Laura's Second Chance (Widows of Virginia Book #2)(3)

“Yes, it was for him,” Laura answered, fists clenched tightly around the shovel. “I figured it was time to thank him for his support.”

Silence followed. Susan swept the leaves into a small heap. “How nice.”

Laura dropped the weeds on the compost pile.

“Would you like some water?” she said heading inside the house. Susan just shook her head in reply.

Her friend had been colder and more silent the last few weeks, their conversations barely progressing beyond niceties during meals. Was it her, or was it Susan? Laura drank some water in the kitchen and then went to the living room. She sat on a chair facing the window to let her back rest for a few minutes.

What could she say to repair her friendship with Susan? Ever since Robert had sent her letters, Susan had distanced herself, as if it meant she and Laura weren’t family anymore. She thought back to how everything around the house and in town reminded her of Anton. Was she such a reminder for Susan? Was her very presence making her friend’s life miserable?

Something moved outside the window distracting Laura’s trail of thought. A moment later someone knocked on the door.

Laura wiped her hands on her apron. Who could it be? They weren’t expecting any guests. Was it the mailman? Had Robert replied?

She reached the door and opened it expecting to see a familiar face. But as she laid eyes on the visitor her breath stilled and she froze in place. Unable to say a word she gaped at the man standing on the porch.

“Hello, Laura,” said Robert.





Chapter Two


The night after Robert appeared at their home, Laura barely slept a wink. But it wouldn’t do to meet their visitor with an unruly nest of hair and a pale face. Robert said he would visit them today. So, when she finished combing and tying her hair, she pinched her cheeks and bit her lip a little.

There, now I don’t look like a corpse.

She put on her green dress with ruffles at the hem and headed straight to the kitchen. But she stopped in the hallway as soon as she heard several voices. Her breath quickened as she recognized Robert’s among them. Laura expected him to still be asleep at the Traveler’s Inn. Even though she had just done her hair Laura’s hand subconsciously reached for the pins keeping her bun neatly in place. Then a more urgent fear filled her hear. Lord, what have they been talking about?

She stepped into the kitchen, and everyone went quiet. Samuel, seated in his favorite armchair, lowered his newspaper and all three turned their heads towards Laura.

“Good morning, Laura! Breakfast is ready.” Susan waved at her, then gestured to the seat next to her. It directly faced Robert, who stared at her quietly with a twinkle in his eyes.

Laura smiled and went to Susan’s side. Her hands trembled when she took the mug Susan placed before her. She took a long sip, glad to have an excuse to wrench her eyes from Robert. He wasn’t quiet the man she remembered.

It had been years since they had last seen each other. The broad chested man dressed in a smart suit, yet his skin tone that suggested he didn’t shy away from manual labor troubled her. It was easy to lean on the support of an old friend she remembered as an unorganized artist unsure what he’d do with his life. But this handsome, serious man with curling hair cut just above his shoulders and piercing eyes…

“I didn’t know Robert here wrote poetry.” Susan placed a basket of fresh bread on the table by the bowl of boiled eggs. “Have you read his work?”

“Yes, some,” Laura answered without looking up. Why was she suddenly blushing?

“I wrote a few for Laura,” Robert said.

Just as she looked up their eyes met, and she blushed again.

“But,” he continued. “I did not get the chance to hear what she thought of them.”

“Oh, you’re such a charmer, Robert!” Susan’s laughter echoed within the dining room.

The conversation, along with their meal, went on with Susan doing all the talking. It was an awkward breakfast. Laura found herself without words. Why was it easier to talk with him through letters? Isn’t this what you wanted? she scolded herself. Yes. But not here, not so quickly. She convinced herself it was his unexpected and unannounced arrival that was to blame.

Laura volunteered to wash the dishes, all the while still avoiding Robert’s gaze. Susan and her husband moved to the patio in the garden taking Robert with them. Laura welcomed the momentary solitude. She had no idea what to say to Robert. Hopefully, something would come to mind while doing the dishes.

But the plates and cups and bowls were soon clean, and she still had no idea how to approach the subject. She dragged her feet a little longer and took the cups she had dried to the cupboard.

“Hi!” Susan poked her head inside and Laura almost dropped the tea cups.

“You gave me a scare.” She leaned against the kitchen cabinet.

“I bet I did.” Susan gave her a teasing smile.

“What?”

“You didn’t tell me Robert was such a nice man. Handsome, too.”

Laura chuckled. “I - I wasn’t expecting to see him.”

Susan sighed. “I think I owe you an apology.” She cast her eyes downward. “I was being unreasonable when I used your pain over my brother’s death against your relationship with Robert. You have the right to move on with your life and that’s what I want for you.”