Chapter 104

Lola poured two mugs of coffee, bringing them over, along with a spoon, and Hope helped herself to the cream and sugar still on the table from breakfast. The beginning phrases of several apologies were swirling around in her head, but actually choosing one was problematic. Hope sat stirring her drink for far too long before setting her spoon aside and saying quietly, "I apologize for what I said at church." She took a sip of the coffee, finding it cooler than she preferred but a good distraction. "It wasn't fair of me, and I'm sorry I hurt your feelings."

Silence hung between them for a few moments as Lola also concentrated on her beverage before she raised her nose in the air and said, "I accept your apology. I never intended to give you the indication I'd want your position full-time. It's a long trip into town for us."

"I know," Hope said, her head still down. "I realize that now."