“Hey, you want to come up for dinner tonight?” Garth asked. “Sophie just texted me that she’s making cannelloni.”
“With meat sauce?”
“Is there any other way?” Garth grinned.
“Not where I’m concerned. Count me in.”
“Oh, yeah, Bree might join us too. Soph plans to invite her. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
Garth unlocked his truck and climbed in. “Sophie said seven. She got a late start.”
Leroy assured him that seven sounded just fine, then, feeling a new spring in his step, he headed back to his house. Suspecting that Judith might still be in the kitchen, chopping up all those vegetables, he decided to use the front entrance and main stairway. Although he was much tidier than usual for this time of day, he wanted to spruce up a bit more. Part of him felt silly for even caring about making an impression on Bree. And part of him remembered Judith’s words. You only get one chance to make a first impression.
Chapter 21
Brynna was happy to work in Sophie’s garden again, but she was also a bit more tired than she’d been yesterday. Still, it was fun being with Lucy. And today Addison had joined them too. He wasn’t as good at weeding as Lucy, but he was trying. Then, after Addison accidentally pulled out yet another immature carrot, Brynna set down her spade.
“I think we should take a break,” she told them. “A story break.”
Naturally, they both agreed. Similar to what she’d done with Lucy the day before, they took turns inventing garden characters and stories to go with them. And then she turned one of the stories into a silly song. They were singing and parading around the garden when Garth came out to join them.
“Time for you kids to clean up for dinner,” he told his children. “Pappy is coming tonight.”
Lucy and Addison began to jump around with glee, but Brynna felt a wave of trepidation wash over her. Was she ready for this? She looked down at the gardening clothes she’d pulled on after leaving the tasting room. They were the same ones from yesterday and were even dirtier now. Did she really want her first encounter with Leroy to be like this? And with Sophie, Garth, and the kids there to witness what could easily turn very awkward? Of course not.
As Garth herded his kids inside, Brynna went to find Sophie. “I know I said I’d stay for dinner,” she began, “but I didn’t realize how worn out I am. Can I take a rain check? Or maybe it’s a tired check.”
Sophie looked disappointed. “Are you sure?”
Brynna sighed wearily. “I really am tired. And I’m thinking about a nice, long soak in the claw-foot tub.”
“I totally understand.” Sophie patted her shoulder. “You’ve been working so hard these past couple of days. I appreciate you hanging with the kids while I got dinner going tonight.”
“We had fun.” Brynna glanced at the clock to see it was already six thirty. She worried that Leroy might already be on his way here. “Anyway, I better get going. Make my apologies to Garth and the kids.”
“And Dad too? He should be here soon.”
“Yeah, sure, of course.” Brynna hugged Sophie, then hurried outside, hopped on her bike, and started pedaling as fast as her tired legs could pump. She did not want to meet Leroy here on the road. Even more so as she got closer to home. She was hot and sweaty and dirty.
She knew it didn’t make sense when she considered how curious she’d felt about reconnecting with him, but the longer she delayed the inevitable meeting, the less she wanted it to happen. Maybe she’d be better off never meeting him. Although it seemed impossible to avoid it indefinitely.But, please, God, she prayed,not now.
Leroy didn’t make it out of his house without being spotted by the women. It was bad enough being cornered by Judith and her two daughters, but when Gina joined in their inquisition, he felt personally betrayed.
“Like I told you earlier, I’m used to coming and going freely around here and—”
“But where are you going all dressed up?” Gina demanded.
“Dressed up?” He acted innocent. “A man puts on a clean shirt, and you call that dressed up?”
“Dad”—she crossed her arms—“you have on your good loafers and khakis and, unless I’m mistaken, you’re wearing cologne.”
“I took a shower.” He moved closer to the front door. “That’s probably just soap you smell.”
“Looks to me like you’re going on a date,” Judith taunted him. “Who’s the lucky lady?”
“I’m just having dinner at Sophie’s,” he said, raising his hands in defense.
