A Mother to Love (Love Inspired)

by Gail Gaymer Martin

  “I’m surprised. You’re very pretty.” Rema’s admiring gaze shifted to the window as a scowl rose on her face. “But you’ve made a wise decision.”

  Angie waited for the punch line, but Rema’s expression underlined her seriousness. Not wanting to broach the sensitive topic, she manipulated the conversation back to Owosso. “Tell me about the town. I’ve seen a few of the lovely old buildings almost set back in time, and I spotted the Curwood Castle. It’s a historic town, I know, but what else is interesting?”

  Rema’s face brightened, but then Angie realized she might have opened Pandora’s box when she needed to finish unpacking. She waved her words away. “I’m sorry, but why don’t we save this for another time? I’m sure you have things to do, and I need to get to work.” She rose and stacked the dishes. “Thanks so much for coming. And thanks for this wonderful treat. I’m sure it’s as delicious as it smells.”

  Rema took her unsubtle hint and rose. “You’re welcome. It’s nice to have a new neighbor so close. The last person living here was a crotchety old man who sat outside giving everyone the evil eye. You’re a welcome relief.”

  “Th-thank you, Rema. Hopefully we’ll have another friendly neighbor in the house for sale down the street.”

  “I hope so.” She put her hand on the doorknob. “I’m sure we’ll be best friends soon enough.”

  Angie didn’t know what to say, and when Rema stepped outside, Angie closed the door and caught her breath. She wanted to be neighborly without coffee klatches or hanging over the fence. She preferred being with her friends, people who meant something to her.

  Rick’s image filled her mind. Their friendship had blossomed without effort. If not for her lack of confidence in relationships, she might have given thought to him as more than a friend a couple of years earlier. Lately her feelings had strengthened even more since they’d been spending more time together outside work.

  The images flying into her mind throughout the day had got out of hand. She’d never known a man so thoughtful and caring. Although they were friends, he treated her like someone significant in his life. He made her feel like a woman and not a commodity. Yet her hope fell flat when she thought about the corporation where they worked. The company didn’t tolerate employee romances. She tried to forget the work awaiting her. She pulled back her shoulders and forced herself to head for the boxes. If nothing more, they would be a distraction. She hoped.

  * * *

  Rick folded the completed file and slid it into his desk drawer before turning off his computer. The clock hadn’t alerted him of the time, but his stomach had. He rose and rolled his chair under the desk, his hunger guiding him to the company lunchroom. Although restaurants were nearby, he usually brought a lunch, finding it more economical.

  As he entered he grinned to find Angie already seated. He’d learned that her stomach and his were often in sync. That wasn’t the only way they were in sync, either. He faced that more and more. She’d grown as a friend and even more as someone he wanted to be with. So often she remained in his thoughts, and he liked thinking about her.

  She gave him a wave as he headed to the refrigerator. With his lunch bag in hand, he settled beside her at the table, noting her sandwich of meat rolled in a lettuce leaf and a delicious-looking muffin that dripped with icing. The incongruity made him chuckle.

  “What’s funny?” She grinned at her lettuce wrap and muffin as her eyebrow arched. “A welcome-to-Lilac-Circle gift from a neighbor. I can’t let them go to waste.” She tilted her head toward the refrigerator. “And if you don’t think it’s too hysterical, you might enjoy the one I brought you.”

  This time his brows lifted. “You did?”

  She smirked. “You know I did.”

  He hurried back to the fridge and found the muffin in a lunch bag with his name on it. He was touched that she’d also thought of him.

  With the treasure in hand he settled beside her and sipped from a juice box from his lunch bag. “I know. I was desperate.” He held up the container. “It’s Carly’s, but I’ll have another supply in the house before this weekend.”

  “You’re a good dad, Rick.” She took the last bite of her lettuce wrap, her focus shifting toward the muffin. “I think I’ll get a coffee.”

