He turned toward her. “Thanks for helping, Millie. I really do appreciate it.”
She managed a small smile. “Anytime.”
As they walked to an area filled with more leaves, Millie kept a careful distance between herself and Caleb.
She had to remember how Caleb had hurt her. She couldn’t let herself visit that place of heartbreak again—especially not with Garrick still in her life.
Besides, would she be a fool to forgive Caleb after what he’d done?
Possibly.
But sometimes, weren’t Christians called to do what the world considered foolish things?
That was something she would need to think long and hard about.
chapter
nineteen
Caleb and Milliefinished the last stretch of leaves in companionable silence, the rake scraping softly over damp ground.
Caleb straightened, rolling his shoulders, when a familiar car turned into the drive and entered through the gate.
“That’s my mom,” he said, the words leaving him before he thought about them.
Millie glanced up. “Really?”
He nodded, already heading that way. “She’s here to fix dinner.”
Millie fell into step beside him as the car came to a stop near the house.
The driver’s door opened, and a slender woman with dark brown hair and a wide smile climbed out.
His mother. She popped the trunk and started pulling out paper bags full of groceries.
“Mom,” Caleb said. “Good to see you.”
She smiled at him, the same smile that had steadied him his whole life.
“You look tired,” she said before leaning in and kissing his cheek.
“Long day.” He took a couple of bags from her hands.
Millie reached for two more without being asked.
His mom’s gaze shifted to her, curious and kind. “Well, you must be Millie.”
Caleb made the introduction quickly. “Millie, this is my mom. Mom, this is Millie.”
He’d already told his mom that Millie was here, and he’d explained a little of their history. He didn’t want her to be surprised.
“Call me Ruby,” she said, her smile widening. “Everyone does.”
Millie smiled back. “It’s nice to meet you, Ruby.”
“Nice to meet you too.” Ruby glanced toward the house. “I’m getting a head start on dinner. Fried chicken tonight.”
“It’s award-winning,” Caleb added. “People from all over the state practically beg her to make it for them.”
