Page 12 of More Than a Helping Hand

He walks back into the mess hall, leaving me alone with my two new friends. I’m trying to think of a way to get out of the invitation without making Bailey feel bad when Primrose says, “Of course he can come over. Mommy will have to text him and figure out what time works.”

“Oh, good.” Bailey starts running toward the corner. “Let’s go. I’m ready to get food.”

“Y’all could have eaten here. Ava always makes plenty.” I feel like I’m crossing a rickety bridge. Progress has been made, but everything could collapse at any minute.

“I promised her fast food. And that’s a big treat.” Primrose steps away. “Text me.”

“I absolutely will.”

* * *

After dinner,as I’m cleaning up my spot, Parker walks over. “Have a few minutes to chat?”

“Sure thing.” Maybe I’ll get a few answers, but I have to be super careful about what questions I ask.

“I’ll come by your place in a bit. I’d suggest an evening horseback ride, but a saddle might be a bad idea right now.”

“Agreed. See ya in a bit.” I drop off my dishes, give Ava a hug, then walk back out to my truck.

Once I’m home, I check the comments on Brooke’s posts. My little sister has grown up, and lots of guys have noticed. I’ve warned her to be careful, and now I can only pray she remembers my advice.

I can’t treat her like a kid forever.

But seeing Bailey reminds me of when Brooke was that age. And Bailey’s warm welcome reminded me of when I picked up Brooke after getting the news about my parents. When I got that call, school had already been out an hour, so I raced over and picked up a very scared eight-year-old. Then I had to give her the awful news that our parents were never coming home. That day, I went from being an ordinary nineteen-year-old to a man. Because Brooke needed me.

It's hard to switch off the worry just because she turned eighteen.

When Parker knocks, I pull open the door. “Hey. Come on in. Have a seat.”

“I won’t be long, but I wanted you to know that…” He drags his hands through his hair. “Bailey hasn’t said a word to any man outside of the family since her stepdad passed away over a year ago. She’s wary of strangers in general, but especially men. You saw the way she reacted when Dallas walked into the barn. She’s become afraid of so many things, and we all worry about her. Primrose worries about it a lot. Today stunned me.” He smiles, emotion pooling in his eyes. “I sent a picture to Primrose, the one of you holding Bailey while she was petting our horse. And I know she probably won’t talk about it, but that means the world to my sister. She’s had a hard go since having Bailey. Today was a huge bright spot.”

“She’s a great kid.” I don’t want to push, but I’m so curious about what’s been hard. “You said stepdad. What about Bailey’s bio dad?”

Anger flashes in Parker’s eyes. “Ghosted Primrose when she was a few months pregnant.”

“Poor kid. And poor Primrose.”

“Yeah. I don’t want to say too much, but I needed you to know why I stood there like a deer in the headlights when Bailey was chatting with you.” He rubs his hands on the arms of the chair. “Please don’t move away anytime soon.”

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

It’s quiet for a minute, then Parker stands. “I’m going to go. But I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tell Bluebonnet I said hello.” I walk him to the door.

He adjusts his ballcap before walking out the door. “Will do.”

Even if Primrose doesn’t like me, it sounds like she might need a helping hand. And I’m volunteering.

I pull out my phone and send a text.

Me:When would be a good time to go see cactuses or cacti? Bailey will have to educate me on the correct term.

Nurse:Saturday morning? I’d prefer to do it before my parents get back. Fewer questions that way.

Me:Is it okay if I bring donuts?

Nurse:Are you for real? Yes, you can bring donuts. But do not show up with flowers.

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