Page 96 of Love Me Fearless

A shiver travels down my spine but I shake it off and join Louisa clearing the big dining room table, bypassing Thea and Dylan, who are doing more flirting than salad-making.

“How are you feeling?” I ask Louisa.

“Good! A little tired still, but I can feel my energy coming back.”

“That’s great!” I carry a box of quart-sized canning jars to the living room and add it to the pile Louisa has started.

“And just in time, too,” she says. “Brandon and Kelly’s wedding is next weekend, can you believe it?”

Though I don’t know Brandon and Kelly, I feel like I do thanks to the affectionate way Louisa has been talking about them. Brandon is a mechanic with Finn River Ranch and Kelly works in the nursing home as an occupational therapist. They met at the animal shelter when both of them wanted to adopt the same puppy.

“It’s at Bear Mountain, right?” We shuttle more boxes to the pile on the floor.

Louisa wipes her brow. “Yup. They rented the lodge at the top. It’s going to be so beautiful!”

“Huh.” A twinge of worry niggles the back of my brain. “You sure you’re ready for that?” Bear Mountain is at nine thousand feet. Even people without heart conditions have a difficult time with the elevation. I’m not sure Louisa heading up there is a good idea.

“Plus I need to get cracking on my strawberry jam,” Louisa continues, as if she didn’t hear me. “I had the kids freeze what they picked but I need that space in the freezer for the quarter of a cow I’m getting in trade from Crescent Bar Ranch.”

“I’m pretty sure Dr. Shelby reminded you to take time to resttoo.” I eye her across the table as I wipe it down with a clean rag from the kitchen.

“You know how it is,” Louisa says, not meeting my eye.

I glance at Hutch, who is bantering with Beth at the stovetop while she stirs whatever’s in the pan. Is he aware of Louisa’s plans?

My phone buzzes in my back pocket, and I give the screen a quick glance. It’s a message from The Three Musketeers.

SOFIE:

Heard about what happened at the cemetery today. You doing okay?

Zach probably told her, and though I’m not upset, it reminds me of Hutch’s words, and my stubbornness when it comes to letting people in.

ME:

Better now

KIRILEE:

I’m glad Hutch was there for you

SOFIE:

They’re going to find out who did this

ME:

I hope so

KIRILEE:

You’re not alone tonight, are you?

ME:

I’m staying at Moonbeam Farm

KIRILEE:

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