She nodded. “Like I said, usually I’d transport each tier in a box and build it at the reception location, finishing off some of the piping and flower work then, but Amy… well, this has dowels in it and should keep it secure. There’s a yoga mat underneath so the half box doesn’t slip. And as you can see I’ve built a little area that holds the box in place.”

I took in the wooden frame she’d made that kept things from sliding around. Obviously, she’d done this before and knew what she was doing.

Taking my truck wasn’t an option. It wasn’t like a wedding cake could sit in the pickup truck’s open bed.

“I’ll grab my bag and we can go.”

When I returned, she was opening the driver’s door.

“Hang on, sweets,” I called, then snagged the keys from her hand when I got close. “I have no problem taking your van, but I’m driving.”

She shook her head and glanced toward the back, as if she had Superman eyes and could see the cake inside.

“Unless we’re headed to the ER because I’m bleeding out, and maybe even then, I drive my woman around.”

She frowned behind her glasses. “Sexist, much?”

I stroked my fingers over her hair. Took in the way it was down her back in thick waves. It was the first time I’d seen it down and it was gorgeous. It was like a chocolate curtain, silky and undeniably sexy. Fuck, she was pretty.

“Nah,” I replied. “You’ve worked hard on that cake and I’m guessing you got up at four. I’m giving you a break. I know you can drive, sweets. Driving is how I take care of you.”

“I don’t know,” she said with some doubt. “The cake—”

“You think I’d drive reckless with you on board?”

Her eyes widened slightly, and she slowly shook her head. “No.”

“That’s right. The cake will be fine. If he were alive, my daddy’d kick my ass to Broadwater County if I didn’t treat a lady with respect.”

She quietly relented and went around to the passenger side, giving me a glance or two as she did so. Hadn’t she ever had anyone take care of her before?

I’d normally open the door for her, but she’d already made one concession and didn’t want to push it. This time.