Larkspur Dreams - By Anita Higman Page 0,12

ladder with the blinds, a rock hammer, and some nails the size of railroad spikes.

Lark noticed he didn’t look all that chipper. She shoved her long hair behind her shoulders and cocked her head. “Go ahead, girlfriend. I know you’re itching to say something about my neighbor.”

“Owwee,” Calli said. “I love all God’s creatures, but who in the world installs wooden blinds in a three-piece suit and a button-down shirt?”

“Everett is kind of stiff,” Lark said.

Calli folded her arms. “Honey, if he were any stiffer, I think we’d have to bury him.”

Lark leaned against the window frame. “But I feel sorry for him.”

“Uh-oh. I can see what’s coming. Sure, you’ve got to love them in the Lord, but repeat after me, ‘Everett Holden is a handsome man, but he is not a wounded animal.’ He’s not that skunk you nursed back to health when you were twelve.”

Lark rolled her eyes at her friend. “It wasn’t a skunk. It was a squirrel.”

Calli put her hand up. “I’m just messing with you. I suppose God could have planted Everett over there for a reason. Should be interesting to find out what it is.”

Lark wanted to discuss the lonely plight of her hermit professor, Dr. Norton, but the time didn’t seem right, so she just sent up a prayer for her new neighbor instead.

❧

The next morning, Lark followed Calli out the back door to her car and then paused for a second to take in what was left of the breathtaking leaves. I think the colors must get brighter every year. And they look especially pretty with a dusting of snow. She finally pulled her gaze back to Calli. “I wish you could stay longer.”

“Me, too. But I’ve got to show some houses to a couple this afternoon, so I’d better get going.” Calli tossed her overnight bag in the backseat of her Mercedes.

“We had a really good time, didn’t we?” Lark wondered if she’d ever get too old for slumber parties. She doubted it. There was nothing quite like staying up late eating a fresh batch of cookie dough while watching old black and white movies. But the best part was sharing the experience with her best friend.

“Yes, we surely did.” Calli slid into her car.

Lark really liked her friend’s power suit: tailor-fit, navy fabric, with a killer scarf. “Love that outfit.”

“Thanks,” Calli said. “Hey, come visit me. Okay? And I’ll make you some homemade chicken and dumplings like my granny used to make. Best eating in Arkansas.” She shut the door and started the engine.

“I know the roads are clear, but call me when you get in,” Lark said. “Otherwise I’ll worry about you.”

Calli patted her hand on the car door. “Ladybug, I’m not going to worry you’re worrying. Cause you’ve never been a worrier. Besides, the sun has spun gold this morning, making the leaves into jewels. And that’ll keep me awake and singing the whole way. Thank you, Jesus.” Calli turned on the heat. “You’re turning into an ice cube out there. I’d better say bye.” She waved and pulled out of the driveway.

Lark folded her arms around her middle and bounced to keep warm.

“Now don’t you go and marry that next-door neighbor of yours while I’m gone. Do you hear?” Calli hollered back to her.

Lark put her fists on her hips to try to appear annoyed with her friend but gave up when she felt a big smile spread across her face. She then waved until Calli’s car was out of sight. She glanced around at the spots of leftover snow, which had become like shimmering diamonds in the sun. All was so beautiful. Yes, Everett would miss another dazzling day laboring in his grotto. When she turned around, she noticed a sign hanging on his front door handle. What is that? She shivered but just had to have one quick peek.

She took a few steps toward Everett’s house and peered up on the small porch area. Now Lark could read the sign clearly. DO NOT DISTURB. She couldn’t believe it. Just as she tried to clamp her mouth shut from the reality of it, a van pulled up in front of his house. The name of the company was written across the van in purple and gold. GOURMET TO YOUR DOOR. COOK NO MORE. Everett was having his meals delivered? Wow. Hibernation to a new and scarier level. She wondered if he’d ever come back out for human contact. Oh well, he was a big boy. Not