Chapter 16

Shania grinned at the sight of big, tough Ash ladling soup into a bowl for an elderly woman and then leading her to a table. He pulled the chair out for her and made sure she was comfortable before stalking back to his station on the lunch line.

His presence as a "volunteer" had at first raised a few brows among the staff at the shelter, but they quickly accepted that having Shania back meant accepting the hulking presence of her constant shadow. What was surprising was how easily and without complaint the big man had thrown himself into the work. He'd quickly proved himself very useful and willing to help.

Approaching him, Shania said quietly, "Thank you for taking good care of Evelyn. She finds it hard to get down here with her reduced mobility. It's nice for her to be able to take a warm meal once in a while and chat with some of the residents. I don't think she gets the proper nutrition on her own at home."

Ash grunted in acknowledgment and asked, "Why can't she get down here