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  “I did, but I lost it.”

  “Dad, you really ought to—”

  “So what’s new with you, honey? How’s Gavin? And are the kids doing okay?” Lance got up from the table and ambled over to his fish tank in one corner of the room. The goldfish, his only pets, had been fed this morning, and swam around the tank without a care in the world.

  “Everyone’s fine, Dad.” Sharon groaned. “And I wish you wouldn’t change the subject whenever you don’t want to talk about something.”

  “Well, there isn’t much to say on the topic. I’ll buy a new charger for the car when I get the chance. In the meantime, I’ll give my brother a call and see what he wants.”

  “Sounds good, but before you hang up, I want to extend an invitation to you.”

  “What’s up?”

  “Gavin and I are having a few people over for dinner after church tomorrow, and we’d like you to come.”

  “No can do. This Sunday’s my time to spend with your sister and her family. I was at your place last week, remember?”

  “Of course I remember, Dad, and I’ve already talked to Terry about this. She’s fine with you coming to our house again tomorrow.”

  Lance rapped his knuckles on his knee. Sharon was up to something, no doubt about it. “Okay, what’s the reason you want me at your house so bad? You’re not trying to fix me up again, I hope.” A year after Lance’s wife died, both of his daughters began to think it was their job to find him a suitable wife. Well, they could forget the notion. No one could ever replace Flo. Lance and Florence had been high school sweethearts, and gotten married when they both turned nineteen. They’d had a good marriage and been soul mates, until the Lord took Flo home three years ago.

  “I’m not trying to set you up, Dad, but there are two nice single ladies from church we should all get acquainted with. They moved here a few weeks ago, and—”

  “Sorry, honey, but count me out. I’m having dinner at Terry’s tomorrow like I said.” Lance put the phone back to his other ear. “I’d better go now so I can give Dan a call. Oh, and I’ll also call Terry to let her know I’m still coming.”

  “Okay, Dad. I’ll see you tomorrow at church. Have a nice evening.”

  When Lance hung up, his conscience pricked him a bit. He knew Sharon was disappointed, but the last thing he needed was to spend the afternoon with not one, but two spinster women who might be eagerly looking for a man. He wished he could make his caring daughters understand that he had no intention of getting married again and was perfectly happy trying to be a good father and grandfather. Eventually they might get it, but until then, he’d keep dodging all invitations that involved single ladies.

  It was bad enough how, on some Sundays after church, a few of the older unmarried women approached Lance, hinting about invitations to their place for dinner. Some men might like the idea and jump at the chance for a lady’s affection, but Lance always came up with a reason he couldn’t oblige, with the hope these women would take the hint.

  Even some of the widows on his mail route had found out he was single again. They’d be waiting for Lance by their mailbox near the road, or on the porch where their mail container hung. Some had homemade cookies for him, while others made fudge and other types of desserts. They all had one thing in common. Like a fish taking bait, they used their sweet smiles and tantalizing treats in the hope of reeling him in. But Lance was one fish that was never getting hooked. His heart had belonged to Flo—and it always would.

  Remembering his daughter’s message, he picked up the phone again and punched in Dan’s number. His brother answered on the second ring. “Hey, Lance, I was hoping I’d get a hold of you before the day was over. I’m in a bit of a bind right now, and need a favor.”

  Lance grimaced. His brother always seemed to need something. “What’s up?”

  “You know the townhouse I bought after Rita died?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, I’m remodeling the whole place, and every room is torn up.” He paused. “So now I don’t have anywhere to stay.”

  Lance thumped his forehead. Great. I bet Dan wants to stay here with me. There goes my peace and quiet after work and on Sundays.

  “Anyhow, the place won’t be move-in ready for several weeks, so would it be all right if I bunk in with you till it’s done?”

  “Um, yeah, sure, that’d be fine. The guestroom’s always ready for unexpected company. Bring over whatever you need; I don’t have anything planned and will be home all evening.”

  “Thanks, Lance. And don’t worry, I’ll treat you to a few meals out, ’cause I owe you big.”

