Page 49 of Unexpected Gifts

“I may need your help picking out a bike,” Abby whispered into Luke’s ear.

“We have a great bike shop in town,” Luke said. “I’ll take you there.”

Sophie went next, perching daintily on Santa’s knee.

“I would like a new dance bag. And some new leotards and tights,” Sophie said primly. “Also, a new pair of ballet slippers. Mine are too small.”

“Will do,” Kris said. “The elves are on it.”

Sophie smiled, thanked him, and practically bounded from his knee to join the rest of them.

By the timethey all got into the SUV and were headed toward home, the kids had quieted. All three had their noses buried in their new books.

Next to him, Abby yawned.

She was exhausted. It had been a big day.

“Are you tired?” Luke asked.

“A little. I’m worried about next week. What if I’m not ready for the whole school routine on Monday? There’s laundry to do and grocery shopping. And meal planning. Which I’ve never done. I can’t really cook other than heating things up in the microwave.”

The stress in her voice sent a sliver of alarm through him. She sounded like a woman on the edge. Further evidence that friendship was the right decision. For now. If he pushed, it would only drive her away. He vowed to go slowly, offering only companionship without any expectations until she was ready.

After he parked in front of the house, Luke told Lily to wait in the car while he walked Abby and the kids to the front door. Sophie and Jack thanked him politely and then went inside where it was warm.

“All right, in you go. It’s cold outside,” Luke said.

“Are you going to church services tomorrow?” Abby asked.

“Yep. I usually attend the eleven service. Why?”

“Would you stop by and get us on your way? Going alone seems too hard. All the people staring at me, obviously curious about who Ramona left the kids with—it makes me nervous.”

“I’ll be here at twenty to eleven,” Luke said.

“We’ll be ready.” She stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek and then went inside, shutting the door softly behind her.

The long game. Being here when she needed him. All good.

13

ABBY

After church on Sunday, which Abby had enjoyed immensely, Luke dropped her and the kids at home. As promised, he’d been friendly but not overly so, keeping their conversation about surface topics. By the time she’d fed the kids lunch, it occurred to her that the week was coming whether she wanted it to or not. She had to figure out how to keep everyone fed and content and off to school.

The kids went upstairs to gather dirty laundry, and Abby sat at the table, making a list for the grocery store. She sat staring at an empty scrap of paper for a few minutes before deciding she had no idea how to plan a menu for a week and reluctantly reached out to Grace for help.

Grace, bless her, suggested some casseroles to prepare now and freeze for the week. She had then sent a text with a shopping list and promised to come over later to help Abby cook.

Fortunately, the weather had warmed from the frigid temperatures of the day before, leaving the roads clear of ice. With the kids and Rufus in tow, Abby drove to Hearth and Holly, her list in hand. Sophie asked if she and Jack could stay with Rufus outside while she shopped.

“Yes, but stay here so I can see you,” Abby said.

“We will.” Sophie pulled a book out of her knapsack and curled up in a chair. Jack and Rufus sat together on a bench to watch people come and go, some heading to Santa and others coming in to shop.

The moment she came in, Max Hayes strolled over and gave her a warm hug. “What can I help you with?”

He was the only brother who had not been at church that morning. Grace had said he loved to use the store as an excuse to escape what he referred to as overly long sermons.

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