Seasons of Sugarcreek 03. Autumn's Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray Page B

As a curl fell across her brow, she tried to blow it away. “I’m sorry. I bet you’re ready to go…”
    He was enjoying himself more than he could remember in years. It was a pleasure to watch someone be so happy over something so little. Leaning back against the fence, he grinned. “We’re in no hurry. Take all the time you want, English.”
    Lilly wrinkled her nose. “You know, I should be upset with you for calling me that.”
    “Are you upset?”
    She shook her head. “I’m not sure why, though.”
    He had a feeling he knew. There was a spark between them that pressed the bounds of the usual budding relationship. There was a connection between them that was tenuous.
    No, what was forming between them wasn’t all tender and sweet. Instead, there was a healthy dose of nervousness and ambiguity. Just standing next to her made his skin feel extra sensitive. Made all his senses a little bit heightened.
    He was finding, with Lilly, even the smallest thing made him happy. Even talking with her. Or sitting by her side.
    Luckily, Lilly seemed to be oblivious to all of that. No, he seemed to have slipped her mind as she sank back to her knees and gave each tiny fur ball her attention. “I just can’t decide.”
    Eli laughed. “She might be needin’ two, Robert.”
    “Maybe so.” He’d buy her all the kittens, if that was what it took to keep that expression of pure bliss on her face.
    “I heard that. I definitely won’t need two cats.” She worried her bottom lip as both kittens purred and played. “Robert, I promise, I’m almost ready. I just need a few more minutes, that’s all.”
    “Take your time.”
    “They’ll probably decide for you, jah ?” Eli said. “That’s what usually happens, I think. The right things find us instead of the other way around.”
    “I have a feeling that is true,” Robert said.
    Around the corner, four children scampered close.
    “Kittens!” Without waiting to ask permission, they barreled in.
    The look of panic in Lilly’s eyes was priceless as the eager balls of fur rushed to the children in excitement. All except for the little black kitten. It stayed by her side. After pawing at her jeans, it hopped on her lap. Seconds later, Lilly was cuddling it close to her chest.
    “Ah. She’s found you, Lilly,” Eli said with an especially pleased smile. To Robert, he winked. “Told you it would happen.”
    As two children looked about to reach for it, Lilly placed one arm over the cat protectively. Slowly, she stood up. “Robert, this is the one. If you’re sure…”
    “I’m sure. It’s bought and paid for.”
    “She’s going to be well loved.”
    He grinned at that.
    After another moment, they walked away, much slower now that Lilly was cradling the tiny cat. “Oh, Robert. Look how she’s just sitting here. I think she’s about to fall asleep!”
    Making a sudden decision, Robert led her to another booth, where baby blankets had been hand-tied in a fuzzy flannel. “We’ll need one of these, Gwen,” he said, and handed over a ten-dollar bill. Then, he led Lilly to a spot away from everyone.
    As she watched, he carefully stuffed the blanket into the basket he’d been carrying, and put the sleeping kitten inside. “Now she’s snug.”
    Lilly’s eyes glowed. “You’re doing too much for me.”
    “Not so much.” Robert paused as he caught a whiff of Lilly’s cool, clean scent. His pulse beat a little bit faster as it surrounded him.
    Ach, but she was getting it all wrong. In truth, he was the one who was getting so much out of their time together. For the last few years, he’d felt hollow inside. So empty of emotions that he’d sometimes wondered if he was never going to feel again.
    But Lilly’s appearance in his life had changed that. Now, when he looked at her, he felt a longing that was so strong, it took his breath away. A part of him wanted to hold her close, protectively, so she never would feel pain or hurt again.
    But yet another part of