That shirt sure brings out the color in your eyes.”
“I do the best I can with what I’ve got to work with.” He grinned. “Are you ready?”
“Want a cup of coffee before we go?” she asked.
“I’ve got two Starbucks lattes in the car,” he said. “Hope you like caramel with extra foam.”
Kayla had never bought Starbucks in her life. Lord have mercy! Those things cost as much as four cups of coffee at a convenience store.
“I love caramel, so I’m sure I’ll like it.” She picked up her purse.
He ushered her out to his SUV with his hand on her lower back. “I told Mama you were coming with me today. I’m glad you didn’t stand me up. That would have disappointed me and her both.”
She slid into the seat and fastened the seat belt with shaking hands. In less than an hour, she would meet his parents, sit with them at a church she’d never attended, and then have dinner with them. That was as scary as the day she’d walked away from Denver, and yet she was more excited than she’d ever been in her life.
“Will you teach Sunday school this morning?” she asked.
“Not today,” he answered. “The preacher’s wife is stepping in for me. We’re just attending church this morning. I usually try to get the folks back to the center by four so they can get a little nap before their supper is served. I was wondering if you would walk through my new house with me after we get back to Birthright. I could use some help before I buy paint. I like the idea of white, but I’m not sure.”
“I would love to see the inside. Are you going to take that dog that wandered up to our place?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I want something smaller when I adopt a dog, and I’m thinking about an older animal instead of a puppy. Not many people want the old dogs, but they need love, too. Besides, Noah’s already named the critter, and when a man names a pet, it’s hard to give it up.”
A wide smile spread over Kayla’s face. “I think that Teresa is already attached to her, too.”
“Then all’s well that ends well,” Will said.
See his house. Pick out a pet with him. This all sounded too serious to Kayla, and she felt herself taking two steps back.
Will Barton is a good man. Miss Janie popped into her head and scolded her. He’s not rushing you. He’s grateful for new friends and happy that he’s moving to Birthright. Don’t be afraid to enjoy the move with him.
That settled the angst in her heart. Miss Janie knew everything, maybe even the future, from where she was sitting these days. Listening to her had never proven wrong in the past.
Kayla had almost calmed herself down when Will parked right in front of a lovely stone place. “Be right back,” he said as he opened the door and slid out of his seat. “Guess they’re eager to get away today.” He grinned and pointed to two smartly dressed people coming toward the SUV.
“Good mornin’, Mama and Daddy.” He waved and then went to give them both a hug.
Mr. Barton was as tall as Will, and his wife was only slightly shorter. His hair was totally gray, and her close-cut natural hair had a good amount of salt sprinkled through it. Other than his height, Will looked nothing like either of them.
“Of course he doesn’t,” Kayla whispered.
“Hello, I’m Dulcie,” Mrs. Barton said as she got into the back seat. When she was settled, she reached up and laid a hand on Kayla’s shoulder. “You are a very lovely woman, Kayla.”
“Thank you.” Kayla wondered if she’d died and this was heaven. “I’m very glad to meet y’all.”
“I understand you graduated with our boy.” Mr. Barton got into the seat behind Will. “I’m Thomas. I hear you’re puttin’ in a senior citizens place in Birthright. That will be good for the old folks down there. Mama and I were regular visitors at the one in Sulphur Springs until we moved here to Colonial Lodge.”
“We hated to leave our friends, but it was time for us to downsize our house,” Dulcie said. “What we hated most was leaving our church family, but Will said he’d come and get us every Sunday for church so we could see everyone.”
“We knew Miss Janie through the school when Will went to high school, and we are very sorry for your loss,”