Page 123 of Delicate Escape

I laughed again as I lifted the final bag of soil onto our perfect pyramid. “She probably did change your brain chemistry.”

Rhodes shook her head. “That woman needs someone to watch her every move. It’s a miracle she hasn’t ended up in jail yet.”

“Comes in handy having a grandson who’s the sheriff.”

Rhodes raised her arms over her head, stretching out her back. “Trace would be the first one to lock her up in an attempt to get her on the straight and narrow.”

“I can see her mugshot now.”

One side of Rhodes’ mouth kicked up. “It would make for a great Christmas card.”

I brushed the dirt off my hands. “Kind of want to report her for something now.”

Rhodes was quiet for a moment.

I glanced at her. “You okay?”

She blinked a few times as if coming out of a haze. “I love having you as a part of our family.”

The words were like a surprise attack, sneaking in with a sucker punch to my diaphragm. “Rho.”

“Love it for me because you’re awesome, funny, kind, and you’ll talk plants with me until we’re blue in the face.”

My lips wanted to twitch, but I was still trying to stay standing in the face of her words.

Rhodes’ eyes misted. “But I love it for Shep more. He’s different since you two started spending time together. I can’t totally explain it, but he’s more at ease. At peace. And I know he’s happy.”

My eyes began to burn. “He gives me the same. More.”

Rhodes reached out and took my hand, squeezing, “You deserve all the more.” She released me, wiping at her eyes. “Now that I’ve turned us both into puddles, I’m going to take the Gator back. You good here?” She did a quick survey of our surroundings as if to check for the bogeyman.

“I’m good,” I assured her. There were plenty of patrons around. Duncan was helping a couple pick out trees, and other staff members milled about, working on various tasks. “Shep should be here in a few to pick me up.”

“Okay.” Then Rhodes shot me a grin. “Can’t wait for our girls’ night.”

“Not you, too,” I groaned.

She laughed as she climbed into the Gator. “Not going to miss Lolli hitting on cowboys.”

I barked out a laugh as I gave her a wave and headed toward the parking lot to wait for Shep. On my way, I caught sight of a woman loading up a cart with various potted plants from our sale section. She struggled with an especially heavy one, and I hurried to help her.

“Here, let me help you with that.” I bent to help her lift it.

As she straightened, the light brown hair shifted out of her face. Panic slid through Raina Wheeler’s hazel eyes. I saw it then. The yellowing green of a fading bruise beneath her makeup. She’d done agood job of concealing it, but helping her with the plant, I was close enough to see beneath the mask.

“Th-thank you,” she mumbled.

“Of course.” My stomach twisted as I struggled for words. I wished Fallon was with me. She’d know what to say. What to do. “What are you working on?”

Raina kept moving, grabbing more flowers as quickly as possible. “I’m putting the finishing touches on the yard at one of our houses.”

I shifted from foot to foot. “With all of these, it’ll look amazing. Do you need any help? I’ve got a day off coming up?—”

“No.” The single word snapped out, but Raina flushed, quickly ducking her head. “I’m sorry. I just…Russ wouldn’t like you being there.”

The pain in my stomach intensified, a vicious cramping that wouldn’t let go. “You shouldn’t have to fear your partner, Raina. There’s a way out. I promise. I’ve been there?—”

“I’m fine. I don’t need your help or anyone else’s. Please, just stop.”

---