Maybelle harrumphed. “If you believe that, then you’re not nearly as smart as I’ve given you credit for.”

Bodie ignored her jab, glanced around. “Where are the rest of your cronies? I thought you traveled as a pack.”

To his surprise, Maybelle’s painted lips curved upward. “Not always. The rest of the girls are working at the booth and I’m meeting Sarah’s father here to clean up after the hunt.”

Bodie crammed his hands into his jean pockets. “You need an extra set of hands?”

Obviously pleased with his offer, Maybelle chuckled. “Don’t let it be said that I ever turned down a willing volunteer.”

That her words were echoes of Sarah’s caused Bodie’s lips to twitch.

Sarah might not have had her birth mother to shape her into the woman she was today, but the Butterflies and her aunt had sure stepped up to the plate, influencing so much about her.

Except for maybe Rosie, as he didn’t see Sarah dying her hair in punk rock blue and chasing men around anytime soon.

Then he noticed an older gentleman spinning Sarah in a mini-dance to the Christmas music. She kissed his cheek, then burst out laughing. The corner of Bodie’s mouth hiked up. Maybe Rosie had influenced her more than he’d thought.

“You sure you won’t stay in Pine Hill?” Maybelle asked.

Bodie’s gaze cut to her. “Positive. I’m only here to help Sarah. As soon as I finish at Hamilton House, I’m gone.”

“Interesting wording for your reason for being in Pine Hill.”

Yes, he supposed to Maybelle, it was.

Rather than question him further, she leaned against the fence and watched the ornament hunt in silence except for a quietly spoken, “A shame you aren’t staying, though.”

Sarah laughed so hard she had to pause to catch her breath at the almost eighty-year-old Clyde’s impromptu lesson of the Christmas boogie while his great-grandchildren hunted ornaments. Then she straightened, adjusted her scarf and hat, and glanced toward Bodie.

He wore a serious expression. No wonder, with Maybelle perched against the fence next to him and Harry. There was no telling what she’d said.

When Sarah’s gaze met his, she smiled and waved. Despite whatever had caused his solemn expression, he gave a half-grin and nodded his acknowledgement.

Sarah’s heart spluttered the way it always did at a Bodie smile.

“He’s cute.” Carrie came over to where Sarah was and flicked her gaze toward Bodie. “I thought it the day he came to the community room, asking if you were there, but he seems even more so now. I think it’s how his smile crinkles his eyes.”