Page 37 of More Than a Helping Hand

“And coffee because I heard a rumor that your parents were out.” I nod toward the cupholder. “Will you grab that other cup? It’s for Primrose, but I wasn’t sure how many people were coming.”

“You angling to be the favorite?” Parker picks up the cup, then closes the door. “Chris, my brother-in-law, is coming. I’m not sure who else. But she doesn’t have a ton of big stuff.”

“Even if she did, with three of us, it’ll be easy.” I make sure there’s no one lurking in earshot. “I’m angling to be someone’s favorite, but I’m not sure if it’s working yet. Wish me luck.”

“You got it.” He opens the front door. “We’re here.”

Bailey runs up, all smiles. “You should see our apartment. It’s big, and I have a window and a ceiling fan.”

Balancing my full load, I squat to chat with her. “I can’t wait to see it. We’re going to load the furniture and boxes into the trucks. Then you can show me your new room.”

She glances at the bag in my hand. “Did you bring donuts?”

“I did. And some of them are the kind you like.” I stand and follow Parker into the kitchen.

He holds out the cup to Primrose. “I was asked to give this to you.”

She turns to me and flashes a tight smile. “Thank you.”

I set the bags and thermoses on the counter. “These are also full of coffee in case anyone else needs any.”

The look she gives me makes getting out of bed before sunrise totally worth it. And now I know the way to this woman’s heart. Coffee.

A couple, old enough to be Primrose’s parents step into the kitchen, so I extend my hand. “I’m Anderson. Nice to meet y’all.”

Her father reaches out and shakes my hand. “I’m Drew. This is my wife, Sarah. It’s great to meet you, and thanks for helping today. We appreciate it.”

“My pleasure.”

Sarah rubs my arm. “Bailey has told me so much about you.”

“All good, I hope.”

“For sure. Now, did I hear someone say coffee?”

I point at the thermoses. “I hope there’s enough.”

Drew pulls mugs out of the cabinet. “You’re a good man, Anderson. You’re welcome around here anytime.”

A hand brushes mine, and I glance down at Primrose.

“I owe you.”

I bump her hip, which takes a little maneuvering. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

* * *

I carrythe last box into the apartment, and Primrose points down the hall.

“That goes in my room.”

So that’s where I take it.

Bailey has been my shadow most of the day, but a bit ago she went off to find a snack, and I haven’t seen her since.

As I set the box in the corner, Primrose pokes her head in the door. “Paisley just got here to pick up Bailey, so she’s about to head out but wanted to say goodbye.”

“Oh yeah, I can’t let her sneak away without a goodbye. That wouldn’t be right.”

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