Your Heart's Desire (2 page)

“It's really pretty easy. That reminds me—I saved some leftover paint in case you want to try your hand in the apartment.”

“I've never really painted much, but it might be fun. And you've done such a great job in these rooms. You're an inspiration.”

Marjorie beamed at her. “Oh, I'm so glad you're here, Caroline. I've been just dying to show this house to my family. I've been working so hard on it. Our first home.”

“And it's all just wonderful.” Caroline smiled at her baby sister, remembering how Marjorie used to love playing with baby dolls and the dollhouse as a child. In some ways, she hadn't changed much. “You're very blessed, you know.”

“I know.” Marjorie straightened her comb-and-brush set on the dresser. “It's just so fun to share it with my family. Rich's parents come over a lot, and they've been really helpful. But I've missed having my own family.” She showed Caroline the guest room. “It's a mess with my sewing stuff, but I want to fix it all up for the folks…for when they come out. Mom said maybe by summer. Won't that be great?”

“It's so nice you have all this space.” Caroline's previous apartment had only one tiny bedroom that had been used by Joseph. She'd slept on the sofa bed. She was curious about the downstairs apartment, but knew the time would come to see it. “You have a lovely home and a lovely family, Marjorie. You're truly blessed.”

“I hear the boys coming in.” Marjorie opened another door. “The upstairs bathroom.” She stepped back to allow Caroline to enter. “Can you believe how roomy it is?”

“It's huge.” Caroline looked around the pale-green-tiled space in wonder. Not only did it have a generous-sized bathtub, but a separate shower as well. The sink vanity ran the length of the room, and the toilet had its own separate door. “I've never seen such an enormous bathroom.”

“I guess they're more common here in California,” Marjorie explained as she plucked up Lulu to keep her from climbing into the bathtub. The disgruntled child kicked and twisted in her arms. “At least in bigger homes anyway.”

“Well, it's all very, very nice,” Caroline proclaimed. “I'm so happy for you and Rich. You're very fortunate.” Despite her cheerful words, Caroline felt a strange twinge inside of her. Something akin to jealousy, and that was disturbing. Because, really, she was happy for her younger sister. On closer examination, she decided this feeling was more like regret…or longing. Like a question that had been nesting in some recess of her mind. A question she never wanted to fully face. As they headed for the staircase, the troublesome question hit Caroline without warning:
What would her life be like right now if Joe hadn't been killed in the war?

“Want to go to Aunt Caroline?” Marjorie held out the fussing toddler.

Caroline reached for Lulu. “Come on, sweetie pie.” To her relief, Lulu outstretched her arms. “That's the girl.” She ran her hand over Lulu's thick auburn curls. Like Caroline, she must've inherited that from their grandmother's side of the family.

“I better get dinner on the table.” Marjorie led the way down the stairs.

“Do you worry about Lulu falling on the stairs?” Caroline asked.

“Yes. I never let her out of my sight.” Marjorie stopped at the foot of the stairs. “I've seen those gates that keep toddlers away from the stairway. I think I'll have to look into one soon. Especially with a new baby coming.”

“Sounds like a very good idea.”

Marjorie let out a loud sigh as she led them back to the kitchen. “I know Rich is working as hard as he can. And he's even gotten a couple of raises. But it's so hard to furnish a big house like this. His mom has offered to help, but Rich put his foot down. He says they've done enough and I'm not allowed to accept any more gifts from them.”

Caroline nodded. “They have been very generous.”

“Rich acts like he doesn't care about material things. He keeps telling me to take it slowly. But I want it all.” She laughed. “And I want it right now.”

Caroline chuckled. That sounded like the baby sister she'd grown up with. Marjorie had always been impatient. And perhaps a bit spoiled, too. But she was basically good-hearted. Caroline remembered when Marjorie had insisted on coming out to California. She was so certain that she'd be discovered as the next Ginger Rogers. As soon as she'd turned eighteen, she had taken off. And, although the movie star thing never worked out, it hadn't turned out too badly for her. Not at all. And, really, Caroline was happy for her.

Chapter 3

Caroline would never say
so, but Marjorie's meatloaf was nothing like their mother's. To be fair, it was probably Caroline's fault—since dinner had been delayed by the trip to the train station. “Let me clear,” Caroline offered as they finished up dinner.

“But you're the guest,” Marjorie argued. “And you already helped put Lulu to bed for me.”

“I'm also your sister,” Caroline reminded her. “And remember Mom's rules. The cook shouldn't have to clean up.”

Marjorie laughed as she handed Caroline her plate. “Fine. You win, Sis.”

Caroline pointed to Joseph now. “Has Danny shown you his room yet?”

Joseph just shrugged.

“He had some interesting-looking toy planes,” Caroline said enticingly.

“Come on, Joseph,” Danny urged. “Come see my room. We can play.”

As Joseph reluctantly followed his cousin, Caroline finished clearing the table. With a load of dishes in her hands, she grinned at her sister and Rich. “Looks like it's just the two of you for a bit. Better enjoy it.”

Rich chuckled. “What a novelty.”

