How Long is Forever
Chapter 8
Della climbed the stone steps that led from the private dock on the lake to her house. The tension in her muscles had worked itself out as stroke after stroke replaced the rhythm of thought in her mind. Stress had given way to simple, rote mechanics, and it had felt wonderful and invigorating. She had just reached the last step when a tall stranger appeared.
Startled, Della's hand flew to her mouth to stifle a yelp, and her eyes widened, then narrowed. Still, she congratulated herself on not blurting out a "Who are you?" in a tone that would have revealed just how rattled she was.
The tall man took in her dripping appearance, offered a quick, apologetic smile, and then said, "Oh, miss. I'm very sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
Dignity, Della, always grace under pressure. Like encountering a distasteful client or potential witness. She regained her composure, staring at him with the same curiosity he had exhibited seconds before. He was well over six feet tall (taller than Perry, but not Paul), broad shoulders and a full head of salt and pepper grey hair.
Her survey complete, she said sweetly, "It's alright. But this is private property, so I'm not used to strangers."
The man stepped aside, holding out his hand to help Della up the last step. She smiled politely, but refused his proffered hand, then stepped around him to head for the house.
The man followed her. "Excuse me, miss?"
Della stopped but didn't turn around. "Sir, I've already told you, this is private property. Please leave." There was velvet steel in the voice. A ladylike firmness that wasn't to be ignored.
He laughed softly, and she knew without looking at him that he had thrown up his hands in mock surrender. Just like Perry or Paul would have. "Okay. Again, I'm sorry."
Della had almost reached the door when she turned. "Wait."
He turned back to look at her. "Yes?"
"I'm sorry for being so rude." She paused, let the apology sit for five seconds, then continued, "You must be one of the campers from the high road. I'm Miss Kirby."
The man walked up to her, extending his hand. "Mitchell…Mitch Novak. And yes, my family is camping. I was looking for a spot to, hopefully, let the kids go down to the lake without having to drive them down."
Truth? She weighed it carefully. Possible. I was warned about campers. Della smiled. "Of course, Mr. Novak. Your children are welcome to use the steps."
"Mitch, please. And actually, they're my grandchildren. I'll try to keep them quiet so they don't disturb you."
"It's quite alright. Kids will be kids. Just tell them to be careful on the steps, some of them are uneven."
Grandchildren? He only has ten years on Perry, tops. Is that old enough to have . . . ? Perry would know.
"I'll watch them. And thank you again."
As Mitch headed back up the hill, Della headed in the house for a quick shower and a change of clothes. Once she had emerged in a light summer dress, she poured herself a glass of jasmine tea and went out to settle in one of the deck chairs.
Laying her head back, she had just started to doze when she heard the laughter. Looking around, she saw Mitch trying to keep up with three girls. The youngest appeared to be about seven, while the oldest was a pretty teenager.
Mitch was showing them the stairs and explaining the uneven steps, making them promise to stay close to the dock until he could join them.
As he turned, Della raised a hand in greeting. He returned the wave, striding toward the house.
"I hope we didn't disturb you. Trying to corral those three is like herding cats."
Della laughed and Mitch smiled in pleasure. Her laugh was just about the most magical sound he had ever heard.
"Would you like to sit and have a glass of tea?"
"Thank you, I'd love that. Just let me run down and make sure the girls are okay."
Della smiled at him. "Fine. Just be careful."
"Right."
As Mitch headed down the stairs, Della entered the house. She fixed a pitcher of the jasmine tea and a plate of her chocolate chip cookies.
Returning to the deck, she saw Mitch just topping the stairs. As he crossed to the deck, she thought what a handsome man he was. He didn't appear to be that old, despite the grey in his hair. His face was rugged, but still handsome. As he pulled out a chair to sit, Della noticed his hands showed signs of hard work.
"That looks delightful, Miss Kirby."
The smile that she gave him caused his heart to skip a beat. "Katherine."
"Katherine."
Mitch took a sip of the tea and then a bite of the cookie, stalling for time so that he could look this lady over. Even with the minimal amount of makeup, she was still an absolutely beautiful woman. When his wife had died two years ago, he had more or less given up looking at women, content to spend time with his son's family. But this lady was…
"So do I pass inspection?"
Mitch had the good sense to flush. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare."
Della smiled and he thought if it were possible, it made her even more beautiful.
"Quite alright. It's been a long time since a man has given me the 'once over'."
"Why?"
Della looked away and busied herself refilling her tea. Mitch knew at once he had hit a nerve.
"I'm sorry again. I didn't mean to pry. It's just that…"
Della smiled again. "When I was working in the secretarial pool, the office wolves used to sniff around. Let's just say I retired and I like my privacy."
He nodded his head. "Understood. So, what shall we talk about?"
"Tell me a secret. Tell me a story about your life. And… tell me how in the world you have a teenager for a granddaughter."
For the next hour, they discussed family, the weather, staying to general topics. Della learned that Mitch had been a construction worker. He had started when he was eighteen, hauling lumber at construction sites. He eventually worked his way up to foreman and finally the owner of his own company.
Della listened intently, liking the sound of his deep voice, until she suddenly found herself back in time. Perry's voice telling her how much he loved her, how she was the only woman for him, how he would love her forever.
"Katherine?"
Della gave her head a small shake.
"Sorry, I thought I heard someone."
Mitch accepted her excuse. But in the back of his mind, Mitch had to wonder, who had hurt this wonderful woman.
"So, Katherine, would you like to…"
"Pop! Pop! We're hungry." The three girls appeared at the top of the stairs and headed for Mitch.
Mitch sighed deeply and stood. He reached out, grasping Della's hand in his.
"Thank you for the tea and cookies," he placed a light kiss on the back of her hand, "and for the delightful conversation. I hope I may see you again."
Della gently withdrew her hand, offering a small smile. "I'd….."
"Pop!"
Mitch sighed again. "Good afternoon, Katherine."
With a last look at her, Mitch turned and followed the three girls up the road.
Della sat staring after him, unconsciously rubbing the spot on her hand where his lips had touched. Such a nice man. On the surface, at least. But he doesn't hold a candle to . . . Oh, damn it, Perry! Why couldn't it have been forever?
Not bothering to wipe the tears that streaked her cheeks, she gathered the dishes, heading back into her home.
