Page 36 of Unexpected Gifts

“You’re cold. You should get back inside,” Luke said.

“I wanted to say thank you again.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I’m doing my best to win you over. Purely selfish.”

“It’s working.” Abby grinned.

“About that date. How’s tomorrow night? I can take you to the bar and grill. Nothing fancy, but they have live music on weekend evenings.”

“Yeah, about that.” Abby glanced down at her feet. “Do you think it’s a good idea? I mean, this is so much change for the kids, and adding…you and me to the mix…seems like a lot.”

His heart sank. Was she bailing on him already?

“Not that I don’t want to go out with you,” Abby said. “I want to in the worst way. But I’m afraid to do the wrong thing.”

Hope returned as quickly as it had been dashed. He placed his fingertips on the sleeve of her jacket. “I don’t want you to feel any pressure. Clearly, I like you and would love to spend more time with you, but I’m also aware of how overwhelmed you must be without me adding additional stress.”

Still holding her arms tight to her chest, she gave him a wobbly smile. “I like you too. If I’d met you at any other point in my life, I’d have jumped at the chance to go out with a man like you. But you’re right. I’m in way over my head. Adding you and Lily into the mix feels like too much. For right now, anyway.”

“I understand. How about this? I’d love to be your friend. Someone you can count on for whatever you need. I know what it’s like to face a huge transition—one that feels too big to handle. I’d be honored if you’d let me be part of your village, when it comes to the kids especially. If and when you’re ready, I’d love to take you out. Spoil you a little. But for now, I’m your friend. No pressure.”

She sighed, her shoulders slumping as she dropped her chin. “That means a lot to me. Truly. You’re a good guy, Luke Hayes.”

“I try to be.” Luke drew her into a quick embrace but didn’t try to kiss her. He had to be careful or scare her away, and that was the last thing he wanted. “Get some rest. I’ll see you soon.”

He could play the long game if he had to. For Abby Parker, the wait would be worth it. He felt quite sure of that.

9

ABBY

Abby woke the next morning to a text from Grace, giving her the cell number of Dr. Ford, the veterinarian in town. She encouraged Abby to reach out anytime and that he was expecting her call. Buoyed by the thought of a possible job, she called right away. Before she knew what had happened, she had an interview with him that very afternoon.

Apparently, knowing her situation, Doc Ford said to bring the children with her. “My wife and I raised four kids and know how hard it is to juggle work and childcare. They can stay with Mariah while you and I talk. She’s my receptionist. Loves kids.”

Abby hung up the phone and, tightening her bathrobe, wandered over the bedroom window that overlooked the front yard. Rufus, who had been asleep at the bottom of the bed, raised his head but must have decided it was too early for him because he blinked a few times and then curled into a ball and went back to sleep.

The snow from the day before sparkled under the sun but showed no signs of melting. She’d gotten a good night’s sleep, comfortable and warm in an actual bed as opposed to the couch. Regardless, she felt jumpy, her stomach a bundle of nerves.

She had an interview for an actual job. Normally she would be ecstatic at the prospect of a position but instead, she felt worried about how she would manage a job and the kids.

Then there’s Luke. Although they’d agreed to be friends, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She’d not been this attracted to anyone ever.

In the bright light of morning, she started to wonder if it was such a great idea to hang out with him, even as friends. In fact, it might be a terrible one. What if she fell in love with him? What if he broke her heart? The children had to be her priority. They would be confused and anxious if she started dating their neighbor. Wouldn’t they? Even if she kept it apart from them, would the time away from them, focused on someone else, harm the children?

She had no idea how to do any of this. Why had Ramona trusted her?

Because there was no one else.

She thought back to those difficult months after her mother’s death. She had been old enough that she’d not been forced to move in with a stranger. Sophie and Jack didn’t have choices about their futures. They were at the mercy of the adults in their lives. Specifically, Abby.

The crushing burden of responsibility quickened her pulse. Sophie and Jack were so young. Not only did they have to mourn their mother, they had to adjust to a new caregiver living in their mother’s house, sleeping in her bed.

Never mind. They’d agreed to be friends. She needed to stop this endless loop of worry.

Abby was in no position to start a romance with the hunky guy across the meadow. She had to learn how to be a mother while taking on a new job, leaving no room for Luke.

Even though he was wonderful, the memory of his kiss wouldn’t fade any time soon. If she’d met him at any other pointin her life, she’d have jumped at the chance to date him and see where the relationship would go. But everything was different now. She had to face the truth. Her life was no longer her own.

---