A Soldier's Valentine

Chapter Four (#ulink_4969ba19-18dd-56d3-8b6d-54e56f3b87b0)

“Ginger, what a nice surprise.” Helen Zelinsky’s smile grew wider. “And you came with Zach.”

“His Jeep has better clearance than my car, and the snow’s really coming down out there.” Ginger handed over her snow-dampened coat as if proving her appearance with Zach was about the weather and convenience. Nothing more.

She’d brushed off the snow as best she could on the front porch before coming inside. She’d helped Zach do the same and it had taken effort to keep her mitten-encased hands from lingering on his broad shoulders.

What would Zach have done had she hugged him for his offer to pay for her window display? After their mutual and rather awkward agreement about not dating, it would have been a stitch to see the look on his face. Still, she had the better deal, as waiting on his customers in addition to hers would be a snap this time of year.

“You know each other?” Zach gave his mom a kiss on the forehead. A soft show of respect.

And Ginger’s heart twisted. In her family there was so little of that. They’d grown up learning to avoid conflict at all cost. As a result, respect and honesty were lost in an attempt to keep the peace. But there’d never been real peace at the Carletons’.

“Ginger helps with the church blood drives every quarter. She makes sure the volunteers get fed lunch.”

“You make them food?” He cocked one eyebrow.

Ginger shook her head. “No, no. I pick up and deliver is all.”

“Don’t let her fool you. Each year, she organizes the downtown restaurants that donate, then picks up and delivers.”