The Nephew's Wife Page 12

  “Don’t blame Ellen. I came to the conclusion myself. She just confirmed my fears.”

  Rand massaged his temple where a nagging pain had suddenly developed. “Let’s don’t get into Lana over the phone. I’m coming home tomorrow if nothing comes up. We’ll talk about Lana then. I just want to hear your voice and tell you I miss you.”

  “Ellen’s taken good care of me,” Dolly said with a nicer voice. “How did all your meetings go?” Dolly switched gears for fear she’d let Ellen’s confession that morning slip out. She’d rather Ellen do the telling.

  “I had more success than I had expected.” Rand filled her in on his new accounts and renewal of others.

  “I’m proud of you, honey,” Dolly praised him. “Your father and uncle would be very proud of you, too. You’ve worked hard to keep this company going. Branching out internationally has been a good idea. I just wish—” emotion swelled in Dolly’s throat, stifling her words.

  Rand loosened his tie with an impatient hand. “You just wish I was married and had a family.”

  “I’m not going to harp on that anymore, Randolph.” Dolly pulled a tissue from the box beside her and put it to her nose. “It’s time for me to back off and let you decide what’s best for you. And if that means accepting Lana into the family then I will.”

  Flabbergasted, Rand asked. “What’s happened since I left to change your mind?”

  “Ellen convinced me to let you decide what you want to do and to stay out of your love life.”

  “Ellen had the power to do that?” Rand joked, but he was impressed.

  “Ellen’s an exceptional woman, Randolph.” An idea came to Dolly. “Ellen possesses great qualities. She’s humble, kind, decent, selfless, resourceful—”

  “Whoa!” Rand chuckled. “Sounds like a PR campaign. I thought you didn’t want me interested in Ellen.”

  “Umph! If I had known you’d go running back to Lana, I wouldn’t have said anything,” Dolly huffed.

  “We’ll talk about this when I get home. I have to go. Love you.” The café had filled while Rand was on the phone, and a line was forming at the door. People were glaring at him. He flipped his phone shut, tucked a tip under his coffee cup, and elbowed his way to check out.

  “Love you, too, Randolph.” Dolly said as the connection died. She frowned, leaning back on her pillow. Her nephew’s message was loud and clear. He didn’t want to hear anything negative about Lana. Dolly decided it was time to fix things.

  That night over dinner, she told Ellen her plan.

  “We’re having another dinner party,” she said in an authoritative voice. “I’ve already discussed this with Celeste. It’s a welcome home party for Randolph with a surprise. I’m inviting Lana and her parents to join us.”

  Ellen almost choked on her roll. “Are you sure about this, Dolly?”

  “I’ve prayed all afternoon about it, dear. I haven’t been fair to Randolph. He’s so afraid of my dislike for Lana that he won’t even discuss her with me. I can’t begin to tell you how much that hurts. I’ve got to let him know his relationship with Lana is okay with me. I think a small affair is a good start.”

  Ellen wasn’t sure, but she had no right to say so. “I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

  “Thank you, Ellen,” Dolly said with a grandmotherly smile. “I knew you would understand. I only wish Randolph had known you first before he fell for Lana.”

  “I don’t think I’m Rand’s type.” Ellen confessed, honestly. From the photo of Lana and Rand she’d found, Ellen could tell Lana was the high school-cheerleader, supermodel type. Ellen was the quiet wallflower.

  After Dolly retired that evening, Ellen dragged herself to the gazebo for a good cry. Dolly’s dinner idea made Rand’s love for Lana seem official. As much as Ellen wanted Rand to be happy, she found no joy in his reunion with Lana. Her heart throbbed as if she’d been jilted. Ellen sat on a chair and faced the bay, glimmering with lights from the houses across the way, some passing boats, and a few yachts. A breeze lifted the magnolia fragrance and swirled it in the evening air. It reminded Ellen of her last time in the gazebo with Rand. Tears slid from her eyes and down her cheeks. She didn’t try to stop them.

  The love she felt for Rand was real and deep, but too late. If only their paths had crossed years ago as Dolly had mentioned, she might have had a chance with him. If only, if only, Ellen thought. She missed Rand terribly. Lana was a very blessed woman to have a man like Rand. He’d treat her right.

