Page 33 of More Than a Helping Hand

“Seriously?”

I offer my hand to help her into the bed. “I’ll swim moats, scale stone walls, whatever it takes.”

She slides her hand into mine and climbs into the bed. “Can you see Bailey?”

“Yep. She’s showing Bluebonnet her new gadget.” I pile throw pillows so that Primrose can lean back and be comfortable. “And I promise not to cuddle you while we’re watching fireworks.”

“Good because this is not a date.”

“Noted. I’m excited about helping you move.” I sit on the tailgate, waiting for Bailey. “I’ll get to meet your parents. Think they’ll like me?”

“They’ll adore you, so it’s imperative that they don’t get even the slightest hint that we’re seeing each other.”

“How many synonyms for dating are there? I should look that up so that you have options when avoiding that word.”

Primrose bumps my rump with her foot. “Bailey’s coming.”

“I see her.” I slide down and scoop up the eager little girl.

She grins. “I’m excited.”

I set her on the blankets, then stretch out. Bailey is in the middle, which is probably for the best.

When I hear the faint whistling of a firework screaming through the air, I point at the sky.

A canopy of red fills the sky, and Bailey squeals, then claps.

Primrose looks at me, tears brimming in her eyes. “I’ll never forget this.”

Neither will I.

Could finding my happily-ever-after be as easy as landing on a cactus?

CHAPTER13

PRIMROSE

Iunlock the apartment door and let it swing open. Bailey runs in, tugging her grandma with her.

Paisley motions for me to go in first. “This looks nice.”

“I thought so.” I set my purse on the counter. “I like that I can see into the living room from the kitchen. And this island is nice. Lots of counter space.”

We walk down the hall, toward the sound of Bailey talking about where she should put her bed.

“What do you think, Mom?”

“I think it might be good over here by the door. Then you can have your shelves by the window.” I love seeing her happy.

“My bed is really heavy, but Uncle Parker said that DeeDee was coming to help, and he is super strong, so moving the bed won’t be a problem for him.” She drops to the floor and stretches out. “Can I stick stars to the ceiling?”

“Maybe. I’m not sure about that.” I glance at Paisley, who shakes her head.

“They’ll pull the popcorn and paint right off the ceiling. Ask me how I know.”

Mom shifts so that she’s standing beside me. “I can’t wait to meet DeeDee. He seems very nice.”

I turn around and walk into the other bedroom. “This one has a bathroom. And it’s a pretty good size. The closet is huge.”

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