He’s just being nice. Do not read anything into it.
She repeated the warning a few times as she followed him into the house with the empty juice pitcher and a bottle of ketchup. Will set the tray on the counter and moved aside as she began to empty it. She didn’t look at him as she worked, not sure she wanted to see the expression on his face. Whatever it was, good or bad, she didn’t want to see it.
“I should be getting the list from Laurel and Vi this week for the invitations.”
“The sooner, the better,” Amy said, opening the fridge to put the condiments away. “Some might not be available since it’s summer and people go on vacation.”
“True. I didn’t really think about that. I hope Isabella’s not disappointed if they can’t all come.”
“The not-so-fun part of having a summer birthday,” Amy commented.
“You have experience with it?” Will asked.
“Yep. But I’ve also experienced it with my classes. I try to plan a party near the end of school to celebrate all the kids’ birthdays who didn’t have them during the school year. That way no one feels left out.” Amy dampened a dishrag and wiped down the tray before putting it away.
“My birthday was always during the school year,so I never really thought much about it. And my siblings were all during that time, too, come to think of it.”
Amy smiled at him. “You were among the lucky students then. Most everyone would have been available for your birthday parties.”
Will leaned a hip against the counter and crossed his arms. “Was it that bad? Just wondering what I’m in for with Isabella. This is just the first of many summer birthdays.”
“Nah. It worked out fine. As she gets older, she’ll have a group of friends she’ll want to invite. She’ll be more flexible with when she has the party in order to make sure they can come. I’m sure you’ll do whatever you can to make her parties memorable.”
“I suppose you think I overindulge her like my sisters do,” Will said, his expression once again unreadable.
Amy shrugged. “That’s not my place to say. I’m sure you’re doing what you think is best for her.”
“Maybe.” He straightened from the counter. “Or maybe just what’s easiest for me.”
Before Amy could say anything, Lance walked into the kitchen. He looked from Amy to Will and back again. “Am I interrupting something?”
CHAPTER FOUR
“Nope,” Amy said as she wiped down the counters. Surprisingly, a part of her wished he had, but alas, that was not the case. “We were just talking about Isabella’s birthday party.”
“Oh, right. Jessa said you wanted to have it here. Sounds like fun.” Lance pulled a couple of water bottles from the fridge. “Do you mind keeping an eye on Julia for a bit, Amy? I want to spend some time with Jessa.”
“Sure. I’m sure Jessa would enjoy the company.”
“I would, too,” Lance said. “I’ve missed having her around down here.”
Amy smiled, happy her cousin and his wife still had such a close relationship after almost ten years. She was fortunate to have been surrounded by several examples of strong, healthy relationships. Her mom and dad had been married for almost forty years and still did almost everything together. Beth and Josh both had good marriages. Amy could see the importance of waiting for the person God wanted her to be with.
“Well, don’t rush back down. Julia and I will find plenty to do.”
“Are you hanging around a bit?” Lance asked as he turned to Will.
“Probably. I don’t think Isabella will be all that anxious to get back to the apartment.”
“You need to get yourself a place with a little outdoor space one of these days,” Lance said with a smile.
“One of these days,” Will agreed.
“See you in a bit,” Lance said as he headed out of the kitchen.
“Mind keeping an eye on Julia for a couple of minutes?” Amy asked. “I’d like to get out of these church clothes.”
Will nodded. “I’ll head back out there now.”
