Page 24 of Gabriel & Skye

“Hi, sweetheart.” Georgia’s mom gives me a big hug. “So lovely to meet you finally.”

“You too.” I smile.

“And I’m Patti; Trudy and Callan’s Mom.” Patti is quite tall like the others, with shoulder length buttery blonde hair.

“Nice to meet you,” I say to Patti. I can’t help but think how everyone is friendly around here. Then I meet Trudy and Celeste; they both give me warm smiles like I’ve known them forever.

“I’d love to compare notes later on the baking stakes,” I say to the ladies. “You guys have done a great job.”

“All in a night’s work,” Celeste laughs. “It took forever, but it’ll be so worth it. The masses have started to arrive.”

I turn to see crowds of people eagerly piling in through the entry. Hartley comes running up to the table. “Hey, what did I miss?”

“Afternoon, Hartley.” Georgia chuckles. “Did my brother keep you up late again?”

“Georgia-Blue!” her mom scolds, giving her a stern look.

Georgia laughs her head off. “What, Mom? They’re so loved up, it’s kinda sickening for the rest of us.”

Hartley laughs sheepishly. “My alarm didn’t go off,” she explains. “I had a pretty crazy week at the office. Let’s just say I’m glad it’s the weekend.”

“Hey, you don’t have to explain to us.” Georgia holds her palms up. “Where the hell is Gabe?” She looks around, trying to find him.

“He went to the truck with Brook.” An auburn-haired lady says, with a little dog asleep in a pouch across her body. “I’m Eden,” she says, giving me a one-armed hug, trying not to squash the dog. “That’s Noodle. And this is my daughter Blake, and Trinity here is Gabe’s daughter.”

“I’m Skye,” I say, smiling and looking down at the little girl named Trinity. She’s a chip off the old block with a flock of dark hair like her father, and those Bassett blue eyes that run in the family.

“Skye is such a pretty name,” Blake says.

“Thank you.” I smile.“So is yours, honey.”

“This is Bunnykins,” Trinity says, holding up her floppy rabbit and waving it at me.

“Oh, wow. Nice to meet you Bunnykins.” I shake one of her bunny’s paws, and Trinity giggles with excitement.

“I think he likes you,” she whispers.

“He does? Oh, I hope so.”

“We’re getting a puppy!” she declares. “Daddy said so.”

“Oh, that’s exciting. I love dogs.”

“What are you going to call the new puppy, Trin?” Gayle joins in as she and Gran finish perusing the cupcake stall.

“I’m not sure yet.” She’s as cute as a button as she screws her nose up. “Maybe Spot? Or Peanuts.”

“Peanuts!” I laugh. “That’s a cute name.”

“How her father is going to find the time to train and walk a puppy is beyond me,” Gayle sighs. “But that’s all Trinity has been talking about since he okayed it.”

I roll my lips, trying not to laugh.

“Tell Skye what your friend’s dog is called.” Blake gives little Trinity a nudge.

“Gizmo!”

Oh, this kid is so darn cute. I really hope I pass the interview on Monday. I can’t wait to see the look on Gabe’s face when he figures out I’m the girl from the coffee shop who supposedly didn’t make his coffee right.

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