I have started noticing something amusing over the past few weeks.

Whenever Ben is outside mowing the lawn or doing yard work, the same two neighbors somehow seem to find a reason to walk up and down our street. Coincidence? Perhaps. But it happens often enough that even Cody has started smiling when he sees them stroll by.

To be fair, I do not make it difficult for them.

When the weather is nice, Ben works shirtless in nothing more than a pair of shorts. He is fit, tan from being outdoors, and works hard. Watching a young man push a mower, trim hedges, or haul yard waste around is apparently more entertaining than daytime television.

I have caught the occasional lingering glance from both of them, and I cannot say I blame them. He is very pleasant to look at.

The mischievous side of me has briefly wondered what would happen if I invited them over to meet him a little more personally. It is a funny thought, and one that certainly made me smile.

But that is where it stays.

I work very hard to keep my lifestyle separate from my vanilla life. Our neighbors know Ben as the young man who helps around the house. That is exactly how I want it to stay. We have children, we have careers, and there is value in maintaining those boundaries.

So I will simply continue enjoying the view from my own window while the neighborhood enjoys theirs from the sidewalk.

After all, a well-maintained lawn is good for property values.

A handsome man pushing the mower apparently is too.