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“It should rent well.” I give him the first clue of what I’m thinking.
He smiles a knowing smile, tipping his hat.
“I drive four hours to drop my woman off with her friends at a damn mall to come work? What the hell is going on?” A familiar voice calls behind me, and I spin to find Todd standing on the edge of the porch with his hands on his hips.
“Beer’s in the cooler. You know the drill. Grab a bottle, grab a paintbrush, and get your ass to work,” I yell back and look at Dozer. “That’s my buddy, Todd.”
“He who I need to kill for my baby meeting you?”
Apparently, he’s also heard the farce story. “Yeah, maybe Ashlyn will agree to name our first son after him.”
This earns me a hard shove, sending me to the fence, but I don’t miss the grin as he walks away.
Chapter 17
Ashlyn
“I got this, Annie. She won’t lift a finger. I’ll unload everything and she’ll rest,” I assure her.
“She’s obstinate.”
“I agree, but with everything in the last few days, she’s been more agreeable.”
“Humph! Agreeable my ass, she changed all the sheets in the house today, and I caught her on a video conference when I picked her up.”
“Maybe she’s nesting?” I try to defend Darby, who’s less than three feet away.
“Mom! Stop harassing Ashlyn! It’s one of the biggest weekends of Brasher’s year. I was making sure we had the inventory to take care of the guests,” Darby throws back.
“Baby, you have got to slow down,” her mom chides.
“I am. I’m going home to relax until…”
Her argument is drowned out by Stephanie pulling me aside. “You good with this?”
“Absolutely. You guys help Renee finish here. I’ll make sure she props her feet up, rests, and does absolutely nothing. Miller and Todd have strict instructions on what to bring for dinner, considering I left it all marinating in the refrigerator.”
“I’ll be there soon to help.”
“Do what you need to do. And when you get there, we can finally get some alone time to discuss you and Toddddddd.” I flutter my eyes and draw out a girly, sugary-pitched tone.
She rolls her eyes, but not before I catch the dazzling glow.
“Sweetie, I’ll stay back, too. Help Annie clean so we can get to the house quicker,” Mom pipes in.
“Cool, Janie, thanks.” Stephanie shoots me a look of appreciation and goes back in the house.
Darby kisses her mother’s cheek and pushes away, yanking my arm and shuffling us away. I wave over my shoulder to the women and get Darby in the car.
The drive to her house is filled with talk of the last few days. The holiday tour, the shower, and when it goes to Todd and Stephanie, she sighs loudly.
“I was petrified, but he seems really into her.”
“Miller told me Pierce was ready to go through the roof,” I add.
“That’s because he was worried about me—as always. I don’t know Todd well, but I knew of him. He sounded like… a bit… of a bachelor-for-life kind of guy.”
“Kinda like Miller?” I raise an eyebrow, glancing at her, then back to the road.
“Yeah, but I don’t mean to insinuate… For years, Pierce was right there, too.”
“Darby, those guys were non-paid gigolos, playboys, living life, and looking for no attachments. I think you’re proof that changed.”
“Yeah, but I had history. You have a brief history…. Miller is head over heels. I didn’t expect this with Todd. Stephanie is my most loyal and best friend. I needed to see he was good enough.”
“And?”
“She’s so happy.” Emotions clog in her throat before the hiccup comes and she’s got her hands over her face. “God! What’s wrong with me? My best friend in the world is euphoric. She has found a man who is equally into her, and I’m a mess.”
“Sweetie,” I reach across my console, gripping her wrist, “it’s called love, and emotions are high.”
“I guess.” She moves to squeeze my hand gratefully and then swipes at her face. “I like him. And even more, I like them together. She’s dated guys over the years, but no one ever handled her like he has.”
“I can understand that.” My mind goes to the parallels in our lives.
“Yes, I guess you could understand that.” Darby giggles, then hiccups again.
“You okay?”
“I need to go to the restroom.”
“Good thing we’re home.” I drive around the house and get her as close to the back door as possible. “You need help?”
“No, but if you give me a minute, I can help unload.”
“Darby, it’s bags of lingerie and personal things. I think I can figure out it goes to your room.”
She throws me a look of gratitude before heading into the house. Runner bolts out, ready for attention.
“Hey, pretty boy, you miss me?” I squat and give him a full body hug before he takes off to the outer yard.
