"Yeah, I should be able to manage alright." Her cheeks flushed with mild embarrassment at the reminder of her hand. More than that, she would be required to take off her gloves to cook, which would leave it exposed to his gaze for the first time. Zach loved her most passionately and even he had flinched at the sight of it. Even he had referred to it as barbaric. Alfred held no such loyalties to her anymore, leaving her to begin to spiral with panicked thoughts.

This was a bad idea.

However, she couldn't just rescind her offer and sit back in the chair, not without at least a questioning look from him. The only option remaining to her was to slice the vegetables in silence and pray he didn't comment upon her injury.

Jo reached for the carrots and potatoes and turned to face the cabinets before removing her gloves. After being handed a knife she looked to him and asked, "how small do you want the pieces?"