Safe at Home (Warm Springs Trilogy Book 1) Read online

  His attempt to help her relax seemed to be working so far. “What would you think of putting a trellis on the front of the house by the porch? It might look nice to have some sort of flowering vine out front.”

  “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

  They spent the rest of the ride discussing the new trellis and joking with one another. When she was relaxed and smiling, he almost felt like he was hanging out with one of his friends. One of his very attractive female friends, or at least this is what he assumed it would be like. He always seemed to ruin any chance of friendship.

  Spencer steered the truck up a steep gravel drive leading to an old house sitting on a hill. It was next door to the famous Bullock House Restaurant. He led the way into the little yellow house, holding the door open for Sam.

  The front of the shop was filled with colorful doodads and gifts ranging from garden decorations, to hand painted stationary. They worked their way through the shop and Spencer wandered around while Sam took her time looking at everything.

  Spencer grinned at her when she reached the back door. “The real treat is out here. You ready?”

  “I think so,” Sam sounded unsure. And then he pushed the door open.

  Spencer let Sam pass so she could take in the entire scene. The view was beautiful. The back of the store opened up to a nursery. Sam stepped off the back porch and into the maze of flowers. Bees buzzed by as they bounced from pink to yellow blossoms. Their feet crunched along the gravel path and Spencer grinned as Sam stopped to smell and touch at least one bloom on every plant she passed.

  “Spencer, it’s wonderful.”

  They walked on and then Sam stopped suddenly. Spencer stopped beside her and followed her gaze. There were bubbles floating through the air over the sea of colorful blooms.

  “It’s like some sort of fairy land.” Sam’s eyes were full of life and innocence when she looked at him. Her joy reminded him of a kid on Christmas morning and it surprised him how much her happiness touched him.

  As they moved around the side of the house, the machine making bubbles came into view. It was playing Yankee Doodle Dandy. She burst out laughing.

  “Remind you of home?”

  “Something like that.” Sam grinned at him and then moved back through the flowers. Soon, they fell into a rhythm. She pointed and he hauled whatever plant she wanted to the checkout.

  After his final trip to the truck, he wiped his hands on his jeans and turned to find her sitting on a small stone bench by one of the shop’s fountains. She looked happier than he’d ever seen her. The same pang he felt the day he saw her leaning against the tree in her backyard pulled at him again. What was it about this girl?

  They rode home with Sam chatting all the way. She couldn’t get over the store and she wouldn’t stop thanking him. “I mean, seriously, thank you so much. There’s no telling how long it would’ve taken me to find it on my own.”

  “You might thank me now, but you won’t when you get your credit card bill. I think you put them out of business.”

  She winced. “Or, I just became their new favorite customer?”

  He laughed as they turned into her driveway. “That’s probably true.”

  They hopped out of the truck and began to unload all of her purchases.

  “So tomorrow, would you like to come to a little league game with me?” It was out of his mouth before he knew where it had come from. He was even more shocked when he realized he was holding his breath waiting for her answer.

  “Well, it’s really sweet of you to ask, but I have plans tomorrow.”

  “It’s no big deal, I just didn’t like thinking of you sitting here by yourself and working on another Saturday.” He was determined not to show his disappointment. “Hey, I need to run. I’ll see you next week.” Without looking back, he climbed into his truck.

  Chapter 6

  The sun was beginning to set, casting streaks of light across the quiet road. The Malloy’s didn’t live far from Sam, but unlike her little house sitting tucked in the woods, the land around their home was one rolling pasture after another. Cows chewed their cuds and stared lazily at Sam as she drove by. She could hear the cries of crows in the distance out of her cracked window and couldn’t remember ever being somewhere where things seemed so simple. Or quiet.

  Sam’s fingers tapped the wheel in an absentminded staccato rhythm. Her nerves wound tight thinking about having dinner with all the Malloy’s, but Ann would be there. As much as she knew it was better to keep her distance, she wasn’t built that way. She needed people and life. Plus, how bad could it be? It was a one-time deal, so if it was a total disaster, she didn’t have to do it again, if they ever asked. She tried to stop fretting, but then she saw the turn leading to their house and her nerves twisted tighter.

  The house was beautiful. All brick with large windows, green shutters and surrounded by a wraparound porch. As Sam got out of her car and walked up the front stairs leading to the door, she passed a kid’s bike lying on its side and she could see where some unfortunate soldiers had lost their lives to some oversized plastic monsters.

  “You found us.” Ann held the screen door open for her.

  “Yes, thank you.” She looked over her shoulder at the front pasture one last time. “It’s beautiful out here. And, your house, too.”

  “Thanks. The boys built it as a wedding present. Sometimes, they even surprise me.”

  Sam followed Ann into the kitchen. The savory smell which drifted on the air caused her mouth to water and reminded her of Betsy’s cooking. Though, unlike the black and white kitchen in the hotel, Ann’s cabinets were stained dark brown, and copper pots hung from a display rack over an island. Cookbooks stood lined up between two bookends shaped like cows and a mixer stood in the corner. She assumed this is what a kitchen looked like when the person using it actually knew how to cook.

