“Yes—and prayer. The idea came to me when I was praying the other morning. I figure God had a hand in that.”

* * *

“Okay, Roxie, what’s up? You are not yourself today?” MJ stopped them in mid-stride.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, for starters, you’re not talking.”

“Sorry. I have a lot on my mind, several new clients, things like that.” And what do I do about Rich? That was the biggie, as she well knew, but she was not ready to talk about it yet. Mostly because did she, could she, love him like he apparently loved her?

“See, there you went again, off in some world of your own.”

“Okay, I have some decisions to make, and until I am sure of my answers, I’d prefer not talking about them. Nothing personal, mind you. You know what it’s like when you’re trying to figure out what God wants you to do.”

“I do, but I usually gain help and perspective by talking it over with Daryl or my friends.”

“Well, I don’t have a Daryl in my life to talk things over with.” And since that might be remedied sometime in the near future, oh, my land… “The answer will come, I know it, in God’s good time. After all, He promised.”

“Sometimes His promises take a long time to come through.” MJ got a good yank on her arm by the basset taut at the end of the leash, nose to the concrete.

“We need to hustle if we’re going to stop at Annie’s. I have a ten o’clock meeting with a buyer who wants to see the two houses I showed him before and make a decision.” Lucky man, has only two choices, or so he thinks.

She and Sir Charles caught up with MJ, who was being pulled along by a strong-willed hound.

“Looper, no, we are not going that way.” She planted her feet. “This way, Annie’s, puppy treats.” Looper liked the biscuits at Annie’s. They tied the dogs to the dog hooks and went inside the café.

“Hey, Roxie, someone this morning said she saw you at the country club with a good-looking man.” Anne grinned at her while making the lattes. “She was going to say something to you, but she said you were mighty cozy and she didn’t want to interrupt.”

Between the two of them, they were both too well known around here to even dream of privacy. “He’s just a friend of mine.” Liar.

“Right.” Anne gave her a knowing look. “I’ll bring your cinnamon rolls as soon as they are warmed up.”

They sat down in their usual place, as if it were kept vacant just for them.

“And? The puzzle pieces are falling into place. You must be speaking of Rich Owens, father of Nate Owens, who is dating Loren. And from what I hear, real often. Perhaps all these ice cream dates after UFO?” MJ’s eyebrows arched.

“All right, Mrs. Inquisitive. Good grief, one can’t keep anything private in this town. Yes, we went out to a very nice dinner at the club house, where I haven’t been for a very long time. And yes, we are doing things together. He is a fine man and we enjoy our time together. Now that is all I am going to say right now, so—” She looked up. “Thanks, Anne, oh, this smells so good.”