Page 72 of Heart of the West

Effrem chuckles. “Not much longer, spitfire. I promise the blindfold will be well worth it.”

“Fine.” I huff out in mock annoyance.

Strong fingers reach for mine, entwining with them. He rubs his thumb over the back of my hand. A soothing habit he’s picked up during the last few weeks.

The truck comes to a stop.

“Wait here. I’ll be around to get you.”

I wait, rather impatiently. At least inside my head. The door opens and I feel Effrem’s hand on mine.

“Big step down, spitfire.”

I held onto the truck’s oh shit handle and Effrem’s hand and stepped out. He takes my elbow.

“Let me guide you. Two steps to the sidewalk.”

Two steps forward.

“Now one step up.”

I take one step up.

“You’re doing a great job. Now six steps straight ahead.”

We take six steps ahead. I hear a door open.

“Now, two more steps.”

I take two more steps.

“Are you ready?”

“I’ve been ready for thirty minutes.”

He chuckles. I take the blindfold off and gasp in surprise. The bakery is filled with townspeople and it’s all done. It’s one hundred percent completed. All repainted. Tables, chairs, new window dressing. I hold my hand up over my mouth in shock.

I turn to Effrem. “Did you do this?”

“I only got the ball rolling. Cece and Trixie ran with it.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

“Thank you. Thank you all so much.”

Emotions overwhelm me and I sob. Strong arms wrap around me.

“Damn pregnancy hormones, I mutter.”

I hear chuckles all around me. It takes a few minutes to get myself under control. Effrem hands me a handkerchief and I blot my eyes.

“Now I can make something for the festival.”

“You have volunteer sous chefs you can do a whole grand-opening on festival day if you want.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really,” Cece says, “and I’m one of them.”

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