She crossed her arms over her chest as she tried to ward off the cold.
Then she glanced across the yard. Fog hung in the hollows of the hills with patches of colorful leaves breaking through.
The sight was so breathtaking she nearly forgot about how cold she felt.
A place like this had always been something she’d dreamed about—a place where she could go hiking on her own property. where she could wake up and see God’s beauty.
Even the chickens clucking in the background warmed her heart.
Then her gaze wandered to the back perimeter and the man walking there.
Caleb.
Her breath caught.
It appeared he was doing his morning checks.
She watched him a moment, aware that he probably couldn’t see her.
He still had that strong, steady gait. Everything was deliberate with him, thought out.
Why did You let our paths cross again, God? What are You trying to teach me?
Even more so, was that a lesson she was ready to learn?
chapter
six
“Good morning,”Naomi called when Millie came back in.
“Morning.” Millie paused at the counter near where Naomi whisked a huge glass bowl of eggs. “Can I help?”
She handed her a potato. “I never turn down help—and I’ve never been much a cook either. Usually we don’t make hot breakfasts, but we have so many eggs from our chickens. We need to use them! Plus, cold mornings deserve warm breakfasts. That’s what my mom always says.”
Naomi stood at the stove, working a cast-iron skillet, while Millie chopped potatoes at the counter. The rhythm was easy and familiar.
Meanwhile, Biscuit sat beside her, upright and alert—and desperate for a piece of bacon.
“You’re good with a knife,” Naomi murmured.
Millie shrugged. “My ex-husband insisted on only the finest quality meals at the house—prepared by me.”
Naomi cast her a compassionate look before turning back to the stove. She didn’t ask questions. Didn’t press.
Millie appreciated that more than she could say.
“Thank goodness for YouTube,” Millie continued. “While he was at work, I’d watch videos and try to learn everything I could.Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll ever be a gourmet chef. My tastebuds just aren’t refined enough.”
“All the pressure placed on you couldn’t have helped.”
“It didn’t.” After a moment, Millie ventured, “So . . . what’s your role here at Refuge Cove?”
“As you might remember, I worked in New York for a while. Finance.” Naomi paused, her hand stilling on the spatula. “Things changed after Sarah . . .”
She didn’t explain the statement—she only paused as if gathering herself.
Then Naomi exhaled and continued. “Caleb probably told you that our family is from a town about an hour from here—closer to Charlottesville. Sarah and her husband bought this property together before she was killed. I came to a crossroads in New York and needed a change. I decided to come here. Now I do the books here and manage the business side of things. Scheduling. Donations. All of that.”
