The Sound of Rain Read online

  Larkin raised a hand to smooth her hair back where it was fastened in its usual ponytail. “It’s the most comfortable thing I’ve worn in years. I danced in it last night and I think I could have kept going until the rooster crowed. I just wish . . . well, it doesn’t matter.”

  Granny nodded, leaned forward, and laid a hand on Larkin’s knee. “Child, there’s a shadow on your heart, and I’m thinking you’d feel better if you told me about it.”

  Larkin felt tears prick her eyelids. Granny knew her better than she knew herself. “Yes, ma’am, there is something worrying me.”

  Granny tapped a stool with her walking stick, and Larkin perched on it. “Considering what I know of you, I’d guess you’re missing a certain tall, dark feller with dimples in his cheeks.”

  Larkin grinned at that. So Granny wasn’t immune to Judd’s charms, either. “He’s determined to stay in South Carolina, and I’m determined to stay right here—except I’m not sure I’m really meant for this place anymore. I keep trying to be a help, but no one will let me. Except you.” She laughed. “And I think you’re just taking pity on me.”

  Granny rocked and hummed what Larkin thought she recognized as “Rock of Ages.” Finally, the older woman slowed to a stop and pointed at Larkin. “Do you love him?”

  Larkin’s eyes went wide, and she felt a flutter of panic. “I . . . I don’t know.”

  “Hunh. Nobody knows but you and the good Lord. You go on back to the church hall, get on your knees beside your bed, and ask your Father in Heaven to clarify the matter. And if you do love him, you’d best git to South Carolina and let him know. Good men are few and far between, and from what I seen of that boy, he’s a good ’un. God has a plan for you, and might be Judd Markley is a big part of it.” She laid her head back against her chair and started rocking again. “God will take care of you no matter what. If He wants you here keeping me company, He’ll tell you so. And if not, you’ll just have to visit now and again.”

  That evening, Larkin did as Granny suggested. Kyle was mostly living with Maude now—the older woman said he was a big help around the house, and it was obvious the pair adored each other—so it was just Larkin and Ben rattling around the church hall. He’d given her the curtained-off bed with its little side table and wardrobe. Most of Larkin’s luggage sat untouched in a corner. She’d only pulled out the clothing she needed and her sturdiest pair of shoes, which weren’t nearly sturdy enough.

  She knelt next to the narrow bed, grit digging into her knees through her skirt and the woolen stockings Ben had rounded up for her. She folded her hands and tried to think how to begin. Ben had gone out to tend to a few chores, and she wanted to do this while she was alone.

  Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried a few words. “Dear God, Granny Jane said I should talk to you about Judd—about where you want me. You probably know I think I’m in love with him, but I’m afraid it’s not a good idea. We seem to have switched places, him going south and me coming north, and I don’t want to miss my calling because of”—she smiled to herself—“a tall, dark feller with dimples.”

  She sighed. Laying it all out made the idea of running back home just because she might have a future with a man she barely knew seem foolish. She guessed Granny was right about talking things over with God. It was already helping her see more clearly.

  “So anyway, God, I was thinking maybe you’d make it all work out if that’s the best thing, but I can certainly see why it’s not. Maybe you could make me care for him less, if we’re not supposed to be a couple.” She pressed her palms more tightly together. “I do thank you for this place and these people and letting me come here. It’s what I wanted most and I appreciate the chance.” She paused. “Amen.”

  Larkin pulled herself to her feet, staring at her bed without seeing it. God may have given her what she most wanted a few months ago, but now she found herself wanting something more. She waited for God to take the longing away—a longing that pierced even more deeply than the desire to be useful ever had. She thought of the day the two of them spent together working around Granny Jane’s place. That might very well have been the best day of her life, even if she had ruined lunch. And then the day Judd kissed her on the beach—he’d needed her that day. She’d been useful and helpful in a way she hadn’t even known was possible.

  A single tear slid down Larkin’s cheek and she brushed it away, straightening her shoulders, and tossing her ponytail. She’d made her own choices and now she’d live with them. She’d just have to keep asking God to take away this longing in her heart.

