Autumn's Gift of Love

By Cyndy Beckhardt

Following the death of her manipulative husband, Maggie struggles to regain her self-esteem. Two years on her own has allowed her to recapture most of her confidence in a job she loves. When Kendall enters her life she finds herself struggling to disengage from a past that has twisted her judgment, preventing her from moving on with her life — more than she cares to admit.

But can Kendall’s patience hold out long enough for her to unravel the lies she has yet to discover?

Will Maggie allow herself to trust Kendall enough to reveal her deceptive past, and experience the kind of love she longs for?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cyndy Beckhardt
• Release date: Jul 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005135867

Cyndy Beckhardt

Cyndy lives with her husband in Carroll County, Maryland. Her love of books and reading began with many trips to the public library. When she was in elementary school, she would staple little pieces of paper together and create stories. Her love of reading continued to grow into high school, where she became a Library Aide.Cyndy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology. She currently works in an elementary school library, where her love of books is shared with all the students and teachers who walk through the door. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, genealogy research, gardening and numerous crafts.

Book preview

Acknowledgements

Sometimes turning a dream into a reality takes a lot of time and effort, but crossing paths with the right people at the right time can make achieving the goal a pleasant journey.

First and foremost I must thank my friend, John Baumgardner, who started me down this road when he introduced me to his friend and author, Doug Butler.

Through our conversations, Doug encouraged me to share what I have written and not to give up on my dream. He put me in contact with Robin Surface, owner of Fideli Publishing, who has guided me through the daunting world of publishing, and for whom I am truly grateful.

Robin in turn introduced me to my editor, Frances Archer. I thank you, Frances, for helping me to refine my story, while staying true to my writing voice. You all truly were a blessing and I thank you dearly as I begin my writing journey.

I also want to thank my family and friends for all of their support and dealing with all my ramblings and hours of writing as I pushed myself into turning a dream into a reality, a dream which actually started twenty-four years ago.

Chapter One

Her confidence was back; well, at least most of it, and for Maggie that was an accomplishment all on its own. Her creativity was flowing and had been for several months, allowing her to rebuild the passion for a job she loved — a job that had been disrespected for more years than she cared to remember, leaving her feeling flawed and hollow. Sitting in her office she leaned over her drafting table analyzing every part of her latest cross-stitch design. After adding the last color selection, she held the graph paper under her lamp to further scrutinize every detail. Satisfied with her work, she swiveled around on her stool and hoped Abby would like it.

Maggie had designed a realistic-looking fuchsia hyacinth in a crockery pot that was sitting on the edge of a stone hearth. The vibrant blooms were surrounded by a warm glow as the embers sparkled behind them. This was the first time Maggie had experimented with floral designs, but she finally felt comfortable diverting from her usual fall and winter porch scenes and wildlife creations.

Her body tingled with feeling as she stretched and slid off the stool. After leaving the design on Abby’s desk, she collected her belongings and turned off the lights. She glanced at her watch and couldn’t believe it was almost ten o’clock. She had worked late numerous times, but never this late. However, she felt good knowing her design was finished.

The thirty-minute drive home gave Maggie time to relax and unwind. She popped in a James Taylor cassette and felt the stress of the day lift off her shoulders. As she rolled down her window the cool spring evening air drifted into the car. She had grown to like Westminster, Maryland, although it had taken her some time to get used to the rural town. Back in 1988, when she got married, the main highway was full of corn fields, but in the span of nine years businesses had started to crop up along the route, changing the landscape into a thriving community.

Maggie’s shoulder length wavy brown hair, streaked with auburn highlights, blew in the breeze as she pulled into her neighborhood. Approaching her house, she smiled, feeling content with her career, a contentment she never thought she’d have again. For a thirty-year-old, her skin was soft and smooth, and her gray eyes sparkled in the streetlight as she climbed out of the car with her petite slender body.

The aroma of soup filled Maggie’s nostrils as she opened the front door of her two-story townhouse. Realizing how hungry she was, she darted up the stairs, which lined the far right wall, and changed into a pair of navy blue pajamas. Back downstairs, she dished out a bowl of chicken noodle soup from the crockpot. Her mother worried she wasn’t eating properly and would occasionally come over to cook a few dishes. Carrying the soup into the living room, she settled down on the sofa to watch a few old sitcoms on TV. After a second helping she stored the rest and headed to bed.

