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“Are you going to the VFW for line dancing with us next Friday?” she asked, once they finished the chorus.
“Is that what you mentioned the other night?”
“It’s something Elizabeth invited us to. It’s not a requirement or anything. There’s no alcohol, but it’s fun if you want to come.” She batted her lashes, her hazel-eyed gaze locked on him.
“I’ll think about it,” he deflected. He’d check with Elizabeth after he formulated a plan to dig for intel.
* * *
Two days later,Wren was already asking if he’d gotten ideas for gifts. He’d come up with a valid reason to talk to Elizabeth and a way to work getting an idea about gifts into the conversation. “Let’s go see Elizabeth,” John called to Boss, who quickly took the lead.
As usual, she sat on the front porch in one of the rocking chairs, a wine glass on the side table and her e-reader in her hands.
“Evening. I wanted to thank you for getting me in touch with Rachel. My friend that’s renting gave us the okay to show her my house, so I can order stuff and start the renovations as soon as he’s out. Rachel took me to the design place she likes and helped me pick out cabinets and flooring and paint colors and tile for a walk-in shower. She’s a natural and had great ideas.” He took a seat on the porch swing after Boss sprawled at Elizabeth’s feet.
“I’m glad it worked out.”
“She wouldn’t let me pay her, but I want to get her a thank you gift for her time. Do you have any suggestions?”
“I’m sure she’s hoping you’ll decide to list it with her.”
“That won’t be for a while. I’d like to do something now.”
“I’m not the best person to ask. Gifts aren’t my love language.”
“You’re not helping me here. There’s got to be something you’d like to get. Hanging planters, shrubs, candles. Knickknacks you collect. Gift certificate to a fancy restaurant you like.”
“I don’t collect anything, and I don’t know her well enough to guess on that. Fancy restaurants aren’t my thing because I don’t like to eat out alone. You could pick any, and I’m sure she’d appreciate it.”
It wasn’t in his DNA to concede defeat, but he was getting nowhere. “Okay, what if a friend wanted to give you a gift to say thank you for all you’ve done for him and his dog?”
“I’d say it’s not necessary.”
“I wasn’t asking if it’s necessary.”
“I’ve got everything I need. Except a dog. And I can’t take yours.”
“Good. I don’t want to test his loyalty. There has to be something you want that you don’t have or something you’ve always wanted to do,” he persisted. “Skydiving or—”
“Pass.” She held up both hands and laughed.
Man, he loved her laugh. “White water rafting?”
“That’d be fun, though it’d be better to go with a friend. I think that’s beyond what you’re asking though.”
He wouldn’t mind going with her. He’d been thinking about a rafting trip since seeing his buddy Nate’s adventure onSay Yes to the Rose. “Do you ever take trips with the women here at The Oasis?”
“No. They can’t afford it, and while they deserve a break and would enjoy a trip, it’s not a good idea for me to pay their way because it sets an expectation of somebody paying for their companionship.”
“I wouldn’t have thought of that.” He was totally striking out getting gift suggestions but didn’t want to push and make her suspicious of why he was asking. “Guess I can always get her and you flowers.”
“Um,” Elizabeth slid the silver knot charm on her necklace back and forth. “I’m not the typical woman who likes getting a bouquet of flowers—long story. Just save your money.”
“Okay.” That sounded like something other than allergies, but he wasn’t going to ask. “Come on, Boss. Dinner time.” At that, Boss got to his feet. After getting a stroke from Elizabeth behind his ear, the dog tagged after him.
Her mention of love languages sent him on an internet search. He found a book by that title, bought it, and downloaded a copy. Giving up on a mission was not in his blood.
Before turning in for the night, he started reading the chapter on physical touch. He ruled out massages and pedicures as gifts Elizabeth would appreciate. She was big on giving words of affirmation to others and certainly gave of her time. Acts of service would likely appeal to her, but he hadn’t put his finger on one specific idea. He turned out the bedside lamp, hoping the outdoor lights were better positioned after even more tweaking so Wren didn’t kill him in his sleep.
