Rainier Drive (Cedar Cove #6)(57)
“Rachel, wait,” he said, grabbing her shoulders. “What did my mother say?”
She shook her head. “Nothing. She was very nice.” Even as she spoke, Rachel’s stomach knotted. “I can’t believe I let this happen,” she whispered, covering her face with both hands. Despite the inner voice that had warned her about the dangers of this relationship, she’d resisted. Almost from the first, she’d known that dating this young officer wouldn’t work for either of them. His father was a congressman, for heaven’s sake!
“Rachel, tell me,” he pleaded.
“She had no idea that I’m employed as a nail tech. She thought it had something to do with the navy.” She hiccupped a laugh at the absurdity of such a comment. His mother had to know about nail techs, but Rachel didn’t want to assume the comment had been deliberate. Any more than she wanted to think the remarks about her age and his previous girlfriend hid some malicious intent.
“I’m phoning Mom back and asking her to apologize,” Nate said, reaching for the cell clipped to his belt.
“No, please, don’t.” Her hand stopped him. “It’s nothing.”
“Then why are you upset?”
“I…I don’t belong in your world.”
“Wrong,” he declared. “We belong together. I knew it from the beginning.” He walked away, pacing restlessly, as though he couldn’t bear to stand still. “This isn’t the first time my parents have done this kind of thing. They feel this need to control my life, and I’m not letting it happen. I love you, Rachel. Do you hear me?”
She stared at him, afraid to believe what he was saying.
“I love you,” he repeated, “and furthermore, I don’t give a damn what my parents think about it. The minute they meet you, they’ll love you, too, and if they don’t, then it’s their loss. I won’t allow them to come between us.”
She wanted to trust in the depth of their feelings, but while he might be sure of how he felt right now, at some point that could all change. “Nate, please don’t. It’d be best all the way round if we just ended this.”
“No way! You aren’t doing this to me again. You’ve got to believe in us, Rach.”
She did, and yet she was afraid.
He drew her into his arms, and his hold on her tightened as she struggled with her resolve. “You can’t let every little roadblock dissuade you,” he whispered.
That was true but…
“Are you so willing to give up on us? Do I mean so little to you?” Already Rachel felt herself weakening. Nate was right; she needed to be determined, especially where his family was concerned. She had to accept the strength of their love. She had to believe.
Twenty-Four
On the last Saturday of May, Charlotte and Ben decided to visit the Farmers’ Market at the Cedar Cove waterfront. She loved the displays of flowers and baked goods, plus the various crafts. And she always made a point of visiting the animal shelter’s booth, where Grace often volunteered. It was still too early for much fresh produce but the market did a thriving business, nonetheless.
Although the day was overcast, Charlotte chose to be optimistic and suggested they walk. Being a good sport, Ben agreed.
“Look,” Charlotte said as soon as they entered the market. “There’s fresh rhubarb this week.” Her own garden had once yielded an abundant supply. She hurried forward to buy half a dozen stalks.
“I don’t suppose I’ve mentioned that rhubarb pie’s my absolute favorite,” Ben said as he took the sack from the vendor.
“I thought peach pie was your favorite,” Charlotte teased.
Her husband recovered quickly. “Peach pie is indeed my favorite—in August. My favorite pie changes seasonally, sort of like those flags you hang out on the porch and have me switch around according to the months.” The current flag celebrated spring.
“Ah, that explains it,” Charlotte said, holding back a smile as she hooked her arm through Ben’s. What she appreciated most about him was his gratitude for the little things she did—and, of course, everything he did for her. He seemed to genuinely enjoy her company and, while they didn’t live in each other’s hip pockets, he often accompanied her on outings. Grocery shopping was a good example. Ben seemed to actually like driving her around town, and she was grateful not to have to do it herself. He loved her children and grandchildren, too.
Recently he’d been in contact with his ex-daughter-in law, David’s first wife and the mother of a little girl. Ben didn’t want to lose touch with his granddaughter and had taken to calling her every week.
“I thought we’d pick up some fresh clams for dinner,” Charlotte said. “What do you think?”
“Anything you do with clams is bound to be delicious,” Ben commented.
As they waited their turn at the popular fishmonger’s, Cliff Harding came up beside them.
“Why, Cliff,” Charlotte said delightedly. She’d met Cliff five years earlier through his grandfather, Tom Harding, better known as the Yodeling Cowboy of 1930s and 40s movie fame. These days Cliff was considered almost family. Now that he was married to Grace, Olivia’s lifelong friend, Charlotte felt a special closeness to him.
“You’re looking well,” Charlotte said, accepting his hug. “Married life seems to agree with you.”