Page 38 of Brooke's Bliss
Those goats wouldn’t have to worry about being milked orused for anything but emotional support.“It was an honor.I’m glad they’llhave somewhere to go, and I would like to volunteer if you need help.”
“That’s wonderful.I think it’ll bring the whole communitytogether.”
He let go of the odd woman who’d hit on him.He’d probablytold her his name.Or she’d heard Teeny call it out as he’d walked in.But hehad questions.“How did you know I was fake engaged before I did?”
Nell waved a hand.“Oh, it’s the Bliss grapevine.Rachelcalled me and Callie the minute Max and Rye got back and Paige told hereverything that happened.Also, you should tell Bay that he should ice hisshin.Paige kicks harder than you would think.”
“I’m not supposed to kick people.I’m supposed to use mywords,” Poppy said with a nod.“Words are powerful.”
Okay, he might like Poppy better than Paige.“Did Paige tellRachel that I had to leave the comfort of my fake near-marital bed because herhusbandsate all the bacon?”
Nell frowned.“Yes, I do believe that was brought up aswell.”
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 whowould throw her to the wolves.“Did you kill the poor pig yourself, Mr.Shane?”
Nope.He was back to preferring Paige.He also slipped thebasket behind him, dropping it on top of the aforementioned bacon.“I was goingto 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 deeplyupset that Brooke is leaving.I’m think she was counting on Brooke babysittinga couple of times while she’s here.So where are you planning to stay?Thereare some cabins open for rent.That is if you intend to work after you getmarried.”
He didn’t think the getting married thing was actuallyhappening.At least not anytime soon, but he was confused.“Why would I stopworking?”
Nell’s eyes narrowed.“Well, it’s a question a lot of womenget asked.Do you think only a woman is capable of handling the home andchildren?”
Yep.There were traps everywhere today.“No, ma’am.I thinkwe’re all going to work, and I’ll check into the cabins.”
How much would it cost?Bay would just tell her they hadsome money saved up.He wouldn’t think about the fact that they’d had toreplace all four tires, and that had eaten into their savings.Which was nevermuch.He would have to figure something out.
“Oh, I don’t think that will be necessary.”BethMcNamara-O’Malley pushed her cart up to join them.She had a car seat lockedinto the cart, and it looked like Tanner was taking a nap.The G was flush withkiddos, and Shane kind of liked it.Miranda and Kade kept every adult on theirtoes, and Tanner would get there.Hope Glen-Bennett was about to have herfirst.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, andwhy don’t y’all move into the foreman’s house?I’m going to warn you, thebasement is our play space, but Trev doesn’t mind sharing.I need you to knowit’ll be used at least once a week.But it’s got a separate entrance.You’ll becomfy there.I’ll call and have Bo air it out.And get it ready for Brooke.Ishould get flowers.Make it sparkle a little.”
“Rachel is going to be upset,” Nell said under her breath.
“You snooze you lose.I promise myhusbandsaren’t going to do anything to piss Brooke off.I heard she likessnickerdoodles.I think I’ll make some this afternoon,” Beth mused as shestarted to walk toward the baking aisle.“See you at home, Shane.We’ll getsomeone to move your stuff over.It’ll be good to have a threesome in theforeman’s house.”
The foreman’s house was real nice.It was three bedrooms anda 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 matteredwas 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 amuffinteriannow.Y’all have a nice day.”
He grabbed the requested muffins and bagels and creamcheese, paid, and managed to not look guilty at all as Marie complained aboutsomeone leaving a whole basket in the meat section.
It was all looking up until he got to his truck and the doorwas open.
He knew he’d closed it.
He sighed and was happy when the fucker started up.Maybe ithad been some kids or something, or maybe he actually hadn’t shut it tight.Melswore Sasquatches liked to get into unlocked cars.
It didn’t matter.It wasn’t like he had anything to steal.