The alarm went off at seven and Maggie dragged herself out of bed. At least it was Friday. She was not a morning person and Abby knew it, so she kept Maggie apprised of any important meetings, giving her the ability to fluctuate her hours. This particular morning, she had a meeting at nine to discuss the cover design on the next issue of Meadow River.

As Maggie walked through the door, Karen, the receptionist, who also worked as a designer for Meadow River, glanced up. Karen’s warm smile, deep blue eyes and friendly personality were contagious, causing Maggie to hire her on the spot nine years ago when she and Abby started the business. She made everyone feel welcome when they walked through the door.

Mornin’, Maggie! Abby and I really like the design of your latest project.

Thanks. I really liked the Christmas sampler I saw you working on yesterday. Will you finish in time for the December issue?

I hope so. I’d appreciate your input, if you have a moment later today, said Karen. I think she’s waiting for you, she said nodding toward Abby’s office. You can head on in.

Maggie walked down the hallway to the first door on the right. As she turned into the office, she heard her partner and long-time friend talking on the phone, trying to arrange for someone to assemble a kit for her hyacinth design and for someone to stitch it.

Abby, whispered Maggie, waving her hand to get Abby’s attention, I want to do the stitching myself.

Rachael, never mind the stitcher, just assemble one kit as soon as possible. Maggie’s working on this one herself. Thanks, Rachael.

Abby, I haven’t picked up a needle and thread in ages. I’d like to spend some time upstairs catching up with the ladies about their families and also getting a look at their projects, which you know I enjoy. That’s if you can spare me for a couple of weeks.

Of course. This is beautiful work, Maggie ... where did you get the inspiration?

Thanks! I bought a hyacinth and became fascinated by its flowers and how they bloom. I drew the plant and then developed the background around it. I was here ’til almost ten last night.

Maggie! Abby chastised. I’ve told you hundreds of times not to stay here after hours. You never know who might try to come into the building. Abby’s curly brown hair bounced freely as her tall slender figure walked around and perched on the corner of her desk. She studied her friend with her deep brown eyes and a look of concern on her face.

"Abs, you know how I get when I’m close to finishing a project. Richard always hated it when I worked late, but he’s gone and I don’t need you telling me what to do. Irritated, Maggie continued, You of all people know how Richard treated me. Besides, I always keep the doors locked."

You’re right, you’re right. I know the adrenaline keeps you goin’ until you’re done. I just worry about you, girlfriend, Abby said.

I’m fine. In fact my creative juices have been flowing nicely.

Yeah, but if you keep working at this pace you’ll be burned out before the end of the year. Four designs in the past three months seems a bit much, and I still have you scheduled to create a design for the November issue.

Well, working on this one will give me a break.

Stitching isn’t a break! But since I’m not going to be able to convince you otherwise, go on and take the rest of the day off, I’ve got things from here. I’ll see you first thing Monday morning, Abby told her.

What about our meeting to decide which design will be going on the cover of the September issue? Maggie asked, hoping to change the mood.

After seeing your work on my desk this morning, I decided without you. Now get out of here! Go get some rest. You look like you could use it.

Fine, you win. Maggie said, knowing there was no point in arguing. I think I’ll do that. Karen wanted to know if I had any suggestions for her sampler, so I’ll meet with her and head home. Call if you need anything.

Maggie pulled in her driveway shortly before eleven, thankful to have the rest of the day off. Ever since Richard’s passing, she focused most of her time and energy on work, but Abby always had the ability to sense when she needed some downtime to keep her creativity flowing.

She was truly grateful for the support her coworkers had provided in the two years since Richard’s passing. She occasionally struggled to clear her mind of the degrading remarks he manipulated her into believing, but Abby would constantly remind her that their business did not succeed on her abilities alone. When she was first married, life was good. She could still picture herself lying on the beach in Florida, listening to the ocean waves, and enjoying Richard’s company. But after the first year life started to change.

Richard was a very handsome man. His wavy dark brown hair and stunning opaque blue eyes made you wonder if he was looking at you or through you. He was about seven inches taller than Maggie’s petite frame and had a smile that brightened up her day at first sight, along with a heart-warming personality. They had made a wonderful team. Maggie, with her organization of the home and office, combined with Richard’s understanding of the business world and high finance. What one didn’t know, the other did.

