When Love Comes Calling by Syndi Powell

Author:Syndi Powell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-06-09T12:16:33+00:00

* * *

BRIAN SHOOK GARY’S HAND and then Jill’s and handed them several bills. “Please take the boys out for pizza. My treat. We appreciated your help today.”

Gary handed the money back. “We didn’t do this to get paid. We’re trying to teach the boys that hard work is its own reward.”

“But you still got to eat, right?”

Brian handed the money to Jill who put it in her coat pocket before slipping her hand in Gary’s. “The boys deserve something after all that heavy lifting. Thank you, Brian.” She reached over and kissed Brian’s cheek before leading her protesting husband to the truck.

He waved goodbye and entered the house where Mr. Karsten sat in his recliner. He glanced up at Brian, then pointed to a matching recliner. “Why don’t you join me while the girls set up Cec’s new bedroom?”

Brian took off his coat and folded it over the back of the chair before taking a seat. “You have a nice home, Mr. Karsten.”

The older man waved off the compliment. “It was all my wife’s doing. And call me Pops.” He lifted a stein of beer half-full. “Want a drink?”

Tempting, but Brian shook his head. “I’ll be driving later, so I probably shouldn’t.”

Mr. Karsten gave a shrug, then took a healthy swallow. “My neighbor has gotten into craft beer lately, so he brings over some of his favorite finds. Some are good. Some...meh.” He took another drink. “This one tries, but meh.” He eyed Brian. “Now, he brought me this Belgian ale around Christmas that was fantastic. Wish I could remember the name of it so I could buy more.”

“I’m not much of a beer drinker.”

“I was never much of a drinker except on special occasions. But my neighbor seems to think that a beer now and then can be good for me. And especially given what’s happened, what’s a beer or two going to hurt, right?”

Vivi walked into the living room to ask Mr. Karsten where she could find a hammer, and Brian turned to her. She had pulled her hair back into a ponytail, which gave her a youthful appearance in her hooded sweatshirt and jeans. She shouldn’t look as beautiful as she did in such casual wear, but a runway model couldn’t hold a candle to her. While she had looked smashing in the fancy dress and heels the night before, here she looked more approachable. At ease. He longed to cross the room and pull her into his arms.

As if sensing his thoughts, she smiled at him. Earlier that day, he’d asked Jamie how he would know if he was in love. But seeing her now, knowing how she’d stepped up to help out her friend who needed her, and also knowing that she’d do the same for him if he asked... He was head over heels for this woman. The thought of it should have scared him since he’d never been in love like this. Instead, the thought only made him want to start their future as soon as possible.

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