Absentminded Angel(Divine Creek Ranch 20)(32)

“I was wondering…” Presley Ann began to say, worried about taking up too much of their time.

“About what?” Beck said, patience and kindness reflected in his eyes. Lucy grinned at her and nudged her in encouragement while Patrick paid attention.

“You all started your businesses from the ground up, and I wonder if I could get some pointers from you. I think I have the beginnings of a profitable cottage industry but without experience, I need a little direction from someone who knows the ins and outs.”

“We’d be happy to help,” Lucy said. “Is this about the baby slings? Grace told me about them. They’re a fantastic idea, and the fact that you’re willing to create them in plus sizes out of superior quality materials will set you apart from the rest.”

Feeling her confidence increasing, Presley Ann said, “The lady I mentioned to you, Mrs. Finch, owns several stores in Texas. I’ll be making slings and fancy diaper covers for all of her stores. I’ll also be making and consigning them to Violet for the Emporium.”

Lucy grinned widely. “A few more customers like those and you might be able to work from home full-time and keep Whit with you.”

“That’s what I’m hoping. So we could get together some time?”

Beck replied, “Of course. I can think of several of our friends who would be happy to lend you their expertise. If you need a website, you’ll want to talk to Duke Rivers and Gage Randall. They’ll set you up with something easy to maintain or you can have them do the work for you. And Summer Webster knows a lot of the retailers in Morehead since she’s a member of their women’s business association. She could help you network.”

“Wow,” Presley Ann said, feeling overwhelmed by the way he included her as part of their group. That feeling of inclusion, of being part of something special, never got old. “I hadn’t given that a lot of thought yet but I’ll talk to them.”

“It’s a lot to consider,” Patrick said. “But we’re here to help if you need us. Luce handles all of our bookkeeping and she can give you pointers and introduce you to our accountant if you want.”

“Thank you,” Presley Ann said, unable to help the broad smile on her face.

Lucy grinned and pulled her in for a hug. “You’re very welcome. And maybe someday I’ll have you make one of those slings for me.”

Beck lifted his eyebrows and blurted, “Come again, baby?”

Lucy and Presley Ann burst into laughter, and Lucy said, “Not just yet, Beck, but some day, okay?”

“Okay. Just curious. That would be an awesome Christmas present.”

“Maybe next year, baby,” Lucy said, her cheeks rosy as she looked from one man to the other.

The first choir filed onto the risers, and Jared and Kendry snuggled her between them on one of the long benches that had been provided for the event. During the performance, she reached for Whit when he began rooting at Jared’s shoulder. She draped her blue pashmina over her shoulder and quickly got Whit settled nursing. His little hands were warm on her skin and a feeling of security and rightness swept through her as she fed her son.

Recalling Jared and Kendry’s impulsive response to Missy’s question about Whit’s paternity, she struggled with thoughts that it was all an illusion. But the truth was that she was falling for both of those persistent, patient men. Loving them would be easy.

A gentle touch on her shoulder caught her attention and she looked up as Jared brushed a lock of hair over her shoulder and made eye contact. Normally so serious, his smile was wide and warm as he kissed her cheek and then turned back to the performance. She risked a glance over at Kendry, and he must’ve felt her gaze because he turned to her and grinned.

“You okay?”

“Perfect.” Why does the wobbly feeling in my heart feel good and scary at the same time?

After the concert, they walked back to the truck. Kendry’s hand at her lower back was like a marker of his care, and for the first time in…ever, she felt she belonged to someone. A little voice in her head whispered that it wouldn’t last. Maybe it was their nearness making her yearn for what she didn’t have—and maybe didn’t deserve. Knowing that they could walk away with few lasting consequences, she tried to shore up her feelings of vulnerability. It was like standing against a tidal wave, brave but ineffective. The sensation of Kendry’s gentle touch just increased her confusion and made her eyes burn. She took a deep breath, fighting down the burning ache that gathered in the pit of her belly.

Jared slipped the sleeping baby from her arms and said, “What’s wrong?”