Hoping to take some of the pressure off the girl, Anna said, “Well, Bootsie, you’ve missed out on some of this wunnerbaar-gut story, but here’s what’s happened so far.” She laughed a little, hoping Emmie wouldn’t be confused and think her cat actually understood the story. But she was on to something, because as Anna was reading, Emmie slowly reached over and began to lightly pet Bootsie’s back as the tomcat slept now on his side there with them in a pool of sunlight.

Trying to keep her voice from cracking with emotion, Anna could hardly contain herself. A breakthrough! she thought, turning to the next page. What a perfect day!

———

When Emmie went into her room for a moment, Anna shared with Gabe in the kitchen how she’d very clearly replied to questions with nods and shakes of her head.

“That’s great news!” he exclaimed, his smile spreading wide. He stepped closer. “And I have you to thank, Anna. I mean that.”

“Well, whatever’s making her feel comfortable enough to respond today, I’m very happy she’s doing it.” Anna placed the picture book on the counter. “In case you’d like to read it to her again,” she said, mentioning it was due back at the library a week from tomorrow, so she would return it then.

“I’ll do that,” Gabe said, still grinning. “You’re a teacher at heart, ain’t?”

“Maybe it goes hand in hand with being a tour guide.” She felt a bit awkward at the warmth in Gabe’s expression as he looked at her. “Emmie’s so easy to be with,” she added.

He nodded thoughtfully. “But she definitely has a preference for you, Anna.”

“And I enjoy her, too,” Anna said, gathering up her things and slipping on her coat. “Very much.”

“Say, I was wonderin’ if ya might join Emmie and me for dinner at Barbara and Aden’s next Friday noon. Barbara’s been askin’ to have ya over again.”

Ach no, Anna thought, thinking of how complicated it might make things if he was actually interested in her. Don’t ask me!

But his endearing smile made her want to take the risk. “It would be nice to see Barbara again, and to meet Aden, too,” she said, emphasizing their presence.

Gabe had never before walked with her out to the car, but he did this time.

Chapter 38