Leave a Candle Burning by Lori Wick
“Actually, the Muldoons are coming here. Why don’t you and Corina join us?”
“I’ll plan on it,” Dannan said, wishing her goodnight and knowing it was time to leave. If he stayed any longer, he would kiss her. Much as he would have enjoyed it, he didn’t know how Scottie was feeling on that issue. Not to mention the fact that his daughter needed to be picked up and put in her own bed.
The last Sunday in August was just the beginning. Scottie started by inviting the Muldoons and then Conner, Reese, and Troy. After that, Jace, Maddie, Valerie, Doyle, and Cathy all ate at Scottie’s house—Dannan and Corina always in attendance.
The hospitality that Scottie had yearned to extend when Eli was still alive became a normal part of her life. All of her renters were invited in turn, and one Sunday she even asked Finn and Iris to join her, not allowing them to lift a finger. The time between them was especially sweet.
September gave way to October, the days and nights cooling fast and colors changing all around them. Reese had asked Scottie and Dannan to join them at the big house for dinner, but the meal no more began when Reese’s pains hit her.
All could see that, for Conner, having Dannan on hand was his idea of a miracle. The anxious father hovered in the background while Troy and Scottie played downstairs with Corina.
Conner came and went, as did Dannan, but hours passed. At one point, Reese asked to see Scottie, who ventured upstairs, her heart begging God to keep her friend safe.
“You’re still here,” Reese said with tired pleasure. “I wasn’t sure.”
“It’s too exciting to leave.” Scottie took Reese’s hand as she spoke. “I wish it wasn’t so long for you.”
“Dannan says it will be a while yet.”
“But it is going to happen,” Scottie said with a smile. “And October is such a nice month to be born.”
“When is your birthday, Scottie?”
“October.”
Reese was still laughing when the next contraction hit. And unfortunately for Reese, Dannan was right. Troy ended up walking Scottie and Corina home so that the little girl could sleep through the night. At the big house, midnight came and went, and still no baby. Not until the wee hours did Reese need to push, and then things happened very quickly.
Howling for all he was worth, the youngest Kingsley entered the world at nearly two o’clock. Troy had still not gone to bed. He sat in the upstairs hallway and waited for Conner to emerge. The older man shed his own tears when he saw Conner’s.
“A boy.” Conner’s soft voice was hoarser than usual.
“Reese?”
“Worn out, but that’s all.”
Conner didn’t linger. After hugging his friend and business partner, he went back to his wife, and Troy sought his own bed. Daylight would arrive before anyone was ready. Troy did not fall immediately to sleep, but that was all right. They had a baby boy, and Reese was doing fine.
“Danna!” Corina squealed when he arrived at the Peterson house just after breakfast.
“Hey, you,” he said, scooping her up to share a hug and kiss.
All the adults had come when they heard her voice and were waiting for the news.
“A boy,” Dannan wasted no time in sharing. “Big and healthy. Reese is doing great.”
“If I know Reese,” Iris said, “she’s already out of that bed and about her business.”
“You’re probably right,” Finn agreed.
“How late was it?” Scottie asked.
“About two o’clock.”
“Did they name him?” Iris thought to ask.
“Not before I left.”
“Will you be stopping back today?”
“I’m headed there now.”
“Tell her we’ll have dinner ready for them today,” Scottie offered. “Finn can bring it at about noon.”
“I’ll do it.”
Dannan took a few more minutes with Corina and then left. Scottie joined Iris in the kitchen, working alongside her because two meals were needed. Iris added ingredients where she could, but Scottie made a separate dessert. And just as they’d said, Finn made a noon delivery to a grateful Troy and Conner.
Finn, still smiling over what he’d learned, delighted in telling the ladies he knew the baby’s name. He didn’t give it up that easily, however. Iris was serving their own dessert when Finn announced that the newest person in Tucker Mills was named Levi Conner Kingsley.
Scottie waited until later in the week to visit Reese, and when she arrived, it was to find Maddie in attendance as well. Valerie was with Cathy. The three women, Maddie holding Levi, settled in the parlor, and neither Maddie nor Scottie could believe how good Reese looked. In fact, when the women offered to come and help, Reese had to be honest.
“It’s kind of you, but I don’t need it. I’ve been up and around since early yesterday morning.”
“What did Dannan say about that?” Maddie asked, concern in her voice. “Every time I stood up, I bled heavily. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine, and Dannan doesn’t seem to have issues with my being active this soon.”
Maddie was glad to hear it. It had taken her a while to feel good again. She bent her head over the baby again, a round bundle in her arms. He was so pretty and looked to be pounds heavier than Valerie at this age.
“How is he doing?” Scottie asked.
“He likes to be awake in the night. Eventually I’ll let him cry, but not now.” Reese’s smile was very content. “It’s too fun to hold him.”
“Speaking of which—” Scottie prompted, her eyes on Maddie.
“Must I?” Maddie teased.
“Yes, it’s my turn.”
