Windswept Way (Hope Harbor #9)(29)
Author: Irene Hannon

 

Her new partner might not be into socializing, but her effort to put out the welcome mat was a clear indication she had a kind and empathetic heart.

 

It was possible Jon did too, despite his aloof manner. Just because he kept people at arm’s length didn’t mean he wasn’t a caring person. In fact, every instinct in her body told her he was.

 

But it was hard to get a definite handle on a person without being able to look into their eyes. Whatever color they were.

 

And in light of the dark shades Jon never removed, it appeared the window to his heart would remain firmly closed.

 

Which dampened her spirits on this otherwise bright and sunny day—for reasons she refused to ponder.

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

Why was a strange car parked next to his house?

 

And why hadn’t Daisy run up to greet him, as usual, at the end of his workday?

 

Setting the brake in his truck, Jon surveyed his backyard and the wooded area beyond.

 

Nothing but the wind in the spruce trees broke the peaceful stillness.

 

Where was the owner of the car? And where was Daisy?

 

As if on cue, a happy bark sounded from the woods. Seconds later, Daisy raced toward him.

 

Jon climbed out of the truck and bent down to give the pooch a pat. “Hey there, girl. How did you—”

 

His voice petered out as a familiar figure emerged from the thick copse of evergreens.

 

“Aren’t you going to say hello to your one and only sister?”

 

As Laura called out the question, he stared at her and rose. “What are you doing here?”

 

“That is not an acceptable greeting, big brother.” She jogged over and threw her arms around him. Squeezed.

 

He squeezed back, still trying to come to grips with her unexpected appearance. “It’s great to see you.”

 

“Much better.” After holding tight for another moment, she backed off and scrutinized him. Gave an approving nod. “You’re looking good. Outdoor work agrees with you. And the scars have faded quite a bit since I last saw you.”

 

Not true, but she meant well.

 

“Thanks for the pep talk.”

 

She squinted at him. “You don’t believe me?”

 

“The scars are never going away, Laura.”

 

“I didn’t say they were gone. I said they’ve faded. The change may not register with you because you look at your face every day in the mirror, but I haven’t seen you since you set up shop here. There’s a definite improvement. If you’d ever let anyone take your picture, you could compare and see the difference.”

 

“Cameras and I parted company long ago. So what are you doing here?”

 

Thankfully she got his message and dropped the subject—for now.

 

“Can’t a girl visit her brother?”

 

“You know you’re always welcome. But why didn’t you tell me you were coming? What if I’d been gone?”

 

One of her eyebrows rose. “Do you ever go anywhere?”

 

She had a point. Not that he’d admit it.

 

“What if I had?”

 

She shrugged. “I’d have made myself at home until you got back.” She pulled his spare key from the pocket of her jeans. “I knew where you stashed this, thanks to the emergency information you sent me. But I assumed you’d be back about now, and I only arrived an hour ago. While I waited, I turned off the electric fence and borrowed your buddy here for a hike through the woods to see the ocean. A rare treat for a gal from Colorado.” She bent down to pet Daisy, who lapped up the attention. “Your friend seemed starved for companionship. She must get lonely out here by herself all day.”

 

“I give her plenty of attention in the evening, and she enjoys chasing the squirrels while I’m gone. You going to tell me what inspired you to trek out here from Colorado?”

 

“A camping trip.”

 

“You came out here to camp?” He scanned the grounds. “Are Bill and the twins with you?”

 

“No, they are not. And no, I did not come out here to camp. Bill and the boys decided to go camping, and I declined their gracious invitation to join them. No ticks and chiggers and pit toilets for me, thank you very much. So rather than sit at home alone, I decided to take a week of vacation and visit my dear brother, since he never visits us.”

 

“I’ve been busy starting up a business.”

 

“I realize that. Another reason I decided to come to you.”

 

He pulled off his baseball cap and forked his fingers through his hair. “I wish you’d told me about this.”

 

“Sisters are allowed to barge in. Besides, if I’d shared my plans, you’d have said not to come.”

 

She knew him too well.

 

“The thing is, I just started a huge job. I’m not going to have much time to entertain you.”

 

“No worries. I knew you’d be busy, and I can keep myself amused. Have rental car, will travel.” She waved a hand toward it. “I mapped out an ambitious itinerary. It would be wonderful if you could join me for a day or two, but if not, we can spend the evenings together. Unless you have other social engagements?”

 

“Nothing on the schedule this week.”

 

She sighed. “That’s what I figured. How long are you going to live like a monk?”

 

“Hey.” He tried for a teasing tone. “Did you come out here to sightsee and catch up or to badger me?”

 

“All of the above.”

 

“No badgering allowed on these premises.”

 

She waved his comment aside. “Sisters are allowed to badger. You want to go somewhere and have dinner? My treat.”

 

“Why don’t we eat here? You must be tired after traveling for hours, and I was on the job at the crack of dawn today. Literally. I’ve got salmon in the fridge. I could throw it on the grill and bake a couple of potatoes.”

 

“You have salad and fresh vegetables?”

 

“No salad, but I’ve got frozen beans and broccoli.”

 

“How come I knew that?” She smirked at him. “Lucky for you I stopped at a market a few miles from here and stocked up on provisions. But only enough for two meals. We’re splurging on restaurant food for the rest of our dinners. I eat at home every night, where I’m both the chef and the referee for food fights. I deserve a few peaceful meals cooked by someone else, cleanup included.”