Panicked, she opened her eyes, glanced at the time, and then relaxed. It was exactly 5:00 a.m., and the beautiful man behind her, holding her close, was still sleeping. She glanced at the ring on her finger and sighed.

Then Hunt’s hands moved from her waist to her breasts, and she knew he was awake. Lust stirred, and she rolled over onto her back and closed her eyes as he moved between her legs.

What an absolutely perfect way to wake up.

They made love with a slow, perfect passion, and then later parted company in haste, with Ava speeding to the hospital and Hunt going back to the house. Things were moving at a steady pace, but still not fast enough for Hunt. He wanted this over. He was ready to take Ava home.

* * *

Hunt and Ava weren’t the only people in Blessings who were having a good morning.

Junior Knox woke up happy. Last night’s revelation at the lake had changed his world. The moment the alarm went off, he jumped up and hurried off to shower and shave, then made himself some breakfast. He had places to go today and wanted to look his best.

Because of the fire, he didn’t know if Birdie would be working, but he gave her a call anyway, knowing she would always take time to talk to him.

She answered on the second ring.

“Hello? Junior? Is everything okay?”

“Hi, Birdie. Yes, everything is fine. I wasn’t sure if you would be home or back at work.”

“No, we’re closed down for a few days until Dub can get everything cleaned up and get in some new inventory. We’re moving things around inside the main building to make room until the warehouse can be rebuilt.”

“I’m sure sorry about all that,” Junior said.

“I am, too,” Birdie said. “So what’s going on?”

“I have a couple of questions and thought you might know how to get me started. Do you know if there’s any place here in Blessings where a guy could go to classes to get a GED?” Junior asked.

It was the last thing Birdie expected to come out of his mouth, but the best news ever.

“Junior! I’m so proud of you! Yes. Go to the library. Talk to the librarian. I know they have classes there, but I’m not sure how it all works. I don’t know whether you have to wait and start with a new class or if you can just start at any time.”

“Do you know what it costs?” he asked.

“I think they’re free. And I think they’re online. The library has a couple of meeting rooms, and I think the people meet in one of those.”