2-1This Kiss & Other Happy Events
However, when Blackie got a call very early on Sunday morning, although he was getting a bit tired of the blasted thing ringing before the sun rose, he was not surprised to learn that Mrs. Farnon was on her way to Skeldale. Any help he might have expected from her husband leading the music that day was going to have to come from elsewhere.
Between the holiday weekend and the new arrival being ushered in, Blackie's congregation was notably smaller. However, all the family, other than Dave, Jenny, and Dr. Avery were there, having been told it would be pointless to go wait and pace for hours. If the sermon was said a bit faster or shaved to be a tad shorter, no one complained. Seeing everyone he was related to by choice or blood leave before the final 'N' faded in the Amen of the benediction didn't phase him either. Aware that his Aunt Jess was not noted for patience, he did wonder if she'd grab a ride with Thom, or wait for him to give her one, since Aunt Lynne had the car. He was grateful that Siegfried had sat next to his brother to keep him from popping in and out to see how things were going.
By the time they all got to St. Mary's Hospital in Skeldale, Amberly Laura Farnon had been born and was receiving guests in her mother's room. Thanks to having an honorary aunt who was a doctor, the entire clan was able to squeeze in for a visit. Besides, about half of them could hardly be kept out if they really wanted to enter, and didn't occupy any more room than they wished to.
Marveling over the tiny miracle who had arrived via a textbook delivery, in Lynne's expert opinion, Daniel glanced sideways at his 'nephew.' "Claymore, I believe you wanted a stock tip some time back?"
Blinking in confusion, Claymore stammered, "Y — yes. You remembered?"
Mindful of the dozing baby, Daniel did not yell, merely declared with the force of doing so, "Of course I remember, you nitwit. I have a perfect memory. Now, do you want it?"
"O — of course."
"Polaroid or Kodak."
"Why?" Claymore had to ask.
"I suspect that enough pictures are about to be made to make their sales increase ten-fold."
With that, Claymore could not argue.
Through the soft babble, Daniel caught Jenny asking his wife, "Would you and Daniel mind if — if she calls you Grandmother and Father? Dave's parents won't be around much, I think once every five years maybe, and well..."
After a quick look to get his nod, Carolyn smiled. "We'd be delighted."
Jenny shot Dave a grin before looking over at Jonathan, who had delayed his return to school for a few hours, then at Candy and Thom. "You'll all answer to aunt or uncle, I hope?" Then she laughed. "Uh — all of you?"
"Thought you'd never ask," Thom assured her.
"Tough call, but yes," Jonathan agreed. Candy nodded as she wiped happy tears away.
Assent was given in a variety of ways around the room, until they noticed Jess hadn't nodded or said yes.
"You're included," Dave told her, "if you want to be."
"I hardly know you — you don't have to be nice," she flushed.
"We aren't. We do like you, already. Some people are like that, you know," Jenny said. "Heck, I've only known this one a few hours and I'm nuts about her."
"Then, sure. But, if you change your mind, that's — " Jess broke off when Adam pinched her arm.
"I'd just like to take a second," Dash said with a bit less of his usual suave flair, "to say thanks to you two. I — missed most of Aislyn's, er — seven pregnancies. Now I see how much I missed, and what it was. I regret that, but this — being part of taking care of you two, has made up for it, somewhat."
Only Jess noticed the tear Linden wiped from the corner of her eye. It seemed Big Sister wasn't as tough as she might act, at least not all the time. Knowing Lynne would hate anyone seeing her misting over, Jess halfway smiled. "Thanks from me, too. For letting me in on what looks like a weird, but wonderful bunch... I gotta know, though... the Princess has a very unusual name — and I thought Tristan over there had urged caution on that?"
"Since when do we pay attention to Tristan?" Siegfried asked, evoking a few laughs and a shush from the doctor. It really wouldn't do to have anyone catch her letting this many people in the room. Obligingly, Tris looked offended, though his eyes revealed that to be a sham.
"I bet it's from a book," Martha said. "At least the first name. Laura for your mother, right?"
