He grinned at her notebook. “Every time you turn a page, you smooth it three times. To the top corner, to the bottom corner, then straight across.”
She did, didn’t she? But once wasn’t enough. Neither was twice. Thrice was perfect.
Hugh walked to the fireplace and rested his hand on the mantel. “If you’d like, I could teach you to be less organized.”
What an idea! “That would allow me to work faster.”
Hugh’s smile grew in strength and mischief, and with one finger, he nudged a candlestick on the mantel an inch to the side.
It looked wrong. She should ignore it. After he left, she could fix it.
He moved it another inch.
Aleida darted to the fireplace and slid the candlestick back in place. “Let’s not be hasty.”
Hugh’s laugh rolled out, rich and melodious. “I won’t do that again, at least not on purpose.”
“Maybe I don’t want to learn after all.”
“I can see why.” He stood several inches taller than she, tall enough, but not overwhelming. “You can find things.”
She ran one finger along the polished oak mantel. “And routines keep my life in control.”
“They do?” His voice pitched higher. “Your life?”
Her mouth slipped open, and she gazed into the browns and greens and golds in Hugh’s eyes. Did routines keep her life in control? Impossible. They controlled her minutes and days, yes. But not her life.
“Perhaps,” he said, “they make you feel controlled. That could be comforting.”
Aleida wobbled, and she gripped the mantel for support. “That would be a false comfort. I can control only my words and actions, not those of others. I know that. I do.”
“Then you’re human. What we know and what we believe can be two separate matters. We know what we know, but we don’t always know what we believe.”
“I don’t understand.” Her hand rested only a few inches from his, but she didn’t move it.
“Forgive me for speculating.” His eyebrows drew together over softened eyes. “Perhaps deep inside, deep beneath your knowing, you believe if you do certain things just so, you’ll find Theo.”
Worse. If she neglected to do them, she’d never find him.
Her eyes shut. “I must. I simply must find him.”
“I can’t begin to imagine how overwhelming this must befor you.” His voice dipped low and rough. “If you don’t mind, I’ll pray for you. The Lord knows where Theo is.”
“He does.” She knew that. But did she believe it? Considering how little she’d prayed in the past four months, maybe she didn’t. “Thank you. I—I need to pray too.”
His mouth curved in a gentle smile.
What were his motives?
Kindness, genuine interest, concern for her and for little Theo.
She knew and she believed.
Hugh drew in a breath. “I should go. I didn’t mean to stay, only to deliver the list.”
“Oh.” Disappointment sagged in her chest. Surprisingly so. “Oh yes.”
She walked him to the door, and he picked up his hat on the way.
