The back patio was beautifully landscaped with pavers in a semicircle framed with a low raised wall along the perimeter that doubled as extra seating. Annual flowers were freshly planted in raised gardens on the outside of the wall. Eight outdoor chairs were placed around a fire pit, perfectly staged for nights of friendly conversation with friends and family. The fragrance of spring flowers filled the air.

The girls led me to another seating area with four padded Adirondack chairs set in a grouping around an outdoor wooden coffee table. The area would have been in the sun during the morning hours, but at one in the afternoon it was shaded by surrounding maple trees. The setting had a peaceful, lazy feel. It was perfect for relaxing or for a long comfortable conversation. I found myself hoping this time with Laura would be both comfortable and long. Even so, my nerves were on edge. The onslaught of emotions in the past five minutes had shocked my system with adrenalin and I fought against nearly uncontrollable energy. And I still had to assume she was married. I was completely conflicted about what I was hoping I would learn about Laura and her relationship status.

“Mom has me hooked on watching all her favorite movies from when she was a kid,” Hanna said as she continued our conversation that started on my front lawn. Mattie squatted a few feet away focused on a bug.

“Really? What movies have you watched lately?” I asked.

“Princess Bride!” she shouted with glee. “That’s my favorite!”

I smiled and said, “Wuv… TWU Wuv!”

“That’s the best part!” she giggled.

“What other movies have you two watched?”

“Well, we watched ‘Groundhog Day’ last weekend. I really liked that.”

I smiled and couldn’t help myself. “You won’t believe this, but that’s my favorite of all time!”

“Mom said there were some things in it that were a little old for me, but I got it. He started out as a jerk and ended up learning how to be a good guy.”

“That’s what I like about it. It shows someone could change if they really wanted to.”

She pondered my comment and her mood went a little somber. “I wish that had worked for my dad.”

Until I knew more, I had to let that drop. But what didn’t escape me was a great glimmer of hope rising within me that there was no man involved. I instantly felt guilty when I realized that meant those awesome girls may not have a father around.

“So, what are you watching next?” I was trying to avoid the “Dad” topic for now.

“It’s gonna rain tomorrow so we’re gonna binge watch the “Back to the Future” movies!” she explained with a beaming smile. “Mom’s so excited about it she keeps talking about it every night at dinner!”

I had to chuckle at the energy she could bring to any conversation.

Laura suddenly appeared from behind me with a tray of glasses and sporting that electric smile. “Are you giving away our secret plans for tomorrow, Squirt?” As she put the tray on the coffee table, Hanna’s shyness appeared as she reacted to one of her mother’s pet names for her.

“Sheesh, Mom!”

“LENNONADE!” Mattie shrieked as she came over and grabbed her glass. Laura and I chuckled, Hanna took the opportunity to correct her little sister’s pronunciation.

We shared light conversation for about ten minutes while sipping on our refreshment and we just enjoyed the two girls. Once Hanna finished, she and Mattie returned to the front of the house to play.

“Laura, you have two amazing girls! I wish I had their energy.”

“They are real blessings.” Her face was filled with love and pride. “They are really sweet and well-behaved, which makes the challenges of being a single mom a lot easier to bear.”

I admit it. My heart jumped with joy while I allowed thoughts of sympathy to show on my face.

“You’re raising them all by yourself! You’re doing a fantastic job. I just assumed you were married when I saw your ring.”

She looked down with a rather wry smile. “I should tear it off and melt it down. I’m just so used to it, plus it stops me from getting hit on so often. Of course, there are jerks that don’t care and hit on me anyway.” Her smile morphed into something between a smirk and a look of frustration.

I wasn’t sure if I’d regret what I said next, but I couldn’t help myself.

“I imagine someone as strikingly beautiful as you finds themselves forced to deal with a lot of rude advances.”

“Please,” she said, a little embarrassed but thankfully still smiling. “I appreciate the compliment, but I don’t feel all that beautiful after two kids and a few really stressful years.”

A look of shock took over my face as I almost did a spit-take. She giggled a bit seeing I almost sprayed a mouthful of lemonade. I couldn’t believe she could feel that way. I quickly scanned the person sitting next to me and I couldn’t see a hint of imperfection. I regained a little composure and looked at her with what I hoped was a friendly but serious gaze.

“Please forgive what I’m going to say,” I begged. “If someone has made you feel that way when you look in a mirror, then they are the problem! I hope I get to know you well enough that I’m comfortable telling you what I see sitting next to me.”

I could feel myself blushing with a bit of embarrassment. Thank God, her smile widened.

“Ben, you’re really sweet… and thank you. My ex, and now late husband said a lot of uncomplimentary things and I guess I took them too much to heart.”

“Wow, I’m sorry Laura. I know we’re just getting acquainted, but I feel like I opened some wounds that haven’t completely healed.”

She grimaced and bowed her head to stare at the ground in front of her. At first, I was concerned that she regretted telling me that much detail, but I continued.

“If it’s too deep to get into right now or if you’re not comfortable we can let it drop. But if it helps you at all to talk about it, I’m a really good listener.”

Her look changed to a wry smile.

“Well, neighbor, I did jump in the deep end first.” She laughed and projected the feeling that she was more comfortable with the subject than I thought she’d be. “Before we know what each other does for a living or normal stuff we’re right into the dirty laundry!”

“Do you want to take a step back?” I asked.

She gave a reflective laugh. “I guess I already opened the door to the tough stuff. I don’t know why, but for some reason, I think I’m comfortable telling you. I’ll forge ahead if you think you can take it!” She wore a smile, but I sensed a little fear too.

“If you’re sure, I think I can handle it. Well, I hope I can, at least.”

“Be careful what you ask for!” She chuckled looking both relieved and a little timid. “Tell you what… before I launch into my sordid past, how about if I get us refills on the lemonade and add a little Jack Daniels to grease the wheels?”

“I like how you think!”

When she returned with the more adult version of our refreshment, she looked like she was pondering where to start.

I smiled at her. “I have to admit I feel a bit guilty. You said he’s both an ex and has passed? That sounds like a pretty intense tale and I can’t help being curious. But I’m giving you another chance to chicken out if you want!”

“I thought about chickening out while I was getting our drinks!” She chuckled. “You sure you can handle this?”

“Give me your best shot!”

She laughed, then quieted into a more somber, reflective mood.

“Where to start?” she asked herself while trying to organize her thoughts.

“I’ll begin by letting you know a bit about the end so you know my mindset. I don’t miss him at all. I’m not glad he’s dead! But I’m thankful he can never be around me or the girls. I think you’ll understand when you hear the whole story.”

“Good to know! I’ll fasten my seatbelt!” I think she wanted to smile, but couldn’t force it. But the truth of her past was far beyond anything I’d ever imagined.