  Ellen was too tired to complain to God about the way the chips fell against her—again. God had His reasons for allowing things to happen as they did. Ellen just wasn’t in the mood to care. She wanted to wallow in her pain for a while, get it all out of her system so she could face Rand and Lana tomorrow evening with her composure in place.

  It’d been a day of high drama. Ellen was tired of drama. She wanted to disappear to a deserted island where no one knew her and hide in a cave for ages. Her confession to Robin seemed pointless, considering Rand wouldn’t have cared one way or another about her deception. His attention was on Lana. She’d told Robin the truth to stop Whitney. If she’d waited a day, the news about Rand and Lana would have reached Whitney, and there would have been no need for Ellen to divulge anything.

  Oh well, Ellen thought. The truth was better out than hiding inside her. Now, the world would know who and what she really was. Ellen rose and went to a window. She looked straight up through the starry veil to Heaven.

  “I’m not a bad person,” Ellen declared in a whispery voice. “I never meant to hurt Paul. I just couldn’t go through with the marriage. I needed to tell him. I had to be honest with him. I didn’t know he’d be so upset he’d kill himself. How many times do I have to say I’m sorry for this, Dear Lord? How many times do I have to ask for forgiveness before I start to feel forgiven? How long will I feel guilty?”

  Ellen leaned against the window frame and wept softly. Weary thoughts somersaulted in her head. What was to become of her once Rand and Lana married? She certainly couldn’t stay at the Powers’ estate. It would kill her to see Rand and Lana together. Even if they chose to live elsewhere, Ellen would still know every move they made because of Dolly. No, she’d leave as soon as possible. Ellen found little comfort in that thought as she headed back to the house to face a sobbing, sleepless night.

  The next day was so busy, Ellen didn’t have time to dwell on her broken heart, but it was there nonetheless. She split her time and energy between helping Dolly and Celeste. In the middle of the day, she found time to retreat to the gazebo to pray for strength and a gentle spirit. Accepting Rand and Lana was going to be rough on her. She had looked forward to Rand’s return from Paris, but not this way.

  Everything was lining up nicely otherwise. Lana and her parents were ecstatic about the invites, especially Lana. She’d returned from Paris the day before and was anxious to welcome Rand back. Dolly had been overly gracious on the phone while inviting the three. At least Dolly was getting what she most desired, Ellen thought. A wife for her nephew.

  Edward was picking up Rand at the airport at five-thirty. He’d arrive home almost an hour later. Dolly wanted Lana and her parents there to greet him

  “I won’t be coming to the dinner, Dolly,” Ellen said when she helped Dolly into bed for a nap after lunch. “It should be a private affair for the families.”

  “I want you there, Ellen,” Dolly pleaded. “You’re part of our family.”

  Ellen forced a polite smile. “That was before Lana. I’m sure she would rather it be family only.”

  Dolly nodded, sadly, in response. She knew the days with Ellen as a companion were slowly ending.

  Rand woke as the pilot announced the approach to Tampa International Airport. The long nap had refreshed him. A smile spread like butter across his face. Ellen was only a little more than an hour away. He couldn’t wait to see her. All the confusion about Lana would finally be put to rest.

  The trip had been a personal jour
ney as well as a business one. He’d come to terms with what he was seeking in life. It all came down to one thing. Ellen. She’s the one he’d been looking for all his life. God had known from the beginning. Their paths had crossed in a divine way. Now, all he had to do was be patient. The wait would be worth it. He’d give Ellen all the time she needed to get over Paul. He didn’t expect her to forget the man she’d loved for years in just a short amount of time. He’d never known that great a love.

  Ellen was one of a kind. To love a man the way she did Paul made her angel-like to Rand. Rand wanted that kind of love from a woman. Ellen would never leave a man just because he was sick. She’d never be so cruel as to dump a guy right before the wedding. She’d be more sensitive and kind. Ellen was the type who’d stick by her convictions. Rand admired that in her. She was strong and faithful, but she was also devoted and loyal. He liked that. He could trust someone who faced the impossible and unlikeable situations of life.

