“Would you like something to drink?” She offered, hoping to prolong his visit.
“I would like for you to go for a walk down by the lake with me.” Thomas stood and shoved his hand through his hair.
“Okay. Let me change into some sneakers.” She unlocked the back door and headed to her room. She quickly changed her shoes and glanced at her reflection in the mirror.
She stopped.
Her short brown hair had grown out and was down around her shoulders. Her face was thinner, like the rest of her, and her brown eyes seemed to glow.
She debated putting on some makeup but since she’d moved to the lake house she’d not been wearing any. She shrugged and decided not to start now.
She ran a brush through her hair and headed outside.
Thomas was bent down patting Phoenix on the head. The dog had started to stick closer to home and not wandering off during the day. Maybe he realized his old family wasn’t coming back and she was his family now.
She’d grown to love the dog and couldn’t bear to think about being without him.
“I’m ready.” She called out.
They walked down to the lake admiring the beautiful day.
“Are you still working on the grocery store roof?” She asked when they stopped at the water’s edge.
“Yes, but I should be finishing up in a day or two. Stanley is back on the job in a limited capacity so I feel like I’m babysitting him more than doing my job.”
She grinned.
“How’s the nursery business?”
“It’s gearing back up for Christmas. I had no idea that Bernice was going to be selling full-size Christmas trees this year. She says she’s never done that before but since we did so much business this past fall she wants to expand.”
“Did you pay her vet bill yet?”
“I tried. With the money I got from Janice. But Bernice wouldn’t take any money. She said she couldn’t say for certain that Phoenix was the dog that bit her cat.”
“I saw how she was loving on that dog at Thanksgiving. She knows as well as I do that Phoenix wouldn’t hurt a fly.” He chuckled.
“I’m just glad everything is going well.”
They walked at a slow pace around the lake.
“What are you doing for Christmas?” He looked over at her.
“I’m not sure. Painting I guess.”
“Would you like some company?”
“You want to spend your holiday painting?” She laughed.
“I just want to spend it with you. If I have to paint, so be it.”
She sobered. “What?”
“Carolina, I know it’s been a while since I’ve flirted with a woman. Apparently, I’m doing a really bad job if you didn’t realize I have feelings for you.”
“For me?” Her eyes widened.
“Yes, you. And if I don’t make my intentions known then some other guy is going to snatch you up. You’re smart and beautiful and strong.”
