Twice Before Bedtime

Chapter 6

As Cassandra had suspected, Earl and Jane were Mandy's parents. They'd basically adopted him after Mandy left, his own parents having passed on. Apparently her relationship with her parents was about as non-existent as her relationship with her children. Cassandra didn't know the whole story, but oddly enough she felt a little sorry for the woman, she was missing out on some pretty fantastic people.

She was in the kitchen with Jane, making coffee and dishing out dessert.

"Thank you for having me," Cassandra said with a smile. "It's been so long since I've had a home cooked meal." Which was the absolute truth, her life was a bit lonely and she wasn't much of a cook.

"It's the least we could do for someone who is helping Jake out like you are. Above and beyond by the way he tells it."

Cassandra blushed. "Well, the store is his life and I just couldn't not help, you know? Not when faced with that."

Jane shook her head sadly. "That store is his life, that's for sure."

Cassandra couldn't help herself, she always was too nosy for her own good. "I sense a but."

"It ain't his heart," Jane said, looking through to the living room where Jacob was playing with his daughters. "Look at how he is with them. They are his heart. Does he look like that in the store?"

Cassandra stood considering. She'd only known the man for three days, yet there was a connection there, the reason why she'd stayed, it had always been more than her desire to help. Jane was onto something, because even though Jacob had begged her, begged her for her help, the only time she'd seem him alive like that (when the girls weren't around) was when . . . .

"He drew me a sketch of some ideas I had for the store. Amazing work. He looked like that then, when I praised him. But only for a moment and then he wanted to change the subject."

"I've known Jacob Stone since he was a boy, I was friends with his momma. He's not. . .he's not like the other men here. He's a genius, ain't common knowledge, so don't let on that I told you."

Cassandra had a certain feeling that Jane was matchmaking, but oddly she didn't mind like she should have. Especially when it lent an air of intrigue to a man she was already drawn to.

"That explains Abby, doesn't it?"

Jane nodded. "Yep. The other girls are very bright, sharp actually."

"Yeah, noticed that too," Cassandra said. "I think you know that they've figured out how to get away with things with him."

Jane nodded. "Yep. But Abby, she's like her daddy. But my daughter . . . ." Jane frowned, pain flashing across her face. "Abby was only nine months old when she left. She never knew her. That scars a child."

"Poor thing, it's hard being different. I know in more than one way."

"I figured you was a genius too. That's why I told you."

"And it wouldn't be because you were matchmaking just a little?" Cassandra said with a teasing grin.

"It's a momma's right. Besides, you don't seem offended. Mabel's sweet on him, but that ain't goin' anywhere. And so . . . ."

Cassandra giggled. "You know, Mabel may be sweet on him, but I got the feeling she was tryin' to play matchmaker too."

"Again, you don't seem offended."

"He's really sweet, Jane. But he doesn't seem interested in me anyway. And I'll be gone after the party."

Jane sighed softly. "And that's why he hasn't made a move. Because believe me, he's a bit sweet on you, dear."