  “I’m so glad you came. This will be the first time that I’m not the only girl in a long time.”

  “It was nice of you to invite me.” The open kitchen floor plan included a large wooden table angled in front of a bay window overlooking another pasture. The sun was setting behind the farthest hill and Sam lost herself in the breathtaking view.

  “I hope chicken’s okay? Alex is on a kick right now. He thinks chicken is the only meat and the baby seems to like it, too.” Ann smiled with one hand on her stomach and turned back to the stove.

  “Chicken’s great, as long as I’m not cooking it. Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl?”

  “Well, it turns out I’m going to be even more outnumbered.”

  “Another boy?”

  “We found out a couple weeks ago. Alex is thrilled. He told me I wasn’t allowed to have a girl.”

  “I see,” Sam smiled. “You really are in trouble. Maybe you should get a puppy, but make sure it’s a girl.”

  “Uncle Spencer?”

  “Yeah kid?” Spencer replied as they bounced down the road toward the house.

  “Did you see my hit?”

  “What hit was that?” Spencer hid his smile behind his hand. Alex had yet to settle down from his homerun.

  “Uncle Spencer,” Alex rolled his eyes upward and threw his head back.

  “I’m just kidding. Of course, I saw it. It was the best hit I’ve ever seen.” And considering the way Spencer and his brother had strutted out of the stands at the end of the game like a couple of proud peacocks, there was no doubt he was telling the truth.

  As Jake turned the truck into the drive, Spencer sat up a little straighter. In the distance, he thought he could make out Sam’s car.

  “Hey, isn’t that?”

  “Did I forget to mention Sam’s coming over for dinner?” Jake grinned.

  “Yeah, it must have slipped your mind.” Spencer kept his tone light, despite the urge to punch his brother. “But, when did she agree to it?”

  “Ann went over there earlier this week after you two had your little fight.”

  “It wasn�
��t a fight. It was a misunderstanding.”

  “Whatever you say, little brother.” Jake shook his head as he pulled up to the house.

  “Here they come.” Ann set rolls on the table. “Beware of the whirlwind.”

  Sam could hear the slamming of truck doors and the hurried steps up to the back door.

  “Mom, you missed it. I got a homerun.” Alex bounced up and down on his toes with his face turned up to his mother.

  “You did?” Ann whisked her son up into her arms as if he were light as a feather. “I’m so proud of you.” With a kiss, she set him back down. “We’ll have a hero’s dinner with a special dessert. Go wash up so we can start celebrating.” And, he was off. “I used to go to all the games, but the heat kills me and makes me swell like an elephant. It’ll be nice when it cools off some and I can start going again.”

  “It’s a good thing, since he’s all but going pro,” Spencer grinned as he entered the house.

  Sam’s heart skipped a beat when she glanced toward the door and found Spencer and Jake standing there. She had almost forgotten about them as she was swept up in Alex’s excitement.

  “Hey there, Sam,” Jake waved hello. “I’m sure you heard about my little slugger’s very exciting game?”

  “His shoes aren’t going to touch the ground for a week.” She laughed. “Hello, Spencer.”

  “Hey, so these were your other plans?” He gestured toward the table.

  “Ann invited me over.”

  “I thought I’d invited you over?”

  “So you did.” She smiled at him and saw Ann and Jake exchange a look behind Spencer’s back. Sam tore her eyes away from Spencer and began examining her silverware.

  Later that night, as Sam drove home, she smiled to herself, tired, happy, and content. It was nice to be around people who knew nothing of her past life. Sure, they had asked her about it casually, but Sam was a master at changing the subject and steering the conversation in other directions. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so relaxed around a group of people. They were all wonderful, and Alex, what a great kid.

  She’d have to take Ann’s advice about visiting her friend Mary’s antique shop. It was time she found a job since most of the big projects around her house were finished. Not to mention, she was going to need a paycheck to support her new flower obsession.

  When Sam opened her back door, her phone started ringing inside her purse. She dug it out and closed the door with her foot.

  “Hello.”

  “Sam, my word, I thought you were busy. And, on a Saturday, I was almost impressed.” Denise’s voice boomed from the other end of the line and it sounded as if she could be in the room.

  “Well, actually, I was just walking in the door.”

  “Being at the grocery store doesn’t count as being ‘out’,” she scolded.

  “I was at dinner.”

  “Please tell me you were with a man.”

  “If by man, you mean a nice family, then yes.”

  “Whose nice family was it?”

  “Spencer’s brother and his wife and little boy.” She paused a moment and could tell Denise was holding her breath on the other end of the line. “And, Spencer was there, too.”

  “Now, this story’s getting somewhere. So, are you seeing Spencer?”

  “No, his sister-in-law, Ann, invited me.”

  “That’s nice, but what does this Spencer look like?”

  “Oh, Denise, you never change.”

  “Why should I? Someone has to make sure you’re getting some.”

  “Denise, please,” Sam half squealed into the phone.

  “I’m just kidding.” Denise’s voice softened. “It’s been two years, Sam. That psycho is behind bars. It’s okay to have a life and to make friends. Tyler would’ve wanted you to.”

