Page 20 of Merry With A Milkman

I’d like to start with more intimate moments but now is not the time. Nor the place. “You’ve been over here a lot the past few days. Show me what you’ve gotten done.”

He bows and with a sweep of his hand indicates the swinging door that leads to the front of the store. Pulling him with me, I back through the door then turn. A variety of tall shelves line one wall. He’s spaced a few small tables around the area and even arranged a pair of chairs in one corner. “Oh my. Where did all this come from?”

“Most of it was upstairs in storage. A couple pieces I brought in from the farm.”

We’d talked about his vision—a blending of vintage and modern because he can’t decide on just one—and he’s well on the way to that aesthetic. “Wow.”

“Is that a good wow?”

“Very good wow. Give me a tour.”

I can tell he’s nervous by the way his fingers are constantly moving against mine so I give his hand a little squeeze. “This is just to impress Mr. Omata. Anything can be changed before you open. And later if you want. This isn’t set in stone.”

“Thanks. I need you to remind me of that. I want this party to be perfect.”

“Even if it’s not, you’re going to do just fine. Mr. Omata is going to be impressed and sell to you. So, have you made a decision about where to put an event space?”

He shows me where he plans a large room to host tastings and other special events. The resulting main sales area is smaller than I think he’ll need even to start out, but it will do to show Mr. Omata.

Rhone has even marked out the area for Boots’ flower shop. “You’ve been talking to Boots about this, haven’t you,” I ask.

“Of course. Why do you ask?”

“Your ideas feel more concrete and settled in this area. And that’s a good thing for both of you and your businesses.”

“Should my ideas be more concrete around the rest of the building? I never imagined that setting up a physical store would be so involved. So many little decisions.” He kisses the back of my hand. “I wouldn’t be half as organized or ready if not for you.”

“That’s why I started the new small business meetings. Everyone who’s doing the work to achieve their goals is doing great.”

“The meetings aren’t the only thing, Tegan. Anyone can hold meetings. No, it’s you. You’ve gotten me this far. Yourencouragement and belief. And yes, some of your extra pushes in the right direction.”

I roll my eyes like a teenager. “You mean my nagging? Might as well call it what it is. Speaking of… have you and Boots consulted over what florals you need for the party?”

“Not yet. It’s number two on the list. We’re meeting early this evening. You’re welcome to join us.”

“I’d love to, but it’ll depend on how much gets done over at Choco-Love while I’m gone.”

He pulls me into another warm bearhug. I love how this man surrounds me. I’ve never felt so safe, so wanted. So happy. I return the embrace hoping he knows how much he means to me. The words need to be said but I’m uncharacteristically afraid to speak my mind. I don’t want to ruin what we have. Yes, he cares for me. But he might not love me. I’m not ready to lose him.

We spend the afternoon shopping the thrift and antique stores for platters to use to display cheese and a few decorative pieces to help temporarily fill the shelves. With those and a few matching vases for Boots to fill, he’s as ready to impress Mr. Omata as possible. It’s going to be difficult waiting until December.

Noah invites Rhone and his brother to join us for Thanksgiving dinner and I’m surprised Steve accepts the invitation. While I haven’t had that many encounters with the man, he’s always seemed dour and quiet. Until Tegan’s son gets him talking about his dairy animals. The man becomes lively and animated and his smile remains for the rest of the day. There’s more of a family resemblance between the men in their smiles.

They brought the refurbished cart into town and stored it in Noah’s garage until the lights festival on Saturday. I’ve been excited for the event. I’ve never personally witnessed a parade of boats all covered with lights and holiday decorations. It sounds fabulous.

And it exceeds my expectations. The excitement is contagious and the party atmosphere is a great way to start off the holiday season. Since this is our first time attempting mobile sales, and everything’s happening right on the ocean, Noah and I decide to focus our sales on our salt water taffy rather than chocolate. It was a good decision and we sold out early, even with Noah running back to the store for our backup supply.

The best part of the evening is standing next to Rhone watching the boats. He wraps an arm around my shoulders and I cuddle against his side. “Happy?” he asks. “With how your cart did, I mean.”

“Yep. And happy being here with you. It’s nice to have a little down time.”

He bends to nibble my earlobe. “I was thinking about a little going down time, honey. I haven’t tasted your sweetness in days.”

Instantly turned on, I clench my thighs.

After licking a path along the shell of my ear, Rhone whispers, “You’re getting wet for me now, aren’t you?”

No reason to deny the heat building in my core. “Yes.”

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