A Mother to Love

“You didn’t? What happened to your inquisitiveness?” His own was piqued, curious how Angie had explained she was still single. He’d asked himself the same question.

She rested her elbow on the table and leaned closer. “Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll learn why. She told me we would be great friends.”

They both grinned, and she let the conversation slide. He didn’t like seeing Angie on edge. Her upbeat spirit had won his heart, and he’d befriended her for that reason, along with her ability to make the best of even bad situations. She found something positive in most everything. “Seeing your grin gave me an inspiring idea.” An idea that was sort of one-sided, but she might like it. “Can you use any more help this weekend?”

“Hard to tell, but I know I want to do some things in the yard once I’m done emptying the boxes.” Her expression shifted to what appeared to be interest. “Why? Are you volunteering?”

“With an ulterior motive.” A guilty nudge hit his chest. He loved spending time with Angie, 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.

Chapter Two

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 some delicious muffins, and we had a short visit.”

“Rema could use a friend or two.” A twinkle lit his eyes. “I hope she made a good impression, and I suppose the muffins helped.”

Grinning, she gave a nod as Rema’s words echoed in her thoughts—I’m sure we’ll be best friends soon enough. “I don’t see her husband much.”

His smile faded. “Trey...” He paused a moment. “He travels a lot. I think Rema’s lonely.”

Lonely. She’d been lonely, too, at times, but moving and Rick had filled her life with new expectations.

“Married?” El glanced at her left hand.

“No, not yet.” Yet? “No” would have been good enough. She managed to control a frown. “But a good friend from work came over and toted the heavy stuff. He’s a very kind man. Probably someone like you.” Angie spotted a hint of pride puffing his chest.

“Thank you.” He shook his head. “So this fella is just a good friend. Nothing else on his mind?”

An image sparked in her mind. Life with Rick? She found him attractive, but she’d avoided thoughts of anything more. At least, she tried to. “Right. Rick’s just a friend, and that’s good with me.” But her true feelings and reactions confounded her.

“Good girl.” He patted her arm as concern fell across his face. “Please, don’t think I’m the nosy neighbor or the morals police. I just admire young people who value the Lord’s expectations.”

“My parents gave me strong values.” Again she thought of her relationship with Cal and his friends. She’d let her values slip there, anticipating a ring on her finger. What a mistake. “And I don’t see you as being nosy. I think you care about people, and you’re a man of wisdom.”

“Thank you, but the Good Book’s filled with wisdom. I just have a good memory.”

His wit tickled her. “El, it’s nice to meet you, and I know if I need a little wisdom I can come to you, especially with that good memory you mentioned.”

He gave her a wink. “Love to have you, and you’ll find other good people on this street.”

She loved his smile. “I’ll let you get back to work and finish my stroll so I can face mine again. I’m determined to get things put away so I can get outside, too.”

He laughed and waved as she returned to the sidewalk and her trip around to the circle and back. Yet as she walked his comment about Rema being lonely knotted in her chest. Though she didn’t want to take on a needy friend, she couldn’t neglect her, either.

She headed back home on the far side of the street, admiring her new house as she approached. As it often did, Rick’s image popped into her mind. But so did El and his encouragement to read the Bible, as if it was something she needed. Maybe it was. She’d been without the Lord for a while, and like Rema, she’d been lonely, too. Lilac Circle had opened doors for new friendship and now El had reminded her of another friendship, one with the Lord. Like all new friendships, it would take time.

* * *

Though she’d slept poorly, Angie looked forward to the day and Rick’s visit. She bounced down the stairs with a sense of accomplishment. The linens lay in a closet in neat piles, her clothes stacked in drawers lined with scented paper, and her cosmetics and personal items had found their logical place in the bathroom drawers and cabinets. She’d even settled on which paintings and wall decor would look best in each room.

The extra bedroom had become a guest room, though she rarely had overnight guests. It looked neat with the bed made and a couple of knickknacks in appropriate spots to add a little life to the room. The second floor was finished except for hanging the wall decor.

Rick’s visit added a bit more hope. He could hang the pictures and anything else she’d selected to adorn the rooms while she made decisions about what to tackle in the yard.

She’d meant it when she’d told Rick she looked forward to meeting Carly. Rick seemed to dote on the little girl, and she’d learned enough to know that things weren’t always smooth between him and his ex-spouse. Problems didn’t make a good environment for their young daughter. Yet she had confidence in Rick. He would never do anything to hurt his daughter, so she suspected when trouble came he did all he could to hide it from Carly.

She poured coffee into a mug and nibbled on a buttered English muffin. Nothing else appealed to her. Egg? French toast? Pancakes? Although they sounded good, pancake recipes seemed to be for more than one person. She shook her head at her thoughtlessness. She should have invited Rick and Carly to breakfast.

To help pass time she busied herself by lining pictures along the walls where she wanted them hung, and she laid a couple of items on the bed that she thought might look nice in the bathroom—a cute wall clock set in a floral motif and a small shelf to hold a miniature vase and a pin box that had belonged to her grandmother. For her home office, she’d laid out a tapestry from her grandmother’s home as well as a dry board to jot notes to herself.

