Page 29 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

I could actually pull this off.Her pulse quickened, and there was a slight hop in her step as she palmed a couple of pears for her basket.

“This is unacceptable.”

Viola turned at the sound of Jonas’s voice. His back was to her, and he was facing the produce table.Is he still making a big deal about the eggplants?

“You’re going to have to accept it,” Viola said to his back. “It’s a scientific fact: eggplants are berries.”

When Jonas faced her, his forehead was scrunched into wrinkles. He glared at Viola and pointed to the Bluetooth device in his ear. “No, Steve. The overhead is too high. Tell them to draw up a new proposal and email it to me first thing tomorrow.”

“Sorry,” Viola mouthed.

Jonas pursed his lips and twisted away from her. “I don’t care if they have to work all night.” He stomped toward the checkout, one solitary eggplant in hand.

Viola tucked her hair back, checking to see if anyone had witnessed the exchange. “Okay, then. Never mind.”

Chapter Ten

“Don’t forget to clean up your station,” Holly called out to the class. They’d been working with acrylics for the last forty-five minutes, and paint splashes littered the room.

The Silverwood Art School for Children students finished tidying up and left the room. Holly moved toward Avery, who was wiping down the base of her easel.

“I love your painting.” Holly eyed Avery’s canvas. “That combination of colors is so tranquil.”

“Thanks.” Avery chucked her wet wipe in the trash and untied her apron. “It came to me in a dream.”

Holly’s eyes widened. “Ooh, an art dream. It’s so awesome when that happens.”

Avery grabbed her backpack. “You have them too?”

“Yeah. Not all the time, but when inspiration wants your attention, it will find you somehow, right?”

Avery giggled. “I like that.”

“Is your mom getting you today?” Holly asked as she walked with Avery out of the room.

“She’s feeling a little sick. Something she ate, I think. Or a tummy bug.”

“Oh, no. Well, I hope she feels better soon. So your dad’s coming?”

“No, Grandpa’s picking me up in his cool car.”

“Lucky you. He still owes me a ride.”

Avery smiled. “I’ll remind him.”

As they reached the hall, Holly grinned. As a former student of the school, Holly had been given the opportunity to take over from the owner—and her favorite teacher—Emily Weedleman, who had found Holly to be a great fit for the job. Apart from having a passion for everything artistic, Holly’s stint in the art world had been successful, even if it was short-lived. She had since discovered a fondness for working with children, too, and taking over the school was the perfect chance to do what she loved while putting her talents to good use.

Holly and Avery entered the lobby, where Holly took in the sight of a curly-haired toddler playing with a rag doll on the carpet.

“Samantha!” Holly approached the little girl. It amazed her how much she resembled Lucy.

“Aw, she’s so cute,” Avery said, crouching to touch Samantha’s curls. “I wish I could stay, but Grandpa’s waiting for me.”

“I’ll see you later, Avery. We’re coming over for Christmas Eve dinner.”

“Oh, good. See you then.” Avery waved as she headed out the front door.

“Hey, Holly.”

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