The Heart Remembers by Irene Hannon Page B

the counter. For whatever reason, his father appeared to be in a worse mood than usual today.
    Jake pulled on his jeans and combed his fingers through his hair. Might as well find out what was up. Whatever it was, Jake had a sinking feeling it had something to do with him.
    He padded barefoot toward the kitchen, pausing on the threshold to survey the scene. Judging by the toast crumbs on the table and the almost-empty cup on the counter, Howard had already eaten breakfast. A crusty oatmeal pot added to the unappetizing mess. Jake jammed his hands into his pockets and took a deep breath.
    â€œI would have made breakfast for you, Dad.”
    â€œI might starve waiting for you to get up.”
    Jake felt a muscle tighten in his jaw, but he tried to maintain a pleasant, civil tone. “I spent a lot of years in the navy getting up early. I like to sleep in when I can. I’ll be on my new job in less thana month, back to a regular schedule. I’m enjoying this while I can.”
    Howard spared him a disparaging glance, disapproval evident in his eyes. “It doesn’t look to me like you plan on going to church today.”
    So that explained why his father was wearing a tie. And he was right. Since Jake had left home, he’d drifted away from his faith. Oh, he still believed all the basics. He just hadn’t seen much reason to demonstrate those beliefs by going to church. And, as time went by, his faith had become less and less a part of his life. But it was still very much a part of his father’s.
    â€œGive me a few minutes to get dressed.” He said turned on his heel and retreated to his bedroom.
    â€œWhat time are the services?” his father called.
    Jake ignored the question—because he didn’t have a clue. But Maggie would. He knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that her faith still played a pivotal role in her life. There was probably a church somewhere near Castine, but if he had to go, he figured he might as well use it as an excuse to see her. He reached for the phone, hoping she hadn’t left yet.
    By the time Jake reappeared in the kitchen fifteen minutes later, in a navy blue blazer and striped tie over khaki slacks, his father had cleaned up thekitchen and was sitting at the table reading the paper. He looked up and adjusted his glasses when Jake stepped into the room, and for the briefest second Jake could have sworn he saw a flash of approval. But it was gone so fast, he couldn’t be sure.
    â€œSo what time are services?”
    â€œTen o’clock.”
    â€œWhen do you want to leave?”
    â€œNine-thirty should be fine. I’m going to grab some breakfast first.”
    His father perused the paper as Jake toasted a bagel and poured some coffee. Except for the rustle of paper as he turned the pages, the house was quiet. Jake didn’t even try to converse with him this morning. The last few days had been draining, and he was tired. The tension in the air between them was so thick, he could cut it with the proverbial knife. Jake found himself on edge all the time, constantly bracing for his father’s next dig.
    The drive to the church also passed in strained silence. But the sight of Maggie waiting outside for them, just as she’d promised, brought a wave of relief. Funny. As far as he was concerned, Maggie had more reason than his father did to treat him badly. Yet despite her wariness, she was at least civil. That was more than he could say for his father.
    â€œHello, Pop. Hi, Jake.”
    Jake smiled at Maggie as they approached. She looked lovely today, in a teal green silk dress, her hair sending out sparks in the sun when she moved. In the soft morning light, she hardly looked older than she had twelve years before.
    â€œHi.” He smiled at her, and their gazes connected for a brief, electric moment before hers skittered away.
    â€œMaggie, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” Howard’s tone was warm, and for the first