She eyed the kitchen clock. Nine. She suspected they’d be there soon, but with a little one, maybe not. Before she could question his arrival any longer, a sound from the driveway alerted her. She ran to the living room window and peeked out.

Her heart skipped a beat upon seeing his car. She spotted Rick leaning into the backseat, releasing Carly’s booster-seat straps. The girl jumped out, cute and spunky, her eyes the same shape and hazel color as Rick’s and bowed lips that must have been like her mother’s. Rick’s were full and more rugged than his daughter’s bowed ones.

Without waiting for their ring, she hurried to the door and swung it open. At work, Rick wore a sport coat or a shirt and sweater, but today he had dressed in jeans and a deep gold polo shirt that highlighted the gold in his hair.

Rick looked up and gave a wave. “I hope we’re not too early.”

“Not at all. I’ve been up for a while.” She hated to tell him she hadn’t been able to sleep and had thought about his visit throughout the night. She pulled her gaze from Rick’s and focused on the child. The girl had her daddy’s hair, the same golden brown with cute bangs and the sides curved beneath her chin. “Hi, Carly. I’m so glad you came to visit.”

The child gave her a shy look and glanced at Rick before her hazel eyes darted back to Angie. “Thank you.”

Polite and sweet. Angie’s heart gave a squeeze. She could see why Rick’s life revolved around the little girl. “Come in. I was just having breakfast.”

Rick’s smile faded. “Oh, I’d hoped I would catch you before that.” He lifted a paper bag she hadn’t noticed. “I brought you a breakfast sandwich.”

Her chest constricted. “Really? I couldn’t decide what to eat, so I’m nibbling on an English muffin.”

“Well, stop nibbling. I have a sandwich for each of us. Even Carly wanted to give it a try.”

She stood back, holding open the door as they entered.

Rick headed straight for the kitchen with Carly on his heels. When she came through the doorway, he’d pulled three packages from the sack and eyed the coffee carafe. “Do you have enough?”

She nodded and pulled a mug from the cabinet. “Here you go, and, Carly, would you like milk or some orange juice?”

The child glanced at her dad, who gave a nod. “Milk, please.”

Angie grinned and poured a glass of milk from the carton.

They gathered around the table, and when Rick bowed his head, Carly followed. As if a belated thought, he looked up. “Do you mind?”

“Mind? No, please.” Angie folded her hands and waited.

Rick gave Carly a nod. The child eyed her before beginning the prayer. “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest...”

The prayer leaped from the recesses of Angie’s mind. How often had she heard those words spoken around the table? Her father’s voice rang through her head and, fighting tears, she had to force herself to look up when Carly finished. “Thank you, Carly. I used to say that prayer when I was your age.”

“You did?” The five-year-old looked at Rick with question. “Is the prayer really old?”

Angie pressed her lips together to control her chuckle. Rick struggled with the same reaction as he explained it was very, very old. “Even your great-grandmother knew that prayer, Carly.”

The child seemed to ponder what he’d said as she delved into her breakfast sandwich. After two bites her expression made it clear she enjoyed it.

Angie enjoyed hers, too, but then she remembered Rema’s delicious muffins and wished she’d saved a couple. Maybe she’d have to learn to bake. Kids loved cookies, cake and muffins. Out of the corner of her eye, Angie watched the girl, hoping the child felt welcomed. “Carly, your daddy tells me you’re in kindergarten.”

Carly’s face lit with a grin, the sandwich forgotten. “Uh-huh and do you know what?”

“No. Tell me.” Angie leaned closer, enjoying the child’s animation with her hands raised as if ready to applaud.

“Our teacher gives us fun homework.”

“Fun homework?” She drew back, never remembering a time when she’d thought homework fun.

Rick’s eyes twinkled. “I reacted the same way until she explained. The teacher has them go outside for activities. They had to find samples of leaves, wildflowers and acorns, and then she gave the children a list of things to find in their yards.” He grinned. “See. That’s fun homework.”

“I imagine it is.” She got a kick out of the child’s exuberance.

Carly’s eyes widened. “And guess what I found.”

Angie shrugged. “A pinecone?”

“No. I found a dandelion.”

“I remember dandelions.” Angie pictured the yellow flowerlike weed, the bane of all the adults when, later, its puffy seeds landed in their yards. Yet her mind shot back to a day when her mom had put a dandelion beneath her chin and told her if it left a yellow stain she would find her true love. So much for dandelions.

Rick stood. “I noticed the house on the corner has a sold sign already.”

“I saw it yesterday. A new neighbor will move in soon, I suppose.”

His sandwich gone, Rick wiped his mouth and motioned toward the archway. “Which reminds me, where do we start?”

His eagerness tickled her. “How are you at hanging pictures and things?”

“A pro.” He gave a playful grimace. “Okay, I’m not exactly a pro, but I’m not bad. I have a good eye, but I’m even better if you have a level.”