Jenny nodded. "It is from a book. The Elfstones of Shannara — Amberly was a Princess, Jess, who was full of love for her people, so much that she chose to live forever as their guardian. It's a lovely story, and Amberly is a real name. It means 'little jewel'." A maternal smile filled her face, from lips to eyes. "That's who she is, our jewel."
"Well, we haven't heard you discussing names," Sean noted. "I had wondered about that, as god-father."
"I can explain that," Dave said. "We spent HOURS discussing the perfect name options. But we wanted it to be a surprise to everyone. If she'd been a son, it'd have been easy. Greg Patrick. Patrick is Dad's name, and well..." he grinned ruefully at Daniel. "I won't change my last name, but... we'll try for next time." He winced, drawing attention to the scratch marks on his hand where someone's nails had raked him as he held her hand during labor. "After we've enjoyed my daughter's company for a while."
After a few more comments, Linden felt duty bound to be a doctor, not just an adoring honorary aunt. "Okay. I don't think she's going to get sent back, so I'm asking you all to let Jenny and Amberly get some rest. I promise, you can look at her later. Besides, she is going home first thing Tuesday morning."
"Aye, aye, you're the boss here," Daniel saluted.
"Does that include me?" Dave asked a bit forlornly.
"Yes, you look ready to collapse," the doctor instructed. "You've had a busy night, too."
Almost in chorus, Candy and Adam spoke up, "Want to come home with me/us, Dave?" Adam finished, adding, "Save yourself the long round trips?"
Dave glanced between them. "Hate to impose..."
Candy gave him a look that said more than words, but did tack some onto it. "Just tell us whether you're coming home with me or him."
"You are the better cook," the new father said thoughtfully.
"Watch it, or I'll buy Amberly her first Barbie," Adam warned.
Captain Gregg, listening intently to the easy banter he always enjoyed, frowned down at his wife. "Love, I fail to see how that's a dire threat. Surely I've taught the boy how to make better ones than that?"
Carolyn laughed softly. "Well, our first daughter wasn't a Barbie girl, and our older second one was past that stage when she arrived, but trust me, from what I hear it's a terrible thing to do. Barbie herself is cheap, but the houses, the clothes, cars, friends... add up."
"Mattel, that's where I'll invest," Claymore declared.
XXX
In the end, Dave went home with Candy and Thom, more because they actually had a spare room, not just a lumpy sofa with spare linens tossed hastily over it and a makeshift pillow.
That evening, Carolyn Gregg met her husband up in what had once been his sanctuary from humanity, the wheelhouse or attic, for a glass of Madeira.
"To our first grandchild, in a sense, Madam," he toasted.
"To Amberly," she agreed, clinking her glass to his.
After each took a sip, Daniel tentatively broached the next subject. "Any regrets, my dear?" He had not missed a slight shadow in her eyes.
"Of course not. You know I've loved having Jenny in our family since she first arrived. She fit in as if born to it. I do regret that we're likely to be invaded soon. You know Mom and Dad, not to mention a variety of cousins, will be pulling into port to meet Amberly."
"And it seems as if we only just cleared the decks from the weddings," Daniel sighed.
"It's been more than a year for Candy and Thom," Carolyn reminded.
"What a year it's been at that," he mused. In that time, he and his lady had finally married, Sean had found his Molly again, their mutual writing career had taken off, Tristan had found his way home, Lynne had learned their secret, Siegfried had blown into their lives, there had been My Fair Lady, Jess, and now, Amberly Laura was part of the family.
"What could I possibly have to regret?" Carolyn asked, almost in response to his thoughts. Perhaps she'd picked up a bit of his talent for reading people?
"You and I never — had a child," Daniel stated with as little inflection as possible, testing the waters a bit.
"Not the usual way, no," she allowed. "But Jonathan and Candy don't really remember Bobby, thank goodness. In their hearts you are their father, their only father. Jenny does remember Jack and Laura, with love and joy, but she has room in her heart for you and me as parents as well. So, how could I want more?"
He just looked at her silently.
"Yes, I do wish you and I had a baby, born from our love, but..." Carolyn shook her head. "I suppose it's a dim possibility, if — I haven't gone through the 'change,' so — but I don't think you — or could you?" By now, she could feel her face turning bright red as the awkward sentence was pulled from her.