  Ben banged through the door and set the coal bucket down near the stove. He held his hands out to the heat while Larkin came over to take his coat and hang it up. She was certainly a help around here and that was blessing enough. Or so she told herself.

  “Hey, check that inside pocket. I stopped by the post office today, and they had a letter addressed to the both of us. Just about forgot it.”

  Larkin fished the envelope out, recognizing her mother’s monogrammed stationery. Perhaps a note from home would cheer her up. She sat at the table, slid her finger under the flap, extracted the crisp linen paper, and frowned. This wasn’t her mother’s handwriting.

  Ben and Larkin,

  I thought you should know your mother has cancer. Her doctor found a lump in her bosom and will cut it out some time next week. She didn’t want to tell you, but since you are her children I thought someone should write and let you know.

  What you do with the information is up to you.

  George Heyward

  Larkin looked at Ben, stricken. “I have to go to her.”

  Ben slid into the chair opposite and took the letter from her hand. His eyes scanned it, then met Larkin’s. He wet his lips. “I agree, although I’m suspicious of our father’s intentions.” He grimaced. “Which isn’t very generous of me. Yes, you should go. Having you here has been wonderful and I hope you’ll be able to come back once Mom is well, but I think she needs you.”

  That night, Larkin slid into bed with a plan in place. Ben would drive her to the nearest town with a bus stop, and within two days she’d be back in Myrtle Beach where she could help take care of her mother. Peace flowed through her in spite of her worries about cancer and surgery. She smiled, realizing it was the very peace she’d longed for earlier. Maybe God was answering her prayer. And maybe, just maybe, His answer had something to do with sending her to where Judd Markley was.

  She slid out of bed into the chill air and knelt in her too-thin cotton nightgown. She whispered a prayer of thanks, asked God to watch over her mother, and finally said, “And God, if Judd’s the one for me, please let me know. On the other hand, if he’s not, please make that clear, as well.” She climbed back under the heavy quilts, snuggled in, and fell into a deep sleep.

  Chapter

  28

  Judd knocked on Pete’s front door Friday evening. He could smell whatever Sally had cooked for dinner and thought about his own bowl of canned chili back in his room. He really needed to see about renting a place with a kitchen if he was going to stay here. Probably should have done it before now.

  Sally opened the door, and a smile bloomed across her face. “Come on in, Judd. I was just about to dish up some cake and coffee—you’d be most welcome to join us.”

  “Don’t mind if I do,” Judd said, scuffing his boots on the doormat.

  “Pete, it’s Judd. Why don’t you boys settle in the front room here and I’ll bring you dessert and coffee?”

  Pete wandered out from the kitchen and shook Judd’s hand. “About time you came around. You ready to throw old man Heyward over and come work for a real outfit?”

  “Oh, well, I don’t know about that,” Judd said, settling in an armchair.

  Pete flopped onto the sofa across from him. “You wanna play some cards?”

  “If you want to, but mainly I came to talk to you about this lawsuit I hear you’re bringing against George Heyward.”

  Pete gave a short b
ark of laughter. “That’s Judd for ya. Straight to the point.” He sat forward and pointed at Judd. “That’s what I like about you. Don’t have to wonder where I stand.” He settled back again. “Yeah, this attorney thinks we can squeeze some cash out of the old man. ’Course, what I really want is my daddy’s land—and anything that’s on it—back, but if I can pry a few dollars loose, well, that wouldn’t hurt my feelings none.”

  “But didn’t Mr. Heyward buy the land fair and square?”

  Pete leaned forward again. “What he did was take advantage of a drunk’s moment of weakness.”

  Judd nodded. “But that isn’t really illegal, is it? It might’ve been wrong, but it’s not something you can take a man to court over.”

  “Attorney says I can.”

  “What’s in it for the attorney?”

  “Whatcha mean by that?”

  Sally came in and handed Judd a plate with a thick slice of chocolate cake. “You take your coffee black, right?”

