“They’re about to take lunch soon anyway. Come on. I had a couple of picnic tables put in so the guys can take breaks.”
“Picnic tables?”
“Yeah. It’s the least I could do.”
We sit at a table and Coco slides into the seat across from me. She picks at her fingers nervously.
“Something wrong?”
“No, no.” Her gaze swivels around. “Nothing’s wrong. It’s just—”
“Just what?” I open the container and whistle with pleasure. Barbecue, corn bread, sauce. The leftovers are warm. She even heated them for me. This woman makes my body ache in the best way.
“Well, it’s just ... there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Sounds serious.”
She gulps. “It is.”
I stop eating and study her. Her eyes are dark with worry, and her forehead is creased. “You can tell me anything. I hope you know that.”
A smile ghosts across her lips. My shoulders tighten. Have I done something wrong?
“Thank you for helping me,” she says. “With my magic. With my power. It didn’t show up until the ley lines strengthened, so I didn’t know about it.”
“That must’ve been frightening.”
“It was an experience,” she confirms.
“But it’s still pretty awesome. I mean, I can see ley lines, but I don’t have cool powers.” I frown. “WhycanI see ley lines?”
“Oh, well ...” Her gazes drifts off and she clears her throat. “I ... um ...”
“Do I have magic?”
“I don’t think so.” She takes one of the napkins and twists it with her fingers. “But even though you don’t, I’m so appreciative that you can see ley lines.” Her gaze lifts to the resort in the backdrop. “It’s made all the difference in this building, and it’ll continue to make a difference in this town. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done.” She looks over my shoulder and squints. “What’s that?”
“What?”
“That area over there.”
I say nonchalantly, “It’s the garden I’m building for you.”
Her eyes widen. “For me?”
“Yeah. Remember when I told Rhett about it? I wasn’t joking. You want a tour?”
“Okay.”
I take her over and guide her through the layout, explaining what sort of stones will go where and what plants will be brought in.
She’s silent the entire time I talk, looking at me with a mixture of awe and disbelief.
Well, she should believe it.
I love her.
Love her.
