And Michelle had a feeling she was a forever kind of person.
When Michelle came down for breakfast the next morning, Penny and her father were already eating cereal for breakfast.
“Going for a ride,” Penny said proudly.
“I know that, sweetheart. We’re going to the town where I used to live.” Michelle smiled at the child, and then Josh, her breath catching at the sight of him. After a week of sharing a house, she should be used to the reaction. But it always caught her by surprise. Trying to get control of her wayward emotions, she popped some bread in the toaster.
He looked wonderful in the light blue shirt and faded jeans—like a family man ready for a casual outing with his wife and child.
She wondered if Mrs. Strong would be able to provide any helpful information that would speed his investigation.
“Do you have sunscreen?” Josh asked when Michelle sat at the table with her toast and tea a few minutes later.
“Yes, why?”
“We’ll all need it today. I’m renting a convertible for the trip.”
Michelle looked at him. “Why?”
“Why not? Don’t you think that’d be fun? It’s a beautiful day, not as hot as it was earlier in the week, and I think it would be more fun to drive with the top down and really be able to see things. Fun for Penny, too.”
“I think it would be fantastic! I’ve always wanted to ride in one.”
“Then today is your lucky day!”
Josh and Penny left right after breakfast to pick up the rental car. Michelle straightened up the house while she waited. Hurriedly dusting and vacuuming the main floor, she was surprised at the sense of belonging. Granted, Abby and her friends had skillfully mingled her furnishings with Josh’s so she felt a bit more at home. But this was something more.
As she picked up Penny’s toys, she felt a sense of connection. Was this what being part of a close family was like ? She liked it.
Glancing at her watch, she wondered if she had time to start a load of laundry. It must have piled up over the week and she needed to get a start if she wanted everything done before the next work week started since they were taking today to go to Baton Rouge.
Gathering Penny's clothes, Michelle then headed for Josh’s room. She hadn’t been in it since she moved her things out last Sunday. Pausing in the doorway, she caught her breath. His scent filled her senses. Slowly she studied the room, seeing Josh's stamp everywhere, from the tumble of keys and change on his dresser, to the carelessly tossed socks and jeans near, but not quite in, the hamper. His bed was rumpled. Didn’t he make it each morning?
They all shared the hall bathroom and he was pretty neat there—hanging up his towel and clearing away his shaving things. But he obviously felt free to do what he pleased in his own room.
Which was as it should be, Michelle thought as she gathered the clothes.
Josh and Penny arrived in a bright red convertible a few minutes later. Penny called Michelle from the car, standing up in the front seat.
“Come and see!” she squealed when Michelle appeared at the front door.
Jumping up and down she raised her hands over her head. “No roof, Michelle, no roof!”
“Easy, squirt. Don’t go tumbling out.” Josh reached for her shirt, to keep her from losing her balance.
“I see—no roof.” Michelle laughed at the child’s enthusiasm.
She was a lucky little girl to have an indulgent father. Michelle’s grandmother would never have tolerated such behavior. Yet why shouldn’t a child share her exuberance?
“Ready?” Josh called.
“Just a second.” Michelle closed up and hurried down the sidewalk to the dashing car.
“Jump over the side, Michelle,” Penny instructed.
“I think I better open the door first, honey.”
“Daddy dropped me over the side and jumped in that way.”
Eyeing Josh’s wide grin, Michelle laughed in sheer happiness. “I just bet he did. This time, though, I better get in the normal way.”
“Chicken,” Josh said, teasing her.
“I beg your pardon.”
“Live a little. Slide in over the side. Why have a convertible if you can’t be bold?”
Bold? He could write the book on bold, she thought, biting her lip in indecision. Scenes from movies flashed through her mind, hands on the side, jumping in.
“Just plant that luscious bottom on the side and lean back. We’ll catch you,” Josh instructed, laughing at her.
“We’ll catch you, Michelle. Do it!” Penny shouted.
Tossing her purse into the backseat, Michelle did just that. Tumbling into the seat amid laughter, she felt exhilarated and free. Josh and Penny were squished when she lost her balance, legs still over the side of the door, and fell sprawled almost the width of the seat. But no one minded. Everyone laughed
Straightening, Michelle giggled, wanting to throw her arms around Josh and thank him for all the ways he was changing her life. She cherished the hours she spent with him.
“Good idea, huh?” Josh asked as he settled Penny in her car seat in the back.
“Great idea. Is this how you do all your investigations?” Michelle asked as she fastened her seat belt. For the first time she felt like a different woman, one who was interesting and exciting—no longer quiet and shy.
“Not usually. But then this isn’t a normal investigation.”
“True. I’m ready.”
“Then we’re off.”
The ride passed swiftly. Josh began with telling Penny stories. When he ran out, they all sang songs. Michelle was amazed at the lyrics she remembered from when she’d been a child. They arrived in Baton Rouge almost before they knew it.
Michelle directed Josh to the nursing home.
“I can drop you and Penny somewhere if you like. There must be a park around somewhere,” Josh said as he entered the drive for the residential facility.
“I want to see
