“Cody deserves your love,” Judith went on. “Sure he has his faults, but believe me, the woman my son loves will be happy. When he falls in love again, it’ll be with his whole heart and soul. It may take some time, but I promise you the wait will be worth it.”

Sherry wasn’t sure how to respond. “I’ll…I’ll remember that,” she promised.

“Now—” Judith gave a deep sigh and stood “—I should be on my way. Remember, not a word to either my son or my granddaughter.”

“I promise.”

Judith hugged her and said again, “Be patient with Cody.”

“I’ll try,” Sherry whispered.

Cody’s mother left by the back door. When Mrs. Colson returned, her sparkling eyes met Sherry’s and she said, “This visit will be our little secret, won’t it?”

“What visit?” she replied.

* * *

Friday evening, Sherry sat out on the porch in front of the clinic enjoying the coolness. She rocked peacefully on the swing and listened to the night sounds. Crickets telegraphed greetings to one another, and music from the local tavern drifted toward her.

Evenings were her favorite time. Sherry loved to sit outside and think about her day. Her life was falling into a pattern now as she adjusted to the people of Pepper. Often she read or called family and friends or sent e-mails using her laptop computer. Norah’s birthday was coming up soon, and Sherry had spent the earlier part of the evening writing her a long, chatty message.

Her heart seemed to skip a beat when Cody’s pickup drew to a stop by the clinic. She got up and walked over to the steps, leaning against the support beam as he climbed out of the cab and came toward her.

“Hi, Sherry,” he said, his expression a bit sheepish.

“Hi, Cody.”

He looked at her for several seconds as if trying to remember the purpose of his visit. Sherry decided to make it easier for him. “Would you care to sit with me?” She motioned toward the swing.

“Don’t mind if I do.” He’d recently shaved and the familiar scent of his aftershave floated past her as he moved to the swing.

They sat side by side, swaying gently. Neither seemed ready to talk.

“I was on my way over to a friend’s place to play poker,” he said at last, “when I saw you sitting here.”

“I do most evenings. Nights are so beautiful here. I love stargazing. It’s one of the reasons I’d never be happy in a big city. Sometimes the sky’s so full I can’t stop looking.”

“Have you had a good week?” he asked.

“A busy one. What about you?”

“The same.” His eyes met hers. “Any problems?”

“Such as?”

He shrugged and looked past her to the street. “I thought there might’ve been some talk about, you know, us.”

“There was definitely some heavy speculation after our trip last weekend.”

“Anyone pestering you?”

“Not really. What about you?”

He laughed lightly. “You mean other than Heather and Janey?”