Grabbing her phone from the coffee table, she punched the number in, hoping it was still in service and not an old business number. A few rings later, the call connected, and Peter’s voice came over the line.
“Lewis.”
“Hi, it’s Hailey. I’m sorry to bother you, but I found your wallet in my SUV.”
“Did you now?” His voice faded for a moment, and she pictured him patting his pockets. “Can’t believe I didn’t notice it was missing.”
“Jenna’s napping right now, but I could bring it over to you this afternoon, or in the morning, if that’s all right.”
“Don’t trouble yourself. Whenever is convenient for you is perfectly fine.”
“Morning would be easier. That way I won’t have to load Jenna in the car an extra time. I could drop it by on my way to Sundaymorning service. You could even join us if you want. We attend the church on Sycamore Lane.” There was a slight pause, and she hoped she hadn’t been too forward.
But then he said, “So do I, actually.”
“Oh, that’s perfect, then. Would you like a ride? We usually do the early service.”
“If you’re sure it’s not a bother. I had just about reconciled myself to having to miss tomorrow, but I’d much prefer to be there.”
“It’s no trouble,” she assured him. “Your house is barely a minute out of our way.”
“Splendid. What time?”
Now it was her turn to pause. Since Wesley’s death, she’d slipped into the habit of arriving late or barely on time and leaving early to avoid having to talk to people. But she wouldn’t force that preference on Peter. “Is about eight twenty okay?”
“I’ll be ready.”
They ended the call, and Hailey picked her book back up. But she found it difficult to focus on the story. With the realization that she’d need to break her pattern of the last ten months, she’d also realized that her showing up with Peter might give people the wrong idea. She didn’t want anyone speculating that they might be a couple. She’d been widowed for less than a year and was absolutely not in the market for a relationship. After the way her marriage had ended, she wasn’t sure she ever would be.
But she was only offering him a ride as a good neighbor, nothing more. And Peter had given no indication that he thought otherwise. If the busybodies decided to talk, let them talk.
PETER SMILEDas he ended the call with Hailey. Though he hated to depend on someone else for a ride, he truly was thankful not to have to miss church tomorrow.
Since becoming a Christian a little over a year ago, he’d donehis best to make it to Sunday services. It had been difficult to leave his church in Cincinnati when he moved, but the hour-long drive was a bit excessive when there were perfectly good churches right here in town. Of course, he often drove to his grandparents’ for Sunday dinner, which put him in the area anyway. Joining a small group or taking part in anything during the week would have been nearly impossible though.
At the thought of his grandparents, he grimaced. They were expecting him for dinner tomorrow. Better give them a heads-up now and hope Gran didn’t already have a large roast thawing in anticipation of his visit.
Thankfully, he hadn’t had to get a replacement cell. The police had found both of his missing phones, along with his gun and access badge, shoved under a shelving unit in the security office. Apparently, the intruders hadn’t been interested in keeping his belongings, only in gaining access to the building and security office—and of course, keeping him from being able to call for help or fight back. After the police had checked for prints, they’d returned the items to him.
As if he’d been waiting by the corded landline telephone they still owned, Gramps picked up on the first ring. “Fancy getting a call from one of my favorite people.”
Peter grinned at the familiar greeting. “Hi, Gramps. How’s the day treating you?”
“Never better. The sweet Carolines and salvias are flourishing in this heat, but your grandmother is adamant thatIwould not and had better stay indoors if I know what’s good for me.” Though the words sounded like a complaint, Peter could hear the smile in Gramps’s voice.
“She’s a wise woman. You should listen to her.”
Gramps released an exaggerated sigh. “I’m in here on the phone, aren’t I?” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “But only because she promised to make a blackberry cobbler if I behaved myself.”
Peter chuckled. “For Gran’s blackberry cobbler, I’d be on my best behavior too.”
“No promises, but I might be able to save you a piece for dessert tomorrow.”
He paced toward his small kitchen. “That’s actually what I called about. I hate to do this, but I’m going to have to take a rain check on dinner tomorrow. Had a little incident at work last night, and I’m not supposed to drive for a few days.”
“You all right?” All humor disappeared from his grandfather’s voice.
“Nothing to be concerned over. I got a mild concussion, and the ER doc wants me to take things easy for a bit.”
