her she could never carry a child to term and, in fact, might never get pregnant again sliced through every nerve. Her husband’s lack of compassion, his turning his back on her and walking away at a time she needed his love, had destroyed her trust and hope of being a wife, let alone a mother.
“Nina?”
She jerked her head upward. “Sorry. I was empathizing with Doug and his sister, I guess.” She shifted her gaze, wanting to drop the topic. “The kids seem to be having tons of fun.”
Angie nodded. “I hate to stop them.” She motioned toward the tables. “But it’s nearly time to eat.” She swung back, a question in her eyes. “Did you receive your wedding invitation?”
“I did. Thank you.” Envy stabbed at her heart. “Sorry. I should have mentioned it.”
“No need to apologize. A cousin called a couple days ago and said hers hadn’t arrived. I know I sent it so I’m a bit antsy now.”
“It was most likely a fluke, Angie. Mine came three weeks ago. I wouldn’t miss the wedding. Carly’s your flower girl, right?”
A glow filled Angie’s face. “She is, and she’ll look beautiful. I adore that little girl.”
“I know you do.” She swallowed. “I’m ashamed to say that sometimes I envy you.”
“Why? It could be you one day, Nina. Love happens even when you least expect it, and it covers all the flaws and fears we’ve carried into our lives. Everything worthwhile deserves a second chance.”
Angie’s words sank in, and though she loved the idea, it seemed impossible. “You might be right.” She scrutinized the tables overflowing with casseroles and platters. “I think you’re definitely right about the food. I see people heading that way.”
Angie looked again. “Then we should round up everyone, I suppose.”
“Can I help?”
“I was thinking about inviting El to sit with us.” Angie gestured toward his house. “Do you mind asking him?”
“Not at all.” She bounded from the chair and retraced her steps toward El’s front yard. As she approached, Doug crossed the street with a dish, set it on the table and approached her.
“Hi.” He gave her a hangdog look. “I’m afraid I hadn’t been very welcoming when Mr. Barnes introduced us.” He tucked his hands into his pockets again.
Was that a nervous habit or a way of binding his hands to keep them out of mischief? She grimaced at her thought. “You’re forgiven. What’s in your dish?”
A faint grin curved his full lips and she spotted a different side of him emerging. “Baked beans. You know. I open a can, pour them into a casserole, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, dice up onions and cocktail wieners and bake. It’s one of my limited bachelor dishes.”
Her pulse skipped, wondering how this nice-looking man escaped getting caught up in wedding bells. She often wished she’d made a wiser choice. “I don’t think marriage is for everyone.”
His eyes narrowed slightly until he shrugged. “Maybe, but in my case life got in the way, I suppose.”
Digesting his words, she realized life had got in her way, too. “And you have Kimmy to care for. You must be a special uncle.”
“Not really. Love motivates.” He looked downward as if embarrassed. “Speaking of Kimmy, I hope she’s at Angie’s. I forgot the beans and went inside for a few minutes.” He shrugged.
“She was playing ringtoss in the front yard.”
He craned his neck to check for himself. “She’s in good hands. When you go back would you ask her to come home? It looks about time to eat.”
“Sure will.” She turned toward El, noticing he had a card table sitting with two chairs on his front lawn.
El smiled as she arrived.
“Angie asked me to invite you down to her table to eat.”
He gave her a wink. “Tell her thanks, but I’ve already made plans with Birdie. Angie’ll understand.”
“Birdie?”
He grinned as if she were in on a joke.
“Okay, I’ll tell her. See you later.” She headed back to Angie’s, curious about El’s sudden friendship to Birdie.
When she told Angie, her eyes widened like a full moon. “You are kidding.”
“No. He said you’d understand.” She anticipated an explanation, but Angie only stared at her with her mouth agape.
Finally Angie chuckled. “Birdie has been one of those neighbors everyone’s tried to ignore.” She released a long breath. “But you realize El has a loving heart. One day, he asked me to befriend her because he suspected part of her problem was loneliness.”
“He asked you?”
“Me.” Angie rolled her eyes.
“Why?”
She shrugged.
“I’m not sure since I was the one who called her a gossip. I felt ashamed, but I did it because he asked. I baked cookies, of all things, and went to visit, but she wasn’t home. I praised the Lord for the reprieve.”
Nina couldn’t help her chuckle. “And then what?”
“Birdie appeared at my door a couple days later saying she’d heard I’d been snooping around. When I told her why I’d come, she actually apologized in her own way, and softened a bit. She even had a bounce to her step when she left.” She lifted her shoulders. “Maybe she’s been thinking about her behavior and realizes she’s chasing people away rather than making friends. I have no idea but something happened.”
“Good for you.”
“Have you met Rema?”
Nina checked the direction of Angie’s gaze and spotted a woman heading their way. “No, I don’t think so.”
“Then it’s time you two meet.” Angie flagged her over. “I thought you were missing the party?”
“No, I goofed. I thought my casserole was warming in the oven.” She shook her head. “But I’d forgotten to turn it on.” She lifted the cover. “I hope I’m not too late.”
“People have just begun to eat.” Angie motioned toward Nina. “Rema, I don’t think you officially met Nina Jerome.”
Nina extended her hand, and then recalled Rema was holding a heavy casserole so she let her hand drop. “I’m glad to meet you.”
Angie rested her hand on Rema’s shoulder. “If you have no other plans, please join us. We have lots of room here.” She motioned to the picnic bench and the long table she’d butted up next to it.
“No
