Work can wait.
Right now there’s only one place I want to be.
With Kelly.
Chapter29
Kelly
The sawmill is running as smoothly as it ever has.
Between the new office assistant Thatcher insisted I hire since Willow is due in a few more weeks—and the entire sawmill is bracing for the chaos that comes with a McCrae baby—and my upcoming wedding, my brother and I agreed we needed extra help around here.
That’s how Candice Meyers came into my life.
She’s a sweet woman, recently widowed and newly retired from the post office.
Apparently retirement left her with far too much time on her hands, because when I posted the job listing, she was the first to respond.
Now I don’t know how I ever ran this place without her.
Candice is magic on a computer, and she’s got a voice on the phone that could soothe a rabid raccoon.Clients love her.Deliveries are organized.The paperwork actually gets filed.
For once, things feel manageable.Which is exactly why I’m taking my second coffee break of the morning.That and I really need a little caffeinepick-me-up.
Last night J.T.was absolutely insatiable.
Not that I’m complaining.
But I swear I’m going to have to start doing Pilates or something—not yoga, because I refuse to do any exercise associated with that asshole ex of mine—but something if I’m going to keep up with that man long term.
“Hey, Kels, want a banana nut muffin?They just came out of the oven.”
Willow’s voice floats over from behind the lunchroom counter.
I perk up instantly.
“Ooh, yes!”
I mean because it’s muffins, right?
I hurry over and grab the plate she’s holding with a little laugh—then stop short.
Because Willow isn’t smiling anymore.
She’s staring over my shoulder, mouth slightly open.
My stomach drops before I even turn around.
The reason for her expression is standing in the doorway.
Five foot nine of instant regret I had sincerely hoped never to see again.
And honestly?Does he have a death wish?
A few of the mill guys inside the Lunchroom throw harsh glares in Mike’s direction, and I swear one of them has his phone out.But I can’t pay them any attention when there’s a snake in my midst.
“Mike?”I say slowly, staring at him.“What are you doing here?”
