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Ford turned slightly to look at her, and their eyes connected before he walked on with his brother to where the building work on the playground upgrade was going on.
Exhaling slowly, Autumn headed for the classroom they’d opened to use for those in need of bathrooms and for refreshments. The community in this town all pitched in when work needed doing. It was a wonderful thing to be part of.
“Autumn. Hello, dear. We’re here to help. I have some pastries from Albert,” Miss Sarah said.
“And he made them especially for her,” her sister said with a wink.
She’d never seen Miss Sarah blush, but the color in her cheeks was definitely that. Were Miss Sarah and Albert from The Chocolate Place an item?
“Stop that,” she said, swatting at her sister’s arm.
Mr. Goldhirsh nodded. “Autumn, I was talking to your neighbor Jenny. She told me she’s looking for babysitting work. This I know as she’s my old neighbor.” He smiled.
“I love your house, Mr. Goldhirsh. Thank you so much for letting me rent it.” And she did; it was true. In fact, the little place was the first one she could honestly say felt like a home. Her grandparents’ home had been filled with expensive things and was immaculate at all times. Not easy to live in when you had a young boy who wanted to run and make scuff marks and messes everywhere.
“That makes me happy,” he said. “And you do whatever you want in there.”
“I wouldn’t change a thing.” It had come furnished, and everything was perfect just as it was. She’d brought the possessions that were precious to her and Ritchie, but they hadn’t included furnishings. Those had belonged to her grandparents.
“Do you knit, Autumn?” Miss Marla asked.
“I do, yes. My grandmother taught me.”
“Excellent—you can host the next knitting club.”
“Oh, now that sounds like an excellent idea.” Mr. Goldhirsh dropped down to a squat, then rose back up again without a single joint cracking, which was impressive for anyone, let alone someone of his age.
She’d noticed that about the seniors in this town—they were impressive and forceful.
“Jenny used to come over and read poetry with me. I take her running sometimes. Anyway, she’s saving to go away to college. She’s trustworthy and would make an excellent babysitter for Ritchie, which you will need for meditation night.”
“Do I want to do meditation?”
“Of course. It helps you to find mental clarity, something we all need. Wednesday at seven p.m.”
“I just don’t think I’ll have time. Ritchie goes to bed about then, and I have marking and lessons to work though.”
“And that is why you take a night for you. Jenny will be able to put him to bed.” Mr. Goldhirsh was now balancing on one leg like a stork.
“So no won’t cut it with you then?”
“He does not understand the concept of no,” Miss Marla said.
“We also need to get you out walking, running, or to yoga. You pick which one would suit you, dear.”
“Do I have to do one?”
“It’s for the best,” Mr. Goldhirsh said.
And that was that as far as Autumn could make out. She’d been in shape once, before Ritchie,and using your son as an excuse is a cop-out. You’re lazy is what you are. Maybe Mr. Goldhirsh was right. She’d get Jenny over to talk and meet Ritchie. Then Autumn could see how she felt about the girl looking after him. She would also need to check her budget to ensure babysitting and night classes fit into it.
The surprise was, now that Mr. Goldhirsh had put the thought in her head, she wanted to.
Chapter8
One of Ford’s favorite places to nap during the day was in his horse’s stable. Lance never stepped on him and no one came looking, so Ford could take ten minutes and nobody knew. Sitting in the corner of Lance’s stall, he rested his head on the wall.
Lance moved closer and blew in his hair.