"To be honest, I don't know," he admitted, taking her hand. "Until you and I, no spectre and mortal have ever, at least not admittedly, been — intimate in that way. And, I do know that at a certain point, bearing children is less possible for women, whether or not their husband is a ghost, so even now, there's not been a fair test of what is possible."
"I don't think, between the two factors, it's likely enough to worry," Carolyn smiled. "If it happened, it'd be a miracle due to either, and who are we to argue with that?"
"We have had our share of those, miracles, that is," Daniel agreed. "However, I'll be content to confine our dealings with children to babysitting our grandchildren."
"Children? Is — " Carolyn began, startled.
"If she is, she hasn't said so," he chuckled, though it was a slightly hollow laugh.
Tuesday
Labor Day was slightly different than had been anticipated. Seeing Amberly Laura took priority over a beach picnic. Jonathan stopped once to see his new 'niece' on the way back to school. The other living relatives attempted to confine themselves to visiting hours Monday; however, the non-living felt under no such duress. Several times Sunday and Monday night, Jenny half-woke to see a ghost keeping watch over her.
Only Jess didn't take part in all this; not because she didn't care about seeing Jenny and the baby, but because she HAD to get it together to start school. By Tuesday morning, she was as ready as she'd ever be for the day that flew past her. When the final bell rang that afternoon, it seemed as if she'd just arrived.
Adam was standing beside his jeep in the parking lot for her to finish up the miscellaneous stuff that had to be done before she could leave.
"Good day?" he asked, helping her take the high step up into the vehicle.
"I guess. It wasn't bad anyway. Did Jenny get home okay?"
"Yes," he nodded. "As I understand it, Lord Dashire and Tristan were devastated to learn she won't be using her nursery for the first month, but using a crib in her parents' room."
"How come?" Jess asked as she took a ponytail holder from her voluminous purse and tied her hair up.
"It's better for the child to be there, for a while, is what I've been told," Adam shrugged. Babies were not in his ken.
"No. Why should Tristan and Dashire care?"
"Because they spent days, maybe even weeks decorating the room. If you ever need painting done — they are your men. Ah, here we are."
Shelving the next question she'd wanted to ask, Jess followed Adam past an odd bunch of vehicles. For the most part, she'd not take a one of them home. They were frankly ugly, or just not what she wanted.
It took only a few seconds for a salesman to bustle over to them, but Adam waved him off. "Just looking, we'll call you."
Suddenly, she grabbed his arm. "There, that one."
"Don't look eager," he informed her sternly. Looking in the direction she indicated, Adam considered all of two seconds before saying, "No," and pulling her in another direction.
"No? I liked that car. It's a lovely blue and matches my eyes. Kidding. But it is pretty, and I don't see anything obviously wrong with it. I've never had a nice car, just putt-putt clunky things."
"It's impractical, guzzles gas, would be a tin can in a wreck, and reminds me of Blair Thompson."
"Who's she? Old girlfriend?"
"No. HE's an officious lout who has a talent for making life miserable. He also drove a stupid little sports car much like that. Sean told me Carolyn gave you the 'Muir/Gregg Chronicles.' He's in there."
"I've been slightly busy. I just glanced to see a bit of who's who. Anyway, you aren't the one driving it."
"No, I'm not. But your nephews and sister would be most angry with me if I let you buy a car that got you killed. I don't like funerals either. So, we'll get something like that one, there. It looks very safe, and is NOT a putt-putt."
"That tank? Absolutely not. I hate it. It's too big, I'll never find a parking space and it's the worst shade of red I've ever seen. Police ticket more red cars than any other color, besides black."
"So, drive safely. Or paint it. What's wrong with red?"
"It's Aggie Red. I'm not an Aggie."
"Aggie? Carolyn's — aunt or is it cousin?"
"Huh? You've never been to Texas, have you? Everyone makes Aggie jokes, and A and M 's school color is that shade of red. So, no."
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Adam sighed, "Fine. That is the one car on this lot that I would agree to and you hate it. Get in the jeep."
