He eyed her cautiously. “It has been a long day and the couch would be more comfortable.”
“The couch it is.” Her back shouted for joy. She wasn’t as young as she used to be and felt every bit and more of her twenty-eight years.
They sat on opposite ends of the couch. He’d left his phone on the counter, and she hadn’t upgraded her basic pay-by-the-minute phone which was on the charger. With no television or radio in the house, they had no electronic distractions.
She almost wished for one. In the silence, she became keenly aware of his presence. He sat mere feet away from her, balancing his plate in one hand. Despite working a full shift at the shelter, then hours of manual labor carrying in her furniture and putting it together, he looked good. The moss green thermal shirt he wore accentuated his eyes, and his jeans fit perfectly. Hope laid on the floor by his feet with a content smile on her face.
Carl appeared unaffected by the quiet or the fact they were alone. It wasn’t fair considering her stomach performed stunts she didn’t know possible. The food’s taste which she’d loved five minutes ago barely registered. She forced down two more bites, then decided to save the rest for when she could enjoy it.
Carl cleared his plate. “Not hungry anymore?”
“I’m saving the rest for tomorrow.”
Thankfully, he didn’t point out that the containers on the counter were half full. “I’ll put it aside for you.”
He stood and carried their plates into the kitchen. She heard him rustling around, cleaning up the mess. A good hostess would have gone in to help, but she needed these moments to herself.
Five minutes later he returned. He stretched his arms and yawned. “If you don’t mind, I’ll head out now. It’s been a long day.”
She could have hugged him for understanding and giving her what she needed in a tactful manner. “Thanks for everything.”
“What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“I might shop the thrift stores for more furniture.” She left the safety of the couch to stand by him.
“Want company? We can put Skye and Mercy’s car seats in the back, and if you find anything, we can bring it home in my truck.”
“I thought you had to work.”
He shook his head. “Tyson’s niece is having her first birthday tomorrow, and wanted to go to the party, so I switched with him.”
Not a single protest came to mind. “Can you be here by nine? I want to be home by naptime, or you’ll be a witness to Mercy’s tantrums.”
“Nine is perfect. If it’s okay with you, I’ll treat you all to lunch when we’re done.”
“As long as we’re home by one.” She chuckled. “That’s when my sweet princess turns into a grumpy pumpkin.”
Carl laughed. “Does Skye still nap?”
“Most days, but she doesn’t get grouchy like Mercy if she misses one.”
“You have two great girls. They’re blessed to have you as their mom.”
“They’re what kept me going many times I wanted to give up.” Unaware, she’d moved her hand to her neck, didn’t realize it until Carl wrapped his hand around it and gave her a soft tug toward him.
“I’m glad you kept moving on.”
“Me too, though there were days I didn’t know if I would make it. Hope House was a miracle for me.” She’d always treasure her time there and be grateful for the help she received from the shelter.
“Speaking of Hope House,” he said, rocking on his heels and becoming nervous. “Rachel’s wedding is next weekend. Would you be my date?”
Her mouth formed anO.They’d hung out and gone shopping together, shared an abundance of meaningful conversations, but they hadn’t gone on a date. Was she ready? She wiggled her fingers and pulled away.
Carl frowned, and disappointment flickered in the flecks of his eyes. “It’s okay. Too much too soon.”
She drew in a long breath and let it out slowly. “I want to go with you. Yes, I’ll be your date.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured.”
