but he couldn’t tell her that. “I have Carly this weekend, and you’ve never met her. Since you’re out of the apartment now and in a house, I thought Carly might enjoy a yard to play in. I like to take her places, but I can never think of anything.”
“Rick, I’d love to meet her, and if we plant some flowers, she could help.”
“Are you sure? She’s only five.”
“Give her credit, Dad. Five-year-olds can do lots of things when you teach them.”
“I suppose.” He took his finger and dug into a hunk of the muffin. “This smells wonderful.”
“It is, but my hands are sticky, and I need to get back to my desk.” She jumped up, slipped her chair under the table and grabbed the lunch trash. As she passed him, she gave him an elbow and leaned close to his ear. “See you tomorrow, and, Rick, I’m really looking forward to meeting Carly on Saturday.”
Since others were in the room he only nodded. He sensed that a couple of the guys figured he and Angie were a thing, even though the higher-ups discouraged coworker dating. If they only understood that a man and a woman could actually be friends without romance. The thought shivered down his back. Right now romance was off the list, but could he and Angie remain friends? And even more, did he want to be only a friend?
As the question struck him, reality sneaked in. Their work made it nearly impossible, but if he did get involved with a woman, Angie would be the only one who would interest him. No one could get to his heart as she seemed to do.
Get to his heart? Adrenaline shot through him with the impact of his thoughts. Speculation like that had to end. Between company policy and a friendship he valued, impractical emotions could put their relationship in jeopardy. And now he’d involved Carly.
He closed his eyes. It might be impractical and chancy, but the feelings were there. He had to back off or slow down. A weight struck his chest. Or throw caution to the wind and let things happen. He’d messed up by allowing himself to get involved outside work. There they could be friends. In the world, friendships could grow and burst into something wonderful.
Carly might be his guide. If she appeared uncomfortable with Angie, then he would have little choice. His daughter needed security right now and, as her father, he had to listen.
As his thoughts sank deep, the weight grew heavier on his heart.
The next day Angie hurried through the house, unpacking the last few boxes and making her living room come to life with lamps and decor except for the walls. She’d need help for that. She did everything she could to distract herself from the uneasy feeling that had settled in her.
“I’m being silly.” Her voice escaped into the room. Definitely silly. She needed a fresh perspective, and her gaze shifted to the bright window where she saw the sun spilling onto the grass, trees and landscaping around her home. Though well tended, her yard lacked flowers, and those little changes would make the house her home.
Needing a break, she slipped her house key into her pocket and stepped outside. The warmth struck her arms and the scent of lilacs swept past her. The blossoms on the trees were abundant, and the aroma floated on the air. The street name had captured her if not the house itself. Who didn’t love lilacs?
Deciding to get a closer look at her neighbors’ flower beds, she bounced down the sidewalk and turned right toward the jog in the road, her body buoyed by a renewed spirit. Rick had helped her so much, and she had only a few things to do to finish making the house livable. The neighborhood also lured her to anticipate new friendships even though Rema and her sadness hadn’t made the most upbeat impression.
Rema hadn’t dropped by since the day she’d appeared with the muffins, and Angie’s concern had faded. Since her visit, Angie had noticed Rema’s husband coming and going. He seemed to keep late hours and she wondered about his career...or whatever it was that kept him away.
Instead of her original attitude toward Rema, the thought of her as a wife with so much time alone and without children softened Angie’s heart. One day she should invite Rema over or drop by her house for a visit. She’d never been inside any other houses on the street, and she’d like to see what they were like.
She exhaled and studied her surroundings. She looked toward the corner and noticed the house for sale did have a sold sign and she’d missed it. While her attention darted from one side of the street to the other, she admired the flower beds and the variety of foliage. She would add plants to her landscape soon. Looking at the displays today made her anxious to tackle the flower beds.
As she approached a yellow ranch, she noticed an elderly man on his knees digging into the soil, a flat of flowers beside him. Age didn’t stop some people. She picked up her step as her shadow slipped past him.
He noticed and looked at her over his shoulder. “Hello, there.”
She faltered, pleased to see his smiling face, which reminded her of her grandfather, long gone to heaven. She grinned back. “You’re busy, I see.”
He hoisted himself up, taking a moment as if to balance himself before stepping closer. “I had tulips and spring flowers here, but they’re gone, so I’m adding a few more plants. If my wife were here, she’d have pushed me out the door a week ago with her honey-do list.” His eyes twinkled.
“My grandma had one of those lists, too.”
His eyes searched hers a moment. “You love family, too.”
She nodded, though aware she’d neglected hers in recent years.
“Too many young people go off and don’t remember where they came from. Know what I mean? Their roots and their faith training tossed into the wind.” He tilted his head. “Are you a woman of faith?”
Guilt crept into her heart. “I grew up in a Christian home, but I’ve been rather delinquent about acting on it.”
“Hmm. I knew you had the foundation. Sometimes I can just tell.” He gave her a wink. “I’m Elwood Barnes, but my friends call me El.”
She extended her hand. “Angela Bursten, and my friends call me Angie.”
El eyed his hand and brushed it off on his pants before he grasped hers. “Nice to meet you. I hope you’re enjoying your new home. I think you’ll like most of the neighbors.” He chuckled as if he’d told himself a joke.
“I love the house.” A grin stole to her mouth. “And I’ll love it more when I get things settled. You know how it is.” She shrugged. “I’m still finding places for everything and working out the kinks.”
“I know about kinks.” He did a little bounce from the knees. “I have a few of those myself.”
Cute as could be, he made her chuckle. “I think you’re doing well, Mr. Barnes, and I’ve had help moving in, so I can’t complain.”
He tilted his head toward the Durbans’ house. “You meet Rema?”
She eyed him a moment, questioning why he’d asked. She didn’t suspect the sweet man to be a gossip. “Yes. She dropped by with
