“And will you move to Pineville after the wedding to be close to your family?”
“Haven’t given it much thought. It’s all happened so fast. But I suppose a bit of distance from mother will help the youngsters start traditions of their own. I might meddle too much if I lived close.”
“A meddler? I doubt it. You have a huge heart and are a wise woman.”
“And how would you know that?”
“I read people well. Your son is a delightful, socially adjusted man and his success speaks well of your skills at motherhood.”
“Alas, that chapter in my life is closing.”
“And here I am to open the door to the next phase. You will soon have to fight off the men lined up at your door, so I fear, if I don’t claim my spot straight off, I’ll surely miss out.”
Sandra bit her lower lip and turned her attention to the stores as the car whizzed by. “We’ll need to search the area for motels to accommodate the wedding guests. Even though families have squished in, they all won’t be able to stay at the resort.”
“I’ve noticed two so far, but yes, let’s come to town tomorrow and speak to the owners for availability.” He reached over and covered her hand that clutched the leather upholstery in front of her like a lifeline.
“I won’t bite, Sandra. The same man lives under this suit that you’ve been with all day.”
“It’s harder than I expected,” said Sandra. “Not that I feel guilty or imagine Braxton in heaven throwing lightning bolts at us. I suppose change has always been difficult for me.”
“I’m certain you’ll come out the other end, shining and full of new vibrancy.”
“You are an encourager. Did anyone ever tell you that?”
“My grandchildren call if something else, but I think it means the same thing,” Robert said.
“Have you dated much since your wife’s death?”
“Once – it was a catastrophe. But I learned that alone and content is better – until the right woman comes along. Five years has been a long wait, but I suspect you’re worth it.”
“Me? You think I qualify as Ms. Right?”
“I strongly suspect you do and hope that you will indulge me long enough to persuade you.”
Sandra had to admit their personalities clicked. Talking to Robert was easy, and she appreciated the unique distinctions of his character. Perhaps she should allow this man time enough to convince her. Re-entering the world of eligible, romantic suitors seemed a daunting task.
She sucked up the fear that wanted to numb her. “I look forward to the next two weeks with you, Robert. Starting with tonight.” She twisted the hand that lay palm down under his and interlaced their fingers. Gently squeezing, she smiled at this stranger from yesterday that now filled her senses with hope; all with little conscious effort on his part.
Sammy pulled into the circled drive and stopped at the entrance to Elegant Dining. Robert got out his side and reached his hand in for Sandra. A flash of a high-class movie scene passed through her mind as she raised to meet his eyes. “Thank you, sir.”
“You’re taller with heels,” Robert said.
“Ah, nervous that I can look into those eyes and read your next move?”
“Not at all. Look all you want.”
Sandra brushed past him. “Let’s eat, Mr. Fredricks.”
The hostess grabbed two menus from a shelf and led the couple to a table by a window. Sandra eased into her chair and waited for Robert to sit. “It’s a beautiful spot, Sandra, Thanks for suggesting it.”
She smiled. “Angie told me about the place. I’ve never been here but I’m glad the first time is with you. Now, tell me about your children and more importantly, your grandchildren.”
“Jamie is ten years old and the apple of her grand-pappy’s eye. She has a younger brother, Timothy, who is too much like his father – all serious and head in the books.”
“Many great men started with their head in books.”
“True enough. Let’s hope they are raising the next president.”
When the waitress introduced herself as Tanna, Robert ordered the appetizer and drinks and she left.
“My other daughter is not doing well in the commitment department. Despite two failed marriages, she has blessed us with a bouncy, fair-haired toddler named Sassie, who lives up to her name in attitude but can somehow wrap me around her finger. And a teenage boy who has a chip on his shoulder but his mother is trying her best to knock it off.”
“And both your girls run the business while you plan weddings?” asked Sandra.
“Yes. A country store selling knick-knacks, but mostly Christmas stuff. It was my wife’s passion, and she made us a good living at it while I moonlighted with planning weddings online. When she died, I took my business on the road and gave hers to the girls.”
“My husband and I were in the renovation business. Bought up properties all around Nashville needing tender loving care.” She laughed. “Generally, a total gut, but we magically restored them and sold for profit.”
“Suppose that’s why you love architecture so much,” said Robert.
“Yes. Construction was Braxton’s passion, and I developed a talent for designing. But in my heart, I just liked to stay home and bake cookies for my family.”
“Cookies? I love cookies. Maybe we can sneak in the kitchen another night and make a batch.”
“We have a great baker at the resort. My cookies would taste like a kindergarten attempt compared to his.”
“Maybe I’d like to taste yours – just once.”
“It’s a date,” said Sandra, and then laughed. “Did I say that?”
“You did, and I think it qualifies as a wonderful second date.”
The evening continued with easy conversation and Sandra welcomed Robert’s casual