  “No problem.” Lance said goodbye and clicked off his phone. He didn’t look forward to having his life disrupted, but since it was for only a matter of weeks, he’d make it work.

  Lance stood and ambled into the kitchen to get something to eat for supper. There wasn’t much in the refrigerator, and he didn’t feel like cooking, so he grabbed the container filled with leftover macaroni and cheese.

  As Lance heated his supper in the microwave, he thought more about Flo. I’m sure she would approve of me helping Dan out. She was a hospitable woman. His eyes misted. He missed her sweet smile and wished she was with him right now. Maybe with my brother here in the house, I won’t feel so lonely.

  Chapter 10

  Walnut Creek

  Heidi’s eyelids fluttered as she struggled to stay awake, while sitting on a backless wooden bench inside Eli Miller’s woodshop where church was being held today. After she and Lyle returned home from seeing Kendra and her baby yesterday afternoon, Heidi, determined not to give in to self-pity, had looked for things to keep herself busy. Holding Kendra’s baby and hearing the child had been named after her caused Heidi’s emotions to jump all over the place. Consequently, she’d stayed up late doing things that probably didn’t need to be done and hadn’t gotten enough sleep. Her conscience said she’d done the right thing by going to see Kendra, but her heart told her otherwise. It was hard not to grieve for something she wanted so desperately. If only God had said yes to her prayer.

  Along with some cute pink booties and a New Testament she’d gotten at one of the stores, they’d given Kendra a small quilt for her baby, Heidi’s aunt Emma had made when they’d first told her they were planning to adopt. Kendra seemed pleased with the gifts.

  Heidi shifted on the unyielding bench, trying to find a comfortable position. Who wouldn’t be pleased to receive such a special item as a handmade baby quilt?

  When the final hymn began, Heidi became more fully awake, eager to go outdoors for a bit to breathe some fresh air. Due to her musings, plus a struggle to stay awake, she’d missed most of the final sermon and felt guilty about it. She hoped no one had caught her on the verge of drifting off.

  Lance was almost out the door of the church he attended when his daughter Terry approached him. “Say, Dad, can I talk to you a minute?”

  He halted. “Sure, what’s up?”

  “I know you were planning to come over to our place for dinner today, but something unexpected came up, and I need to cancel. Can we make it next week instead?”

  “Next Sunday will be Sharon’s turn to have me over.” Lance’s eyebrows squished together as he touched the base of his neck. “What’s going on that you have to cancel?”

  “Nick’s mother isn’t feeling well, so I’m taking dinner to her and Nick’s dad today.”

  Lance pulled his glasses down and looked over the rims. “Is there something going on here, Terry?”

  She shook her head. “Of course not, Dad. Why would you think there was anything going on?”

  “I thought maybe you were in cahoots with your sister. She wanted to have me over for dinner today so she could set me up with one of the new ladies from church.” His forehead wrinkled. “I’ve told you both before that I’m not interested in a relationship with another woman. Your mother was the only lady I’ll ever love, so there’s no point even bothering to play matchmaker.”

>   She tipped her head back, eyeing him curiously. “Is that what you think I’m doing?”

  “Well, aren’t you?”

  “Absolutely not. Nick’s mother is genuinely sick. I would never make up a story like that. I only suggested you go over to Sharon’s this afternoon so you wouldn’t have to spend the day alone. Besides, you’re not the world’s best cook, so I would think you’d appreciate a home-cooked meal.”

  Lance drew a quick breath, feeling heat rush to his cheeks. He felt like a heel. “S–sorry, Terry. Guess I’m a little paranoid these days. Am I forgiven?”

  “Of course.” She gave him a hug. “So are you going over to Sharon’s for dinner?”

  He shook his head. “Not today. Think I’m gonna grab something at the fast-food place on the way home and spend the rest of the day visiting with your uncle Dan and helping him find places in my guestroom for the rest of his things.”

  Terry’s head tilted to one side. “Why is he putting things in your guestroom?”