On the outside, Maggie’s life had looked close to perfect. She loved Richard very much, but once things started to change, so did her feelings. He gradually started treating her like she couldn’t make sound choices pertaining to her personal life and then moved onto her job. But as the years passed she kept her ever changing life to herself, until Abby caught her bawling her eyes out uncontrollably in her office one day. From that moment on, the only person who knew about her private life was her best friend and partner, Abby. When things got rough, she would walk into work and head straight to Abby’s office, where she dumped her troubles and cried her eyes out, after a bad evening at home.

It was a cold wintery night that took Richard from Maggie. A car accident that both devastated and relieved her. Richard had started talking about having a family a month before the accident, which only added to her whirlwind of emotions. She had doubts about getting pregnant, but before they had a chance to conceive a child, Richard was killed.

Putting her life back together has been an uphill battle, but with the help of her family and friends, she has regained her confidence at work and the ability to make sound business decisions on her own. She also figured out there was nothing wrong with her dreams and aspirations, despite Richard’s incessant condescending remarks. However, when it came to putting herself out in the dating scene again Maggie just didn’t feel she could trust her own judgement.

A tap on her car window brought her out of her daze.

Excuse me, are you Mrs. Thompson?

Yes ... yes I am. Can I help you? Maggie asked, getting out of her car.

I’m Kendall from Hartman Plumbing. You called us about a busted pipe in your basement?

Yes, I did. Is that appointment today? Maggie inquired.

Yes, ma’am, it is.

I’m sorry, I completely forgot about it, Maggie said, as she walked to the front door. Thank goodness I have the rest of the day off, or I would have missed you completely. My husband usually handled these matters and would arrange to be home for any scheduled work to be done around the house.

Maggie opened the door and led him through the living room and down the hallway to the basement stairs on the right.

It doesn’t look too bad. I’m going to have to shut off your water for a while to repair the pipe, he said.

Okay. Would you like something to drink while you’re working?

Thanks, but I’m fine right now, he answered politely.

If you need anything, holler, she said, climbing the stairs.

Maggie pressed the palm of her hand onto her forehead, wondering why she asked him if he wanted something to drink? Relax Maggie, it’s not a crime to ask someone if they want a drink, she told herself as she walked upstairs to her bedroom. Her thoughts finally rolled around to devoting the time to work on one of her own designs, which was a direction she wanted to pursue again. She had packed away all her stitching supplies, after Richard’s death, and never thought she would feel like working on a project again.

Changing into sweats, she debated what to do while waiting for the pipe to be repaired. Well, she mumbled to herself, can’t take a nap now. What time is it? Eleven-thirty. Guess I’ll fix something to eat. Hearing the banging of the pipes she thought how nice it was to have someone else in the house besides herself, even if he was a total stranger.

Maggie headed down to the open kitchen and dining room area at the back of her townhouse and mixed up some chicken salad. After making a sandwich, she called down the stairs, How’s it goin’? as she descended and sat down on the third step from the bottom. Do you mind if I sit and watch a minute?

Not at all. You appear to have a hole in the pipe leading to your outside tap, he explained. I’m going to have to replace this section, he said, pointing to the busted pipe and valve, and the faucet on the outside of the house as well. The faucet should have been turned off and drained for the winter. From the looks of it, someone forgot.

You guessed right. I don’t think they’ve been turned off for three winters.

Lucky for you, you won’t have to remember anymore. They now make a faucet handle that will automatically drain the excess water when you turn the outside faucet off. So if you forget to shut off the valve there won’t be enough water left in the pipe to cause it to swell, which can eventually lead to a crack.

So how much is this wonderful contraption going to cost me? asked Maggie.

Including labor ... about $150.00.

I guess that’s not too bad. Go ahead and replace the pipe and install the new faucet and valve section. How long is this going to take?

Give me about an hour and I’ll be out of your way.

Would you like some iced tea now, or are you not allowed to accept drinks from customers while on duty?

I accept. But after I’m done, if that’s okay?

That’s fine.

Making her way upstairs, she really couldn’t understand why she felt compelled to offer the man a drink. She rarely talked to other service men, other than to tell them what needed to be repaired. Why she felt inclined to strike up a conversation with this man, she wasn’t quite sure. Don’t be silly, there’s nothing wrong with offering the man a drink. Stop questioning your actions. You haven’t made any fatal decisions regarding your personal life since Richard died. And she wasn’t going to either.

