Page 43 of Unexpected Gifts
“Luke Hayes, I swear, you get better looking with age.” Edna smiled at him, playing with the quarter-moon charm that hung from a gold chain. In her typical style, she wore a bright purple tunic blouse over black leggings. Her silver hair was cropped short and spiked up with gel that paired well with oversized black glasses. When she came around the desk to give him a hug, he caught her familiar scent of patchouli mixed with oranges.
“Thanks, Miss Edna.” He returned the embrace, always happy to see her. She was such a bright light in their town. Everyone trusted her, of course, to advise them on books. In addition, like a local bartender, she often listened to people’s confessions and troubles, doling out wisdom as needed.
“How are Ramona’s sweet babies?” Edna asked. “I can’t stop thinking about them.”
“They’re doing as well as can be expected.”
“Your mother says Abby’s wonderful, albeit green, when it comes to children.”
“She’s doing a great job so far.” Her assessment left him slightly defensive. Abby might be green, but she had the biggestheart and had changed her entire life. “You can imagine what a shock it must have been.”
“Without a doubt. Your mother says she’s stepping up in the most remarkable way.”
“That’s right.” He gestured in the direction of the veterinarian’s office. “She’s interviewing with Doc Ford for a job.”
“Your mother mentioned that to me this morning. I do hope it works out for her.”
Was there anything Edna didn’t know? Between her and his mother, there wasn’t much that went on in this town that they didn’t know about and were not at all reticent to share with each other.
They chatted for a few more minutes before another customer came in and made a beeline for Edna. He glanced at his watch. Too early to head back. Abby’s interview was sure to run an hour.
The children were still happily occupied, so he collapsed into one of the lounge chairs and opened the book he’d picked. However, he found he couldn’t concentrate. His thoughts kept returning to Abby. Had she seemed distant this morning? A little. Yet he could see that she was happy for his company. He understood how comforting it was to have support when it came to parenting. Could it be more than that? Did he want more than a casual friendship?
Yes. Yes, he did.
Which he could not believe. After all these years, his heart had finally opened to the possibility of a woman in his life. He’d not thought he had it in him to try again. But Abby was special. Still, she was skittish and terrified of this new life she’d been thrust into. If he were to win her heart, he must tread carefully. Unfortunately, he had the grace of a moose when it came to women. Success in that regard might take a miracle.
Was he too old to pray for a Christmas miracle?
No, he decided. He most certainly was not.
11
ABBY
Upon Abby’s arrival in the small lobby of the veterinarian’s office, the office manager, Mariah Meengs, greeted Abby with a huge smile and came around the counter to yank her into a hug. Abby was taken aback, having never been hugged in an interview before, but couldn’t help but like the woman immediately.
Mariah apologized for Doc Ford, saying he’d been called away at the last minute but would return shortly.
Mariah’s curly red hair had been pulled into a loose knot at the nape of her neck, held together by a clip in the shape of an armadillo. Bright green eyes took Abby in from behind thick-rimmed glass adorned with tiny pink rhinestones. Tiny cats wearing Santa hats dangled from her ears.
“It’s awfully nice to meet you. Such a thing you’re doing for those kids.” Mariah waved a hand in front of her eyes. “Saddest loss we’ve had here since I can remember. God bless you.”
No more than five minutes had passed before Abby knew what felt like most of Mariah’s life story. She’d been a world traveler before coming to Sugarville Grove, living for extended periods all over Europe. To her surprise, after visiting a friendin Sugarville Grove, she’d fallen in love with the community and had decided to stay. Her love for animals and skills in administration had landed her a job with Doc Ford. “Over five years ago now. Oh, that Doc Ford, he’s a rascal.”
Rascal?
What did that mean?
Abby took a glance around. “What a lovely lobby.”
“Thank you. I picked out the decor myself.” Mariah beamed.
Abby imagined that the hardwood floors and walls painted in earth tones were soothing to those with sick pets. Comfortable chairs upholstered in floral patterns filled the waiting area, while a woven rug added a cozy touch. Large windows flooded the space with natural light. In the corner, a bookshelf stocked with pet care magazines, children’s books about animals, and informational brochures on pet health and wellness offered entertainment while waiting.
“We recently redid the office, to update and all that. I got to pick the soft pastel paint color for the outside too. Doesn’t it look so delicious with the white trim?”
“Definitely.”