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She breezed farther down the sidewalk, leaving Clark befuddled.
“Your mom is something else.”
Holly smiled proudly. “Yes, she is.”
“I better get Sam,” Clark said.
“You didn’t finish telling me about your intentions. Are you going to keep pulling away from Merry? Or are you going to do your very best to make her happy?”
Clark ran a hand through his hair, searching for the right answer. “I tried staying away from Merry and it didn’t work. If she’ll give me a chance, I’m going all in.”
“All right then.”
“That’s it?” Clark prodded.
“If Merry still wants you, then I’m satisfied.”
“Thank you, Holly.”
“Don’t thank me. I won’t sway her one way or the other, unless you let me get your brother. Then I might put in a good word for you.”
Clark raised an eyebrow. “I’m trying to get on your sister’s good side. Letting you near my brother isn’t conducive to my mission.”
Holly wrinkled her nose. “I don’t need another protective person in my life.”
Clark shrugged. “Well, you got one.”
Jace and Merry came out of the house, leading a slightly cleaner Daisy. She slowed down when she saw them, eyeing her sister warily. “Everything all right?”
“It’s great. I have to grab my brother for pictures, so I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Do I have to come?” Jace asked, his attention on a few boys stick-fighting within the growing group of employees and their families.
“No, I’ve got your uncle. Just don’t get into any trouble until I get back.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Merry said.
“No, I will keep an eye on him. You two…converse.” Holly held her hand out for Daisy’s leash and when Merry handed it over, she nodded to Jace. “Come on, little man. Let’s go see what kind of trouble we can get into.”
Jace took off with Holly, who struggled to keep up with the boy and the puppy straining after him.
“Look, whatever my sister said to you, I swear you’re fine. We don’t even have a wood chipper.”
Clark burst into surprised laughter. “She didn’t mention a wood chipper.”
“I’d be concerned she didn’t outright threaten you.”
“Maybe she already knows I’m aware of my mistakes and is giving me a chance to make it right.”
“And are you?” she asked lightly.
“Making it right?” She nodded and he took a step toward her. “I’d like to. If you’ll be patient with me, I was hoping we’d start with a date. No secret identities. No surprises. Just us.”
Her blank expression made his stomach swirl, bubbling with nervous nausea.
“I’ll think about it and get back to you,” she said airily.
“No problem, take your time.”
