Page 98 of Refuge for Flora

Flora laughed. “Yeah. She showed up just a little while ago.”

“Good. Y’all don’t need to be worrying about food, just getting rested up.” Rochelle rearranged some of the things her mom had put in the refrigerator so she could get more in. “This should last you for a few days.”

“Yeah. It should. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. Thank you for loving my son.” Beth threw her arms around Flora and hugged her tightly, and Flora couldn’t ever remember a better mom hug. “Where’s Barrett?”

“Shower. Want to stay until he gets out?”

“Nah. We’ll go on. Just tell him we love y’all and want you to take it easy for a few days, okay?”

“Of course. Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome, honey. That’s what family’s for.” Beth cupped Flora’s cheek with a soft hand. “And you’re family, sweetie.”

As soon as she could get the door closed, tears poured down Flora’s face. Family. They wanted her as family. She’d been happy before, but she didn’t think she’d ever been as happy as she was in that moment.

In the course of the next hour, Frankie, Kirby, and Jonas brought food by. Conor had left the morning after they’d found Flora, and he texted at least once a day to check on them. They were pulling things from the refrigerator to eat for dinner when there was yet another knock at the front door. “I’ll get it,” Barrett offered and jetted out of the room. When he didn’t come right back, Flora headed that direction.

Jesse stood at the door and with him was another man. The guy wasn’t just good looking?he was drop-dead gorgeous. “Um, hey, babe, Jesse and Max brought something for us.”

“Yeah, it’s just a little something, but I thought it would help. You guys need to relax and get some rest.” Jesse patted the top of the casserole dish. “It was Max’s idea.”

“Oh, stop! It’s just something simple. Nothing special. But it’ll fill you up and it’s not too horrible for you!” Max said with a laugh.

“We really appreciate it, don’t we, babe?” Barrett’s free hand snaked around Flora’s waist and drew her up against him.

“Yes, we absolutely do. Would you guys like to come in and?”

To Flora’s relief, Jesse shook his head. “Nah. We’ve gotta get home. We’re still arguing about where his stuff goes and what I need to throw out!” They were getting ready to walk away when Jesse turned back to Barrett. “I just want you to be happy. I’m happy and I want that for you too.”

Barrett’s eyes closed softly and he nodded. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. And Flora makes me ridiculously happy.”

“Well, that’s good to hear,” she said, her voice snarky.

“You guys have a good evening. Glad you’re okay, Flora.”

“Thanks, Jesse. Nice to meet you, Max.”

The handsome man waved to Flora. “And you too. See you guys around!”

The front door closed to the sound of Jesse’s truck rolling out of the driveway, and Flora caught sight of Barrett. His jaw had dropped and his eyes were wide. “What just happened there?”

She grinned. “I think he just introduced us to his new boyfriend.”

A deep sigh escaped Barrett’s throat, and Flora hadn’t realized how much the whole thing stressed him until that moment. “Thank god. Now maybe he’ll get a life and let me have mine.”

“Do you think you have a life?”

“With you?” Barrett stooped and kissed her cheek. “The best.”

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