Love at First Sight: Do You Believe?

By Stevie Bines

With the loss of his one true love, Allen Roarke prayed a daily prayer, "Will I ever have another love like my Lindsey?" Like many men with loss, Allen turned to his work, putting long stressful hours in to keep his mind busy. To many it seemed a man wishing to forget the past, while to others it seemed a d

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Jul 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647534318

Book preview

Prologue

MR. ROARKE. THE HEALTH SCIENCE teacher whispered, as her face hovered just inches above the back of her students’ head. Mr. Roarke?

SLAP! The sharp pointing stick screamed as its wood landed against the metal desk that supported Allen Roarke’s head.

What the…? Allen said, as he lifted his head off the vibrating desk. His eyes slowly focusing, he found himself looking directly into Lindsey McClendon’s bright, gleaming, sea green eyes. Her red curly shoulder length hair was shimmering like the halo of an angel. She had a big, white, toothy smile on her face as she sat in her seat staring at him in total awe.

Allen Roarke, how in the world could you, a male, possibly fall asleep while we’re discussing the ovaries of the better sex? Miss Ward asked. Would you prefer that we talked about the penis or perhaps the male’s testes instead?

The whole class broke out into hysterics. Their laughter caused the science teacher to turn beet red in anger.

Moving his head upward, Allen’s eyes focused on Miss Ward’s still moving mouth. Sorry Miss Ward.

It’s Mizz Ward young man, she frowned as looked down at her student. I am a liberated woman and I think that you, young man, really need to take a walk down to Principal Miller’s office. Perhaps that, sir, will hold your attention for a while.

Allen’s eyes wondered back down to Lindsey’s beautiful face. Her look made him smile sheepishly at her.

With a deep sigh, Allen awoke from his dream. Next to him laid his gorgeous wife Lindsey. A smile fell upon his face as he closed his tired eyes. He was soon asleep once more. The memories of the not so long ago past returned to him in his dreams.

He was fifteen when the incident happened, during his sex education class. Even though he and Lindsey had grown up living beside one another, it was that moment in time that he had swallowed his heart and knew that she was the woman of his dreams. Oh God, why now? he thought to himself. Why not last year or even yesterday? Now she is dating that jock Tom Daniels. God, he is so friggen lucky.

Another deep sigh from the living Allen Roarke, as he rolled over. His thoughts moved ahead in time to his senior prom night.

Mom, enough pictures all ready! Jeez, I am sure that Sharron’s mom will share the pictures she took of us with you. Come on Sharron. Let’s go before Mrs. Kodak snaps another roll of film into her camera.

Sharron MacJoy was Allen’s prom date. She really was not who he wanted to go with, but if he wanted to see how beautiful Lindsey looked, well what choice did he have? He could not go alone now, could he? That boy was so in love that he would even put up with seeing his dream girl with that super jock Tom Daniels.

Allen closed his eyes and said to himself, God, what is wrong with me? How could I, of all people, have such a huge crush on a girl that I have never even dated? I am just glad Sharron does not know how I really feel.

Asking Sharron to the prom was Allen’s best friend Gregory’s idea. Gregory told him not only is she available for the prom, but she is also a sure thing. Of course, at first Allen was enraged, but then he thought: What the heck!? Why not? He was still a virgin after all, and it was the senior prom night. Wasn’t this night made to turn you in to a man?

He was still thinking about Lindsey. Oh hell, he was sure that she had already done it with the ‘Super Stud’. It had to be true, since they had been dating for almost four years. Surely, he has taken her innocence by now.

Trying to get those thoughts out of his head, his mind wondered to the nearer past. Lindsey was away at college. Oh sure, he did get to see her during the holidays and other school breaks. He had even managed to see her almost every day during the summer. Worst part was, most of the time she was in that jerk’s arms. Allen could not understand why he had to stay home and work in that dang ole convince store for two years. Yeah, his mom and dad reminded him quite often that the reason was for him to save enough money so that he too could someday go to college, but to him it felt like indentured slavery.

After two years of hard work, it finally happened. He was now a freshman at the same college as his beautiful Lindsey. What sucked was the fact that he only saw her once in a great while, and only from a distance. Since he was majoring in Business and she in Horticulture their classes were on opposite sides of the large campus. God… he would think, We might just as well be on opposite sides of our grand old world.

