Page 23 of Levi

Once inside, she looked around. She used to stop in when it was owned by Minnie Dover. However, Minnie had retired and moved away to be closer to her family. The town of Clifton missed her, but everyone was happy for her. Minnie sold the store and included everything inside of it in the sale.

“Hello there! Welcome to Timeless Treasures. May I help you find something specific?” greeted a pretty woman with dark red hair, as she approached them.

“I’m Levi Thomas and this is Kinley Wilson.”

“I’m looking for a bassinet for my friend’s dollhouse,” Kinley said.

“I’m Savannah Collins, but everyone calls me Vanna. It’s lovely to meet both of you. Follow me, and we’ll see what I have.” She led them to another section of the store filled with various dollhouses, old and new, displayed on tables.

A bell chimed as another customer entered.

“Excuse me. Feel free to browse. I’m almost certain one of these will have a bassinet. I’ll be back shortly,” Vanna said before heading toward the front of the store.

“I love dollhouses,” Kinley remarked, turning to Levi.

“I’ve never been in this store, but it’s impressive.” He glanced around at the different houses.

Kinley made her way to a large Victorian-style dollhouse and ran her hand fondly over its roof.

“This one is my favorite. I sometimes come in just to look at it,” she admitted with a hint of longing.

“Why haven’t you bought it?” Levi asked, curious.

She flipped over the price tag to show him exactly why she hadn’t purchased it yet. He let out a low whistle upon seeing the steep price. It was indeed very expensive.

“That’s why. I know it’s worth every penny, but I don’t have that kind of money to spend on it,” Kinley sighed. “Every time I come in here, I secretly hope it’ll still be here.”

Levi shook his head. “I had no idea they were so costly.”

“Well, newer ones are more affordable, but this is an antique in pristine condition, right down to the miniature furniture.” Kinley shrugged. “But enough about that; I came in for a bassinet.” She continued browsing through the various dollhouses while Levi stood next to the one she favored.

“Did you find one?” Vanna asked upon returning.

“Yes, I did.” Kinley grinned as she handed it to the shop owner. Levi walked behind her and peered over her shoulder at the chosen bassinet. He heard Kinley clear her throat nervously. “Um, do you offer layaway?”

Levi shook his head subtly at Vanna and when Kinley turned away to look at the dollhouse, Vanna frowned at him, but he shook his head again.

“Uh, I’m sorry, I don’t,” she informed Kinley apologetically.

“Oh well, that’s alright. Maybe someday I’ll save up enough for that dollhouse, but for now, I’ll just take the bassinet.” Kinley forced a smile, but Levi could hear the disappointment in her voice.

“Great. Would you like it wrapped?”

“No, thank you. I’m going to put it in with her other present.”

“Alright, well if that’s all for now, let me ring this up for you.”

Levi’s eyes followed Kinley as she glanced back at the beautiful dollhouse, then joined Vanna in the front of the store. His gaze lingered on the intricately crafted miniature home, admiring the delicate details of its architecture andfurnishings, then he walked to the cash register.

After Kinley completed the sale, she thanked Vanna and made her way to the door. Levi held it open for her. He tipped his hat to Vanna before following Kinley outside.

Once they reached the pharmacy, Levi leaned in and pressed his lips to Kinley’s. Her kiss brought a smile to his face.

“I’ll see you later, darlin’. Have a good rest of the day,” he whispered.

“Thank you, you too.” Kinley smiled before heading inside.

Levi turned and headed back to the antique store, his mind still on Kinley’s reaction to the dollhouse. Vanna gave him a curious look as he entered.

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