Page 39 of Love for a Lifetime

One point for Olivia. Anna was the influential one in their friendship, and Dawson always liked seeing Olivia stand up for herself, even if it was with her own friend.

Baby steps.

“I know, Liv, but you work so hard for everyone but yourself. Don’t spend the whole wedding and reception running around checking everybody’s work. You’re a good planner. Things will fall into place. Plus, you promised to let me help you, so don’t try to do it all yourself like I know you want to.”

Dawson had to agree. Olivia worked from sunup to sundown, and she never turned away anyone who needed help.

“Please just relax a little,” Anna begged. “Chat with Mark over a meal, dance with him a couple of times, and see where things go. You’re a catch, and any man worth his salt would go out of his way to make sure you have a good time at your friend’s wedding. It’s one night.”

Dawson didn’t dare breathe as he waited for Olivia’s response. Anna was right, again. Olivia deserved someone who would care for her the way she cared for everyone else.

He wanted to be that guy, but it seemed the wedding wasn’t going to be his chance to prove it to her.

Olivia stood and gathered the scraps of packaging. “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I ask,” Anna said. “Let me know how things go with him. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Love you. Bye,” Olivia said as she pulled off her gloves and tossed them in the trash.

“Love you more,” Anna said before ending the call.

Dawson didn’t say anything, and Olivia continued putting things back into the kit and tidying up.

Once everything was back in its place, Olivia turned around but didn’t look at him. “I have to go. I’ll check on it again tomorrow after work.”

Dawson sat up straighter, not ready to let her go. “Where are you going?”

“I have to get back to work.”

“What are you doing after?” he asked.

Yes, he was desperately trying to claim some of her time, and he didn’t care if he was groveling.

“Cleaning at the church,” she said as she put the first-aid kit away and started washing her hands.

Olivia made use of every second of her days. If she wasn’t at work, she was at the church or organizing some fundraiser. She sold eggs, goat milk, and butter while she was doing everything else. She dedicated most of her life to serving others.

“Do you ever take time for yourself?” Dawson asked.

Olivia looked over her shoulder at him. Her brows were lowered. “No. Why would I do that?”

“Um, because everyone needs a break.”

She turned back to the kit. “People don’t help each other anymore. I don’t have tons of money to donate to charities and causes, but I have my time, and I choose to give it.”

He’d talked to his mom about how Olivia was overworked and underappreciated. His mom claimed Olivia was fine because service was her spiritual gift.

Looking at Olivia now, she didn’t seem to be bothered by the work she did. Still, he worried she was stretching herself too thin.

When he didn’t say anything, she went on. “The older ladies in our church are getting too old to do everything, and younger people aren’t stepping up. We need to be active in the community and taking care of our members, and I won’t let those things slip.”

Wow. Olivia was quite a motivational speaker when she was fired up about something. “You’re absolutely right. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No, I’ve got it covered. Thanks for the offer though.”

Typical. Olivia never wanted help. He loved her independence, but he wanted her to share the load. In the little time she had left of her days, she took food to Beau and her dad.

“At least let me come to the church with you. I can dust the pulpit. I’m dying to get out of here.” He stood on his good leg and took a step toward her, pleading, “Please.”

---