentleman who emerged from the driver’s seat.
We’d spent a fair amount of time together in Rosemont’s attic—although he was unaware of my presence. I had watched him examine our hotel silver, antique paintings, and pricelessfurniture with a connoisseur’s eye. He was knowledgeable and treated our treasures with a reverence I found refreshing. He was dressed neatly in a turtleneck and slacks, even on this day off. I approved.
He opened the passenger door for the woman with him. I wouldn’t have expected anything less.
Maggie and John were expecting them. I’d seen Maggie arranging hors d’oeuvres in the library earlier, and wondered why, but now it made sense—we were having company. I love when we host at Rosemont. My spirits were picking up.
I followed them into the library and hovered in a corner, eavesdropping on their conversation.
When they got to the part about Candy Alley, my ears perked up. John was right—thatbuilding had a sketchy past. Shady dealings had taken place there, indeed. I could’ve told them a thing or two.
I was pleased to hear that Gordon remembered the filing cabinet in the attic. The documents stored there contained much of what they needed to know. I could add a few juicy details myself, but there was no way for me to share them.
I drifted after them into the kitchen and listened with half an ear as the conversation wound down over dinner. My thoughts remained firmly fixed on the events of years ago.
Later that evening, I watched as Gordon and the woman climbed back into the car. What an interesting adventure they were about to embark on.
CHAPTER 15
Josh pulled into the employee parking lot of Forever Friends at six the morning after New Year’s Day. As he’d expected, Frank Haynes was already there.
Josh let himself in through the employee entrance. The morning crew, busy feeding and exercising the dogs and cats, offered waves and warm greetings as he passed. The occasional happy bark drifted out from the wing that housed the kennels.
Josh’s usual routine involved walking those corridors, greeting familiar animals, and learning the names of new ones. He loved those few minutes spent scratching muzzles through the cages and offering encouragement to the souls still waiting for their forever homes. Today, he continued on to the short hallway where the administrative offices were located. He was on a mission.
Except for Frank’s, all the office doors were closed. Josh’s new boss sat with his back to the door, focused intently on a spreadsheet open on his desktop monitor.
Josh knocked on the doorframe. “Morning, Frank,” he said.
Frank spun around in his chair. “Josh! Good morning. I thought you were working at the college this week.”
“I am,” Josh said, stepping inside. “We’re posting the notice for my replacement as Maggie’s administrative assistant today. I promised to help her sort through the applicants. There are also a few projects I’d like to finish before I train my replacement.”
Frank nodded. “Good. I don’t want to leave her in the lurch—Maggie’s been too good to me. I can keep the plates spinning here for a few more weeks.” He raised his eyebrows. “So, why are you here?”
“You know I got engaged before Christmas.”
“Yes!” Frank’s face lit up. “Loretta and I are thrilled for you. She knows Sunday from her book club and says she’s terrific. Loretta thinks you two make the perfect couple.”
Josh’s cheeks turned crimson. “Thank you. I’m really glad to hear that. I came by because I wanted you to know we’ve decided to get married on the last Saturday of March.”
“Excellent,” Frank said. “I’m sure you’ll want time off—both before and after the wedding. That’s fine. Have you decided where you’re going for your honeymoon?”
“We haven’t gotten that far yet,” Josh admitted. “In all honesty, Sunday is completely swamped with wedding planning. We reserved the Highpointe College chapel for the ceremony, and the reception will be in the surrounding garden.”
“I’ve lived here my entire life and have never been in that chapel,” Frank said. “I hear it’s beautiful.” He glanced back at his spreadsheet, then looked up again. “Thank you for letting me know. Take as much time as you need.”
“Thanks,” Josh said, stepping fully into the office. “There’s something else I’d like to ask you.”
“Please,” Frank said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. “Is anything wrong with your new role here?”
“No, nothing like that. I’m incredibly excited to be managing Forever Friends and overseeing the educational side of Forever Guides.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “This ispersonal. I know we haven’t known each other that long, but I feel like we’re on the same wavelength. I admire how you run your businesses—and the way you’ve taken David under your wing. You’re a good family man, Frank. I respect that.”
