Page 86 of Bennett

“New doesn’t mean fragile. And complicated doesn’t mean bad,” Brandi said gently, then shrugged. “Besides, you’re allowed to want something good, Laurel. Even if it looks nothing like what you expected.”

That stopped her. Laurel’s gaze drifted toward the window where the sun hit just right, lighting the room in gold and warmth. The place did feel like hers now. The future…it didn’t feel so scary.

It felt exciting.

“I think I’m starting to want something good,” she said quietly. “Finally.”

Brandi smiled, her gaze softening. “Then take it. You’ve earned it.”

Laurel glanced around the room at the cozy lamps, the books she’d tucked on a nearby shelf, and could already see how some of the things at her place in Austin would fit in here nicely.Then she let her eyes drift to the hallway that led toward her bedroom.

“Yeah,” she murmured. “Maybe I have.”

Maybe it was time she opened herself up for something good too.

Before Laurel could say anything else, a knock came at the door. Brandi turned first, but Laurel was already heading toward it, wiping her palms on her jeans.

Rylee stood on the other side, a bakery box balanced in one hand and her purse slung over her shoulder. “Hope I’m not interrupting,” she said, stepping inside with her usual calm energy. “Brought bribes, courtesy of Loni.”

Laurel smiled, accepting the box, but she knew the visit wasn’t just about pastries. With Bennett gone, this was the friendliest protection detail imaginable.

“Ooh, sugar. Yum,” Brandi said from behind, making a beeline toward the sweets. “You’re a saint, although I’ve already gained a pound just thinking about Loni’s delicious treats.”

Their laughter mixed, echoing around them.

Rylee narrowed her gaze and studied her for a moment. “You good, Laurel? You look different.”

“Yeah,” Laurel said with a small smile. “Just deciding to stay forever. No big deal.”

Rylee grinned, treating her to a quick one-handed hug not unsimilar to Brandi’s. “Knew you would.”

Laurel waved her in and closed the door. “So what’s the real reason for the visit?”

Rylee’s smile thinned a little. She glanced toward Brandi, who took the box to the kitchen and started sorting cupcakes like it was her job to give them space. Laurel appreciated that about her.

Rylee lowered her voice slightly. “I wanted to give you a heads-up. There was some suspicious activity reported last nightnear the old grain mill on the edge of town. One of Duke Carver’s otherinterests.”

Laurel stiffened. “You think it’s related?”

“We don’t know yet,” Rylee admitted. “But it follows a pattern. Empty building. Unfinished renovation. Security tampering. Same MO we’ve seen here.”

“Did anyone see anything?”

“Hunter’s checking the trail. Gabe’s got a patrol watching the mill now,” she said. “But Mac wanted you and Bennett to know. Apparently, you’re not the only one he’s trying to pressure or scare.”

Laurel’s stomach knotted, but she nodded. “Thanks for telling me.”

“Of course.” Rylee’s expression softened again. “You’re part of this now. And not just because of Bennett.”

Brandi returned, sliding a cupcake toward Laurel. “She means you're one of us.”

Laurel blinked hard, for maybe the fifth time that day.

“Don’t make me cry,” she said. “I’ve already committed to Harland emotionally. I’m not sure I’m ready to be drafted into the League of Women Who See Too Much.”

“You’ll fit right in,” Rylee said with a wink.

Laurel reached for her cupcake but paused. “Actually, speaking of settling in, I got that call from your friend, Jenna, today, Rylee. She and her sister are definitely interested in renting one of the storefronts and the apartment above it.”

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