“I will, honey. Don’t worry. I’ve got this,” Karen said.

“I’ll swing by here at noon to check on you two. Let me know if there’s anything you need me to bring.”

“Thank you for loving our girl, and for taking such good care of her,” Karen said, and then hugged him.

“It’s totally my pleasure,” Hunt said. “Thank you for her, and the cinnamon rolls.”

And then he was gone.

Karen could still hear the shower running and went back to Ava’s bedroom to let her know she had arrived.

* * *

Birdie had never really looked forward to going to work before today. She went because it was her job and she liked her job. But today Wade Montgomery would be there.

She didn’t know if he’d just come to help Dub get set back up after the fire or if he was here to stay. And she was curious.

She showed up for work at 8:00 a.m., although the Feed and Seed always opened by seven. It felt strange to drive up and see one whole end of the building missing. But there were now two small portable buildings on-site, and she was guessing they were where the sacks of feed and seed would be stored until Dub could rebuild.

She parked, and as always went in a side door and straight into the end of the building where her office was located, turning on lights as she went.

The scent of burned wood permeated everything. It was going to take a long time and a lot of airing out before that faded, and even longer to accept that a friend had died on the premises.

She put up her things and turned on the computer, then went up front to find Dub. He was usually behind the counter, talking to customers as they came up to pay. But today, both he and Wade were behind the counter, and Dub was obviously giving his nephew a rundown on how everything worked.

Dub saw Birdie approaching and smiled.

“Good morning, Birdie. Do you remember my nephew, Wade?”

“Morning, Dub. Yes, I know Wade, but I don’t think I ever knew he was your nephew until yesterday when I saw him at the park.” Then she smiled at Wade. “And a good morning to you, too.”

“Morning, Bridgette.”

Dub looked at him and grinned. “Don’t nobody call her anything but Birdie.”

“I never called her that,” Wade said. “Bridgette is a pretty name. I’ll stick with that.”

Birdie smiled, and hoped her cheeks hadn’t just flushed, because she was suddenly hot under the collar just looking at him.

“So, is there anything new I need to know today?” Birdie asked.