  Sam knew what Denise said was true, but hearing his name made Sam’s heart catch. She missed him. She didn’t pine over him every moment as she once had. She didn’t cry herself to sleep every night anymore, but she missed his laughter and his company. They had become best friends in college and it was hard not having him around to talk to. He had known her better than anyone.

  “Samantha, you know I love you and I only want you to be happy.”

  “I know, Denise. And, thank you.” Sam gripped the phone tighter. When all her other friends had been drowning her with pity, Denise had treated her like she was still a person. Not a broken porcelain doll who needed to be coddled.

  “So, tell me about this family you were having dinner with.”

  Sam told Denise all about the Malloy’s and their house. Denise kept prodding until Sam told her all about Spencer. They talked until Denise had to get ready to go out to meet a mystery guy for a drink.

  “Promise you’ll call and give me all the details.”

  “You know I will, but only the dirty ones,” Denise lowered her voice to sound seductive.

  After saying goodbye, Sam leaned against her kitchen sink and kicked off her shoes. It had been an amazing day. One of the best she’d had in a long time.

  That night, as Sam fell into bed, it wasn’t Tyler and past demons that came to her mind, it was Spencer.

  Chapter 7

  “Everything went well with Mary over at the shop,” Sam sat with Earl and Betsy eating Sunday dinner.

  “We knew it would, dear.” Betsy leaned over and touched Sam’s hand.

  “Mary was so nice and it works out perfectly. She wants to spend more time with her new granddaughter, but doesn’t want to sell the shop or retire. It’ll be a good amount of hours.” Sam barely took a breath. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so excited about something, and it was nice to be able to share her news with Earl and Betsy.

  “When do you start?” Betsy’s eyes were bright as she took a sip of sweet tea. She seemed much younger than her seventy years.

  “One week. Spencer’s almost done at the house, so it’ll be perfect timing. I promise to have you guys over for dinner one Sunday so you can see it. He’s done an amazing job. It doesn’t even look like the same house.”

  “We would love that.”

  “This is going to be quite the change from the banking that you were used to, ain’t it?” Earl leaned back in his chair and looped his fingers through his suspenders.

  “Yes, and I’m glad. There will still be the same elements of customer service, but without all of the complaints, I hope. Just a chance to make people happy as they pick out new treasures.”

  She couldn’t get over how something so simple could make her happy. She guessed it was the chance to do something again. To be her own person. To get out there. Her heart beat faster at the promise of finding a little piece of happiness. A sentiment she hadn’t expected to feel again.

  Sam’s first week in the shop flew by. The fall season hadn’t started yet, allowing her a chance to learn how Mary liked everything. She spent her lunches exploring the other nearby shops. They were charming and had names such as Southern Magnolia, Yesteryear, Nana’s Porch and The Pink Posey. Many of them sold handmade goods, whether it was quilts or woodworks. There were also other antique shops and book stores, but none of the others were as well stocked as Mary’s. One day during the week, she ventured over to the Welcome Center and took a few minutes to read up on the history of Warm Springs.

  She knew the basics. FDR had visited Warm Springs after he developed polio, but she didn’t know that prior to 1924 Warm Springs had been known as Bullochville. This explained a lot because she came across a sign in Magnolia Court, the area behind the shops, which mentioned certain times when people could come and experience Old Bullochville. The experience was said to include demonstrations of ironwork, pottery, leatherwork and carving. It proved that there was more for tourists to do than just shop. She couldn’t wait to see these things for herself. She enjoyed the time alone and exploring her new hometown gave her something to occupy her mind.

  This was a different world compared to what she was used to
, but she was fascinated. It was as though time stood still in this small town. It wasn’t a primitive place. Warm Springs just moved at its own pace, uncaring what speed the rest of the world was traveling.

  She drove home with the windows rolled down so she could enjoy the warm air and the sounds of the tree frogs as they took their places for their nightly song.

  When she turned into her driveway, she felt a little jolt of excitement at the sight of Spencer’s truck. She figured he would be long gone before she got home since this was his last day on the job. The thought caused the lightness in her step to hitch as she climbed the porch stairs.

  Spencer’s movements were sluggish as he packed his remaining tools into his toolbox. He had plenty to do, other jobs to get to, but he’d enjoyed his time here. Maybe it was because he had grown up in the house, so it seemed a little bit like going home. He didn’t want to admit the bigger reason. In truth, he liked spending time with Sam.

  After he finished loading his truck, he joined her on the back porch for their daily ritual. Sam handed Spencer a glass and they sat in silence and looked out over the yard.

  “It’s going to be strange not coming over here every day.” He kept his eyes on a dark spot on the back fence.

  “It was strange to get up this week and have somewhere to go. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a job.”

  Spencer glanced over and saw a light in Sam’s eyes he hadn’t seen when she’d first arrived in Warm Springs. She was a different person: more relaxed, more confident, and even more beautiful. Or, maybe she wasn’t different. Maybe this was the real girl. Every time he looked out over the garden, he thought about the day he’d walked into the backyard and found her leaning against the tree with her eyes closed.