Beyond the Picket Fence

An excellent wife, who can find?

For her worth is far above jewels.

Proverbs 31:10

“I can’t think why you want to do this,” her editor had said, but she wouldn’t listen.

“I’ve never liked New York City,” she had told him as she continued to pack. “And then the house I was raised in, the one in Pine Tree, Vermont, went on the market. I just bought it; we closed the deal this afternoon.”

“But you don’t even have family left there.” The elegantly dressed editor had looked stunned.

“That doesn’t matter. It’s a great town with a super church. I’ve made up my mind, Monty,” she said, facing him squarely. “I’m going to move home and write my books there.”

That had been just two short months ago. Now, Dominique J. Brinks, “Nikki” to nearly everyone, stood looking at her spacious living room, boxes piled everywhere, and wondered at her own sanity. It had sounded so ideal, but the whole point had been to leave the mad rush of New York City behind and have time to write. She wondered if she could even find her computer in all of this. There was a box marked “computer,” but she had found office supplies inside. In the midst of her tumultuous thoughts, the doorbell rang. Nikki waded her way to the door and found a man from the phone company on the step.

“Am I ever glad to see you,” she told him as he came across the threshold.

“Most people feel that way,” he said with a smile. “Where do you want me to begin?”

Nikki showed him the place in her bedroom upstairs, the area where she wanted a phone in the kitchen, and the spot in the spacious dining room off the kitchen. The house wasn’t huge, but she knew she would spend the majority of her time in those three areas, and it was easier to install three phones than to wander around with a cordless and forget where she last left it.

Since the house had had phone lines before, the man didn’t need much time, and Nikki was thrilled when he handed her the local phone book and her new number. He said he’d already called into the office and everything was working fine. In a burst of pleasure, her hands shaking a little with excitement, Nikki dialed the local library and listened to a recording about its hours. She then tried a few more numbers and went back to her unpacking.

As much as she wanted to get settled in the bedroom and kitchen so she felt really moved in, her feet drove her toward the dining room and her huge task there. She couldn’t stand all the boxes stacked around, so she cleared the room until only the furniture was left.

At that point she began opening the needed boxes in the living room and carrying her things to the dining room. She hung pictures, positioned odds and ends, and each time stood back and smiled at her efforts. She was finally ready for the most important addition and was dragging it carefully from the living room when the front doorbell rang.

Sure that the telephone man had forgotten something, she swung the door wide before realizing who stood before her.

“Mother!” she cried with joy and threw her arms around an older version of herself. “I just tried to call you.”

“Well, I’m not home,” Virginia Warburton told her with a satisfied smile. “I’m headed to see my daughter in Vermont.”

“Oh, Mom.” Nikki could have cried but didn’t. “Is Tim with you?”

“He’s here in town but not with me right now. I think he wanted to give us a little time alone.”

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Well,” her mother’s tone became firm. “I’m not here for fun. I’m here to help you move in.”

“Are you really?”

“Of course. Nearly all your friends from here have moved away, and I knew you’d be on your own.”

“I won’t turn that offer down. Come and see what I’ve done.”

Nikki led the way to the dining room and stood back.

“Oh, Nikki,” her mother said softly. “This is wonderful. You told me you were going to set up your office in here, but I never imagined…”

“I just have to set up my computer, and I’m ready to go.”

Virginia could only stare. Nikki’s desk sat so that her back was to the main wall. To her left were windows and to her right was the door into the hall. The wall in front of her held the door back to the kitchen. Built-in shelves already sported books and writing awards. Nikki had had the covers of all her books framed. They now hung around the room, interspersed with cartoons and family photos. The effect was wonderful: a room not originally intended for anything but dining, but perfect nonetheless.

Virginia took a slow look around, the memories coming back. The nostalgia within these walls was very dear. The dining room had always been the family’s favorite room. The huge bay windows that looked out over the acres of pines drew her close, and for a moment she stood quietly at the glass.

“Such memories, Nikki. It’s no wonder you want to work right here.”

“Remember the Christmas you broke your toe but still insisted on going with us to get the tree?”

Her mother chuckled. “Yes. I thought I’d die of cold before we found a tree we wanted.”

“Dad was in a panic, sure that your exposed toe would be frostbitten, and we couldn’t quit laughing.”

“He wasn’t too happy with us,” Virginia agreed, but she couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped her. Dominic Brinks had been dead for more than ten years, but the memory of that day was still strong in their minds.

“Well, now,” Virginia piped as she turned from the window. “I think we’d better get to work. Where do you want to begin?”

“I think the upstairs. Are you and Tim going to stay here with me?”

“If you have a place for us to sleep.”

“In that case, we’d better get started on the bedrooms.”

With that, the women were off. The house had been left clean, but the movers had tracked in a certain amount of debris, so they dusted, vacuumed, moved furniture—usually several times—hung pictures, made beds, filled closets, and washed windows. They made themselves stay in a room until it was completely in order. Two of the three upstairs bedrooms were finished, as were both bathrooms, before they allowed themselves to move downstairs to the living room and kitchen.

Hours later, both thinking they could drop with exhaustion, they called it quits. They had no more collapsed on the sofa and love seat in the living room, when the front door opened.

“Hello,” a cheerful male voice called, and Nikki summoned up just enough energy to meet her stepfather at the door.

“Hello, Tim,” she said warmly as they hugged.

“How’s my Nikki?” he asked, a tender light in his eyes. A widower with four children of his own, he still had room in his heart to adore his wife’s only child.

“Tired and hungry, but so glad to be here.”

Tim kissed her cheek a second time and reached for the bag he’d set down just inside the door.

“How does dinner sound?”

“Oh, Mom,” Nikki called to her. “Tim brought fried chicken.”

“You are an angel,” Virginia declared as she came to join the fun. “We’re so tired and hungry we thought we might just go to bed.” She kissed his cheek and welcomed his hug.

“Help has arrived,” he said kindly. “The kitchen or the dining room?”

“We’ll let you decide,” Virginia said calmly, looking forward to her husband’s reaction. Tim’s response was all they could hope for. He proclaimed with delight that his own office could never compare to Nikki’s.

They ate with much thanks and fellowship, and as Virginia had predicted, they made an early night of it. They rose early, however, and worked steadily for the next two days.

Tim did handyman repairs, changing light bulbs and checking locks. He gave the furnace a good going-over and also did some work on the kitchen and bathroom sinks. After a huge list was compiled and purchased at the grocery store, the women continued with boxes of books, linens, and dozens of odds and ends.

Nikki spent some time with her computer and fax machine, and by the time the Warburtons took their leave, Nikki was well and truly settled. She said goodbye to them but without a hint of sadness. Their visit had been a complete surprise, and she had enjoyed every moment, but it was time to return to her writing.

Two weeks later, Nikki sat back in her chair and rubbed her throbbing temples. She had been writing nonstop for days. It was time to take a break. Late summer in Vermont was very beautiful, but Nikki was missing it. She had a deadline to meet on this manuscript, but right now she had to have a rest. As it was a warm day, she was already dressed in shorts. She saved her current work on the computer, went for the walking shoes in her bedroom closet, and headed out the front door, the key in her pocket.

The house in which Nikki had grown up sat on a long stretch of road that sported only three homes. The road dead-ended into a beautiful meadow filled with maple trees and pines. That land belonged to the next house up the road. It was a huge white sprawling place with two stories and a large wraparound porch. The third house, another large structure, was out on the main street that led into town.

As a child she had played in the valley with the other children who lived on the street, but now she didn’t know who owned the other homes. She began to walk toward the valley but wondered if someone might think her trespassing; one never knew these days. With that she started up the road, head bent against the wind, and forced her mind to empty itself of all but the Lord. She was thinking of His attributes, naming them one by one, when a small voice interrupted her reflection.

“Hello.”

Nikki pulled up in surprise. She was on the far side of the large white house, nearly halfway down the road, when she turned to find a small girl.

“Hello,” Nikki said right back, a friendly smile on her face.

“What’s your name?” the little person standing off the road asked, cutting right to the chase.

“I’m Nikki. What’s your name?”

“Petra. I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.”

Nikki’s smile widened, knowing it would do no good to remind the child that she had initiated the conversation. Instead she said, “I think you’re very wise not to do that, but if your mom will let you, you can come and visit me. I live in the small house at the end of the road, beyond the picket fence.”

Nikki watched her eyes shift down the road and back to her before saying goodbye. She could almost feel the child’s eyes on her, but she didn’t look back; neither did the child speak again. Nikki walked swiftly all the way up the road and back. It wasn’t much of a workout, but it helped remove the webs from her mind and kinks from her neck. By the time she reached the big white house again, the child was gone, but Nikki thought about her as she went back to work, figuring she must have been about five or six, a little young for the books Nikki wrote, but still such a fun age.

Back at her desk, Nikki shifted her mind back onto the screen in front of her and read the last line of type. With that she was immersed in the story again and didn’t take a break until hours after dark.

“Hello,” the woman on the other end of the phone line offered tentatively, “I’m looking for Nikki Brinks.”

“This is Nikki Brinks.”

“Oh, Nikki, it’s Shelly Marks. Do you remember me?”

“Of course I do, Mrs. Marks. How nice to hear from you.” Shelly Marks was the mother of an old friend of Nikki’s, one who had gone to high school with her.

“Well, dear, I hope you’ll think so after I tell you why I called.”

She sounded so worried that Nikki chuckled softly. “What can I do for you?”