  Lance explained about Dan’s townhouse being remodeled and ended by saying it would be a temporary situation.

  She smiled and patted his arm. “It’ll give you a chance to spend a little time with your brother. I’m sure you’ll both enjoy yourselves.”

  He nodded slowly. Sure hope it works out that way.

  Dover

  Lisa rolled over sleepily, but when she glanced at the clock on the bedside table, she sat straight up. “Oh, no, it can’t be afternoon already!” Lisa hadn’t wanted to sleep this late, or miss church, either. When she didn’t make it to church, her day seemed to lack a positive outlook, and it was harder to get through the week. But the night hours had been sleepless for her. And what a night it had been, too. After she’d gotten home from catering a baby shower, she had gone straight to bed. Lisa had been so tired, she hadn’t even bothered to remove her makeup, taking time only to quickly brush her teeth.

  She should have slept like a baby after all the work she had put in for the occasion, but the puppy next door howled most of the night. During the brief time the pathetic little critter wasn’t carrying on, its owners’ voices kept Lisa awake as they hollered at each other. She’d slept with two pillows pressed against her ears. It was worse than any nightmare. How two people who’d only been married a year could scream at each other the way those two did, made her wonder why they’d gotten married in the first place. If I ever get serious about anyone, I’m going to make sure not to rush into anything. I’ll get to know them well before we make a lifelong commitment.

  The sun streamed in through a crack in the blinds, and Lisa clambered out of bed. Yawning, she padded down the hall to the bathroom. One look in the mirror told Lisa it was a good thing she hadn’t gone to church. Her hair was a tangled mess, and her eyes were so puffy she could barely keep them open. She could never make herself presentable enough to be seen by anyone today.

  Sighing, she tucked a lock of hair behind her ears. What I need is some fresh air. Think I’ll get dressed and take a walk. When I get back home, I’m going to have a little talk with my renters. They have to do something about that pup or else look for somewhere else to live.

  New Philadelphia

  After Allie picked her kids up from Sunday school, she headed straight for the mall. Nola needed new shoes, and Derek a pair of blue jeans. Some people might think it wasn’t right to shop on Sunday, but since Allie worked at the dentist’s office during the week, she needed weekends for shopping and running errands. Besides, what did it hurt to shop on Sundays? It wasn’t like the day was sacred or anything.

  Allie glanced at her children in the rearview mirror. They both looked nice in their Sunday clothes. My son and daughter are so precious. I love them more than life itself.

  She flipped on her turn signal and made a right. Someday, when Nola and Derek are older, will their lives be better from going to church and learning memory verses? Should I consider going to Sunday school with them, rather than dropping them off and finding something else to do by myself?

  Allie had attended Sunday school when she was a girl, which was why she felt the need to see that her children went, too. But she’d quit going during her teen years and didn’t feel it was necessary for her anymore. She did pray sometimes, however—especially when Steve was working and didn’t come home when she expected. It was either pray or spend the whole time worrying. Besides, where had any amount of worry gotten her?

  As Allie pulled her minivan into the mall’s parking lot, she spotted two police cars parked side-by-side. Nearing the vehicles, she realized one of the drivers was Steve. In the other police car sat a blond-haired female cop Allie had not met before. She was obviously new on the force, but it seemed strange Steve had made no mention of her. Usually, when someone new was hired, he told Allie about it right away.

  A pang of jealously shot through her. The people Steve worked with saw more of him than she and the kids did these days. Today was supposed to be his day off, but once again, he’d covered for someone on the force who needed, or maybe simply wanted, time off.

  Allie’s heartbeat quickened when Steve got out of his vehicle and took a seat in the passenger’s side of the other patrol car. I wonder what he’s doing. Should I find a spot near their vehicles and find out for myself?

  “There’s Daddy!” Derek shouted from the back of the van.

  “Yes, Son, it sure is your dad.”

  “What’s he doin’?”

  Allie gritted her teeth. “I don’t know. Looks like he’s talking to another police officer.”

