Maegan searched in her memories but couldn’t picture anyone specifically. “If I recall correctly, your youngest wasseveral years ahead of me in school so our circles rarely came together.”
“That’s true.” Tapping a hand on Maegan’s arm, Nancy continued. “Even as a teenager, you were mature for your age. I’ve always tended to think you’re older than you are.”
Uncomfortable with the compliment, Maegan shifted back to the topic at hand. Despite her better judgement, a nudge of curiosity pricked her. “Judah, you said?”
“He’s a good man,” Nancy answered, nodding her head. “I consider him a fourth son.”
“What brings him to Dogwood Creek?” She straightened a row of packaged knitting needles on a peg as she spoke. “I love this town, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else, but it’s not often we get newcomers.”
An unreadable expression shadowed Nancy’s eyes briefly before the normal shimmer of joy returned. “He’s the new sheriff’s deputy.”
Also known as, Nancy knew but wasn’t going to tell as it wasn’t her story to share, which Maegan admired. For all the meddling Nancy and her friends partook in, they weren’t known to gossip and could be trusted with the deepest secrets.
“What is he like?”
“Tall, dark, and handsome.” With an unapologetic tone, Nancy continued. “He attended college on a basketball scholarship, not surprising with his height- he must be at least six three, maybe even six four. In college, he always wore his hair shaggy, but these days he keeps it trimmed and tidy, which makes his hair even darker, dare I say the color of espresso. No,that’s how I would describe his eyes. I always wanted brown-eyed babies, but all my boys have blue or green.”
“Nancy-,” Maegan interrupted before her friend launched into a genetics lesson. Bless her heart, but Nancy loved reading, even ran a mobile library, and thus was a treasure trove of information. Maegan didn’t wish to be rude, never to her dear friend, but she’d already heard the genetics behind her sons’ eye colors multiple times over the years, plus, she had to get back to work. Since she had small groups at church tonight, she couldn’t stay late to make up the time. She offered a smile, hoping Nancy wouldn’t be offended by the interruption. But of course, Nancy wouldn’t be, that wasn’t her nature. “I’m glad he’s not an ogre, but I meant what is his demeanor, his personality.”
That odd look passed over Nancy again. Was she imagining it?
“Judah is steady and dependable. Whatever he commits to, he gives it his all. And he’s very thoughtful. Every year on the anniversary of Thomas’ death, Judah sends me a bouquet of flowers to brighten what’s otherwise a sad day.”
“That is exceptionally sweet of him.”
“That’s Judah. Not a bad or selfish bone in him.” Clearly, Nancy held him in high regard. “I’d love for him to feel welcomed here in Dogwood Creek. Even if you could only see him as a friend, I’d love for you to join us for dinner tomorrow night.”
Her steel reserve weakened. One- she couldn’t say no to Nancy, not after she’d been such a good friend. Two- Something about Judah intrigued her. She wanted to discover if Nancy had built him into a myth or if he truly was as good as he sounded. “I would love to join you on one condition.”
“What is that?”
“No pressure. I’ll be there as your friend, helping to be the Dogwood Creek welcome wagon. No suggestions, no seating us side-by-side so closely our hands have to touch. None of your usual shenanigans.”
“Shenanigans?” Nancy asked in a coy tone.
“You know what I mean. No funny business.”
The older lady heaved an exaggerated sigh. “You are no fun. I’ll agree, but don’t blame me if this is the most boring dinner on record.”
“Time with you is never boring.”
Nancy chuckled. “On that note, I do have to run but let me buy that yarn you set aside first. It’s the super soft cotton, right?”
“Yes, in the loveliest neutral tones. Let me grab them from the back.” She left the sales floor, pulled the items from the hold shelf, and returned, spreading the items over the counter for Nancy to view.
“These are wonderful,” Nancy exclaimed, picking up an earthy pink yarn. “Some cottons are hard for me to crochet with, but I love this brand and it makes wonderful baby accessories.”
“I knitted a blanket for my friend’s baby girl with the sage. Caroline told me Juju won’t sleep without it.” The mention of her friend and newborn made her smile. “They’re coming for a visit next month.”
Excitement lit in Nancy’s eyes. “Please let me know when they are here. I can’t wait to meet that sweet precious baby.”
“Absolutely. I know Caroline would love to see you.” She rung up Nancy’s order on the register, factoring in a generous discount since she knew most of the items made would be donated to those in need.
“Thank you, my dear.” Taking the bag with one hand, Nancy held up a pointed finger with the other. “Don’t forget- tomorrow at six-thirty.”
“I’ll be there.”For better or worse, she lamented silently, wondering what she’d gotten herself into.
Chapter Two
