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to try so hard, but
it wasn’t his place to say so. And he definitely didn’t want to do anything
more to upset her. Not if he wanted to keep his head attached to his body.
“Take a walk with me?”
    She nodded, her
arms folded across her waist.
    Maybe a different
direction in the conversation would lessen the tension. “So what else do you do
besides plan weddings, paint pictures, and be a mama?”
    “Well, earlier
today I let Coot railroad me into organizing the Chamber of Commerce banquet.”
Sarcasm leaked from her words, and she looked off in the distance, her face as
stony as the creek bed. “Sounds like a pretty puny resume, but I guess it
counts.” They took a few more steps, and Trish sighed. “You think it’s wrong
for me to want to take care of myself and Bo?”
    Andy shook his
head. “It’s actually a very noble goal.”
    “But?” Her
troubled gaze skipped across his face.
    He steeled
himself with a quick breath. “But you can’t question people’s motives or shut
them out just because they want to help. Mind if I ask a personal question?”
    She raked her
bottom lip against her teeth. “Okay.”
    It really wasn’t
any of his business, but he wanted to know. “Did your husband have life
insurance?”
    Her expression
flat-lined, and she didn’t speak for a long minute. “Yeah, but I accidentally
let it lapse while he was in the hospital.” Her words ended in a whisper.
    Andy released a
silent breath between his lips, fairly certain she’d entrusted him with
information her family didn’t know. He sensed her eyes on him, so he sent a
reassuring smile.
    “Please don’t say
anything to Dani or Steve. I don’t want them to know.” Her plea was tinged with
panic.
    Why was she
hiding the news from her family? He longed to ask, but judging by the concern
on her face, she’d most likely reached her quota on sharing personal info.
    They strolled in
silence for a few more steps, the spring day smelling of sunshine and blossoms.
Trish stopped in her tracks. “Now it’s my turn to ask a question.”
    Not what he
expected. There were some things he refused to share with anyone. No matter how
pretty she was. “Okay.”
    Doe-like eyes latched
onto his. “Did you really want to buy my art, or—?”
    “Yes.”
    “Why?”
    “Isn’t it
obvious?” He searched her face. It wasn’t obvious—at least not to her.
“Your painting is one of the most beautiful pieces of art I’ve ever seen, and
I’m not just feeding you a line because I feel sorry for you or want to help. I
really want to buy a painting.”
    Trish resumed
walking, but said nothing, her forehead puckered.
    Andy stuck his
hands in his jean pockets, his fingers scraping against the car keys. “You
gonna make me beg?”
    “No.” She clipped
the word short.
    His exasperation
climbed, taking his pulse along for the ride. “Excuse me for being an obtuse
guy, but I don’t get it. You need money to support your son. You have an
undeniable gift. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what you should
do.”
    Her face
reddened. “I can’t paint anymore, all right? I’ve tried, but nothing comes
out.” She choked out words, and tears pooled in her eyes. “I’d love to paint
again, but when Doc died he took that part of me with him, and no matter how
hard I try, I can’t get it back.” She bolted for the red brick church building
like a frightened deer, her sandals clicking against the pavement.
     
    Chapter 5
     
    H eart heavy, Trish
plopped down on the steps in the sanctuary and cupped her face with her hands.
After her most recent round of emotional backwash, it wouldn’t surprise her one
bit if Andy steered clear during the rest of the festivities.
    Of all the times
for her fickle feelings to dump themselves in the streets of Miller’s Creek for
public display. Why this weekend? And why Andy?
    The afternoon
sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows and washed the room with a
cacophony of color. A boatload of