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“Hey,” he called, poking his head through the door on his way to the feed room. “I’m just going to feed the animals.”
Lily appeared around the corner, and once again, he caught his breath as the now-familiar feeling of loss and regret washed over him. She looked fresh and relaxed in her blue floral apron and cream shirt with Divine Catering printed on the front. The colors suited her.
“Good morning, Lily,” he greeted her. “I didn’t expect you to be here yet.”
“Good morning,” she said politely. “I thought I would get started early since I have a lot to do. I’d rather have time to spare at the end than be rushing to keep up.”
“That’s a good plan,” he agreed. “Is Bec here yet?”
“Yes. She’s working on the decorating at the moment.”
“Do you think she’d like to help me feed the piglets?”
“I’m sure she would. I’ll let her know.”
“Thank you.” He looked at her, wanting to tell her that she looked lovely, but he knew better. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
She thought for a moment. “I could use some help to get the boxes into the barn,” she replied. “I can’t drive the van in there because the floor is clean now.”
“No problems. I’ll just close that gate next to the barn before the animals figure out I’m here and come around begging.”
A small smile flitted across her face. “That might be distracting,” she agreed.
“Hey, you should smile more often,” he said softly before he could help himself.
A blush rose into her cheeks and she turned her face away. “I smile when I’m happy,” she said stiffly.
“Right. Well, I’ll go close that gate and help you with unloading the van.”
Ashton realized she wasn’t ready to hear compliments and decided it would be a good time to leave the scene before he said something he’d later regret. Trouble with Lily was the last thing he wanted today as they were preparing for the party. In reality, he was probably lucky she had spoken to him at all. Not that he could say their encounter had been warm and fuzzy. It was more like two antagonists tiptoeing around each other because they were forced into close proximity and both wanted to escape unscathed.
He closed the gate and went to the van, where Lily was lining up the boxes ready for unloading.
“Some of these will go into the refrigerator,” she said, indicating the trailer she’d towed in with the mobile refrigeration unit on board. “I’ll put them in a different place.”
“Sure. Can these ones go into the barn?” Ashton indicated the pile in front of him, where he’d just picked up the first box.
Lily took it from him to read the label. As she did, her fingers brushed across his hand, and a jolt of sensation shot up his arm. He felt his face growing hot and hoped she didn’t notice. He hadn’t expected to react this way to her touch, accidental though it was.
Lily didn’t seem to notice. “Paper cups,” she read on the label. “Yes, that can go inside. Thank you.”
Ashton took the box to the popup kitchen that she’d set up on one side of the barn. He set it down on one of the trestle tables that were yet to be decorated and returned to the van, where Lily was organizing the boxes for the refrigerator. She indicated the pile he’d taken the first box from.
“These ones can all go inside,” she said. “The ones with blue stickers on top are decorating items for Bec to use.” She paused. “Thanks for your help,” she said.
“You’re welcome.” He picked up the next box on the pile. “I’m here and I’m happy to help, so let me know if there’s anything else you need.”
“Sure.” Lily turned back to her unpacking.
Ashton knew there was no point trying to prolong the conversation, so he got to work carrying the boxes inside.
“Hey, Ashton,” Bec greeted when he walked into the barn again.
“Hi, Bec. How is the decorating going?”
She beamed. “I’m having so much fun. What do you think?”
He paused to admire her handiwork, the box still in his arms. “I can see why Lily asked you to do it,” he replied. “It looks great, and I’m sure Jesse will be happy.”
