Page 71 of Brides and Brothers
Daisha’s smile disappeared, and with all seriousness she replied, “No, thanks. I don’t eat hydrogenated oils or drink milk, unless the milk is raw or rice, coconut, or almond.”
Benson eyed her, then clucked his tongue. “Pity. I thought I would spare you the police record.”
Easton grabbed a cup, poured milk into it, and held it out to Daisha along with a cookie. “Jesus created hydrogenated oils. Don’t diss the cookie, or you might get struck by lightning.”
Daisha took the milk and tried to hand it to Emma. Emma held her hands up like she wouldn’t take it. Daisha rolled her eyes. “We both know you aren’t going to call the police, so it doesn’t really matter.” She handed the milk back to Easton.
Benson pulled the phone from his pocket and hit a few buttons. His face was deadpan serious, but Camille didn’t buy it for a second. She knew he was joking. His somber exterior hid the sweetheart he was inside.
“I’m good friends with our neighbor Sheriff Dan Fields.” He showed Daisha the name on his phone that readSheriff Dan. To Camille’s surprise, he hit the call button. Then he hit the speakerphone icon.
“Hey,” a voice answered.
“Sheriff Dan! I wanted to call to report a breaking and entering at our place tonight. Do you think you could stop by?”
Camille couldn’t believe what was happening, and she couldn’t argue when he was on speakerphone. How could he do this?
“Uh, do you need me to come right away?”
“No!” Daisha said loudly. Then she whispered no again and made a hand motion back and forth by her neck to suggest he end the call.
Benson handed her a cookie, and she shoved the whole thing into her mouth.
“No, Sheriff Dan. That won’t be necessary. It looks like it was a raccoon. Sorry to bother you.”
“No problem. See you around.”
Benson hit the end button and handed Daisha another cookie. “For good measure.”
Easton extended the glass of milk toward her once more. Daisha chewed furiously and took a long swig of milk. Everyone waited silently as she took the second cookie and this time took a bite instead of shoving it desperately into her mouth.
“Good, isn’t it?” Benson leaned against the counter toward her.
Daisha glared at him. “Just because Imightlike how it tastes does not mean my body thanks you.”
Benson’s straight face cracked, and he busted up. Easton did too. Emma smiled at the scene before her and crossed to the window.
“Guys!” Emma said, waving her hands for them to come see. “Flynn gave Sage flowers!”
They all raced to the window, the women with their heads low so the men could see over them.
“He really is proposing!” Emma squealed. “Let’s go outside so we can hear what he says!”
Easton tugged on Emma’s dark ponytail. “You can’t go outside. Flynn would be livid.”
Camille didn’t miss her friend’s blush at his touch. Emma totally still liked him.
Daisha pointed to the bushes that trailed behind the bench and led all the way to the house. “We could crawl behind there and get a better view.”
“What if one of you women giggles? Then what?” Benson’s question gave him credit. Women were notorious for giggling during romantic scenes. Camille was no exception. This whole night had turned her into one giant, sappy romantic.
Emma crossed her heart with her finger. “I would never jeopardize a proposal.”
“For all we know, you boys will start giggling.” Daisha threw the rest of her cookie at Benson. “Stick that in your mouth soyoudon’t ruin their moment!” Both women darted in the direction of the front door.
“Wait!” Camille said, grabbing her phone. “We’ll go halfway so they can’t hear us, or we don’t go at all!”
Easton grabbed his jacket. “I’ll lead the way since this is my backyard.”
