“Are you thinking about staying?”
The iron hissed with steam as he considered the question. “I hadn’t thought about that.” It was true, he hadn’t thought about what a future here would look like. Guilt from wondering if he could have saved Aaron had he only been around rose its head once more, but he shoved it down so he didn’t burn a hole in his trousers.
“She’s a nice girl, Luke. And you don’t live here.”
“It’s not like she’s from here. She hasn’t been in town that long.”
“But I also don’t think she’s just passing through, either.” Mom sighed and leaned on her handlebar. “She hasn’t told me why she’s here, but I get the sense that she’s looking to put down roots.”
He set the iron down to hang up his pants and laid his shirt on the ironing board. “How do you know that?”
She tapped her nose. “Moms know these things.”
Once the shirt was wrinkle-free, Luke put it back on the hanger and unplugged the iron. Mom was still standing there.
“Be careful with her, Luke.”
“More mother’s intuition?” He chuckled.
She waved her hand in a so-so gesture. “Just women’s intuition.” She looked up at him, her eldest son. “We never talked about your sperm donor, but there’s a reason he never knew about you.”
Luke dropped the smile. Concern filled his chest. “What do you mean?”
Mom backed out of the doorway, leaving room for him to get past her. “It’s ancient history, now. But he wasn’t good for me. And I see something familiar in Maggie.”
He stared down at his mom, the strongest woman he’d ever known. Apparently even stronger than he’d realized. “Thanks.”
She raised her eyebrows. “For the warning?”
Luke shook his head. “No. For leaving him. And for finding Dad.”
Her eyes grew watery as her lips curved in a fond smile. “He was a good man.”
“The best.” Luke leaned over and kissed the top of her gray head.
She slapped his arm. “Go shower for your date, mister. And you should trim your beard.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a silly salute and marched back up the stairs.
“LukeGraham?Isthatyou?”
“Hi, Miss Morrison.” Luke smiled at his old second-grade teacher standing behind the reception desk of the Hawthorn Haven. She’d opened it after retiring from teaching, saying she couldn’t sit around being idle.
“None of that, you’re out of school. It’s Virginia to you.”
“How are you?”
“I’m doing well. What are you doing here? Aren’t you staying with your mom?”
“I am. I’m here for—”
“He’s here to pick me up.”
Luke lifted his head to the mahogany staircase and his heart stopped. Maggie stood on the landing, sunlight streaming through the stained-glass window and turning her hair into a blazing halo. Her green dress crossed in the front and highlighted her generous curves, the swell of her breasts visible at the v-neck. Off to the side was a bow, and it made him want to unwrap her like a present.
She glided down the stairs and Luke swallowed the lump in his throat.
“Make sure you take your key with you, Maggie. I won’t wait up.” Virginia winked at them, the saucy bird.
