“You’re not going to tell me?”
“You didn’t ask.”
“I’m asking.”
“A friend of yours has invited us over.”
“Nowyouhave friends inmytown?”
He shrugged, pleased with himself and praying all would be okay when she heard the truth. “Can’t you share?”
She laughed, shaking her head. “I’m an only child, but I do know how to share.”
“We’ll see.” He winked.
As they drove, she turned to him and said, “Are we going to the castle?”
He nodded.
“How did you ever pull that off, Randy Fellowes?”
“I’m one of the good guys. Remember?”
“You must be, because he doesn’t let people in. He’s very private.”
“He thinks a lot of you.”
They pulled into the driveway, and the gate opened as they approached. “I’m shocked.”
“I told you we were invited.”
“Okay,” she said, but her tone was doubtful.
At the top of the hill, Randy pulled off onto a gravel road between two board fences instead of going toward the castle.
“This isn’t the way,” she said, pointing up the driveway.
“It’s the way to where we’re going.”
Nothing but green fields lay on either side of the road. Ahead, the tiny church rose from the hill. When they pulled up, she sawthe bright orange flag from Paul’s scooter on the side of the building.
“What is all this?”
He took the keys from the ignition and turned to her. “Have you not figured out yet, that I would do anything for you?”
“You really are a true friend.”
“Aren’t we more than friends?” He held his breath. “Could we be?”
Her lips parted, but she didn’t answer.
“I’ve never felt so alive since I got to know you. Well, not the first day. I thought you might be off your rocker then, but you’re not. You’re a sweetheart. An angel. A good person right to the core.”
“I’m not perfect,” she said.
“But I think you’re perfect for me.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “No matter what, I will always be honest with you. No secrets. No half-truths. Nothing to hurt you.”
“You’re scaring me.”
