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That made her and Jen laugh, because they both knew her verbiage didn’t make sense.

And yet, to them, it made perfect sense.

They served a big God who could answer anything.

It was time to believe that He would do something about all of it and that He cared about them.

She didn’t think her heart could take losing Blake too, not after losing Jake and Michael.

“HOW LONG WILL YOU BE gone?” Hensley’s brow arched as Blake explained that he had been invited to Rockport and couldn’t get out of it.

Family business matters. Not for Deerpark Cabins, but for Sterling Enterprises, Inc.

, his father’s company that his older brother, Brandon, managed from Rockport, Ohio.

“A week or two at most. Then we’ll do some special things together when I return. I promise.” Blake’s voice sounded preoccupied. “I want you to meet all the new horses. We’ll take a picnic and go horseback riding. Just the two of us.”

“Okay. You’ll text me and call sometimes?” She could at least look forward to riding the trails with him. But why did he have to leave for two whole weeks? What kind of business took that long? Or was this God’s way of protecting him ?

Maybe he could use the time to figure things out for their future.

Like about her, and their relationship. Where they were headed.

And in truth, he might be safer in Rockport than around Caroline in Dogwood Creek.

Especially after what Jen had told her last night.

Yes, maybe God was protecting him and their relationship.

“Of course,” he assured.

“All right. I’ll see you when you get back.” But her brows furrowed.

Two weeks without Blake? It would be hard to stay positive or even find delight in the little things, like taking in views of the late spring and early summer blooms in the garden, or enjoying the colors of a sunset on an evening stroll, for another thing.

The way folks and couples were doing more things outside in the warmer weather, for another.

It would make her miss him even more. But she’d have to press on, even though life wouldn’t seem nearly as vibrant without him around.

When had she begun to fall so hard for her Manhattan cowboy?

Maybe Caroline would grow weary of waiting around for him and return to New York.

It hadn’t been the answer to prayer that she’d expected, but she had to trust that God knew what was best. Except she had to admit, some part of her was irritated with Blake for abandoning her just when things seemed to be opening up for them.

“THINGS HAVE STALLED between Blake and Hensley. Something’s not right.

” Samantha Braeburn glanced around at Nancy Lundgren, Lauren Juniper, Robbie Watson, Alicia Caruso, and Maggie Cornford.

“I checked in with Hensley yesterday and Blake has flown off to visit his brother in some little town in Ohio. She seems kind of down. I’m not sure what to do for them now. He’ll be gone for two weeks. ”

“Did the sabotage work? I mean, taking my suggestion of removing all of the tablecloths and cutting down the banner so they’d have to get together to fix it?” Nancy leaned forward in her rocking chair.

They were all seated across the front porch of Alicia Caruso’s century-old farmhouse, enjoying the weather.

Robbie had brought strawberry swirl cheesecake bites for their meeting, but seated at a bistro table, she presently bent her head over a wreath she was creating with some craft supplies she’d also brought along.

Maggie, also seated in a rocking chair, was crocheting an afghan.

Nancy crocheted a baby blanket for a local mission.

Lauren sat on the front steps in one of her boho-style skirts where she could admire Alicia’s flowerbeds.

And Alicia sat on a bench, patting one of her two Labrador Retrievers, Biscotti, while Coco lounged at her feet.

“Yes. The sabotage was perfect timing. Hensley and Jen went to fix everything just before those storms came through. Blake, Bing, and Bing’s sister, Caroline, hosted them overnight in the main lodge.

They were effectively stuck there since it was too dangerous to drive home.

As I understand it, from what Lula told me when she came to get her hair cut and styled, Jenny and Hensley ended up in their own luxurious suite.

” Sam leaned forward. “But we need to think of a way to get Hensley and Blake together again now that the fundraiser is over. And Jenny and Bing as well. Oh, and it seems there is a romance blossoming between Lula and Blake’s driver, that Wickham fellow. ”

“We need a way to bring Blake home sooner.” Alicia patted Coco since the dog nudged her for equal affection.

“Two weeks is an awfully long time to be away. Take it from someone married to a trucker. Every single time Clint goes away, I miss him, even though I’m busy with the diner and potluck dinners.

” Robbie pressed her lips together into a firm thin line.

