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He set the tote down on top of another one and turned to head out and help Quinn bring in the spare bed. Grace stepped from the large walk-in closet and chuckled. "I've honestly never dreamed of living in a place like this."
"I know what you mean."
He kissed her lips quickly and hurried outside to help Quinn. Chiefy ran to him for a bit of affection, which he took the time to offer. He'd grown to love her. She was an incredible force in the house and she always watched out for him.
He scratched behind her ear, "I'm getting you some big ole' pig ears tomorrow girl."
Chiefy cocked her head to the side as if she understood and he chuckled. "You're a smart one."
He turned to the door and hustled to the truck to help Quinn.
After the last of the items were placed inside the house, Grace called from the kitchen. "I made sweet tea and sandwiches."
He and Quinn hustled to the kitchen like two starving cats. She laughed when they both stepped into the kitchen. "Oh, Lordy. You two are a sight. Sit at the breakfast nook and let me get you some food."
He shrugged and Quinn eagerly sat at the breakfast nook, both of them tired and sweaty from the heat and the day's work.
Quinn chuckled. "I don't work this hard at work."
Sid laughed. "We didn't even have to move much."
"That's a fact. Still, holy shit is it hot outside."
"Reminds me of being in Iraq."
"God that was a fire box. Sand blowing the skin off our bodies and the sun cooking us."
Grace brought them a pitcher of sweet tea and two glasses. Sid hurriedly poured Quinn some tea, then himself. The first few drinks were more like gulps. He refilled, so did Quinn and they both drank more. Grace giggled as she carried sandwiches to the table. "Sorry it's only sandwiches, but I don't have my dishes yet and flatware. Until that comes in and gets washed, we're doing finger foods. But, I promise you Quinn, as soon as we can have guests, you'll be our first invitation."
"I'll make sure you keep that promise."
She laughed, but her eyes met his and they shared a silent message. He wasn't sure what that message was. For his part, it was thank you. For hers, he wasn't sure. But, he liked that they could now do that.
He took a bite of the sandwich Grace had made. She'd bought hoagie buns and cold cuts. With lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes on top, it was delicious.
Grace took a deep breath. "I'm a bit nervous for tonight. I don't want to leave Chiefy here alone. We haven't been here long enough for her to feel comfortable alone. I don't want to leave her at the bungalow, because she's seen us move out and her things are here now. And, I'm afraid those bikers will do something and she'll get hurt."
Sid put his sandwich down and swallowed his food. "We can bring her with us. Keep her on the leash next to you. Your table will be close to the bar, away from the music so you can explain what the petition is about. She'll be able to lay in the sand, near you. And, if it gets to be too much for her, I'll park my truck close to you and she can sit in there with the window open where she can see you."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
Quinn nodded. "That's a great solution. I don't see anything wrong with it. She's well-behaved."
He saw Grace take a deep breath and exhale. "Okay. Thank you both."
He reached over and squeezed her shoulder in support. Her eyes stared into his and he felt the connection. They were connected in some special way. It felt good. His heart squeezed.
A knock on the door startled them all. Chiefy ran to the door and barked. Grace stood and moved toward the door.
He stood. "Grace. No. I'll get it. Then we'll set the cameras up, so we can see on our phones who’s coming."
She stopped, her eyes watching his. He shrugged. "Just in case. Okay?"
She nodded and he kissed the top of her head as he moved to the door. First order of business, get a peephole.
He cracked the door open to find a delivery driver standing there, holding a box that looked heavy. "Hi."