  Ellen had shown him how to handle life’s hardships. She’d given hope and promise to him when he’d given up on both. His blood raced with energy and love now. His heart pounded with a love for life. He wanted to love again, to have a wife and family. And it was all because of Ellen. Sweet, kind-hearted, patient, strong, and lovely Ellen. He’d given his heart to her. He couldn’t wait to tell her that very evening.

  Chapter 12

  “Welcome home, darling!” Lana rushed into Rand’s arms as soon as he entered the house and planted a kiss on his lips.

  “Wh—what’s going on?” He pushed her away and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “What are doing here Lana?” Behind her, he could see his aunt and Lana’s parents, seated in the living room. His heart flip-flopped.

  “Your aunt invited my parents and me for dinner tonight,” Lana answered smugly.

  “What? Why?”

  “She wants to welcome me back into the family. Nice, huh? See, even your aunt realizes we have a future. ”

  Rand narrowed his eyes into snakelike slits. “You didn’t tell Aunt Dolly the truth about us? That I’m not interested in you.”

  “She sounded so thrilled about our getting back together, I didn’t have the heart to let her down,” Lana purred. “Can’t we just go along with it to please her, Rand? You don’t want to disappoint your aunt, do you?”

  “You love birds come in here,” Steve Malone called from the living room.

  Rand groaned. He glared at Lana. “I’m not going through with this!” He started toward the living room.

  “Wait, Rand,” Lana begged. “What if this is all God’s plan? What if this is meant to be? You won’t know unless we give it a try. What harm can a little dinner do? I don’t want you to embarrass me in front of my family.”

  That hit Rand between the eyes.

  “You embarrassed me in front of the whole town, Lana,” he spat. “I’m going to fix this right now.”

  He set his briefcase on the entrance-hall table and rushed to the living room. After polite greetings to Lana’s parents, Rand wheeled his aunt into the library.

  “Aunt Dolly, what is the meaning of this dinner?” He was furious.

  “I thought you’d be pleased that I was accepting your decision to reunite with Lana,” Dolly replied, astonished by his anger.

  Rand stood in front of her with both hands on hips.

  “Why would you even think I would reunite with Lana? Lana and I are not together, Aunt Dolly.”

  “But, she was with you in Paris. She told me herself that she was going to do everything to make you happy this time around.”

  “There is no this time around.” Rand calmed down long enough to explain what happened in Paris.

  “Oh, no!” Dolly gasped. “I’m so sorry. I was just trying to be harmonious after the last time you two were together. I’ve really messed up, haven’t I?”

  Rand clasped his aunt’s hands in his. “It’s okay, Aunt Dolly. It’s my fault for letting you think there was something going on with Lana. I should have nipped this in the bud right away.”

  “What am I going to do about dinner?”

  “I’ll take care of this,” Rand said, firmly. He strode out to the living room and returned a few minutes later.

  “It wasn’t pretty, but I explained the misunderstanding,” Rand said with relief in his tone. “The Malones are too upset with Lana to be disappointed in the cancellation of dinner.”

  Rand wheeled his aunt near a chair so he could sit down and face her. Dolly had tears in her eyes.

  “It’s not that bad, Aunt Dolly,” he told her, softly. “One day we’ll laugh about this.”

  “These are tears of joy, Randolph,” Dolly declared with a radiant smile. “I was going to accept Lana, but I’m glad I don’t have to.” She took his face in her hands. “I want your wife to be more like Ellen than Lana.”

  Rand’s eyes widened. “Where is Ellen?”

  “In her room. She didn’t want to attend the dinner.”

  “I’ll go get her.” Rand stood. “I’m starved.” He wheeled Dolly to the dining room and left her explaining things to a confused, but joyful Celeste.

  Ellen wrapped a shawl around her shoulders. She’d take the service stairs down to the kitchen then slip out the back door to the gazebo. Hearing Rand arrive home and not being able to greet him had scraped her emotions raw. Her eyes stung with tears, old and fresh. She had to leave the house at once. Just knowing Rand and Lana were together under one roof made her nauseous and fragile.

  “Ellen!” Rand called her name and tapped on her door at the same time. Ellen jumped. She didn’t want him to see her tear-stained face. She couldn’t use the grieving excuse anymore since she’d told Dolly the truth.

