“That’s wonderful.” Pride for him surged through her. “First, that such a conference exists. I’m so grateful the stigma of mental illness is beginning to fade. But I’m also thrilled that they see in you what I’ve seen from day one. I’m proud of you for choosing to attend, despite your reservations of returning to Charlotte.”
“Thank you. I’m not sure I warrant the privilege- I work with a group of amazing men and women, each who I believe would represent Dogwood Creek week, but I accept the honor.”
“When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow morning. They were going to fly me, but by the time I fight with security, baggage, and a rental, driving will be the same amount of time and a lot less stress.”
“Makes sense. How long is the conference?”
“The final session is Monday morning, followed by a closing lunch. I’ll drive home after that and return to Dogwood Creek late that evening.”
Her brain quickly calculated. Four days of not seeing him felt entirely too long, but maybe that space would be healthy since her heart wanted to confuse her feelings for him. “Do you need me to take care of anything at your house while you’re gone?”
“Since you asked…” A sheepish grin rested on his lips. “My sister insisted I needed a house plant to make my place feel like home. It would probably survive without being watered while I’m gone, but if you wouldn’t mind stopping over Sunday at some point to water it, I’d be grateful.”
“That’s no problem. Do you have an extra key hiding somewhere to let myself in?”
“I don’t, but I’ll stop and get one made this afternoon.” His face lit up like he had a great idea. “Packing won’t take me long, and since I got off early, I can take care of all that by this evening. Would you want to come over for dinner, and I’ll grill steaks? This warm front has me itching to light the grill.”
“I’ll never turn down a grilled steak. Want me to bring a salad to go with it?”
“That would be perfect.” He looked around the store. “I should head out to get busy, but before I leave, I want to pick out yarn for my aunt. I’d like to visit her while I’m in Charlotte.”
“That’s sweet. What does she like?”
“Everything.” He laughed at her raised brows. “No, really. I sent her a picture that first day I was here, and she was in awe. Wait, she’s allergic to mohair. I do remember her telling me that one time.”
“You’re in luck, as I don’t carry much mohair, though I will special order skeins for customers. What does she knit the most?”
“Socks, hats, sometimes sweaters but she jokes she doesn’t have the patience for them. She’ll often make prayer shawls for ladies at church.”
“Do you have a budget you’re looking to spend?”
He gave her a number, and she formed an idea. “Mini sets are a great way to go for gifting since they offer a wealth of versatility. If you don’t know what weight to get, I would go with DK, again for flexibility.”
“Weight?” His forehead crinkled. “You’ve lost me.”
She went to the far wall and selected several packages. Returning to the counter, she spread them out. “These are mini sets. Together they make a full skein, enough for a pair of socks or a small shawlette, but they’re also great to use with colorwork. They’re very popular in the knitting world right now.”
Judah scanned the packages. “Are they soft? I know she likes super soft yarn.”
“These are nineteen microns, some of the softest you can get in Merino without going to a cashmere blend.” She carefully opened the adhesive end of a set’s packaging and removed a mini skein. “Here, feel for yourself.”
He stroked the yarn and squished and squeezed it. “This feels luxurious.”
“It’s dyed on a bestselling base. Many people love it.”
“I’ll take the green gradient set, and this purple set. Those are her favorite colors.”
“Good choices.” She tucked the mini skein back in the package and made sure the set looked like new.
Once he paid- full price because he stubbornly refused a discount-he gave her a final smile until later. “Come by around seven, and I’ll have the steaks going.”
“I’ll see you soon.” She watched him leave, letting out a contented sigh when the door closed behind him, and she eagerly anticipated the evening ahead.
Chapter Ten
Judah inhaled, letting the smell of burning coals and grilled meat fill his senses. There were few scents he enjoyed more than a thick ribeye being cooked outside. He moved the corn on the cob to the top rack where it would stay warm then flipped the steaks.
