“I am not,” she defended, despite her previous thoughts, taking care not to scuff her boots or trip in the gravel.
“What’s with all the lists, then?”
“You’ve seen one list, Zach. One.” Not that she didn’t have lots of others, including the one with his name at the top. In bold letters she’d written,Do Not Fall for This Annoying Man.
“Is that it? Your only list? I don’t think so. Your aunt commented on your list-making yesterday. My guess is that you have a list for everything.” Grinning, he glanced her way. “I bet you have a list in your purse that says,Attend Sophie and Cole’s shower, that you’ll mark off later today.”
She clutched her purse close.
Laughing, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m right.”
“Aren’t you always?” she retorted. She tightened her hold on her purse. “In your mind, if nowhere else.”
“Say what you will, Blondie, but that list is there.” He grinned. “What I want is to know what you have written there for when you drive me home? Take the long way home so I get to spend more time with Zach?” he teased in a mimic tone. “Walk Zach to the front door? Kiss Zach good night?”
Frowning, she gestured toward his shoes. “You better hope those are comfortable because I seem to recall it saying, make Zach walk home. Or maybe you could call Santa to see if he will give you a ride home in his sleigh?”
Laughing, he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss there. “Thanks for making my visit to Pine Hill entertaining, Blondie. Also, smile. We’re being watched.”
Isabelle fought the urge to look around to see who watched and forced a smile instead.
“Perfect,” he praised, his hazel eyes twinkling. “Now, let’s go be a couple.”
“We still have a bit before the shower,” she reminded, searching for onlookers without moving her head away from his direction. Maybe the Peeping Toms were behind her. It was definitely a possibility since a couple of cars had come up the drive and were now parked near where they had. “We’re early so that we can offer to help.”
His brow lifted. “Afraid they didn’t get something right?”
“No,” she denied, frowning when he laughed. She didn’t pull her hand free, just walked silently beside him as they made their way to the event barn’s entrance. Fresh garland wreaths with red bows adorned the double wooden doors and an ornate tripod sign read,Davis & Aaron shower.
Inside the barn, Isabelle was pleased that at first glance everything appeared in order. Red tablecloths covered the numerous round tables. Holly-encircled candles flickered as centerpieces and gold plate settings added a splash of elegance. A spicy Christmas cranberry scent wafted through the large open room.
“Doesn’t it look perfect?” Sarah came up and brandished a smile at them both. “Maybelle hired that new catering company and they’re on point. The Butterflies are helping with the food, of course, because they can’t resist showing off their culinary skills. But I’m so impressed with how wonderful everything looks.”
“Me, too,” Isabelle admitted, feeling a bit useless. She’d wanted everything to be perfect, but now she had idle time.
“Hello, lovelies,” Rosie greeted, entering the room with a basket full of pens and paper.
Maybelle followed closely, Jeannie in her arms.
“There has to be something we can help do.” Isabelle gave the ladies a hopeful look.
“If you insist. Place a pen and paper in each seat, please.” Rosie handed the basket to Zach. “Isabelle, darlin’, you come with me to grab the other basket.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Zach took the basket and went to the first table. Sarah followed, talking animatedly to him, but low enough Isabelle couldn’t make out what her friend said.
With one last look toward where Zach smiled at whatever Sarah was saying, Isabelle followed Rosie, even though she knew she wasn’t needed to carry the other basket.
“Y’all did a great job,” she praised.
“Of course we did.” Rosie waved her hand dismissively. “We’ve had decades of experience.” Her expression became thoughtful, and she relented. “Well, the other Butterflies have had decades. I’m still in my prime, just a young, fluttery thing.”
Isabelle smothered a smile. “That’s what I thought. Now, are you going to tell me why you wanted me to go with you away from the others?”
Rosie giggled. “Not away from the others, silly girl. Just away from that hunky man of yours.”
Isabelle started to correct her but held her tongue. For the moment, she had to go with the idea that Zach was hers. For Sophie.
“I got the impression yesterday that you Butterflies wanted me with Zach, not away from him.”
