His mouth turned to a lazy grin. “I’m glad you see it my way.”
She laughed nervously. “You’ll need a lot of patience with me.”
“I can handle it.” He kissed her cheek a final time, then stepped back. “But we’ll do this the right way. For now, we have to abide by the rules, but know that I don’t like it.”
“Now that I know the why, I’m okay with that.” Contentment washed over her.
Words from the Bible that she’d written on her heart came to mind. God was bringing beauty from the ashes of her former life.
Chapter Twelve
Carl locked the door to his office. This was the best Friday ever. In exactly thirty minutes, he’d drive across town and rent a small moving trailer that he could tow behind his truck. He’d go to the furniture store, load the pieces Luna had picked out, and deliver them to her new apartment.
Rachel caught him heading out the door and grinned at him. “I’d ask your weekend plans, but I can guess.”
“She’s officially not a resident,” he reminded her for good measure.
“No, she’s not.” She glanced at her watch and chuckled. “She hasn’t been for three hours.”
“Does it count if the girls still come for daycare?” Why hadn’t he thought to ask before? He didn’t want a single complication to ruin his freedom to date Luna.
“You’re good.” Rachel laid a hand on his arm. “I’m praying it works out. The two of you are good together.”
“It’s still early, and we’re not rushing.” He pursed his lips as a thought crossed his mind. “I’m not even sure we’ll do anything for Valentine’s Day.”
She removed her hand from him and pressed it against her hip. “Don’t tell me you forgot already.”
“Forgot what?”
“Carl!” She heaved an exasperated sigh. “Men.”
“I’m kidding.” He threw her a wink. “I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything.”
“Is Luna coming with you?”
He shrugged. “We haven’t discussed it yet.”
“You better get busy.” She jabbed his ribs with her elbow. “Weddings are prime romance, and you don’t want to miss that opportunity.”
Amusement flickered through him. “For someone who told me I couldn’t date Luna, you’re awfully eager for me to see her now.”
The twinkle in her eye subsided. “I had to be your boss and look out for Luna. That’s changed now, and I’ve seen how you interact with each other. She’s not that shell of a person who arrived last June. For what it’s worth, she’s crazy about you.”
“I sure hope so because I’m pretty crazy about her.”
“I mean it.” Her gaze locked with his. “Your friendship with her has performed miracles.”
The praise made him uncomfortable. “All I did was give her the respect she deserved.”
“Which is more than any man or woman had done for her prior to coming here.”
He needed to change the subject or end the conversation and get moving. “Don’t you have a wedding to plan?”
Her hands flew to her cheeks. “I’m getting married in a week. Do you have any idea how much there’s still left to do?”
“No, but you’re the person who can tackle it.”
“Glad you think so.” She laughed and tossed her hair. “We’re having dinner with Aaron’s parents tonight to finish details of the rehearsal dinner, which means I need to run. Have a good weekend.” She spun around and marched down the hall, and called over her shoulder, “I want a full report on Monday.”