"But — "
"We're going to Skeldale. There's a good lot there. Claymore will simply not get his commission this time."
"Skeldale's a bit bigger, right?" she asked as she buckled her seat belt.
"Moderately."
"Great. When we're done, I want to go to a mall."
Pausing, Adam clicked off the ignition key before it was fully cranked. "Excuse me?"
"A mall. You know, shopping."
"Why do you need to shop? You have enough clothes to choke a horse. I know, I carried the suitcases."
"Not for me. I need a baby gift, for Amberly."
With that, Adam could not argue. He needed to do that, too. Jenny and Dave's stubborn refusal to know whether Amberly was a son or daughter before she arrived had made gift buying tricky. He'd even considered urging Dash to peek at Lynne's records. However, he could not violate his own ethics.
"Okay, but no mall. We'd have to drive about forty miles in the other direction. There is a ni — "
"No mall? I didn't expect a Galleria, but no mall? Not at all?"
"You'e a poet that didn't know it," he quipped. "No. Nearest one is Bangor. There is, as I was saying before someone cut in on me, a very nice open shopping center. I'm sure we can both find something there."
"Are you sure this is a civilized area?" Jess sighed. "Jenny loves to read. How does she find books for herself?"
"Bookstores exist outside of malls. Thanks. Now I know what I'll get. A book."
"That's an excellent idea. I am hoping they'll start reading to her right off." Jess sounded moderately surprised by his insight.
"I do have good ideas, from time to time. And yes, the two of them have already taken steps to ensure she'll grow up to be smart and wise." Adam grinned as he recalled the language discussions at the shower." Since we're together, we won't get the same book."
"Doubt we would anyway, but no. I want to get something else. A birth stone charm, to start a bracelet she can collect little things for her whole life. Amberly is so lucky, she can have any color stone she wants except red."
Frowning, Adam pulled onto the highway and had to concentrate on driving for a few minutes before responding. "Because red is the Aggie color? I thought sapphires were blue, not any color."
"Every hue but red," Jess shook her head. "Red sapphires exist, but they're rubies."
"I knew they were the second hardest stone, but not that. Interesting."
"The orange is the most valuable, but they're pretty much extinct. The pappadracha."
"Then, I won't look for one. Oh, blast. Not that this isn't fascinating, but I need to watch the road — there's some hang-up. Gonna have to detour, and I need to pay attention now."
Until they reached the car lot, Jess remained silent. When they got to the lot, the debating began all over again. Finally, a mid-sized, silver Honda appealed to Jess' aesthetically. Adam popped the hood and gave it a thorough looking over then test drove it around the block. After coming back, Adam asked to borrow a phone, went in and called his mechanic. Since the dealer did know Adam, he was allowed to drive it to the shop two blocks away to have it examined. Since it would take about an hour, Adam said they could kill time at Hialeah Market.
"It's not the Galleria, but we should do okay," Adam said as they entered.
"Okay... I'll meet you..." Jess began.
"You don't know your way around this place — and I'm in no mood to wander around looking for you. We're staying together."
"Fine."
XXX
In the bookshop, Adam noted with interest that she didn't even glance at the racks of category romances, opting to browse larger, more substantial ones. As they checked out, he asked what she'd found.
"Blackie's birthday isn't too far off. I know he likes James Montgomery Boice, so I think he's not read this one, a commentary on Romans. If he has, I'll save the receipt."
Stepping into the waning sunlight, Jess spotted a small beading shop. "Looks promising. Come on."
With a shrug, Adam followed her across the space separating the stores. When they got closer, it was apparent the little place was closed. A sign proclaimed the owner was "out to dinner. Back soon."
"Great," Jess sighed, peering into the window. "Do you — "
Before the question could be completed, she found was grabbed abruptly with a soft kiss pressed against her face. Shock and offense screamed in the back of her head, but after a second or two, Jessamyn began to feel something a bit different. Just when she had almost decided this wasn't so bad, Adam stepped back and began speaking.
"Oh, I didn't see you there, Mrs. Coburn, er — Sharpe... Mrs. Hassenhammer. How are you?"
