you’re sweet on someone too.”
“We didn’t... I mean, I know we’re not supposed to...” I stammered. “Please don’t be mad
at him.”
She patted me on the shoulder before filling the sink. “Honey, I have no problem with you
two getting cozy. It’s none of my damn business. I spread the rumor that staff should not
mingle with guests a long time ago when we had a worker who was a bit of a horn dog. We
also had a string of sweet young ladies up here that summer, so I thought fearing for his job
might help him keep his distance.”
I grabbed a towel to dry the pots after she scrubbed them. “I shouldn’t say a single word,
again, it not being my business, and all. But Dean is a good man. He’ll make someone a fine
husband someday.” Miriam gave me a sideways look. “He’s not the type to love ‘em and
leave ‘em. So unless you’re interested in trying for the long haul, don’t even bother.”
I nodded, thinking. “I’ve never really thought about what I wanted. New things always mak
e me nervous, which is why I forced myself to come here.”
“Trying new things and growing is good,” she agreed. “But a woman always knows in her
heart what sort of man she needs to feel fulfilled.” Miriam stared out the window with a
dreamy smile. “A good man doesn’t change you. He lifts you up. Helps you see all sides of
yourself. He’ll stand back and let you shine, and stand up for you in any situation.”
Swallowing hard, I realized that’s exactly how I felt about Dean. “So... If he makes you feel
like you’re special, a treasure that he’s discovered, he’s probably the one?”
She nodded. “I know it’s a bit scary when it happens so fast.”
“That’s for sure.”
She handed me a frying pan while she laughed brightly. “I met Mike on a Thursday night,
and he asked my father for my hand by Monday. We’ve been together forty-four glorious
years, and every time he kisses me, I still feel that little flutter.”
“Wow.” I took a moment to put the pans away and wipe the counters. “I wish I knew why
Dean was so quiet at dinner. Things were great this morning.”
“Think it through, Joanna,” Miriam suggested. “What was different at dinner tonight?”
I couldn’t think of anything important. “The blonde girls were gone, so there were more men
at the table?”