Page 19 of Unexpected Gifts

“I don’t think I can. I don’t have the funds to get started, and I owe so much in student loans, I doubt I could even get a small business loan.”

“You should go talk to Doc Ford,” Logan said. “He’s been the vet around here since before any of us were even born. I heard rumors he wants to retire.”

“Really?” Abby sat up straighter. “Maybe he’d take me on.” As soon as she said it, she deflated. “But what do I do about the kids? How am I supposed to work and take care of them?”

“You get sitters or send them to after-school stuff,” Luke said. “My mom can help, too. She took care of them on the days Ramona worked at the store.”

“Get the job first,” Logan said. “Then we’ll help you figure out a plan. We know everyone around here.”

Abby let out a slow sigh. “You guys are the best. Thank you.”

“That’s what neighbors are for,” Max said.

“We take care of our own here,” Luke said. “And you’re one of us now.”

How odd that it felt so good to hear him say those words. This had been a good idea to come here for dinner. They were right. Neighbors should look after one another. It was just that she’d never experienced it before. Where she’d lived in LA, despite being right next door to someone in an apartment building, she didn’t know one person. Everyone kept to themselves. They went about their business and closed the door behind them when they returned home.

“You guys are making me feel better,” Abby said. “And I can tell you, that’s no small thing. I’m in so over my head.”

“Nah, you’ll do great,” Max said. “You’ve got a big heart. Those kids are going to be okay.”

“Plus, like you, they have us,” Nolan said.

They were interrupted when Sophie came running out to the patio with Rufus on her heels.

“Auntie Grace told me to take Rufus out for a potty break,” Sophie said, stopping in front of Abby. “Is that all right?”

The girl was so anxious and careful. Had she been that way before losing her mother, or was this a new thing? At this point, Abby had no idea. She didn’t know either of the children well enough to wager a guess.

“Yes, please do,” Abby said. “Thank you.”

Sophie gave her a shy smile. “You’re welcome.”

Progress.

5

LUKE

His mother’s dinner was perfect, as always. He marveled at all she did for their family. Even with three extra at the table, she didn’t blink or falter. Talk around the table had been lively, with everyone but Luke and Nolan competing for attention. Abby had remained quiet as well, unless someone directly asked her a question. She’d seemed flummoxed when Jack asked her to cut up his piece of turkey but had done as he asked. He could only imagine how hard it must be to navigate motherhood when they weren’t hers. She hadn’t raised them from the moment they were born, watching carefully to see all their traits and idiosyncrasies as he had with Lily. Being thrust into it all in the middle must be terrifying. He vowed to be a better neighbor. Tomorrow, he’d repair the fence.

After dinner, his brothers pitched in to clean and put everything away while their mother rested in the living room watching the movieElfwith Lily and Jack snuggled next to her on the couch. Sophie had curled up in an easy chair, her cheek resting on the arm.

Meanwhile, Luke and his father had gone out to feed the horses and chickens. When they’d completed their chores, Lukeand Walter headed back toward the house. At the porch, Walter hesitated.

“Sit out here with me for a minute?” Walter asked. “I’ll grab us some beers. I want to talk to you about something.”

“Sure thing.”

His dad hurried off to fetch the beverages. Luke sat in one of the rocking chairs, content in the quiet after the busy day they’d had. Walter returned with two bottles of beer, popped them open, and handed one to his son. Walter settled into the rocking chair next to him.

“What’s up?” Luke took a long draw from his beer.

“I’m supposed to be retired. Right?”

“Supposed to be? I thought you were.”

“You know what I mean.”

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