Even cooking meals hardly ever seemed worth it anymore. She tried to cook complete meals in an attempt to keep some normality in her life. But she ended up with left overs—months and months’ worth of leftovers. As it was, her freezer was filled with meals that she would one day eat.
So yes, she definitely had some idea of how Sarah must have been feeling and her heart broke for the young widow.
“This is nice.” Sarah sighed. “I’m really grateful that you both came over. I didn’t know who else to reach out to. I guess I’ll need to get used to it just being me and the kids.”
Louise studied Sarah’s face as she looked out the window. She was too young to know such pain. “It gets easier. After three years of Warren being gone, I’ve gotten somewhat used to having an empty home. Are you married, Kate?” Louise asked Kate in an attempt to lighten the mood. When Kate nodded, she asked, “Where’s your husband today?”
“He’s at the farm as usual,” Kate said in a melodic sing-song tone. “He’s always at the farm.”
“Did you tell me before that Evan Morgan is your husband?” Sarah asked.
Kate nodded and took a sip of tea. “Maybe I should get a dog.”
“Evan Morgan,” Louise mused. “There was a rumor around town a few months back that he’d—” Louise stopped mid-sentence and covered her mouth.
“I know,” Kate said. “That he got a mail-order bride?”
Louise briefly looked away. “I’m sorry, Kate, I didn’t mean—”
“It’s okay. I’ve seen the way people look at me. And I’ve heard the whispers at the grocery store.”
“Kate, that’s terrible!” Louise was aghast.
“To be honest, it’s starting to feel like that. Like I’m the mail-order-bride everyone says that I am. He changed from when we’d first met.”
“Do you wanna talk about it?” Sarah asked.
“Today’s not about me,” she smiled.
They’d spent the rest of afternoon cleaning up. Despite the circumstances, Louise was glad to have met the two women and felt a warm connection to them.
As she walked back home, Louise thought about how she was glad that she’d left the bookstore when Sarah messaged. Her assistant Olivia was there, so Louise felt comfortable leaving the shop in her hands. They had begun putting Christmas decorations up, and Olivia could carry on in between customers.
She’d decided one day that it was time for her to start saying ‘yes’ to things, no matter the consequences or where it might lead her. Louise thought that perhaps it was Warren’s way of giving her a nudge to step outside of her bubble that was the bookstore and home. In the years since he’d died, she’d kept to herself and her routines, thinking it was enough. Today, she realized what she’d been missing...friendship.
Louise walked up the path to her front door and was surprised when she was met by a young girl wearing a dark hoodie, carrying a backpack over one shoulder. “Oh, you startled me!” Louise brought a hand to her chest and chuckled softly.
“Are you Mrs. Delaney?” the girl asked.
“Yes—can I help you?” Louise unlocked the front door and pushed it open.
“I’m Abby.” And when Louise showed no recognition. She added, “Abby Delaney. I’m Warren’s daughter.”
If you enjoyed that sneak peek, you can get your full copy here.
Other Books by Melissa Crosby
Willow Oaks Series - Sweet Romance
Book 1: Love Me True
Book 2: Love Me Maybe
Book 3: Love Me Again
Book 4: Love Me Always
Book 5: Love Me Timeless
Mulberry Lane Series – Inspirational Women’s Fiction
Book 1: Tea for Three
Book 2: Three Wishes
Book 3: In Three Years
Collections
A Willow Oaks Sweet Romance Collection: Volume 1 - Books 1-3
A Willow Oaks Sweet Romance Collection: Volume 2 – Books 4-5
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Love Me Timeless--A Willow Oaks Sweet Romance Page 17