They walked through a half-open door to a charming room filled with a canopied bed, stuffed animals and a box of toys. A lacy dust ruffle matched the curtains that framed a view of the side yard. Katie’s heartstrings tugged a bit. She’d always wanted a little girl, a sister for Josh, but, of course it wasn’t going to happen. Having a daughter was part of a pipe dream—one she’d given up long ago. Now, she had to concentrate on her son and her career. Period.

In the next twenty minutes, Tiffany showed her through the living quarters on the first floor of the house, then pointed out two apartments in the basement, and an upper and lower unit in the old carriage house.

The boys were shooting baskets near the garage and Christina was chasing Charcoal across the lawn by the time the tour was over.

“So, what do you think?” Tiffany asked as Katie slung the strap of her purse over her shoulder.

“It’s definitely a possibility.” The truth of the matter was that she wanted to say yes right then and there. “I’ll think about it,” Katie promised, but she’d already half made up her mind. She could rent out her house and save money, spend more time with Josh and concentrate on her career without constantly worrying about making the mortgage payment. She might even be able to trade in her car for a slightly newer model.

“Right now all the units are occupied except for the third floor that J.D.’s using as his office. I’ll start advertising the space as soon as we move. Uh-oh. Chrissie! Watch out!” Tiffany raced across the backyard. Her daughter had tripped and tumbled over an exposed root. For a second there was no noise as Christina’s tiny face screwed up and turned a deep shade of purple. The scream was next, a pained wail loud enough to cause the boys to give up their game.

Tiffany scooped Christina up off the ground. “It’s okay,” she said, brushing bark dust from the little girl’s tangled black curls.

Tears streamed down Christina’s cheeks and she cried, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!” over and over again.

“I think it’s time for us to leave,” Katie said. “Josh! Let’s go.”

“Oh, Mom, can’t I stay a little longer?”

Christina was sobbing and gulping air now.

“Nope. It’s time.”

“But—”

“Hop in the car, bud. Now!” Josh cast her a I-can’t-believe-you’re-so-unfair look, but she ignored it and turned back to Tiffany who was brushing aside Christina’s tears with a finger. “Thanks for the offer. I’ll talk to Josh and give you a call.”

“Good.”