Page 29 of Lakehouse Promises

“Perfect. Then add that to my total.”

Jennifer smiled. “Anything else today? I think you mentioned silverware?”

“Thanks for reminding me.”

“Look on aisle one.”

“Thanks.” Carolina smiled as Jennifer went to call her cousin.

Carolina made her way over to the aisle and quickly picked out a set of silverware that was reasonably priced. It wasn’t sterling and that was fine by her. As long as she didn’t have to eat on plastic utensils, she’d be happy.

In fact, today had been a really good day. On the way home, she felt her hopes rising. Maybe, just maybe things were going to be okay after all.

Chapter 16

Carolina pulled into her driveway and killed the engine. The old woman who had confronted her earlier when she had been asleep in her car was pounding on the front door.

She groaned and jumped out of the car. “Can I help you?”

“Yes. You can. One of my cats was attacked this morning by a black dog. A dog which I saw running into your backyard.”

“Oh no.” She shook her head.

The woman put her hands on her hips. “That is the second time this has happened.”

“It’s not my dog. He showed up last night.” She held up her hands. “I tried to see if he had a name on his collar but nothing. I figured he was a stray.”

“If he was a stray, why did he return to your house?” She narrowed her eyes as if she didn’t believe her.

Carolina weighed her answer. “Probably because I fed him last night. He was a skeleton when he showed up.”

“Well since you’ve adopted him you have adopted his problems.” She shoved her finger in Carolina’s chest.

Carolina blinked and stepped back, shocked at the old woman’s attitude toward her. “What does that mean?”

“You’re paying the vet bills for my cat.”

Carolina gasped. “What?”

The sound of a truck pulling up had them both turning.

Thomas Harding.

He got out of the truck and glared at both of them.

“What is he doing here?” The old woman asked.

“He’s fixing my roof.” Carolina reported.

Thomas walked over. “I got your message. And I also heard from Rebecca to go ahead and replace the roof. She said she already sent the assessor over here this afternoon.”

“Wait. Rebecca from the bank? My Rebecca?” The old woman narrowed her eyes at her.

“Yes. I met her at the bank this morning.” Carolina said carefully.

“What are you doing here, Bernice?” Thomas cocked his head and rubbed his chin.

She lifted her chin and glared. “Her dog attacked my cat and I want her to pay for the vet bill.”