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“Yeah, that would be great.” I lower myself into a chair. “I’ve been anxious to meet you too.”

She sets everything on the table and then takes the seat across from me. We’re quiet for a few minutes as we each enjoy our refreshments.

“These are good.”

“Thank you. Baking helps keep my mind busy.”

Her smile widens when I reach for another one. “Did my sister have a hand in planting the trees out front?”

“Oh my gosh, your sister has been invaluable to me when it comes to our plants and trees. Willow has quite the green thumb.”

Warmth settles in my chest as I listen to her talk about my sister so kindly with love in her eyes. I’ll forever be in debt to Willow for bringing us here.

Elizabeth continues to tell me about her and Willow’s plan for planting wildflowers around the community and countryside to help the bees.

She pauses to take a breath. “I’m sorry. I could go on for days about my silly little projects. Oh! Wait here, I have something for you.”

Her puppy follows hot on her heels. I hear some shuffling, then she’s back by my side.

“I’m knitting one for all of the club members. I was going to give it to you at your party, but since you’re here … I couldn’t wait.”

My fingers dip into the softness of the blanket she places in my hands. It’s army green.

“Thank you for your service,” she says softly.

Everything makes sense now. I see why Lexie loves her.

“Thank you.” I unfold it, admiring her gift. “A woman of many talents.”

A slight blush graces her features.

“I came here prepared to ask you a lot of questions, but you’ve already answered all of them.”

She helps me refold the blanket. “Your questions are about Lexie?”

“I think she’s been pretty upset about the club watching over her. Your arrival seemed to help her accept it a bit better. She feels safe with you.”

“Oh, I don’t know. She … well, she needed someone, and I hadn’t had anyone need me in a long time. Lexie helps fill a hole in my heart.”

“Well, thank you for helping her. I know she can be difficult.”

Elizabeth curls one leg under the other, settling back in her chair. “Aren’t we all?”

I laugh and take another cookie. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“She doesn’t think she deserves to be with someone like you.”

When I don’t respond to her statement, she continues, “Lexie deserves the best. No less. Can you offer her that?”

Her pleasantry disappears, and a hard gaze narrows on me. She’s a mama bear showing her teeth. I have no doubt she’ll bite to protect her newfound ward.

“I’m committed to her. I can’t say that I won’t fuck up from time to time. In fact, I’m sure I will, but I can promise you I’ll always correct where needed. I’ll never give up on her and me.”

My answer seems to be what she was looking for, and tears begin to pool at the bottom of her eyes. “My heart just sank when the movers carried her stuff in. I can’t bear to watch her get hurt any more than she already has.”

Movers?

Elizabeth must see the confusion pulling at my brow. “You don’t know?”