Seasons of Change

Alone and suddenly jobless, I was at a crossroads for the first time in my life. Of course, I handled it the way any rational person would—I bought a home in the small town where I'd spent most of my childhood summers.

When my new neighbor stepped off his front porch to welcome me, I knew I was in trouble. With his hand stretched in greeting, he had the nerve to imply that I was in over my head. Or, that could be how I interpreted his meaning, seeing as I had the same thoughts since I signed the mortgage paperwork.

A few mishaps and several cozy nights in front of a roaring fire later, he covertly chiseled away my stubborn defenses. After that, I started considering dreams I hadn't thought about in years.

Maybe living next door to the handsome divorcee won't be so bad after all.