Page 69 of Lucky Haven

Chapter Twenty

Haven

In Cash’s arms, it’s like the world is in technicolour. I feel like a changed woman.

Which makes it even more of an emotional yo-yo when I have to think about, or even worse talk about, my potential stalker. The circle of people who know about what we’re starting to call my “harassment situation” is growing.

Cash’s family all know about the note he got, and the antagonism that happened at the town meeting. Mercy knows about the latter, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s heard about the former.

And I’ve had to tell my director of library services and the county IT department, as well, because I had to explain why I wanted some emails retrieved beyond what I could access myself.

It’s a joy to set all of that aside and have a picnic for Hope.

Mercy comes out to the ranch, and Dr. Tailfeathers comes as well.

“Nice to see you, Haven,” the doc says when she reaches the blankets Luna and I have set up overlooking one of the ponds.

I greet her with a warm smile. “Same. I wanted to tell you that I appreciated you speaking up at the town meeting.”

She makes an exasperated sound. “Brian Pelley is a simpleton, I swear. He’s just a mouthpiece for⁠—”

“For my uncle, I know,” I finish when she cuts herself off. “Trust me, I understand finding them all exhausting.” I consider telling her about the emails, but I don’t want to think about that this afternoon. “Spending time with the Kincaids is the exact opposite of energy, though.”

“After years of watching these boys be, well, boys, it’s so nice to see them start to settle down.” She looks across to where Hope is talking to Mercy. “Hope is good for Zane. And you, my dear, seem very good for Cash.”

I blush, even though deep down I know that’s a bit of an unfair compliment to take, because the truth is that Cash is helping me out under unique circumstances. “Well,” I demure. “I just appreciate being included.”

And when, at the end of the picnic, Dr. Tailfeathers happens to mention that she has a light schedule for the next morning with lots of appointments still open—meaning it as a nudge to Hope, that she could come in for a prenatal appointment—I decide to stop at her clinic on my way in to work.

I’m suddenly very glad Cash loaned me a car.

And I think, after my appointment, he’ll be happy, too.

Chapter Twenty-One

Cash

Haven

Hey bodyguard, what are you doing for lunch?

Cash

Riley just went home sick, but I could close up for an hour if you want to go out

I’ve just hit send on that message when Haven replies—in person. “I was thinking we could eat in your office.”

I drop my phone to the garage floor with a clatter, grateful that I’m on the board and it was a short fall. When I crane my neck, I can see she’s standing at my feet.

“What are you doing here?”

“Surprising you.”

“Not following the rules, that’s what.” I snap my phone back up, then wheel myself out from under the car I was working on.

Haven doesn’t look sorry at all. She’s holding a brown paper bag, wearing a very pretty, very touchable, too-nice-for-a-garage-bay sundress, and a secret smile is playing at the corners of her mouth.

“Where’d you get that?”