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“We’re a close-knit group, and we want to take care of our neighbors. Was it like that where you grew up?”

“In spirit, yes, but the assistance wasn’t as well organized. My parents never had a lot of money, so every now and then we were on the receiving end of some of the good works. When I was in elementary school, I desperately wanted to be in the orchestra. There was no way my parents could afford the instrument rental or the private lessons I would need. Someone paid for both.”

Kathy smiled. “That’s so nice.”

Shaye laughed. “I was excited beyond words and couldn’t wait to get started to learn to play the flute. Sadly, I had absolutely no talent, but I enjoyed playing for couple of years.”

“It’s nice when a community pulls together. It helps us have the strength to weather the bad times.” Kathy finished her brownie. “All right, I’ve monopolized you long enough. You have things to do and people to see, and I’m playing bridge tonight. I’d best go get ready.”

“Thanks again for the brownie.”

“You’re welcome.”

Kathy left the kitchen. Shaye took the last bite of her treat, then rinsed her dishes and put them in the dishwasher. She was going to spend a quiet evening by herself. She’d finished as much of the engine rebuild as she could while it was out of the car. Once the Mustang was back in the garage, she would start the reassembly process and finish the engine work.

The parade wasn’t that far away, she thought, climbing the stairs to her bedroom. The month was going by so quickly. Before she knew it, she would need to make a decision about herself and her future. There seemed to be fewer and fewer reasons to leave Wishing Tree. She had friends here, the promise of a job and a nearby college to complete her degree. Perhaps it was time to consider the fact that she may have already found what she was looking for.

Saturday morning dawned cool and overcast. Normally Shaye would be disappointed by such weather, but given that she was going to be outside gardening, she wasn’t about to complain that it wouldn’t be eighty by ten in the morning. After breakfast, she applied sunscreen, knowing she could still get burned with the clouds, and picked up the old straw hat Kathy had offered. Shaye had a brand-new pair of gardening gloves she’d sprung for, along with a couple of bottles of water. A few minutes before she was due to meet Dena and Paisley, she headed out for The Wreath.

She wasn’t sure what to expect, but there were easily a hundred people waiting for the assignments. She found her friends and, more quickly than she would have thought, the three of them were walking along Noble Street, heading to the house they were going to work on.

The owner, a charming, elderly woman who had to be in her eighties, met them out front. Mrs. Marques was tiny and a little bent, but she had a smile that could light up a city block.

“You girls are sweet to help me,” she said as she greeted them. “I don’t get around as well as I used to, and this house is just too much for me. I’m buying one of those new condos in the retirement community they’re building, but they won’t be ready for a few more months. I pay a neighbor boy to mow the lawn, but he’s never been one to enjoy gardening.”

“That’s why we’re here,” Paisley said, hugging the older woman. “We’re going to spruce up your plant beds. We’ll weed first, then put in some fresh color.”

“You girls are so kind to help me out. Let me know when you get thirsty. I made some strawberry lemonade this morning, and it’s delicious if I do say so myself.”

Mrs. Marques went back into the house. Paisley and Dena had each brought plenty of gardening tools, along with mats to kneel on. The three of them got right to work, pulling weeds from the large flower bed in front of the porch.

“So, you’re dating Lawson,” Paisley said, about twenty minutes in. “You never said a word.”

“Really? Lawson?” Dena sat back on her heels. “Why didn’t I know this?”

“That’s my question.” Paisley’s eyebrows rose inquisitively.

Shaye smiled at her. “I thought you knew. He came by when you were there at lunch a few days ago.”

“I thought he was just buying hand pies. I didn’t know there was an ulterior motive to his appearance. All right. Tell us everything.”

“Yes, details please,” Dena said with a laugh. “My dating life is a sad, barren desert, and I must live vicariously through you.” She glanced at Paisley. “Maybe you could start seeing someone so I could have two friends who are falling for someone.”

“I wish.” Paisley dug into the earth and pulled out a weed by the root. “But there is no one I’m interested in. I’ve either already dated them, watched them break the heart of a friend or figured out they’re terribly flawed.”

“You dated Lawson?” Shaye asked, wondering why he hadn’t mentioned that. He’d made it sound like he hadn’t gotten involved with anyone since he’d been back.

“What?” Paisley shook her head. “No, we’ve never gone out. I was speaking generally. Let’s see. In high school, he had a serious girlfriend.”

“Cori,” Dena and Paisley said together.

“They were a thing,” Dena added. “I was a couple of grades ahead, and even I remember them being serious. Everyone thought they were going to get married. She went off to college, and he joined the army, and then I guess at some point they broke up.”

“That’s what I remember, too.” Paisley yanked out another weed. “And since he’s been back, Lawson’s been kind of—I don’t know—not interested in anyone. You’re the first woman I’ve heard he’s gone out with.”

Shaye felt good having his story confirmed. “We met my first day in town,” she told them. “I arrived just when the reindeer 5K was starting. The antlers were confusing.”

“Yes, we are a weird little town,” Dena said, adding weeds to the growing pile. “But I wouldn’t change a thing.”