“It’s such late notice, Nikki, and I haven’t seen you for years. I’m just so afraid you’ll feel I’m taking advantage.”

“That’s nice of you, Mrs. Marks. I appreciate that, but if I can’t help, I’ll be the first to tell you.”

“You’ll be completely honest?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Well, it’s like this. You may remember that we have a small pet fair and contest every year, and, well, it’s tied into the town’s annual Maple Days celebration. Our vet, Dr. Borden, always does the judging, but the poor man has just been kicked by a cow and has broken his leg.”

“How painful. Is he going to be all right?”

“Yes, but he’ll be laid up for several days, and he’s in a good deal of pain.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Is the fair soon?” Nikki had had her nose to the grindstone and had not been reading the local paper.

“This Saturday.”

Today was Thursday, but Nikki didn’t have to look at her calendar to know she had nothing scheduled.

“It’s such late notice.” Mrs. Marks was still apologizing.

“As a matter of fact,” Nikki replied, “short notice is sometimes easier. What would you want me to do?”

“It’s just for fun, Nikki,” she began to explain. “The children bring their pets—we always see quite a variety—and you need to judge and award the first-, second-, and third-place ribbons.”

Nikki saw more than Mrs. Marks was saying. She didn’t have a pet when she was growing up, but there was a vague remembrance of this event. As arbiter, she would be expected to judge equally between dogs and goldfish, cats and pet turtles. It wasn’t impossible, just challenging. She did, however, have one question.

“Why me, Mrs. Marks?”

“Because many of the children love to read your books.” The older woman’s voice grew warm. “A few of the teachers told me they were ecstatic when they heard you’d moved back into town.”

There were times when Nikki was still surprised at how well-known her work was becoming, and this was one of them.

“Do you need to think about it, Nikki?” Mrs. Marks had misunderstood her silence. “I would understand.”

“Not this time, I don’t. I’d be glad to help out.”

“Wonderful.” The word was breathed with fervent relief. “The judging begins at one o’clock. Will that work for you?”

“Absolutely.”

The remainder of the conversation covered where the competition would be held and who would be there to assist her. Nikki took some notes, thinking it sounded like fun. As soon as the ribbons were awarded, her duties would be over. Nikki hung up, still thinking it sounded like an adventure but also a little curious as to just what she’d gotten herself into.

Pine Tree’s community center was a beautiful structure. Just five years old, it was a far cry from the small gymnasium they had used when Nikki was a child. A spiral of excitement filling her, Nikki climbed from her car and started toward the door. She walked down the hallway that led to the auditorium, already able to hear the sound of many voices and the occasional bark of a dog.

She opened the front door, stepped inside, and was delighted to see she’d been wrong about the organization. Animals and children were everywhere, but with a few moments of observation, she could see that there was some order. It looked as if small pets—turtles, mice, rats, and such—were lined up along the left wall. In front of the stage were the cats, and to the right were the dogs. Nikki stood taking it all in until she saw Shelly Marks headed her way.

“Nikki,” she called and then embraced her warmly. “Thank you for doing this.”

“It’s my pleasure. Where do I start?”

“Over here on the right with the dogs. You’ll need to pick ribbons for each group.”

“So in this first line I judge dogs only against dogs?”

“That’s right. We changed the old rule a few years back. Against the stage are bunnies and cats, and then on the left it varies widely. I will tell you that we do have a few extra ribbons, so we can do a tie if you really can’t decide. Anyone who doesn’t place in the top three receives a purple ribbon for participation. Oh, there’s my husband at the microphone now. He’s ready to get things started.” Nikki followed Mrs. Marks as she moved toward her spouse.

“Okay, folks, we’re ready to get started now. If I could have a little quiet, I’ll give you some instructions. Stay in line until our judge has seen all of the pets and dismisses your section with the raise of her hand.” Nikki watched Mr. Marks smile and glance her way and tried not to blush when it became clear that he was going to introduce her.

“For those of you who haven’t heard, I guess I should mention that Doc Borden is laid up with a broken leg, but Pine Tree’s own published author, Nikki Brinks, has agreed to fill in for us.” Mr. Marks paused. “We know Doc will be back with us next year, and we appreciate him, but it’s no contest as to which judge is prettier.”

As the room erupted with laughter and a few wolf whistles, Nikki felt herself go red from the neck up. She couldn’t stop herself from wondering how in the world she could have been tempted to move back.

“Okay, now,” barked Mr. Marks, restoring order. “After your section has been judged, you can move around some, but don’t bother the other animals that are still waiting for Nikki. Let’s all give Nikki a nice big welcome and get ready for a great time.”

When they applauded, Nikki waved her hand briefly and started toward the first dog in the line. The next 20 minutes passed in what felt like seconds. She watched dog tricks, heard the dogs’ names, and met all their owners. Nikki made notes on the pad Mrs. Marks had given her concerning every animal before moving on to the cats. Again she made notes as she met animals and owners alike. Doing her best not to look ahead, Nikki was surprised to come to the end of the second line and find her neighbor, a small rabbit in her arms.

“Well, Petra. I didn’t know you had a pet.”

The little girl nodded. “It’s a rabbit.”

“I see that. Does it have a name?”

“Fluffy,” Petra told her, and Nikki wrote the name on her pad.

“And what is your last name, Petra?”

“Swann.”

“Is the bunny a boy or a girl?” Nikki asked as she wrote.

“I think it’s a girl.”

Again, Nikki made note. “Do you take care of Fluffy yourself, Petra?”

She nodded and shifted the small scrap of gray fur a little closer to her chest. Nikki smiled at her, nothing unusual—she’d been smiling at children since she arrived—but this one was special.

Nikki asked a few more questions about Fluffy, thanked Petra, and then turned to go up the lefthand side of the room. The first pet was in a deep cardboard box on a small folding table. Nikki stepped up to the box, a smile on her face, but visibly started and gasped when she saw what was inside.

“A snake!” She tried to recover her smile, even as her skin crawled. “Your pet is a snake.”

“Yes,” the little boy standing behind the box spoke confidently. “His name is Brutus.”

“Brutus,” Nikki repeated, sounding winded even to her own ears. She took a moment to compose herself and forced her eyes into the box. A shiver ran over her, but she still asked the little boy’s name.

“Theo Swann. Petra is my sister.”

“Oh, how nice, Theo, uhm, tell me, what type of snake is Brutus?”

“He’s a ribbon snake.”

She wrote, but her hand shook noticeably. Again she made herself look into the box, and the snake chose that moment to slither his tongue out and move a little. Nikki felt transfixed with horror until she realized Theo was talking to her.

“He eats mice mostly, and I take care of him myself.”

Nikki nodded and made herself write. You’ve got to calm down, Dominique. Get a grip.

“How long have you had him?”

“About six months.”

Nikki glanced down to see the snake’s tongue come out again but made herself stay calm.

“How often do snakes stick their tongues out, Theo?” This time she really wanted to know.

Theo told her what he’d studied on the subject and gave a very thorough accounting. Nikki thanked him sincerely, made herself look once more, and moved on.

Had she but bothered to look, she might have noticed the man who stood in the corner between the children. His eyes had barely left her since she’d started the judging, and after watching her with the snake, he wanted to howl with laughter. But Nikki never did glance his way. She was too busy with the last part of the small-animal lineup.

At last the judging was finished. She completed her list and handed it to Mr. Marks.

“I have our winners,” he spoke into the mike. The crowd came forward in a bunch. “When your name is called, come up and Nikki will give you your ribbon. Everyone will receive a participation ribbon, but we’ll hand out the first-, second-, and third-place ribbons first. You all did a great job, and I’m proud of you.”

“Okay, for the dogs, third place goes to …”

The list was disposed of neatly. There was one tie among the dog ranks, and Nikki watched in pleasure as little faces lit up and families cheered. Telling herself it was just because they were her neighbors, she’d been watching Theo and Petra Swann. She felt her heart swell over Theo’s excitement about a blue ribbon, but she had to turn away from Petra’s tear-filled eyes when the little girl realized that Fluffy had not placed.

Mr. and Mrs. Marks rescued her by coming over to thank her for all her work. They pressed a schedule of events into her hands in case she hadn’t seen the weekend’s activities in The Sap, originally called the Saturday Afternoon Paper, and invited her to join them if she came to the barbecue that night. Nikki thanked them, not sure of her immediate plans.

She climbed back into her car, wondering when she’d ever worked so hard. It had been emotionally exhausting. Cute as Theo Swann was, his snake came back to mind, and she couldn’t stop the shudder. She started the car and went home, thinking she should probably get back to the computer for a few hours and then press her dress for church in the morning. After arriving home, however, she made the mistake of sitting in the overstuffed chair to sort through her mail. Too comfortable to move, she read her mail and dozed for the next hour, the computer forgotten.

Almost two weeks later, Nikki did a little dance as she watched the FedEx woman drive away. It always felt so satisfying to finish a book, especially if it was on time. She’d been asking the Lord to help her hold her focus for the last week, and by getting plenty of rest and keeping at it, she had gotten the job done. She now felt free to take a little time off, maybe a week or so. To start off, she decided to work in her yard. Winter would be upon her before she knew it, and although it was still warm, the air had the feeling of autumn. The trees were still holding their leaves, but the flowerbeds that had bloomed so lovely during midsummer were now dried out and ready to be cleared.

Nikki headed out to the garage for tools and started on the beds around the front door. She had a nice pile of debris in the wheelbarrow when she spotted the snake. For several seconds she was frozen with fear, but after a few moments of deep breathing, she slowly pushed off her knees and told herself to remain calm. She had no more hit the road, however, than she began to run. Tearing like a mad woman down the street, she shot onto the large porch of the huge white house and knocked as if her life depended on it.

