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Rachel sighed “Okay”

“That’s the sister I know and love” He teased a smile out of her before she disconnected the call

Changing out of her church clothes, she put on her jeans and t-shirt As she braided her hair back, she feltout her computer, she backed up her notes on her plants She was very ress of the seedlings

Afterward, she cooked dinner Cash didn’t eht Aware of how strong her brothers’ hooch was, she would be aet out of bed for a couple of days

Her brothers iven their approval, but they had made him pay for it

“What are you doing?” Rachel ca to slide a chair to the corner

“I was just trying to make some more room,” Lily explained

“Shade would be furious if he saw you doing that”

“Then it’s a good thing he’s not here, isn’t it? You’re not a tattletale, are you?” Lily wrinkled her nose at her

“Letany more of this heavy furniture, and I’ll call him,” Rachel threatened

“Okay, okay, you win I just feel silly asking you to do things that I’ myself”

“I don’t mind” Rachel slid the rest of the furniture closer to the wall

“Lily?” They both jumped when they heard Brooke’s voice behind them

“Hi, Brooke What can I help you with?” Lily asked politely

Rachel walked to the side,to their conversation as she worked

“I’roup tomorrow, and Willa has several of the texts that we use Would it be possible for you to pick the a dinner tonight with several of the deacons If you can’t, I suppose…”

“No proble Willa” Lily smiled

Willa will be relieved, Rachel thought The wo for Brooke to arrive

“Fine, then That’s a relief I was nervous about leaving ave the is not where my talents lie”

“I’m sure you’re an excellent cook,” Lily complimented

Rachel turned her back so Brooke couldn’t read her expression

“Thank you, Lily I better get back toa cobbler for dessert I’ve never ht I would give it a try”

“I’m sure it will be delicious I’ll drop the texts off in Pastor Merrick’s office in the ”

“Thanks, again Goodnight, Lily, Rachel”

The girls both told her goodbye, watching her leave in her expensive dress and high heels

“You just saved Willa’s ass,” Rachel told her, co to stand next to her

“I know I knew Willa would preferthe books up I’h I’ll have to call her and tell her I’ll be late”

“I could do it for you I’ You could even leave early if you want,” Rachel offered

“Iwith the twins”

“It all works out perfect, then”

Three hours later, Rachel closed the church store Her car was steaht jacket she had put over her dress The church and the store always remained uncos were the worst when she opened the store, the frigid air hitting her as she entered She had ly to the pastor, and he had told her he kept the air on the sareed it was cold also He had proet Brooke to call the repairo Rachel promised herself, if it wasn’t repaired soon, she would call the repairman on her own

She made a left onto Willa’s street and sais’s car When she had called earlier to tell her she was stopping by, she hadn’tat her watch, she realized he otten off work

Rachel parked her car next to his vehicle, careful not to block hietting rid of the overbearing man

As she drew closer to the door, she heard a screa the door open Rachel let out a scream of her ohen she sais had his belt off and hipping Willa with it Fury soared through her

She ran toward hiain, and without thinking, she pushed him away from Willa

“Don’t you dare touch her again!” she screamed at him

Lewis stared angrily at Rachel “Get the fuck out!” He came toward her with the belt raised and Rachel froze She wasn’t going to let him scare her