I’d been feeling better for the past year and had finally convinced my mom that I should get my own place when Rowan found out about this opportunity from Loren. Ironically, Landry’s sister ended up becoming one of my brother’s high-risk pregnancy patients shortly after Landry had tried setting the two of them up. Obviously, they were better off as friends.
And I like Loren. She and her boyfriend, Blake, have been helping me get settled, despite her being on bed rest. They even invited me over for dinner a few days ago, along with Blake’s brother and his family. It’s too bad I don’t remember most of that evening, though, since I woke up on my couch later that night without a clue as to how I made it there. And I didn’t say anything because my family would be all over me if they so much as suspect I’m having seizures again.
I know it’s because they love me. They just don’t realize that they’re slowly suffocating me by not letting me live my own life. But I’m twenty-five-years old. It’s past time I learned how to live alone. So I’ve been really careful with my daily habits since then, staying hydrated and resting, taking my medicine on time, and eliminating processed sugar and junk food, all in the hope that my body will better regulate itself under the ideal conditions. It’s a lot of work, but I’m willing to do anything to prove to my family—and to myself—that I can be self-sufficient.
Landry’s still right, though. I shouldn’t be driving and putting the rest of the residents of Camellia at risk. And as determined as I am to do this without relying on anyone’s help, I’m also mature enough to recognize when it’s time to prioritize my health and safety over my pride. I sigh again, dropping my arms in defeat.
“Okay, thanks,” I tell Landry. “Just let me grab my shoes.” He nods and moves to pick up the totes he set down earlier, but I stop him when a silly idea crosses my mind. “Why don’t you leave those for now? You can always get your things later after you bring me home from the baby shower. That way it won’t melt in the heat.”
“Yeah,” he agrees thoughtfully. “I forgot my Jeep’s packed down, so I guess I’d have to unload some stuff to make room for you, anyway.”
I nod cheerfully. “Let me help you with that. It may not look like it, but I’m stronger than you think.”
He smirks when I flex my arms for him. “Nice try, but I can carry my own baggage.”
“And I’m not riding with you unless you accept my help too,” I say matter-of-factly while I slip on a pair of sandals.
He sighs and turns to the door, but I follow him. “It’s going to be too heavy for you, Daisy.”
“You’re just saying that because you’d rather stay mad about this house stuff than let me do something nice for you.”
He stops abruptly. “That’s not what I’m doing.”
“Then hand me a box. And don’t forget to thank me.”
He glares at me before shaking his head and walking to the car. “Suit yourself.”
I trail at his heels until he dives into the front seat, then he stares me down as he loops a strap around my neck and drops a duffle bag into my waiting arms.
“Oof,” I accidentally grunt when the bag’s weight knocks me off my center of gravity, and I sway forward until Landry snorts and moves to support my arms. “You could have given me one of the lighter boxes or something,” I mumble.
His lips twitch as he bites back a smile. “And deny you the pleasure of proving me wrong? I would never.” I feel myself grinning back at him as he slowly lowers his hands, allowing me to adjust to the bag’s weight this time. “Oh, and thank you, Daisy,” he adds, just before he lets go completely.
I whimper quietly as I turn and stagger toward the house, and he snickers to himself when he passes me up carrying another stack of totes. By the time I make it up the front porch steps, he’s already back and pulling the strap up over my head.
“Ouch,” I whisper when my hair gets tangled, and he cringes but doesn’t let go of the bag. He lifts it as though it doesn’t weigh a thing and turns to bring it inside without another word. I follow him into the house to grab my baby shower gifts, and Landry waits for me at the door.
“You’re welcome, Landry,” I tell him as I pass, making him smile again.
CHAPTER 2
landry
I unsuccessfully attemptto keep my face emotionless as I watch my sister’s boyfriend wrap his arm around her and pull her in to pose at his side for a group picture. Loren and her best friend giggle when they bump baby bellies. But all I’m thinking is that it was supposed to be me up there beside Tenley Robin, smiling and patting Loren’s stomach.
Okay, not likethat. Despite what everyone might think about me, Iamabove lusting after another man’s wife, even a woman as impressive as Tenley. The fact that she and the Golden Boy seem nauseatingly blissful together actually knocks her down a few pegs in my book, anyway.
Ishould have been the twins’ godfather, though. I’d never want anything to happen to Loren and Blake. (Well, at least not to Loren.) But if the girls ever need a wise and responsible backup caregiver, I’m obviously the best man for the job. Instead, I’m stuck playing third string to the freaking Bourgeois brothersagain.
I grind my teeth and continue watching JD as he pulls Loren in for a hug and stoops to squish his cheek against her belly, making her laugh again. I suppose he’s just as much her babies’ uncle as I am, but I’m sure I’m more capable. And since he’s apparently been busy with coaching, managing a high school, and making his own brood of kids, he’s already got his hands full.
Besides, it’s bad enough that I’m being forced to stand by and support my sister’s decision to reproduce with freakingBlake the Snake. It wouldn’t have cost Loren anything to let me have this, especially since I’m already moving here to help them.
“Landry? Are you all right?” I hear Daisy whispering beside me, and it takes me a second to realize she’s questioning my resting grump face.
“Yeah,” I say, clearing my throat. “I’m just worried. She’s been spending too much time on her feet. Rowan said she shouldn’t be standing for long with her placenta previa, and Blake isn’t taking care of her the way he should.”
She huffs out a laugh. “Oh, Blake’s been very diligent about making her rest, stubborn as she is. I’m sure he just wants her to have this time to socialize after she’s been stuck in bed for the past few weeks.”
