“She has some mobility issues, but overall, as well as I could hope.” He asked Tess and Rudy questions about their history with the town. Tess provided answers before Rudy could.

Both Ben’s and Connor’s friendship had greatly enriched her work life. She was closer with Ben because she spent more time with him. But Connor was great, too. His mellow nature immediately put everyone at ease. He was the same age as Leah but more mature than most of the other men she knew in their late twenties. Simply put, he was good, through and through.

Connor’s kind gaze settled on Leah. “I’m glad I ran into you today.”

“Likewise.”

“I’ll see you Monday.” Then, to Tess and Rudy, “Really nice to have met you.” He threaded toward the exit.

“Leah,” Rudy stage-whispered loudly. “Have you been on any dates with that young man?”

“Rudy!” Tess rushed to say. “Of all the inappropriate questions.”

“Sorry.” Impishness sparked behind his glasses. “Well? Have you?”

“No, nor will I. We’re just friends.”

“Friendship can lead to love,” Rudy said.

“Connor’s interested in someone else, a woman he’s liked since middle school.”

“Oh?” Rudy asked. “That’s a long time to like someone.”

“A very long time.” So long that Leah had a hard time imagining it. She’d formed zero attachments to the boys at her middle school. “Connor’s steadfast.”

“Has the woman he likes given him a chance?”

“She’s had a boyfriend for years. They recently broke up, so she’s currently in mourning over that. I’m hopeful that once she comes out of mourning, she’ll give Connor a chance.”

“Have you been on any dates with any young men recently?” Rudy pressed.

“It’s not nice to pry,” Tess said.

“I went on one date back in August, and I was asked out on another date two days ago. However, nothing came of the date in August, and nothing will come of the offer from two days ago.” An image of Sebastian arriving in his office the day of the hospital tour, with disordered dark hair and a tragic past, coalesced in her memory—

She shook herself. She’d always pitied man-crazy women. She had no intention of becoming one of them.

Rudy’s shoulders slumped.

“Sorry to disappoint,” Leah said.

“You’ve never disappointed us.” Tess spoke staunchly. “Not in any way.”

“That’s very true,” Rudy told her. “You’re perfect.”

“I’m not the slightest bit perfect!”

“So perfect,” Rudy insisted, “that I want you to end up with a man who appreciates you.”

“And I want to end up with a PhD that I can appreciate.”

“Of course you do,” Tess said. “Rightly so.”

“May I have that?” Rudy reached for the mini muffin that sat next to fruit slices on Tess’s plate.