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dyslexia, too, so I know how challenging it is.” Mariah eased open the gate, stepping into her side yard and across the property line. “I had a crazy day today.”
    “I saw you on the news. Some fund-raising drive at the mall.”
    “Yes. We’re doing it again tomorrow. It’s one of our more successful campaigns.” She didn’t add that government grants didn’t come close to meeting all the needs of their shelter, so raising money was a huge part of her job. Making sure Mary’s Place had the resources to help anyone who needed them was a responsibility she took seriously. “Looks like you have a swollen eye.”
    “I walked into the door. Dumb me.” Lyn shrugged self-consciously. She was a sweet young woman, maybe in her mid-twenties, with soft golden curls framing a pretty, oval face. Shadowed blue eyes blinked, as she obviously tried to hide her sorrow. “I’m such a klutz. Always have been. It’s annoying. I hope Roland didn’t disturb you.”
    “It was pretty hard not to hear him, but I’m more worried about you.”
    “Me? No, I’m just fine. Times are tough for him right now. He’s not always like this. It’s just that his new job isn’t going well. The economy.”
    “Sure.” Mariah didn’t want to argue. Issues with authority and control had caused work problems for Jasper, too, regardless of the economy. “You moved all the way from Michigan for this job. You must miss your family.”
    “There are issues.” Lyn shrugged, trying to hide the sadness shadowing her.
    “Roland?” she asked gently.
    “He’s really a good guy down deep. He has problems just like anybody.”
    “Yes, we all have problems,” she agreed, wondering how much she could push before Lyn pulled away. The woman looked fragile tonight, shivering in the cold without a coat or sweater. “Did you want to talk? I’ll make us some tea. I found this delicious blend of chamomile and lavender—“
    “No, but thanks.” Lyn almost reached out, as if needing the comfort of a friend, but drew back at the last moment. She stepped into the deeper shadows against the house, and it was impossible to read her expression, but apology rang in her voice. “Maybe another time. Tonight’s not a good night.”
    “If you don’t want to be alone when he comes home—“
    “No, that’s not it.” Lyn’s defenses went up. That was clear from her tone. The door creaked open and she escaped inside. “It’s just not a good night.”
    “I understand.” Mariah understood just how it felt to stand in the shadows, fighting hard to make things better with the circumstances life had dealt her. But Lyn didn’t have to do it alone. “I’m right next door. You have my number. My offer of tea and friendship is good. Anytime.”
    “Thanks, Mariah.” Lyn hesitated again, clearly in need, but the door hinges squeaked as they closed. “Good night.”
    “Good night.” There was a click, and Mariah was alone in the chilly night. The shadows clung to her as she made her way back to her warm, safe house, her sanctuary.
    Just the way home should be.

Chapter Three
     
    “We’re waiting on the appraisal.” The banker’s voice came over the line, along with the shuffle of papers.
    Perhaps his desk was as piled with work as hers was, Mariah thought as she leaned forward in her chair, tugged a folder out of her ready-to-topple in-basket, then wedged the phone between her shoulder and her ear. Now her other hand was free to catch the pile of papers before they spilled over. Deftly, she opened the file marked Land Grant. “The appraisal? I thought that was done last week.”
    “We don’t have the paperwork in house.”
    “Of course you don’t.” Typical Monday. What can go wrong will go wrong. “I’ll follow up right now.”
    “Great. We’d like to wrap this loan up for you on time.”
    “I appreciate that.” She scribbled a note on her pages-long to-do list, underlined it and tossed a smile at Sunni, who padded into her office.