Page 33 of Lilly's Little Labor Day

Lilly’s heart began to race. She was so giddy she felt as if she might explode.

“Uh-huh! I mean, yes, Sir.”

Master Derek chuckled. “Well, here he is. He’s actually the one who donated this playground. Perhaps that’s a sign.”

He stepped away and swept his hand, like a performer revealing a show-stopping surprise. “Meet Edward.”

He was revealing a surprise, all right, Lilly thought.

A huge one!

She nearly fainted.

Chapter 17

“Lilly!”

“Edward!”

“You two know each other?” Master Derek said, a puzzled look shading his handsome face.

“We do,” Edward confirmed.

Lilly realized the immediate response was part of that “I never lie thing” Edward had.

“Is that… okay?” Master Derek asked with an arched eyebrow.

Lilly was surprised. The head of Rawhide Ranch struck her as unflappable. Perhaps the shock on her face—not to mention Edward’s—was that obvious.

“Yes, of course,” Edward said.

Lilly opened her mouth to speak but still couldn’t manage to get any words out. So she just stood still as a statue.

“Could we have a word in private?” Edward asked.

“Of course,” Master Derek said. “Excuse us.”

Lilly nodded.

This is so awkward! Okay, do something. Anything. Just get out of here.

She finally willed her body to comply, spun around, and darted toward the rocket. Mina and Betty were coming off the slide when she approached.

“Who’s in the mood for mischief?”

Mina gasped. Her eyes darted to Nanny J who’d once again taken her seat on the bench. She looked back to Lilly and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t want a spanking.”

“No need to apologize,” Lilly said.

I don’t want a spanking, either, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

“I’m always in the mood for mischief,” Betty said proudly.

Lilly cast a hurried glance over her shoulder. Thankfully, it didn’t seem as if Nanny J had heard. It was a wonder, though, as Betty hadn’t exactly bothered to be quiet.

“Well, I need some mischief and quick,” Lilly said in a whisper.

“Does this have to do with that guy?” Mina said, jerking her head toward Master Derek and Edward.

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