Finding The Way Back To Love (Lakeside Porches 3) (31 page)

“I didn’t need to do anything for things to get really interesting.”

“Tell me!” Gianessa shook Gwen’s arm.

“Some cute blonde came over and helped him stop coughing. You know that trick where you raise your arms straight over your head?”

“Yeah. It’s embarrassing, but it works every time.”

“Exactly, and this little blonde was probably the only woman in the world who could get someone with Rand’s ego to do that in a room full of dressed-up theatergoers.”

“More.” Gianessa clapped her hands. “Tell me more.”

“Well, it worked, and Rand eyed her like she was an angel sent from heaven to save him. He. Was. Smitten.”

“Ohmigod,” Gianessa trilled.

Gwen nodded. “She cozied up to him and put her fingers on his pulse. I asked her if she was a nurse. No surprise, she is. And I don’t know why, maybe because she looked all of twenty, I asked her if she’d just finished her degree.”

“Did she?”

“She did. She’s adorable.” Gwen let out a laugh. “I felt like his mother or something. And I played it for all it was worth.”

“What? What did you do?”

“I asked her name, and she handed me her beautiful new business card. She actually just got her masters and is a nurse practitioner. I happened to notice she had no wedding ring.”

“You set them up?” Gianessa guessed.

“Exactly.” Gwen had not seen her friend so animated since her wedding in July. “I told her Rand’s name and what he did for a living and how
important
he is. And I suggested she check out his website—which, by the way is really impressive. Then I tucked
her
card into
his
jacket pocket.”

“I can’t believe you did that.”

“And I told her I was driving Professor Cunningham home now, but she should call him in the morning to see if there were any ill effects from the brandy down the windpipe.”

“You are too much.” Gianessa wiped tears from her face.

“And then I made my exit. I didn’t care if Rand followed me or not. I had the keys, and I knew where the car was parked.”

“You were mad enough to leave him there?” Gianessa’s eyes opened wide.

“Yes, except he blocked the car as I exited the parking garage. We had a little tiff about who was going to drive, but he wasn’t about to drag me out of the driver’s seat in the cultural center of Rochester.”

“Ohmigod, Gwen.” She reached for a napkin to blot her eyes. “I haven’t laughed this hard in a year.”

Gwen shrugged. “I guess, sometimes you have to go with what the universe hands you. I think Rand and the cute nurse practitioner are made for each other.”

“You’re a better sport than I am. And I promise I won’t tell Justin any of this.”

Gwen sat back and licked foam off the rim of her mug. “Why not?” Her eyes sparkled.

“He’d shoot Rand, and we need him at the college.”

“You are the perfect partner for Justin as he leads the college into the future.” Gwen said a silent prayer that Gianessa’s return to good health promised many happy years for the Cushmans.

“Thank you for saying that. For believing it.” Gianessa’s gaze locked onto Gwen’s. “Like you said, we go with what the universe hands us.” She raised her mug. “Onward.”

Gwen grinned. “Onward.”

They clinked glasses.

“And just in time,” Gianessa said slyly.

“What do you mean?”

“Match Number Two. Justin has someone a tad older waiting in the wings to meet you.”

“Craig Marone,” the musclebound thirty-something told Gwen with a firm handshake.

“I’m Gwen.” She raised her glass of sparkling water to his and clinked. “Since Gianessa and Justin have everything under control in the kitchen, we can hang here for a few minutes.”

“Nice to meet a woman who doesn’t drink wine.”

“You’re not a drinker?” Gwen flashed a bright smile.

He pursed his mouth and shook his head. “Defiling the temple.”

“I can tell you work out. Are you into sports?”

“Body building,” he answered.

Gwen expected him to follow up with at least one sport, but that was the whole answer.

“You’re very fit, Gwen.” He winked. “How do you do it?”

“A variety. Until last week, I was biking every morning, twelve miles. In season I swim in the lake. This winter I’ll swim at the Y in the morning, and I have a power yoga class twice a week and do a Pilates routine at home.”

“What do you do for work?”

“I’m a psychologist, specializing in addictions. And you?”

He eyed the glass in her hand but didn’t turn his speculative gaze into a question. “I’m the Chief Information Officer at the college,” he answered. “I don’t know how it is for you, but, now that my father has passed, my mother is on me all the time to give her grandchildren. Do you get pressure like that, too?”

“No, my parents are both gone. But—”

“Dinner is served,” Justin said. “Come while it’s hot.”