Whenever he did get the opportunity to see her, his heart would throw a tizzy fit and start beating a thousand miles a minute. Anger would set in and he would say a loud! I must be totally nuts!

Shifting his body towards his wife, Allen inhaled her wonderful scent. His mind moved ahead to what he considered the first day of the rest of their life. He sat quietly at one of the many long tables in the student union center studying for an Economics midterm exam. He was concentrating so hard that he had not noticed the female essence that had casually approached him. A wonderful, very sweet scent descended all around him. Closing his eyes, he tried to remember where he had smelt that wonderful fragrance before. Slowly opening his eyes, the pages in front of him now lost, he turned his head slightly until he was able to catch a glimpse of a shapely figure standing beside him.

Of course, being a man he slowly began scanning the easily identifiable body of a woman upward until he saw the toothy smile, sea green eyes, and the beautiful, curly red hair of his dreams.

Lindsey! Allen said, taking a deep breath.

Why, Allen Roarke. I have been looking for you ever since my roommate Jane told me that there was a really cute guy from my town attending classes’ here, she said, as she placed her hands on her hips. I told her that I would talk to you on her behalf, but seeing that it’s you, there is just no way.

Huh, what do you mean? he asked, as he offered her a very confused look.

Allen Roarke, I have had a crush on you since we were six, Lindsey answered almost laughing. God, I dated that awful Tom Daniels for almost six years to make you, of all people, jealous. And not once did you ever even try to ask me out. Cripes, I had to fight his wandering hands off me all the time, but you would not know that because you were too busy with sure thing Sharron MacJoy to notice me.

Whoa, whoa, back up here… I took her to the prom and that was it. He said, as he lowered his head, trying hard to hide his smile.

You didn’t sleep with her? Lindsey asked, giving him a ‘convince me look’.

I couldn’t… I mean she wanted me to, but I just couldn’t. Remember that day I fell asleep in sex education, when Miss Ward woke me up? Well I saw you staring at me, and my heart just, you know. I guess I fell in love with you right then and there.

Oh Allen, She whispered, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

Allen felt a tickle on his chin, then something cold, but not unpleasantly cold, wrapped around his manhood, slowly stroking it. Opening his eyes, he had to smile because the first thing he saw was a very familiar toothy smile and a pair of mischievously gleaming sea green eyes.

Hi, He whispered, as he continued to enjoy the soft strokes she was giving him.

Hi yourself, She whispered, staring down at her one and only lover.

Um, what are you doing?

Playing. Was all she said.

Um… playing with what? Allen asked, offering her one of his familiar sheepish smiles.

With you and one of my favorite parts of you, she answered in a somewhat sultry voice.

How far do you want this to go?

Um… this far, She answered, as she leaned down, placing her moist lips upon his. The soft kiss lasted several breathless minutes.

Ah… what a way to wake up, he said, as Lindsey pulled away from the moment at hand.

Slowly she teasingly moved her hand away from his manhood until it rested on his chest. I love you Allen. Her voice slowly faded away.

I love you too, with all of my heart.

Allen Roarke opened his eyes and slowly turned to face his wife’s side of their bed, which they had shared for five wonderful years. A heavy tear formed in his eye. It slowly rolled down his cheek on to the now empty pillow that used to hold his wife’s curly red hair…

Oh God. What now? He said in an emotional whisper. Will I ever have another love like my Lindsey?

He laid quietly on their bed and hoped that today he would hear an answer to his daily prayer. It had been two years since Lindsey’s premature death. Cancer has a way of changing the lives of those left among the living.

Chapter One

EVERY DAY, TENS OF THOUSANDS of lives are changed in an instant because of Cancer’s effects; Allen Roarke’s life was no different.

His friends and family thought that after two years Allen would have recovered from his deep-rooted loss. Instead, he dealt with his grief through long hours of working, almost as if he had a slow death wish. In reality, he was a man with a plan.

Before his wife’s premature death, Allen was the proud owner of two small stores. Now he had forty-eight YBMT Super Stores. It seemed like a new one was popping up along one of the interstate highways or on a corner of an up and coming neighborhood every week.

With Allen being the soul inheritor of Lindsey’s Florist and Nursery Center, it also had to grow by his seemingly tireless efforts. Most of his super stores carried a small selection of fresh flowers or bouquets designed by one of the in house florist. At one YBMT truck stop, he had five full time florists working around the clock so his trucker traffic could purchase or send bouquets to a loved one or someone in need.

