Page 86 of My Heart Will Find You

“Henry and I only go on back roads. He says there’s nothing historical on the superhighways. He doesn’t even like pavement. And we’d stay away from people.”

Etta was thinking hard. Could she leave Henry alone? On the other hand, would he notice if she wasn’t there? Thanks to being so bored over the last days, she’d filled the fridge. “Do you know Freddy? Who delivers the vegetables?”

“Never met him.”

“Her. I’ll call her and see if she can stay with Henry. Can we do the trip in two days?”

“Depends on where it is.”

“Have you ever heard of Garrett, Kansas?”

Zack’s eyes widened. “Heard of it? That’s my middle name. Ezekial Garrett Vaughn. My grandfather said we owe our lives to a Dr. Garrett because he saved the life of my great-great, et cetera, grandfather. Granddad said that to repay the doctor, every generation of our family has to name a kid after him. It’s a ridiculous tradition and it needs to stop.”

Etta wasn’t in the least surprised at his revelation. “What’s your daughter’s name?”

Zack gave her a wide grin. “Evelyn Garrett Vaughn.”

They laughed together.

She hesitated before saying what was on her mind, but if Henry was right and people did remember, then Zack would understand. “The doctor who saved your ancestor was a woman named Martha Garrett. Her husband founded the town.” Etta didn’t feel the need to tell him that Martha wasn’t certified as a doctor or to add the part about her losing her husband and son. Besides, how could she explain how she knew all that?

“Interesting. I grew up near there. Granddad was the one who kept the family history alive.” He tightened his jaw in anger. “The day after he died, his second wife sold everything. There were things that had been in our family for generations. She ran off with the money and we never saw her again.”

“Did you tell Henry this story?”

“No. Should I have?”

“Probably.” Etta didn’t think it was her business to connect Henry’s desk and trunk to Zack’s story. If the men hadn’t discovered that, maybe it was for a reason. “She held an auction,” Etta said.

“She did.” He was looking at her in curiosity. “I think you’re a historian of Henry’s caliber. No wonder he hired you.”

“No one matches Henry. Are you serious about this trip?”

“Completely. When do you want to leave?”

“Now. Give me thirty minutes.”

He smiled indulgently. “Women usually take a while to pack.”

“You’ve been dealing with the wrong women,” she shot back at him. “I have to call Freddy and—”

He stood. “I’ll pick you up in an hour.”

As they stood up, she thought about what she was doing. An overnight trip with a stranger. True, he was known to Henry, but still, there was room for concern. “I, uh...” she began but didn’t finish.

He knew what she was trying to say. “Give me credit.” He straightened his shoulders as though he was offended by her suggestion that he would try anything sexual.

She smiled in apology. Minutes later, Zack was gone and Etta called Freddy who said of course she’d stay with Henry. She’d be glad to since she was sick of the sight of her roommate. “I might move in with you.”

“Lots of bedrooms here,” Etta said. “And I’m sure Henry would love to have you stay.”

“If I could move the garden, I’d take you up on that.”

“You need a different roommate. Maybe a farmer.”

Freddy laughed. “Great fantasy. The last guy I went out with couldn’t tell a zucchini from a cucumber, and he said vegetables were for cows.”

“When I get back, we’ll talk. I have to go now. Zack will be here in minutes.” She hung up, then went to tell Henry.

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