Page 10 of Unexpected Gifts

“John and Ramona were a great love story, that’s for sure. I keep thinking maybe they’re together now.” Abby tugged at her ear.

“Yeah. I hope so.” At Ramona’s funeral, he’d sunk into a sadness that had taken days to shake. The only thing that helped was thinking of the two of them dancing together in heaven. “You weren’t at the funeral. Why’s that?” Again, he sounded harsher than he meant to.

She glanced up at him, tears caught in her thick lashes. “I was on my way to Colorado to join my best friend’s vet practice. I was actually on the road there when I got the call from your brother. It had taken them a couple of days to find me. Ramona had an old phone number listed in her will. I was in the middle of nowhere with spotty cell service. By the time Logan reachedme, it was too late to come. I didn’t want the funeral postponed because of me.”

Luke glanced at Lily. She and Rufus were running through the snow, playing chase. “The day was hard. Saddest thing I’ve ever seen was those two kids putting flowers on their mother’s casket.”

“Oh, God. Those poor babies.” Abby’s face crumpled, and her lip quivered as she drew in a deep breath, clearly trying not to cry.

“It was a beautiful memorial. My mom nearly made herself sick planning Ramona’s send-off. She kept repeating this one thing—Ramona’s life must be celebrated. At the church, a lot of folks got up and shared stories. Then, we had everyone back to the house for food and drinks, and people told more stories. I can only hope it was a comfort to her kids.”

“Thank goodness for your mother. She’s been incredible with Sophie and Jack.”

“That’s how she rolls.”

Abby touched her gloved fingers to the side of her face, gazing downward. “This has been a strange couple of days. I feel kind of like Alice falling through the hole.”

“Yes, it must seem unbelievable,” Luke said, honestly.

“That’s one way to put it.”

“Doesn’t seem fair.”

“It isn’t fair. Not one bit of it is—for any one of us. My mother used to say the measure of a person was how they dealt with adversity, but this seems too large a burden for innocent children.”

“You’ve had to give up a lot to be here. Don’t forget to take care of yourself in all this.”

Her eyes widened in obvious surprise. “Thank you. I’ll do my best. Anyway, I should get back to the house. I left the kids alone, thinking I only needed a minute or two for Rufus to dohis business. I’m truly sorry Rufus knocked over Lily. I’ll try to figure out how to get the fence fixed.” Abby snapped her finger and thumb. “Let’s go, Rufus.” The obnoxious dog ambled to his feet, then licked Lily’s hand as if to remind her how devoted he was to her.

“Don’t worry about the fence. I’ll repair it for you,” Luke said. “Happens to be one of my specialties.”

She met his gaze, and it was like looking into the most beautiful blue water. He’d thought her eyes were the color of the sky, but they’d darkened into sapphires. “Really? I’d appreciate it. Thank you.”

“Are you planning to stay here?” Luke had not expected to ask the question, but it had tumbled out of him.

“I don’t see that I have a choice. Ripping the kids from their home would seem especially cruel. Don’t you think?”

“I do.”

“I know it’s best for the kids, but I don’t know how I’m going to make a living, let alone keep up with a run-down old house.”

“We’re all here for you. Anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask. Also, I apologize for overreacting about Rufus.” In retrospect, Luke had to admit he’d acted like a total heel. This poor woman didn’t need him losing it over what was clearly a harmless dog who loved children. “I get a little weird about Lily. My mom says I’m overprotective.”

“It’s okay. I totally understand. She’s your little girl.”

“Regardless, my apologies for coming on so strong,” Luke said.

“It’s okay. I understand.”

Their eyes locked for a second or two, and an understanding passed between them—almost anything was forgivable when it came to protecting their children. He sensed something deeper, too. A soul connection?No, don’t be ridiculous. You’ve only just met her.

“My mom says you’re coming for Thanksgiving dinner?”

“That’s right,” Abby said.

“See you later, then. Come on, Lily.” Luke gestured for Lily to join him.

His daughter ran to him, nearly knocking him over when she wrapped her arms around his legs. “Put this on.” He handed her the wayward mitten. “Let’s get inside and warm up. We need to help Mimi get ready for Thanksgiving dinner.”

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