With a deep breath, Dani left the garage and locked it behind her.Maybe she should invest some of her money in a security system.She’d considered it many times, but hadn’t committed yet.
Would her family really come all the way to Vermont to bother her?She’d never been that important to them.And after she’d found some of Frannie B’s gumption and refused to marry Paul, they’d more or less ignored her for the last few years.
Which was precisely what Dani wanted.It was glorious not to be judged negatively every moment of every day.It was fabulous to make her own decisions, find reasons to smile, and contribute to the world in ways that filled her soul.
Dani ruffled Bibi’s fur as they crossed the yard.“They certainly wouldn’t approve of you, my beautiful girl.An animal?And one who sheds?How terrible.” She said the last bit in a simpering imitation of her mother’s voice.Appearances were of supreme importance to Dorothy Richards.Nothing of substance mattered nearly as much as what the neighbors might think.
Dani locked the cottage door behind her and was glad she’d installed old-fashioned bolts and the deadbolt.Her parents would never be so uncouth as to knock down a door.But if they thought it was important, they would hire someone to do it without a qualm.
“I’m glad I’m no longer important to them, Bibi.We’ve got an amazing life here, and I’m not letting thoughts of them ruin it.”
Bibi bumped her hand with her muzzle, making her grin.“Don’t worry, I didn’t forget you.”
She filled up the food and water bowls for the dog, grinning when Bibi burrowed her face in it as if she’d been in the desert and starved for a week.
Her own stomach wasn’t up for food just yet.She’d let the safety of her wonderful cottage surround her for a bit.The kitchen and living spaces blended, with a bistro table dividing the two areas.
A combined bathroom and laundry room separated the two bedrooms on the far side.She headed to the bedroom facing the front of the property.
She slept in the one facing the back, giving her even more privacy.Not that many people drove down the street.The road dead-ended just beyond Dani’s property, and there were no other driveways off it.Lorraine’s property was to the west, but her drive was around the corner.Mort and Callum’s property was across the road, and their drive was on the same road as Lorraine’s.Same with the Malssum apple farm that was beside Lorraine.
Which sent her thoughts spinning back to the gorgeous Lawson.Was there any way that he was connected to her family?Was there any reason to worry?
Dani had met the other Malssums, and they were all nice people.Lawson looked much like his brother and sisters, but that didn’t mean he was another good human.
Her heart had beaten so wildly in her throat, she hadn’t really focused on his words, only on her worries.Her social anxiety could be a bitch to deal with, especially with handsome strangers involved.
Which brought back memories of her parents trying to showcase her at theirlittle parties.
Hah, fancy dress events where she was supposed to simper and smile to land a husband who would enhance their business and their stock portfolios.Dozens and dozens of people playing the superficial games she found exhausting.
The cottage and her property were a much better fit for her.
The second bedroom contained her other workshop.Honey, candles, and lip balm.It continued to shock and delight her that people bought her items.Frannie B was right again.Find out what your audience wants and deliver it with love.
Worktables lined two walls, and shelves full of labeled bins covered another.She’d added a small fridge and a sink to the room, making it a separate workshop that wouldn’t invade the rest of her soft and comfortable space.
This space was all business.
A quick check of her phone showed no missed messages or calls, which probably meant that Lawson had nothing to do with her family.
Her heart softened at that.She hated conflict and was glad her family didn’t appear to be stirring anything up this time.Hopefully, they’d abandoned her to her own happiness.
Laughing at herself, Dani opened her laptop and checked her store.She had two more orders for lip balm and another for a suncatcher featuring teddy bears.
That was new.
She pulled her ideas notebook off the shelf and flipped to a new page.
Teddy bears in the forest.A teddy bear picnic?
She played with designs while Bibi came in to flop on the dog bed by her feet.There was a bed in every room except the bathroom.Bibi liked to be close, and Dani wouldn’t have it any other way.
She’d adopted Bibi for safety, but she’d gained a friend.She wouldn’t trade her girl for the world.
Bibi was an excellent judge of character, but Dani was still going to research Lawson Malssum.Find out if there was any way her family could be using him.
Most likely, she was spinning conspiracy theories where none existed, but it would be better to be sure if she encountered him another day.
