Page 50 of Choosing Forever
“Mini donuts sound good,” I relent.
She leans into Daisy and whispers something that draws her fiancée’s attention. I smile at her, and she returns it before nodding and cheering Poppy on with her last ball.
“My treat,” Bryce tells me before leading the way out of the fenced-in area.
Caleb offers me a high-five as we pass him. “You should join the station’s softball team, Delaney. That was one hell of a throw.”
I flash a half-smile. “I’m going to pass on that. But thank you.”
“Worth a shot. Darren refuses to join us, too.”
“He’s never been one for sports outside of football.”
“Alright, we’re leaving now. Make lots of money for the town today, or you’ll answer to me, Caleb,” Bryce threatens.
He salutes her and hands a few balls to Eliza when she drops money into the cash box. “You got it, boss.”
“Leave the women alone,” Eliza scolds him before handing the balls off to the next person and grinning at Bryce and me. “You go enjoy yourselves! I’ve got a few sourdough loaves for sale in the market. Tell them I sent you, and pick which one you’d like most. Don’t let them try and trick you into paying!”
“We’re not robbing you of sourdough, Eliza,” I say lightly, reaching behind Caleb to pat her back. “I’ve watched a few sourdough videos online, and it looks complicated. You deserve your money’s worth for the effort.”
“Oh, it’s not that hard. Starter, flour, salt, and water, darling. You’re more than welcome to join me the next time I bake a few loaves.”
“I’ll take you up on that sometime,” I say before stepping back to Bryce’s side and waving. “We’ll see you later.”
“Enjoy the day, ladies.”
“Bye, Eliza,” Bryce says.
“She’s the nicest person in town,” I declare once we’ve made it away from the line of people.
“That’s why everyone loves her.”
“I worry about her getting taken advantage of sometimes.”
“She’s tough as shit. I wouldn’t put too much thought into that.”
“I’m sure Brody would bubble wrap her if he could,” I joke.
“She and Anna would have matching bubble suits.”
The sweater I slipped on before leaving the house this morning is thick enough to block the wind from chilling me to the bone as we wander down the blocked-off street. We pass the Beautifully Bold studio, then the Thistle and Thorn hair salon. Poppy and Anna best friended so hard that even their businesses are side by side.
Bryce gives the handmade lemonade stand a side-eye. I roll my lips to hide my smile when I see her ex’s mother handing out overpriced lemon juice and sugar drinks from behind it. The scent of mini donuts slaps me in the face, and then my stomach is growling.
“Dunking your ex into an ice bath must work up an appetite,” she notes bluntly.
“Amongst other things.”
“Donuts or sourdough? Your choice.”
Both would be a good start. “Donuts.”
Without another word, Bryce butts her way into the line, not leaving room for me to join. I watch her suspiciously enough that she clarifies, not giving a shit about anyone overhearing.
“I’ll buy them. Daisy loves the sugar, so it’s a safer bet to get the biggest fucking bucket there is. I’m sure the guys could use something, too, after their cold baths.”
Drawn by her voice, the teen boy in front of her turns back and gazes up at her with wide, lovesick eyes. When she looks forward again, she jerks her head in surprise.