The Cushmans had reprised their menu of gourmet pizza and salad, but they’d added a loaf of garlic bread for the potentially larger appetite among them. This time Justin did not ask if they missed meat. She was pretty sure Craig had expected steak at the president-to-be’s house.

Conversation centered on the college, in spite of Gwen and Gianessa effort to bring it back to families and babies. Craig was apparently not interested in either, in spite of his mother’s desire for a grandchild. Justin was increasingly uncomfortable, fidgeting and harrumphing.

When Gianessa pleaded a headache, Craig lost no time departing. Justin walked out with him while Gwen accompanied Gianessa down a flight of stairs to the babies’ rooms.

Gianessa gave her time to coo at the sleeping twins before asking, “Do you think he’s gay?”

“He’s dating because his mom wants grandchildren. I think so. I wish him well, but that’s not a union I’m eager to take on.”

“I am so sorry, Gwen. I’m sure Justin had no idea when he suggested this.”

“Not a problem. Be honest. Do you have a headache?”

“No, but I am a little tired. And I have a hunch Justin wants to talk with you about something. With our guest and me out of the picture, you two can talk as long as you want.”

Gwen gave her friend a lingering hug. “Love you,” she whispered. “Sleep well.”

On her way upstairs, Gwen’s forehead throbbed. She longed for a baby that would grow up with Gianessa and Justin’s twins. She remembered the day in August, after Haley’s arrival, when she’d stopped her bike on her road at dawn and watched the mother deer with her faun and the flock of chickadees. She was sure then, and she was even more sure now, that she didn’t want to raise a child on her own, as a single mom.

At the moment, though, Justin waited for her in the living room, and she hurried to find out what he wanted to talk about.

Chapter 15

“I’m concerned about her.” Justin had prepared coffee and sweets, and he set them on an ebony cocktail table between two chairs.

“Tell me why.” Gwen reached for her mug and a shortbread cookie. While she thought Gianessa was recovering well, Justin knew his wife better than anyone.

Justin’s smile was a grim line. “I was hoping you’d tell me I’m being overprotective or dramatic.”

Gwen slipped off her loafers and tucked her feet under her. “Is it physical?”

Justin shook his head. “According to the doctor, no, she’s well. Nor is there any sign of postpartum depression. And I know the passion and love in our marriage are strong.”

“And she has plenty of help with the babies and the house,” Gwen added with a smile. “You’re giving her the support she needs with the hard work of raising twins.”

“Yes, although she tells all of us to stop fussing,” Justin chuckled. He studied his hands and spread his fingers, as if the answer might lie between them.

“She has said to me that she’s sad about not being able to have more babies.”

Justin’s head shot up. “She said that?”

“Yes. Is it news to you or just a surprise that she told me?”

“I’m surprised that she shared it, and glad. She’s been wearing a brave face about it. Fortunately, I’m not sensing any anger toward me about making the decision for the hysterectomy.”

“It was the only reasonable decision. I also know she’s thrilled to have a boy and a girl and all of this abundance with you.”

“And I’m back to wondering why she has those worry lines in her forehead when she thinks I’m not looking.”

Gwen smiled to herself as she recalled the concern Gianessa voiced at the end of their phone conversation, while Gianessa was still in the hospital.

“What?” Justin insisted. “You know something, don’t you?”

She set down her mug. “Has she talked with you about her career?”

“In the past, yes, but not in a while.”

“And what had she said in the past?”

“Gianessa is sensitive about becoming dependent on me, the way she became dependent on her first husband. It’s not that she expects our marriage to end.” Justin inhaled deeply. “I’m confident of that. But she’s a smart, gifted professional, and she wants to make a strong, original contribution to her field.” Justin sat forward. “That’s it, isn’t it, Gwen? Her career. She’s worried about getting it moving again.”

“Yes. She shared with me that, knowing she cannot have more children, she should now set some career goals. At the same time, being showered with abundance every day and loving all of it, plus the fact that she is just bouncing back from surgery, she may feel conflicted about taking next steps. And, mostly, she doesn’t know how
you
feel about it. I had urged her to have that conversation with you.”

Justin exhaled and slurped his espresso.

“How would you feel if she turned some attention to her career, Justin?”

When he sat back in his leather chair, it creaked and squeaked under him. Gwen hadn’t heard that masculine sound in years.

How she had loved those quiet evenings at home before she married. Her father reading in his leather chair, her mother in a cozy wingchair.

Maybe her dad’s leather chair was still in the attic.
Rick can bring it down at Thanksgiving
.
Then all I need is the man.

