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Lyric couldn’t stop staring at him as he drove through town. “You’re kind of amazing.”
In typical Thatch fashion, he didn’t acknowledge the comment. “Our market here doesn’t have a huge selection. So maybe next week we could run to one of those bulk megastores and really stock up on some food for them. I’m sure others would be willing to donate too.”
“That might be a good idea.” But they had to keep this quiet. She didn’t want Elina to be publicly humiliated.“I’m concerned, too, about her mom not working. I mean, helping with food in the short term is great, but I wonder how we can help Elina’s mom change their situation long-term.”
“We can think on it.” Thatch pulled into a parking spot at the town’s only small market and rubbed her shoulder for a second. “We’ll quietly talk to a few people around town. Maybe someone will have an idea of how to help. That’s one thing about Star Valley—we take care of our own.”
“Yes, we do.” Lyric leaned into his caress, procrastinating getting out of the truck. How long had it been since anyone had given her a massage?
Thatch pulled his hand away. “You ready?”
No. But she got out of the truck, and he ushered her into the market. Craig, the owner, locked the door behind them. “Make it quick, okay? I promised Mary I’d be home soon.”
“It’ll be like an episode ofSupermarket Sweep,” Thatch promised, selecting a cart.
Lyric laughed. “Supermarket Sweep?”
“You know, that game show.” He grinned as they set off down the produce aisle. “Or maybe it was only on in Iowa.”
“I’ve heard of it. I just don’t think I’ve ever watched it.” She stopped at the selection of bananas.
“This one’s good.” Thatch put a bunch in the cart. “See, inSupermarket Sweep, you have to move fast. You can’t spend fifteen minutes inspecting produce.”
“Why don’t you show me how it’s done?” She gestured for him to lead the way. If she was in charge, she would take fifteen minutes to inspect the bananas alone.
Thatch pushed the cart onward. “Follow my lead.”
They made record time through the aisles grabbing everything from fruits and veggies to simple dinner staples to snacks.
“Oh, how about Oreos?” Thatch tossed four packages into the cart. “I used to love Oreos.”
She eyed all those packages. “Usedto?” He might have been projecting his own likes on Elina’s family.
“Okay, I still keep them stockpiled at home.” He added one more package. “You haven’t lived until you’ve dipped them in milk.”
“I’ll have to try that sometime.” In the last twenty minutes, she’d learned so much about this man. And she liked it all.
“You two about done?” Craig called from a checkout station.
“Almost.” Thatch turned to her. “Anything else you want to add?”
She eyed the cart. They had a good mix of healthy meal-type foods and some fun snacks. “I think you’ve pretty much covered it.”
“Sweet. Then let’s roll.” He swept an arm around her and pushed the cart with the other hand all the way to where Craig stood. He started to scan the items.
“Since you two are doing an act of charity, I’ll kick in a forty percent discount.”
“Thank you.” Tears welled up in her eyes again. It was amazing to see how one act of generosity could lead to another. And Thatch had started all of this.
When Craig scanned the last item, Lyric dug in her bag for her wallet, but Thatch already had his credit card out.
“We should split it,” she insisted. “You shouldn’t have to pay for everything.”
“Let me. I want to.” He swiped the card in the reader. “I don’t get to do things like this often enough. I’m glad I have the chance.”
She was glad too. Glad that she could see more of his big heart.
They hustled out of the store, thanking Craig once more, and then loaded up the groceries.
