“Noted, and, Flynn, we’re adults. I won’t fire you if things don’t work out. As far as crazy women go, I’ve got your back. If Tilly comes sniffin’ around your place, just come on over here. I’ve got two extra bedrooms, and there’s usually cold beer in the refrigerator. You’ve always got a hiding place.” Jackson picked up a drill and started putting a hope chest together.

“Thanks, man!” Flynn began to brush stain on the front of the hope chest he was working on. He’d had drinking buddies and work acquaintances, but he’d never had a friend who would make an offer like that. He suspected most of his coworkers would have been more than happy to see him get caught.

He sure wouldn’t bring in the paychecks he’d gotten used to having if he worked for Jackson, but then, he was living in a place where he had no rent and only had to buy food every third week, had a cousin who was a great cook, and even had a cat—not much was needed past that. Besides, he had a very healthy savings account, and a stock portfolio that wasn’t shabby at all. And it was possible, if he was willing to put a little money into the business, that Jackson would someday make him a partner.

From all accounts, Jackson was a decent guy. No red flags had popped up when Nessa was with him or when he kissed her. She had dreamed of him and awakened with a smile on her face. Every time the phone rang, her heart skipped a beat, but it had been telemarketers three times and someone who didn’t know Nanny Lucy had passed away and wanted a quilt kit shipped to them another time. By evening, Nessa was thoroughly bummed out.

“Chalk up another mistake under my name,” she muttered as she left the house for a walk. She’d barely made it to the edge of the yard when April pulled up in Nanny Lucy’s car.

“Where are you going? And who died?”

“For a walk, and no one died. I need some time alone. Supper is in the slow cooker and on the counter,” Nessa said.

“Anything I can do, other than stay out of your way?” April got out of the car.

“Nope,” Nessa answered. “See you later.”

“Call if you need to talk or you get lost. I know these woods like the back of my hand.” April headed toward the house.