Page 11 of Beyond Perfect

Maisy stared at him. “How do you do that? Make things happen?”

“Since I started Pathways across the state, I’ve made a point out of establishing relationships in the local communities. I’ve had six years to do it.”

“I’m impressed.” And, God help me, aroused by this. She said, “I’ll be going. Will you let me know what happens?”

“I’ll contact you as soon as I hear from Tom.”

“Thanks, Jackson.”

“I’m glad we’re on a first name basis again.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

She got outdoors before she sat on a bench to think about her reaction to him. She’d felt drawn to him before. But never turned on like this. And she didn’t like it, one bit.

* * *

Annie Stefano floated into school the next morning and joined Maisy in the office across from their rooms. Sun poured in from the plentiful windows. “Good morning,” she said, in a sing-songy voice.

“Somebody’s happy.”

“I am. I’m getting married.”

“I know you’re engaged.”

She dropped down on a chair. “We set the date.”

Thrilled for Annie and Diego, Maisy smiled. “That’s terrific. When is it?”

“Two weeks. We’re letting people know now.”

“Mama Stefano can throw you a wedding that soon?”

“Diego and I have most of it already planned out.” She shrugged. “We learned how tenuous life can be. But the wedding is going to be small. His family and mine. The wedding party. Maybe Captain Thomas and a few other friends. Now, will you be my maid-of-honor?”

Surprised, Maisy said, “Me? You have two sisters.”

“They’re going to be bridesmaids. That way I don’t have to choose one over the other. My brothers-in-law and his brothers will be ushers. This is what they all wanted.” She grabbed Maisy’s hands and said, “So, Maisy Shepherd, will you stand up for me?”

“Of course, I’d love to. Is Will Kirkland Diego’s choice for best man.”

“Will just made the PPD. He’s guarding the president. But he can’t get furlough this soon to attend.”

“Oh, dear. Then one of your brothers?”

“No. Jackson Kane.”

Maisy sucked in a breath.

“What’s wrong? Oh, I know he’s our boss, but he was so happy when we asked him.”

“So, I’m…I’ll be up there with him? Do things beforehand with him?”

“Some, but it won’t be too much. Why? What’s wrong with that?”

“Well, we were on the outs about why he left me hanging that week.”

“You said you settled that.”

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