“Yep. But at least I had a clean slate to start working on the house. I’ve been painting up a storm—one room a night—and it already looks so much fresher and brighter. And I have to admit, my real estate agent has been a lifesaver. He came over and fixed the front door lock and unclogged a sink and fixed a couple broken panes of glass.”

“Wow! Ezra Wheeler did all that?”

“Do you know him?” Ivy asked.

“I know who he is. All the girls at the courthouse call him the House Hunk. How’d you get lucky enough to hook up with Ezra?”

Ivy felt herself blush. “We’re not ‘hooked up.’ I found the farmhouse online, and he happened to be the listing agent. I’d never laid eyes on him until I pulled up to Four Roses and he was waiting there with the keys.”

“Pretty nice housewarming gift,” Phoebe said, winking.

“It’s strictly a business relationship,” Ivy said. “Nothing more. I moved here for a fresh start. I’m not looking for romance.”

“But it sounds to me like romance came looking for you,” Phoebe insisted. “I’ll bet Ezra Wheeler doesn’t play handyman for all his real estate clients. Anyway, what’s the harm? You’re single; he’s single. And soooo hot.”

Ivy laughed and realized, mid-giggle, that she was having fun. She was having lunch with a friend and gossiping about guys. It felt nice, and normal and … warm.

“You asked about the chickens? The girls are growing so fast! I’ve got to get their coop fixed up. That’s my project this weekend.”

“Need any help?” Phoebe offered. “I’m pretty handy myself. My granddad started teaching me and buying me my own power tools when I turned sixteen.” She flexed a muscle. “You’re looking at a lady who owns her own nail gun. And a chain saw!”

“Really? But this is such a busy time of year. You must have a million things on your own to-do list. I couldn’t ask you to take on my silly henhouse.”

“My shopping’s all done. We put up our Christmas tree the day before Thanksgiving. I’d love to help out. Think of all the calories I could burn! Besides, I’m dying to see what you’ve done with Four Roses Farm.”

“Well, okay, if you insist,” Ivy said. “See you Saturday? And don’t forget your chain saw. There’s a tree growing right through the middle of my girls’ chicken coop.”

Chapter 10

Saturday morning’s weather was sunny but cold. Ivy was sipping her second cup of coffee when the phone rang. She grabbed it when she saw the caller ID on her phone screen: Acme Movers.

“Hi? Miss Perkins? This is Jenny at—”

“Acme Movers. I know,” Ivy said impatiently. “Are you calling to tell me what time today I can expect my furniture?”

“Well … not exactly. I’m afraid I have some not-so-good news. You see, the truck carrying your belongings got into a bit of a fender bender in Tuscaloosa yesterday—”