  She slid back the chair and headed around the corner to the counter that held the coffee urn. As she hurried away, he admired her. He understood how she stayed trim. She lived like a rabbit, eating veggies and lettuce sandwiches. The occasional sweet treat was rare for Angie.

  The odor of strong coffee surrounded him before she set it on the table and sat back down. “Smells like that stuff was left over from yesterday.”

  She took a careful sip, and her nose wrinkled. “The day before, I suspect.”

  They both grinned while she pulled the wrapper off the muffin. He bit into his sandwich, watching her take a bite of the luscious-looking treat. “That’s from a neighbor?”

  She nodded, taking a moment to swallow. “Rema, to be exact. It was very sweet of her on one hand, but not convenient.” She lowered her head and brushed away her comment. “Anyway, the muffins are delicious.” She swiped a bit of icing from the edge. “You may have seen her as you pulled away.”

  He shook his head, recalling he’d seen only Angie standing on the porch, her eyes on him.

  “The problem was the piles of boxes, and the house was a mess. And she was a bit odd.”

  “Odd? In what way?” Because Angie was so rarely judgmental, her comment surprised him.

  “She was pleasant enough but seemed sort of sad. More like depressed.” Angie’s face sank to concern.

  He wanted to cheer her. “Some people are sadder than others.”

  “And blunt.”

  His grin grew. “Sometimes you’re—”

  “No, I’m not.” She gave him a coy look. “Maybe a bit, but not like this. She asked me why I wasn’t married.”

  He drew back, agreeing it was a very personal question. “How did she know you weren’t married?” He glanced at her finger, aware she’d never worn a ring as long as he’d known her.

  An uneasy expression slipped across her face. “She thought you were my husband.”

  “Why would she think that?”

  She gave a one-shoulder shrug. “We hugged on the porch, I guess. But from her other comment, I still wonder.”

  “Huh?” She’d stumped him, though he did recall her hug. He admired Angie’s open affection, so different from Glenda’s. She’d become cool after they’d married, and he’d never understood why.

  “When I told her I wasn’t married, she said I probably made a good decision.” Her eyes widened. “Don’t you think that’s odd to tell a stranger?”

  He did, but he sought an explanation. “I suppose it’s not if she’s divorced or in a bad marriage.”

  “You’re right.” She thought a moment. “Anyway, I didn’t pursue the conversation.”

  “You didn’t? What happened to your inquisitiveness?” His own was piqued, curious how Angie had explained she was still single. He’d asked himself the same question.

  She rested her elbow on the table and leaned closer. “Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll learn why. She told me we would be great friends.”

  They both grinned, and she let the conversation slide. He didn’t like seeing Angie on edge. Her upbeat spirit had won his heart, and he’d befriended her for that reason, along with her ability to make the best of even bad situations. She found something positive in most everything. “Seeing your grin gave me an inspiring idea.” An idea that was sort of one-sided, but she might like it. “Can you use any more help this weekend?”

  “Hard to tell, but I know I want to do some things in the yard once I’m done emptying the boxes.” Her expression shifted to what appeared to be interest. “Why? Are you volunteering?”
<
br />   “With an ulterior motive.” A guilty nudge hit his chest. He loved spending time with Angie, but he couldn’t tell her that. “I have Carly this weekend, and you’ve never met her. Since you’re out of the apartment now and in a house, I thought Carly might enjoy a yard to play in. I like to take her places, but I can never think of anything.”

  “Rick, I’d love to meet her, and if we plant some flowers, she could help.”

  “Are you sure? She’s only five.”

  “Give her credit, Dad. Five-year-olds can do lots of things when you teach them.”

  “I suppose.” He took his finger and dug into a hunk of the muffin. “This smells wonderful.”

  “It is, but my hands are sticky, and I need to get back to my desk.” She jumped up, slipped her chair under the table and grabbed the lunch trash. As she passed him, she gave him an elbow and leaned close to his ear. “See you tomorrow, and, Rick, I’m really looking forward to meeting Carly on Saturday.”