Caroline was glad to busy herself in the kitchen. Her plan was to quickly finish in here, then to get downstairs to see that apartment. Rich had already put their things down there, but she was eager to get her and Joseph settled. Anxious to see their new home, she figured that if the basement was anything like the rest of this house, it would be a huge improvement.

“You're quick,” Marjorie said when she came in to see Caroline putting the last of the clean dishes in the cupboard. “Rich wants some coffee to go with dessert.”

“Dessert?” Caroline looked around the kitchen.

Marjorie chuckled. “Actually, I didn't make dessert. But we always have chocolate tucked somewhere.” She opened a high cupboard, removing a plain-looking box. “Employees are allowed to buy seconds for wholesale.” She opened the box to show Caroline.

“Seconds? They look perfectly fine.”

“It has to do with the swirls and markings on the tops of the chocolates. I haven't figured it all out yet, but each design signifies different fillings. If the swirls aren't perfect, they wind up in the reject boxes—becoming seconds.”

“Interesting.” Caroline closed the dish cupboard.

“Would you like coffee, too?”

“That sounds good, but do you mind if I go take a peek at the apartment first?”

Marjorie slapped her forehead. “I'm sorry—I forgot you hadn't seen it.”

“It's okay. I'm just curious. And I'd like to start unpacking.”

“Of course.” She set down the coffeepot. “Let me take you—”

“You go ahead and make coffee. Just point the way.”

“Certainly.” Marjorie led Caroline through the laundry room and opened a door. “This is one way to get down there. And there's an outside entrance as well—that's the door Rich and Joseph used to put your things inside. Go ahead and check it out. And my apologies that it's not in better shape. I've been so busy with the rest of the house and the children…well, hopefully it's not too bad down there.” She flipped a light switch to illuminate a rather steep-looking wooden staircase.

Caroline thanked her and carefully proceeded down, and finding another light switch at the foot of the stairs, she clicked it on to reveal a small kitchen and connected living area. Like her sister had said, it was partially furnished, but the few furnishings looked old and dusty, and besides a worn sofa and wooden rocker, the rest would probably be better off in a junkyard.

Still, with a thorough cleaning and some fresh air, the space should be fine. And perhaps she could make a slipcover for the sofa. Marjorie wasn't the only one who could sew. In fact, between the two of them—when they were growing up—Caroline was the one who really knew her way around a needle and thread.

She went into the kitchen, turning on the overhead light. The cabinets were a dull shade of yellow—although on closer inspection, they simply appeared to be dirty. Perhaps some elbow grease and a good scrub would revive them a bit. She continued inspecting the dreary space, shaking her head over things that should've been thrown out after the last tenant left…whenever that was.

Certainly, it was dismal, but with a little work and imagination, she could probably change that. She opened the door to the grimy bathroom and almost fell over from the smell. Fine, make that a
lot
of work!

Fortunately, the small bedrooms—and to her delight there were two of them—were in better shape. Each one contained a twin bed—and the mattresses appeared to be brand new. That was a huge relief. Caroline went to look through the bags that Rich had stacked by the door. Unless she was mistaken, one of these cases contained bedding. It was reassuring to know that she and Joseph would at least have a fairly comfortable place to sleep. That was something.

Hearing her sister calling that dessert was ready, Caroline hurried back up the steep staircase to join them.

“The boys are playing so nicely upstairs that I decided not to bother them,” Marjorie said as she set a plate of chocolates on the table where their coffee cups and saucers were already waiting.

“How did you like the apartment?” Rich asked as Marjorie went back for the coffeepot. Caroline could tell by his expression that he was concerned.

“I think it has good potential,” Caroline said carefully. “Will you mind if I don't use all the furnishings?”

“Not at all. You pick out what you want to use, and the rest can go to the dump.”

“And I was really pleased to see that the mattresses in the bedrooms are new.”

“The ones that were here before looked awful.” He lowered his voice. “Stein's Furniture had a sale right after Christmas and I thought it was the least I could do.”

“What did you do?” Marjorie asked as she filled up Caroline's coffee cup with arched brows.

“I, uh, I got new mattresses for the apartment.”

Marjorie stopped pouring to stare at him. “But I thought you said we couldn't afford to buy any—”

“The mattresses down there were absolutely horrible, Marjorie. You couldn't expect a dog to—”

“I know, but you said—”

“Did you really expect Caroline and Joseph to sleep on them?” His voice grew louder.

Marjorie glared at him. “Well, you could've at least told me. It's not as if I—”

“Why don't you let me pay you for them?” Caroline offered. “Since they're for Joseph and me. It seems only fair.”

Rich frowned. “That wasn't what I intended.”

“Please.” Caroline smiled warmly at him. “I
want
to pay for them. I have a small budget for getting the apartment set up. And it's wonderful you were able to find them at a reduced price. Very helpful.”

Rich held up his hands as if to surrender. “How about if I let you sisters figure these things out from now on?”

“Good thinking.” Marjorie filled his cup and then her own.

“I really do appreciate that you're both welcoming me into your home,” Caroline said pleasantly. “And I'm eager to roll up my sleeves and make that apartment a home for Joseph and me.”

