When they finished, Luna hooked a thumb through her belt loop and glanced around. “It still looks empty.”
“You just moved in. Give it time.”
“I’ll keep shopping the thrift stores for the rest of the furniture. I need a table, and I’d like a desk. We’ll also need dressers, but we can use laundry baskets for now.” Her face glowed.
Carl hadn’t seen her this happy since they’d met, and her glee transferred to him. “There is one more piece of furniture in the trailer. It’s a surprise.”
“I told you not to spend any more money.”
He threw his hands up in a defensive gesture. “It’s not from me, well, not completely.”
“What is it?” She eyed him suspiciously.
“Wait here.” He ran outside and unlocked the trailer. He’d purposely saved this last piece. Taking a deep breath, he heaved it onto the dolly and rolled it inside. “This is from everybody at the shelter.”
Her eyes widened. She came over and ran a hand along the smooth, sanded top of the coffee table. “It’s beautiful.”
“Watch this.” He slipped the latch from its hook and lifted the lid. “It also acts as a storage container but come see under the lid.”
The tip of her tongue poked through her lips as she read each handwritten message. Her eyes watered. “I can’t believe they did this for me.”
Unable to help himself, he drew her into his arms. “They care about you, sweetheart, and they value your friendship.”
“I’ve never had anyone care about me before. Not like you and everyone at Hope House.” She wiped at her eyes. “I love it and will treasure it forever.”
He sensed she needed time to compose herself. “Dinner’s my treat. Do you like Chinese?”
“It’s my weakness, but I haven’t had it in ages.”
“Why don’t I return the trailer, and I’ll pick dinner up for us after.”
“I’d love that.” She glanced at the time. “How long will it take?”
“Half hour, forty-five minutes tops.”
“While you do that, I’ll run to the shelter and pick up the girls.” She faltered. “If you don’t mind them being here.”
He counted to ten again, reminded himself she’d been through a lot with a man who couldn’t be bothered with his daughters. “Skye and Mercy are a part of you, and I adore them. If I didn’t want to be around them, I wouldn’t be interested in you.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry. I’m trying.”
“Don’t be sorry.” He kissed her nose. “I know you can’t flip a switch and undo all the damage from Manny.”
“I wish it were that easy.”
He tipped her chin. “You are a brave and strong woman. You’d have every reason to crumble, but you keep moving forward. That’s more than anyone could ask.”
“Thank you for being a friend.”
“My honor. What should I get Mercy and Skye to eat?”
“They’ll already have eaten dinner.” She flicked her gaze to the clock again. “In fact, I better run before they fall asleep there. I really want them to spend the night here.”
“Go ahead, and I’ll meet you back here.”
“You have the spare key in case you make it back before me?” She grabbed her purse from the counter.”
“Yes.” He’d added it to his keychain. Once she was all moved in, he’d give it back but for now, he treasured the trust she’d placed in him.
