Dag takes advantage of Goldie, but I keep my thoughts to myself.
“Will you come by and just show me what I’m not seeing? I want the place to sparkle and smell nice. Right now, it probably smells like a horse stall and men’s bodywash.”
“What about this? I’ll go over and give your cabin a good scrub and deep clean, and then I’ll give you a list of things to do to keep it looking good.”
“Only if you’ll let me pay you.”
“Cleaning out here is my job.”
I shake my head. “I’m not letting you scrub my place for free.”
“Okay. I can do it later today or before lunch tomorrow.”
“Today.” I slide my wallet out. Thankfully, I’ve been to the bank and have some cash on me. “Is a hundred enough?”
“More than enough.”
“Great. Use whatever part of that for cleaning and the rest can be for not telling anyone about our arrangement.”
She laughs. “Hush money.”
“What secrets are you keeping?” Dag walks up and drapes an arm around Goldie.
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.” She flashes a smile, then dips out from under his arm. “I have work to do.”
Dag watches as she walks away. “But seriously, why were you giving her money? And what are you asking her to keep hush-hush?”
I should ignore his question and go on my way, but I don’t. “Why do you care? Goldie is a full-grown adult, and she can make her own decisions.”
“I care because I’m her friend, and I look out for her.”
“Dag, just friends? Because your reaction seems a bit over the top.”
“Men and women can be friends. Goldie and I have been best friends for twenty years. She puts up with me, and I look out for her. That’s the way things work.” Dag’s green eyes flash.
“Okay.” I fish my keys out of my pocket. “I’ll catch you later.”
“Hey, wait. Where are you taking Bluebonnet for your honeymoon?” He dances his eyebrows. “Fun times.”
Without responding, I turn and head toward the main house. I have a week to plan a honeymoon. First thing, I need to ask for time off. Then I’ll have to see if Bluebonnet can get away for a day or two.
Of course Dag would remind me about the honeymoon.
I turn before walking inside. “Catch ya later.”
“I still want to know about you and Goldie.”
Shaking my head and laughing, I make my way to Beau’s office. If Dag weren’t such a ladies’ man, I’d think he harbored feelings for Goldie with the way he’s always looking out for her. But I can’t think about any of that. I have my own complicated situation to deal with.
* * *
On Tuesday afternoon,I back my truck into the parking space in front of Bluebonnet’s cabin. We’re getting everything moved today except what she needs for the wedding.
She’s still at work, which is just as well because I can handle all the heavy stuff before she gets back.
Archer pulls up and slides out of his truck. “Heard you might need a hand.”
“Y’all are working, so I was going to take care of as much as I can on my own.”
