Page 31 of The Summer that Changed Everything

“Turns out, I’m good at gardening. Who knew? And I enjoy doing it. Working with soil and plants is an escape for me, so if you don’t mind, I think I’ll continue.”

She gaped at him. Was he serious? Apparently so... “Fine, but... can’t you do it somewhere else?”

“No. I’ve gotten things turned around nicely here. I can’t watch it all go back to the way it was.”

She blinked at him. “Okay,” she said, throwing up her hands. “Suit yourself.”

“Thanks.”

She climbed the steps to the front porch before turning around again. “What on earth wouldyouneed to escape from, anyway?”

He scowled. “From the shit that’s going on in my own life, I guess.”

“Your father’s death...”

“The ramifications of that, yes. Not to mention my divorce.”

Divorce?She hadn’t even realized he was married. “I’m sorry.”

“See? You’re not the only one who has problems,” he said wryly.

She couldn’t help smiling at the crooked grin he’d shot her. “Although... I would say my problems are rather unique,” she pointed out.

“And I’d have to give you that,” he responded. Then the smile slipped from his face. “Still. What’s going on in my life isn’t much fun, either.”

She studied him. “How long have you and your wife been together?”

He adjusted the garbage bags, clippers and shears he was holding. “Seven years. Married for five.”

Something had gone wrong forhim? That came as a shock. He was one of those people who seemed to roll through life without encountering a single obstacle. “Where’d you meet?”

“She used to work for Wagner Business Solutions, was in charge of putting on a charity event for Shriners Hospital. We met that evening when I approached her to thank her for doing such a great job.”

“Isn’t Wagner Business Solutions your company?”

“My father’s company.”

Which was basically his now. “Do you have kids?”

“One on the way.”

A pang of jealousy tightened her chest, and she hated herself for it. She was over Ford—completely—had been for years.

But maybe all ex-girlfriends felt a littlesomethingwhen they learned the man they’d once loved was expecting a child with someone else. “Seems like an odd time to split up.”

“It’s an odd situation.”

Lucy told herself to go back inside and leave it there. But someone with her trust issues faced the very real possibility of never settling down and having children, and that made her far more interested than she thought she should be. “How far along is she?”

“Ten weeks.”

“Just starting out...”

“Yes. It was... unexpected, to say the least. Happened the last time we got back together.”

“Thelasttime you got back together? Are you sure it’s over?”

He chuckled without humor. “I hope so.”

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