The door wasn’t long in opening, and Nikki began to thoughtlessly babble as soon as she saw the man inside.

“Are you my neighbor?” Her chest heaved in her fear.

“Yes, may I—” he began, but got no further.

“A snake! It’s right by the house. I don’t know what to do; I just wanted to clear the plants and there it was, not big, but a snake! I don’t know what to do.”

“Let me get Theo,” the man managed to get in.

“What if it’s poisonous?”

“We’ll be careful.”

Leaving the door open, the man moved back inside. Nikki’s eyes went back to her house as if she could see the snake from there. Not two minutes passed before the man was back, both Theo and Petra with him.

“Hello, Nikki,” Petra said as if they were headed to a parade.

“There’s a snake” was all Nikki could say, her voice still breathless.

“Theo will get it,” she responded with confidence, following her father and brother off the porch. The man strode out confidently, the children with him, but Nikki hung back a little. In fact, they had to stop and wait for her at the picket fence.

“Where is it?” the man asked.

“There,” Nikki pointed. “To the left side of the porch.”

Theo stepped forward, and it took all Nikki had not to stop him.

“Here it is, Dad. It looks like a garter snake.”

“I think you’re right.” The man had gone up right behind him.

With a long pole that Nikki hadn’t even noticed before, Theo touched it. Nothing happened, so he tried again. Under his father’s watchful eyes, the little boy bent and lifted the snake in his hand. He carried it out toward Petra and Nikki. Nikki had to stop herself from stepping behind the little girl.

“It’s dead,” he said sadly.

“Oh.” Nikki was surprised. She didn’t know how she felt about that—a little sad because of Theo’s face, but relieved for herself.

“Well, thank you for checking for me. I’m sorry to have disturbed you.”

“Not at all,” the man replied, and Nikki finally looked at him. “I’m Dorian Swann, by the way.”

Nikki shook the large hand that was held out to her and introduced herself.

“Nikki Brinks.”

“You’re the writer.”

“Yes,” Nikki said, but her mind was wandering. “Did you say Dorian Swann?”

“Yes.”

“Are you the doctor?”

“Yes.”

Nikki nodded.

“Where have you heard the name?”

Nikki smiled. “When I first moved back, my mother wrote down all the emergency numbers to have by the phone; she listed yours as the doctor.”

Dorian smiled. “When you say moved back, do you just mean to Pine Tree or to this house?”

“To this house. I grew up here.”

“Then I could ask you who lived in my house?”

“Sure. There weren’t that many families.”

“We bought it from a man named Pike.”

“I didn’t know him,” Nikki began but then looked down to see Theo calmly holding the dead snake. She started in a way no one could miss.

“I’ll tell you what I want you to do, Theo,” his father spoke up kindly. “Why don’t you get the shovel and bury the snake in our backyard. Petra and I will stay here and help Nikki with her yard; you come back when you’re through.”

“All right.”

“I’m sorry,” Nikki murmured as soon as Theo was out of earshot. “For a moment I forgot about it, and then it was so close to me.”

“That’s fine, Nikki,” Dorian assured her. “Theo would think nothing of it. The kids’ babysitter doesn’t like Brutus, so Theo has learned to be sensitive.”

As soon as he said this, he turned to load a small pile of dead flowers into the wheelbarrow. He then picked up the rake and began to work around one of the bushes. Nikki went back to her knees, only a little bit watchful to see if the snake had a family.

“So which was the first family you remember living in our house?”

“That would be the Cavanaughs, Max and Eileen. They moved when I was about 10, maybe as old as 12. Then the house sat empty for about a year before Twitchells bought it. They were there until my last year of high school. I remember because their oldest daughter was crushed that we wouldn’t be graduating together.

“The Wilkinsons bought it from the Twitchells, but then I went off to college, and my mother was ready for a change. She sold our house and moved to Maine. After that I can’t tell you.”

“Actually,” Dorian said while he raked, “you filled in just about everyone. I know that Charles Brookwell built it in 1925, only lived in it a year, and then sold it to another family, but I couldn’t find any record between them and Wilkinsons.”

Wondering who else he’d asked, Nikki then wanted to know who lived at the end of the road now.

“A young couple,” Dorian told her. “Their last name is Ross, and they tell me they don’t know anyone around here.”

“You need to have coffee with one of the old-timers in town to get filled in.”

Dorian smiled. “I think you just called yourself old.”

Nikki laughed. “Some days I feel it.”

“It’s all done,” Theo proclaimed as he joined the group once again. “And we won’t even tell Mrs. Butram, because she’d rather not know.”

“Is Mrs. Butram your babysitter?” Nikki asked from her place on the ground.

“Well, she’s more Petra’s than mine, but she does the cooking and keeps the house clean. She’s nice, but she doesn’t like Brutus.”

Nikki smiled in understanding, all the time thinking it didn’t sound as if there was a mother in this household.

“We’re having soup tonight,” Petra told Nikki. The little girl was supposed to be putting little sticks in the wheelbarrow, but she was sitting on the porch steps staring at Nikki. “Do you want to have some with us?”

Nikki smiled at her but didn’t answer. She pushed to her feet and put her load of leaves and vines with the others. It was getting fairly full, so she lifted the handles and started around the back of the house, but Dorian stopped her to reiterate Petra’s question.

“We would like you to join us, Nikki.”

Nikki looked at him and then at the children who were watching her in anticipation.

“Brutus is in a cage,” Theo told her. “He can’t get out.”

Nikki’s heart melted, but she still asked of Dorian, “Are you certain? I know you weren’t planning on me.”

“We have plenty.”

Nikki met his eyes, and for a moment she couldn’t look away. She had felt his gaze on her from time to time but hated to read something that wasn’t there.

“I’d love to join you,” she said softly. “I baked a loaf of bread in my breadmaker this morning. May I bring that?”

“That’s fine,” Dorian answered as he came to take the handles from her. “Where to?”

“The burning barrel behind the garage.”

Nikki and the children followed, and all hands, large and small, helped empty everything into the can. They went back to the house as a group and finished the beds and bushes all the way around. Petra did more talking than working, but she was such a character that Nikki could only laugh.

“I want to see in your house,” she said at one point.

“Petra Swann.” Her father spoke softly but with a note the little girl did not miss.

“I’m sorry.”

“That’s all right, Petra. If your father says it’s okay, you may.”

Dorian shook his head. “We’ll see it some other time, Petra. We need to finish up here and head home to start dinner.”

“When are you coming, Nikki?” This came from Theo.

“When would you like me?”

“We usually eat at six o’clock.”

“I’ll come then, shall I?”

He nodded and smiled at her and left Nikki thinking what a special family they were.

“Thank you for all your help,” she said to the doctor as they readied to leave.

“You’re welcome. It looks as though you’re in pretty good shape for when the leaves start to fall.”

“Does everyone still rake and burn until we’re sick of the smoke?”

“I’m afraid so,” he said with a laugh. “We’ll see you in a few hours, okay?”

“Yes. Is there anything else I can bring?”

“Just yourself,” he said so softly that Nikki almost missed it. Again their eyes met, his very dark, almost black, and Nikki’s a light green. The doctor smiled suddenly and said goodbye. Nikki stayed where she was for a moment and then moved into the house. She took a shower, washed her hair, and worked on some things that had been waiting while she finished the book, but through it all her neighbors were not very far from her mind.

“You read my books, Theo?” Nikki asked several hours later as the children showed her their rooms.

“Oh, yes. They’re some of my favorites.”

“Theo,” Nikki sat on the edge of his bed, “do you suppose you could do me a huge favor?”

“I think so.”

“I just finished writing a book,” Nikki explained. “If you could read it and tell me what you think, I could know if it’s going to be a good story before it goes to print. Do you think your father would mind?”

“I don’t think so, but I could ask him.”

“That would be great. I would want you to give me your honest opinion.”

“All right,” he nodded congenially.

“You’ll let me know what your father says?”

“Yes.”

“Can you see my room now?”

Petra had come to the door, looking very much like a 5-year-old going on 15.

“Yes, I can,” Nikki answered her and rose. “Thank you for showing me your room, Theo. It looks great.”

“You’re welcome.”

Petra’s room was adorable, with a Noah’s ark theme that included a ceiling covered with clouds and wainscot paint that resembled the ocean filled with sea life. Nikki was captivated. Someone had gone to a lot of work, someone who painted very well.

“This is wonderful, Petra!”

“It’s Noah’s ark.”

“I see that. I like it,” Nikki told her, but the little girl just stared at her. It was so hard to know what she might be thinking. There was a keen intelligence in these children that Nikki found fascinating. They seemed very independent as well, but not distant or too grown up.

Theo wandered into his sister’s room at that point and asked Nikki about the book she’d just written. They were in a discussion over it when Dorian came up to tell them that dinner was ready. He waited for the children and Nikki to precede him down the stairs, but Nikki held back.

“Dr. Swann,” she began.

“Dorian,” he said softly.

Nikki nodded but looked preoccupied as she whispered, “Where is Brutus?”

The doctor’s voice was just as low. “In the basement.”

Relief covered her face. “Thank you.”

Dorian didn’t say anything but only stared at her. Nikki felt self-conscious.

“You think I’m foolish, don’t you?”

“Not in the least. Snakes are scary. I’ve never had a desire to have one, but Theo loves Brutus, and I can live with it.”

