Heart's Design: A Contemporary Christian Romance (24 page)

Caroline grinned. “I’ll defer that question to our resident expert. Seth’s a mineralogist.”

“Is that some kind of doctor?” Eleanor leaned forward, sounding more intrigued.

“He has a doctorate and is a mineralogist and part-time college professor.”

“The short answer is that I study rocks,” Seth said.

“Gemstones, actually.” Caroline nudged Seth’s leg beneath the table.

“I see,” Eleanor leaned back in her chair and reached for her mineral water.

Returning her nudge, Seth told them a bit about the minerals and gems to be found in the region, keeping it interesting as always. He made everything fun. “Tourmaline was discovered at Mount Mica in 1821, and there’s been mining here ever since.”

“Do you actually make the jewelry yourself, Caroline?” Tiffany asked, sounding genuinely intrigued. “It sounds fascinating. You must be very creative.”

“I design the pieces but my partner, Toby, does the actual work. I couldn’t do it without him. We’re a good team.”

“This Toby,” Eleanor began, showing renewed interest, “tell me about him.”

“He’s a married man with five children and an invalid mother at home.” Exasperated, Caroline avoided looking at Seth.

“He’s also a very talented painter and I’m sure you’ll see one of his oil paintings while you’re here,” Seth added. “Both Caroline and I own originals.”

“I just don’t want you to bypass any opportunities, dear.” Even though Eleanor directed the comment to Caroline, she stared pointedly at Seth. What was up with her now? Her Jekyll and Hyde act was starting to wear on her nerves already. Not a good sign.

“Mother’s afraid that I’m going to waste away here in Maine,” Caroline muttered to no one in particular.

“As Caroline’s friend, I can assure you I won’t let that happen,” Seth told Eleanor.

“Oh, is that right?” Eleanor studied him none-too-subtly over the rim of her glass.

When the food arrived, Caroline suggested that Seth ask the blessing. Her mother had reached for a roll but dropped it onto her plate and lowered her head. Beside her, Duncan did the same. As she listened to Seth’s prayer, Caroline puzzled over her father’s behavior. His movements at times seemed jerky, his gaze far away, his answers not quite on-target. Eleanor often glanced his way and, behind the cover of her cloth napkin, she’d whisper something to him.

Caroline and Tiffany found they had a lot in common including the baked Maine haddock stuffed with spinach and shiitake mushrooms they’d both ordered. Duncan and Bryce had the lobster, and Seth attacked his roast beef and baked potato with relish. While everyone else seemed to eat well, her mother pushed her chicken-filled pastry in circles on her plate.

“Time to dance,” Bryce said, rising to his feet after the main course dishes had been cleared from the table. The small live orchestra to one corner of the room played slow ballads since the inn seemed to generally cater to an older crowd as evidenced by the preponderance of white-haired ladies and balding men. “Caroline? Care to join me?” He held out one hand to her.

Caroline glanced up at her brother, surprised. Other than at weddings, they’d rarely danced together. “Sure.”

“I’ll only keep her for one dance. Promise.” Bryce directed that comment to Seth. “Trust me. It’s important.” Seth nodded but shot a look of concern in her direction. She knew he’d be there for her if she needed him.

As Bryce pulled her to her feet and led her to the dance floor, Caroline knew her brother had something significant to tell her. Judging by his expression, it was something serious.

Something’s wrong.

Chapter 29
~~♥~~

As soon as they reached the dance floor, Bryce guided her to the opposite side of the dining room.

“I need to tell you something,” he said as he slowed their dancing. “Mother and Dad had warned me not to say anything, but as your older brother, I feel compelled.”

She searched his eyes. “What is it? It’s Mother, isn’t it? She doesn’t look well. She’s somewhat scattered and is only picking at her food.”

“She’s the same as ever but hasn’t been eating well. She’s worried about Dad.”

Caroline swallowed. “What about Dad?”

“I’m sorry to just tell you like this, but there’s really no easy way. He’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.” Bryce pulled her closer and she heard his sigh. “It’s a fairly aggressive form of the disease, and apparently he’s already had it for a few years.”

“No,” she murmured, shaking her head, her eyes filling with tears.

“Caroline, I’ve worked with him the past few years. You haven’t been around him as much. I started noticing early warning signs a few years ago and they’ve become progressively worse. Dad’s stepped down from most of the trials now and Sidney’s handling them. That’s one reason you haven’t seen or heard much from our older brother.”

“Oh. I thought…”

“I know what you thought, and that still doesn’t excuse Sid’s behavior. He should have called you, stayed in touch, something. Just know he’s crazy busy. We both are. Dad’s increasingly forgetful and we’re all worried about him, especially Mother.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this over the phone in one of our many conversations?” The sting of hurt pinched her that she’d apparently been the only one not privy to this significant life change in her father’s life.