  “Are we gonna say hi to Daddy?” The question came from Nola.

  “Yes, we definitely are.” Allie found a parking space in the row behind the squad cars, pulled in, and turned off the ignition. “You two sit tight. I’ll be right back with your dad.”

  She hesitated at first, wondering what she should say. Allie didn’t want to come off as being a jealous wife. Sometimes that spurred another woman on. And she didn’t want to sound like a nag, either. That might push Steve right into the arms of another woman.

  When Allie approached the second patrol car, she rapped on the passenger door. Steve jumped, looking at her with lips forming an O and eyes wide open. “Allie,” he mouthed.

  She gave no response—just stood waiting for him to exit the car.

  He said something to the blond woman, then opened the car door. “What are you doing here, Allie?” Steve’s cheeks looked flushed.

  “I brought the kids to buy some new clothes. How come you’re here? Was there some kind of disturbance at the mall today?”

  “No, I, uh …” He rubbed the back of his head. “I heard Officer Robbins was in the area so I met up with her to talk about some things.”

  Allie leaned down slightly, glancing in the window. The woman inside gave her a nod. Even with her police hat on, the woman’s beauty could not go unnoticed. Her hair was tied back in a long ponytail, thick with spiral curls. She had flawless skin with vivid blue eyes. No wonder she needed so little makeup.

  Absentmindedly, Allie reached up to touch her own hair. At least she’d taken the time to style it this morning. “Is Officer Robbins new on the force? You’ve never mentioned her before.”

  “Yeah, Lori came on a few weeks ago.”

  “I see.” I wonder what kind of things you would need to talk about with her. Allie pointed at the minivan. “The kids are waiting. They both want to say hello.”

  “Okay, sure, but let me introduce you to Lori first.”

  Allie shook her head. “No, that’s okay. Maybe some other time.”

  “Okay, sure.” Steve told the other officer he’d talk to her later, got out of the car, and sprinted over to the van.

  Allie gave the blond officer a backward glance before following Steve to their car. She tried hard not to let wandering thoughts creep into her head but couldn’t help wondering if Lori was the reason Steve was working on his day off. Has he really been covering for someone else on the force all these times,
or has Steve been using it as an excuse to work the same schedule as Lori Robbins?

  Allie was on the verge of asking Steve a few more questions but changed her mind. She didn’t want to start anything in front of the kids. This evening, though, if the opportunity arose, she would question her husband more about Officer Robbins.

  Chapter 11

  Walnut Creek

  When Lance pulled onto his driveway Wednesday afternoon, he spotted his brother’s sports car parked in front of the garage door. Oh, great. How’s he expect me to put my rig inside now?

  Lance wasn’t in a good mood anyway. He’d had a rough day. It all started this morning when he dropped a bag of mail and had to scramble to pick it up before it started to rain. Things went downhill after that, and now this. His normally cheerful mood had gone by the wayside.

  He knew his brother needed somewhere to stay, which meant making some adjustments on his part, but already, he couldn’t help feeling some regret. Dan had moved his things into Lance’s place Saturday evening, and for the past three days, he’d blocked the way into the garage. On top of that, Lance’s brother was good at making messes and didn’t bother to pick up after himself. No doubt he’d been used to having his wife clean the house when she was alive and figured he didn’t have to pick up his clothes, do the laundry, or gather up the things he’d left in the living room after watching TV. Apparently Dan also thought he owned the driveway here.

  Lance turned his vehicle off and got out. He shoved the set of keys in his jacket pocket and looked up when he felt a few drops of rain hit his arm. Maybe it wouldn’t amount to more than a sprinkle. They’d had enough rain this morning to last a week.

  When he entered the house, Lance found Dan sprawled out on the couch with the television blaring. Lance positioned himself between the TV and his brother. “So what have you been doing all day?”

  Dan sat up and yawned. “Did a few loads of laundry, but not much else.” He pulled his fingers through the ends of his silver-gray mustache. “Oh, and I fed your goldfish.”