“She’s younger than me. She doesn’t live here in Fin’s Creek. I tried to protect her as much as I could from the unsavory aspects of living with an addict for a parent.”
Bear had a strong urge to pull Aasia into his arms and hold her, and it took all his control to refrain. “No kid deserves that kind of life.”
She ripped at the parchment paper into strips as she talked. “Please don’t feel sorry for me. I’ve learned from everything I’ve endure. I’m stronger because I had to be.” Her expression changed.
“You’re a success story, sweetheart.” He swallowed hard. “Do you know your father?” He hoped his question didn’t shut her down. “No. My mother said they met while he was in the Army. She got pregnant with me and he disappeared.” She turned her cheek and stared through the window. “I have no clue where he is. Don’t want to know.” She whipped her chin back around and looked at him. “What sort of father leaves his child? The closest thing I had to a father was Chuck. But just like everything else, all good things must come to an end.”
“Not everything good ends. Sometimes it just changes and we need to adapt,” he said quietly. “I have an idea. Are you up for a short road trip?” “Why not? I can’t eat a man’s grilled cheese then bail, can I?” She pulled her seatbelt back on.
“I need to help a friend with some things around her house. I think you’d like her.”
Something changed in Aasia’s expression. “A woman?”
He chuckled. “Yes, a woman.” He started the engine and pulled out onto the street, heading east out of town. “Have you ever met Lizbeth Coins?”
“Lizbeth Coins? Isn’t she the little old lady with blue hair and used to walk around town with a cane? Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her in a long time.”
“Yes, that’s her. Funny story how I met her. I saw her coming out of the market and offered to carry her groceries. She was very friendly and in the course of a few minutes I knew the basics. She lives alone and has no family. She asked me if I knew anything about water leaks. I offered to check it out and when I got there, I couldn’t believe what I saw. She’d hired a handyman to help out around her house, and he ended up stealing her money and taking off. He didn’t fix the leak, and her water was turned off for more than two months.”.”
“You certainly are a surprise, Bear.”
“A surprise that my heart isn’t completely frozen over?”
“I already knew it was semi-thawed. I don’t think very many people know just how kindhearted you are. It makes me want to peel back more layers and see the real Bear.”
“Play your cards right and you might learn more.” He chuckled.
“Don’t worry. I always play my cards right.”
~*~
Lizbeth Coins was indeed unique. Her hair was no longer neon blue, but silver. She wore bright, plastic jewelry that matched the colors of her loose-fitting Hawaiian garment.
She whisked around her kitchen like an eggbeater, her short heelsclickingthe floor.
“That Bear is a catch,” she said in a saucy accent that Aasia couldn’t quite pinpoint. “And he loves my peach pie.” Lizbeth set a plate of peach pie in front of Aasia.
Eating a small bite, she was taken back by how delicious it tasted. “This is wonderful.” She scooped up more.
“Honey, canned peaches make the best pies. Hogwash that we must put in all the work. I spent less time on making it than I did applying my makeup this morning. The trick is adding a touch of cayenne.” Although her face was wrinkled and aged,she still had a timeless beauty. She buzzed off energetically again to put a kettle of water on.
“This place is beautiful. The land. The house.” Aasia examined all the original wood trim that couldn’t be replicated. There were updates needed, but it had potential. It reminded her a lot of Pedora’s home—the farmhouse where Aasia called home too.
“Want to buy it?” Lizbeth said in a melodic tone, but her gaze reflected truth.
“Excuse me?”
“I’ve been talking to a realtor, dear.” New creases surrounded her weathered eyes. “I’ve loved this place and selling it wasn’t my first choice, but it’s the best choice. With no children or relatives left to leave it to, anyone to enjoy it’s beauty, I think it’s served its purpose for me.” Her eyes misted. “I’d love to find someone who will bring it back to life. With laughter, love, and maybe the pitter patter of tiny feet.”
Aasia laid her fork down. “I’m sure there’s plenty of room here for a family.”
“Possibly you and Bear might consider purchasing it?”
“Oh…” Aasia felt her cheeks warm. “Bear and I…we’re not…well, you know…”
Lizbeth giggled. “No? That cowboy certainly looks at you like you two are.”
“He’s notmycowboy.”