They barely moved on the dance floor, and Caroline sensed Seth’s eyes on them even as he sat at the table and chatted with Tiffany. “Why wouldn’t they want me to know?” Her voice had risen, but she’d seemed helpless to stop it.

“I knew Mom and Dad wanted to come for this visit and, like I said, they’d sworn me to secrecy,” Bryce said. “Every month that’s gone by, especially in the last year or so, I’ve noticed more symptoms in Dad. I told them I was going to tell you tonight. It’s not fair to keep you in the dark.”

“Let me guess. Tiffany knows, too, doesn’t she?”

“Sorry about that. She’s been closer to the situation. Please don’t hold it against her.”

“I won’t.” Caroline leaned against Bryce for a few seconds, absorbing his strength, before pulling back again. “I might hold it against a few Prescotts for a while, but I’ll get over it. So, is there a prognosis? A timeline of some sort? Tell me what you know.” She’d be doing some research of her own in the coming days, she knew that much.

“Not really. Seems this ugly disease can ravage the mind and memory on its own schedule although there are certain things we can expect. None of them good, of course. There is no cure, there is no healing. Dad’s joke is that—for a man as ordered and precise as he’s always been—this is the one thing in his life he hasn’t been able to schedule. And the one thing he can’t win.”

“Sounds like him,” Caroline said. She glanced up into her brother’s face. Sweet Bryce. So strong, so handsome, and increasingly resembling their father in looks. Much more than Sidney. She was a combination of both their parents, but Sidney was his own man.

“We’ve covered for him, Caroline. In the firm. Dad’s made some bad mistakes in the past couple of years, some pretty significant. We started noticing them and knew he was slipping. Not long after you told him that you weren’t joining the firm and moved up here, as a matter of fact.”

She gasped. “Surely you’re not suggesting that my actions had anything to do—”

“Of course not. Rest easy. Shocking announcements from your only daughter isn’t enough to jumpstart this disease. It’s a progressive deterioration. But not long after your move—just as a point of reference only—that’s when Sid and I told him he wasn’t representing the firm in the trials anymore. Do you have any idea what it’s like to tell your father, a founding member of one of the most prestigious law firms in the state, not to mention the entire country, that he’s not capable of practicing law anymore?”

Caroline heard the catch in Bryce’s throat and pulled him closer. “No. I can’t imagine. I’m sure it was devastating for all of you.” He started them dancing again, and she followed his lead, not thinking about what she was doing.

Seth tapped Bryce on the shoulder. “Is this a bad time or may I cut in?” Bryce kissed the top of her head and moved aside as Seth took over. Moving into Seth’s arms was like coming in from the rain. Clinging to him, she didn’t cry, didn’t talk, just allowed his love to flow over her.

“I’m here whenever you need to talk.”

“I know. I’ll tell you later, but right now, I…I just can’t.”

“It’s okay. Whenever you’re ready.”

“I love you, Seth.” Never had it seemed so important to tell him. As she looked over at where her mother and father sat, she knew she needed to tell them, too. Both of them.

“I love you too, Caroline.”

Not long after, they made their way back to the table. “Should I offer to pay our portion or will that offend your father?” Seth whispered as they finished their dessert and the evening wound down. “I need some help with protocol here.”

“Go ahead and offer but he’ll turn you down,” Caroline said. She’d barely heard any of the conversation around her as she’d spooned a few bites of the Baked Alaska. The taste barely registered, and she was thankful she was sharing the decadent dessert with Seth. She loved sharing what she couldn’t eat with Seth and, as usual, he finished it.

“I need to say something to him.” Seth stood beside her. “He’s going to the coat check. I think I’ll walk with him.” Caroline wasn’t sure it was the right time, but she was powerless to stop him. All she wanted was to go home, crawl into bed, and pull the sheets over her head. Instead, she watched the man she loved as he followed her father.

Father, be with them both.

Chapter 30
~~♥~~

Seth came alongside Duncan where he waited at the coat check. “Sir, may I speak with you at some point while you’re here in town? Privately?”

Duncan turned to him. “Does this request have something to do with my daughter?”

He thinks I’m going to ask for his blessing to marry Caroline.
“In a way, yes, but it’s not what you think. Not that I won’t be asking for your permission in that regard soon.” He was already bungling this in front of one of the most brilliant, articulate men he’d ever met. At least by reputation. The Lord had worked a miracle in his heart to even think of Duncan Prescott in this way.

“Do you recognize me, sir?” His entire life, Seth had been told how much he resembled his father in terms of his hair, physical stature and certain facial features, namely his eyes and smile.

