Ketch stood beside her and tested the porch pillars before leaning against one. “You going to pave the road?”

“Nope. Never.”

He nodded as if he understood, and a comfortable silence stretched between them.

She decided to give conversation a shot. “Maybe we need to start this friendship off with a few rules. I’m not going to ask you any questions. You tell me what you want me to know. I’ll do the same.”

“Fair enough. I don’t have much to tell. I joined the army after one year of college. I’m not from anywhere really. No relatives. No ties.”

“I started school at Clifton College four years ago. I wanted to be nurse.”

She left out how she’d hated school and it felt good that he couldn’t ask questions. “I was shy. That strange girl who lived on Primrose Hill who never talked.”

He nodded. “You do have some nursing skills. You patched me up.”

“I’m glad I was there.” They smiled at each other. “Sometimes I dream of trying school again.”

Ketch realized it was his turn. “Once I joined the army, all I thought about was being my best. I was looking for adventure. I figured if I traveled enough I’d find home, but I never did. Four years later I got out and started college again. In a few months I’ll be graduating with a chemistry degree, but I think I like building houses more. The Randall brothers have taught me more than I ever learned in school. I like working with my hands.”

A comfortable silence drifted between them once more. There was a freedom in not having to answer questions. She felt half the things people asked her about didn’t have an answer. Now she could tell him just what she wanted him to know.

“I like baking on cold days and I love rain,” she said softly. “Sometimes, if it’s warm enough, I dance in the rain.”

“I can see you doing that, kid.”

She grinned. “If you were younger and more steady on your feet, I’d suggest you give it a try, mister.”

“I used to like rain until I camped out for four nights in a deluge. I swore my toes were webbing together. If I’d stayed out one more day, I would have turned into a duck.”

She laughed. “A six-foot-five duck would be noticed.”

“I figured that, so I’d probably wear a hat.”

She giggled and met his eyes. “Rule Two: If we’re going to be friends, we promise never to lie.”

“Just the truth. You’ve got a deal. And since we’re being honest, I can’t dance.”

“I noticed that last night. You looked like a tree, and the blonde was dancing around you like a fairy.” She hesitated and added, “I should tell you that you’re my only friend.”