Page 45 of Lovingly Restored

“No. I’ve known this lawyer for decades; I won’t be very long.” She squeezes my hand.

With the assistance of her walker, she makes her own way to the glossy reception desk of the law firm. Settling into a surprisingly comfortable chair, I let my eyes drift closed, enjoying the image of a shirtless, shoulder-massaging carpenter that entertains me while I wait.

Chapter fifteen

Isaac

Tealightsglowonthe formal dining table between us. The chilled bottle of sauvignon blanc is almost empty. Ashlyn finally looks calm after what sounded like a ridiculously long day. Had I planned anything more strenuous than supper at home, I would have cancelled it the second I saw her. Iknowshe said tonight isn’t a date, but I couldn’t help the urge to make this special. When Ashlyn walked in the room an hour ago looking sexy as hell in a pair of high-waisted black jeans and a red top that showed a couple inches of her tan tummy, I knew I made the right choice. She moaned her way through the first bites, making my efforts to keep my mind out of the bedroom near impossible. As we took the edge off our hunger with the food and our nerves with the wine, we talked. I don’t remember the last time I talked so much. There was time to finally tell her about the business with Chris, Berg, and Dean, and I detailed everything I’d do with Mummo’s property if I ever had the money and time to make it happen. Ashlyn listened, asking thoughtful questions. Her genuine interest made my chest swell with pride.

She shrugs. “I still don’t see why he didn’t want to go with her to the appointment today. It was important.”

“I guess he showed us how important he really thought it was.”

I wonder, am I showing Ashlyn how important she’s become to me? Putting the way she cares for my grandmother aside, it’s hard to imagine moving out of Mummo’s house and back into an apartment of my own. Or worse, her leaving first.

“I can’t believe it’s dark already,” she says as we clear the table.

“That’s what happens when you eat at a normal time.”

“I know, I know. I’m an honorary senior citizen at this point.”

She squirts dish soap into the sink, and I slip a stack of dishes in to soak.

“Think you can get me some discounts?”

Ashlyn splats a handful of soap bubbles on my cheek. “Shush.”

I swipe off some of the suds and deposit them on her cheek. “Don’t start something you can’t finish, old lady.”

I’m already walking away, trying to get out of the kitchen so I can get my surprise ready for her, when she points the detachable sink nozzle at me with mischief in her eyes, finger over the trigger. “Oh, I’ll finish it, Lauri.”

I duck out the door before she can hose me down, a grin stretching across my face and warm feeling in my chest.

A few minutes later, the sparks catch on the crumpled-up classified ads, kindling glowing as the flames lick at the neat pile of cedar logs. Slightly damp bark hisses and pops, the hearth heating up for the first time in too many years.

“Isaac? I smell smoke!” Ashlyn bursts out of the kitchen, making a beeline for Mummo’s room.

“Hold up, it’s okay, come here.” I wave her over.

The motion of the dancing flames catches her attention, and she covers her cheeks with her hands, eye shining.

God, I love that expression. This woman can be made perfectly happy with a cup of tea and a fire.

“I thought you might like it.”

She kneels on the carpet next to me, transfixed by the growing flames.

“You heard me talking to your dad this morning and did it.” She shakes her head. “You actually did it.”

“Does that score me points?”

“Major points.”

How many? I wonder. I want to earn a million.

What I really want to do is lay her back on this carpet and kiss her senseless. So it’s with great effort that I push my hands against my thighs and stand.

“Do you want dessert now? Let’s have it in here.”

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