Page 75 of Love Me Fearless

“That sucks.”

“It’s reality.”

He slides the bread into the oven. “Over time, though, your amazing reputation will bring in more families.”

My insides warm. “That’s the goal.”

He flips the chicken breast in the pan then returns to chopping the herbs. “Was the transition easy?”

“We overlapped for about two months, which helped a lot. There was some turnover with the staff, but those that stayed seem really happy, and they’re so knowledgeable. That’s made it easier too.”

“You mean some of Dr. Boone’s staff quit?”

I shrug. “It’s normal. I run things differently.”

“Like how?”

“I think I give my staff more autonomy than Dr. Boone did.” Vivian’s shyness has been replaced with a thoughtful confidence and it’s been great to see Sepp let his guard down and just be himself.

“Seems like that’d be a reason to stay,” Hutch replies, cocking his head, like he’s puzzled.

“Change is hard for people. I never took it personally.”

“You’re coming up on a year, right?”

“Yep.”

“And you still love it?”

I laugh. “More so. I love building a lasting connection with families. Being a source of knowledge and care for children. And I love watching kids grow up. It still blows me away how much they change between visits.”

“When I saw Skye, I couldn’t believe she’d gotten so big. Jesse sends pictures, but it’s not the same.” He sets the chicken on a plate, then adds the spices and fresh herbs to the pan and gives it a quick stir.

“You’ve made this before?” I ask.

“Yeah, it’s one of Beth’s favorites.”

The thyme and garlic and the tiny pinch of red pepper flakes blends with the goodness left behind by the chicken to create a savory richness that is making my tastebuds scream in anticipation. “It smells amazing.”

He adds cream and the broth to the pan and gently stirs it. “Tasting it is even better.”

“Should I set the table?”

“Yeah. This will be done in about ten minutes.”

I collect two plates from my cupboard and the silverware and carry them to my dining room table, the one I hardly ever use because it feels so formal for my mostly solo mealtimes. Once both place settings are assembled, I bring in the flowers he brought and swipe a jar candle from my mantle.

“Looks nice,” Hutch says from where he’s leaned against the kitchen doorway, his eyes focused on me.

“This is awfully special for a Monday.”

He catches me around the waist as I try to slip past him. “You deserve special every day of the week.”

“Oh, please.” I try to squirm away but instead he spins with me, pulling me close as he leans back against the counter.

Those deep green eyes lock with mine. “I mean it, Ava. I like making you feel special.”

“You’re doing a pretty great job.” I try to fight the blush rising up my neck with a slow exhale.

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