As the work continued downstairs, Maggie sat down at the dining room table to eat. Halfway through her lunch, she heard him coming up the stairs. I’m going to replace the faucet outside, then I’ll be back in to solder the two pipes together, he said with a smile.

Okay. The outside tap is behind the yew in the middle of the flower bed, she said.

After lunch, Maggie went upstairs to look for her cross-stitch supplies. It was nice to finally have a break from the creative aspect of her job and relax doing something she used to love. She pulled a bin of supplies out of the closet in the back bedroom and looked up at the cross-stitch of a train hanging on the wall. It was the last project she worked on and gave to Richard on what ended up being their last Christmas together. Her handiwork was about the only thing Richard seemed to appreciate about her job throughout their marriage. However, those memories were sparse, and caused her to cry. She couldn’t understand what caused Richard to change, she only knew that his care for her physical and emotional well-being grew worse as the years passed, making her wonder what she had done wrong.

After what felt like only a few minutes, Maggie glanced up to find the plumber standing on the landing at the top of the stairs, staring at her as she sat on the floor daydreaming.

Excuse me, Mrs. Thompson, he said in a quiet and calm voice as he stuffed his hands into his pockets.

Maggie was startled at first. Quickly swiping at her cheeks, she got up off the floor.

What ... what? I’m sorry, she replied holding her supplies tightly against her chest as he stood looking at her.

Seeing the alarmed look on her face Kendall said, Sorry if I’m intruding, but I’ve been calling for you the last couple of minutes and no one answered. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Hesitating, Kendall added, Are you okay?

Yes, I just can’t seem to ... but stopped before divulging anything personal. I’m sorry, Mr. ...

Kendall is fine, he said.

She looked up at him as she moved toward the landing, pausing briefly as he stepped back to let her pass. As she walked by, she took in the height of him before quickly descending the stairs. Let me get my check book, and I’ll fix you that iced tea I offered you earlier.

Leading the way to the kitchen Maggie felt self-conscious about being caught daydreaming. I’m sorry, what did you say your name is?

Kendall, Kendall Hartman.

Nice to meet you Kendall, I’m Maggie she said, sitting his iced tea on the table.

Thank you, he replied, picking up the glass.

Maggie poured a glass for herself and leaned back against the counter. He’s really tall, she confirmed. Richard had been tall, but she had never met a man who practically filled a doorway with his height.

He wasn’t bad looking, she thought, peering over the rim of her glass. His hair was dark brown and his eyes were a beautiful pale brown. He had a straight nose and a smooth and well-groomed beard and mustache the same color as his hair. When he smiled, his cheekbones rose and created little lines near his eyes that gave the impression of a warm and friendly personality.

She couldn’t get over how tall he was, but forced herself not to stare. She did, however, consider that the top of her head would only reach the middle of his chest if she stood in front of him. When she stood next to Richard, she could at least rest her head near his shoulder.

Realizing she was daydreaming again, Maggie asked, So ... what’s the damage?

That’ll be $152.50.

As Maggie wrote the check, she asked, And how long is the warranty on this job?

We cover the parts and labor for six months. If you have any trouble, just call Hartman Plumbing. Here’s my card. It’s magnetic so you can stick it on your refrigerator, he said with a grin.

Thank you.

Thanks for the iced tea, he replied, handing her the empty glass.

You’re welcome.

Maggie followed him down the hallway and through the living room to the front door, clasping his glass in her hand. He was nicely built for a man so tall.

Excuse me for asking, and this is probably not appropriate, but how tall are you?

Kendall smiled. No offense taken. I’m six seven.

Does it bother you to be so tall? Maggie inquired.

When I was growing up it did, especially in elementary school. I was always the tallest kid. Now most people just stare. Thanks for not staring and just asking.

I guess there are some advantages to being tall, she said. You didn’t have to drag out a ladder downstairs.

Good point. Never thought about that.

You’re welcome. And thanks for fixing the pipe.

No problem. Have a good afternoon.

Maggie watched him walk away, get into his truck, and head down the street. After locking the screen door, she walked into the kitchen and put his empty glass in the dishwasher. You better be careful, Maggie. He’s taller than Richard and you know how rough and distant he got ... Just because Richard was tall and rough doesn’t mean this guy is ... He’s probably married ... Well, where’s the ring? ... Lots of men don’t wear wedding bands and are married ... What difference does it make? You’ll probably never see him again.