  Since others were in the room he only nodded. He sensed that a couple of the guys figured he and Angie were a thing, even though the higher-ups discouraged coworker dating. If they only understood that a man and a woman could actually be friends without romance. The thought shivered down his back. Right now romance was off the list, but could he and Angie remain friends? And even more, did he want to be only a friend?

  As the question struck him, reality sneaked in. Their work made it nearly impossible, but if he did get involved with a woman, Angie would be the only one who would interest him. No one could get to his heart as she seemed to do.

  Get to his heart? Adrenaline shot through him with the impact of his thoughts. Speculation like that had to end. Between company policy and a friendship he valued, impractical emotions could put their relationship in jeopardy. And now he’d involved Carly.

  He closed his eyes. It might be impractical and chancy, but the feelings were there. He had to back off or slow down. A weight struck his chest. Or throw caution to the wind and let things happen. He’d messed up by allowing himself to get involved outside work. There they could be friends. In the world, friendships could grow and burst into something wonderful.

  Carly might be his guide. If she appeared uncomfortable with Angie, then he would have little choice. His daughter needed security right now and, as her father, he had to listen.

  As his thoughts sank deep, the weight grew heavier on his heart.

  Chapter Two

  The next day Angie hurried through the house, unpacking the last few boxes and making her living room come to life with lamps and decor except for the walls. She’d need help for that. She did everything she could to distract herself from the uneasy feeling that had settled in her.

  “I’m being silly.” Her voice escaped into the room. Definitely silly. She needed a fresh perspective, and her gaze shifted to the bright window where she saw the sun spilling onto the grass, trees and landscaping around her home. Though well tended, her yard lacked flowers, and those little changes would make the house her home.

  Needing a break, she slipped her house key into her pocket and stepped outside. The warmth struck her arms and the scent of lilacs swept past her. The blossoms on the trees were abundant, and the aroma floated on the air. The street name had captured her if not the house itself. Who didn’t love lilacs?

  Deciding to get a closer look at her neighbors’ flower beds, she bounced down the sidewalk and turned right toward the jog in the road, her body buoyed by a renewed spirit. Rick had helped her so much, and she had only a few things to do to finish making the house livable. The neighborhood also lured her to anticipate new friendships even though Rema and her sadness hadn’t made the most upbeat impression.

  Rema hadn’t dropped by since the day she’d appeared with the muffins, and Angie’s concern had faded. Since her visit, Angie had noticed Rema’s husband coming and going. He seemed to keep late hours and she wondered about his career...or whatever it was that kept him away.

  Instead of her original attitude toward Rema, the thought of her as a wife with so much time alone and without children softened Angie’s heart. One day she should invite Rema over or drop by her house for a visit. She’d never been inside any other houses on the street, and she’d like to see what they were like.

  She exhaled and studied her surroundings. She looked toward the corner and noticed the house for sale did have a sold sign and she’d missed it. While her attention darted from one side of the street to the other, she admired the flower beds and the variety of foliage. She would add plants to her landscape soon. Looking at the displays today made her anxious to tackle the flower beds.

  As she approached a yellow ranch, she noticed an elderly man on his knees digging into the soil, a flat of flowers beside him. Age didn’t stop some people. She picked up her step as her shadow slipped past him.

  He noticed and looked at her over his shoulder. “Hello, there.”

  She faltered, pleased to see his smiling face, which reminded her of her grandfather, long gone to heaven. She grinned back. “You’re busy, I see.”

  He hoisted himself up, taking a moment as if to balance himself before stepping closer. “I had tulips and spring flowers here, but they’re gone, so I’m adding a few more plants. If my wife were here, she’d have pushed me out the door a week ago with her honey-do list.” His eyes twinkled.

  “My grandma had one of those lists, too.”

  His eyes searched hers a moment. “You love family, too.”

  She nodded, though aware she’d neglected hers in recent years.