Yet with his life on the go, his body had become physically and mentally exhausted. His personal doctor and good friend recommended a long, well deserved vacation, no ands’, ifs’, or buts’ about it. Though Allen had not thought about it in years, the only place that came to his mind was a friend’s old country inn. It was only six hours away, located just outside a small country town.

"That would work. If I stayed there I would still be close by if I am needed," he thought to himself as he slowly began spinning through his Rolodex. Ah here it is, the Wild Flower Inn. Come on Allen you’re procrastinating. He thought, as he picked up the telephone and carefully dialed the number of his closest friend, from days gone by. God, I hope Gregory and Renee have room for me.

Gregory was several years older than he was. In fact, he was more like a big brother to him than a friend. In his younger days, it came in handy to have someone bigger and stronger standing at your side.

Good afternoon, Wild Flower Inn, this is Jill, the pleasant voice said. How may I help you?

Yes, is Gregory or Renee available please? Allen asked in a diffident, sort of helpless voice.

I am sorry sir. They’re out in the field working this morning, Jill said. Would you like to leave a message for them?

Sure, I guess. Could you tell, I mean ask, one of them to call Allen Roarke?

Ah, Mr. Roarke, Jill interrupted. Gregory said that you might be calling and that I was to transfer your call directly to his cell phone. Please hold. Before he could answer, his phone line went momentarily dead.

Allen, are you all right? Gregory asked.

What? No. Hello? I mean, jeez Gregory, it has been a while you know.

I am sorry Allen. How are you doing? Gregory asked.

I need a break Gregory. Doc said if I don’t, was all Allen could say before tears began rolling down his cheeks.

I know. I have all ready spoken with Doc. Renee did some quick rearranging of the rooms so we could put you in our best. You’re all set.

God, why’d you guys go and do that for? I just need a place to sleep. Allen said.

Hey bud listen, Jack Hampton is up your way. Why don’t you fly down here with him? Let me give him a call and I will call you right back.

You always did lookout for me. Thank you Gregory.

Be five minutes, Gregory said, hanging up his cell phone.

Three minutes later Allen’s private telephone line rang: Jeez Gregory, I think you’ve set a new record.

Hey, that, my friend, is what speed dialing does for you, Gregory laughed. Can you be at the airport by five? Jack will be expecting you. Oh, and Allen, Renee says to bring some shorts with you.

Huh… underwear I have got. Shorts I do not. Allen answered, smiling for the first time in a long time.

Don’t worry about that, Renee is going in to town sometime today and I will ask her if she wouldn’t mind picking you up a few. You’re still a size thirty four, right?

No, I have lost some weight, Allen sighed. I am currently a, um, size thirty.

Gregory let out a whistle. Well, we will have to fix that my friend. Renee and I will see you for dinner around six thirty. Allen… go pack.

Okay Gregory, I’ll see you guys soon, Allen said. After he hung up the telephone, he fell back on to his office chair, leaned forward, laid his head on his desk in front of him and cried harder than he had in the years since Lindsey’s death.

In a soft raspy voice, he said, I miss you Lindsey. Please help me get through this. I just cannot do it alone anymore.

Chapter Two

ALLEN LOOKED OUT OF THE cockpit window as the helicopter descended slowly towards the Wild Flower Inns heliport. The view of acres upon acres of wild flowers blowing in the wind totally captivated him. He thought to himself, Now I understand why Lindsey loved flowers so much. God, look at them, the multitudes of colors waving freely in the wind. His eyes wandered through the colorful open fields, only to stop when he saw a woman walking hand in hand with two young children.

The children looked skyward and began waving with their free hands towards the helicopter.

Allen smiled for a moment… that is until his thoughts of Lindsey took over again. Oh God, that woman could have been you my love. Small tears began running down his cheek. Stop it Allen! It’s time to move on and live in the present, maybe even find love once more. He thought as he quickly wiped his eyes and began looking around again. There standing at the edge of the landing pad were his friends, Gregory and Renee. He had to smile as he watched Renee jumping up and down waving excitedly at him. Without a second thought, Allen waved back from behind the large cockpit window.

The helicopters whirling rotors began to slow the instant they landed. Jack busied himself shutting down the helicopters electronic system. Allen watched out the cockpit’s window at the dance being performed by the wild flowers around him. Off in the distance, he could see the woman that he had seen moments before and what he assumed were her sons. They too were dancing silently together with the flowers that surrounded them.

