Page 36 of Bride in Blue
Early August
Cassie Blue looked around at the workmen milling around the door of the haberdashery. The shop closed for business that morning but would reopen in three days.
The new addition was about to be finished and the construction team was about to knock the wall out between the main showroom floor and the new tailor shop.
For the past week she had told Max to stay at home and not venture to the store. She knew how the dust and noise affected him.
It was difficult enough having to serve customers while the construction could be heard through the wall. The dust that was going to be kicked up today would only add to his apprehension. Fortunately, her father and Mrs. Brown were there to help. Cassie thought there might have been something developing between her father and the lovely widow, but she couldn’t be sure. Her father deserved some happiness.
She could hear their voices on the other side of the wall discussing the construction with the foreman.
With Max away from the store, Cassie could ensure everything was covered before the demolition began. Business had nearly tripled, especially during the times the traveling theater was in town, and expansion was only natural.
When her father suggested building a tailor shop since it was becoming more difficult to work out of the home, Max was enthusiastic. It made perfect sense to add it onto the side of the haberdashery. That way he would have a work space instead of trying to do alterations out of their home.
Cassie couldn’t wait. As much as she loved her family, she was impatient to be alone with Max.
She thought her life was perfect! She couldn’t be more in love with her husband if she tried. Only one thing would make it more perfect and she would tell him that news once the store reopened!
Cassie laid her hand on her belly and reassured the child growing inside her that the noise would stop shortly. She was laying a sheet over the wire mannequin when she heard the sound of the bell.
“We’re closed today,” Cassie called. “Can you please come back tomorrow?”
Heavy footsteps were heard behind her, and suddenly she was swept up in an embrace from behind. She felt Max bury his nose in her hair. “I missed you,” he whispered.
Cassie turned around in his embrace and placed her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. She was breathless when he finally released her.
“Was Charles disturbing you?” she asked. Her brother had arrived from New York a few days prior. He didn’t say much at all since arriving in Creede, and he refused to discuss what happened in New York before he left.
“Not at all. He was in the study reading about the latest designs from New York.” He pulled her closer for another passionate kiss. “I just know you were down here working, and I didn’t like the idea of you being alone with all these men about.”
Cassie gave him a quick hug before releasing him and returning to covering the rest of the display with sheets. Max grabbed the other side and helped her lay it over the display of cravats.
When they were done, they covered the workbench. Cassie leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand.
“You know, I don’t feel alone at all here. Even if I’m the only one in the shop, it is almost like someone else is here all the time.” She stood up suddenly. “Silly, isn’t it?”
Max grinned. “Not at all. I know exactly what you mean.”
“Pass me that bedsheet there and I’ll get the notion boxes covered,” Cassie said.
He handed her the sheet, and she shook it out before handing one side to Max.
“We’re about to start,” Hal said, popping his head through the door.
Cassie nodded. “Almost done.”
As she and Max went to cover the notions box, Cassie noticed three pearl buttons standing out against the dark wood.
Mrs. Pennyworth.
Max noticed them too. Cassie watched his face as he bit his lip, deep in thought. “Do you see those?” Max asked her.
“Yes, I do.”
“I think she is telling us everything is going to be alright.”
“I agree.”
“How about I take you to the tea house for a pot of tea while they break down the wall? Charles can stay here to watch things for a bit.”
Cassie looked at her husband. His eyes softened as he gazed at her. “That would be lovely.”
Max nodded, and lifted the sheet over the box, covering the buttons.
Yes, things were definitely alright.
Thank you, Mrs. Pennyworth, Cassie thought as she linked her arm with her husband’s and walked out of the store towards the tea shop.