  “Too many young people go off and don’t remember where they came from. Know what I mean? Their roots and their faith training tossed into the wind.” He tilted his head. “Are you a woman of faith?”

  Guilt crept into her heart. “I grew up in a Christian home, but I’ve been rather delinquent about acting on it.”

  “Hmm. I knew you had the foundation. Sometimes I can just tell.” He gave her a wink. “I’m Elwood Barnes, but my friends call me El.”

  She extended her hand. “Angela Bursten, and my friends call me Angie.”

  El eyed his hand and brushed it off on his pants before he grasped hers. “Nice to meet you. I hope you’re enjoying your new home. I think you’ll like most of the neighbors.” He chuckled as if he’d told himself a joke.

  “I love the house.” A grin stole to her mouth. “And I’ll love it more when I get things settled. You know how it is.” She shrugged. “I’m still finding places for everything and working out the kinks.”

  “I know about kinks.” He did a little bounce from the knees. “I have a few of those myself.”

  Cute as could be, he made her chuckle. “I think you’re doing well, Mr. Barnes, and I’ve had help moving in, so I can’t complain.”

  He tilted his head toward the Durbans’ house. “You meet Rema?”

  She eyed him a moment, questioning why he’d asked. She didn’t suspect the sweet man to be a gossip. “Yes. She dropped by with some delicious muffins, and we had a short visit.”

  “Rema could use a friend or two.” A twinkle lit his eyes. “I hope she made a good impression, and I suppose the muffins helped.”

  Grinning, she gave a nod as Rema’s words echoed in her thoughts—I’m sure we’ll be best friends soon enough. “I don’t see her husband much.”

  His smile faded. “Trey...” He paused a moment. “He travels a lot. I think Rema’s lonely.”

  Lonely. She’d been lonely, too, at times, but moving and Rick had filled her life with new expectations.

  “Married?” El glanced at her left hand.

  “No, not yet.” Yet? “No” would have been good enough. She managed to control a frown. “But a good friend from work came over and toted the heavy stuff. He’s a very kind man. Probably someone like you.” Angie spotted a hint of pride puffin
g his chest.

  “Thank you.” He shook his head. “So this fella is just a good friend. Nothing else on his mind?”

  An image sparked in her mind. Life with Rick? She found him attractive, but she’d avoided thoughts of anything more. At least, she tried to. “Right. Rick’s just a friend, and that’s good with me.” But her true feelings and reactions confounded her.

  “Good girl.” He patted her arm as concern fell across his face. “Please, don’t think I’m the nosy neighbor or the morals police. I just admire young people who value the Lord’s expectations.”

  “My parents gave me strong values.” Again she thought of her relationship with Cal and his friends. She’d let her values slip there, anticipating a ring on her finger. What a mistake. “And I don’t see you as being nosy. I think you care about people, and you’re a man of wisdom.”

  “Thank you, but the Good Book’s filled with wisdom. I just have a good memory.”

  His wit tickled her. “El, it’s nice to meet you, and I know if I need a little wisdom I can come to you, especially with that good memory you mentioned.”

  He gave her a wink. “Love to have you, and you’ll find other good people on this street.”

  She loved his smile. “I’ll let you get back to work and finish my stroll so I can face mine again. I’m determined to get things put away so I can get outside, too.”

  He laughed and waved as she returned to the sidewalk and her trip around to the circle and back. Yet as she walked his comment about Rema being lonely knotted in her chest. Though she didn’t want to take on a needy friend, she couldn’t neglect her, either.

  She headed back home on the far side of the street, admiring her new house as she approached. As it often did, Rick’s image popped into her mind. But so did El and his encouragement to read the Bible, as if it was something she needed. Maybe it was. She’d been without the Lord for a while, and like Rema, she’d been lonely, too. Lilac Circle had opened doors for new friendship and now El had reminded her of another friendship, one with the Lord. Like all new friendships, it would take time.