Page 66 of Small Town Firsts
I glanced at my phone and saw I still had a few minutes to kill. “That would be amazing.” I gathered the rest and between the two of us we made piles.
While she started boxing, she pushed a cream colored pad my way. “If you want to make a little personal note for them, I’ll put it in each box. Lots of bonus points, trust me.”
I laughed. “And this is why you have a very successful business.”
“Are you just passing through or…?”
“I work at Brothers Three Orchard—well, you might know it as?—”
“Happy Acres, yes.” Her smile brightened even more. “I like the new additions. I’ve caught a few shows over there this summer already.”
“Then I hope you’ll come to the Taproom when it opens in August.”
“End of August? I have tickets for the Ian Kagan show.”
“That’s our opening night.”
“Then you’ll definitely see me.” She smiled. “I hope maybe I’ll see you sooner.”
I took the small bag with my personal purchases—including a snazzy planter for Kira—and gave her a tight smile. “Pretty sure my girl, Kira, isn’t into sharing.”
“Dammit. Always the big and hot ones taken.”
I laughed. “Thanks, I think.”
“Oh, please. You know you’re hot.”
I was pretty sure the tips of my ears were on fire. “I’m flattered.”
“Yeah, yeah. This town is full of men who are taken, usually with a pair of baby booties lined up next to their wedding ring.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Is that right?”
“You really are new to the area. Careful where you take…Kira, was it?” At my nod, she grinned. “The water is potent in Crescent Cove.”
I laughed. “I don’t think she’s ready for that.”
Colette sighed. “And you are? God, what is it with my timing?”
And just like that afternoon with Kira on the bar when I mentioned babies, it felt right. She was definitely in my future plans, and that included a family if Sunshine was willing.
“Yep. The look on your face means Kira is a lucky girl.”
“I could be an asshole.”
“Nope. The assholes are attracted to me.” She handed me the paperwork for the boxes she packed up. “I’ll make sure these go to the post office this afternoon.”
“Thanks, Colette. And I’m sure there’s a nice guy out there waiting for you.”
She flipped her ponytail over her shoulder. “The eternal hope, right? Have a great morning.” She glanced at her register. “Well, almost afternoon.”
“I was killing time before I could load up on the fried chicken place you have.”
“And I’m so glad you spent your hard earned dollars here.” Her smile was brilliant and still a touch flirty.
“Have a good one.” I backed out of the shop and headed to my truck. I called ahead to Bucket of Love since my order had just tripled. Kain did everything big, and that included eating. I also got something for Kira because she probably hadn’t thought about herself with me messing up her usual morning routine.
A grocery order would also be in order. My houseguest was a foodie. He wouldn’t find any of his high end supplies in Turnbull, but knowing Kain, he’d find a way to get it delivered. Chicken in hand—literally because I’d ordered an extra chicken sandwich for the drive—I headed into town.
