Saint’s wife, Bryanna, owned the bakery and she enjoyed the treats the baker left at the hospital. Deciding to bring back donuts for everyone, she approached the counter.
“Good Morning, Addyson,” Bryanna greeted. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“I wanted to take donuts to feed about six veterans, a cup of your famous coffee, and do you have a way for me to bring some for the men? My visitor destroyed my kitchen.”
“I can have two of my helpers load two cartons in your car. It’ll cover them for two cups each,” Bryanna explained.
“Then I’ll take three dozen donuts,” she added to the order.
“I’ll get them boxed up for you,” Bryanna said, turning toward her helpers and giving them instructions.
Bryanna handed her a cup of brew everyone talked about. “It’s on me. It’s good to see you here. Don’t be a stranger,” she said, smiling.
“Thanks.” Addyson sipped her coffee and closed her eyes. It did taste good. It seemed like she said ‘Thanks’ more today than she had in the last three years. What changed?
The helpers loaded the big cartons into the back, and she headed home. Liam stood outside, chatting with the men.
She pulled up beside them. “I have fresh coffee and donuts from Bryanna’s in the back.” Instantly, the men broke apart and lifted the trunk door. Getting out, Addy joined them.
Half an hour later, they loaded their trucks, and she waved goodbye.
“I can’t believe they got the mess cleaned up this fast,” she said, walking inside the house.
“The military requires us to remain neat and tidy. I’m afraid your house sent them all in a dither,” Liam chuckled.
“I don’t know how I’ll replace everything,” she said, peering around her and biting her nail.
“One thing at a time. We can make a day of it,” Liam suggested.
Addyson crossed her arms and rubbed them in a soothing gesture. “Some of the dishes came from Sam’s grandmother. I’ll never be able to replace those.”
“I’m sure if she or Sam were here, they’d tell you your life was more important than a set of old dishes,” he reminded her. “You’re extremely lucky you didn’t get killed.”
“Thanks to you and Leo’s team,” she said as a tremble went through her. Liam pulled her close and rubbed her back.
His spicy, earthy scent wafted to her nose, calming her.
The sound of vehicles coming down the road made her step away.
“I’m not expecting company,” she murmured as she glanced out the window.
“It’s a few of your friends,” Liam announced as he made his way outside. Addyson followed and her mouth dropped when the team and their wives stepped out of their vehicles.
Bear, the team’s tech guru, approached with Leo. He handed her a jar of everyone’s favorite honey from his mountain. “I’m sorry for your troubles,” he said gruffly, appearing uncomfortable.
“Hi, Addyson. Meet my chief security guy, Bear. He usually stays at his office, but we asked him to help us out today. We’re installing an alarm to help you feel safer,” Leo explained.
“Thank you, Bear, for the honey. I use it at the hospital all the time,” Addyson said, addressing the quiet man. Then she turned toward Leo. “How much will a system cost? I didn’t think I’d need one living this far out.”
Leo appeared surprised by her question and glanced at Liam before peering back at her. “You’re part of the Serenity family. When one of us hurts, we all do. We can’t replace all your broken items, but we can make you feel safe. By the way, you did a good job calling us last night.”
“I don’t know what to say,” she said, watching the men grab ladders and equipment from their trucks.
Kassie and her friends walked up and gave her a hug. “I can’t imagine how terrified you must’ve felt. Catherine sends her love. She’s holding down the fort until we return to the hospital and our other jobs. Annabelle won’t leave Ragu’s side.”
Addyson glanced at the other women. Bryanna, who she met earlier, smiled, Tess gave her a wink, and Samantha sent her a nod. Lizzy stood next to Samantha, sending her a grin. Claire and Gabby sent her a little wave while they spoke with the two women team members of Serenity Securities, Sparky, and Stormy.
“Shall we go inside and have a little chat?” Kassie asked, taking her arm and leading her toward the porch. Liam gave her a little push from behind, and she glanced back, almost panicking.
