“Are you busy now?” He held his breath, realizing how badly he wanted to see her.
“If you’re inviting yourself over, I’m never too busy for you.” The smile in her voice was genuine, and he decided to take her offer.
“I’ll be there in ten minutes.” He hung up and ran a comb through his hair, then hurried to his truck.
A sign in the front yard of Cecil’s house caught his attention. He hadn’t realized Cecil was selling his house also.
Serena met him outside, and while he’d seen her last night when he’d first drove into town, those fourteen hours between were two long. They shared a lingering kiss until he realized anyone passing by could see them.
He pulled away and jerked a finger toward the for-sale sign. “What’s that about?”
“Pawpaw’s selling the house. He and Millie decided her house would suit them better.” A hint of sadness tinged her tone.
“What about you and Cecily? Where will you go?”
She shrugged. “We’ll find a place. Pawpaw’s not in a hurry and the market’s not great right now, so we have time.”
“Did he talk to you about it first?” Confusion rattled him. The old man had always looked after Serena and this decision didn’t make sense.
They moved inside and Serena offered him a drink and brought him a coke before answering. “He gave me the option to buy it before he listed it.”
He sat at the kitchen table with one holding the can of soda. “You didn’t want to?”
“I love everything about this house. It has everything I need and holds many fond memories.” She sighed and a frown appeared. “Buying a house isn’t an option. I looked into it, and the lending restrictions are tighter because I’m self-employed. If I hadn’t had that year gap from the move, maybe, but as it is, I won’t qualify.”
“Did you talk to your grandfather? I’m sure he’d work it out for you.”
Serena shook her head with such force her hair bobbed. “No, and don’t say anything to him.”
“Why not?”
“Pawpaw has always been there for me. When I moved to Texas, I would receive money from an anonymous donor every month. He doesn’t know I fount out it was him, but that’s the type of man he is. He’s worked hard his entire life, and he deserves to enjoy this time with Millie.” Determination set in her face. “I won’t take away from that by asking such a favor.”
He understood, but he didn’t like it. “You won’t reconsider asking him?”
“No.”
“Have you shopped lenders?”
“Dozens, from the small to global banks.” Her eyes narrowed and she shot him a warning. “I see that look in your eyes. Don’t even think about talking to Pawpaw on my behalf.”
Only because he saw how important it was to her did he agree. “How did Cecily do on her history test?”
“They didn’t get the grades back yet. The teacher’s been out for two days with a virus.”
“I’m sure she passed. She had me quiz her over the phone while I finished last minute packing.”
Serena shook her head. “I told her you were busy and not to bother you with that.”
“It’s fine. I didn’t mind.”
“She still should have obeyed.” She seemed distracted and glanced at her phone. “I hate to cut this short, but I have a meeting in a half hour.”
“I’ll get out of your hair.” He crushed his can and added it to the recycling bin.
“Are you coming for dinner tonight?” Her voice shook. It was barely detectable, but there, nonetheless.
He couldn’t hide his worry and put a hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”
