Page 49 of The Pink House

“Well, it appears today is when we were meant to find each other again.” Maisie inclined her head. “Tell me about Charlie. Have you and he always been close?”

“Close? Charlie and me?” The question startled Hannah, and she gave a little laugh. “Not at all. Back in high school, he was loud, always making jokes, always the center of attention.”

Hannah realized with a start that she’d been jealous of how at home Charlie seemed in his own skin, jealous of how much everyone liked him.

A knowing look filled Maisie’s blue eyes. “It sounds as if Charlie is one of those people who didn’t suit you back in high school, but suits you now.”

Something about the comment didn’t sit right, but Hannah couldn’t disagree. “Yes.”

“I need to go now, but I promise we’ll see each other again very soon.” Before Hannah could say a word, Maisie turned and slipped between two bushy pines.

It took Hannah only a second to realize what was happening. Maisie was leaving. Leaving before she could tell Hannah how to find her and the pink house again. Leaving before she could explain how the envelope and letter had come into her possession.

Even as she pushed through the bristly branches and called out to Maisie, Hannah knew searching for the woman would be pointless.

Maisie had promised they’d see each other again, but it was obvious that their time for today had come to a close.

* * *

Twenty minutes later, Hannah burst out of the woods, eager to tell Charlie everything that had happened. When she spotted him in the driveway next to his truck, she picked up speed, running the last few feet.

Seconds before she reached Charlie, Hannah realized he wasn’t alone. She skidded to a stop.

She'd been so focused on him that she hadn’t noticed Hugh Quackenbush standing there. Her view of the widower, who’d lived in the neighborhood for as far back as Hannah could remember, had been partially blocked by Charlie’s truck.

“Hannah.” Hugh lifted a hand in greeting. “It’s been a long time.”

“It has. It’s good to see you both.” Hannah widened her smile to include Charlie, then gestured wide with one hand. “What a beautiful day this turned out to be.”

“We need rain more than we need sunshine and blue skies.” Hugh’s lips pursed. “Rain was in the forecast again, but it went north this time.”

“It happens.” Hannah kept her tone light.

Now she recalled why she and her dad had never spent much time around Hugh. While there was a heart of gold under all that bluster, Hugh walked around under a dark cloud, complaining about everything.

“You’re going to need to start watering your grass,” Hugh told her. “Your bushes and trees need water, too. I noticed you have some webworm starting on the walnut in your backyard. Your father took excellent care of his lawn. I’d hate to see you let it go. A poorly maintained house and lawn affects everyone’s property values.”

“Thanks for the reminder.” Hannah shifted her gaze to Charlie. “Stop over when you’re done here?”

When he appeared to hesitate, she added, “If you have time, that is.”

“I have time now.” Charlie shot the older man a smile. “See you later, Hugh.”

“Don’t forget what I said about the walnut.” Hugh pointed in the direction of her backyard. “Give those webworms an inch, and they’ll take a mile.”

“I’ll get right on that,” Hannah promised.

Charlie waited until they were out of earshot before speaking. “Thanks for rescuing me.”

“Anytime.”

Charlie’s gaze searched her face, and his expression stilled. “What happened?”

“Let’s sit, and I’ll tell you.” Hannah gestured to the swing. When she took a seat, Charlie dropped down beside her, leaving enough room so he could shift to face her.

When she didn’t immediately start talking, worry clouded his dark eyes. “Are you okay?”

She tried for cool and calm, but her voice shook with excitement. “I had a conversation with Maisie this afternoon.”

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