Page 47 of Love for a Lifetime

Olivia turned to Dawson with a questioning look.

“I can cook too!” Dawson said. “I promise. I’m…decent at it.”

Olivia shrugged. “Well, if you really want to. Now that I took my medicine, I should feel better soon and can help finish up.”

“No way!” Dawson said confidently. “We’ve got this.”

Levi puffed out his chest. “Yeah. We know what we’re doing.”

Dawson gave Levi’s shoulder a little shove. “We take care of our women. Don’t we?”

“Yeah. Dad taught me,” Levi said.

The two high-fived and rose to their feet.

“You head on into the kitchen with Mr. Lawrence. I’ll be right there,” Dawson said.

Levi ran off, and Dawson resumed his position beside her. “Do I need to take you to the hospital?” he whispered.

“No. I promise. It’s not an emergency. This is normal for me.”

Dawson huffed and shoved his fingers through his hair. “Liv, please let me help.”

“The medicine helps. It really does. I just didn’t stop and take it like I should have.”

“What else helps?” he asked.

“Food would help.” She made a shooing motion toward the kitchen.

Dawson wrapped her hand in his and held it. A small smile played on his lips. He leveled her with an intense stare before whispering, “What am I going to do with you?”

The care in his tone sent a powerful jolt straight to her chest. One of her worst fears was being a burden, and she’d not only ruined Levi’s play date at the farm, but now they were cooking dinner for her while she sat useless on the couch.

“Nothing. I’m fine,” she whispered back.

She would be fine as long as Dawson stopped looking at her as if he could read the secrets of her soul in her eyes. Heat spread over her as she waited to see if he’d press her again.

Dawson laid her hand down on the couch and stood. “Okay. I hope you like squash.”

She scrunched her nose. “Squash? Why?”

“I told Levi we could make it for dinner.”

“Ooh kay then,” she drawled. “I’ll be in there in a few minutes to help.”

“Nope. No girls allowed in the kitchen. Let the men do the work this time,” he said over his shoulder as he walked away.

Olivia rested her head back and closed her eyes as another cramp twisted her insides.

Olivia stepped out of Dawson’s truck into the darkness. She’d spent many evenings at Blackwater Ranch in her life, and the familiar scent called her memories to the forefront of her mind. It wasn’t the musty smell of the chickens and goats but a woodsy, leather scent that filled the night.

“Don’t forget your eggs,” Dawson said as Levi slipped from the truck.

“Oh! Thanks.” Levi climbed back in and gathered the eggs he’d chosen. They were all easter eggs–pale green, light pink, and brown.

With eggs in hand, Levi jogged up to Olivia’s side and walked so close his shoulder brushed against her hand. “Thanks for these.”

“You’re very welcome. Be sure to share them.”

---