Taking several deep breaths, Allen opened the cockpit door, climbed down to the ground, ducked his head, and walked briskly towards his awaiting friends.

Renee ran across the heliport, meeting Allen halfway, where she jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck; she gave him a big hug and a kiss right on the cheek. Releasing her hold on him, she took his face into her hands and smiled at him.

Let me get a good look at you, she said with a concerned look on her face. Well, you are a lot thinner, but other than that, you are still as handsome as ever. I think a few weeks of rest and some very fattening food will help get you back to the old you.

Gregory walked over to the heliport to greet his younger friend. Instead of a handshake, he wrapped his arms around Allen, giving him the biggest bear hugs possible, it almost took Allen’s breathe away.

God honey, be careful, Renee said. He is all skin and bones. You might break him.

Thanks Renee, Allen smiled. You’re a real confidence builder. Jeez.

All eyes turned towards the field of wild flowers, the group of friends heard two young voices call out, Mom, Dad, over here.

Gregory, Renee, Allen and Jack watched on as the two boys played leapfrog with one another, slowly making their way towards the heliport.

The woman Allen had seen earlier stood back in the distance watching the boys with great amusement as they jumped over one another, running towards the small group.

Hey Adam! Hey Mark! Renee yelled. Come meet your Uncle Allen.

Allen gave Renee a what are you talking about look, Uncle Allen? I don’t seem to remember your being pregnant.

They are our adopted son’s. Gregory said with a tone of pride in his voice. We have had them with us for almost two years now.

God, I guess it has been a long time since we’ve talked, Allen said, as he offered his friends an apolitical look.

Too long Allen… was all Gregory was able to say.

Mom, Dad, Uncle Jack, Uncle… um, what’s your name? The first boy to approach asked.

Its Allen, He answered, as he knelt down to the boy’s height.

My name is Adam, and that’s my brother Mark, Adam said, holding out his hand to shake Allen’s.

The second boy approached Allen. We’re twins, Mark said, as he leaned in to whisper in Allen’s ear, "You can tell us apart, my eyes are darker blue than

Adams."

Thanks for the tip, Allen whispered back to Mark. Hey Renee, if you’re the mom, who’s that up the hill?

Mark and Adam sang out together, That’s our Erin! She’s the coolest!

Hey Erin, this is Uncle Allen, Mark continued to yell. Come meet him. He seems really nice!

With the sun starting to set directly behind her, Erin made her way down the hill through the waist high wild flowers towards the group gathered near the heliport.

Allen stared at the figure of the woman as she walked towards them. Something deep inside caused him to reflect back in to the past, to a time not so long ago.

Lindsey was walking in her own flower garden, the sun setting the same way as it was setting now. His emotions started taking over again.

Hi. My name’s Erin Hudson, A soft, sweet voice said.

It’s nice to meet you. I’m Allen Roarke, he said, offering her his hand.

I know, she answered, as she took hold of his hand. I was in design class with your wife a few years ago. I am sorry for your loss.

Okay boys, go wash up for dinner, Renee said to her boys, stopping Erin and Allen’s conversation.

Okay Mom. Come on Mark, Adam said.

Mom… can Erin eat dinner with us? Mark asked, in a very pleading voice.

Oh honey, we have company tonight, Renee answered. How about if, we invite her tomorrow night instead?

Pleeease Mom, Adam said. We don’t want her to eat all by herself. It’s just not fair.

Both boys looked up at their mother with their pleading puppy dog eyes.

Go ask Uncle Allen, she told them somewhat shifting the blame. A mischievous smile formed on her face, knowing darn well that she should not push Erin and Allen together.

Use your puppy dog eyes boys, she whispered, as her own heart wandered to the new hope of a new love born.

Uncle Allen, the boys sang. Can Erin eat dinner with us? Mom said it’s up to you.

Unaware that he was still holding Erin’s hand, Allen looked down at the questioning boys for a moment. Slowly he turned his attention back to Erin, moving his head upward until their eyes met. He did not speak for several seconds as this woman totally captivated him. Erin would you like to join us for dinner? He asked, offering her one of his schoolboy smiles, a smile that had not been seen in a very long time.

His question caused a strange emotion to rise deep inside her body. Not sure what had just happened, Erin brought her free hand up to her shirts collar, Boy it sure is hot, she said thinking for a minute more. I’d love to join you for dinner.