A level? “Is that one of those wood things with the little bubbles?”

An odd expression came over his face, and then, as if a light had turned on, he chuckled. “I suppose a person could describe it that way. Apparently you don’t have one.”

“Apparently.”

“I can eyeball it. It’ll be fine.”

She loved his eyes, a deep tan sprinkled with gold dust. They twinkled as if they were mischief looking for a place to happen. “I’m sure you can eyeball it. You have very nice eyes.” She snapped her fingers. “How about a measuring tape? I have that along with a hammer and the right kind of nails for frames and things. I asked at the hardware store.”

“Sure, a yard stick or tape measure works.” He drew back his head with a tilt. “And you even asked at the hardware store.”

“I did.” She flashed a silly smile as he appeared to study her.

His look gave her goose bumps. Not the scary kind but the kind that confused her. His eyes drew her in as if he read her mind. And when his dimples flexed, then vanished, she sensed he’d told himself a joke, probably about her. His subtle sense of humor was one of his attributes she loved. But today only tension grasped her. She waited to see what he’d say or tell her what he wanted, but he didn’t say a word.

Instead he looked away without a response and slipped his hand into his pocket. After a moment, he took a deep breath. “Well?”

She rose from the table, buoyed with excitement. “If you’re ready to get started, let’s go. I don’t want to hold you up from—”

“That’s no problem.” He winked at Carly. “You and I saved the whole day for Angie, didn’t we?” She gave him a smile and nodded. “We have nothing else waiting, and we know you want to buy some flowers and get some planting done.”

“I do.” She pointed to the staircase. “So, let’s get busy. I’ll show you what needs to be done upstairs, and while you’re doing that, Carly can help me decide on the flowers.”

“I can?” Excitement flickered on her face along with the telltale dimples that validated she was Rick’s daughter.

“Absolutely.” She loved seeing the child’s enthusiasm. “You can even help me plant some of them. How’s that for an idea?”

“Daddy, I can help plant.” She bounced on her toes.

“I know. Angie is a glutton for...” He rolled his eyes. “Never mind.”

Carly tilted her head. “What’s a glutting?”

“A really nice person, I think.” Rick patted her head as his eyes shifted to Angie. “Let’s see what you have upstairs.”

She beckoned him to follow. Carly joined him as they traveled from room to room while she pointed to the various items needing to be hung.

“You really have a nice place here, Ang. I didn’t pay attention when I was toting boxes.”

Ang. No one had called her that since her dad had years ago. It had been a special signal they were pals. He’d never had the son he’d wanted, so she’d become his buddy. She loved their relationship. He’d taken her fishing and sometimes had let her help him do minor car repairs or maintenance. She’d forgotten it all now, but it had meant the world to her then.

Her mind snapped back and she shrugged. “Sorry. I went on a short memory trip. I like it here, too. Thanks.”

He gave her a playful wink and didn’t seem concerned about her distraction.

When she had finished pointing out the tasks, Carly joined her downstairs without looking back, and they headed outside. As she studied the yard, Carly did the same.

Angie lifted a pen to the notepad she’d brought. “What do you think? Where should we put the flowers?”

Carly skipped across the lawn and selected an empty space in front of the lilac bushes that would experience morning and early afternoon sun before being dimmed by the shade of the foliage in late afternoon. “That’s a good spot, Carly.” Her mind sought the kinds of flowers that could work, ones that thrived with partial shade.

“Back there.” Carly pointed to an area along the fence just beyond another cluster of large lilac shrubs.

She studied the place, which would have full sun most of the day. “That’s a good place. We could plant roses.” She made a note.

Carly spun around and headed back to her. “Roses are pretty.”

“They are.” She tucked her arm around the child’s shoulders, not sure how she would respond, but Carly drew closer without hesitation. Angie loved the feeling of Carly beside her and enjoyed showing affection to the little girl. From what she’d learned from Rick, Carly’s mother worked a job that resulted in travel and long office hours. The girl spent hours in an after-school program and often child-care services.

Angie’s chest tightened, picturing the bubbly child, eager to please and anxious to help, being raised by people other than her mom. Angie understood that some jobs were demanding and the woman had to make a living, but she couldn’t alter the emotion she felt for Carly. A lump formed in her throat and startled her. She’d been well loved by both parents as a child, and she wanted that for Carly.

She and Carly moved to the side of the house and into the front yard, where beds had once held flowers. They made notes of the kinds of plants she could buy. Though she had enough ideas to cost a fortune, she knew she could start small and add perennials each year.

Taking a break, they sat on the porch steps and talked about different kinds of flowers. Though Carly knew more about flower colors than kinds, she mentioned roses and tulips. Planting bulbs in autumn would add colorful spring blossoms to the landscape. Angie made a note in her book to help her remember.

“What do you like to do for fun, Carly?” The question came out of nowhere.

Carly looked thoughtful as if she had too many to list. Yet no ideas seemed to come.