  “What do you want, Rand?” Ellen leaned her head on the door with her hand on the knob.

  “I came to get you for dinner.”

  “I’m not hungry.” Go away!

  “I want to see you, Ellen. Aren’t you going to welcome me home?” The befuddlement in Rand’s tone touched Ellen.

  “Welcome home,” Ellen said through the door.

  “Why won’t you come out? Dinner is waiting.”

  “The dinner is for the families.”

  Rand understood now. “It’s just me and Aunt Dolly, Ellen, and we want you to join us. Please come down for dinner. We’ll be waiting.”

  Ellen put her ear to the door and listened. Rand’s footsteps faded down the hallway.

  What had happened to Lana and her parents?

  Curiosity got the best of Ellen. She washed her face and made herself as presentable as possible then headed to the dining room. Rand stood when she entered. His face lit up.

  “It’s good to see you again, Ellen.” He came around to help her in a chair.

  She lowered her gaze, embarrassed by the redness in her eyes that no amount of water could wash away.

  “I’m happy you’re back, Rand.” Ellen’s greeting wasn’t as enthusiastic as Rand’s. She turned to Dolly. “What happened to the Malones?”

  “I’ll let Randolph explain after the blessing.” Dolly and Rand exchanged joyous glances.

  Ellen’s heart flew to the ceiling when she finally heard Rand’s explanation about Lana, but the feeling was fleeting. The truth about Paul still hung between them. The sooner she told Rand the better.

  After dinner, Rand gathered everyone in the living room and passed out the gifts. He saved Ellen’s for last.

  “It’s beautiful, Rand,” she gushed. No one had ever given her such an elegant gift. “I’m not sure I deserve such extravagance.”

  “I’m glad you like it.” Rand skipped over Ellen’s humble remark. She deserved the moon as far as he was concerned.

  Dolly smiled secretly at the two. “I think I’ll retire early tonight.”

  Rand wheeled his aunt back to her room, but only stayed long enough to say goodnight. While Ellen got Dolly ready for bed, he went to his room and unpacked his luggage that Edward had brought up earlier.

  “Why
are you in such a hurry to get to bed tonight, Dolly?” Ellen asked as she combed out Dolly’s hair.

  “It’s been a tiring day, dear.”

  “I thought you’d be anxious to visit with Rand awhile.”

  “I’ll do that tomorrow.” She turned her face up to Ellen. “You are going to tell Rand about Paul, aren’t you?”

  “Of course,” Ellen said. “I want him to learn about it from me not the Sunday paper. I’m not sure he’s going to be as forgiving as you, Dolly.”

  Ellen helped Dolly into her bed and tucked her in. Dolly took Ellen’s hand as she was leaving.

  “You’re in love with Randolph, aren’t you, Ellen? That’s why you didn’t want to come to dinner. You didn’t want to see Randolph with Lana.”

  Ellen blinked at Dolly’s assertion. Had she been that transparent?

  “You don’t have to be embarrassed about it, Ellen. I’m thrilled beyond words. Why don’t you tell him how you feel tonight? Don’t wait.”

  “Maybe,” Ellen said with shaky confidence. “I’ll have to see how he handles what I have to say about Paul.”

  Dolly let go of Ellen’s hand and smiled. “I’ll be praying for you, dear. I should have left it all to God in the first place, and we wouldn’t have had the fiasco we did tonight.” She chuckled. “I can’t believe I was pushing my nephew into Lana’s scheming arms.”

  Ellen kissed Dolly on the forehead. “Goodnight, Dolly. Sweet dreams.”

  Rand was waiting at the top of the staircase when Ellen stepped out of Dolly’s bedroom. He had changed into a lightweight, pullover sweater and was in the process of pulling up the sleeves.

  “I wondered if you’d like to stroll to the gazebo,” he said as Ellen neared. “I’ve missed our discussions.”

  “I’ll get my shawl. It’s a little cool tonight.” Ellen pivoted on one heel and went back to her room. It gave her a chance to collect her thoughts. The evening had turned out differently than she’d expected, and her emotions were in a dither. Dolly’s comments were fresh on her mind, too. If only telling Rand the truth wasn’t facing her, Ellen griped inwardly. She could just enjoy a nice evening with him without messy nerves.