Page 37 of The Story We Wrote

“What’s your budget for the market?” Boone asked.

“Budget? I haven’t heard of her. You should see all the reusable bags I brought,” I said, pulling my bags from my purse. “I plan on getting some candles, soaps, maybe some jewelry. I know I need some flowers for my table.” I could go on and on about what I wanted to find, but I didn’t want to overwhelm the guy.

“Challenge accepted,” Boone quipped, taking my hand in his and pulling me along while we weaved in and out of the crowd. It was obvious people were starting to stare at us. Once the town caught wind of us coming here, I knew I wouldn’t hear the end of it from my parents, especially my dad. I hadn’t thought much about what he said about me and Boone since last seeing him. I tried to keep it out of my mind because it infuriated me. Who was he to judge Boone, thinking he wasn’t not good enough for me? Please, this man treated me with more respect than any finance guy from the city possibly could and you wouldn’t change my mind.

We got to the first stand with a homemade candle selection spread across the table. I picked up the first one, warm vanilla. Itsmelt pleasant, but it wasn’t the vibe I was looking for. It gave off more of a fall aesthetic. I held it out to Boone, letting him sniff.

“No way.” He shook his head. I picked up another one, lilacs. I loved the smell of fresh flowers. It was subtle, just enough to remind me of the spring. I held this one out to Boone too. He was more receptive, nodding his head and going in for a second sniff.

“I think this is a contender,” I said, placing it to the side. We must have smelt them all; nothing really speaking to me besides that second one. I picked up the last candle, lavender and vanilla, knowing instantly that this had to come home with me. The notes were perfect. The lavender was calming and the vanilla felt cozy.

Boone stuck his head closer to me, taking over the candle. “That one’s nice,” he commented, grabbing it and the other I had on the table. “We’re getting both.”

“We?” I asked, taking out my wallet and following close behind him to the lady at the register.

“Morning, ma’am.” Boone held them out to the older lady, who took them with a smile.

“Boone, you’re not paying for those,” I interjected, fumbling for the cash in my wallet. I tried to take out what I needed, but Boone was much quicker. He paid with a hundred dollar bill, getting back his change and putting it in his wallet before I could even count out enough to cover the purchase.

“Too late, Darling,” he teased, taking the bag from the cashier. “Where to next?” he asked like nothing happened.

“We’re not going to just blow over the fact you paid for those. I’ll pay you back. How much was it?” I said, still clutching my wallet.

“Oooh, let’s go over here. I want to take a look at their beef jerky.” He was completely ignoring me. I let out a groan and walked after him, admitting defeat on paying for the candles. Maybe, I could buy him jerky instead.

We spent some time looking at and sampling some of the different flavors at the stand, but Boone ended up wanting nothing. I think he did it on purpose because he knew I was locked and loaded with cash in hand ready to pounce when he found a flavor.

For what seemed like hours, we walked around and listened to some music while shopping. I got everything I came for and then some. Despite my protest, I even got to make my own flower bouquet, which Boone paid for. He did settle on letting me pay for my soap after I put up a tough fight.

I thought I was done, but couldn’t leave until I stopped at the jewelry stand. Their table was smaller, and the pieces were exquisite. They had stunning silver and turquoise jewelry with everything from earrings to bracelets. Stopping at the table, I took my time trying items on. I put on a beautiful ring and held it up to Boone.

“What do we think?” I asked, modeling the ring on my finger. He nodded, giving me his male approval. It was beautiful. When I looked back at it, I saw an even prettier bracelet in the background. Taking the ring off, I picked up the bracelet and put it on; it fit my wrist perfectly. Not too loose or too tight, like it was made for me. The thin chain had beautiful pieces of turquoise hanging every few links. Quickly, I checked the price tag and gasped when I saw how much it was. It had to have been real silver and stone for it to be that much. I quietly took it off and laid it down.

“What’s wrong?” Boone asked, picking up the bracelet.

“I know I said I didn’t have a limit, but I think I just found it,” I said, clearing my throat. I loved it, but wasn’t willing to spendthaton a bracelet for myself. Boone twisted it in his fingers, turning it over and checking out the craftsmanship.

“Good thing I don’t have a budget,” he said, taking the bracelet.

“No, Boone. The flowers and candles are enough. I can’t let you buy this for me. This is way too much.” I tried to grab it from his hand and he pulled away, placing his free hand on the side of my cheek. I stopped instantly. He moved his hand underneath my chin and tipped my face up towards his.

“Let me do this, please,” he pleaded, looking into my eyes. I couldn’t help staring back. My eyes fell and caught on his lips. I was turning red. The warmth began to creep down my cheeks and to my neck. I swallowed hard and nodded at him. Boone lingered for a moment and let go, walking over to the young girl who was working the stand. I stood slightly behind him, watching when he handed the girl the money and leaned in closer to mutter something. The worker took the bracelet and cut off the tag, not placing it in a bag but into Boone’s hand. He said his thanks and turned away, placing his free hand on my forearm and guiding me away from the crowd to a nearby bench. He sat down first, and I followed, holding my flowers like a baby in my one arm.

“Boone–” I started, wanting to tell him again that it was too much. Instead, he cut me off.

“You should’ve seen the look on your face when you put it on. I couldn’t let you walk away without it,” he said, holding out his hand. I put my hand in his and he brought the bracelet to my wrist, putting it on for me. I couldn’t stop staring. It really was beautiful.

“Thank you,” I said, his hand still holding mine. When I looked at him, I couldn’t stop myself from leaning in and giving him a peck on his cheek. “It’s perfect.”

Boone was smiling, turning my hand over in his to take a good look at the piece of jewelry.

“You do have great taste,” he said, finally letting go. I exhaled the breath I didn’t know I was holding and felt a little calmer.

“I had an amazing time,” I said, probably looking like an idiot while I grinned ear to ear. The day was perfect. The weather, the company, and everything I was taking home.

“It’s not over yet,” Boone said, obviously up to something. What else could this man have up his sleeve? Turning to him, I saw the devilish grin on his face.

He stood, holding out his hand for me to stand up. I took it. He carried my bags from the day while I still clutched the bouquet of flowers. We walked back to his truck and placed our bags inside. Reaching into the bed, Boone pulled out a large weaved basket.

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