Still Waters

“It wasn’t one of the easiest quilts I’ve made but I enjoyed doing it.”

“Your love of the craft shows. The work is detailed and exact. I’m impressed.”

“Thank you.”

Jake continued studying the quilt for a moment before he turned away. “I’d better leave you to your rest.”

“Thanks again.”

“No problem. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Jake pulled open the front door and stepped out into the night. “Tiffany?”

Something about the way Jake said her name sent Tiffany’s heart skittering in her chest. “Yes?”

“I’m pretty sure Tom is going to take the job you offered him. If he does and you have any trouble, give the station a ring. I’m on vacation for a week, but they know how to reach me. Tell the dispatcher I want to be called.”

“All right.”

Without another word, Jake walked down the porch steps, climbed into his truck and drove away.

Tiffany watched as the taillights of the Chevy disappeared. Then she closed the front door and leaned against its heavy wood. With Jake gone the house seemed silent and lonely, the cream-colored hallway with its bright quilts too empty. There should be children upstairs giggling and whispering secrets to one another, and toys scattered across the floors. Instead there was silence and a neatness that came from living alone.

Dating Brian had put Tiffany’s dream of marriage and a family within her reach, and she knew that if she backed down, if she allowed their relationship to continue, she could have all the things she wanted so desperately.

But at what cost?