Chapter 71

Del's POV

The next morning, I dressed in the big, scratchy clothes we’d found me for work, and zipped my combat boots on too. Rocky remained beside me, and my fingers were tangled in his fur when I met Rocco’s dad in the driveway of his house.

He gave me a tired grin when he saw me. Though I hadn’t seen Rocco smile in person, I immediately saw the resemblance between him and his dad thanks to the pictures on the plaque his mom had hung on the wall in the store.

He held a hand out. “I’m Oscar Hughes the second—Ozzy, to friends and family. Which includes you now.” He winked at me.

My cheeks warmed a bit as I took his hand, and shook it with the one that wasn’t tangled in Rocco’s fur.

“I’m Madeline Wooley the first, but I usually go by Del.” I winked back

His grin widened. “Let’s get your tools moved over to my truck then, Miss Del. You’ll be riding in the company vehicle with me.”

I nodded. “Sounds good.”

We got Rocco’s assload of tools