  “I do,” Judd said. He forked a bite of cake into his mouth and looked at Pete, who waved Sally off. He swallowed. “I mean, I have yet to meet a lawyer who wasn’t trying to make money or get ahead in some way.”

  Pete made a scornful sound and took the cup of coffee Sally handed him. She set Judd’s cup and saucer on an end table near his elbow.

  “Don’t be so suspicious. Some people just want to set a wrong right. And this wrong goes back further than you know.”

  Judd wondered what Pete meant by that but knew asking him outright would only turn his friend coy.

  Pete slurped his coffee. “The old man send you over to see what you can find out?”

  “No. I just don’t want to see you get into trouble.”

  Pete puffed his chest out. “I can take care of myself. I don’t need Waccamaw Timber Company, and if the old man ain’t careful, he’s going to lose more than his kids.”

  “What do you know about his kids?” Judd bristled.

  “I know Ben’s supposed to run the company and he’s not interested. And I know the old man has a backup plan that involves that girl of his.”

  “Larkin?”

  “Yeah. Guess you know her some.” He leered at Judd over the rim of his cup. “Good-looking, ain’t she? Wonder if her daddy might not mind her finding a real timberman to settle her down.”

  Judd felt something in him harden against Pete. “She’s joined her brother doing church work back in Kentucky.”

  “That how it is? Maybe the old man’ll have to do something about that if he wants to keep the business in the family.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Pete’s eyes shuttered and he swallowed some more coffee. “Nothing. Just wouldn’t trust that man any farther than I can throw him with one arm tied behind my back.”

  Judd ate his last bite of cake and washed it down with bitter coffee, wishing he hadn’t come.

  Larkin stepped down from the bus, grateful for the driver who invited her to sit behind him where he could keep an eye on her. Over the long ride there’d been a fellow or two who looked at her in a way that made her uncomfortable. The driver on the last bus looked old enough to be her grandfather, and he’d treated her like family. She puffed out a breath and claimed her suitcase. She’d left quite a few of her belongings back in the church hall. Somehow all those things hadn’t seemed as important as she traveled south to see to her mother.

  She’d used a pay phone at the last stop to call Hank, asking him to keep her arrival a secret so she could surprise her mother. He’d been reluctant, but finally agreed. Now he waved at her from the parking area and hurried over to carry her bag.

  “Sure is good to see you back in South Carolina,” he said.

  Larkin hugged him and kissed his cheek. “It’s good to be back and it’s such a relief not to be shivering.”

  Hank laughed. “Haven’t adjusted to the frozen north?”

  “No, but I’m working on it.” She climbed into the cab of Hank’s truck. “Have you seen Mother or Daddy lately?”

  Hank fussed with her luggage, settled into the driver’s seat, and seemed intent on adjusting the mirrors.

  “Hank, I asked you a question.”

  He sighed. “Mr. Heyward’s been a terror, and I haven’t seen your mother.” He started the truck. “I’m sorry she’s sick.”

  “I’m hoping it’s not serious. Daddy didn’t exactly give a bunch of details.”

  “Straight home?” he asked.

  Larkin pressed her back into the cool of the seat. “Yes, please.” She straightened her skirt and waited for Hank to pull into traffic. “I’m assuming Daddy’s at the office?”

  “Last time I saw him.”

  “I’m thinking it’ll be nicer to surprise Mother while he’s not there.”

  Hank nodded. “Sounds right.”

  They drove in silence until Hank pulled up to the two-story house with its camellias in full bloom. Larkin noticed how the spent blossoms were scattered across the lawn. Mother normally gathered them up every other day or so. Maybe she could help with that.

  Larkin let Hank hand her suitcase out of the back of the truck and then sent him on his way. He seemed reluctant to go, but she assured him she’d be all right. Leaving her bag sitting in the driveway, she headed for the back door. Her car was parked in the garage, looking dusty and forlorn. She pictured Judd behind the wheel and wished he were here to greet her. But that was silly. Why would Judd be at her parents’ house—especially after their parting at Christmas?

