Lucas didn’t mention the time capsule, since Emily didn’t know he’d seen her bury it. Instead, he asked another question.
“What did the old man tell you about me, Emily?”
She looked surprised. “Dad?”
He nodded.
“Nothing. He never mentioned you at all. I sometimes wondered if you and he had a fight before you left. Did you?”
Lucas wouldn’t have called it a fight. A confrontation, maybe. It had ended with Josiah telling his son he never wanted to see him again. Lucas hadn’t gotten any of his questions answered, but he had learned once and for all that Josiah was incapable of loving anyone—something both of Josiah’s wives must have discovered on their own.
“Dad and I just didn’t get along,” was all he said to Emily.
“He couldn’t seem to get along with anyone. I suppose the only reason he and I didn’t quarrel is because I never challenged him. I learned to be quiet and good so everything would be peaceful.”
Lucas grimaced. “Not much of a childhood for you. I’m sorry, Emily.”
She shook her head. “It wasn’t your fault. You did what you had to do. Even though I never stopped missing you, I had people here to love me. Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Caleb were always nearby when I needed them, and that meant a great deal to me.”
“I want to thank them for that before I leave again.”
Emily sighed. “I don’t like to think about you leaving. But I’d like to call Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Caleb to tell them you’re here. Their feelings will be hurt if they hear it first from someone else.”
“You can tell them tomorrow,” Lucas conceded somewhat reluctantly. Though he rather dreaded the extended family reunion, he knew Emily had her heart set on the family being together for Christmas. Lucas couldn’t help feeling that he owed her this.
“I heard something today I think you should know,” she said, seeming to broach the subject carefully. “Rachel Jennings is in town for the holiday.”
It took a massive effort for Lucas not to react visibly to the name. As far as he knew, no one except Roger had learned that Lucas and Rachel had been involved. How could Emily possibly have found out?
“Er...why did you think I should know that?” he asked, his tone carefully neutral.
“She is Sam Jennings’s niece. I’m sure Sam has tried to poison Rachel’s mind against us, the same way he has tried to influence others. If she blames you for what happened to her brother, it could get awkward if you run into her unexpectedly. I just want you to be prepared.”
Lucas wished he’d been prepared before he had run into Rachel. He couldn’t forget the way she’d flinched when he’d stepped toward her.
He hadn’t been prepared for her fear. Did she really think he would ever do anything to hurt her?
“She wouldn’t be the only one in town who blames me for Roger’s death.” Lucas was unable to keep the bitterness out of his voice. “Believe me, Emily. I know what to expect.”
Emily sighed and placed a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry you were treated so badly here, Lucas. It wasn’t fair for people who didn’t even know you to judge you so harshly.”
Lucas had once thought Rachel knew him better than anyone in the world. And still she’d judged him—and had obviously found him guilty.
He cleared his throat. “We’d better get back to the house. I imagine your cop boyfriend will be showing up before long.”
Emily giggled. “My cop fiancé,” she corrected him. “I hope you and Wade can become friends, Lucas.”
“Me, friends with a cop. It would be a first—but for you, I’l
l try.”
“Thank you.”
Lucas looked around the clearing one more time, deliberately avoiding looking toward the path that led toward the stone shelter and the bluffs. He would go back there, of course, but tonight he needed to put his talk with Rachel out of his mind.
He exhaled deeply and turned to his sister. “Your nose is getting pink. Let’s go inside.”
Emily tucked her hand beneath his arm and matched her steps to his, walking close to his side.