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“Hell?”
“I don’t think the answer is that simple. Imagine trying to explain the concept of tomorrow to a puppy. Their sense of time and space is so different from ours that we simply can’t do it.”
“In this analogy, we’re the puppy?”
“We are. I think whatever happens after we die is so far beyond our comprehension that we were given a simple explanation that makes sense to us. We’ll find out the truth when we get there.”
“So there’s a power much greater than ourselves, but not in the way we envision?”
“Yes. Most life-changing experiences are different than we imagine or than we’ve been told. Wouldn’t God be even more like that?”
“I think that, too,” he admitted. “Faith matters. It grounds us and sets us free at the same time. I appreciate what we’re told, but you’re right. We won’t know until we get there.”
He passed her the tools as she needed them, content to watch her do the work. She was careful and meticulous. Every now and then she asked him his opinion on what they should do next, but mostly she was confident in her abilities.
She’d pulled her long red hair back into a ponytail that sat high on her head, then had coiled it into some kind of a bun thing. She wore an old shop coat that was five sizes too big over a T-shirt and jeans. When he leaned close to tighten a bolt he could smell the scent of the lotion they’d bought together.
The whiff of scent had him thinking about where she’d put the lotion and how he would like to touch all those places, along with any others available to him. He’d start with his fingers, then follow with his tongue and they would—
He literally and mentally took a step back, telling himself to keep his mind on the work and off anything more physical. Wanting her was a given, but thinking about wanting her would only lead to trouble.
“Speaking of puppies,” she said, “I had customers today who had a new border collie puppy with them. She was so cute and full of energy. It was slow for a few minutes, so I got to play with her.”
“Now you want a puppy.”
“Sure. Doesn’t everyone?”
“There are nondog people.”
Her eyes widened. “I don’t believe you. Have you seen puppies? How could you not want all of them?”
“They grow into dogs, and that’s different.”
“It is. I know it’s the cuteness factor, but I can’t help it. My heart is puppy-friendly.”
He laughed. “Do you have plans to fulfill that need?”
“Eventually. When I get settled and have my life together.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’d need a work situation where I was home a fair amount. I wouldn’t want to get a puppy and then be gone all the time.”
“I agree. My boss used to have a couple of big dogs that he would bring to the shop every day. We all enjoyed having them hang around. Now he has Burt, an aging miniature dachshund, who’d rather stay home and sleep.”
“Burt?”
“I know, but the name suits him.”
They went to work on the piston–connecting rod assembly, installing new bearings and rings. Once that was done, it was close to nine. Shaye glanced out the open garage door.
“The sun’s set. It’s getting late. I’ve kept you too long.”
“You haven’t kept me.”
Her green eyes darkened. “You’re not obligated to spend every evening helping me.”
“Do I seem like I’m not having fun?”
“No, but . . .” She pressed her lips together. “I appreciate the help and enjoy the company.”
“That’s all I want to hear. The tree-lighting ceremony is in a couple of days. Would you like to go with me? It’s an outdoor event, in The Wreath. People generally arrive a couple of hours early to eat dinner first. There’s music and dancing, then the tree is lit.”
