Page 13 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“Thanks. Must be the new robes I ordered.”

“I’ve been eyeing those lace negligees.” She coiled a curl around her finger. “Ryan would love it.”

“It would look so good on you.”

She nodded. “Since he’s been gone so much, I try to plan a nice evening when he gets home.”

“Is he out of town again?” I tore the tape on the top of the box.

“Just got home today. It’s supposed to calm down once this project is finished.”

“You should go. Take that negligee. I’ll close up.”

“You sure?” She reached for her purse under the counter.

“Absolutely. Go see Ryan.” I handed her the lingerie and shooed her out the door.

There was nothing else on my schedule for Saturday night, except hopefully a check-in from Eli, but he didn’t start his shift for hours. I unpacked the shipment and counted out the robes before putting them on hangers.

Tessa worked every Saturday, so I often spent the day alone. In the morning, I’d decided on cabinets for the craft room. Having them custom made would have added too much time, so I’d selected premade cabinets the contractor could install and have stained. The room would be amazing.

Then I went to look at puppies. I’d never owned a dog. My desire to have one probably stemmed from the fact that I couldn’t have one when I was a kid. My mother couldn’t even take care of me. There was no way she could’ve handled a puppy. My grandma had been allergic to them. My stepmom had hated dogs.

I’d been on my own for ten years, but I’d waited to get a dog until I had a house and a yard.

After moving the last few rompers to a rack with nighties, I arranged the robes by size on the rack.

My phone buzzed just as I finished.

“Hello.”

“Put on something super cute. I’m sending you an address.” Cami giggled. “Haley and Zach are having one of their patio parties, and you need to come.”

“I know Haley a little, but I’ve only met Zach once.” I tried to decide if the social gathering would be worth the effort of getting ready. I was pretty comfortable in my leggings. I hadn’t exactly dressed up to run errands today.

“Where did you meet Zach?”

“He came in to shop for Haley. Why does it matter?”

A door closed. Then Cami whispered, “If Harper shows up to shop one day, will you tell me?”

“If Harper buys something from my shop, I’m quite sure you’ll know. He’d be buying it for you.”

Thankfully, my friends had all married good guys. I never worried they’d come in to shop for anyone other than their wives.

“But I meanbeforehe gives it to me.”

“And spoil his surprise?” Keeping secrets was the hardest part of this job.

“Whatever. Anyway, as I was saying, ZachGallagher—that last name should sound familiar—is having a party. It starts at five.”

Gallagher.

Cami had said the magic word, but I couldn’t let her know that.

“That’s in less than an hour!” I needed time if I wanted to look presentable.

“You’re beautiful. You don’t need much time to get ready.” She laughed. “Sorry I didn’t mention it earlier. It just occurred to me.”

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