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the house in winter so I decided to make it my office. The garden is a bonus, even in the cold weather.”
    To Zoe’s left was a small white wicker sitting area with a love seat, two chairs, and a small table. The cushions had the same cabbage rose pattern from the living room. In the middle of the sunroom was a large white desk with gold edging. It looked antique and was littered with papers and a laptop computer.
    Zack and Viv immediately started to talk about the program Viv used. Zoe walked to the French doors, leading into the garden.
    “Please,” Viv said from the desk. “Feel free to go outside.”
    Zoe murmured her thanks and stepped out. Letting the doors shut behind her, she closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of plants and damp earth. She heard the tinkle of a fountain and spied it nestled beside her in the corner. In the opposite corner was a white arch, covered in twisted wisteria vines and beneath, a white park bench.
    Zoe headed down the slag stone path to the bench. Almost every part of the garden, including the high block fence, was covered in ivy or creeping fig. On each side of the path, dark brown mulch covered a two-foot wide bed of moist ground. Purple crocuses already peeked out, and Zoe was certain that during spring and summer, the beds would bloom with wild flowers, probably in pinks and purples.
    She sat beneath the arch and looked back. To the right of the French doors was a large potted bougainvillea, covered now to protect it against the cold. To the left, sat a large area with dormant, cut-back rose bushes. When all of the roses bloomed, they would be white. She was certain Viv had coordinated her garden to match the color theme of her home.
    As Zoe looked around, she could almost see it, and it would make the most lovely stained glass scene. The work would take time and would require extremely detailed pieces, but it would be stunning.
    She closed her eyes, visualizing the colors and drinking in the peace.
    Thank You, Lord, for bringing me here. No matter what You have planned for me and Zack, I know this is Your special gift to me. I will try very hard to continue to be obedient.
    Calmness filled her and she smiled. After a while, the weak winter sun went behind a cloud. A chill dropped over the little garden, and Zoe headed inside.
    “It’s a much better program.” She heard Zack say as she opened the door. “I can order it at a discount, then we can set up a time when I can install it and give you and your assistant some training.”
    “You’re certain we’ll soon be able to coordinate our schedules? My assistant’s biggest complaint is that she can’t keep track of me,” Viv said with a slight laugh.
    “I guarantee the technology is right around the corner.”
    As soon as he said the words, Zoe felt a premonition. That’s what Zack will work on in his new job.
    She could feel it. She could also hear barely contained excitement and enthusiasm behind his calm tone. He loved what he did.
    “I can’t ask you to take more time to train us, Zack,” Viv said. “You’ve already done so much.”
    He shook his head. “I will be happy to do it.”
    As he said the words, the sun came out from behind the clouds again. A sunbeam hit Zack’s face. Zoe saw his chiseled nose, slightly-full, smiling lips and his warm sherry-colored eyes. She also saw earnest joy in every feature.
    He has a servant’s heart, Lord. He loves to give.
    So how did he end up on this path? Is that why You brought us together, so he could find his way back to You and his true calling?
    There was no answer to her question. Not even the flutter of angel’s wings.
    Zack turned to her. His smile grew warm and lit every corner of Zoe’s being. This time, she did melt, and she knew without a doubt that the love of this man would be like the time she’d just spent in the garden…a sweet gift from God.
     
     
     
     

6
     
    Zack watched Zoe spread ketchup over the biggest hamburger he’d ever seen. Then