She aimed the remote and unlocked her car. They got in and rode to the house in silence, and then as they were pulling up, Birdie saw him lean forward and smile.

“So far so good,” he said. “Nice paint colors.”

Birdie pulled up and parked. “Hunt picked them out.”

She got out, then walked Wade inside, calling out as they entered.

“Hey, Hunt, we’re here!”

Wade was already admiring the room size and the light fixtures, and he could smell the fresh paint. Then he heard footsteps coming up the hall from behind him and turned, then hoped to hell he was hiding his shock.

He’d grown up idolizing Hunt Knox, the high school quarterback, the boy who mowed their yard and sacked their groceries. But he would never have recognized him now.

So tall and muscular, and that dark, brooding face was nothing like the teenage boy with the sunny disposition.

“Hunt, it is good to see you again. You used to mow my parents’ yard…Bill and Bonnie Montgomery? Remember them?”

And just like that, Wade saw recognition dawn and the smile was there again.

“Yes, I do remember them. You were just a little kid.”

“I’m the same age as Bridgette,” Wade said. “I’m really interested in this house. I don’t want to take up too much of your time, but would you mind giving me the grand tour?”

Hunt glanced at Birdie and winked. “I don’t mind at all. The only thing we have left to do is put the last coat of sealant on the floors, and that happens tomorrow. But everything else that we planned to remodel is done.”

“You talk. I’ll follow and listen,” Wade said, then followed Hunt and Birdie through the house, listening to them talk and watching the way Bridgette’s eyes lit up as she ran her hand across the new countertops and remarked about how beautiful the little house was now.

They went all the way to the attic and down again, then ended the tour on the back porch.

“I’d forgotten this backed up to the park,” Wade said. “What a perfect place to raise a family.”

“Do you have a family?” Hunt asked.

“Of my own? Not yet,” Wade said. “I’m holding out for ‘the one,’ if you know what I mean.”

Hunt glanced at Birdie. Her eyes narrowed warningly, so he said nothing, but he was feeling good about this guy.

“I know exactly what you mean,” Hunt said. “So, you’re planning on making Blessings your home?”

“Yes. Uncle Dub needs help at the store. That fire took a lot out of him, and I grew up here. I missed it. This is my chance to put down new roots. I sure appreciate you giving me the tour, but I’d better let you get back to work. Bridgette, I’m ready to leave when you are.”