Page 10 of Together Is Where We Belong

“Take a look around, and I’ll wait here while you see if it’s somethin’ you’re interested in,” Gus said as he closed the door behind him. He leaned back against the wooden frame as he waited for me to inspect the house.

The living room, kitchen, and breakfast nook were all opened and I could envision just where I’d put the meager belongings that I was able to bring back with me.

The kitchen had ivory cabinets which brightened the space, and I loved how homey it felt. I turned to the right and went down the hallway which led to a full bathroom and three bedrooms. I didn’t necessarily need the third bedroom, but it’d be nice to have a playroom for Luke or an office for me. The master bedroom had a full bathroom with a deep soaker tub that I couldn’t wait to relax in.

I smiled to myself as I walked back through the house to meet with Gus. Luke and I would be incredibly happy here.

“I’ll take it,” I told him as soon as I rounded the corner.

He gave me a knowing grin as he said, “I’ll get the lease drawn up on Monday and you can come by the shop in the afternoon to sign.”

That was it? I thought there’d be more to it than that. A credit check. Proof of employment. References. But he asked for none of those. I wanted to question him to make sure he wasn’t missing something but remained silent as he discussed the monthly rent cost and the security deposit required. Thankfully, I’d been smart with my money when I got my first registered nurse position making a decent amount of money. I had enough money in savings to cover the cost without depleting it dry, and I'd never felt more grateful than I did right now that I'd lived a frugal life.

“I’ll see you Monday, Gus. Thank you so much for meeting with me,” I told him as tears threatened to fill my eyes. I wasn’t sure what made me emotional, but I choked back the tears as he pulled me in for another hug.

“No thanks needed. I’m happy I was able to help. Carolina, if I may, you know the Lord sometimes has a way of bringing us back to places we thought we left behind,” he replied as he waved before heading off in the direction of his truck.

I nodded at his comment and muddled it around in my mind for a beat. He wasn’t wrong. I just wish that the circumstances surrounding my return were of my own accord.

I took that moment to look around and admire the neighbors’ houses across the street. I looked to the right then to the left and that was when I noticed it.

None other than Leo Courtright’s truck was parked in the drive next door.

I took a deep breath and looked up at the sky, my eyes closed as I tried to calm my racing heart.

A door creaking off in the distance broke my thoughts as I jerked my head toward the sound.

Lo and behold the person I needed to talk to stepped outside and sat down on the stoop, oblivious to me standing next door.

I should go over and talk to him. But I didn’t need to interrupt his evening, especially since I didn’t know whose house he was visiting.

I’d find a way to talk to him before word got out. After all, I couldn't keep Luke cooped up in my parents’ house for the whole summer. And Leo didn’t need to find out my secret from anyone other than me.

four

Carolina

“Are you excited to be moving into our new place, buddy?” I looked into the rearview and asked Luke as we drove the few miles to our new home.

The keys to our new place sat in the cupholder, and everything felt like it was falling into place after the few chaotic days me and Luke had after leaving Charleston.

He bounced in his booster seat as he swung his legs back and forth. He looked out the window taking in the scenery as he nodded.

I feared uprooting him from all he’d ever known would have more of an impact, but he was excited that we were here. He’d heard all about Haven Valley from me and my parents, and he’d begged me to visit on more than one occasion. I just wished we were here under better circumstances.

I turned onto the street and saw the house up ahead.

“See the house with the bright blue front door up ahead?” I asked Luke as I pointed in the direction of our new home.

“I see it, Mom. I see it,” he shouted with excitement, and it made my mama heart so happy.

“That’s our new home, buddy,” I told him as I flipped on my blinker and turned into the driveway. My parents pulled in behind me.

Thank goodness, they helped me with some furniture because I’d left all the big items back in Charleston in my haste to leave.

“Alright, buddy. Let’s go explore the new house. Just remember to stay inside while me, Grandma, and Grandpa get everything inside, okay?”

“Yes, Mama,” he said as he unbuckled his seat belt and opened the door. Before I could even get out he ran across the yard and up the front porch.