Chapter 12

Edward had showed up on time, looking cute in tight jeans and a T-shirt. The Edward he’d known before had been really thin, but now the man had bulked up some, put on weight, and it looked really good on him.

As they worked on the lawn ornaments, Mrs. Garner, from the neighboring house, had stood on her driveway, hands on her hips as she watched them. She’d introduced herself to Jim the day after he’d moved in.

“Hi, Mrs. Garner,” Jim called out politely.

“Hello, yourself.”

“What do you think?” He gestured to the lawn stuff.

She had told him that, though not an original owner, she’d been in the neighborhood a number of years and had known the Sweets well, particularly Mrs. Sweet. “Looks nice,” she replied. “Been a long time since anyone bothered putting decorations on that house. Saw your tree through the window, too.” She sniffed. “Looks nice,” she said again.

Jim smiled. “Thanks. This is my friend, Edward.”