Page 83 of Unexpected Love
This has become their normal routine, and it’s frustratingly adorable.
“No wonder it takes you forever to leave,” I say against his lips. I’m chiding him, but secretly, I love that he hates leaving us in the morning.
He gives me a playful smack on the ass, followed by a squeeze as he finally gives me a kiss that leaves me breathless.
“Okay, that’s gross. I’m leaving,” Dani calls, taking Charlie by the hand and letting her practice going up and down the stairs.
It’s early, but we promised Charlie that we’d take her to see Maggie, and it’s all she’s talked about since she woke up.
Cal gives me a heated look before he pulls away. That look reminds me of the way he woke me in the middle of thenight. The way he worshipped me. And the way he covered my cries with his hand as he pumped into me.
I’m hot and bothered as I meet up with the girls.
Charlie takes Dani and me by the hand, yelling “Cookie,” and pulls us down the alley drive and across Main Street to Maggie’s bakery. Her giggles echo as we swing her from the curb between us.
“This place is awesome.” Dani’s eyes are bright this morning. With the weight of all she’s been carrying gone, she looks more like a happy eighteen-year-old should. She pulls Charlie onto a hip, and the two of them pore over Maggie’s offerings of the day.
The bell on the front door tinkles constantly as patron after patron passes through. I’m waiting patiently on the two of them to make their final selection when I hear a familiar voice.
“Good morning, Mrs. Eversley. Here for your bran muffins?”
“Of course. You girls be on the lookout, now. I saw a new person in town yesterday. Real sketchy-looking fella.”
“Now, Mrs. Eversley. We’ve gone over this. Our little slice of heaven is growing. We’re bound to see new people, and they aren’t all going to look like us or talk like us. But that doesn’t automatically make them bad.”
The old lady sniffs. “I’m aware. I’m merely giving you a heads-up that there’s a new person in town. I also know you think I’m eccentric and have lost my marbles. I can assure you, this costume is to keep the widowers at bay. I’m very rich and very old, and I’m not going to be a payday for some man. Better to let them think I’m crazy. Now, be a good girl and throw in one of those lemon poppyseed muffins too. And some of your puppytreats.”
“Aw, did you get a new dog?” Maggie dutifully adds to the paper bag she had waiting for the elder woman.
“No.”
I bite my tongue. This old lady is truly peculiar.
Maggie holds the bag out and meets the old woman’s gaze. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend. I’m a little sensitive when people judge based on appearances.”
“Yes, well.” She takes the bag from Maggie and shoves it into her oversized patchwork shoulder bag, rifling around for a long moment, then pulling a large manilla envelope out. “I can appreciate that sentiment. He was a sinister-looking character. I only mean to keep my girls safe.”
She might be abrasive and odd, but she’s got a heart of gold. I’m touched that she seems to be including me as one of her girls.
“Ms. Lancaster. I’m glad I ran into you, dear. Saves me a trip over to your place. There was a mix-up in your paperwork, thanks to an incompetent intern. You’ve actually done me a favor and allowed me grounds to dismiss the chit. Here’s your certificate of occupancy paperwork. Sorry about the confusion. Congratulations.”
I barely have the envelope in my hand before she whirls and bustles out the door without paying. In seconds, I’ve whipped open the flap and pulled out the slip of paper. Professional stationery declares my business name in bold lettering.
What just happened?
“Wait. I’m confused.” I take a step, intent to chase after the old woman and get some answers, but she’s closing the door of her older-model Mercedes.
“Okay, wow,” Dani mutters. “That was weird.”
“Jules, you’re official!” Maggie slams into me, knockingme back a step with the forcefulness of her hug. “You’re clear to open now.”
I stare at the empty parking spot, barely able to process. “Did she just fix my situation?”
“I find it’s best to not ask too many questions when it comes to her. She’s got her ways… but you can bet, if she had a hand in it, it’s ironclad.”
Charlie gives a squeal and disappears around the corner, playing her new favorite game of chase.
Maggie turns, but Dani’s already taken off after her. Little girlish squeals fill the room as Dani catches her daughter. And then her phone rings with that same ridiculous ringtone that she’s reserved for her baby daddy.