After the coat check attendant handed Duncan three coats, including Caroline’s coat, her father pulled out several large bills from the inner pocket of his jacket and tucked them inside the tip jar. “Here you go, young lady. For a job well done.”

Seth’s eyes widened. So did the attendant’s eyes, and he couldn’t blame her. Who heard of a two hundred dollar tip, and maybe more—depending on a wadded bill for which he couldn’t make out the denomination—for leaving coats in a room for a couple of hours? The man was indecently wealthy, incredibly generous, or completely oblivious. Or a combination of one or more of those three.

“Come with me, Mr…?” Duncan’s eyes clouded and he frowned.

Seth seethed and worked hard to prevent clenching his fists at his sides. “It’s Barnes.”

“Right. Come with me, Mr. Barnes.” Duncan led the way to a quiet corner and Seth followed. Turning to face him, Duncan stared him hard in the face. “I don’t believe I do recognize you. Please don’t tell me I prosecuted a case against you.”

“Not against me, sir. My father. Seventeen years ago.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. Matthew J. Barnes.
” When no sign of recognition was evident in the man, Seth blew out a sigh and raked one hand through his hair. For years, he’d blamed this man for trying to destroy his family and Duncan Prescott couldn’t even remember? That was the final insult.

Or the resolution
.

Beverly’s words came back to him. One of the verses she’d quoted to him about forgiveness.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Drawing up his shoulders, Seth stared Duncan in the eye. “I need to tell you that…I forgive you, Mr. Prescott. And also that I’m sorry for blaming you for certain things beyond your control all these years since my father’s trial.” No matter how foolish that sentiment seemed now, especially in the face of a man who apparently couldn’t even remember one of his most high profile cases, Seth had to get it out and say the words. If nothing else, perhaps it’d make
him
feel better.

“You forgive me? And you’re sorry?” Duncan seemed neither surprised nor angered by that statement. Looking at Seth was the face of apathy, and that was again the cruelest irony of all. He’d rather the man would rail at him, or spit in his face, or tell him what a lowlife his father was. But apathy? He wasn’t even sure how to handle it.

“I can’t imagine what you’re forgiving me for, and what you’re sorry for, but thank you, son. Well, it’s been nice chatting and I’m glad you could join us for dinner. You let me know when you’re ready to ask something about my daughter.” He made that gesture that looked like he held a gun and clicked the invisible trigger. With a quick, hard slap on his shoulder, Duncan strolled back into the restaurant.

Seth could only stare at the man’s retreating back. What just happened?

~~♥~~

Caroline walked beside Seth in the parking lot. Lost in their own thoughts, neither one had spoken since they’d departed the restaurant.

“Night, kids!” Duncan called, driving past them in their new Mercedes with his window down. Caroline jumped as her father honked the horn.

The spell broken, Caroline avoided glancing at Seth. “Well, that’s enough to make me feel like a teenager again,” she mumbled, reaching his truck and leaning back against it. She shivered and crossed her arms over her middle even though the night wasn’t especially cold, especially for the season. A few leaves rustled and the night wind danced with her hair. “I think I’m numb.”

Seth leaned against the truck beside her. “I know. I feel the same way.”

They stood that way for a few lingering seconds before he looked over at her. “You want to go first?”

“Not really. I defer to you.”

“I asked your father if he recognized me. He didn’t.”

“Why would he? You’ve never met until tonight.”

“True, but I look very much like my dad.”

She’d never looked at his scrapbook to know that important detail. It didn’t matter now.

“I gave him the caption from my dad’s court case, Caroline, and he still didn’t make any sign of recognition.”

“I’m sorry, Seth. How do you feel about that?”

“How do you think I feel about it?” She’d never heard him raise his voice in anger. She understood he wasn’t angry with her. “Your father couldn’t even remember my last name!”

“There’s probably a valid reason for that.”

Seth turned to face her, still leaning against the side of his truck. “Right. I have a few words that could describe him right now but I’m sure you don’t want to hear them.”

“Try Alzheimer’s Disease. How about that one?” A tear streaked down her cheek.

Seth’s eyes widened and he stared at her, slack-jawed. Putting his arms around her, he gathered her close and gently stroked her hair. It wasn’t long before her shoulders shook with quiet sobs.

“I can’t believe it,” she murmured over and over, clinging to him.

“How far along?” he asked once her sobs calmed.

“A few years, they think. The symptoms have apparently been increasing in frequency. Sid and Bryce have pretty much taken over dad’s cases now. They’d planning on keeping him as a figurehead in the firm, but they can’t allow him in a courtroom again.” She shook her head. “For a man who always told me not to allow anyone to see your weakness, this has to be the ultimate humiliation for him.” Another small sob escaped. “How ironic is it that he won’t even be able to remember?”