Maggie berated herself for letting her mind wander in that direction and headed back upstairs.

* * *

As Kendall pulled away, a flash of concern for Mrs. Thompson crept into his thoughts. He didn’t deal well with women crying, not even his mother, but he wondered if Mrs. Thompson would be all right. And what did she mean when she said her husband usually handled these things? Was she separated? Divorced? Someone so young and pretty shouldn’t be daydreaming while a total stranger is working in her house. Forcing her from his mind, he drove to the office.

Hi, Peggy! Kendall said, greeting a woman with a round face and a headful of golden curls as he walked in the office door.

Hi, handsome! Did you go on that date with Stacey yet? Peggy asked.

Kendall rolled his eyes. He knows Peggy means well. She has been with Hartman Plumbing for over twenty-five years and cares about his family as though they were her own. Now that his younger brother, Daniel, is engaged, she has moved on to finding someone for him, the last unwed man in the Hartman family. Unfortunately, the women she has matched him up with are more interested in talking about themselves than in getting to know him.

In fact, I did go out with Stacey just last night.

And ... Peggy prodded.

A little too into herself. I don’t think I spoke ten words all evening.

Give it a chance, Ken. You’re always too quick to judge a person. You need to get to know her.

"Oh, I got to know her all right! She doesn’t know a thing about me though, except how tall I am. I think you need to get to know the women you’re setting me up with, before you actually arrange the date, maybe it would help you understand how I feel. I know you mean well, but this matchmaking has got to stop for a while," he said, heading into the back room for his lunch.

I’m just looking out for you. Besides, don’t you know that married men live longer than unmarried men?

For Pete’s sake, Peggy, I’m only thirty-five years old! He walked over to her desk and held out his hand. He was slightly perturbed as she handed him his appointments and invoices for the afternoon.

I suppose this means you’re not going out with Stacey again? she yelled, as Kendall let the door slam closed behind him.

I swear sometimes that woman has a one-track mind. I wonder how her husband puts up with it? he thought.

Glancing at the appointments, he noticed he only had two more calls for the day.

Out in the parking lot, Kendall watched his brother Daniel pull into the space next to him. Dan looks a lot like Kendall, except he is about six inches shorter and only wears a mustache.

Hey Ken, how’s it goin’?

Fine, as long as I stay away from Peggy. I think I’m going to call in for my appointments from now on. If I were you, I’d stay clear of her for the rest of the day, he warned.

It can’t be that bad. Well, on second thought, maybe it could be for you, he chuckled. According to Peggy you haven’t been on a second date with anyone in the last two years ... is that right? Dan asked, partially concerned.

That’s it! I’m out of here!

Ken!

Look, I know you all are trying to find me someone nice, Kendall said trying to sound appreciative, but could you lay off for a while? I’m getting tired of all these blind dates. I’m glad you found Barbara with Peggy’s help, but when the right person comes along for me, I’d like to be the one doing the asking. Maybe I should go on vacation next week to get away.

If that’s what you want, take a week off, urged Dan. Dad and I can handle the calls. Maybe getting away for a while will calm you down. Besides, summer will be here soon, the individual house repairs are starting to slow down, and the new homes we have contracts on won’t be ready for us until July.

Well ... if Dad’s all right with it I’ll take off starting tomorrow. Thanks for the incentives, Dan! he said, climbing into his truck. I could use the peace and quiet. Would you please ask Peggy to stop setting me up for a while? I know I told her, but she’s more likely to listen to you. If you have any real emergencies, I’ll be home working on my basement.

Home for Kendall was in Cumberland, Maryland. During the week he stayed with his parents and drove to his place on Friday afternoons. After his last call he headed home, relieved to have next week off. He parked beside the free-standing garage on the left side of the driveway, then dragged himself out of his truck and walked up the porch steps. Attached to the door was a note. Take your time getting cleaned up then come on over for dinner. I made your favorite. Fondly, Mrs. Reed.

Taking the note off the door Kendall smiled as he opened it and took his duffle bag full of dirty clothes down to the basement before coming upstairs to grab a beer. Wandering into the living room he sat down for a few moments on the sofa to relax. He built the moderately sized log cabin house about four years ago, on almost five acres of ground. He cleared about one and a half acres and left a straight line of trees around the sides and backyard.

