Page 16 of Pledge Of A Bobcat

I knew he was only asking, because like me, he wanted this over with as soon as possible.

We all did.

“Three so far,” I said. “We just left Alma’s cabin. Lyra had the sage we needed all bagged up for us.”

“Good, good.” He folded his arms over his chest and rocked on his heels. “So what’s left?”

“The soil and the feather.” I took a swig of water. “I haven’t decided how to get the feather, but I know the soil will be a hike.”

“We’ll think of a way to get the feather,” he said with a nod of his head. “In the meantime, focus on getting the soil.”

“Will do.”

He gave me a slight nod. “All right, I need to get back to work. Nice meeting you,” he said, his attention dipping to Rachel.

“Nice meeting you, too.” Her gaze snapped to me once he was gone. “We have to hike to get the soil? Where is the hike at?”

Before I could answer, her cell rang.

“It’s Aunt Maribel. Hold on,” she said, putting her phone to her ear. “Hey, is everything okay?”

Her brows knitted together, and my bobcat went on high alert. Something was wrong. I strained my ears and was able to hear Maribel say something about Serenity having a fever.

“Is she okay otherwise?” Rachel asked, concern etched into her tone.

I waved Mariam down and asked for the check, knowing Rachel needed to get home to her daughter. As much as I hated hearing the little girl wasn’t feeling well, it did solve my problemabout not knowing how to tell Rachel I didn’t want her coming with me to get the other two things her aunt needed.

“Serenity’s running a fever,” Rachel said, after hanging up with her aunt. “Aunt Maribel gave her something for it, but she’s asking for me.”

“Not a problem.” I laid enough cash on the table to cover the bill and a tip for Mariam before standing. “Let’s get you home.”

“I’m sorry to cut the day short,” she said as we walked toward the exit.

“Don’t be. Family comes first,” I assured her. “What’s Serenity’s favorite ice cream?”

Rachel blinked, clearly caught off guard by my question. “What?”

“Ice cream,” I repeated. “What’s her favorite flavor?”

A small, confused smile tugged at her lips. “Strawberry. Why?”

“Ice cream makes everyone feel better when they’re sick.” I winked.

She gave me a look as I headed toward Celestial Scoops across the street instead of back to my truck.

“You don’t have to buy her ice cream,” she insisted, following me. “You just bought me lunch.”

“I want to,” I said. “I’ll buy you ice cream, too. Do you want some?”

“No. I’m good. Thank you, though.”

We stepped inside the ice cream shop, and my nose immediately filled with the scent of waffle cones and sugary sweetness. I took in the colorful decorations and cozy ambiance of the place as we made our way to order.

“Hey, I’m Ava,” a woman with long, wavy auburn hair greeted us. “What can I get you today?”

I glanced at the flavors, noticing a strawberry cheesecake option.

“Will she like that one?” I asked Rachel.

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