A glimmer of hope grew in his heart, a feeling he had not felt for some time. Allen’s blue eyes twinkled with delight as he continued to stare deeply into her dreamy eyes.

Mom, Uncle Allen said she could eat with us! Mark yelled. Then without waiting for his mothers answer he bellowed, Come on Adam lets go get cleaned up for dinner.

Love you mom and dad! The boys yelled, as they ran up the trail, between the wild flowers, towards the inn.

Gregory walked over to stand beside his wife. He slid one of his hands around her back resting it on her waist. Not wanting to be noticed, he slowly leaned down, until his mouth was close to Renee’s ear. Honey, do you see what I’m seeing? He asked in as whisper.

Nodding her head up and down, she simply answered, Uh-huh!

Jack had all ready left, carrying Allen’s bags. He made his way up the same trail that the boys had taken towards the inn. His departure left the last two couples to their own devices.

Several minutes passed without a word being spoken. The sounds of nature breathed all around them. The waterfalls could be softly toiled off in the distance. Allen and Erin stood quietly looking into one another’s eyes. Their hands combined in a delicate handshake embrace, neither wanting the moment to end, as each felt the warmth of the other.

A bee buzzed by Renee’s ear, Get away from me you pest! She screamed.

The moment ended. Erin and Allen realized they were still holding hands and were standing only inches apart.

Oh God, what just happened? Erin asked, her gaze never leaving Allen’s starry blue eyes. I’ve got the strangest feeling.

Me too, Allen whispered. It’s like I’m fifteen all over again. Would you mind if I walk you to dinner?

Gregory and Renee stood with their mouths wide open. They watched the scene as it unfolded right before their eyes.

Allen and Erin, smiling brightly and still holding hands walked right past his friends.

Guys, you had better shut your mouths, or you’ll be eating bugs and ruin your appetite before dinner.

Erin laughed softly as she let go of Allen’s hand. I’ll be right back, she said kissing his cheek; she whispered into his ear, I need to talk to Renee.

She quickly ran back to where her friend and boss stood.

Gregory, hands in his pockets, kicking stones with his feet, casually walked up and stood beside his friend, I guess its girl talk. Can you believe, Erin actually told me to take a hike? Jeez, I sign her paycheck.

Renee placed her hand on Erin’s arm, and then looked over at the two men. Guys, why don’t you go ahead and head up to the inn? Erin and I will be along shortly.

Allen lowered his head in sadness.

Gregory patted him on his shoulder, in an attempt to offer some sort of comfort to his friend.

Erin watched this with great interest. An emotion stirred deep inside her. Quickly she ran back to where Allen was standing. With one hand, she lifted his chin and kissed him.

Slowly their lips parted, they stood in front of each other, their eyes focused only on the other, and all of the world disappeared.

Allen, I have a problem. I need to talk to Renee about it. Okay? Erin said in a voice just above a silence.

It’s okay. Maybe if you talked to me, I could help too.

Allen, have you ever heard of love at first sight? Erin lowered her head. She was afraid of his answer would be.

He gently placed his hand under her chin and lifted her head up until their eyes met again. Yes. It’s happened to me twice in my life, Allen answered in a raspy voice. Once when I was fifteen and it happened again just a few minutes ago.

Erin took a big gulp, her mouth wide open.

Allen continued looking directly at this woman he had just met, smiled and said, You had better close your mouth or you’ll be eating bugs too. Erin go talk to Renee, I’ll see you at dinner.

Chapter Three

ERIN HUDSON HAD A RESTLESS night, full of confusion and amazement. One minute she thought that she was totally nuts, the next in complete awe of the wondrous feeling she felt deep within her. Was this simply lust for a man she had just meant, or was it truly love? She prayed that it was love.

Even though she knew that the world was full of what they called free love, she had somehow managed to have old-fashioned values. By this, the only man to share her bed would be her husband, Period.

Yes, she had almost surrendered herself to a very select few. The ones that she had dated over the years; she always thought that each one was indeed Mr. Right. Yet somehow, her values always won out in the end; none of these men ever made it to her bed.

