Page 21 of Unexpected Gifts

“Let’s do it. If Abby wants us to, obviously,” Luke said. “Maybe she wants to use the money some other way.”

“It’s worth asking her, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, I’m in.”

Luke had a feeling it might be a hard sell. Abby was proud. Hopefully not too proud to accept help when offered.

“You want to do what?”Abby’s gaze darted back and forth between Grace, Walter, and Luke. They’d asked her to join them in Walter’s study and had presented the idea to her.

“You’re offering to renovate the house?” Abby asked when no one answered.

“That’s right,” Grace said.

“But why?” Abby asked.

“Because people always say they wished there was something they could do to help when tragedy strikes,” Walter said. “And this is something we can do.”

“That old place needs attention,” Luke said. “And we’re the ones to give it to it.”

“How do I pay for it?” Abby asked.

“We thought you could use the funds from the life insurance policy.”

“It’s not a lot,” Abby said.

“With us doing the labor, we can make it happen,” Luke said.

“Except for the roof, electrical, and plumbing,” Walter said. “Those we have to hire out.”

“I’ll put a spreadsheet together,” Luke said. “Outlining everything that needs to be done and a timeline.”

“How do you know how to do any of this?” Abby asked.

“We just do,” Walter said. “Mostly because my dad taught me, and I taught my boys.”

“Well, I don’t know what to say.” Abby’s voice cracked. “I’ve never been presented with a kinder offer. I’m flabbergasted.”

“To be honest, it’s kind of selfish of me,” Walter said. “I should have been a better neighbor.”

Abby’s eyebrows raised. “You’ve been wonderful to her and the kids. And now to me.”

Grace moved her gaze to Abby. “We know you’re up against a lot, and we want you to understand you’re not alone. Ramona and her kids are family to us. Which means you are too.”

“Don’t you all have enough work of your own without taking this on?” Abby asked.

“We have time enough,” Walter said.

“How will I ever repay you?” Abby asked.

“By raising Ramona’s kids,” Grace said. “They need you. And as part of your village, we’re here to help make sure you have what you need to do so.”

Abby brought both hands to her mouth, pressing into her bottom lip. Tears flooded her eyes as she shook her head. “I’ve never heard of anything so outrageous. Or wonderful. To be honest, I’ve been worried about how to make ends meet. I need a job.”

“I have an idea about that,” Grace said. “I’ll put a call into Doc Ford first thing tomorrow and ask if he needs any help. He’s a good friend of ours.”

“He’s been jealous about all the fishing I’ve been doing,” Walter said. “So, I’m pretty sure he’ll jump at the chance.”

“All I can say is, thank you.” Abby swiped under her damp eyes. “Just this morning, I was thinking I didn’t know if I could do this but now, I feel a lot better. I mean, I still question that I’m the person for this job—those precious children deserve the best and I’m not that—but your kindness has made me feel less alone.”

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