Page 55 of Secrets Bared
“Where are we going?”
“Chestnut Park. There’s a nice spot a little way in where we can set up.”
“Sounds good.”
With the hamper, it was a bit far to walk, so she locked her laptop in her trunk and then slid into his passenger seat.
“How was your morning?”
“Good! I got the accounts set up for Busy Bee and a couple of posts scheduled.”
He wrapped his hand around hers and squeezed. “Thank you for doing this. I will feel better about Mom knowing that the business is going to be able to support her.”
“Of course. Also, you’re the best son for offering to cover the fees for her.”
He let go of her hand to start the car and back out of the space. “The whole point is to make sure she’s solvent, adding another expense isn’t going to help that.”
“I would have done it for free for her.”
He shook his head vehemently. “You shouldn’t.”
She watched his face, remembering Sean’s words when she’d tossed the idea of going freelance after her job disappeared. He’d scoffed.
“Who would hire you? You’ll never replace your income that way.”And then of course there’d been,“You don’t need to work, I make plenty of money for us.”
At least she’d been fortunate enough not to have student loans.
“Thank you for believing in me.”
Luke looked over at her for a brief second, then put his eyes back to the road. “You’re so passionate about it, how could I not?”
A warm glow settled into her chest. When he left, could she follow him?
And give up this adorable town?The glow dimmed as she considered that option. She had finally found a place shebelonged, and she didn’t want to leave Virginia or Deb or Grace. They’d welcomed her with open arms and even Edith at The May Tree had been kind, even though she’d been a stranger.
Maggie pushed the depressing thoughts away as they pulled into Chestnut Park’s small gravel lot. A wooden arch with the name of the park stood over the trail that led inside.
“I haven’t been here yet.”
Luke put the car in park and turned to her. “It’s a small riverfront park. Some walking trails, a playground area for kids. That sort of thing.”
“Sounds lovely.” He came around the car and helped her out, then picked up the basket.
“Do you have a blanket in there?”
“Of course. There are picnic tables, but I wanted to show you my favorite spot.”
They walked arm in arm through the woods. Coniferous trees stood with their leafless brethren, tiny, pale buds jutting out along the branches. That odd spring scent that heralded the coming warmer months danced in the air.
“In about a month, this place will be full with blooms. That’s when the tourists show up.” Luke explained.
“I can’t wait.”
They passed an empty playground, its bright colors standing out amongst the brown trees. “We’re almost there,” Luke assured her.
Assurances weren’t necessary. Maggie was enjoying just walking with him. Birds sang from deep in the trees, and the silence between them was comfortable. She had no pressing need to fill it, to entertain him. His presence, and apparently hers, were more than enough.
He brought her to a clearing just off the walking path, then led her to the back. The sound of rushing water met her ears.
