“Relationships take work,” the pastor said. “I’m not just talking about your relationship with your husband or wife here either. Just like you have to work at your marriage, youhave to put the effort into your relationship with God. Think about that. Are you really putting in the effort?”
It was true. She had let most everything, other than work, run on autopilot. She blamed Kevin for their divorce, but had she ever really put in the effort? The final blow that took their marriage to its knees could have just been a symptom of years of neglect. That realization weighted her chest.
After the service, the four of them walked out of the church, and Tara had barely made the last step before swarming in to get the scoop. “Who do we have here, Adam?”
“I’m Zan.”
“Nice to meet you, Zan. I’m Tara. I live in the big house next to Adam.”
Zan nodded, but Tara wanted the details. “Adam, is this your niece?”
“No, just an extraspecial little cowgirl who is staying with me for a while. Right, Zan?”
Zan dipped her head in a giant nod. “Right. And with Shorty.”
Tara laughed. “The dog. I wondered why he hadn’t been to visit me this weekend.”
“He’s my best friend.”
“You’re a very lucky little girl.”
Adam took the moment to exit. “We’ve gotta run. We have big plans this afternoon. Good seeing y’all.” He and Zan took off for his truck, leaving Merry Anna there with Tara.
“Humph.” Tara didn’t say another word.
“Ready to go?” Merry Anna hoped she was in the clear.
“Yes.” They got into her car, and Merry Anna hadn’t even put it in gear before Tara started in with questions.
“So, what isthatall about? Zan is absolutely the most adorable little girl, but how does a cowboy end up with afive-year-old and no one in town know anything about it? That’s odd, if you ask me.”
“Guess your morning group of gossiping men at the church hasn’t been talking about it?”
Tara blushed. “Maybe. Can’t believe you didn’t tell me about it.”
“Wasn’t my place to tell, which is why I’m not in the morning church group. I don’t gossip much.”
“Touché.” Tara fidgeted. “I know you know the story. Are you going to tell me?”
“All I can say is that she’s the daughter of an old friend of his who’s in the hospital, and he’s caring for the little girl until his friend can get on her feet.”
“There’s more to it.”
Merry Anna pulled in front of Tara’s house. “I’m sure more details will become clear soon. Stay tuned.”
“You’re a party pooper.”
“You won’t say that when I’m keeping a secret for you one day.”
Tara scowled. Apparently, she got the hint, because she shifted the topic to her renovation. “Well, I was hoping you could help me hang curtains. It’s a bear to do by yourself.”
“I’d be happy to.” She got out of the car and followed Tara inside.
“When are those tomatoes going to be ready?” Tara asked. “I’ve been dying for a good BLT on toast. Doesn’t that sound good?”
“It does. We’re getting close,” Merry Anna said. She’d been checking them twice a day. “I think I should have my first ripe tomato in the next day or so if the birds don’t mess with it.”
“That’s wonderful. So the boat planter is working out for you?”
