Page 34 of Beauty and the Baker
Georgina laughed. “I’ll bring a loaf home tonight and you can have it after supper.”
“Can I have another cookie then?”
Georgina slid a few cookies in a bag and folded it down to seal the cookies inside. She handed the bag to her mama. “Don’t spoil your appetite.”
Thomas grimaced. “You sound just like Mama.”
Lorraine laughed. “I’m thinking being a baker suits you. Much more than being a nurse.”
“I really enjoy what I do. It is something totally different. Although my feet still hurt.” She lifted her skirt slightly to show her mother the pair of leather loafers she wore. She put out one foot, then the other, turning her ankle to show off the shoes. “Charlie purchased these for me. They definitely help.”
“Charlie?” her mother asked, raising an eyebrow.
“He’s been helping me.”
“Is this the young man your aunt mentioned in her letter?”
“She did?”
Lorraine nodded. Their attention shifted when the bell above the door rang once more.
“I thought I was right on time. Did you open the bakery early?” Charlie asked, entering the shop.
“Mama, I’d like you to meet Charlie Stockton. He is the neighbor down the road, and he helps me here in the bakery.”
“Ma’am,” Charlie said removing his hat.
“Such polite manners,” Lorraine said, sliding a glance to Georgina. She held out her hand. “I’m Georgie’s mother.”
“And I’m her brother, Thomas,” said the boy finishing his cookie.
“Georgie?” Charlie said, looking at Georgina. “I’ll have to remember that.”
“No, you will not,” she teased. “The cakes are in the back waiting to be frosted.”
“Are you just visiting, or did you move to Creede?”
“We are just visiting. We are staying at Maybelle’s. I do hope to see you again, Mr. Stockton.”
“Call me Charlie. Now that we know you are here, I expect my sister will be extending an invitation to dinner.”
“We would be delighted.”
Charlie gave her a little bow. “Pleasure meeting you ma’am. And you too, Thomas.”I’ll be in back,he mouthed to Georgina.
As soon as Charlie disappeared behind the curtain, Lorraine grabbed Georgina’s arm. “Well he is not what I expected.”
“You shouldn’t have been expecting anyone.”
“He is very handsome, Georgina.”
“Shush, Mama. He will hear you.”
Georgina took her mother’s arm and escorted her to the door. “I’ll be home before supper time.”
Lorraine and Thomas waved, leaving Georgina alone with all her feelings and the man that was causing them frosting cakes in the back of the kitchen area.
“So, your parents arrived?” Charlie asked, placing the bottom of a cake on the frosting stand.
