Page 84 of More Than a Helping Hand

Garrett leans back and stares at the ceiling. “That one is a bit tougher, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“Don’t take any action without checking with me.” While I want to warn the fiancée, I will not put Bailey and Primrose at risk to do that.

“When is the wedding?”

“No clue.” I pull out my wallet. “But getting in contact with the ladies before Christmas would be more than fantastic. Do I pay you now or will you send me a bill?”

Garrett stands and folds the papers before tucking them in his pocket. “Neither. I’ll be in touch.”

I don’t argue because Garrett is a lot like Beau. They are both generous and can be a bit stubborn if people push back. So I don’t.

After finishing off my coffee, I check the time. Bailey is getting out of school soon. So I shoot off a text to Primrose.

Me:Mind if I pick up Bailey today?

Laney Lane:She’ll love that. I’m at work, and she was going to be in afterschool care, but she likes you better.

Me:Awesome. I’m at the donut shop. Want anything?

Laney Lane:Yes, the usual. We still on for dinner tonight?

Me:Yep.

We’ve only been dating publicly a few weeks, but we’ve settled into a new normal that I absolutely love. I’m on the list at Bailey’s school as a pickup person. I have a key to the apartment, and a couple of nights a week, we all have dinner together. Primrose and I still go on dates. We just no longer keep them a secret from Bailey.

I walk to the counter. “I want a half dozen. Two of those. Two lemon-filled, and two of the blueberry old-fashioned.” It’s second nature to order Bailey’s favorite and Primrose’s favorite. But now, I’m adding my favorite to the order.

Layla grins. “Coming right up.”

“You aren’t going to give me a hard time about not asking y’all to surprise me?”

“Nope. You found the one you like best and are sticking with it. I can respect that.”

“Great way to put it.” I pay for the donuts and hurry out the door.

When I get to the school, as soon as Bailey spots me, she bolts in my direction. “DeeDee!”

She’s back to calling me DeeDee all the time, not just when we’re on the ranch. And it makes me happy.

“Hiya, Munchkin.”

She hugs my neck. “I didn’t know you were coming to get me. Are we going to the ranch?”

“Nope. To the apartment. I’ll help you with your homework. Then we’ll make dinner so that your mom doesn’t have to cook.” I pick up her backpack and check in with the teacher before carrying Bailey out to the truck.

She’s finally big enough to ride without a booster seat, but I love that she lets me carry her sometimes.

“Our Christmas program is on Friday. Are you going to come?”

“I plan to.” I drop her into the back seat and point at the Sweets box. “When we get home, we can have a snack. But then you have to tackle your homework.”

“Okay.” She buckles in. “What are you going to get Mom for Christmas?”

“I’m working on that. Why?” I glance in the rearview mirror, knowing she has more to say. This girl does not drop random comments without an angle.

She meets my gaze. “Remember how you heard me when I was talking to Mason that day?”

I nod, hoping it doesn’t take an hour for her to get to the important part. I also hope there is an important part.

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