Maddie surrendered Levi into Scottie’s waiting arms, but the move was not successful. Levi woke and wanted to eat, and Reese ended up having to take him. Still working on her breast-feeding skills, Reese was thankful Maddie was on hand. Levi settled down after a bit of work, allowing the women a comfortable visit for the next hour.
“Danna, I sleep here,” Corina told him when he arrived to get her on Friday.
“Yes, you did,” he agreed. “The night Levi was born.”
“No, Danna. I sleep here.”
Dannan looked at her in confusion and then to Iris.
“She’s been saying it all day. I believe she wants to spend the night.”
“Is Scottie here?”
“Not right now.”
“Not tonight, Corina,” Dannan had no choice but to say. “We’ll have to ask Scottie about that some time, but not tonight.”
The little girl was not convinced. She turned toward the kitchen, calling Scottie’s name. Dannan went after her.
“No, Corina. It’s not going to work. You cannot stay here tonight.”
The expression of disappointment gave way to stubbornness and anger. Dannan didn’t wait for tears or an outburst but knelt down swiftly to speak into Corina’s face.
“You will not pout or cry about this. Do you understand me?”
Corina did understand. She was sober as she said goodbye to Iris and thanked her. There was no scene. Dannan had brought the buggy, so they arrived home swiftly, and as Dannan expected, Corina put the whole thing behind her.
Not until they’d had tea and cleaned the kitchen did Dannan realize he’d been so concentrated on Corina’s behavior he hadn’t even asked Iris where Scottie might be. Wanting to see her and wondering how she was spending her evening stayed on his mind the rest of the night.
“Have I made any sense, Finn?” Scottie asked that man as the two walked along the road.
“You love Dannan,” Finn stated plainly, and Scottie stopped.
“I guess that is what I’m saying to you, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but something is still bothering you. I can hear it in your voice.”
Scottie’s brow furrowed with concern, but she didn’t speak.
“I think I know what it is,” Finn offered.
“What?”
“Eli. You f
“Yes.” Her voice wobbled slightly. “I never had this feeling with him. We were friends, and we cared for each other, but it wasn’t like this.”
“And he didn’t expect it to be like this, Scottie.” Finn began to walk again, not moving fast but wanting Scottie home before it grew much cooler. “He struggled with his inabilities at times, but for the most part, he knew what he was capable of and rested in that. Do you know what peace it gave him to have you take over the accounts and learn them so well?”
“Why was that?”
“He knew you would know what to do in the future and how to manage it all. He was constantly correcting his mother’s mistakes. She was terrible with ciphering, but he rarely had to correct you. In fact, you caught his mistakes more often than you made any.”
Scottie felt a little better, but there was still a weight.
“Have you told Dannan?” Finn asked.
“No, but I want to soon.”
“Good. After the wedding he can move into the house, and from then on his house can be used for his office.”
Scottie stopped and stared up at him.
“You’ve thought this all out.”
“Of course. Iris and I have been working on it for weeks. You and Dannan will take Mrs. Peterson’s room, and Corina will go into Eli’s. Your room and my room will be free for any new little ones who arrive.”
Scottie couldn’t keep her mouth closed. When Finn saw her stunned expression, he only laughed without apology. He also told her to be done worrying about the issue. He left her at her front door with a final word about telling Dannan and took himself home.
Twenty-One
“Mrs. Greenlowe was here again?” Conner questioned on Saturday night.
“Yes, it’s the third time,” Reese said with a pleased laugh. “She’s utterly taken with your son.”
Conner’s smile matched her own as he looked down at the baby in his arms. Reese watched them for a moment, amazed over the miracle of Levi’s birth.
“I think he looks like my nephew, Blaine,” Conner mentioned. “Did you meet him?”
“I think so.” Reese took a moment to remember. “Actually, I’m glad you mentioned your family. I hope you know that as soon as Dalton gets your letter about Levi’s birth, he’s going to be here.”
Reese was talking about Conner’s oldest sibling, a huge man like Conner with a heart and personality to match.
“I’m sure you’re right. And he might bring the family. Will you be able to manage?”
“I think so. I’ll have to tell you if I can’t.”
“I hope you do. Oh, my,” Conner exclaimed. “Someone is wet.”
“I can take him,” Reese offered.
“No, thank you,” Conner replied, refusing the help. “We’ll get along just fine.” The new father, looking very pleased with the task, headed out the door and upstairs to take care of his tiny son’s needs.
Reese smiled at the sight of her very small son securely tucked in the arms of his large father. She could see Conner’s face in her son, and that gave her no end of pleasure.
Settling back on the sofa, knitting needles in hand, Reese had a chance to wonder how Scottie was doing in the other room.
“Thank you for coming.” Scottie spoke to Dannan in a formal manner as she paced the small parlor floor, sounding as though she were addressing a meeting.
“Certainly.” Dannan watching her carefully, nervous about what might be coming.
“I’ve been thinking about things. I even talked to Finn, and he said I should tell you right away.”
Dannan waited, watching her walk back and forth, wishing she would just say what was on her mind.
