* * *

Morning came quickly, and Roxie had not dreamt of Rich at all. Of course not. He was very nice, but no dreamboat.

“You have the map and the list?” Roxie called to Loren as she finished putting on her makeup.

“Yes and the coffee jugs.”

“Did you feed the animals?”

“Yes, come on, Mom, you’re making us late.”

Roxie added earrings and grabbed her leather bag on her way to the car, now out in the driveway. “You want to drive?”

“Fine with me, you navigate.” Loren swung into the driver’s seat.

Roxie looked at the map. “You already have our route laid out, good girl.”

“So, did you have fun last night?” Loren twisted to back out.

“I did. He’s a good guy. He asked if I’d like to go sailing on Sunday.”

“You better have said yes.” They got out onto the street and headed west.

“Loren, you sound like a mom.” She glanced at the map. “Turn right here.” There were already cars parked and people getting out. She recognized several as antique dealers who were almost always the first at the sales. “Are you looking for anything special?”

“Not really but you never know what we might find.” They got out of the car and made their way among the tables. Roxie picked up a bag of yarn, Loren two books, and they headed for the car.

“Like you need more yarn?”

“Got it for Almira at church. She is always crocheting lap robes for the nursing homes.” She tossed the bag in the back of her mini SUV. “The next one is two blocks over. A three-family sale. Might be good.”

After hitting seven sales, they had, besides the yarn, a hanging basket of petunias, a pot decorated with zigzag rings to set a plain pot into, a new throw rug for by the door to the deck, three packs of sheets for the boxes made up at church for those less fortunate, several more books, and a catnip toy for Juno. They were almost to Annie’s when Loren’s cell woofed for her. She had recorded Sir Charles’s welcome-home barks and made it her ring tone. Roxie had no idea how her daughter knew the things she did, but this one always made her smile.

While Loren talked to Nate, Roxie thought about her plans for the afternoon. She hoped she’d be able to take Sir Charles for a walk when they got home before she had to get ready to show houses.

“I’d like that, okay, see you then.” Loren finished her call and stared at her phone a moment. “So we’re going sailing tomorrow afternoon.”

“Good. Hope it’s not so rough I get seasick.” Roxie parallel-parked on the opposite side of the street from Annie’s. “Looks like they are busy. You hungry?”

Loren nodded. “Is today a cinnamon roll day?”

“Sometimes.” She inhaled just before opening the door. “Smells like it.” And she led the way inside.

“What’ll you have, ladies?” Anne asked with a wide smile and sooner than they’d thought possible. “You hit the garage sales?”