Nikki smiled at him. He was doing a fine job. His children were sweet and respectful, and she saw signs all over the house that Christ was preeminent.

“Shall we go down?” Dorian asked.

“Of course.” Nikki preceded him, and minutes later they all sat down to eat.

A game of Junior Monopoly followed dinner and kitchen cleanup. Nikki couldn’t remember when she’d had such a good time. The game very much followed the “luck” of the cards, and of all things, Petra won. She didn’t seem overly boastful or surprised, and Theo informed Nikki that Petra won quite often.

As the children put the game away, Dorian made an announcement. “I’m going to walk Nikki to her door, and I want you guys to get ready for bed—pj’s, teeth, everything. Once you’ve seen to all of that, you can wait for me in the living room.”

The children bid Nikki goodnight and moved to obey their father. Petra even hugged Nikki before leaving the room. Dorian locked the front door as they left, and as soon as they hit the stairs, his guest spoke.

“You have wonderful children.”

“I think so,” Dorian said softly, “but then I’m biased.”

“Well, I’m not, and I can assure you, they’re very special.”

“They like you too.”

“Good. They really are welcome to visit whenever they like. If I’m in the middle of something, I’ll be very honest about my time.”

“Thank you. I’ll make sure they know.”

“Thank you for a wonderful evening and the help with the yard.”

“You’re welcome. We’ll probably see you on Sunday.”

“Yes,” Nikki smiled warmly at him. “Goodnight, Dorian.”

“Goodnight, Nikki.”

Nikki let herself in the door, waving just before she shut and locked it. Dorian made his way home to put his children to bed. Nikki settled down with a book. Both were still wishing they’d had more time to get to know one another.

“Hey, buddy, what are you doing up?”

It was much later that night, long past time for Theo to be asleep, but he was downstairs looking for his father, who was reading in the living room.

“I can’t sleep.”

Since this was totally unlike Theo, Dorian set his book aside. Theo climbed into his lap, and Dorian wrapped his arms around his son.

“What’s up?”

“I can’t stop thinking about Nikki.”

Dorian looked down at the young image of his own face.

“I don’t think she’s the type to leave, Dad,” the little boy said. “I don’t think she would ever leave.”

Dorian lay his forehead against Theo’s and sighed.

Would this little boy ever forget the way his mother had left them? Would he ever look at other women and not compare them to Crystal Swann, who wanted out of motherhood so badly that she couldn’t get away fast enough?

“I think maybe you’re a little ahead of the game, Theo,” Dorian said gently. “I just met Nikki today.”

“I know, but she’s the first one you’ve ever asked to dinner. Usually Petra gets in trouble for doing that, and today you let her.”

“Nikki is our neighbor, Theo.”

Theo’s look was old beyond his years. Dorian wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d laughed in disbelief, but he only looked at his father in skepticism.

“I like Nikki,” Dorian said gently, “but that’s all I’m willing to say on the subject, okay?”

“Okay.” Theo’s dark head nodded. “I just wanted to make sure you noticed how nice she was and that she seemed to like us too.”

Dorian pressed a kiss to Theo’s temple and held him close. “Thank you, Theo. Do you think you can sleep now?”

“Yeah. I think so.”

Dorian carried his precious son to bed and decided to retire himself. He had to work the next day, but even telling himself that didn’t help. It was very late before sleep came.

“Well, now, Michelle,” Dorian said to the 11-year-old who was waiting for him in one of the exam rooms. “How is the ankle?”

“It feels pretty good. I hope the cast can come off.”

Dorian moved toward the X rays which were clipped on light boxes mounted on the wall. “We’ll just have a look and see. Your mom’s not with you today?”

“She is, but there was some insurance paper she had to fill out. She said she’d be in as soon as she was done.”

“This looks good,” Dorian spoke as he studied the film. “See, here’s the old X ray and here’s today’s. I think that cast can come off.” The doctor turned with a smile when he said this, and that’s when he spotted the book in Michelle’s hand.

“You’re reading a Dominique Brinks.”

“Yeah.” Michelle’s eyes lit up. “She came to speak to our class last week.”

“Theo told me.”

“She even signed this for me.” Michelle displayed the signature with pride. “And Theo’s reading one of her books, one that hasn’t even been published yet. Isn’t that cool?”

“Yes, it is.”

“He thinks it’s her best yet.”

Dorian smiled and turned to the door when Michelle’s mother came in. The next 20 minutes were spent finishing up the appointment, and Dorian was glad it was not more complicated. He was having a hard time concentrating.

“I brought my horse to show you.” Petra began the conversation from Nikki’s front step. She didn’t bother with a greeting but picked things up just where she and Nikki had left off two days before.

“Oh, Petra, I’m so glad. It’s a wonderful horse.” Nikki croaked these words out, her head pounding. “But I have a terrible cold, so I don’t think you should come in.”

“Oh, all right. I’ll come back tomorrow.”

She left without saying another word, and Nikki felt too awful to say anything about a visit the next day. Still trying to convince herself that it wasn’t that bad, Nikki went back to the living room sofa. She should have been in bed, but that would have been admitting defeat. Crawling beneath the quilt, she closed her eyes and prayed that her mother would drop in for another surprise visit.

“What are we going to get Theo for his birthday?” Petra wanted to know that night at the supper table.

“I don’t know. Have you asked Theo?”

“We can’t do that,” she said with five-year-old logic. “Then he’ll know.”

That Theo was sitting at the table with them did not seem to occur to Petra.

“Well, Pet, since Theo’s birthday is at the end of November, I think we have a little bit of time.”

“Can we invite Nikki to the party?”

“I don’t know. And in truth, it’s up to Theo if Nikki comes. Like I said, Petra, we have time to decide.”

“I think it would be fun if Nikki came,” Theo put in in his sensible manner.

“She can’t.” Petra could change tracks faster than anyone could keep up.

“Why?” her brother wished to know.

“She has a cold.”

Dorian was suddenly all ears, but his voice was as calm as always. “When did you see her, Petra?”

“Today. She liked my horse, but she said I shouldn’t come in.”

Dorian finished his meal in silence, but he was already making plans. It was Petra’s night to help with dishes, but she was painfully slow, so Dorian did most of them. He then told the children to get their coats on. He slipped a can of chicken soup into his medical bag and led the way down the street.

For a time no one answered the door, and the young doctor realized he’d taken a five-year-old’s word about Nikki’s being sick. He was just about to check the garage for her car when he heard the turn of the deadbolt.

“Dorian,” Nikki managed in a surprised croak.

“Petra said you were ill.”

“Just a cold.”

Dorian looked at her. Knowing some of the different bugs that were being passed around the schools, he strongly suspected that this was more than a cold. “May we come in?”

“Of course; I just didn’t want you to catch anything.”

“You probably caught this from one of the children at school, which probably means that we are already immune to it,” Dorian said as he came in the door.

Nikki, who was cold all over again, went back to the sofa and was followed by her visitors. She sat down and watched as Dorian sat opposite her on the oak coffee table. Having been in the house several times, the children knew the way and wandered off to see her office full of cartoons.

“Here you go.” Dorian handed her a thermometer. He waited until she’d stuck it in her mouth and then reached for her wrist. Blood pressure was next, and then it was time to consult the thermometer.

“Over 102º,” he murmured softly before his hands went up to check the glands in her throat. “Headache?”

“Yes, and so cold. About an hour ago my ear started to hurt.”

Dorian stared at her and said softly, “I don’t suppose you thought to call me.”

“I knew you’d be out of the office by now.”

“I live up the street,” he reminded her in a low voice.

“I think you must have better things to do than pay house calls to pesky neighbors.”

Again Dorian only stared at her before saying, “You couldn’t be more wrong.”

Nikki closed her eyes. “Please don’t scold me, Dorian. I feel awful.”

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “Let’s have a look at those ears.”

While this exam was underway, Petra wandered back in and sat close to the writer.

“Does it hurt, Nikki?”

“Yes, Petra,” she answered with her eyes closed.

“My dad will fix you.”

Nikki managed a small smile.

“Both of your ears are infected,” Dorian sat back and stated.

“Both?”

“Yes, the right is worse than the left.” He was reaching into his bag. “Are you allergic to any medications, Nikki?”

“No.”

Dorian took something from the bag. “I want you to take one of these now and one before bed. It’s amoxicillin. There’s enough in this envelope for morning and noon tomorrow, and when I come home I’ll bring the rest of your prescription.” Dorian stood. “I’ll get you some water.”

Nikki shut her eyes until he returned and then obediently swallowed the pill he gave her.

“Have you had anything to eat today?” the doctor wanted to know.

Nikki looked at him. “I had some yogurt, but I couldn’t taste it, so I gave up.”

“I brought a can of soup. The kids and I will heat it for you.”

Nikki thanked him and watched him walk from the room. It took her a moment to realize that Petra was still with her, those dark eyes watching her with concern.

“Do you feel better now, Nikki? Did the medicine help?”

“Not yet, Petra, but I’m sure it will.”

The little girl nodded and put her hand on Nikki’s arm. If Nikki had felt more like herself, she’d have taken her hand. Not long afterward, Theo and Dorian came with a mug of soup and a large glass of apple juice. They sat with Nikki while she ate most of the soup and then rose to put their coats back on. Dorian wrote something on a piece of paper and left it on the table.

“This is our home phone. If you need anything or start to feel worse, call me, even if you just want to talk about your symptoms.”

Nikki nodded. “Thank you.”

