Bailey on a new trick. She wants him to have it mastered before you come inside.”
“I was hoping we’d have some time alone.” He rocked back on his heels and grinned at her questioning look. “I have something for you. It’s in the truck.”
“For me?” Lauren swallowed against the sudden lump in her throat. She couldn’t remember ever getting a gift for no reason.
“Just a little something I saw in a store and thought you’d like,” he said.
“Well, go get it.” She gave him a little push. “The suspense is killing me.”
Lauren shifted from one foot to the other, watching his every step. When he reached into the truck and pulled out a yellow plastic bag, she narrowed her gaze. What kind of gift came in a grocery bag?
Seth shoved the bag under his arm like it was a football and headed up the walk.
“It’s a belated Christmas present,” he said when he reached the porch.
“You already gave me a Christmas gift.” Lauren held up her arm, the silver bracelet glinting in the sun. “I love it.”
“I think you’ll love this, too. At least I hope you do.”
“I’m sure I will.” Lauren reached for the bag but he tucked it behind his back, out of reach.
“Sit on the swing,” he instructed. “Then close your eyes.”
“If you’re planning on putting on the Santa suit for this, I’m telling you right now, it’s not necessary.”
He laughed and she laughed along with him as they walked to the swing, his hand nearly, but not quite touching hers. The breeze ruffled his hair and carried the scent of his cologne to her. She inhaled deeply, reveling in this perfect moment in time, committing it to memory.
Lauren took a seat on the swing and promptly held out her hand. “Merry belated Christmas to me.”
A smile tugged at the corners of Seth’s lips. “Eyes shut first.”
Lauren did as he’d requested, but as soon as he placed the bag in her hands, her lids popped open.
Seth settled himself beside her, an expectant look on his face.
Lauren took a deep breath and reached inside. Even if she didn’t like it—
Her heart stopped. With a trembling hand, Lauren gently pulled the doll the rest of the way from the bag. She looked at him in disbelief. “It’s an American Girl doll.”
The doll had brown hair pulled into two pigtails and tied with a bright red ribbon. She had glasses and a sweet smile. Lauren let her gaze linger. This was the American Girl doll of her childhood dreams.
“Her name is Molly McIntire,” Seth volunteered.
“You remembered.” Lauren clutched the doll close. “Where did you find her?”
“In an antique shop not far from the hotel where we were meeting,” he said. “I saw her in the window and thought of you.”
“I love her.” Lauren fingered the braids. A couple of tears slipped down her cheeks. The fact that Seth had gone out of his way to do something just because it would make her happy made the gift even more special. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this, but thank you.”
“You deserve to be spoiled and pampered and given gifts.” Seth’s voice turned husky. “I hope you find someone special in Virginia, someone who’ll make you as happy as you’ve made Ivy and me.”
Virginia. Was it only a coincidence that the sun— which had been shining hot and bright—chose this moment to disappear behind the clouds?
“I’ve loved every minute of my time here.” Lauren tightened her hold on the doll. “Thank you for everything, Seth. For opening your home to me, for letting me be a part of your family these past few weeks and for Molly.”
Overcome with emotion, she clutched the doll tightly against her chest.
He frowned. “That sounds an awful lot like goodbye.”
“Ivy gets her arm cast off Monday.” The words came out faint and faraway. Lauren cleared her throat and tried again. “Depending on the X-rays, the boot cast could be removed by the end of the week.”
“Time has gone fast.” Unexpectedly Seth grasped her hand, holding it tight. “I wish I could make it stand still.”
“Not a possibility.” Lauren kept her tone light, ignoring the ache in her heart. “There is something I want to say before I go. Actually, two things.”
Seth laced his fingers loosely through hers. “What’s on your mind?”
“I want to thank you for going with me to dinner the other night. Your support really meant a lot.”
“Anytime.” His gaze turned watchful. “What was the second?”
“I want you to be happy.”
‘I want