“I did it.”
Technically, I had ended the engagement six weeks earlier.
She knew what I meant.
That weekend, I checked the rental account.
Ruth’s October payment had arrived exactly when it was supposed to.
After the management fee and money set aside for maintenance, I made another payment toward the renovation loan.
The balance was still large.
That was okay.
I closed my laptop and started dinner.
Aaron came over with salad.
While we were setting the table, I heard the side gate click.
Through the kitchen window, I saw Ruth returning from work with a grocery bag balanced against her hip.
She searched for her key, unlocked the guest house and stepped inside.
A moment later, the light came on.
“Is the bread in the oven?” Aaron asked.
“Oh, hell.”
I rushed to check it.
The edges were darker than I wanted, but nothing was ruined.
I carried it to the table.