“Plus my ‘Marching Into Glory’ Dinners whenever someone goes home to meet Jesus. It’s still hard to be apart from my Clint. ”

“Just when we are so close to helping three of the Fitzwilliam sisters find their happily ever after ...” Samantha released a sigh. “According to Lula, Bing and Jen are madly in love. And Lula has had several dates with Lewis Wickham.”

“I think I have an idea.” Nancy kept crocheting as she spoke, but her eyes were sparkling.

“We’ll host a dance at the community center next weekend.

Not just any dance. A big one, open to all of Dogwood Creek inhabitants.

We’ll ask everyone who attends to wear 1920s garb.

Hensley loves to wear vintage clothing. She won’t want to miss such a huge event.

I’m guessing she’ll ask Blake to come home a week early in time to escort her to the dance. ”

“That’s a great idea, but can we organize such a large event in one week’s time?” Sam’s mouth twisted and her brows furrowed.

Nancy nodded. “All we need to do is telephone someone at The Gazette to put it in this weekend’s edition so folks have a week to get their clothing ready. We can serve cookies and punch to keep the refreshments simple. Folks will want to go out to dinner in advance or after the dance.”

“What about decorations and the music for dancing?” Maggie leaned toward Nancy.

Alicia perked up, her eyes brightening. “We can ask MaryAnne to be the DJ. Maybe she’ll meet someone at the dance.”

“I can bring some fresh flowers for the cookie and punch table,” Lauren offered.

Sam smiled. This might actually work. Lauren owned the Life Is a Garden floral shop in Dogwood Creek.

“If the dance is for next Saturday night, I’ll bake a hundred cookies on Thursday evening and a hundred more on Friday evening if you can help me, Sam. Can Tiff watch Noah while we’re baking?” Robbie glanced at Sam.

“Sure. I can do that. I’m sure Tiff won’t mind.” Sam smiled. Things were looking up .

“We’ll need more decorations. I’ll make a balloon arch for a photo booth,” Alicia offered. “Maybe Lula can take some professional photos for couples when she’s not dancing with Wickham, at least during the first hour.”

“I like it. Let’s not overcomplicate it.” Nancy sat back in her rocking chair. “Our plans are just right. I’ll call my editorial friend at the newspaper tonight, and then I’ll get MaryAnne on the phone so we have a DJ ... and oh, dear me, I almost forgot. I’ll reserve the community center first.”

Nancy laughed at herself.

“By all means, don’t put the cart before the horse.” Maggie clucked her tongue. “I suppose there is always the school gymnasium or we could set up a tent in the church parking lot if all else fails.”

Sam released a contented sigh, pleased with their plans.

She’d have to sacrifice two nights of baking, but when all was said and done, Hensley, Jen, and Lula would be the prettiest girls there.

Blake, Bing, and Wickham would have no choice but to pop the question to their lovely dates.

And when it came to bringing couples together, what was the sacrifice of a little baking?

CAROLINE TAPPED AN impatient foot, her arms crossed over her chest as she gazed over the crowd gathered at the Dogwood Creek Community Center. “And you’re sure that Blake said he would meet us here? Because I don’t see him anywhere, and yet, here stands our Hensley without an escort.”

Hensley tried to disregard the condescending tone in Bing’s sister’s voice. She glanced away, turning her attention toward the dance floor where couples danced to ragtime tunes from the 1920s. MaryAnne was doing a splendid job of playing all of the right kinds of music .

“He’ll be here,” Bing assured as he glanced at Hensley with apprehension in his eyes and then at his watch. “His flight must’ve been delayed. He takes pride in being punctual.”

Hensley bit her lower lip, blinking back tears that threatened to spill over her eyelashes. She simply must not cry, and especially not in front of Caroline.

He’d promised he’d be there, but they were well into the final hour of the dance, and he had yet to appear.

She’d grown weary of waiting on his limo and had made the decision to drive herself to the dance without him.

Her silver dress, with its five tiers of sparkling fringe was too pretty to hide away.

It matched her jeweled headband and silver dancing shoes too.

Bing had danced with Jen numerous times. Then he’d danced twice with Caroline and twice with Hensley to ensure they each had a good time. But Jen now seemed put out with him for some reason and tapped a foot.

Caroline leaned toward them. “Wait until Blake gets here, only to realize he has cut his entire trip short to return for a shindig with a balloon arch, cookies served on paper plates, and punch served in paper cups instead of a proper venue with chandeliers and canapes.”