"Mr. Pierce," a simpering voice that raked across Jess' nerves cooed. "Who is this?"
"That's the new teacher, Margaret," a less sickly sweet, but still grating, voice pointedly stated.
As Adam grabbed her hand, interlacing their fingers, Jess took a good look at the two women standing with their backs to the setting sun. The words "Barbie dolls who are not aging gracefully" popped into her head.
"Jess," Adam said through a fake smile, "these are two of Schooner Bay's prominent citizens, Darlene Hassenhammer, and Margaret C — Sharpe. Ladies, this is Jessamyn Thomas, Doctor Avery's sister, and my... friend."
"We see that," Margaret snapped.
"Penny sends her love, Mister Pierce," Darlene's saccharine tone informed him.
"How nice of her," he inclined his head. "Well, Jess, I'm afraid we'll have to see the jeweler later. Maybe we can find somewhere else that has what you want. Or we can come back after grabbing a bite. Nice seeing you, but we're in a rush."
Determinedly, he guided Jess in some other direction, any other direction would suffice.
When they'd gone a way, Jess asked, "What was that?"
"Land-sharks. Margaret is looking for husband number two. No unattached man is safe. Darlene wants a lawyer husband for her precious daughter."
"Penny."
"Got it in one."
"So, that was just a ruse, so you'd look attached?" She wasn't sure if she was angry or disappointed.
"No — I mean — blast. Either one would be a fate far worse than death. Though how bad death is could be considered debatable. I don't dislike you, really." Adam had a feeling he was digging himself deeper in the proverbial cellar.
Jess remained stoically silent for several paces, then sighed. "Okay, but you owe me now."
"Was it that horrible?"
"No. But, I think you should ask me out now... otherwise you'll be totally lying."
"I never said we were — " he protested.
"Implied then. Unless you go around kissing everyone, and that'd be worse. "
Adam considered. She had a point, and it really had been kind of... nice was all he'd admit to. "Okay. And I was going to buy you a burger tonight."
"I mean a real date." She planted her feet and refused to move. "And not Norrie's, where you could kill another bird and make us look like an item to fool anyone with it."
"Any other specifications?"
"No. Surprise me."
"Very well. My calendar is at the office. So, I'll have to call you."
"Okay."
"Am I forgiven then?" Adam asked, startled to find he cared if he was or not.
"I'm not sure," she began, pausing before ending, "that it's necessary. But if it is, then yes."
XXX
Given that they didn't have the time to wait for the jeweler to return, Jess opted to return to the bookstore and picked another book for Amberly, one about unicorns, on Adam's suggestion. Then, it was time to go back to the mechanic who said it was a good car and suggested a fair price. It was one Jess felt like she could swing. She had managed her funds well; saving the money she'd received selling the car she had in Houston back there. It would have cost too much to move a car that only she had always hated. She'd let Susan's husband help her choose it, and it was hard to argue with the General. Her moving costs had been a plane ticket and one UPS shipment, since she was living with her sister, at least until she knew if her job was permanent.
Back at the used lot, Adam went into full attorney mode, negotiating a better deal that she'd expected. Her car sale would nearly cover it. She'd come back on Thursday with Blackie or Lynne, pay, and drive it home.
"You're good," she noted, in slight awe as Adam helped her into the jeep.
"Would that be my dickering skills or the kiss?" he asked.
"The negotiations," she stated. "After all, the kiss was fake. I'd have to have a real one to know."
"I'll consider it," he promised with a wink.
Darn it, ghosts weren't the only charmers.
"I'll bet you a Coke that before two days pass, we'll be the talk of the town," was the last thing he said before dropping Jess off at Lynne's.
XXX
Jess' language might have gotten a bit stronger than "darn it" if she'd been with Carolyn Gregg, or as the town knew her, Miles, the next day.
While doing errands in town, Carolyn was stopped when a shrill voice called her name. Pasting on a pleasant smile and wishing she'd never told her children that "it never hurt to be nice," she'd been wrong, the lady of Gull Cottage turned to face Jane Trouble — er — Shoemaker.
"Good morning, Jane. How are you doing lately?"
