Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 121578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 608(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 608(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
I let out another shaky breath. “Thank you,” I murmur against his shirt. I can’t believe I said those things to Daniel. I didn’t get out all the cutting remarks I’d rehearsed in my head over the years, but I hit the highlights.
I pull back and stare up at Jigsaw. “I think some of your brashness has worn off on me. I told him exactly what I thought of him.”
His lips curve with pride and affection. “Good. Your calmness must’ve worn off on me too, because I didn’t say half of what I wanted to say. Or punch him even once.”
“Oh, stop.”
“Nah, he’s right,” Rooster says, stepping forward and slapping Jigsaw’s shoulder. “My brother showed a lot of restraint. Something about that dude—he’s got a very punchable face.”
I clap my hand over my mouth and let out a giggle that feels sublime after all the tension. “He does, doesn’t he?”
My laughter fades as a sobering thought creeps in, erasing the smile from my face.
“You must think poorly of me for dating someone like that.” My voice wavers, and I glance nervously at Rooster. What if he thinks I’m not good enough for his best friend?
If only they knew Daniel and I did more than date. I said I would marry him.
“Don’t sweat it.” Jigsaw snorts, then clutches his stomach like he’s about to double over. “My bushy-bearded brother has you beat in the awful-ex Olympics, trust me.”
“Shut up,” Rooster growls, shooting Jigsaw a glare. Clearly, he’s not finding this as humorous.
“Well, whatever happened, it brought you to Shelby and you two are clearly meant to be together,” I say to Rooster.
That replaces the scowl on his ruggedly handsome face with a fond smile. “Yes, we are.”
Jigsaw stops his silly antics, but a shadow crosses his expression. Briefly, but I saw it.
“I better get back to work,” I announce to smooth over the awkwardness. “Daniel cornered me, and Lord only knows what’s been going on out there.”
How could I forget all my responsibilities?
“We’ll let you get back to it.” Jigsaw gently rests his hand on my arm, stopping me. “We’re going to stick around, though. Just in case.”
I smile up at him. “I’d really like that.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Margot
Rooster and Jigsaw remain in the background until the guests are gone. As soon as the last person leaves, I slip off my heels, allowing my throbbing toes to sink into the carpet in the parlor.
Jigsaw unfolds his big frame from the antique sofa. Restless energy seems to course through him as he shakes his arms at his sides and rolls his head from side to side. “What can we do to help you finish up here?”
He already rescued me from Daniel’s annoying presence. I can’t ask him to do more. And I really can’t ask Rooster to pitch in. “It’s okay. I can handle it.”
“We’re not asking.” Rooster stands and claps his hands together in a loud pop. “Come on, point us in the direction of the heavy lifting.” He lifts his arms in the air like he’s eager to bench-press something substantial.
“The heaviest item has already been carried out.” I walk my fingers through the air toward the back door.
Rooster winces as he seems to realize I mean the casket.
I sigh from exhaustion and the nagging voice that says I’m taking advantage of them.
“We’re not going anywhere.” Jigsaw leans in and whispers against my ear, “And the sooner you finish, the sooner I get you all to myself tonight.”
I flick my gaze toward Rooster, then back to Jigsaw. “You can at least let me make you guys dinner before you send Rooster packing.”
“I think you’ve done enough work today,” Jigsaw says. “We can go out, or I’ll order something.”
“Okay.” My gaze bounces around the parlor. “I usually clean up in here last. Follow me.” I turn and cross the hallway into the viewing room and point to the dais. “The flowers need to be moved into the kitchen. We’ll store them in the cooler in case the family wants to take them home tomorrow.”
“On it,” Rooster says.
I step toward the stand holding the guest book. “I need to put this in the office.” I gesture toward the small, narrow door in the back corner of the viewing room. “There are cleaning supplies in there.” I give him a list of things to wipe down while I run down to my father’s office and take care of some paperwork.
A few minutes later, Jigsaw taps on the open door. “What’s next?”
“We can leave the chairs for now.” I close my eyes briefly, running over the list my father left me. “I think that’s it. I just need to lock the doors.”
Jigsaw leans into the hallway and gestures wildly toward the doors. “Lock those!”
“Got it!” Rooster shouts.
I shut the computer down and stand, stretching my arms over my head and yawning.