Page 94 of The Rebel

Annelise nudged Daisy. “Hey, how about you and I stroll around the grounds?”

“That’s a great idea,” I said, then offered, “I’ll help Rosalie with lunch while you two… catch up.”

“I like you, Anthony,” Annelise said.

Rosalie was looking at me with a huge smile. “I’m making polenta with mushroom ragù.”

“Yum, I haven’t had that since I left home,” Daisy said. “I love it.”

“What do you need me to do, Rosalie?” I asked because I didn’t know a thing about this dish.

“Chopping. And thanks for offering. These two never want to stick around when I’m cooking.”

Daisy grinned. “That’s right. We never wanted to help in the kitchen.”

“We always preferred to be out with your dad, learning how to use all those cool tools for the animals,” Annelise added.

That would explain why Daisy’s friend could operate them so well. I was still surprised Rosalie couldn’t get the hang of it. EvenIcould do it now with my eyes closed and one hand behind my back.

As the two of them left the kitchen, my woman was visibly more relaxed, which was exactly what I’d been hoping for.

Daisy

The second Annelise and I stepped out, I had second thoughts.

“Hmm, not sure if I should let Mom and Anthony be alone for too long.”

“Why not? The man is charming enough to win Rosalie over. Then again, it’s very easy to win your mom over.”

We laughed. My momwaspretty easygoing.

“She already likes him. But should I leave them alone so soon? I don’t know what the protocol is for this. I haven’t brought anyone home for them to meet since college.”

“I’m sure he’ll survive. So, how are you doing?”

My shoulders slumped. “Let’s sit on the swing next to the house.”

As we sat down, I sighed and confessed, “I’m a bit overwhelmed, to be honest. This morning, I went with Anthony and Mom to start the feeding stations and the one for milking, andMom just couldn’t get the hang of it.At all.I don’t see how she can do this on her own.”

“Well, she’s not totally alone. I can come here for as long as they need.”

“But that’s not fair to you.”

“I love your parents. You know that. They’re practically like my own. I grew up in their house. It’s the least I can do, and it won’t be forever.”

“No, but it’s going to be for quite some time. Maybe three months! And you’ve got your own job to do.”

Calm yourself, Daisy. You’re panicking again.

“Listen, this is what friends are for. And this is what we have an actual village for. You know how things work around here. Everyone will drop by and help. Your parents are not alone.”

I was still going to ask Samantha to send me the details on the job she’d mentioned in North Dakota. I hadn’t heard from the food company yet, so everything was up in the air in New Orleans anyway. I knew Annelise meant well, but I wanted to be here for Mom and Dad.

But if I did get a job here, that would take me away from Anthony. I didn’t want that either.

Oh God, I was such a mess.

Annelise nudged my shoulder, grinning. “So, tell me. How come that hunk came here with you, andwhendid that happen?”