Page 31 of Studfinder

“You do, with Building Buddies.”

Rita snorts. “It’s funny you should mention them as Alfred wants me to take over the directorship.”

“Really?” I ask, watching my step as we follow the trail.

“He offered it to me almost two weeks ago, but I haven’t decided.”

“Why not?” I ask.

“I don’t know. I guess I’ve been an attorney for so long I can’t envision myself doing something else. The irony is, I’ve been feeling like I want to do something else with my life. Real estate contracts and farm disputes are fine, but I just want something . . . different.”

“And Building Buddies isn’t different?” I chuckle, noting it’s quite the opposite of pushing papers and arguing cases.

“It is, it’s just . . . I think I’m afraid of change.”

My head pops up, and I glance over at her. Rita comes across as one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. I can’t imagine her afraid of anything, least of all running something as great as Building Buddies.

“Who says you have to change anything? Maybe cut back on the law practice and increase the interest in Building Buddies. Or not. It’s your life, Rita. Find something else that claims your passion.”

Rita chuckles. “Is that what you’re going to do with the firehouse?”

I laugh. “I’m not certain the firehouse is a reality. I looked into the cost of the place, not to mention all the work it would need. I don’t think I can afford it.” I’d been saving up for a house before Lisa pulled the plug on our marriage. I still had the money in savings, but I wasn’t certain it would be enough to purchase an old fire station. Not to mention, I didn’t really know what I’d do with the place. I just wanted it. It was something . . . different.

“You mentioned your brother when we were at the firehouse. What happened to him that makes you think you can’t leave him?”

“Nolan was a volunteer fireman like I’d been, and he went into a burning building that collapsed. It clipped his lower back, essentially making him a paraplegic.”

“I’m so sorry,” Rita says, and I squint at the trail ahead of us.

“He’s been struggling for years to regain his legs. His injury is considered incomplete. I don’t understand all the details, but I’m told he was fortunate. It could have been worse.” Nolan could have lost his life, and that would have been worse than anything else. “It’s going to sound insensitive, but the injury really changed Nolan for the better. He was so reliant on me to take care of him, he didn’t do much for himself other than follow in my footsteps. When he was on his own, with only his son to aid his recovery, he really grew up. He didn’t let the chair bring him down.”

“Was he also an electrician like you?”

“He was.” I laugh, recalling how very similar our paths have been, but then I consider Rory and remember Nolan had a curveball thrown into his life. “I’ve always felt responsible for him. Our father left when we were still little. I became the man of the house at a mere eight years old, and I’ve been taking care of him ever since.”

“That’s a lot of pressure,” Rita states, glancing up at me.

“I’ve put it on myself.” I weakly smile, knowing the truth. No one other than myself made me feel that I had to care for Nolan or help my mother. “It’s in my nature to take care of things.” Of course, I messed up when it came to going to jail.

“Maybe it’s time to take care of only you,” Rita says, reaching forward for my arm.

“Maybe,” I state, although I’m not certain how that would work. I’ve done a bang-up job of handling myself over the last seven years.

“I told you before I believe in second chances. This is yours.” Rita gives me an encouraging smile. “Apply for a loan. Get a restoration grant. There are options if that firehouse is what you really want. Would you live there or use it as a business?”

Sheepishly, I look away from her, taking a step forward to suggest I’d like to keep walking. “I’m undecided.” Although, I’m not actually. I’m just not ready to share my thoughts with Rita.

“You’ll figure it out,” she says, her voice full of encouragement as well. “You’ve already figured out everything else in your life. Why not this?”

I huff and nod, taking in her words. I’m not certain I believe her, but the confidence she has in me is refreshing. It would be nice to have a woman like Rita have faith in me.

Eventually, we come across a covered bridge crossing a narrow portion of the river.

“Don’t you love a covered bridge? They’re so romantic.” Rita sighs. It’s the first time I’ve heard her sound so wistful. I’ve also not given covered bridges much thought.

“Fan of romance, are you?”

Rita chuckles. “Once upon a time, but then happily ever after didn’t happen.” Her voice lowers. “I guess I believe in it for other people but not myself.”