Cranberry Point (Cedar Cove #4)(37)

Rachel smiled. She thought it was a good idea for them both. Jolene was a motherless child and she was a woman without family. "I'd like that a lot."

"I would, too."

Rachel needed to talk to Bruce, make sure he sanctioned this. She wanted it understood, however, that she wasn't pressuring him into any kind of relationship. This was between her and Jolene. She would enjoy playing a role in the little girl's life, but only if he had no objections.

Just as she was finishing up Jolene's haircut, Bruce returned. He walked over to Valerie, who ran the reception desk, and pulled his wallet out of his rear pocket.

"Hi, Daddy," Jolene called out.

His expression softened as he turned to face his daughter. "All right, all right, ladies." he said and shook his head, looking chagrined. "You talked me into it. I signed up for the Dog and Bachelor Auction."

"You did?" Terri was so excited she nearly leaped up from her table.

"Great," Jeannie cried, equally thrilled.

Bruce glanced at Rachel, obviously anticipating her reaction. She nodded, letting him know she approved, but she hoped he wouldn't be disappointed when she didn't bid on him.

Eighteen

During the summer months, Charlotte's favorite night of the week was Thursday. For a number of years now, the Chamber of Commerce had sponsored Concerts on the Cove, bringing in a variety of free entertainment, from pop groups to jazz quartets. Tonight was an Irish band, with fiddles and one of those Celtic drums—Charlotte couldn't remember what they were called. The concerts brought almost the entire town together once a week, as young and old alike crowded the small waterfront park, enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Before he came by to collect her, Ben had bought their dinner, teriyaki chicken and rice from her favorite take-out restaurant. Walking hand in hand, he carried their folding chairs, while she held on to their food.

"Oh, good. We have our spot," she said, looking at the place under the mountain ash where they usually sat. Some couples shared a song or a favorite movie; Charlotte and Ben had their own patch of lawn in WaterfrontPark.

Ben was so thoughtful and considerate toward her, Charlotte mused as he set up the chairs and insisted she sit down.

And she loved his old-fashioned manners—the way he held doors and stood when she entered a room. The world didn't have much time or interest in those niceties anymore, but Charlotte was of a generation that still appreciated them.

They settled in their spot. It was still early, but they always arrived a good hour before the concert began in order to secure their special place.

"Oh, look," she said with the take-out container balanced on her lap. "There's Corrie McAfee. I don't think I've seen her at any of the concerts before."

Corrie glanced around as if she wasn't sure where to go.

"Corrie," Charlotte said, waving her arm. "Over here."

Corrie headed eagerly in Charlotte's direction. "Hello, Mrs. Jefferson."

"Call me Charlotte. You know my friend Ben Rhodes, don't you?"

Although he had his meal in his lap, Ben stood. Charlotte wouldn't have expected anything less.

"This is your first time here, isn't it?" Charlotte asked. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it." She wanted Corrie to know she was welcome. She hadn't had much opportunity to meet the McAfees. They were still considered new to the community, although they'd lived in Cedar Cove for several years. As a private investigator, Roy had probably learned more about this town and its people than he'd ever cared to know. It was important, Charlotte felt, to bring the couple into the fold.

Corrie gestured toward the parking lot. "I finally managed to talk Roy into coming down. He's parking the car."

"Sit here with us." Charlotte invited. "I always bring an extra blanket. It sometimes gets a bit cool in the evenings, but you and Roy would be welcome to sit on it."

"Oh, Roy's bringing a couple of chairs."

"Look, there's Grace Sherman," Charlotte said, waving enthusiastically at the local librarian. "She has Buttercup with her. That is such a well-behaved dog,"

Grace waved back and continued down the waterfront at a brisk pace, the golden retriever trotting dutifully beside her.

Charlotte was proud of having brought Buttercup into Grace's life. Three years ago, a good friend had moved into a retirement center and consequently needed a new home for her pet. Grace had immediately popped into Charlotte's mind. That was shortly after Dan Sherman had turned up missing, and Charlotte understood how lost and lonely her daughter's friend felt.

Roy appeared, walking along the waterfront with two folding chairs, one under each arm. He nodded when he saw Corrie.

"I don't think he's a happy camper about all this," Corrie said under her breath. "I'm the one who's fond of Irish music."

Roy walked across the soft green grass toward them. "Hello, Charlotte, Ben," Roy muttered as he set up the chairs.

Charlotte was surprised to see what a big man Roy was. She'd seen him around town any number of times, but always at a distance and hadn't noticed how tall he was.

Ben stood again and the two men exchanged handshakes. "I don't think we've met," Ben said. "Ben Rhodes."

After they chatted for a few moments, Roy settled next to his wife. They put their heads together, whispering for a moment, and then Roy excused himself.