Page 52 of Unexpected Gifts

“Yes, no mishaps. I even managed to feed them and send them off with full lunch boxes. Thanks for asking.”

Luke grinned and reached over to fist-bump her. “Well done.”

“I’ll leave the front door unlocked,” Abby said. “Feel free to go in for the bathroom or coffee or whatever.”

“Expect a patio free of hazards,” Luke said. “And have a good first day at work.” He stepped toward her as if to hug or kiss her goodbye but seemed to realize what he was doing and stopped before he reached her.

“Thanks, guys. I’ll see you when I get back.” She practically ran past them and into the house, afraid if she stayed a moment longer she’d throw herself into Luke’s arms.

14

LUKE

The first week of December passed in a flurry of activity. Luke and his dad had spent every morning over at Abby’s house, working through their repair list. By the end of the week, they’d repaired and painted the porch, patched the roof, and presented ideas to Abby for the kitchen remodel. With his help, she’d chosen the types of cabinets, countertops, and backsplash she wanted. He’d hoped she would go with him to the home improvement store to put the order in, but Doc Ford had kept her busy from the moment she’d started working with him.

On the other hand, he’d had plenty of excuses to see her and spend time with her while they pored over the design ideas. He’d kept his traitorous thoughts to himself, even though he couldn’t stop thinking about their kiss and wishing he could steal another from her. Regardless, he’d promised to keep their relationship in the friend zone, and he wasn’t about to go back on his word even if his heart disagreed.

From his viewpoint, she was doing remarkably well with the children. She was clearly an organized, disciplined person. The more he got to know her, the more he understood howremarkable she was. Sophie and Jack were clearly thriving under the routine she appeared to carefully protect.

Luke could see, from observing them all closely, that Abby worried about Sophie. He understood why. The little girl had always been quiet, but since losing her mother, she talked even less. Dark circles under her eyes and her wan, pale face hinted at the suffering she stoically kept hidden from the outside world.

On Friday before the annual Christmas tree lighting in town, he had just finished up fixing a leak in the upstairs toilet when he heard Abby calling out to him from the first floor. He came out to the hallway and leaned over the banister to answer her. “Up here. Fixing the toilet.”

“I’ll be right up,” Abby shouted back.

Was that excitement in her voice?

By the time he heard her footsteps bounding up the stairs, he had put away his tools and washed his hands. He was drying them when she appeared in the doorway of the bathroom.

Abby placed her hands on her hips. “Luke Hayes, you’re something else. How did you know my toilet was leaking? You’re a genius.”

He flushed with pleasure at her compliment. “I noticed the other day. It’s no big deal. All fixed now.”

She lifted her hands as if helpless. “I really don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”

He could think of something.

“I’m worried you’re spending too much time helping me,” Abby said. “What about your farm? Please tell me you’re not sacrificing anything for me.”

I’d do anything for you.

It was true. There was no denying his growing feelings. Whatever she asked, he would do.

“It’s our slow season,” Luke said. “Plus, Dad and I love working together on stuff like this. It’s how we bond. So, really,we should be thanking you.” He cocked his head to the right, noticing how well she looked, her dewy skin flushed from the cold and her eyes sparkling. She had her hair down today, cascading around her shoulders in silky waves.

“I suspect you’re just saying that to assuage my guilt. But regardless, I’m grateful beyond grateful. In fact, I’m feeling so good, after surviving my first week of work and managing the kids without too many hiccups, that I’d like to take you and Lily out for pizza tomorrow night. And Sophie and Jack, obviously. I’ve been smelling the wood-fired pizzas all week from that place on Moose Avenue next to the bike shop. I looked at the menu, and it looks fantastic.”

“We’re in.” His heart leaped with joy at the thought of spending a Saturday evening with Abby and the kids.

“I thought we might pop into the bike shop and see if Jack gravitated toward any bike in particular.”

“Fantastic idea.” He suddenly remembered the skating rink opened tomorrow. “The temporary ice rink opens tomorrow. We could take the kids skating after dinner.”

“That’s a fantastic idea.”

“And I promise not to tease you when you fall on the ice,” Luke said.

“We’ll see about that.” She grinned and flushed the prettiest shade of pink he’d ever seen.

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