Chapter 24 Sam had scheduled a follow-up for his knee for Thursday morning and, unsure of when Daniel would arrive, arranged for the rest of the day off. The men only saw each other for a few days each year, and while neither was known for being longwinded with others…

Chapter 25 She sat on the bed, watching Sam get dressed for the office. With each glance over at her she saw his smile grow as she appreciated the show he put on, his head vigorously popping through his undershirt with a shake, snaking one arm through a dress shirt sleeve then…

Beau He lay on his side on a torn mat in front of the mirrored wall, his eyes on his blue shorts not the leg as he slowly swung the stump back and forth. Perverse, pervert. He curled his lip. Not when it’s your own leg, jackass. He tried not…

In a park across the street from Gallery 54, Leslie waited on a bench, under the maple and lace bark elm. The creamy white ridges in the bark had been as wonderful to touch as she had imagined. But after the man piercing bottles and trash with a pointed stick…

I Didn’t Ask For This, Chapter 15 Simeon Having his sister and nephew in town should take some of the pressure off him as they were all happy to see Dinah. At supper, their mama was chatty and animated and her eyes shone. Even Mr. Beede chuckled once or twice. Dinah was eight when he was born. Naomi, eleven. Simeon had been a colicky baby and out of all the family, Dinah was the only one who could calm him. Dinah became his. She was the one who let him crawl up…

Mrs. Anderson rang as Rosie was getting out of the shower. “Have you checked the weather? It is simply pouring outside.” “And it is pouring inside. I’m not quite out of the shower yet.” “Then child, why on earth did you answer the phone?” “Well, Mam. Last time I didn’t…

They never got around to that 2nd date. Sam was enjoying their time together. They were sharing only the little things for now — did you grow up watching that TV show, too? How have you never tried scallops? — and now his offer to show her his favorite place…