Hunt was silent for a few moments, thinking. “Isn’t it weird what death does to us? I came back to where I was born because of a death, and Mrs. Hollis is doing the same thing, going home to where she was born because of a death. Some people think of home as the house they live in, but it’s always been about the people to me, and it appears Mrs. Hollis feels the same way. My home will always be with you, no matter where we are in the world.”

“Thank you, darling,” Ava said.

Hunt smiled. “You’re welcome. And on another note, I forgot Blessings even had a country club.”

Ava laughed. “I know. It’s to go with the golf course. Really, the only difference between them and us is the amount of money in their pockets. And for the rest of us, Ruby Butterman has also organized what sounds like a fun event that’s happening on Sunday after church. She’s calling it Potluck at the Park. You buy tickets ahead of time, and then everyone brings covered dishes. They’ll be laid out buffet-style all over the park. Turn in your ticket and you get a plate and eat to your heart’s content. I’m off on Sunday. That’s where we need to go to eat dinner.”

“I’m in for that one,” Hunt said. “The dance at the country club, not so much.”

“Why? I know you can dance. I’ve seen you,” Ava said.

Hunt grinned. “Teaching Emma how to dance with a boy does not constitute being a good dancer. She kept trying to lead. Mom made me teach her.”

Ava nodded. “I know. I saw part of it. Then my mother came and picked me up and I had to go home. I was jealous of Emma for days because you danced with her and not me.”

Hunt’s eyes widened. “Good lord. First of all, you can’t be jealous of my sister, and at that point, how old were you anyway?”

Ava grinned. “Not nearly old enough for the thoughts I’m sure I had.”

“But you’re old enough now,” Hunt said. “And I’m so going to take advantage of that.”

* * *

The next morning, Ava left for work with the smile Hunt had put on her face, and Hunt felt like the luckiest man in the world as he went to meet the painters. He was sitting on the porch steps when they drove up.

The PaintByNumber.com logo on the side of the truck made him smile because their phone number was included within the design. A sense of humor was never a bad thing.

Their long ladders were fastened onto the racks over the truck bed, and paint sprayers, equipment, and cans of paint were in the bed beneath it. While they were getting out, another truck with two more men pulled in behind them.