“I’d say it’s actually a mixed blessing,” Seth said. He pulled her close again and held her as she cried softly, her anguish laced with sadness now more than anger. “I feel your pain. It’s not easy, but I’ve watched my mother suffer with it for years now. That’s a horrible path, too. I’m here for you, Caroline. Whatever you need.”

“Don’t say that. I might very well scream.”

“Then scream.”

“Right here in the parking lot of The Evergreen Inn?” She stared at him.

“Why not? Go for it. No one’s around.”

“No!” Caroline screamed, raising her face to the sky. Her voice was carried off by the wind but echoed like a bad nightmare. Clamping her hands over her ears, she shook her head from side to side, her eyes squeezed shut. Seth—dear sweet Seth—continued to hold her. Silently enveloping her in his warm, strong embrace. And she knew he’d continue to hold her as long as she needed.

Looking up at him through blurry eyes, Caroline balled up her fists, flailing them blindly against his strong, firm chest. Her blows weren’t purposely hard or with enough force to hurt a man as physically conditioned as Seth. He didn’t even flinch. Stopping and finally surrendering, she leaned against him. She felt completely vulnerable, limp and weak as she allowed him to hold her in the circle of his arms.

“It can’t be, Seth,” she said quietly, her voice muffled against the fabric of his jacket as she burrowed her head against him. “Tell me it’s a mistake. My dad’s fine and everything will be okay.”

“I wish I could. I can promise you that I’ll be there and the Lord’s beside you every step of the way. I hope you’ll take great comfort in that.” He leaned his forehead on hers. “Peace I leave with you.”

“My peace I give to you,” Caroline murmured.

“Not as the world gives do I give to you.” Seth once again tightened his hold on her.

“Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. Thanks for letting me beat up on you.” Caroline finally disengaged herself from his arms. The man was a saint and had held her for a long time even though the night had grown long and they both needed to get home.

“Not a problem. But first, I’d like to do one more thing.”

She tilted her head and eyed him. “I sense we need to pray.”

He took her hands in his and they bowed their heads together. “Heavenly Father,” Seth began in a quiet, reverent voice, “We’re here today to pray for Caroline’s father, Duncan. We know that man says there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease even as we acknowledge you as the Great Healer. Help us to share the message of your word with Duncan to let him know he is not alone in this battle. Help him to understand that he has a loving Savior willing to take every step with him, a Savior who cares about his every breath, every thought, every deed. Duncan needs to know you, Father, and that is our most fervent prayer.”

Caroline waited a moment, and when she was certain that Seth’s prayer was ended, she continued, “Dear Lord, I love my father. We’ve had our times of trouble, but you know how much I respect and admire him.”
Her voice cracked, and she swallowed before continuing. “Open his heart, Father, to the truth of your Word and your message so that he might come to a saving knowledge of you and rest assured that his place in eternity lies safely with you. And if I may be your instrument, please, Father, let him listen to my words. And for my mother, too. She needs you every bit as much as my father,” she added. “We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”

When Seth squeezed her hands, she whispered, “Thank you.” She glanced up at the night sky. “I can feel rain coming.”

She hadn’t realized how physically tired and mentally exhausted she was until now. After he’d climbed into his truck, Seth honked his horn and motioned for her to fasten her seatbelt. Nodding with a grateful wave of acknowledgement, Caroline did as he asked and then started the engine. She waited until he’d started his truck before she pulled out of the clearing and headed back onto the main road with Seth following close behind. The bobbing of the headlights of his truck in her rearview mirror gave her sweet comfort.

Five minutes later, the heavens opened in a torrent of rain. Caroline gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles white as she tried to see through the blinding sheets of water. She hated driving when it was raining this hard. If only there was a place to pull off and wait it out, she would, but the mountain road was rather steep, winding, and quite dangerous. She was thankful her parents had started out long before them and should be safely back at Landon’s by now. Where were Bryce and Tiffany staying? Had Liesel met her brother by now, too?

Red brake lights appeared directly in front of her and the vehicle seemed to be at a complete stop in the middle of the road. Gasping, Caroline slammed on the brakes a little too late. The Pathfinder skidded and swerved, rocking violently even though she knew her speed couldn’t be any higher than 35 mph. She tried desperately to gain control of the vehicle, knowing a steep ravine lay on the right side.

“Lord, keep Seth safe.” She could only pray he wouldn’t slam into her with what she was about to do. She had no choice and she screamed as she slammed into the vehicle in front of her. The sickening crunch of metal filled her ears and jolted her.

Caroline slumped forward in her seat and blackness completely enveloped her.