Page 37 of Welcome Home to Ivy Falls

She tapped her chin. ‘If I remember the story right, he told Beck to talk to you. That the doc had been in places where people had severe injuries, been unconscious, and it helped to hear their family talk. Know they were there.’

‘Yes. That aligns with what I’ve been told about his work overseas.’

‘Don’t you think traveling that far off is interesting? Wouldn’t you like to know more?’ Maisey was about as subtle as a slap to the back of the head. ‘Ooooh!’ She beamed like the damn Christmas tree they lit near town hall every year. ‘You could be friendly. Invite him to “Music in the Square” next weekend.’

‘No way. My plate is too full of other distractions, and the last thing I need to do is encourage the hot doctor.’

‘So you do think he’s hot?’ Her sneaky gaze moved to where Ford was helping Silvio lift another piece of wood, those damn biceps flexing again.

‘Don’t you have more kids to measure?’ I pressed.

‘You are zero fun, Piper Townsend. What you need is a little excitement in your life. I think a handsome doctor could be the right medicine.’ She giggled at her own joke.

‘My life is simple and uncomplicated. I like it that way.’

She must have heard the catch in my voice. ‘I shouldn’t push. When you’re ready, you’ll do what’s right for you.’

‘Thanks, Maise. I do need more time.’

She gave me a distracted smile that said something else was on her mind.

‘How are you? Are the kids sleeping any better?’

‘A little.’

‘But…’ I urged.

Her shoulders sank. ‘Being here. Working on the costumes. It’s reminded me how much I love fashion. That I miss the imagination of it all. Dreaming up new designs in my head. Thinking about the right fabrics and thread.’

‘Have you considered going back to work? You’ve talked a lot about creating your own line.’

‘Ada and Jordan are still too young.’

‘That doesn’t mean you have to stop planning. Thinking about what comes next.’

I let my gaze wander to the stage where the young actors scurried around. How my chest warmed as they worked on their lines. Practiced the basics of the choreography.

‘Maybe when the kids go to school full-time.’

‘Whenever it is, I’ll be here to support you in any way I can.’

She pulled me into a quick hug.

‘I can’t thank you enough for helping out,’ I said.

She inched back and patted my cheek. ‘It’s my pleasure. Now let’s talk about Dex’s costume.’

I answered a few questions about hem length, and whether the chimney sweeps needed suspenders. A few minutes later the entry doors to the theater opened. Diego from Gold Star Properties walked down the main aisle and gave me a beckoning wave.

When I reached him he said, ‘Do you have a minute?’

‘Sure. We can sit at the back of the theater.’

Once we found spots in the upholstered red chairs, he pulled out his phone.

‘I got an email this morning from a young couple who live in Atlanta but are interested in moving to Ivy Falls. They were in town a week ago, looked at that apartment you liked several times, and want to sign a lease. You’ve been wanting to move for a while, and I could tell you liked the space.’ He scrubbed a hand over his mouth. ‘Don’t tell Beck I said this, but I think it’d be a good spot for you. If you want it, you need to make a move. Today.’

Well, crap. That was unexpected. Of all the places I’d seen, the small apartment was the best fit. It was already furnished, and the way golden light streamed in through the sliding glass door in the late afternoon was beautiful. I had already pictured myself sitting out on the balcony and having coffee on cool autumn mornings. It was just two units, so I hoped it would be quiet, peaceful, with only a single neighbor.