Free Out of the Shadows by Bethany Shaw Page B

rest,” Devon
explained. Relief filled him when Emily relaxed against the door frame.
    Emily smiled and looked to the stairs. “Lark is here?” Devon
nodded and her smile widened. “Good, I was hoping she’d come on Sunday. It
would be nice to have another girl here. Excuse me.”
    Devon rolled his eyes as Emily bounded towards the stairs
and quickly disappeared.
    “She’s been talking about Lark non-stop since yesterday
afternoon,” Marcus said, eyes on the empty stairwell. “She hasn’t really ever
had the chance to socialize or even make friends. This is a new experience for
her. If I haven’t thanked you already, Dev, thanks.”
    Devon nodded, he couldn’t dispute that Emily was happier. “You're
welcome, did you get everything squared away?”
    “We did, I think for the most part we’re ready to go.” Marcus
sat down next to Vincent, picking up the extra controller.
    “Good.” Devon closed his eyes and turned back to the stairs.
He’d never found out what time Lark closed tomorrow. While he could ask Gene or
Rick, part of him wanted to see her again.
    ***
    Lark sat on the porch swing, enjoying the gentle breeze, as
she rocked back and forth. Gene had excused himself to use the bathroom, and
she enjoyed the quietness of the manor. It still amazed her how so many people
could live here, but yet it remained peacefully quiet.
    She looked up as the screen door creaked open, and Emily
stepped out. Her long brown hair fell softly around her smiling face.
    “Hi,” Emily said, lacing her fingers together.
    “Do you want to sit?” Lark planted her feet on the porch,
bringing the swing to a stop.
    “Thanks,” Emily said, as she took a seat. “Devon said you’re
making a cake for me. He said that you had something amazing planned. I’m so
excited.”
    Lark couldn’t help but smile, Emily’s happiness vibrated off
in waves. “I think you’ll really like it.”
    “I’m sure I will. Devon said the sample photos of the cakes
you had looked phenomenal.”
    Lark nodded, not wanting to burst the younger woman’s
bubble. That was not the conversation she remembered. “So, what made you decide
to get…” she paused not sure what the correct word to use was.
    Emily jumped in, her soft voice taking on a high pitch as
she gushed the details. “It was Rick’s idea actually. Marcus and I have been
engaged for almost a year now.” She held up her hand with the small diamond
ring on it for Lark to see.
    Lark didn’t know what to say. She nodded in understanding. It
was obvious Emily was excited about the pending nuptials.
    “I have a favor to ask. I know I’m asking a lot, and we
don’t really know each other, but-” Emily looked at her with shining green
eyes. “There are no other women on the estate and I was hoping, if you don’t
mind,” she twiddled with the edge of her hair twirling it nervously. “Helping
me get ready?”
    “I would love to,” Lark said happily.
    “Thanks,” Emily sighed relieved.
    The screen door squeaked open again and banged closed. Lark
looked up expecting Gene, but instead saw Devon.
    “Hey, Dev, Lark’s going to help me get ready Sunday.” Emily
beamed.
    Devon turned his attention to Emily, a genuine smile on his
face. Lark felt her breath catch in her throat, not once had she seen him smile.
He looked handsome and carefree.
    “That’s great, Em,” Devon replied, his hands jammed in his
pockets.
    Lark quirked her brow at him, but didn’t say anything. Realization
filtered in, Emily had come to her and asked for help. Emily thought Devon
would be excited for her. Lark wondered if Devon had only been giving her a
hard time, and not Emily.
    “What time should I be here Sunday,” Lark asked.
    “Is ten or eleven too early?” Emily asked, her green eyes
wide with worry.
    Lark smiled, that was late for her. “That’s perfect.”
“What time do you close tomorrow, Lark?” Devon asked softly.
    Lark turned toward Devon, her heart thumping harder. He’d
said her