Justin’s deep voice interrupted her musing. “I do want her to pursue her career, but I’ve done two things I maybe shouldn’t have.”

“Say more.” Gwen gave him her full attention.

“I’ve urged her to let the nannies do all the work while she rests, goes to the spa, finds a yoga group she likes, and so on.”

“You slave driver.” Gwen laughed.

Justin joined in. “I never thought to draw her out about her professional goals, but I will do that now. Worse, though, I’ve failed to secure the property for the holistic rehab facility. You probably know all about Manda’s dream.”

“Yes, the holistic center that caters to those who need to make fundamental changes in their thinking, eating, exercise, and stress management, in order to deal with serious health issues.”

“Exactly.”

“Gianessa’s credentials as a physical therapist and her gifts as a healer make her the perfect person to shape the vision for that center,” Gwen said.

“Precisely. And we believe the right location for it is Cady’s Point.”

“I understand and agree.” Gwen pushed aside the memory of her canoe trip there with Peter. “It has healing power, and it is a beautiful, serene setting for the center. Are you going to buy it from Lorraine?”

Justin hung his head. “Lorraine refused to sell it to me or to Joel. At any price. First she gave Joel the runaround when he tried to buy it as a wedding gift for Manda.”

“I had heard about that. What happened when you tried to buy it?”

“I failed. Even with Gianessa’s coaching, Lorraine saw right through me. Whenever I added a million to my purchase offer, she wanted two million more. When I realized she had no intention of selling to me, I walked away.”

Gwen cocked her head. “Out of curiosity, what did you give Manda and Joel as a wedding gift?”

He shrugged. “Just the half of the Cushman grounds where they want to build their home in a couple of years.”

“Half of these grounds, where we’re sitting now?”

“Yes. I was the sole heir of the estate. Deeding half to Joel and Manda was Gianessa’s suggestion. Now that I’ve razed the family mansion, the way is clear for them to build their home on the level spot just south of the mansion as soon as they’re ready. It’s perfect for their children to play, when the time comes.”

Gwen leaned toward him. “It makes me very happy that you and Joel will be living together on the Cushman grounds, raising what the townspeople are calling the new generation of Cushmans.”

“Are people saying that?” Justin’s eyes lit up.

“Yes, and I think it’s giving them hope and a sense of stability that one of the founding families of Tompkins Falls is coming back. Well two families, really, since Joel is also the last of the Tompkins line.”

Justin’s voice caught. “I must tell that to Gianessa.” He took a swallow of coffee and cleared his throat. “And to Joel and Manda.”

“There’s your toast for Thanksgiving.” She gave him a few moments to gather himself.

When he picked up a napkin to dab at his mouth, he also blotted his eyes. “So, I failed to secure the land Gianessa and Manda want for their facility, and their planning seems to have come to an abrupt end.”

“Not so.” Gwen held up her finger.

“No?” Justin’s voice was an octave higher and infused with energy. “What do you know?”

“I know that Manda had to declare her masters project at St. Basil’s a year ago, and she chose to focus on the holistic rehab. She has kept herself going with her research and her business plan. She actually sounded you out a few times about one aspect or another, although you may not have realized what she was doing.”

“I had no clue.” Justin chuckled.

“Her proposal has been accepted. She’s moving into the final stages of her business plan and she’ll have her masters in May. Another celebration we all can look forward to.”

“Then all she needs is the venture capital—which is my job—and a place to build.”

“You’re putting up the capital?”

“I am. That’s the deal we made last winter—over breakfast—when Joel was still in the hospital. The offer stands, as long as I approve her business plan.”

“Justin.” Gwen waited for him to make eye contact. “I have an idea.”

“You’re wearing a Cheshire Cat grin,” Justin narrowed his eyes, but not before she saw a twinkle.

“As Lorraine’s lifelong friend, I can buy Cady’s Point from her. I’ll come up with a story. I don’t know”—she waved her hands—“I’m sick of maintaining the tortuous Forrester road and the antiquated house, or something. And I’ll tell her she needs to let go and to move on with her life. Some combination like that. She won’t suspect I’m getting it for Joel’s wife and your wife. She has no idea I have a relationship with any of you.” She nodded decisively.

“Except you’ll need to meet her in person, and keep a straight face. Documents must be signed, and money handed over. You’ll need more of a plan than that,” Justin said.

“Okay, I’ll start by calling her and reminding her about our nasty winters here and say I need cashmere. And I’m coming to London, the source of all cashmere, and I want to go on a shopping spree with her. Harrods is best for cashmere, isn’t is?”