"Just lovely. Oh, I could complain, but there are SOOO many less fortunate than I, that it would be tacky, now wouldn't it?"
And that has stopped you when? Carolyn thought, but only nodded, tacitly inviting Jane to say whatever it was she was intent on saying.
"You'll never guess what Darlene told me last night at our bridge club." Not waiting for Carolyn to express the slightest interest, she plunged ahead on that same breath. "She saw your lawyer in Skeldale last evening, before the meeting, of course."
"Well, Adam does live in Skeldale," Carolyn returned in a nonplussed tone.
"He was with a woman," Jane announced triumphantly.
Still calm, Carolyn inclined her head. "Jessamyn. Yes, I knew they — "
"You knew? She saw them at a jewelry shop, looking in the window, and KISSING. He said she was his 'friend'."
That's an improvement over the bickering they seemed prone to last I saw them. "Really? I'm glad they're friends," Carolyn essayed. As time had gone by, she'd acquired the ability to mask over her surprise. It was a handy talent.
XXX
Looking out over Bay Road, Daniel smiled to see his beloved's car pull up to their home. Moving away from his telescope, he popped downstairs to meet her. A fond smile crossed her face as the bags she carried were divested from her by an invisible hand to march in the cottage on their own.
"There's nothing in there for you, 'Kota," she informed their oversized lummox of a dog as she sniffed the parcels. Huge golden eyes turned a crestfallen look on her. "You know James told you that you needed to lose five pounds."
"Hello, Darling," Daniel said, appearing to kiss her. Then, he stepped back to peer at her. "What is that look for, my love?"
"What look?" Carolyn innocently asked.
If he had questioned whether or not he was "seeing" things in her expression, the tone confirmed that he was not. "The look that says you have something you truly want to tell me but are trying not to."
"I don't have any looks like that," she protested.
"You don't see yourself with my eyes," he informed her, tilting her face up to look into his eyes.
"Blast it, do you have to be off in the ether or taking ghost lessons for me to be able to keep a secret or two?"
"Or make me stick to a schedule so you know where I am. Dakota is not quite as sharp as Scruffy."
"I haven't done that in ten — eleven years... and that schedule was your idea."
He suppressed a smile, but it crept to the edges of his lips. "Since I'm onto you, are you planning another party?"
"No... I ran into Jane in town."
"That is hardly a reason to look like you do."
"I don't want to gossip, but what she told me..."
"Out with it, my love," he commanded tenderly, guiding her to the living room.
"Darlene Hassenhammer..."
"I still think Tristan was right on naming her Hasslehammer, " Daniel chuckled. "Or Hassenlooper. She is loopy."
"Yes. Darlene saw Adam and Jess in Skeldale looking in a jewelry shop and kissing."
"That is a bit out of character for Adam," Daniel mused, stroking his chin. "Consider the source-s. Neither woman is very reliable."
"But why spread that kind of rumor?" Carolyn persisted.
"My dear, I want you to promise me that you and Dash won't put your heads together and... interfere." Faster than she could blink, he had both her hand in his own so she couldn't cross her fingers behind her back.
"We wouldn't do that. And it would be nice. Adam's never really been in love — and she's a sweet girl. They're a cute couple."
"My dear, in all likelihood and in light of that reprehensible dinner Adam was roped into at the Hasslehammer's, he merely convinced Jess to participate in a ruse to throw the land-shark and the mother off the trail," Daniel guessed. "I can't blame him, since he can't just pop."
"They'd still be a good looking couple — and the way they bicker they won't ever make it together without a bit of..."
"The best relationships begin with bickering, may I remind you?" Daniel smiled. "Need I remind you of a monkey-puzzle tree, your candidacy for mayor, the PTA, etcetera? I'd say it's a good sign."
"We did have some help, though," Mrs. Gregg insisted.
Seeing that there was no win to be had at the moment, Daniel did what any logical man would.
He kissed her thoroughly enough that the only romance on Carolyn Gregg's mind was her own with that wonderful man.
XXX
Just as Dashire was exiting the Schooner Bay Beacon Office, Claymore was walking in. Supernally quick reflexes made Dash make himself somewhat less substantial so that the impact was lessened.
