Page 106 of The Paradise Plan

“Howdy, Bessie.”He backed up.“I’ll get out of the way unless one of you gives me a job.Just wanted to say hi to Cass.”

“If you have any single friends as nice as you, I’d love for you to pass out my number.”Bessie gave him a flirty smile, and the three of them laughed.

“What’s going on over here?”Lauren demanded.“If this is all we’re waiting on, can we get started?”Her dark eyes blazed at Cass.“Your momma just told me she might faint from hunger.”

That only made Cass laugh harder, and Harrison joined her.As he quieted, he said, “I’ll take care of Kara, Lauren.Okay?”He looked between Cass and Lauren, and both women wore gratitude in their eyes.

“Take her this,” Bessie said, pressing a wrapped caramel popcorn ball into his hand.

“Yes ma’am.”He went to do that, because he wanted Cass’s life to be joyful and happy, and he’d do what he could to make it that way.

Outside on the patio, he found Kara and Bob.“Kara,” he said.He extended the popcorn ball toward her.“Look what I found for you.”

She took it with the words, “Thank goodness someone around here knows it’s far past suppertime.”

He grinned at her and sat down at the patio table.They wouldn’t all be able to sit out here, but it had been set for eight.“So,” he said.“When did you get in?”