Marjorie scrunched her nose as she passed the chocolate plate to Caroline. “I hope you weren't too discouraged by the condition of the place.”

“It didn't seem like anything that some soap and water couldn't fix.” Caroline took a chocolate. “And until I get myself a real job, I'll consider getting that apartment cleaned up as Job One.”

“Just make sure you get your application in at MG as soon as possible,” Rich warned her. “The more that people hear about the benefits and great working conditions there, the more competitive it gets.”

“I plan to go in first thing on Monday,” she assured him.

“That's New Year's Eve,” Marjorie pointed out. “Are they open?”

“Of course,” Rich told her. “This is MG's biggest season ever. We're getting so many orders for Valentine's Day that Mr. Gordon is considering staying in production on Saturdays, too.”

“Does that mean you, too?” Marjorie looked worried.

He grinned. “Now that I'm only driving the California circuit, I probably won't ever have to work on Saturday. At least for the most part.”

“That's a relief.”

“Do you like driving a delivery truck?” Caroline asked hesitantly. She knew it was probably nosy to inquire, but her parents had been curious about this for some time. Rich was the only son of a very wealthy family, and he'd been halfway through college when he'd given it all up.

“I love driving and being on the road. It feels like real freedom. Sort of like being a cowboy. And, yeah, I'm aware that some people scratch their heads over it…they think I should strive for something more. But the truth is I was never a bookish guy. Not even in college. I couldn't wait to quit school so I could join the Flying Tigers. My folks thought I was being a hero.”

“So did I.” Marjorie smiled.

He turned to her. “And then I let this little girl turn my head. I suppose the die was cast when I got hitched before I joined up.” He reached over to squeeze her hand. “But no regrets there.”

“None for me either.” She beamed at him. “No regrets whatsoever.”

He looked deeply into her eyes as he continued to hold her hand. “You honestly don't feel bad about not having that wonderful acting career you'd hoped for?”

Marjorie laughed. “Well, if I feel bad, I'm in good company. Me and about a million other delusional girls who came out here with movie star dreams. We've all had to figure out another way to live.”

“So you're really happy?”

“I am.” She leaned forward and they exchanged a sweet kiss.

Caroline glanced away, preparing an excuse to leave the happy couple alone, but before she could even stand, the boys came barreling into the room.

“Chocolate!”
Danny declared, his eyes eager.

“Just one,” his mother told him. “With a glass of milk.”

“Can Joseph have one, too?” Danny asked innocently.

Marjorie patted Danny on the cheek. “Joseph can have two.”

“Why does he get—”

“Because he's twice as big as you.” Marjorie pointed to the bathroom. “Now go wash your hands and I'll get both you boys a glass of milk.”

While the rest of them were scurrying about, Caroline turned to Rich. “I really do appreciate you getting those mattresses for us. It was very thoughtful.”

He smiled. “And I'm really glad you and Joseph are here, Caroline. I think it'll be good for all of us.”

On Saturday morning, Caroline felt torn. On one hand, she wanted to spend time with Marjorie and her family. On the other hand, she wanted to use this day to get Joseph and her somewhat settled. At the moment it felt more like camping than real living. So when she woke early, even before the sun was up, she took careful inventory of the sadly neglected apartment, peeking into cabinets and cupboards and creating a long to-do list.

“I have lots of errands and chores today,” she told Joseph as she sat on the edge of his bed later that morning. “You can come with me and help if you like. Or you can stay here at Aunt Marjorie's. I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Especially if you help out with your cousins.”

“I'll stay here,” he said sleepily.

Then, still wearing her pajamas and robe, she crept up the stairs to find Marjorie, also in her pajamas, warming a bottle for Lulu in the kitchen.

“Good morning,” Caroline said. “I wasn't sure you'd be up yet. I mean since it's Saturday.”

Marjorie blinked sleepily at Caroline. “I'm up because Lulu is up. But why are you up? I figured you'd be exhausted after your long trip.”

“I woke up full of energy.” Caroline quickly explained her plan. “If you don't mind, Joseph would like to stick around this morning. He promised to help with Danny and Lulu if you need it.”

Marjorie's eyes lit up. “Sounds good to me.”

“I should be back by noon or sooner.”

“Where are you going?”

“I noticed some shops as we drove through town last night,” Caroline said. “I need to pick up a few necessities, you know, for the apartment. I've made a list. And I thought I should lay in some food provisions as well.”

“Oh, yeah, sure.” Marjorie turned off the burner and, removing the bottle, tested it on her wrist with a weak smile. “I know, I know, Lulu is old enough to drink cold milk now. At least that's what one of the parenting journals says. But she still likes it warmed.”

Caroline placed a hand on Marjorie's shoulder. “You're a good mom.”

“Really?” Her blue eyes grew big. “You think so?”

“I know so.”

As Caroline walked down the tree-lined street, she could feel a bounce in her step. It was hard to fully grasp everything, but it felt as if she were in the right place at the right time—and it felt good. Of course, it didn't hurt that the sun was shining, or that she'd fled the land of winter to arrive in the land of springtime. Besides that, she had a happy anticipation for what lay ahead today.