Scanning the room, he took in the cathedral ceiling above the great room with its exposed large wooden rafters, which provided a rustic look. Two large fans hung on each side of the massive room that stretched the width of the house. Glancing to his right, he took in the rugged sandstone fireplace with its heavy oak mantle that he engraved with pine cones along the front edge. Across from him on the other side of the room was a sizable oak table and chairs he had built with his father.

He thought about Peggy’s meddling with his personal life. Deep down inside he wanted to find that special someone to share his life with and turn this house into a home. He just hadn’t found her and wasn’t interested in having someone else find her for him.

Sighing, he got up and climbed the solid oak staircase against the far right wall to take a shower before heading over to Mrs. Reed’s house for dinner. He slid his hand along the rugged oak railing that bracketed one side of the open hallway, which ran the width of the house and could be seen from the great room below. He passed by two large bedrooms before entering the master suite. All the bedrooms stretched towards the back of the house, each with their own full bath.

He felt good about having his own house. It allowed him to hone his carpentry skills when he added the sunroom and deck off the back two years ago so he had a place to put the grill he constantly used. His latest project was finishing the basement, which included a laundry room area, bathroom, extra bedroom, and a large family room with a wood stove. Grateful for the week off, he outlined the coming week in his head and hoped to put a big dent in the task.

Chapter Two

Monday morning came fast for Maggie. Walking into the office, a little after nine o’clock, she checked in with Abby. Hi, Abs, how’s it goin’ this morning?

Abby was standing behind her desk staring at a collection of photos for Meadow River. I’ve just about had it with the photography crew. Look at these shots! Not a detailed oriented picture in the lot! These are going to have to be redone by one o’clock this afternoon. Sometimes I wonder what they’re looking at when they focus the lens, she complained, tossing the pictures into the trash.

Ever since Dana left, they’ve been having problems. Can anyone fill her shoes or do we need to hire someone outside the company? ask Maggie.

I guess Shawn could do the job.

Then take him under your wing for a few days. Explain what you expect, then turn him loose. If I remember correctly, you did the same thing for Dana when she first started.

You would remember that, wouldn’t you! complained Abby.

Take the time now, and you won’t have to later. By the way, thank you for encouraging me to take off Friday afternoon. I totally forgot about the plumber I scheduled to fix the broken pipe in my basement.

You’re welcome. Sooo ... was he good looking?

When are you going to stop asking about every man that crosses my path? Maggie asked, slightly perturbed.

When you find someone, honey, Abby admitted.

Exasperated, Maggie said, Look, Abs, you know Richard’s only been gone for two years, and after how he treated me, I’m not sure I want to get involved with another man. I’m finally starting to feel comfortable with my life, and I don’t think I could trust another man right now. However, if I find someone worth my time, you’ll be the second to know.

Second? Who’ll be the first? Abby complained.

Me, Abs! sighed, Maggie. Me.

You know I care about you, Maggie. And you’re right, it has been two years, but now you need to get back into the dating scene. Maggie just rolled her eyes. So, was he good looking or not? Abby asked again, grinning at her.

Maggie sighed. He was almost as tall as the doorways in my house. And yes, he was nice looking too, if you must know, she said, shaking her head and wondering why she divulged that bit of information. But don’t expect me to be the one to ask him out, because I won’t. If he’s interested, and I doubt he is, he has my name, number, and address on file where he works and can look me up anytime. Now ... Maggie said, redirecting the conversation, where is that cross-stitch kit so I can get out of here?

Abby dangled the assembled kit in front of Maggie’s face. Shaking her head, she plucked it out of Abby’s fingers and said, I’ll see you next Monday. If you need me, you know where to find me. But try not to.

"I thought you were going to take two weeks off?"

I’ve decided to spend the second week working with the stitchers upstairs, if there isn’t any other pressing business to deal with?

Nope. See you in a week.

Maggie left the office and wondered if Abby would ever stop pestering her about dating. She knew all men wouldn’t be rough, but after dealing with Richard she was still skittish when it came to associating with them. Especially when they wanted to get close. One day she would have to learn to trust herself and her feelings again. Just because Richard pulled the wool over her eyes didn’t mean the next man she found attractive would do the same thing. She just hoped when the right man did come along she would be able to put her past behind her and move on with her life.

On the drive home Maggie decided to spend the rest of the morning working in the yard and straightening up the house. She always felt better when everything was in order,