And while she shouldn’t want that to happen, her heartbeat sped up at the thought of seeing him again.
Chapter4
Slow It Down
Lawson woke at his usual early hour the next day.It seemed everyone on the farm liked to rise with the sun and head to bed early.
That worked for him.He’d learned the pattern in the army and had continued it afterward.Back in Boston, he’d always taken the early shift at the garage and usually had his run in before that started.
He found Nash, Olivia, Charlie, and Ella Mae having oatmeal and fruit at the kitchen table.“Good morning, everyone.”
They all returned the greeting.Charlie pointed at the pot on the stove.“The oatmeal should be warm if you want some.We made a lot.”
Lawson had been told the group alternated cooking duties for supper, but that breakfast and lunch were up to the individuals.
Nash nodded, as if reading his mind.“Go ahead.There’s almost always someone making oatmeal around here.Check the fridge before you make your own.It’s better to use up what’s left before making more.”
Lawson nodded and filled a bowl before joining them at the table.“What are you up to today?”
Charlie grinned at him.“We’re going to stake out the area for the addition we’re putting on the cider cabin.It’s close to Dani’s property.That’s the lady you asked about last night.You should come and see what we’re doing.Maybe you can talk to her again and make sure she’s okay.”
Nash ruffled his son’s hair.“Good idea.Come along if you like.It’s still a bit of a walk to Dani’s property from there, but the cider cabin is in the right direction.”
Lawson felt like a fool for spilling his guts at the supper table the previous night, but everyone had been sympathetic, after they’d laughed at him, of course.
Being ribbed by your buddies was a regular part of army life.A part of his life at Ricky’s Garage, too.Maybe it was simply part of being male, as Jolie had said.
Amber thought he should bring a peace offering, and he figured his sisters were both right.He’d made Dani nervous, so fixing it was up to him.
And if he had a chance to speak with her about the truck, all the better.
He wasn’t the best in the kitchen, but Fox had ensured they could all cook and bake the basics.Better to cook than spend all your money on takeout.And better yet, to impress the ladies.
Maybe their grandfather was right.At the very least, he would start on a better foot than he had.
He nodded to the group.“Good idea.Although I think I’ll make some cookies or something to bring as a peace offering.”
Charlie laughed.“Everyone likes cookies.”
“Cookies!”Ella Mae cheered from her booster seat and looked hopefully at her mom.
Olivia laughed.“Sorry, Ella.No cookies for breakfast.”
The little girl’s lower lip shot out in a pout, and her eyes filled with tears.
Olivia grinned.“No chance, Ella.Your crocodile tears and pretty pout aren’t going to work.”Then she handed the girl a slice of apple.
Ella grinned and held it up to Charlie.“Cookie.”
Charlie laughed.“That’s a great cookie, Ella.”
Lawson’s heart jolted.He’d never thought much about having kids.That was a faraway-in-the-future kind of dream.
None of the women he’d dated had inspired thoughts of settling down and having some munchkins.
But the idea didn’t seem so far off anymore.The image in his mind had Dani at his side and a little girl with the same fierce eyes, but none of the fear.
And why was he picturing a future with a woman he’d met yesterday, one he’d freaked out?A woman who hadn’t trusted him enough to give him her name.
