Page 66 of Loving Decker

“How about on signing day?” She stepped back. “Thanks again for coming by and for the sweatshirt.”

He nodded. “Of course. See you then.” He rocked back and forth in his boots, and when she turned and headed back to her porch, he got back in his truck and drove away, ignoring Randall’s raised hand. See her on signing day?

Had he lost Faith before he ever really won her over? He wished she would talk to him.

But he had some work to do before signing day. If what he suspected was true, it would at least stop her from looking at Randall with lights in her eyes. And it might give everyone in Willow Creek something to think about.

Faith watched Decker drive away with a wrench in her heart. Could they still be together? She hoped so. But how would it work?

Randall stood up from his spot on her porch. “Thanks for the lemonade. It’s the best in all of Willow Creek.”

She laughed, a halfhearted noise. “Hey, thanks, Randall.”

“I appreciate all your support with the land sales. Looks like we have everybody.”

“That’s great. I think it’s time, really.”

“Past time.”

She nodded. He could celebrate his personal successes all he wanted. Selling still came with some regret. It would for everyone.

“Signing day was a good idea, Randall. I think the town is making a party out of it.”

He laughed. “Excellent.” He walked down the stairs off the porch. “I guess I’ll be seeing you then?”

“Yes, sounds good.”

“And Decker?”

She studied him. “What are you asking here, Randall?”

“I’m just… You two seem off, or maybe you’ve finally decided to tell him to give you some space?”

She shook her head. “Randall…”

“Say no more. None of my business.” His smile was open, almost charming even. “If that doesn’t work, ever, give me a call. No matter what, I’m there.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek and then walked down the path and got in his car.

She shook her head. “Nope. That’s not gonna happen.”

She lifted her hand to wave goodbye and didn’t watch him drive away.

The house was a new place. Most of the knickknacks were gone. A lot of the furniture had been taken to the dump. She lifted one of the paint cans out of the kitchen, opened it with a flat screwdriver, dipped in her brush, and started painting the walls white.

Two hours later, with aching arms, she decided to take a break.

The light in the kitchen was on, which was good since the house was otherwise pretty dark. The sun had gone down. Rotating her shoulders, she itched her chin with her wrist and pushed open the kitchen door.

A delicious smell, beautiful flowers, soft music, and a set table welcomed her in. Decker turned from the oven, apron on, with a smile. “Looked like you could use a good meal and a break.”

It was all so perfect, so exactly what she wanted right then, that she couldn’t even feel unhappy that he’d shown up uninvited. He was her best friend. That’s what best friends did. She shook her head. Dating your best friend was complicated like that. And wonderful like that. She stepped into the room. “This is exactly what I wanted.”

The relief on his face warmed her heart. “Good, ’cause I was prepared to walk out that back door as soon as I took this out of the oven.” He pointed to his mitted hand.

She shook her head. “No, stay. I could use the company.”

“Good, ’cause this is my favorite meal.”

“Just what smells so good?”

---