The Heart Remembers by Irene Hannon

Howard West appeared. At least she thought it was Jake’s father. But the frail figure trudging wearily toward the waiting area bore little resemblance to the robust man Maggie remembered. There was nothing in his dejected posture or delicate appearance to suggest the man she had once known. Maggie’s grip on Jake’s arm tightened, and she felt a lump rise to her throat.
    â€œHe’s changed a lot since Mom died.” Jake touched her shoulder, his voice gentle. “And even more since the heart attack. I should have warned you.”
    â€œI guess I should have expected something like this. But somehow I never thought that…well, I don’t know, he just seems so…so lost…”
    Jake glanced back toward his father and nodded. When he spoke, his own voice was slightly uneven. “I know. He should have made a better recovery. But after Mom died, he lost interest in a lot of things, and once he had the heart attack he just sort of gave up on life. He keeps getting more frail. It’s hard to accept sometimes. He was always so strong.”
    Howard looked up then. His gaze fell first on Jake, and his eyes were so cool, Maggie could almost feel the chill. His mouth tightened into a stubborn line and he lifted his chin, defiantly, as the two men looked at each other across a distancethat was more than physical. They remained like that for several seconds, until finally, sensing a need to break the tension, Maggie took a step forward and smiled.
    Howard transferred his gaze to her, and the transformation in his face was astonishing. The glacial stare melted and the line of his lips softened as a genuine smile of pleasure brightened his face.
    â€œHi, Pop.” She greeted him with her pet term of endearment for him.
    â€œMaggie.” He held out his arms. “Nobody’s called me that in years. Aren’t you going to give this old man a hug?”
    She stepped into his embrace, and his thin, bony arms closed around her. There was almost nothing to him, she realized in alarm as she returned the hug. When they drew apart at last, there was a telltale sheen to his eyes.
    â€œMaggie girl.” He didn’t relinquish his grip on her hands. “You look wonderful. A sight for sore eyes, I can tell you. I heard you were here, but I didn’t expect you to come and meet me. I’m glad you did, though. It does a body good to see a friendly face in a strange place.”
    Maggie knew Jake was right behind her, knew he’d heard his father’s comment. She was sure it had cut. And she was also sure that was Howard’sintent. Clearly the gulf between the two of them was as wide as Jake had indicated.
    â€œHello, Dad.”
    Howard transferred his gaze from Maggie to Jake and spoke in a flat voice. “Hello.”
    â€œDid you have a good trip?”
    â€œIt was bumpy. And long.”
    â€œThen let’s get your luggage and head home so you can rest.”
    â€œI don’t need to rest.”
    Before Jake could respond, Maggie tucked her arm in Howard’s and began walking toward the luggage carousels. “You’re a better traveler than me, then. I’m always tired after a long plane trip. And Atlanta to Maine qualifies as long in my book.”
    â€œWell, I might be a little tired.”
    â€œMaybe a short nap would be nice when you get home.”
    â€œMaybe it would.”
    Although Howard conversed readily with Maggie, and his eyes even took on their old sparkle a couple of times, it was obvious he was doing his best to ignore his son. Several times she tried to draw Jake into the conversation, but Howard would have none of it.
    When Jake pulled into the parking lot ofWhispering Sails, Howard leaned forward in the backseat. “Is this your place, Maggie?”
    â€œYes. And the bank’s.”
    â€œWell, it’s mighty pretty. And a nice view, too.”
    â€œThanks, Pop. It’s been our home for a long time now. We