Still, seeing Claymore's furious scowl, he felt obligated to say, "Sorry, old boy. I didn't see you. No harm done, I trust?"
"Of course not; you — you know what you did," Claymore shook his head. "I want to know why I'm the last person to know anything, when I'm supposed to be sort of family, legally, anyway."
"You do know about Amberly. I imagine everyone does, actually, and you WERE there," Dash shrugged. "But, Dave did want a birth announcement anyway, that's all I was doing here."
"Not that," Claymore sighed. Dash could almost hear the little man asking do you think I'm dense? If the question was given voice, he would take the fifth. "About Adam."
"I think, old son," Dashire said with care, "you might be one up on me. What about Adam?"
"He — oh — I need to get this ad placed before the Beacon's ad sale expires... hang on, I'll be right out. You know, since all the you-know-what's have moved into all my property, I'm just not pulling in as much revenue."
"Go ahead, Clay. I've all the time in the world."
When Claymore emerged a few minutes later, he didn't get right to the subject at hand. "I do hope someone wants to rent that nice little cottage."
"Not the O'Casey's?" Dash asked, prepared to take measures to dissuade the landlord.
"No," Claymore shook his head. "What d'ya take me for? It's a beachfront cottage a few miles away. Four bedroom, two and a half baths, deck, ah..."
"Sounds lovely, I'm — " Dash began pleasantly.
"You can't have it," Claymore snapped.
"I was merely noting that you should rent such a fine place easily," Dash blinked as they walked along. "Now, Adam?"
"He and the doctor's sister are getting married. Margaret Coburn saw them together picking out rings in Skeldale."
"I thought they were picking out a car," Dashire commented. "I say, Adam moves fast, when he moves." However, he doubted Margaret Coburn's or Sharpe's, whatever she called herself, veracity. He'd pop in and ask the source himself.
"I'd think you'd know, he is your friend," Claymore probed.
"Which is why I think you've picked up a rumor that has no basis in fact, or very little anyway," Dashire firmly stated. "So, don't go spreading it around, old son. Do you understand?"
Claymore frowned and started to argue.
"Clay, rumor mongering is not something that a Gregg would do."
With a glance to make sure that no one was watching, Dash popped out.
XXX
While Jess waited for Blackie to pick her up Wednesday afternoon, the sudden sensation of being watched crept up her spine. From her seat on the steps, she looked up into the PTA president's stern face.
Rising, Jess planted a smile on her face, not letting the tension that expression provoked show. "Mrs. Nussman, how are you?"
"Miss Thomas," the elder woman bit out. "What is the meaning of your — behavior yesterday?"
Frantically trying to think what the heck the woman meant, Jess reviewed her actions of the prior day. She'd given a pop quiz to see what her student's knew so as to get a feel of what would be redundant to teach, assigned them to read ten pages in chapter one, bought a car and a baby gift... and... oops. Her controlled mien slipped a bit as the word Adam dinged in her brain. Still, she managed a nonchalant shrug. "Well, I admit, some of the kids were not thrilled to get a pop quiz, much less homework, but it is school, and I didn't see any sense in wasting time."
"It was your actions after school to which I referred," Mrs. Nussman sniped. "In Skeldale, with the young man."
"Well, the way I understood the contract was this, when I'm off the clock, I'm on my own time. Two, I was in a whole other town. Three, if you're talking about him kissing me — it was just a kiss. Four, it was on my own time in another town, which I've already said and it was not on the school track field. Five it was only a kiss, not — I'm not going to say what it was not because I am a lady and we are in public... and... " Six, good grief, I'm sounding like him with the counting. Shut up, Jessamyn. "I really haven't been teaching here long enough for anyone to gripe about my methods in the classroom, and as long as I'm not being illegal or — committing — " what was that word Blackwood used when expounding on the T.U.L.I.P.? ah — yeah, " — depravity, then it's no one's business — other than his. What was seen wasn't what — anyone else thought, and it's not anyone else's concern. Now, good day."
