Come sit down with me for a moment, Macy said as she led her back into the spare bedroom and plopped on the bed. Let me tell you something about the man whos taken you in.
Curious, Rosie eased down beside her. She didnt remember a thing about her past, but maybe it would be smart to know a whole lot more about her present.
When I was born in this small town, Macy began, there were several boys who lived on my block. I guess I was kind of a tomboy as a kid because two of those boys who were my age became my best friends. I never had much to do with the other little girls in town.
It was nice hearing Macy talk about her past. Somehow her story seemed to be grounding Rosie.
One of those two best guy friends was always acting as my protector and big brother. Countless times he saved me from bullies and rescued me from runaway horses and from out of trees. Macys dimples showed at the memories. By the time I was twelve, though, it was the other one whod captured my heart. I developed a huge crush on that one and it quickly turned to love. We married the minute we were old enough.
Jericho was the big brother of the two. Rosie was sure Jericho hadnt been the lover.
Of course. Hes still doing it, too. My husband, Tim, died about six years ago and Jericho stepped in to make sure my son T.J. and I were okay. Im not sure what we wouldve done without him.
But Jerichos never been married?
Macys smile dimmed slightly. No. But in my opinion, its just that hes never found the right woman. Everyone who knows him loves and respects him. He couldve had his pick of any woman in the county.
But not you? Youre sure?
It was a sad smile that Macy wore by the time she answered. I wish I felt differently. But no. Im sure. Jericho and I are like brother and sister. Well never get past that. I know hes relieved to be getting out of our marriage agreement. But hes still the best man in the entire county.
Who else wouldve agreed to marry his best friend just so her son would have a father? Macy shook her head sadly and patted Rosies hand. Enough about me. How are you feeling? You look a bit pale. Are you queasy? Lets go get you something to eat.
For a split second when Rosie appeared out of the bedroom wearing Macys clothes, Jericho had been absolutely positive the image he saw was all wrong. This mystery woman did not belong in cotton slacks and long-sleeved, button-down shirts, of that he was sure. He envisioned her as being more into silks and fancy designer duds. But then when he blinked once, the lost woman with no past was back and it didnt matter what she wore, his heart went out to her.
As the three of them sat around his kitchen table and Rosie ate breakfast, Macy babbled on about the current happenings in her life. Jericho suspected she was doing it to make Rosie forget her predicament.
My boss, Jewel Mayfairyoull love her when you meet her, Rosie. Well, anyway, shes had a kind of rough life. But her uncle is Joe Colton. Hes that senator in California whos running for president, you know?
Jericho cut in, Macy, Doc ONeal said we shouldnt expect Rosie to bring back memories just yet. Shes supposed to relax and just let things come to her on their own.
Oh, but Rosie interrupted. The name Joe Colton does ring a bell. He must be really famous.
Or maybe you were just interested in politics. Macy added her own conjecture. I know that the presidential campaign has been really heating up on TV. Jewel says her uncle has lots of influential backers. But since our Texas governor entered the race against Senator Colton, Jewel says things havent been going so well. And I can imagine thats right. Governor Daniels is really hot. I voted for him for governor, and he can probably count on my vote for president, too. But dont tell Jewel.
Rosie chuckled, but then put her head in her hands. I dont know. Everything sounds familiar but nothing is. The harder I try
Jericho wouldve liked nothing better than to take Rosie in his arms to comfort her just then. But Macy leaned over and lifted a gentle hand to Rosies shoulder.
Then dont try, sweetie.
She turned to Jericho. Maybe you could help Rosie by finding out the kinds of things she likes to do when shes relaxing. For instance, you know I love to read romance novels. Im positive that wouldnt change about me even if I couldnt remember anything else.
Okay, Jericho had always figured he made a pretty good detective when it came to catching criminals. But this kind of detective work seemed a little over his head.
Uh, what kinds of things would you suggest she try? he asked Macy.
Macy raised her eyebrows and then tilted her head to study Rosie. Most women would love a good relaxing day at a spaalong with some chocolate. But there arent any spas around here. And I always love a good relaxing day of shopping, which is also in limited supply in Esperanza, Texas, Im afraid.
Um Macy looked around the great room as though something might come to her. Maybe she has a hobby. Like sewing or knitting. Or She swung her arm around to indicate Rosie should look at the room. Decorating. Does anything about this room speak to you?