It was a funny affair, how some of her male companions would try to seduce her into their beds. There was one that stuck out in her mind. One that made her laugh every time she thought about it. She was sitting in her date’s living room; he was in his bathroom getting ready. He came out of the bathroom, wrapped only in a towel, walked up to Erin and began apologizing to her for being late. He turned and started walking away; suddenly he stopped, thought for a few seconds, turned to face his date, and with a mischievous smile on his face, he let go of his towel exposing himself to her. Of course, at first, she sat there in shock and then she suddenly started crying hysterically. It was not from the shock of seeing a man naked, but from his complete lack of respect for her.

Erin laughed aloud in her sleep, rolled over, and began reliving the conversation she and Renee had before dinner, on their way to the inn. The words Renee said so matter of factly, ran through her mind over and over again.

Listen Erin, love has no time table, love is love. It could hit you at any moment, on any given day. It may not show itself for years. Perhaps it may never come at all. You will know in your heart when it does. Of course, your brain sometimes takes a little longer to figure it out. Erin, follow your heart. It always knows the truth.

Erin’s mind began to settle down just in enough time for her alarm clock to start buzzing loudly beside her. She reached out for the nightstand beside her bed, in hopes of hitting the snooze button. It was four thirty and she really did not have to get up until five; however, she did enjoyed long morning showers before the hectic day of school and work took their demands out on her.

She remembered how lucky she was, Renee and Gregory had just moved out of the carriage house apartment only days before she came to work at the Wild Flower Inn. There were no other quarters available at the time so they decided to let her move in to the now empty apartment. She liked this arrangement, because the other single employees had to share apartments and bathrooms. She could soak for hours undisturbed, as long as she liked.

Dang it! Erin said, as the alarm clock tumbled to the floor and continued its buzzing. After a minute, she finally sat up and turned the nightstand table light on, where she then made a quick search for the lost clock, and then shut off the very annoying buzzing.

Slowly Erin walked into the bathroom and began her morning ritual. Standing in front of the mirror, she stared at herself in horror. There were black puffs under her red, very bloodshot eyes. Her hair stood up like the Bride of Frankenstein, did in the movies. Hah, She thought, all I need to do is hiss and I would have gotten the role as his bride for sure. Unable to look at herself any longer, Erin made her way to the shower, stood in front of the door, removed what little clothing she had on, and walked into the shower.

Chapter Four

ALLEN ROARKE HAD HIS FIRST dreamless night in over two years. He was at peace. If you had looked at him while he was asleep, you would have thought that he was dead, for he had not moved once during the night.

Now he laid in his bed at the inn wide-awake deadly still. His mind was busy reviewing the events of the day before one frame at a time. His heart and soul desperately tried to comprehend what had happened and why. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and focused on the moment that he searched the depths of Erin’s mystical, green-and-brown speckled eyes. What he saw were the many things she and Lindsey had in common. He recognized the caring and loving the two had felt for others, not just humans, but for all things big and small. They shared the feisty redhead temperament, even though Erin’s hair was blonde. They both had a softness and comfort about them, which they would offer another in times of suffering and pain. He found that Erin’s mystic went even deeper. Allen saw a strong devotion in her eyes, one that few would ever be willing to surrender to another. The last one scared him the most, for he had fallen in love. Something he thought would never happen again. In love with someone that was not Lindsey.

Allen let out another deep sigh, as his thoughts traveled back to another time and place. They were riding down a busy highway. Lindsey was looking out the car’s window. Suddenly she yelled, Stop! Allen thinking that something was wrong quickly pulled off the highway.

Cars went speeding by. What’s the matter? He asked, as he looked around to see what had happened.

Lindsey pointed her finger out the side window, towards an almost dead potted palm tree. Please Allen, go get it for me, she said in a soft caring voice.

He carefully got out of the car and ran over to where the plant laid on the ground. As careful as possible, he then picked the tree upright throwing it over his shoulder many of its palm fans fell away on its journey upright. Allen knew that he had to take the tree back to his car or his wife would be heartbroken. Funny, he remembered the tree barely fit in the backseat of their car, which made it impossible to see out the back window as they rode home. It was that particular day and event that inspired Lindsey’s plant hospital to be created. The plant lived. And now resides in a place of honor in his home. This memory made Allen smile.

His mind flashed back to dinner the night before. Erin was sitting across the table from him, Renee and Gregory’s sons on either side of her. Every so often, he would catch a glimpse of her looking at him with a coy smile on her face. Allen enjoyed watching Erin interacting with the boys, teaching them one thing or another. He knew