Bailee took the bag, brows drawing together. Inside was a warm-scented jar of loose-leaf, fragrant tea, and a bar of handmade soap, wrapped in muslin and twine.
“Fly,” she said, surprised by the lump rising in her throat. “This is…really thoughtful.”
He shrugged one shoulder, not quite looking at her. “You’ve had a rough few weeks. I know how it feels to be stuck healing and hating every second of it. Thought this might make it suck a little less.”
“It does,” she said quietly. “Thank you.”
He nodded once and stepped back, almost like he didn’t want to intrude on his own kindness.
Then Than stepped forward, holding the eucalyptus and mint body wash with a shy, hesitant glance toward Bear, almost like he wanted approval first. Then he turned to her.
“Fly asked what scent you’d pick. I guessed this one.”
Bailee took the bottle from him, smiling as the cool herbal notes hit her nose.
“You guessed right.”
Than looked relieved, then, dryly added, “The other options were pink roses or bourbon, so...I played it safe.”
“You played it perfectly,” she said.
Then Shamrock appeared beside her, dramatic as always, holding a bag of chips in one hand and bowing like he was presenting a royal gift.
“I regret to inform you, lovely lady, that I come bearing no heartfelt items, unless you count eight bags of processed potato and the potential for a limerick or two.”
“You know what? I’ll take it.”
“You hear that?” Shamrock turned to Fly, triumphant. “Validation!”
“From a woman with a head injury,” Fly deadpanned.
“Details.”
He cleared his throat, delighted with himself.
“There once was a lad from Kilkee,
Whose charm was as wild as the sea.
He wooed with a grin,
Got in terrible sin,
And blamed every scandal on me.”
Bailee laughed outright.
Empowered, Shamrock grinned, already gearing up.
“There once was a bard named Bonaire
Who was doing a lass on the stair?—”
He inhaled to finish the line.
“Shamrock!” Bear, Than, and Fly snapped at the same time.
He blinked, offended. “None of you appreciate art.” Then grinned. “It’s one of me best.”
