Page 44 of More Than a Helping Hand

A few minutes later, she sits down next to me. “Hi.”

“Hiya. I think we’ll go into the game room. I can teach you how to play pool, or we can play video games.”

Mason runs over. “Parker said you were going to hang out in the game room. I have a Minecraft world. Want to play?”

Bailey looks to me for permission.

“Go on. I’ll meet you in there.” I put my dessert plate in the dish bin, then peek into the game room to ensure that they are there.

Mason is queueing up the game and giving an explanation about where Bailey can build.

Parker sets the booster seat inside the door. “In case you need this. And I can’t thank you enough. I owe you one.”

“You’re good.” I take a few minutes to help Ava and Goldie in the mess hall. They work long and hard, and it isn’t a strain for me to wipe a table or push a broom around the room.

After I’m finished, I wander back into the game room. I slip in unnoticed.

Bailey is holding a controller but facing Mason. “I’m sorry. Was she nice?”

This doesn’t sound like a Minecraft conversation.

Mason shrugs. “Kind of. I was starting to forget her. Then Dad gave me a picture, and my other mom, Poppy, put it in a frame by my bed. But I’m glad I came to the ranch.”

“Yeah. I like it here.” Bailey sounds wistful. “I’m glad you have a good dad.”

“Me too.” Mason turns his focus back to the game. “He’s the best.”

I wonder what prompted that topic. She moves her character around the screen, and it’s clear they’ve left that conversation behind. Poor Bailey must miss her stepdad. Parker mentioned that the stepdad died and that Bailey’s behavior changed.

But she’s never mentioned him. Maybe she’s just not ready.

Two hours later, Primrose messages.

Honey:I’m so sorry. Someone didn’t show, and we are short-staffed. We’re trying to get someone else to come in. My mom and dad are at dance lessons, but I’ll call when they’re done and send them to pick her up. I didn’t expect to be this long.

Me:Please don’t worry about it. If you want, I can take her to the apartment so she can go to bed. Just tell me how I can be helpful.

Honey:You don’t have keys, or I’d have you do that.

Me:I have a truck, a nice one, and I can drive over there and get the keys.

Honey:Okay. Thank you. Message when you pull up, and I’ll run out.

I send her a kiss emoji and am shocked when she sends one back. Then another text pops up.

Honey:Please make sure you’ve changed my contact name.

Me:Done, honey.

Honey:Thanks, dear.

Kissing isn’t the same over text, but every little interaction has Primrose stealing a bit more of my heart.

“Okay, let’s get stuff cleaned up. It’s time for us to head out.”

Bailey whips around. “My mom isn’t here.”

“I’m taking you home so you can go to bed. Your mom will be home later. And Mason, I’ll drop you by your place on our way out of the ranch.”

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