“Perfect. Meet her in London for your Christmas shopping, see a couple of plays with her, give her your best story and hand her a check.” He strode to his desk. “How much do you think you’ll need?”

Gwen shot to her feet. “Justin, stop! I don’t mean for you to underwrite this transaction.”

He turned in surprise. “Oh, right, she’ll want to know where you got the money. What will you tell her?”

Gwen sat down again and motioned him back to his chair. “You had no way of knowing, and I don’t think Lorraine knows either. I’ve been sitting on almost nine million dollars from a wrongful death settlement related to my husband’s accident. It’s time I spent some of it.”

“I knew you had lost your husband.” Justin’s face puckered with sympathy. “I had no idea his death had brought you a windfall.”

“Jeb was a skier, involved in Ski Patrol. He responded to a rescue call—two boys on a gondola lift. Their car had twisted and almost derailed in a high wind. It turned out there was something defective about the car—I don’t know the details. Anyway, he climbed a tower, used the cable to get to the car, and got the boys to shimmy down a line to safety. As soon as they scrambled out of harm’s way, the car fell off the cable, crashed onto the rocks below, and Jeb was killed.” Gwen sucked in her breath. It had been years since she’d told the story or even thought of it.

“You’re trembling.” Justin’s hands covered hers. “Are you all right?”

She nodded. “Jeb’s parents ordered an investigation and filed suit, on my behalf and theirs. I was in such a daze I didn’t even know they’d done it. They won, and we split seventeen-and-a-half million.”

“Your hands are ice,” Justin said.

She shook her head, unable to stop her train of thought. “The money meant nothing to me, and I’ve never done anything with it.”

“By now you could have bought an estate in the same little enclave in the Thames Valley, where Lorraine lives surrounded by her wealthy college friends. Personally, I’m glad you stayed with us in Tompkins Falls.”

“What they’re doing, holed up in that valley, except when they’re on a cruise or shopping in Paris or skiing in Gstaad, is an escape. An empty existence. This is where I belong—treating addicts and alcoholics right here on the shores of my favorite lake.”

“My favorite as well.” He squeezed her hands.

She squared her shoulders. “Lorraine has no business hanging onto Cady’s Point. If I’m the only one who can pry it from her, then that’s what I’ll do. For Manda, for Gianessa, for all the people who will get treatment at this new holistic center and as a result, turn a corner in their lives.”

“I’ve got an idea.” Justin sat back and regarded her with a twinkle in his eyes.

“Tell me.” She set down her coffee.

“The name Forrester, thanks to your grandparents and your parents and now you, has always been affiliated with health care and with care of the whole person, here in Tompkins Falls. I’d like you to give the Forrester name to the new holistic rehab center on Cady’s Point.”

Gwen caught her breath.

“I’m sure Gianessa and Manda will agree,” he said.

Tears sprang to Gwen’s eyes. “Dad and Mom would be so proud.”

“And you must consider yourself one of the trustees as well.”

Unable to speak, Gwen nodded.

“As for your imminent trip to London, I insist on making your travel arrangements, at my expense. And I want you to take Lorraine to a couple of plays on me. Don’t tell her, of course.” He grinned.

“It’s brilliant.” Gwen brushed her cheeks dry. “I’ll pin down a date with Lorraine and polish my story about why I need to move off the old homestead and live on her land.”

Justin sobered. “This will get Gianessa’s career back in gear. Starting up the Forrester Center is exactly the professional role she was meant to play, and the time is right.”

“Let’s not say anything until I’ve got the land,” Gwen cautioned.

“Agreed,” Justin said. “I want this to succeed, and my money’s on you.”

Gwen had no problem convincing Lorraine to meet her in London. She hinted she had a fascinating opportunity that required Lorraine’s cooperation.

“You’re opening a practice someplace exotic that I
must
visit,” Lorraine guessed.

“No, I hadn’t thought of that.”

“You’re moving to London.” Lorraine squealed.

“Hm. No.”

“I know,” Lorraine said. “You’re getting married again, aren’t you?”

“Maybe. But you can’t tell anyone.” Gwen refused to divulge anything more or to tell Lorraine her role in it until they were face to face. “How soon can we meet for shopping in London?” she asked.

Lorraine rattled off her social calendar for the next ten days, finally admitting that everything could be moved or canceled. The two of them agreed to meet, in London, the day after next, for a week of culture, fine dining, shopping, and scheming.

“Scheming?” Gwen questioned.