Right on cue, Blackie pulled up, stopped, and got out barely in time to open the door for his aunt. When he started to wave to the woman who was making a fish face in Jess' direction, the teacher hissed, "Unless you're about to make a gesture that I don't think pastors make, don't you dare wave at that harpy."
Curious, Blackie obediently dropped his hand. Fortunately, he'd been warned by a call from Mrs. Gregg that if the rumor mill was cranking at the normative rate, Jess would be either upset to the point of tears or spitting nails. Knowing his aunt, he'd figured on the latter and was not disappointed.
"I take it that you've heard the rumor you're engaged to our friend, Adam? Good show, Aunt, Dear. We've wanted him in the family officially for some time," he tried to make a joke of it. Bad move.
"Blackwood," she spat. "If you think this is funny — I'll talk to YOUR boss about a lightening bolt or two."
"This is a small town, Aunt Jess," he said calmly. "Getting so upset lets the witches, spell it as you like, win."
"I wouldn't change the spelling," she fumed. "I've always LIKED dogs. It was one darn kiss."
Since no one had talked to Adam yet, he'd figured the two women had just seen Adam and Jess walking, perhaps he'd taken her arm in his, in a strictly gentlemanly fashion. Adam, he had noted, was inclined to be a bit more old world than most modern men. Dashire's influence, to be sure, as well as the others. "So, there was a kiss?" Blackie asked, tensing for another explosion.
"Yes," and she recounted the events leading to it.
"I can't blame him, much, given — well, Candy can tell you more about Penny. I'd kiss you to keep from being hog-tied to the altar with her waiting."
"You're my nephew, that's — ugh."
"Thanks, but my point exactly."
"If you try it, I'll kick you in the shins. And tell your mother."
"Now that is mean. Mom's had to be tough — to outrank the General."
The trip was a short one, so about that time, they pulled up to the duplex Lynne had divided into a home and office. Next door, Helen Wight was watering her roses and waved.
"Most of the people here are like Helen there," Blackie counseled. "Good hearted and kind. Don't let the weirdoes get to you."
"I'll try, " Jess sighed, returning Helen's greeting as she stepped out of the car. "See you tomorrow?"
"Right."
When the door closed behind her, Jess let out a slow breath. She was so angry she was on the verge of tears. Siegfried appearing right in front of her didn't help either.
"Aack!"
"Sorry, I was a bit preoccupied and failed to look where I was popping," he looked abashed, then the English ghost's gaze sharpened. "You look a bit troubled, my dear. Your sister is seeing someone at the moment, could I be of assistance?"
Raking a hand back through her hair, Jess smiled ruefully. "Not unless you can strangle or otherwise wreck mayhem upon close minded, open mouthed, gossiping Gorgons who don't have anything better to do than take minute pieces of information and blow them out of proportion in order to make my life thoroughly — infuriating."
Impressed by her long winded-ness, Siegfried rocked back on his heels. "I fear you have the wrong Matthews brother. The one in charge of chaos is my younger brother, Tristan. However, I can listen?" Gently, he guided her to the kitchen table where the kettle danced in obedience to his silent instructions, pouring the tea he kept warm on the stove. Over their cups, Jess poured out her irritation.
"I'm not EVEN sure I halfway like him, much less... does Lynne keep yeast around...? No forget it, I have pop quizzes to grade, yuck. He didn't call did he?"
Taking a moment to sort out her string of phrases, Siegfried replied, "No, Doctor Avery is not much on cooking — why would you want it? I would be delighted to help you grade the quizzes. And yes, I do have a message from Adam." He smothered a smile on that last bit. "His calendar is free Friday evening, if his place at the poker table can be filled by someone else, and do you like folk music?"
"Yeast makes bread, and I want to pound something. Figured it might as well be constructive pounding, I really don't want to wind up in the jail for pounding who I want to. Depends on the folk music. I shouldn't even call him, it'll stir up rumors — but if I let them dictate who I see... shoot."
"You might try the word 'blast,' my dear. Captain Gregg seems to find it effective, and most of the family has adopted it as well," Sig suggested.
"Blast," she tested. "Yeah. It does sound better than darn. Did you get his number?"
"We already had it," Siegfried smiled, summoning the phone with a wave.
