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I had to persuade her to consider it She hesitated I knew her well enough to know that it wasn’t because she was satisfied with a few stolenan evening for herself She had disconnected fros like free time or hobbies or even ro itpart of her, the part that she’d neglected while looking out for everyone else I wanted to spoil her So with the thermos of coffee—always sweetened after that first day When she’d gotten excited over the crèot her at the convenience store, I kneas tiht flavored crea better A lot better

I wanted to cook her dinner, see her relax and laugh and be herself That was it It wasn’t an elaborate seduction It was a wish for s unfold, whether it was conversation or more

“I wasn’t prepared for the All A to keep it light

“I was upfront fro I want more time Not to cause problems for you So who can check on your dad?”

“The obvious answer is Ryan, since it’s his dad, too But I’ He’d just coets upset and his blood pressure starts to spike I can’t leave theether,” she shook her head

“What about the one with the day care?”

“Maggie? She ht do it She always offers to help But she works at her parents’ B&B, too So she ht be busy”

“I could ask the chief if he and Reo over there,” I offered

“No That’s sweet, but he’s already depressed I think talking about my mom and when she was alive would just make it worse I just don’t knohat to do!” she burst out “I mean, I don’t knohat else to do besides what I’ back to physical therapy and shut down the yard for two hours to go take him myself since he didn’t want to ride the shuttle bus I make hiot to be so that I could do”

“The only thing you’re neglecting is yourself I want you to coo out with your friends, at least take a night off and do that I’ll check on your dad and bring him some supper”

“No That’s sweet of you, but I’d rather have dinner with you than with them this time”

“This tiet tired of me?” I said