Page 50 of When Love Takes Root

To anyone else, they were workstations. To me, part of my life had been roped off with caution tape.

“How long?” I asked.

“I’ll know more once I inspect everything. If we have to correct the wiring, separate the dryer circuits, and pull permits, you’re looking at about a week, maybe longer, depending on parts and inspection.”

“A week?” I repeated.

Onyx shifted closer. “Celly.”

“I’m okay.”

Everybody looked tired of that lie.

Josiah stood. “I’ll make the front stations safe for limited use if the panel allows it. I’ll label what can run. But I won’t tell you this is fine just to make you feel better.”

Fear pressed against my ribs, but respect steadied me. “Okay.”

Josiah’s gaze stayed on mine. “I know it’s a lot.”

I almost laughed. A lot had become my address. “It is,” I admitted. “But I’d rather know.”

Josiah nodded. “Good.”

There it was again.

That good.

I had to remind myself he was here to keep my shop from catching fire, not become a thought I carried home.

Leilani arrived fifteen minutes later with a bag of snacks, bottled waters, and prepared to fuss, feed, and investigate, in that order. “I brought snacks because Celeste will work herself into a headache and call it discipline.”

“I eat.”

Leilani stopped near the front desk and looked at me. “Communion crackers don’t count.”

Calista pointed at me. “She had coffee and two peppermint candies.”

“Betrayal.”

“Accountability,” Cassia corrected, kissing my cheek.

Leilani spotted Josiah near the panel. Her face changed so fast I almost groaned. Leilani breathed. “Oh.”

I pointed at her. “No.”

Leilani’s brows lifted with false innocence. “I didn’t say anything.”

“You said oh.”

“That’s a vowel, Celeste. You fear vowels now?”

Juice bent over the tool bag, shoulders shaking.

Onyx took the waters from Leilani and kissed her temple. “Behave.”

Leilani replied, “I’m pregnant and concerned. Pick one.”

“I know better than to pick anything with you, love.”