Dorian watched her, hating to leave but knowing he had no choice. “I’ll be back tomorrow as soon as I can get away, no later than about six o’clock.”

“Okay.”

Nikki stood long enough to be certain the doors were all locked and then gave up. A double ear infection! It was time to admit she was sick and go to bed.

Nikki didn’t feel much better in the morning, but late as it was, almost eleven o’clock, she still made herself get up, shower, and dress. Refusing to return to bed, she headed for the living room sofa and put in a video. Nikki was usually strict with herself about watching Christmas movies out of season—the holidays were more special if she saved them until at least Thanksgiving—but today she was in need of a dose of White Christmas. She kept the sound very low and dozed off before the movie ended. She woke to someone knocking at the door. It was Mrs. Butram; Petra was behind her.

“Hello, Nikki,” she spoke kindly, her arms full. “Petra and I have brought you a little something to eat.”

“Oh, Mrs. Butram, how nice.”

Nikki held the door open wide and tried to stay on her feet. The stuffiness of her ears made her feel as if the room were spinning.

“Go back to your seat, Nikki,” the older woman ordered, sizing up the situation. “We’ll take this to the kitchen and then bring you a nice hot bowl of soup.”

Nikki thought she smelled food, but she couldn’t be certain; her head felt as though it was stuffed with cotton. She sat back down on the living room sofa, and a few moments later Mrs. Butram materialized carrying a tray which held a mug of soup, some tiny muffins, and hot tea.

“Oh, my,” Nikki croaked. “How nice.”

“This is my mother’s recipe for colds,” the older woman informed her. “She swears by it.”

“It looks wonderful,” Nikki said as she took a sip. She looked up in surprise. “I can taste it.”

“That’s the dill. Now you drink as much as you can and rest all day today. By tomorrow you’ll be feeling much more the thing.”

Nikki smiled at her and then looked down at Petra, who had drawn close.

“My dad is bringing you medicine.”

“Yes. Isn’t that nice of him?”

Petra nodded. “He’ll fix you.”

The adults in the room shared a smile.

“Adores him, this one does,” Mrs. Butram said softly, and Nikki’s eyes went back to the little girl who was still watching her in concern. When she felt better she would have to plan a tea party or something equally fun just for the two of them.

The visitors weren’t long in staying, but Nikki thought about their visit for a long time. “Adores him” had been the babysitter/housekeeper’s words. The writer’s mind went back to the Swanns’ visit the night before and how kind the doctor had been. Without much effort, Nikki found it very easy to believe that Petra adored her father.

One week later Nikki knocked on the Swanns’ door and waited. It didn’t take long for the young man of the household to answer.

“Hi, Theo, you’re just the person I want to see. Do you have time to talk about the book?”

“Sure. Come on in.”

Nikki stepped in the door, notepad in hand. The whole house smelled as if Mrs. Butram had been baking. Nikki followed Theo into the living room and sat when he did. She could see Petra coloring at the kitchen table, but other than a brief wave, she seemed unaware of the two in the living room.

“Should I tell Mrs. Butram that I’m here, Theo?”

“She’s already left.”

“Your dad then?”

“He’s not home just yet. A few days a week we have time in between.”

“Oh, all right. Should I come back when your dad gets home?”

“No, this is fine. I can’t open the door to just anyone, but we know you.”

“Okay,” Nikki nodded, taking it all in. Feeling protective all of a sudden, she had to remind herself that she’d come on business. “Did you have a chance to finish the book, Theo?”

“Yes, and—”

“Theo,” Nikki cut him off. “I want to say something before you do, okay?”

The little boy nodded.

“Just because I’m your neighbor—just because you know me—doesn’t mean you have to be easy on me. I want you to give your honest opinion. If you like some of the book, none of the book, or all of the book, I want you to tell me. If there were certain points that confused you, or were not well-written, you need to tell me. Don’t worry about my having hurt feelings or being upset. I won’t be. Okay?”

“Okay.” Theo would have gone on, but Nikki opened her pad and poised her pen.

“Are you going to take notes?” he asked.

“Yes. That way I can remember the changes I need to make.”

Theo nodded but then said very honestly, “I liked it. I especially liked Brad. He was cool and really brave.”

Nikki nodded, feeling very pleased.

“And what about the whole mystery—was it believable? Do you think it could have really happened?”

Before he could answer, a door opened somewhere in the kitchen, and Petra’s voice could be heard greeting her father. A sudden flush coming to her face, Nikki stood. By the time Dorian made the front room, she looked ready to bolt.

“Well, hello,” he said kindly, and Nikki felt her face grow very red.

“I’m sorry to intrude. You must be ready to eat dinner. I’ll come back later.”

Dorian watched her for a moment and then looked to his son.

“We’re talking about the book,” Theo explained.

“Great.” Dorian sat down as if he had all the time in the world. “I’m eager to hear all of Theo’s comments too.”

Nikki slowly sat back down, her face still hot. She studied the notepad in front of her as though she’d written down the secrets of life and worked to gather her composure.

“You were asking me if I thought the mystery was real?”

“That’s right.” Nikki looked up and smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Theo. What did you think?”

“It was very real, but I didn’t understand how Brad got out of the cave.”

Nikki made a wry face. “I wondered about that when I wrote it.” The writer’s face became thoughtful. “Did you understand the cave had a rear entrance?”

“No,” Theo’s brows rose. “I don’t remember that.”

Nikki’s shake of the head was directed at herself.

“That’s because I didn’t do a good job explaining the layout.”

“Where was that part?”

“Do you have the manuscript handy?”

“In my room, I’ll get it.”

Theo ran up the stairs that led up from the front door, and Nikki looked over to find Dorian smiling at her. For some reason the smile reminded her of the paper in her pocket.

“I didn’t think I would see you,” she said as she reached for the blank check. “I signed this and left you a note asking you to fill in the amount. But now I’ll just give it to you.”

Nikki stood, took a few steps across the room and held the check out to him, but Dorian only stared at it.

“What is it for?”

“The medicine.”

He dismissed it with a hand. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to have to take care of it.”

Dorian only shook his head as Theo came back into the room.

“Here it is,” the little boy said.

Nikki stuffed the check back into her pocket, turned, and took the stack of papers from Theo’s hands. She found the place they needed, and with heads bent together, they studied the chapter for the next ten minutes. Nikki made notes in the margin of the page, seeming pleased with the changes.

“Anything else?”

Theo shook his head. “I don’t think so. It was a good book, Nikki. Maybe even my favorite.”

Nikki sighed. “I can’t tell you what a help you’ve been, Theo.”

“Why was it such a help?”

“Because you’re the right age for this book. My editor reads it, and different people at the publishing house read it, but I don’t have any kids who can look it over and give me their feedback. Kids read my books, so input from someone your age is the most valuable thing to me.”

Theo smiled. She had a way of making him feel so good. And he had liked the book. It was a great story. It had been so cool the way she’d told his whole class that he’d agreed to read it for her. He’d been a little bit embarrassed, but when everyone found out Dominique Brinks was his neighbor and thought that was cool, his embarrassment faded. And besides that, she was just Nikki: not a writer, but a neighbor who was really nice and seemed just right for his dad.

“I’d like to take you to lunch some time, Theo,” Nikki said as she stood. “We’ll set a date one of these days and go to Camden’s for sandwiches and ice cream. Would you like that?”

“Yeah!”

“Great. That will be my thanks to you. We’ll do it real soon.”

Theo’s smile was infectious, and Nikki thought if she knew him better, she’d have given him a hug.

“I’d better go,” she said with a smile that encompassed both the older and younger Swann without having to look directly at Dorian. “Thanks again, Theo, and thank you again, Dorian, for the medicine. I’ll see you later.”

They both saw her to the door, and as before, Nikki was very aware of the doctor’s eyes on her. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking but knew there was no way to find out. She speculated on it all the way through her own evening meal and even as she readied for bed. She had just picked up the book she was reading when the phone rang.

“Did I call too late?” Dorian’s voice sounded in her ear, and Nikki had to breathe deeply at the pleasure that ran through her.

“No, not at all. I was going to read for a while.”

“I wanted to thank you for what you said to Theo. You can’t believe how excited he was that you valued his opinion.”

“It’s I who owe the thanks, Dorian. He was a huge help. When the galleys come, I can make the changes or even fax them in ahead of time.”

“The galleys are what you proof before the book goes to print, right?”

“Yes. I should have them in a few weeks.”

“When does this book come out?”

“January.”

“And the cover, do you work on that as well?”

“I have input, but artwork is not my strong point, so I leave a lot of that up to my publisher.”

Before they knew it, an hour had passed, the conversation ranging far. Dorian told her about the book he was reading to the kids before they went to bed each night, and for some reason that led to the way his hours worked and who his partners were. Nikki had questions about his hospital and clinic work, and he asked her about her family and more about the way she got started as a writer. It was after 10:30 before they hung up, but it was as if they never left off. Waiting at night until the kids were in bed and things were settled, Dorian called six times in the next ten days.

The end of October brought cold weather and lots of sunshine. The days were shorter, but Nikki was still accomplishing much. She had been writing steadily since she recovered from her ear infections, and she knew it was time for a day off. She planned to spend it in the kitchen, baking, putting together her menu for November, writing letters, and catching up on small, fun jobs. She knew it would be a nice change from her desk work, especially with no deadline breathing down her neck.

