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“I can draw signs,” Kase says.
“This is coming together nicely, boys. Well done.”
Allie and Mellie come out of the bottom of the garden shed and wave when they see me.
“What are you up to?” I ask.
“Just getting some things ready for Beth and Evan. The boys told me about your party for Theo. They’re so excited. Thanks for doing that with them,” Mellie says.
“They’ve been big helpers. Right, boys?” I say, and they nod proudly.
“I’ve already been put on cupcake detail.” Allie grins.
“Thank you,” I say with a smile as I pass them and start to head up the stairs. “I have to head out for a while, but I’ll see you guys later.”
I plan to head into town to pick up some party supplies and to just get out for the night. I need to think about what’s going on with Preston and process everything. I take a quick shower and get dressed, then fix my hair with my curls down my back. I might as well look and feel my best while I’m out.
As I head to my van, I pass Preston, who’s just arrived. He sticks his head out of the window of his Jeep and asks, “Where’s Theo?”
“At the cottage. I figured you’d be back soon.”
He puts the Jeep into park. “Where are you headed?” He watches me closely for my answer.
“Why do you care?” I ask with a smirk.
“I don’t,” he retorts, looking annoyed.
“Have a great night, DW,” I say as I climb into my van. I glance back to find he’s watching me and lightly shaking his head. I can’t read his eyes because he has his sexy aviator sunglasses on again. I take a deep breath, then drive off.
As I drive into town, I ponder the strange turn of events here in Freedom Valley. This is not how I thought things would be when I came back. But really, does life ever turn out the way we think it should?
I know I like Preston. I think he might like me back. But it’s not like I can just come right out and ask him if he likes me. We’d ruin our enemy game or whatever it is we’re doing. But to be honest, I can’t imagine why he would even remotely like me. We’re as different as they come. He’s a successful lawyer who’s all serious and buttoned up. And then there’s me. A spontaneous, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants person with less than thirty-two dollars in the bank.
When I enter the assisted living facility, I’m dismayed to find Sheila sitting at the desk. She looks up, and her grumpy expression is on me. “Ms. Mills, I need to discuss your payment,” she says sharply.
“Oh, hello, Sheila. It’s good to see you, too,” I say cheerfully as I stop at her desk.
“I assume you’ll have your payment for next month?”
“It’s not due for another what, ten days?” I tilt my head at her, daring her to continue.
“Just making sure you’ll have your payment,” she says curtly.
“Thank you so much for all your extra care and concern with Harry’s account. I’m sure you’re just doing your job. Thanks again,” I call as I head down the hall, relieved to be done with her for the time being.
I gently knock on the door, but no one answers. I let myself in to find Harry and Evelyn already conked out in their matching recliners. Pancake is curled up under a blanket on Harry’s lap, his nose barely sticking out. I gently pull the blanket back and set Pancake on a chair. I try to coax Harry to his bed and get him settled in.
“Nurse?” he calls, looking right at me. My heart stabs with sadness that he doesn’t recognize me. “Oh, wait, you’re not the nurse, you’re my Paige,” he corrects, and I’m relieved. A knot of emotion forms in my throat, because one day, he might just stop remembering me at all.
“Hi, Harry,” I say softly. “I’m going to help you get into bed.”
“Thanks, Bug. Pancake and I had a long day, didn’t we?” he says sleepily.
“I’ll bring him back tomorrow, Harry. Love you,” I whisper, then kiss his cheek.
I settle Pancake into his carrier and put him on my back. I briskly walk past Sheila, purposely ignoring her and hoping she doesn’t notice Pancake. Luckily, she seems busy at her computer and doesn’t seem to see me. Phew.
Safe in the car, I drive to the local hot dog drive thru. Pancake is excited about fries. We sit and eat in my van. A perfect date with a perfect little guy. Lord knows all the big single guys have issues. Except maybe one? No. He’s off limits.
