“It’s not so bad once you get used to it.” The path they walked along was well worn now. All of a sudden there was a woof, followed by a happy tail-wagging beagle running their way. “Buzz. There’s my boy.”
“You don’t have him in a pen?”
“Why? He won’t run off. He knows this is the best place in the world to live.”
“Except for the lack of shopping, I’m beginning to agree.”
Natalie’s head swung around. “I can’t believe those words came out of your mouth.”
“I happen to have had a wonderful shopping day.”
“Where?”
“In Christiansburg. I decided I had time to go a little further than the corner to pick up the goods, and I’m so glad I did. Not only did I need the retail therapy, but you are going to be very happy with some things I found to doll up our birdsy, woodsy Christmas tree.”
“You mean our Feathered Friends Home for the Holidays tree?”
“Cute name. It’s perfect.”
“I think so too.” Natalie pushed open the door, and Buzz zipped past both of them and went straight to his water bowl. “I don’t know why he won’t drink water outside.”
“Maybe you’re spoiling him a little. He looks pretty comfortable in here.” Buzz had already wiped his chin on the carpet and hopped onto the couch, his tail thumping with excitement.
“Guilty.” Natalie walked over and dropped a kiss on top of the little beagle’s nose. “How can you not? He’s adorable.”
“He is. I just wish you and Buzz lived closer. I miss you.”
“I know, that’s the only downside. I promise I’ll do better about visiting you next year.”
“Good. I’d like that, because I have visited you the last three times.” Sheila walked into the kitchen. “This place looks so homey now. You’re beginning to make me feel like a slacker. I don’t think anything has changed at my house since you left town.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.”
“No. It’s the truth. The updated cabinets are nice. Did you replace the flooring in here too?”
“No, those are the original hardwood floors. I did have someone come in and sand them and put a layer of whatever that shiny stuff is on them. They look good, don’t they?”
“Yes. Very. It’s very comfortable. Doesn’t even really look like a hunting cabin anymore. What did you do with all those horrible deer heads that were hanging on the walls?”
Natalie rolled her eyes. “It took some doing, but I got a few of the guys to take them back, to the dismay of their wives. Then Tucker told me about a nature conservation center that would take the rest to display. I felt like I was on some kind of heist driving a truckload of deer heads up there, but they were excited. I was prepared to just donate them, but they insisted on giving me a lifetime membership, a sweatshirt, and two coffee mugs. A win-win.”
“You turned this whole little area that was wasted space into a really nice and functional artist’s nook. It’s so colorful.”
“I’m loving working on the note cards. I’ve done a few full-size paintings. That’s one of them.” She pointed to a watercolorof the mountains in spring with mountain laurel in bloom and wildflowers in the fields.
“I can almost hear the water in that creek,” Sheila said.
“Cherish Creek. The one that runs under my bridge over there. It’s the view out that way.”
“Natalie, you’re just getting better and better. You’ve really found your gift.”
“It feels like I have. Is that weird?”
“No. It’s a blessing. I’m happy for you.” It brought Sheila joy to see her best friend at peace. “Nelle was telling me that Paul helped her when she first came to town. Did you know that?”
“I’ve never heard anyone talk about it. Paul’s not the sort to brag or take credit, so I’m not surprised I hadn’t heard. He’s a complex man, but he’s fair and kind. If I live to be the kind of person he is, then I can be proud.”
“I think you can be proud already, my friend.”