  Pushing open the door, Larkin tiptoed inside. She listened intently, trying to determine where her mother was. A rustling from the den sent her creeping down the hall. She peeked around the corner and saw her mother flipping through a magazine. She was wearing beige slacks and a winter-white sweater with pearls. Larkin smiled. Of course her mother would be dressed perfectly to read a magazine, alone in her own home, on a Tuesday afternoon.

  Larkin felt a smile spread across her face. It was a relief to see her mother looking so very normal.

  “Any good recipes in there?”

  Mother jumped and crumpled a thin page. “Larkin—where in the world did you come from?”

  Larkin laughed. “Kentucky.”

  Mother stood, more slowly than Larkin would have expected, and hurried over to her daughter. She cupped her face in her hands. “Oh, my darling, it’s so good to see you. Is Ben here?”

  “No, it’s just me.” She leaned into her mother’s palm. “Daddy wrote and told us that you . . . need surgery.”

  “Oh. He did? He wrote to you?”

  Larkin took her mother’s hands in her own and led her over to the sofa. “Yes. He said it might be cancer.”

  Mother laughed, but it sounded thin. “Maybe not. Dr. Endicott found a lump.” Her hand lifted to her right side as though of its own volition. “He wants to cut it out so he can know for sure if it’s cancer.” She leaned into Larkin. “But I don’t think it is. And somehow, now that you’re here, I’m not worried about it at all.”

  “Mr. Heyward wants you back at the office at eleven-thirty.” Chuck found Judd changing the oil in one of the trucks on Thursday morning.

  He slid out from under the vehicle and looked at the foreman. “What for?”

  Chuck shrugged. “Beats me. He sent word, not an engraved invitation.” He laughed. “Ain’t that always the way?”

  Judd smiled, nodded, and pulled himself back under the truck. George Heyward had a reason, sure enough. He’d just have to wait to find out what it was . . . and tread carefully along the way.

  Judd wished he’d had time to change his oil-spotted shirt before going to see Mr. Heyward, but he didn’t suppose his employer would care one way or the other. He stepped into the warmth of the office from the cool February afternoon. It wasn’t cold exactly, but the moisture in the air seemed to carry what cold there was straight to his core. He shivered and hung his jacket on a hall tree.

  “That you, Judd?” Mr. Heyward stepped to his door a
nd stuck his head out. “Come on in here.”

  Judd rubbed his palms on his shirt and followed his boss inside. Mr. Heyward retreated behind his oversized desk and sat, waving for Judd to do the same in one of the leather chairs facing him.

  “How long have you worked for me now?”

  Judd thought about that, tapping his fingers one by one against his leg. “Six months or so.”

  Mr. Heyward nodded as though he already knew. “And in that time you’ve moved from laborer to mechanic to forestry commission liaison. Seems you’ve done alright here at Waccamaw Timber Company.”

  Judd didn’t suppose that needed an answer, so he just nodded.

  “Hank and Chuck agree you’re a hard worker and honest as they come. I’ve seen some of that myself.” He looked uncomfortable, then cleared his throat and shifted in his chair. “I’d like to promote you to chief mechanic in a supervisory position. You’ll be training and overseeing several other men. This means a significant increase in pay, and I’ll expect you to hold all those workers to the same high standard you’ve been meeting.”

  Judd pondered this turn of events. While he’d determined to do his best to get ahead in his new line of work, he hadn’t been expecting a promotion. And while he was grateful for the opportunity, it felt a little too easy. He rubbed a hand along his jaw, feeling the stubble there and wondering if his boss had something up his sleeve.

  Mr. Heyward clearly expected a different sort of reaction. “Well? This is good news, man. An honor.”

  Judd cleared his throat. “I understand that, sir. I’m just a mite taken aback by it all.”

  Mr. Heyward waved a dismissive hand in the air. “No need for a show of humility with me, son. You just live up to my expectations and we’ll both be satisfied.” He stood, and Judd took the hint, rising from his chair.

  Mr. Heyward walked him toward the door, glancing at his watch as they went. “Of course, as a senior representative of the company, you might need to spend less time with, say, anyone involved in litigation against us.” He emphasized that last word.