The baking was first, and Nikki saw very soon that she would need a trip to the grocery store in town. Making a quick list, she checked her purse for keys and wallet, and walked to the garage. She moved down the street, her mind already wandering the aisles of Patron’s Market. She was almost to the Swann home before she spotted Petra playing in the street. Nikki stopped the car and rolled the passenger window down.

“Petra,” Nikki called to her and waited for her to approach. Nikki’s small car put their faces on a closer level.

“Hi, Nikki.”

“Hi, Petra. I wonder if maybe you shouldn’t play in the street.”

“Why not?” she asked sincerely, and as usual, Nikki had to smile; Petra had that effect on her.

“You might get hit by a car.”

Petra’s confused brow relaxed. “That’s all right; my dad’s a doctor.”

She had Nikki this time. There wasn’t a thing she could find to say. The blonde writer just stared down at Petra’s adorable, confident little face and found herself speechless.

“Are you going to town, Nikki?”

“Yes,” the older female answered absently. “I’ve got to go to the grocery store.”

“I’m playing.”

Nikki nodded, still trying to recover. “Well, have a good time.”

“Thank you,” Petra said and skipped off on her merry way. Nikki drove on, a small shake to her head. Petra’s logic was probably normal for a five-year-old, but Nikki had little contact with children, so she found the little girl quite amusing. She chuckled to herself as she completed her list and even knew what she would say to Petra if she saw her again, but the little girl was out of sight when Nikki returned home.

Nikki paced next to the phone in her kitchen and told herself she shouldn’t. Stopping many times to stare at it, she even reached for it one time but pulled her hand back.

Just because he’s called a few times doesn’t mean he wants you calling him. Maybe he’s having a hard time putting the kids down. You can presume, Nikki, and you know that. But the talk didn’t do much for her heart. She still desperately wanted to call Dorian Swann and tell him about her brief conversation with Petra. He was sure to think it was fun. Nikki had just about given up when the phone rang. She took a deep breath, reminding herself it could be anyone, and lifted the receiver.

“How was your day?” It was the way he always started, and Nikki’s smile, had he but seen it, was huge.

“Great. I was hoping you would call.”

“You were?” He sounded very pleased.

“Yes. I spoke with your daughter this morning and got the quote of the day.”

“What did she say?” She could hear the smile in his voice.

Nikki filled him in and smiled when she heard him laugh on the other end; it was a hushed laugh and she knew the kids must be settled in bed.

“She’s so funny, Dorian, and she doesn’t even try.”

“You’re certainly right about that. She’s decided that you need a pet, by the way, so the discussion around the table tonight was all about that.”

“What pet did she decide on?”

“I think the last one under consideration was a white rat.”

Nikki made a noise that told Dorian she was shuddering, and he laughed all over again.

“I don’t suppose you want to come down to the porch and visit for a while,” he said suddenly, his voice soft and inviting. It was the first time he’d ever asked her to do more than speak on the phone.

It was Nikki’s turn to chuckle. “I don’t have that many coats.”

“You could wear your snowmobile suit.”

“I don’t have a snowmobile suit.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes. I’ve never needed one.”

“Well, you do now. We have two sleds, and we’ll have snow before you know it.”

“Sounds fun.”

“It is fun, so you better get the proper clothing.”

Nikki knew an invitation when she heard it, and again her smile was huge and her heart felt as light as a balloon. As with the other nights, they talked for at least an hour. She had never had a relationship like this. When she saw Dorian at church or on the street, she felt shy and a little tongue-tied, but on the phone they were able to talk about anything. She already knew that he was a wonderful man, and the way he loved his children was causing Nikki to fall in love with him.

Dorian’s feelings were on the same path. After he hung up the phone, he sat for a long time and thought about his neighbor. He’d not been searching for another wife, but right now he would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit that Nikki certainly seemed to fit the bill. She was so special, so full of life and caring. Lately he was having a hard time keeping his mind on anything but her. He finally took himself off to bed, but he fell asleep as he always did when they talked, their conversation still going through his mind.

Halloween fell on a Tuesday. Although Nikki had seen advertisements for candy in the market’s newspaper ad, the day almost passed before she remembered what day it was. Living on such a quiet, dead-end street on the outskirts of town gave her little reason to plan. However, there were still Theo and Petra. She could not and would not want to forget them.

It was coming onto four o’clock when she put together a plate of cookies and headed down the street. Darkness was falling fast. The days were shorter now, and the very air smelled of winter. Nikki’s mittened hand knocked on the door, and even though she could see lights inside, she had to knock a second time before the door was answered.

“Hi, Theo,” Nikki began enthusiastically but cut off when she saw his face. “Everything okay?”

“No,” he said softly.

“Can I do anything?”

The little boy shrugged, looking miserable. Nikki peeked around the door and saw the cause of the problem. Petra was standing in the middle of the coffee table, her costume on but not in place. Obviously a hand-me-down of some sort, it hung from one shoulder and drooped at the waist. The little girl in question was just barely holding her tears.

“May I come in, Theo?”

He nodded and stepped back, closing the door behind her.

Nikki slipped the cookie plate onto the first available surface and approached the little girl. Huge tears seemed to do the impossible as they filled Petra’s lower lids but did not spill. Her chin quivered uncontrollably.

“Well, now.” Nikki’s voice was gentle. “It looks as if you could use a pin here and there.”

Petra made no reply.

“Mrs. Butram gone already?” Nikki asked, but the little girl remained mute. Nikki looked behind her to see Theo nod. It was only then that she realized he was already in his own costume; she thought he might be Zorro or Robin Hood but was afraid to ask. She turned back to the little girl. Dilapidated as the costume was, Nikki was quite certain she was supposed to be a princess.

“I think what we need here are a few tucks.” Nikki’s voice became suddenly businesslike. She glanced down to see a sewing basket lying on the sofa and began to go through it. She found thread and needle and a few large pins.

Nikki gently turned Petra until her back was to her and began to gather the excess material. It wouldn’t look all that great in the back, but at least the front would fit. Nikki was vaguely aware of Theo taking a chair to watch, but she said nothing to either child until she turned Petra to the front again and began working on the waist.

“I was a princess one year for Halloween,” Nikki mentioned conversationally, her eyes still on her hands. “I decided to do my own costume and made a horrible mess of it. My mother had offered to help, but I wanted to do it. When it was all over, she ended up making me a beautiful costume, but when I smiled and danced around in delight because I thought I looked so pretty, she reminded me that the costume didn’t tell anyone what I was like inside.

“She reminded me of the verse that tells us that people look at the outside but God looks on the heart. I needed to hear that. I had been so angry about my costume and not at all nice to my mother when she first tried to help, and I knew that even though I looked like a princess on Halloween night, my heart was black with selfishness and sin.”

For the first time Nikki let her eyes meet Petra’s. That little girl was watching her intently as Nikki knew she had been the whole time.

“Do you understand what I’m talking about, Petra?”

The little girl nodded. “I was angry at Theo.”

“Were you?”

“Yes. I need to tell him I’m sorry.”

Nikki smiled at her and drew her tenderly into her arms. Petra hugged her in return.

Watching them from the kitchen, Dorian felt his throat close. I never dreamed of the way You would provide, Lord. Never in my wildest imaginations would I have thought someone like Nikki Brinks would move next door. I don’t know what You have for us, Father, but I pray that You’ll show us. She’s so special, and the children care for her already.

Dorian stopped when he realized Nikki was staring at him. He let his eyes hold hers but fought the urge to cross the room and take her in his arms as she’d done with Petra.

“Your father’s here,” he saw more than heard her say. The children went to him, and Nikki held her place. She watched him bend over and hug them and then speak quietly for their ears alone. Theo moved deeper into the kitchen then, but Petra came back to the living room.

“Thank you, Nikki,” she said as soon as she stopped in front of her.

“You’re welcome, Petra. You look very nice.”

“I have to talk to Theo now.”

“All right.”

While Nikki watched Petra go, Dorian took the princess’ place. He stood very close and looked down into Nikki’s eyes.

“Thank you,” he murmured softly.

Nikki’s smile was warm as she looked up at him.

“Come with us tonight,” he urged, his voice low. “We’re going into town for a little while to trick-or-treat. Please come.”

“All right.”

“We’ll pick you up in about an hour, unless you want to eat with us.”

“I have something in the oven at home, but I’ll be ready when you come.”

Another few seconds passed before either of them moved.

“I’d better go,” Nikki said with obvious reluctance.

“Okay.” Dorian walked her to the door and thanked her one more time. Nikki could only assure him that the pleasure had been hers. The doctor eventually went back to the children, and Nikki walked back up the street to ready for trick-or-treating. The cookies, her reason for her visit in the first place, were completely forgotten.

Four days later on Saturday evening, Nikki got into the front seat of Dorian’s car and greeted the children in the back, much as she had Halloween night. They’d covered some 30 homes on Halloween, treat bags in hand, and afterward Dorian had asked Nikki to go out with him on the weekend. She had gladly accepted. What she hadn’t expected was that the children would be joining them. She didn’t comment, however, and indeed, felt very much like laughing. She had dressed in her best, taking great pains with her hair, makeup, and nails—all, she assumed, to spend the evening in a family restaurant. She wasn’t put off, only amused at herself and a bit confused. She was even more so when Dorian went the four miles into town only to turn up the street into a residential neighborhood.

“We’re staying overnight with Mrs. Butram,” Petra informed her when the car glided smoothly to the curb.

“You are? How nice,” Nikki turned and smiled. “Have you stayed here before?”

“A few times,” Theo filled in. “She has a nice dog, and Mr. Butram plays games with us.”

