Page 38 of When Cardinals Appear

“It’s fine. I know it’s getting late.” He stared at the floor, his lips pressed into a thin line. “I should be heading home. I’ve gotta open the shop early tomorrow.”

We stood, and he set his glass in the kitchen before making his way to the front door. After shrugging into his coat, he surprised me when he grasped my hand and gently pulled me to him, wrapping his arms around me. My heart thudded as I rested my head against his broad chest.

Too soon, he pulled away enough to look at me, and a desire to press my lips to his took over me. But I knew better. I stepped away and opened the door. When I glanced back, he had a bemused look on his face as if he was overcome by the same pull.

He blinked and recovered. “Bye, Lanie. I’ll see you later.”

Instead of responding, I waved and closed the door behind him before leaning against it. I listened as his car door slammed and the engine sparked to life. A moment later, the wheels crunched on the snow-covered driveway. Then silence.

I couldn’t put it into words, but somehow, I knew that things between us had changed that night. Whether that was a good thing or not, I suspected I would find out soon enough.

Chapter Eight

On the day of the estate sale, I woke up groggy and disoriented. I’d dreamed of my old apartment in Seattle, and I didn’t recognize my childhood bedroom at first. As I sat up, everything rushed back to me, and I groaned when I remembered what day it was. I wasn’t looking forward to the throngs who would be traipsing through my childhood home in a few hours.

Before my mom died, I considered myself an outgoing person, but in the last six months, I’d become more withdrawn and introverted. When I returned to school, I avoided social engagements, though I had the excuse of catching up on all the schoolwork I’d missed. Since I’d been home, preparing the house had kept me busy, but it was harder to escape socializing in such a small town.

Memories from the night before drifted through my mind. I’d enjoyed spending time with Nate, reminiscing about the past. I believed we were well on our way to being friends again. I hadn’t realized just how comfortable I was with him until that hug at the end of the night. It felt like old times. Maybe too much like old times. At one point, I thought he might kiss me, and it scared me that part of me wanted him to.

I winced, silently rebuking myself. What about James? We were planning to move in together, for goodness’ sake. What was I thinking? The truth was, I hadn’t thought about James much at all yesterday. After my residual anger regarding the apartment had driven me to apply for a job I shouldn’t want and didn’t need, I hadn’t given him a moment’s consideration. That had to be a bad sign. Shouldn’t I have at least told him about the job interview?

I pushed the thought from my mind and tried to focus on the day ahead. James and I would have plenty of time to talk later. Climbing out of bed with a heavy sigh, I straightened the covers then set out my outfit for the day. I chose a navy-blue pantsuit in hopes of appearing like a capable salesperson. More like a suit of armor against what was going to be an emotional day. While I’d made my peace with the things we weren’t keeping, it wasn’t going to be easy to watch them go to strangers. On the flip side, I expected the town to come out in full support. Perhaps seeing some familiar faces would lessen the blow.

When I stepped out of the shower a little while later, voices drifted up from the floor below. A quick peek out the window confirmed Steven had arrived. I quickly dressed, ran a brush through my hair, and pulled the damp strands into a ponytail.

“Well, good morning, sleepyhead,” Steven called as I descended the stairs. “I tried calling you last night, but you didn’t pick up.”

“She was probably exhausted, poor thing.” Rose’s voice carried from the living room. “She hasn’t had a chance to catch her breath since she arrived.”

As I entered the living room, I caught Steven’s eye, and he shrugged. “It had to be done, and since she’s in such a hurry to get back to her West Coast lifestyle, it’s good we’re moving quickly.”

Some might have taken offense at that last comment, but I knew my brother. He’d accepted my decision to move to California, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t get a few digs in before I left.

“Could you stop talking about me like I’m not here?” I demanded, hands on my hips in mock anger.

“Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” Steven teased.

I shot him a glare before I turned to see what they’d done with the downstairs. Steven and Rose had set up the room in a way that directed the flow of traffic. All of the items had price tags according to the appraisal they had received. My heart fractured as memories of each piece flooded my mind.

“Dad will be here soon,” Steven continued, writing on his clipboard. “You can help Rose set up things in the kitchen.”

I nodded absently, following Rose as instructed. The plan was to put Mom’s china on full display. Some of the pots and pans had been deemed acceptable for sale, but we’d tossed most of them.

“Why don’t you grab a cup of coffee and some food before we get started?” Rose indicated the box of doughnuts on the counter. I gave her a grateful smile and helped myself, standing over the sink to avoid getting crumbs everywhere.

“How are you feeling about today?”

I gave a noncommittal shrug. “I’m trying to stay indifferent, but it’s difficult.”

“I understand,” Rose murmured softly. “After everything you’ve been through this last year, it’s got to be hard to say goodbye.”

“I think it’s more I feel like I’m losing another part of my mom.” I sipped my coffee as I surveyed the kitchen, committing every little detail to memory. “It’ll be hard to leave all this behind.”

“You’re definitely set on moving, then?”

I gave her a wary look. “Why? Has someone told you differently?”

Rose’s responding laugh was infectious. “Clearly, you know your family well.”

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