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Ipulled my car into my own driveway and killed the engine, then realized I was operating on automatic pilot. “I should have stopped next door to let you out at your grandmother’s place.”
“It’s a short walk.” Hope smiled at me. “Thank you for a wonderful evening.”
“No—thankyou.” Conversation between us had flowed like water at the fete—easy and effortless, spreading in all directions. We’d talked about everything from work to football, from science to movies. We’d danced, and although I’m not much of a dancer and avoid it when I can, I’d loved the slow songs, because it had given me the chance to hold Hope in my arms.
The only glitch in the evening had been Jillian’s sudden disappearance—and even though I felt mean admitting it, that had been a relief. Hope had explained what happened, and I was glad that Kirsten had stepped up and handled it. I would have felt obligated to take Jillian home myself if I’d known about it.
As it was, everything had worked out. Kirsten had taken Jillian home, persuaded her to eat something, then made it back to the fete in time for dinner.
“Before you agreed to go with me, I’d kinda been dreading this evening,” I told Hope. “But as it turns out, this was the best time I’ve had in a long, long while.”
She smiled, her eyes warm. “Me, too.”
I leaned toward her, intending to kiss her. Before our lips could make contact, though, the porch light flared on and Peggy stood in the open doorway. “I thought I heard your car,” I heard her call.
Apparently, there was the downside of having your former mother-in-law as a babysitter, I thought darkly.
“Hi, Peggy.” Hope opened her door and gave a little wave, not giving me a chance to round the car and open the door for her. I climbed out of the car and walked to Hope’s side.
“Did you have a good time?” Peggy asked.
“Wonderful,” Hope said.
“Jillian called and said she’d had to go home sick.”
I wondered what else Jillian had said. “Yeah. How is she?”
“She said she’s better.”
“Good,” Hope said.
“Did the girls behave?” I asked.
“Oh, they were little angels. They went to sleep very easily.”
“Great. Peggy, if you don’t mind staying for just a moment, I’d like to walk Hope home.”
“Oh, sure, dear.”
The door closed. I walked Hope down the sidewalk, then up the steps to her grandmother’s lit porch. We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. Her eyes were soft and warm, her parted lips an invitation.
I put my hands on her waist and drew her to me. She leaned in, and my mouth met hers.Soft—her lips were soft and velvety, warm and exciting. Her arms wound around my back. I deepened the pressure, then felt her stiffen.
“Peggy’s looking out your living room window,” she whispered.
With a heavy sigh, I opened my eyes, only to see Adelaide’s neighbor on the other side, Mrs. Ivy, peering out her blind. “She’s not the only one watching us.”
Hope laughed, opened the screen door, then turned the knob on the wooden one. “Well, good night,” she said, disappearing inside.
I blew out another heavy sigh and turned around. Across the street, Griff was peering out the window, as well. Irritated, I lifted my hand in a wave. He awkwardly waved back.
I walked to my home and opened the door. “Thanks for babysitting, Peggy,” I said.
“You’re welcome, dear. It’s always a pleasure.”
She picked up her purse, but made no move toward the door.