“I hope you have a great time.”

“Bye, Nikki,” Petra called, climbing from the back. Theo waved, and Nikki kept her seat until Dorian returned. He turned to her the moment he slipped behind the wheel, a wide smile on his face.

“You thought the kids were joining us, didn’t you?”

Nikki laughed. “Yes. I thought I’d misunderstood you and dressed all wrong.”

His smile was still in place as he put the car into gear and moved down the road. They didn’t say much as he drove almost 20 miles to a restaurant in Montpelier, but as soon as they sat down across from each other, the words just flowed.

“How was your day?” he asked.

“Busy, but good. I feel as though I got a lot done. How about yours?”

“It started with a birth. I delivered twins at 5:30 this morning,” Dorian announced with a smile.

“Twins.” Nikki’s voice dropped with wonder. “How are all three of them doing?”

“Just great. It’s a first delivery, so everything was new and special.”

“Two boys …?” Nikki prompted.

“A boy and a girl, both dark-haired and howling with great health.”

“That’s wonderful, but you must be tired.”

“I was tired. I was tired when Petra decided she needed every stuffed animal she owned with her at the Butrams’ tonight, and also when Theo said he’d forgotten to feed Brutus, but as soon as I saw you in that dress, the fatigue suddenly lifted.”

Nikki smiled at the compliment, thinking Dorian looked wonderful too. His suit was a medium shade of navy and his shirt a bright white. The tie at his throat was a subtle red and blue stripe that only accentuated his aquiline features, still brown from the summer.

“You’re Greek, aren’t you, Dorian?” Nikki asked suddenly.

He eyed her in speculation. “What was the giveaway, my nose or the black hair and eyes?”

“Your name and the children’s names were the first things I noticed.”

Dorian nodded. “My mother is Greek, and when I was first married, my wife loved my Greek name and the idea of naming our first son Theodore.” He hadn’t planned to talk about Crystal, but it seemed the right time to add, “but that, along with everything else in our marriage, soon lost all appeal for her.”

“Where is she, Dorian?” Nikki asked gently.

“I don’t know right now,” he admitted. “In the last five years, I’ve seen her only twice: the day she left the children and me and the day she showed up with her lawyer, asking me to sign divorce papers.”

Nikki felt a sting behind her eyes just at the thought of what he’d gone through. Her look was compassionate, but she stayed quiet so the man across from her could share.

“She never wanted to move to Vermont, but I didn’t know that until we’d been here a year. I knew everything was not fine, but most of the time she wouldn’t talk to me. Now I’m able to see so many things I could have done better, but at the time I plodded along the best I could. For a while she agreed to meet with our pastor every week. I thought we were making headway, but then she found out she was pregnant with Petra, and you’d have thought I asked her to give up her life. She was inconsolable. She stopped taking care of Theo, and I feared that she would take her own life or even the baby’s.

“Petra wasn’t 48 hours old when I came to the hospital and found Crystal dressed and ready to leave. There was no talking to her. She called a cab and left, not even returning home for her things. I took my baby daughter home alone, and Theo and I picked out her name. I nearly lost my practice in the year after that, trying to take care of the kids and see to my patients at the same time. Then when Petra was two, Crystal showed up and wanted to see me. She came to the office so the kids weren’t there, and since I’d been given two years to think about it, I knew what I would do.

“I asked her if she was willing to work on the marriage. I told her I loved her and still wanted us to share our lives. She wanted none of it. I questioned her several times—several different ways. I had to be sure. When I was positive it was over in her heart, I signed the papers.

“I’ll never forget that day. I don’t know how I finished my rounds; it had to have been the Lord. I made myself tell Theo that evening at bedtime, and although he cried a little, he was very brave. I wasn’t brave at all. I cried the entire evening and again when I talked to Pastor Andersen.

“But all was not black,” he shared softly. “I grew more spiritually that year than I had my whole life. I was forced to lean on the Lord and be in His Word in a way I never had before. I know that God works all things together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose, and He’s been the One to help me move on. I feel no anger or bitterness, only a deep desire to be there for my kids and show them a better way.”

“Thank you for telling me, Dorian.”

“It’s important that you know, Nikki,” he told her seriously, his eyes on hers. “Don’t misunderstand what I’m about to say next, but there were things that Crystal never told me. It can’t be that way between husband and wife or two people who are thinking about marriage.”

“I quite agree with you,” Nikki said, not put off at all. “I have a friend in New York who told me she’d met the man of her dreams, but he wasn’t ready to have her meet his family or to talk about his past. Yet she was sure he was the one. I told her outright that she could be walking into a world of hurt. I’m thankful that her family felt the same way and that she listened to us. She’s still getting to know him, but there’s been no more talk of marriage.”

“You were a good friend to tell her the truth.”

Nikki nodded. “I’m still trying to figure out how good of a friend you are,” Nikki suddenly said with a teasing glint in her eye.

“How’s that?”

“Well, you’ve asked me to dinner but waved the waiter on three times. I’m starving, Dorian.”

He smiled. “I knew you were going to be opinionated.”

Nikki chuckled. “I’m taking lessons from your daughter.”

Dorian found this highly amusing but still got the point. Their dinner orders were given and their salads delivered just a short time later. It was a fabulous evening. They dined and talked until very late and then slowly drove back to the street where they lived. Once outside Nikki’s house, they sat in the car and talked for two more hours. They both knew it was going to be tough to get up in the morning for church, but both agreed it would be worth it.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s came and went, and in those weeks Nikki and Dorian talked on the phone or saw each other nearly every day. Nikki flew to be with Tim and her mother for Christmas, but they drove her back and were able to meet Dorian and the children. Both were very impressed with the family and could see for themselves what Nikki had written in letters: Nikki and Dorian were very much in love. Dorian’s family was scheduled to visit at the end of January, and all were looking forward to it. But before that time, there was a lot of Vermont winter to be enjoyed.

It was during this time, a snowy day about the middle of that month, that Dorian, Nikki, and the kids ventured out on the snowmobiles. They had gone two other times during the season, but now there was more snow. Nikki rode behind Theo, and Petra held on tightly to the back of Dorian on the first sled. Nikki loved it, feeling that she could go for miles. For her, the time to head back and warm up by the fire in the Swanns’ living room came all too soon. But Petra’s cold little hands gave them no choice.

Back at the house, the fire and hot chocolate were just what was needed, and the kids even volunteered to see to the microwave popcorn. While they were out of the room, Dorian picked up Nikki’s hand and kissed the back before entwining their fingers.

“Pastor asked me a question this morning.”

Nikki took her gaze from their hands, his so dark and hers so fair, to look at him. “About?”

“Us.”

She studied Dorian’s eyes for a moment. They were normally so expressive, compassionate, and kind in the extreme, but right now she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

“What exactly did he ask you?”

“He wanted to know if we would be joining the marriage class soon.”

“And what did you tell him?”

“I said I would have to ask you.”

Nikki’s heart beat against her ribs until she thought they would break, but excited as she was, one thing was holding her back. She glanced over her shoulder to see if the kids were ready to join them, but they were still occupied. Her eyes went back to Dorian, a worried frown creasing her brow. She opened her mouth to speak, but the doctor cut in.

“Did I mention to you that Theo gave his snake away?”

Nikki blinked. “No,” she said softly.

“He did.” Dorian’s voice was conversational, but his eyes kept track of Nikki’s every move. “There was a boy in his class who really wanted it, and Theo felt it would be best. We delivered it yesterday.”

“Is Theo upset?”

“Not at all.” Dorian replied kindly. “He knew you would never be comfortable with it. And as much as he likes Brutus, he likes you more.”

Nikki couldn’t help throwing her arms around his neck. Dorian’s own arms came up to hold her tight, and Nikki squeezed him as if she would never let go. They were still hugging when the kids joined them.

“Is Nikki all right?” Petra wanted to know.

“Yes, she’s just happy.”

Nikki shifted back to the room then and found Theo with her eyes. She had not cried but still felt as though she could. She waved Theo toward her with a hand and spoke when he sat by her side.

“Are you sad about Brutus?”

“No, not really. I can visit him at Richie’s anytime I want. His mom said so.”

Nikki’s hand brushed the black curls from his forehead. “Have I told you that I love you, Theo?”

The sweet 11-year-old nodded and smiled.

“You love me too,” Petra came close to remind Nikki.

“Yes, I do,” Nikki said and pulled her into her lap. With an arm around Theo, the three snuggled together for a few minutes. It didn’t last long because Petra felt it was her duty to hand out the popcorn, and after all, she told them, it was getting cold. Once Dorian and Nikki both had their bowls, the kids went to select a video, giving the adults a few moments alone. For a moment all Nikki could do was stare at the man beside her.

“I wasn’t looking for love,” she finally whispered, “but then there you were.”

Dorian smiled and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

“Do you know when I fell in love with you?”

“No.”

“At the pet show.”

Nikki’s eyes rounded. “The pet show? I didn’t even see you.”

“I know you didn’t. You were too busy smiling at my daughter and trying not to show how terrified you were of Brutus.” Dorian’s eyes lovingly searched her face. “I would have said I was too busy even to think about marriage, but that was before I met the girl next door.”

Nikki’s smile was huge as she leaned toward him for another kiss.

“I guess this means I should tell Pastor we’ll be in the class?” he asked, a teasing light in his eyes.

“Yes, please.” Nikki’s voice was fervent. “The sooner the better.”

