Page 17 of Pledge Of A Bobcat

“She’ll love it.”

“I’ll take a scoop of strawberry cheesecake in a to-go cup, please,” I said.

“Sure thing.” Ava nodded.

Once I paid, I handed the cup to Rachel. She took it from me with a big, beautiful grin on her face that I knew would be etched into my memory forever.

This woman was stunning.

“You didn’t have to do that, but I know Serenity will be glad that you did,” she said, her expression softening.

“I hope she enjoys it.”

“Oh, she will. Trust me, she’s going to love you forever now.”

Warmth spread through my chest at her words, and my bobcat stirred, responding to them just as deeply. There was something special about this woman and the way she made us feel.

When we pulled up in front of the cottage, Rachel climbed out, wasting no time heading inside. I knew it was because she was concerned for Serenity. I followed, wanting to make sure everything was okay before leaving.

Inside, Serenity was curled up on the couch, looking flushed. She smiled when she spotted the ice cream in her mom’s hands.

“Look what Mr. Ellis bought for you when he heard you weren’t feeling well,” Rachel said. “What do you say?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, kiddo.” I smiled, and then walked to where Maribel stood. “I have all the items you need except two of them in my truck. Do you want them now?”

Maribel tipped her head to the side as though listening to something I couldn’t hear.

“The wind’s whispering again,” she murmured. “The soil—it needs to dry out. Best to wait until tomorrow before you gather it. The earth is still too wet.”

I wasn’t sure how soil could dry overnight without any sunshine, but I didn’t question her. “All right, I’ll wait, then.”

“Serenity should be feeling better by then,” Maribel insisted. “Which means Rachel can go with you.”

I smoothed a hand along the back of my neck. “Actually, I was planning to gather these last two items on my own. It’s too risky bringing her with me.”

“Exactly why she needs to come with you,” Maribel said in her soft, whimsical tone.

Before I could respond, she walked to where Serenity and Rachel sat on the couch, leaving me standing there wondering what she’d meant.

“Thanks again for lunch and the ice cream,” Rachel said, standing. “I’ll walk you out.”

“No problem. I had a good time today. All things considered.”

We paused on the porch, and she locked eyes with me. “Me too. Swing by tomorrow afternoon and I’ll head out on that hike with you for the soil.”

“I was thinking I’d gather that on my own.”

The front door swung open before Rachel could respond and Maribel poked her head out to glare at me. “She’s coming with you,” she said firmly, and then closed the door.

“All right,” I said, eyes wide. “I guess you’re coming with me.”

“Aunt Maribel can be pretty stubborn about things, and this seems like one of them.”

“I see that.” I grinned. “Guess I’ll swing by tomorrow afternoon. Maybe I’ll have a plan for the feather by then.”

“That would be good.” She opened the door to slip back inside. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Ellis.”

---