My ribs constricted at her words. “But this will. I’m going to call Parker and let him know you saw her. It’s all information he should have anyway.” As much as I wanted to hold on, I forced myself to let Caelyn go. But first, I reached up and slid a hand under her hair, squeezing her neck. “You have people looking out for you.”

A flicker of light entered Caelyn’s eyes. “Do you happen to know how I suddenly have a much busier store than I used to? Mr. Walters decided to bring on another part-time employee. Crosby and Penny stop by approximately three times a day. Ford is always forgetting something that he needs to come and pick up. And don’t even get me started on how often my friends are here.”

I dropped my hold on her neck, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Would you believe that your personality is so charming that people can’t stay away?”

Caelyn snorted. “Suuuuure.”

My expression sobered. “We care about you. We just want to make sure there are plenty of people around, and that you feel safe.”

She reached out a hand, giving my arm a squeeze. “Thank you.”

Her warmth seemed to seep into me at the small contact, a heat that spread fast and fiercely. One that left me feeling cold in its absence. I wanted more, and that made me nervous as hell. “I should go.”

Caelyn’s shoulders straightened. “Of course. You’re sure you’re okay to pick up the tiny terrors again?”

That small little action put distance between us. Distance I didn’t want but that was safer for both of us. “I love having them at the house. Really.”

“I do feel better not having them walk to the store alone. Especially if my mom’s around.”

I couldn’t imagine how a run-in like that would end. Ava and Mia likely wouldn’t be able to place her, but Will would. It was much better to avoid the possibility altogether. “I think it’s smart, too.”

Caelyn nodded, rolling her lips together. “Okay. I’ll head to your place as soon as I’m off work.”

“No rush.” I truly did love having all of the O’Connor siblings at the farmhouse. For the first time in over a decade, they made me believe that I would truly bring life back to the place.

A throat cleared behind me. “Sorry to interrupt.”

Caelyn gave a small jolt. “Hey, Max. You’re not interrupting at all. What do you need?”

The man gave her a smile that was just a bit too slick for my liking. Who was I kidding? I didn’t want any guys anywhere sending hopeful smiles Caelyn’s way. Max moved in closer to her. “Just need to know if the produce should be unloaded now or later this afternoon.”