The kids chose that moment to return with a video, one that they’d seen many times. They sat on and between Dorian and Nikki, but Dorian still managed to have an arm along the back of the sofa, his hand on Nikki’s shoulder.

Nikki watched the video, but her heart was elsewhere. I’m going to be married, Lord. Isn’t that wonderful? Please tell my dad, Lord. Tell him I’ve found someone as wonderful as he was to Mom and as wonderful as Tim is now. Nikki could have prayed on for hours, but at that moment she caught Dorian’s eyes on her.

“Are you all right?” he asked softly.

“Yes,” Nikki whispered back, “just sending a message to my dad.”

Dorian reached for her hand then and held it very tightly, his eyes glued to her face. Nikki was just as taken with him. Indeed, it was a good thing the kids didn’t question them about the story, since neither one saw much more of the video that evening.

The wedding was set for the first Saturday in June. It was warm and breezy, the weather almost as lovely as the bride herself. A small service was planned at the church with a large reception to follow at the community hall. Tim Warburton, who would walk Nikki down the aisle, Dorian, and Theo, who would stand as best man, went ahead to the church. The bride, her mother, and Petra, Nikki’s maid of honor, were coming on their own.

“All right.” Virginia’s voice was all business. “Have we got everything?”

“I think so,” Nikki said, her eyes glancing about. “Petra, did you use the bathroom?”

“Yes, and I washed my hands.”

“Good job. Let’s head to the car.”

The three trooped out in all of their finery, Petra in pink lace, Virginia in pale blue silk, and Nikki in an old-fashioned white lace dress that fell to midcalf and showed off her high-buttoned white boots. The dress was not the type that needed much babying, so she climbed behind the wheel of her small car and they headed down the road.

When the flat tire hit about a mile down the road, it took everyone by surprise. The car swerved a little, jerking the inhabitants around before Nikki maneuvered to the shoulder.

“I refuse to believe that was a flat, Dominique,” her mother said softly. “We’re already running a bit late.”

“Well, Mom,” Nikki replied, unable to stop her chuckle, “I think you’re going to have to face facts. Are you all right, Petra?” Nikki shifted to look into the back.

“I didn’t like that.” Her voice shook a little.

“It was a little scary, wasn’t it?”

Petra nodded but didn’t cry, and even managed a smile when Nikki reached back to stroke her leg.

“I think I’ll get out and have a look,” Nikki suggested.

“Watch your dress,” Virginia warned.

“I will.”

Looking did no good, but getting out in the air helped Nikki to think over her options. They were still quite a distance from any houses or businesses. It was hard to know what to do: head back to the house or try to walk toward town. Petra suddenly spoke before Nikki even realized she’d gotten out of the car.

“We can go back and get my dad’s car. He won’t mind, Nikki.”

“We could, Petra, but even if I walked all the way back, I don’t have a key to it.”

“He leaves the keys in it.”

“Every time?”

“I think so.”

Nikki thought it might very well be true, but she wasn’t taking a chance.

“How does it look?” Virginia called from the window.

“It looks flat, but I think I should just try to change it.”

Her mother was out of the car almost before Nikki could finish speaking.

“Your dress will never survive, Nikki. Maybe if we just wait a little longer …”

“What time is it?”

Virginia consulted her watch, and the face she pulled told Nikki they were running very late. Suddenly Nikki wanted to laugh. She bit her lip, but her mirth would not be squelched. Her mother tried to look stern, but it was no use. They giggled for a few moments; it was all so crazy. But light as the mood was, it didn’t change the inevitable—a minute later Nikki popped the trunk in order to get at the jack and spare.

Dorian told himself that anything could have happened—the car may not have started, Petra could have become ill, anything. It probably wasn’t anything very exciting either, but the need to know where his bride was pressed in more strongly by the second. At the moment he was very pleased that they’d opted for a private ceremony—the only people present were Pastor, Tim Warburton, and Theo. No one teased him, but everyone was very aware that the bride was late. Tim hung by the door in order to catch sight of her, and indeed, Dorian had stood with him for a time, but he now walked to the front pew, sat down, and stared at the cross that hung over the baptismal tank.

He was still praying, giving this day to the Lord and asking for His peace, when Theo joined him.

“You’re trying not to worry, aren’t you, Dad?”

“I am working on that, Theo. It would be very easy to panic right now.”

“Should you call the house?”

“I could, but something tells me that if Nikki could get to a phone, she would have called here first.”

Dorian looked down at his young face, marveling at how often he acted and spoke beyond his years.

“I think it will be fine, Dad. Nikki’s not the type to not come.”

“You’re right; she’s not.” There was so much more to that statement than most people would have guessed. It caused Dorian to ask, “Did you think of your mother today?”

Theo nodded.

“Were you sad?”

“No. Nikki is special, and Petra doesn’t even remember Mom.” Theo looked at his father. “Did you think of Mom?”

“This morning, I did. I thought about the joy and peace the Lord has given me with Nikki, and so I prayed that wherever your mom is, she would turn to the Lord and live for Him.”

Theo nodded. “Nikki won’t leave us, Dad. I just know she won’t.”

Dorian smiled. “When did you grow up on me, Theo?”

Theo only smiled, and Dorian put an arm around him. He continued to pray, but not just for himself: There was a little boy waiting with him, whose heart was as involved as his own.

“How’s it going?”

“Not well,” Nikki grunted, a trickle of sweat running down the side of her face. “They make this look so easy on TV, but two of these lug nuts do not want to budge.” Nikki came to her feet. She’d been hunkered down so long that her back and legs were cramping. If she could have just dropped to her knees it would have been more comfortable, but her dress was going to be in bad enough shape as it was.

She was taking a deep breath to go at it again when her mother said, “Oh, Nikki, look.”

She followed her mother’s gaze; a police car was stopping. The sweltering bride could have wept with relief.

“This looks like fun,” the tall trooper said with a smile.

“Well, if I could get to the church, I think it might be more fun.”

The man stopped. “Dominique Brinks?”

“Yes, how did you know?”

“My daughter reads your books, and you’d have thought it was her own wedding, the way she reacted when she learned the news.”

“Can you give us a lift?” Virginia asked. “We’re running very late.”

“Absolutely. I’ll even call road service for you and have this fixed. Where do you want the car delivered?”

“To the Bible Church.”

“All right. Hop in, and we’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Petra had been watching from the backseat and now came leaping out to ride in the state trooper’s car. This was almost as much fun as her father marrying Nikki.

There was little Nikki could do with her hands and dress before they arrived, but the moment they pulled up in front of the church, she shot in the door and to the ladies’ room to make repairs. When she emerged, Dorian was waiting. He was alone and came right to her. Nikki looked up at him and told herself not to bawl.

“My dress got dirty, and I broke a nail,” she whispered.

“I don’t care.” He had eyes only for her face. “I only care that you’re standing in this church and that you’re going to become my wife.”

Nikki’s chest lifted with a huge sigh. “I knew you would be a good sport, Dr. Swann.”

Dorian offered his arm. “Come and be my wife, Nikki.”

Nikki was a girl who knew a good thing when she saw it; there was no need to ask twice. There was also no need to ask twice when, two hours later, Pastor Andersen asked Nikki to stand up and share her escapade for all at the reception. The natural storyteller emerged, and she had the occupants of the community hall in near hysterics as she told about the flat tire and the policeman’s recognition of her.

“His daughter is a big fan. I’d have offered to sign a book for her on the spot if I’d had one along.”

With that closing remark she sat back down next to Dorian, who leaned to kiss her. They shared a long look, each telling the other they couldn’t wait to be alone.

Three weeks later, the honeymoon over and Nikki completely moved in to the big white house, the children were in bed and Nikki was waiting for Dorian to come home. She had known there would be times when she would feel the strong effects of being a doctor’s wife, and as she sat on the porch watching for his car, she knew there would be a lifetime of this. There was no anxiety in her, however. Dorian was the kindest man she’d ever known, and even when his patients needed him at inopportune times, knowing that he was coming home to her was comfort enough.

Her heart leaped in her chest when she saw his lights, and she swiftly scooted inside to meet him at the kitchen door. They shared a kiss before Nikki told him she would put his dinner together, but Dorian told her he wasn’t hungry.

“I find I just want to hold my wife,” he said softly as he led the way to the big chair in the living room. He dropped into it, and Nikki climbed into his lap.

“How was your day?” Nikki was the first to ask this time.

“Busy, but it went well. I’ve gained some kind of celebrity status now that I’m married to Dominique Brinks.”

“Is that right?” Nikki knew when she was being teased.

“Yes, it is. I saw two fourth graders today who had more questions about you than I had time for.”

Knowing he would just keep it up, Nikki tried not to smile. Still, a grin peeked through.

“Yes, indeed,” the physician went on, having the time of his life. “Me, a small town doctor married to the Dominique Brinks. And she even sits in my lap,” he added with a mischievous lift of his brows.

Nikki’s smile was huge as she tenderly framed Dorian’s face in her hands.

“You may call me Mrs. Dorian Swann.”

And Dorian did, just before he kissed her again.

A Note from Lori: I love Christmas movies, and just like Nikki, I make myself save them for the holiday season. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas rates very near the top for me, and it was from the movie that I used the name Pine Tree, Vermont. A careful search of the atlas told me there is no such town, but the name was so wonderful I couldn’t resist using it.

Keep reading for more bonus material in volume 2 of the Lori Wick Short Stories collection!

free sample: Where the Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick

free sample: A Journey by Chance by Sally John

More eBooks in the Lori Wick Short Stories Collection

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