Love in a Fix Read Online Free PDF Page B

you,” she whispered. The lump in her throat precluded her from saying more.
    For better or worse, she’d set the course for a new chapter in life.

Chapter Four
     
    Boxes staged for easy loading filled the foyer and living room. Disassembled bed frames leaned against the wall where Shep had propped them last night. The walls boasted no frames or shelves—all had been removed and drywall repaired earlier in the week. Once he loaded the furniture and boxes, the house would be empty, ready for new occupants.
    Lyndsey walked through the front door. She wore a pair of loose-fitting jeans, a long-sleeved teal T-shirt, and a pair of worn sneakers—a practical outfit for moving day. Her face lacked its normal, vibrant coloring, but a strained smile tugged at her lips. “I guess this is it.”
    “Josh got off fine with his grandparents?” He wiped a dusty hand on his faded flannel shirt.
    “Yes.” Her eyes shifted, scanning the room. “It’s better this way. The transition will be easier for him if I have his room set up before he sees the new place. It will help him see it as home.” The shakiness in her voice belied the confidence of her words.
    “I thought we’d load the bed of my truck first with the necessities, the boxes you’ll have to unpack first. After that we’ll load the moving truck.” He cast a brief look out the window to the rented vehicle. “I think we can get it all in one trip. Once we unload and return the truck, I’ll bring you back for your car.”
    She took a deep breath. “Okay.”
    He went outside and grabbed the wheel dolly.
    By the time he returned, Lyndsey had boxes waiting. “These can go in your truck.”
    “That’s it?”
    “There a few more in the other room. I’ll get them while you take these out.” Her voice wavered, and Shep wished there was something, anything, he could do to make this easier for her.
    All he knew to do was be there for her, which he’d done every evening for the past three weeks. After his normal work for the day, he’d gone straight to her house and helped her pack for a few hours before he went home. Yesterday he’d taken a half day, leaving his second-in-command in charge of the latest project. He’d cleared his Friday and Saturday, something he rarely did, so he could help her move and settle in.
    He wasn’t happy about it. He didn’t like the idea of her downsizing to an apartment, especially when she’d found excuse after excuse to not let him inspect it first. What Lyndsey didn’t know was that he’d done some previous work at that apartment complex. He knew the condition of the buildings, the caliber of many of the tenants.
    Yet, the decision wasn’t his to make. Lyndsey had to follow what she believed was best, and that was selling the house. No matter how much he’d prayed and wished and hinted, she’d still chosen to move.
    Which led him to this point, loading boxes on a dolly, being supportive in any way he could. The boxes she’d set aside were large, about three feet tall. He took them to his truck two at a time until the extended cab was full.
    Once he accomplished that task, Lyndsey helped him carry the furniture into the moving truck. He’d argued when she’d insisted on not bringing anyone from church or his company to help. Most of the items he could finagle on his own, one way or another, but there were a few pieces with which he’d undoubtedly need assistance. It didn’t make sense to do it all on their own when help was available, but Lyndsey wouldn’t budge.
    As they moved the bed frames, the couch, and the china hutch, Shep learned a new fact about Lyndsey. Her physical strength matched that of her spiritual and emotional strength. She moved deftly, without complaint, showing a competence he’d underestimated.
    “Any more furniture hiding in the house?” He scanned the trailer’s interior, seeing its walls lined with the bulky, mostly heavy items.
    “That wasn’t enough?” She tipped her head to the