Free Following Love by Celeste O. Norfleet Page B

sure? I was just about to start dinner. I believe it’s one of your favorites, smothered pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, homemade apple pie and sweetened iced tea.”
    Julian’s mouth watered instantly but there was no way he could stay knowing that Dena would be home soon. He needed to stick to the plan. He’d come to level the cracked and gouged patio surface and prep for the next phase of work. “Maybe next time,” he said, hoping she didn’t hear his stomach growl as he lowered the back flap of his truck.
    â€œSuit yourself, but I’ll make a platter for you just in case you get hungry later.”
    Julian smiled. “Thanks, Mrs. Peyton, that would be great.”
    â€œSo how do you like my niece so far?” she said, changing the subject drastically. “I knew you’d want her as soon as you met her.”
    Taken off guard, Julian, without a firm grip on the load, turned and wrenched his back as he tried to lift a bag of cement. He dropped it. “I beg your pardon?” he said, wincing from his strained back muscles.
    â€œAnd of course I just knew she’d be perfect for you,” Ellen continued.
    â€œHuh?” Julian added, presuming now that he must have been sucked into an alternate reality.
    â€œDena, my niece. I knew she’d be perfect and that you’d want her in the office as soon as you met her. Her credentials are impeccable. She knows all the office computer programs, she’s a hard worker, organized and detail-oriented, and did I tell you she also has her law degree? She’s not practicing right now, of course, but still, I knew she’d be an asset to Hamilton Development Corporation. I knew you’d want her.”
    â€œYes,” he said, then muttered, “I certainly do,” just before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. “She is a definite asset.”
    Ellen smiled, seeing Julian’s reaction. “My sister’s only grandchild, she’s had some recent heartache, poor dear. Mind you, don’t let those construction workers of yours give her a hard time or you’ll have to answer to me. And don’t let that tough-as-nails demeanor of hers fool you, she’s as sweet as my homemade apple pie. Oh, Lord, speaking of apple pie, I’d better check on my pie. It’s still in the oven. Do you need me for anything?” she asked.
    â€œNo, ma’am. I’ll call you if I need you,” he said, giving the standard reply. Ellen nodded and hurried back into the house. Julian sighed with relief. The conversation had taken him off guard. He knew of course that Dena was Ellen’s great-niece, it was just the way she’d put it that had taken him off guard. She’s perfect for you. She didn’t know how right she was.
    His thoughts started down that path and he could feel his body harden. Dena was plaguing him again and she wasn’t even here. There was no way he was going to keep his vow if she was around. He had to do something.
    Now focused on work, he unloaded a few bags of dried cement and carried them around to the back of the house. He stopped when he was nearly run over by a young child on a training-wheel bicycle.
    The young child stopped suddenly, making a loud screeching sound of bad brakes with his mouth, then looking up at Julian with a helmet ill-fitted to his tiny head. “Hi, who are you?”
    â€œHello,” Julian said with laughter in his voice. “I’m Julian Hamilton.”
    â€œHi, Mr. Toolyian Hamydon. I’m Dillon, I’m three.” He held up four tiny sausage fingers, rechecked and held one finger down. I’m almost four, see.” He let go, allowing the fourth finger to pop up.
    â€œWell it’s nice to meet you, Dillon.” He shifted the heavy bags of cement in his arms and continued to the work site. He dropped the bags and looked around again. A load of red bricks, a wheelbarrow and several