Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 133878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 669(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 669(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
“That’s wonderful. I think it’ll bring the whole community together.”
He let go of the odd woman who’d hit on him. He’d probably told her his name. Or she’d heard Teeny call it out as he’d walked in. But he had questions. “How did you know I was fake engaged before I did?”
Nell waved a hand. “Oh, it’s the Bliss grapevine. Rachel called me and Callie the minute Max and Rye got back and Paige told her everything that happened. Also, you should tell Bay that he should ice his shin. Paige kicks harder than you would think.”
“I’m not supposed to kick people. I’m supposed to use my words,” Poppy said with a nod. “Words are powerful.”
Okay, he might like Poppy better than Paige. “Did Paige tell Rachel that I had to leave the comfort of my fake near-marital bed because her husbands ate all the bacon?”
Nell frowned. “Yes, I do believe that was brought up as well.”
Poppy’s eyes shimmered with tears as she looked up at him. Like she was straight out of a Dickens novel, and he was the evil villain who would throw her to the wolves. “Did you kill the poor pig yourself, Mr. Shane?”
Nope. He was back to preferring Paige. He also slipped the basket behind him, dropping it on top of the aforementioned bacon. “I was going to grab Brooke some muffins. No more bacon.”
Nell bit back a laugh and put a hand on her daughter’s head. “Sorry. She’s passionate about animals. And you should know Rachel is deeply upset that Brooke is leaving. I’m think she was counting on Brooke babysitting a couple of times while she’s here. So where are you planning to stay? There are some cabins open for rent. That is if you intend to work after you get married.”
He didn’t think the getting married thing was actually happening. At least not anytime soon, but he was confused. “Why would I stop working?”
Nell’s eyes narrowed. “Well, it’s a question a lot of women get asked. Do you think only a woman is capable of handling the home and children?”
Yep. There were traps everywhere today. “No, ma’am. I think we’re all going to work, and I’ll check into the cabins.”
How much would it cost? Bay would just tell her they had some money saved up. He wouldn’t think about the fact that they’d had to replace all four tires, and that had eaten into their savings. Which was never much. He would have to figure something out.
“Oh, I don’t think that will be necessary.” Beth McNamara-O’Malley pushed her cart up to join them. She had a car seat locked into the cart, and it looked like Tanner was taking a nap. The G was flush with kiddos, and Shane kind of liked it. Miranda and Kade kept every adult on their toes, and Tanner would get there. Hope Glen-Bennett was about to have her first. It made a man think. “I heard the good news, Shane.”
Did everyone know? Was there a flashing sign somewhere? “Uh, I don’t think it’s real, ma’am.”
Beth shrugged. “It’s Bliss real. That’s all that counts, and why don’t y’all move into the foreman’s house? I’m going to warn you, the basement is our play space, but Trev doesn’t mind sharing. I need you to know it’ll be used at least once a week. But it’s got a separate entrance. You’ll be comfy there. I’ll call and have Bo air it out. And get it ready for Brooke. I should get flowers. Make it sparkle a little.”
“Rachel is going to be upset,” Nell said under her breath.
“You snooze you lose. I promise my husbands aren’t going to do anything to piss Brooke off. I heard she likes snickerdoodles. I think I’ll make some this afternoon,” Beth mused as she started to walk toward the baking aisle. “See you at home, Shane. We’ll get someone to move your stuff over. It’ll be good to have a threesome in the foreman’s house.”
The foreman’s house was real nice. It was three bedrooms and a kitchen and a bath and a half. Way bigger than the tiny house.
And they would have a playroom.
“That is trouble,” Nell said with a shake of her head.
He was missing something essential, but all that mattered was he had good news. “Thanks for the save, Mrs. Flanders. See you soon. Bye, Poppy.”
“You forgot your basket,” Poppy pointed out.
Nope. Not going there. “That’s not mine. I’m a muffinterian now. Y’all have a nice day.”
He grabbed the requested muffins and bagels and cream cheese, paid, and managed to not look guilty at all as Marie complained about someone leaving a whole basket in the meat section.
It was all looking up until he got to his truck and the door was open.
He knew he’d closed it.
He sighed and was happy when the fucker started up. Maybe it had been some kids or something, or maybe he actually hadn’t shut it tight. Mel swore Sasquatches liked to get into unlocked cars.