Page 90 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

"Morning, Madison. Noah get to school?"

"Barely. Apparently socks require careful consideration when you're eight."

Betty laughs. "The usual?"

"Please."

Maddy turns toward me. I stand as she approaches. Her smile changes a little at that.

"Morning, Martinez."

"Morning."

She takes the chair across from mine. Around us, Betty's keeps moving. Mostly.

Mrs. Palmer glances over from her breakfast and gives me a small nod. I nod back. Two men from the feed store notice us next.

"Morning, Martinez. Morning, Maddy." One of them pauses. "How are Helen and Noah doing?"

"They're doing fine," Maddy says. "Thanks for asking."

"Tell them we said hello."

"I will."

Maddy looks at me once they turn away. "Is it always this subtle?"

"Pretty much."

"Should I be concerned?"

"Only if Betty gets on the phone."

From behind the counter, Betty calls, "I heard that."

Maddy laughs. Betty brings Maddy's coffee to the table.

"Thanks, Betty."

"Oh, you're welcome." Betty looks at Maddy, then at me. A smile threatens at the corners of her mouth before she turns and walks back to the counter.

Maddy watches her go. "She knows."

"Betty always knows."

Maddy smiles into her coffee.

For a few minutes, we talk about ordinary things. Noah's morning. The farm. Her plans to help Helen around the house. I tell her Cole ordered the wrong feed bins and is blaming the website. She tells me about a restaurant supplier who once delivered twelve cases of turnips instead of two.

"What did you do with twelve cases of turnips?"

"Got creative."

"That's a lot of creativity."

"You'd be surprised what I can do under pressure."

"I'm starting to figure that out."