The Wedding Gift by Sandra Steffen Page B

replied. “You strike me as the kind of woman who likes to do things her way.”
    Again Madeline wondered how he did that. How did he make her feel as if he knew her?
    Wearing a long-sleeved shirt but no jacket, heslipped his hand into the pocket of a pair of Levis just tight enough to be interesting. “Oh my,” Ruby said as he brought out a key.
    Madeline must have put her hand out to accept the key, because she could feel the edges biting into the palm of her fisted hand. She was glad he didn’t seem to expect her to say anything.
    The breeze lifted his wavy hair and fluttered through his shirt. Seemingly unfazed by the chill in the air, he said, “I turned the heat on inside the cottage in case you decide you like it.”
    â€œWhere’s your car?” Madeline asked.
    â€œIt’s parked in my driveway next door.”
    â€œWe’re on Shoreline Drive?” Madeline asked. Earlier, when Red O’Toole had graciously imparted description of and directions to Riley’s house he hadn’t mentioned an adjoining property.
    â€œYes,” Riley said. “I thought you knew that.”
    â€œI guess I’m a little lost,” Madeline countered.
    Ruby felt as if she was watching a tennis match.
    â€œI’ve gotta go. Our newest clients have decided they want a glass floor in the foyer. Under the glass they want to display an antique car, but not just any antique car. They have their hearts set on a Riker and they expect me to find one. Kipp has a lead on a Riker belonging to a collector in Charlevoix. He’s waiting for me at his place. Goon in and take a look at the cottage. If you like it, make yourself at home. If you don’t, just lock the door when you leave.”
    He took three steps, the dog right beside him. “Oh.” Turning again, he said, “Could he stay with you until I get back? I shouldn’t be late.”
    Ruby didn’t see Madeline nod, but she must have, because she was holding the leash after he was gone. They both stared at the empty gap in the arborvitae hedge, hearing the screech of gulls overhead, the lap of water in the distance.
    â€œWhat just happened?” Madeline asked dazedly.
    â€œApparently you’re dog sitting for the rest of the afternoon.”
    The dog let out a sorrowful howl that raised goose bumps on Ruby’s arms. The brown mongrel seemed upset to be separated from Riley.
    â€œDon’t worry,” Madeline was saying gently. “He’ll be back.”
    He yowled again, a solemn, somber sound.
    Ruby looked over at Madeline. She was pale and slender and seemed a little sad. No matter what she said, there was more to her visit to Gale than mourning a beloved fiancé, naming a stray dog and moving some furniture, but she had resiliency, pluck and determination. She was going to be all right.
    Ruby wondered if the same could be said forRiley Merrick. The dog yowled again. Apparently Ruby wasn’t the only one who thought so.
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    Madeline didn’t know where she was when she opened her eyes. There was a pillow beneath her cheek, a warm throw over her legs and shoulders, and an expanse of creamy white directly in front of her eyes.
    Outside the wind seemed to exhale. Inside a clock ticked. She must have fallen asleep.
    Now she remembered. She’d been dog sitting. She’d stretched out on the sofa in the cottage to wait for Riley to return. He must have run into trouble, because darkness had fallen and he still wasn’t back.
    She snuggled deeper into the warmth of the throw.
    Her eyes popped open. She hadn’t been covered up when she laid down. Hurriedly sitting up and whisking the throw off, she caught Riley and the dog on their way out. “Going somewhere?” she asked.
    He glanced over his shoulder at her, his hand on the doorknob. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
    â€œYou didn’t.” The quiet cadence of their voices lent an intimacy to the