“I’m in love with you,” Scottie said, not stopping or even looking at him. “I think the realization came on me slowly. At first I felt so disloyal to Eli that I tried to ignore the reality of it, but Finn told me this was just what Eli wanted. He said it was right and good.”
Without warning, Dannan was in front of her. Scottie had no choice but to stop, her eyes looking up into his. Dannan touched her cheek with his hand, loving the soft silkiness of her skin. He looked into her eyes, saw how tense she was, and forced himself not to kiss her. Instead, he took Scottie’s hand and led her to the sofa. He sat down on the arm, leaving Scottie to stand in front of him, putting his head slightly below hers.
“Why did we come over here?”
“Because I think you’re a little afraid of our first kiss. I’m so much taller. This way, you can start or stop at any point.”
Loving his thoughtfulness, Scottie brushed the lock of hair from his forehead and saw the tiny scar she’d put there.
“Do you remember when I gave you this?” she asked, touching the spot with a gentle finger.
“Yes, I do.” Dannan smiled. “I was already taken with you, and then there you were, looking all concerned and adorable in that bonnet.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t find me dangerous.”
“Only to my heart.”
Scottie smiled. She was slowly seeing what a romantic he was. Unable to help herself, she put her hands on either side of his face. Bending just enough, she kissed him so briefly he thought he might have imagined it.
“I’ve never done this,” she whispered.
“Technically, I haven’t either.”
“What did that mean?”
“Just that I’ve imagined kissing you many times.”
Scottie smiled. “I have too. Yesterday for the first time.”
“And does this match what you imagined?” Dannan asked.
Scottie bit her lip and stepped back.
“Stand up,” she told Dannan. “Now, let’s try.”
The kiss they shared was slow and sweet, Dannan’s arms holding her close, and Scottie’s arms squeezing him tight. After a moment, Dannan pulled back enough to look into her face.
“Like you dreamed?”
Scottie just kept the teasing smile from her face. “Not quite. We’d better try again.”
“Scottie and I want to be married,” Dannan told Douglas on Sunday evening, Scottie’s hand in his. Both Douglas and Alison were in the parlor with their guests, Corina playing in the other room with the children.
Douglas smiled before requesting, “Tell me how this came about.”
“As a matter of fact,” Scottie began, “Eli instigated it.”
Douglas’ surprised face was comical to Scottie. She laughed a little and then waited to hear what he had to say.
“I’ve got to know more.” Douglas’ voice was very dry, and again Scottie laughed.
“He spoke to me,” Dannan filled in this time. “It was during one of his spells. He could barely talk, but he wanted me to know that when he was gone, I was to love and marry Scottie.”
“I must be honest, Dannan—I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“So he didn’t discussed it with you?” Scottie asked. “I’ve wondered about that.”
“No, he didn’t. I can’t think of too many topics we didn’t discuss, but—” Douglas suddenly stopped. “That’s not true. I do recall his telling me that he prayed almost daily that a man would come along to take care of you should he die. I’d almost forgotten about that.”
Dannan and Scottie watched emotions chase across Douglas’ face. They could tell his mind was casting back in time to his many visits with Eli.
“He spoke to Finn about this, didn’t he?”
“Yes, and that’s been very helpful.”
Douglas nodded and had more questions about Eli’s involvement, but eventually he began to question Dannan and Scottie about their relationship and the future. He spent a long time asking Scottie how she felt about marrying again so soon. It was good to hear the way they’d both been talking to Conner and Reese about the subject.
Douglas ended up so impressed with their answers that he could not object to the marriage for any reason. Nevertheless, he asked if he could meet with them one more ti
“How did she do?” Dannan asked when he arrived a few weeks later at the Peterson house. Corina had spent the night.
“Very well,” Scottie replied from the parlor sofa where they were alone. Corina was eating her breakfast.
“What’s this?” Dannan tapped the paper in Scottie’s hand and sat next to her.
“Just a list of things I want to get done for the wedding.”
Dannan’s hand came up, and Scottie felt him touch her hair. Not until a lock of hair fell over her ear did she understand what he was up to. She was turning to tell him no and found his face very close.
“Wear it down,” he entreated softly.
“No,” she whispered right back. “If Corina sees it like this, she’ll want to play, and I have a full day of work ahead.”
Dannan’s only answer was to reach to the other side and steal another pin. When Scottie had hair over both ears, Dannan smiled at her.
“You’ll just have to tell her no.”
“And what do I tell you?”
Dannan smiled. “Always yes.”
Scottie could not resist his smile or voice. When he leaned to kiss her, she melted inside. They were still sitting close, talking and occasionally kissing, when Corina found them.
“Hair, Sottie!” She didn’t miss a thing. “Sottie has spurles,” she told her father, looking for the brush.
“Come here a minute,” Dannan called to her. “Scottie can’t play hair with you right now, but as soon as she can, she’ll tell you. All right?”
Dannan was very proud of his daughter when she agreed right away. They had been talking about obeying the first time she was asked, and she was making an effort.
“Sottie has spurles,” she announced once again, this time from Dannan’s lap.