Page 55 of Wild Love

I turned my screen in Marigold's direction. "See? Done. Now Chance can leave you alone."

"Good. That's good." She nodded, but I wondered if she was happy with that outcome. Maybe she enjoyed talking to him about me. I didn't want her to get hurt because Chance was married to his job. He'd always been the town protector and didn't feel like he could get married and still be a good sheriff.

Dad had tried to talk to him about it over the years, but Chance wouldn't budge. I had a feeling he hadn't met the right person yet, and when he did, it would destroy the rules he'd created for his life.

"I'll read your play this afternoon, and I'll let you know what I think." I already knew I'd love it. Marigold's plays were cute and whimsical. Perfect for kids. It would be refreshing to do something new. I was so used to the same tired story lines I'd heard a million times before. "Maybe you could sell them to other schools to use for their programs."

Marigold shook her head hard. "No one will want to buy my plays."

"You have more than this one?" I asked, pointing in the direction of my bag.

Marigold nodded slowly. "I have a few."

I considered her. "Interesting. You've been holding out on me."

She waved a hand. "To be fair, you haven't been here."

"Touché, dear friend."

Marigold stood, grabbing her purse. "Now come on, I have to get back to work, and you have a play to read."

I paid the bill for us. I owed Marigold so much, and this was just the beginning of making things up to her.

13

SCARLETT

We spent the weekend cleaning out the theater, which consisted of dusting and clearing things. We planned to use the space for both practices and the performance. That way, the kids would get used to the stage and the lights.

Chance, Eli, and his brothers joined us. That made the work go that much faster. We dusted and aired out the place.

Then I went through the costumes and props to see if I could salvage anything for our play. Marigold's play was about a few animals in the forest who were fascinated with a little girl that seemingly understood their language.

It was adorable, and I couldn't wait to see the kids act it out for the first time. Marigold had sent out sign-ups, and we already had thirty kids interested in parts, sets, and lighting. We could use all the help we could get.

"What are you doing in here?"

I startled, dropping the wooden staff I'd found in the corner. Eli stood with one shoulder leaning against the door jam.

"You scared me," I said.

Eli moved into the space. "I didn't mean to."

I waved a hand at him. "I was lost in thought. Thinking about what we need for the performance, but I'm not sure there's anything here that could work with Marigold's story."

"Let me know what you need, and I'll get it."

I shook my head. "You're not the producer. You don't need to do that."

Eli picked up the staff and leaned it against a nearby table where I'd laid out the costumes. "I want to help. You should be in charge of the kids. I'll handle the sets and costumes."

I just gave him a look. "You would do that?"

He waved a hand at the stage. "Of course. I'm excited to see this play."

I rolled my eyes. "It's silly. We're using a novice writer and director."

"Well, I think it's going to be amazing." Eli's voice was full of confidence.

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