Love a Woman Right (The American Soldier Collection 17)

“I think we need a bigger kitchen and some more baking pans for that. Let’s see what this weekend brings in regards to sales,” Lois said.

“We have a big industrial kitchen at our place plus two double ovens. That should save on time and also provide the additional space you’ll need,” Laverty offered.

“Oh, that’s okay. I wouldn’t impose like that. I can deal with our kitchen just fine,” Lois said and looked at Valentina.

“I think that sounds like a great idea. You

’ll have plenty of space to work there, and our cousins seem more than willing to help you bag the cookies.” Sparrow said and winked.

“I don’t know,” Lois said.

Laverty brought her knuckles to his lips again and kissed them. “Think about it, okay?” he asked.

She worried her bottom lip and all Ford could think about was getting the opportunity to kiss her, to taste her lips and hold her in his arms.

“Okay.” Laverty smiled.

“Well, we should call it a night. It’s pretty late and tomorrow is a big day at the farm. We expect a lot of people to come through,” Evan said. Laverty stood up and Ford released Lois.

“See you tomorrow. You did real good. It will be successful. You’ll see,” Ford told her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

He watched Evan do the same and then Laverty kissed her on the lips.

“See you tomorrow, beauty.” They said good night to Valentina and the guys and headed to their house across the side lawn.

* * * *

Lois watched them head to their house and she couldn’t believe how the night had gone.

“What are you thinking right now?” Valentina asked her.

“That I’m out of my mind. That I don’t know how to handle any man, never mind men like them,” she said aloud and then remembered that Valentina’s men were there and they were cousins with the men she was referring to.

“You like them and they like you. The chemistry and attraction are there, and they will take their time with you, Lois. They can sense your fear,” Sparrow said to her. She was shocked and wasn’t sure she felt quite comfortable having this conversation with him, his brothers, and Valentina. As she thought about that, she realized she trusted them and knew they wouldn’t steer her wrong. They knew the whole story about what Caden had done to her, how he had raped her. She felt the tears fill her eyes. She looked at them and her nose filled up, her heart grew heavy, and her vision blurred from the tears.

“They’re so perfect, and I’m so…broken.”

Valentina stood up and pulled Lois into her arms.

“You’re not broken. You’re scared, you’re being cautious, and you’re questioning things the way you should. You need to feel safe. You need to know they’re trustworthy and that they won’t do what Caden did to you and what he did to Kenny. Follow your heart, Lois, and everything will work out just fine.”

Lois held her sister tight and locked gazes with Sparrow. He gave a nod and a smile.

“They’re good men, just be honest with them and ask them to be honest with you. We’re here for you and we aren’t going anywhere.”

She smiled as she pulled back from Valentina’s arms and wiped her eyes.

“I appreciate your support, and I trust you, too. Why don’t you go spend some time with your men tonight, Valentina? I’ll take care of the kids. We can head over to the farm late morning,” she said and Beck lifted Valentina up and placed her over his shoulder.

“Have a good night, sis,” he said to Lois as he hopped off the porch with Valentina over his shoulder, reprimanding him as his brothers followed. “Good night. See you in the morning,” Sparrow said and kissed her cheek. Ridge and Jace did the same and smiled as they quickly caught up with Beck.

Lois watched as Beck pressed her up against the side of the house by the front steps and kissed her deeply. She smiled widely and was so happy for her sister—and envious, too. Could she ever let go and just let love lead the way, or would she always have the fears of being hurt by the scars that ran deep in her soul?

Chapter 5

“Say that again?” Lois asked Dora. Dora smiled widely.

“They sold out. All of them,” Dora told her.