Page 94 of Playing it Country

“Do you like them?” Tanner asks carefully, and Case squeezes my hip because he knows I can’t form the words. “I found this girl online who makes them—she’s like an hour from here so it fits your local outreach and I thought they were cool but if you hate them I can take them back. I just thought you could give them to people who buy something?”

The last part is a question because he’s been babbling and I haven’t said anything, but, oh my gosh, my heart can’t take it.

Setting the box on the counter, I wrap Tanner in a tight hug and he returns the embrace tentatively. I haven’t spent a lot of time with him, but he has helped with the shop and book recommendations.

“Thank you so much, Tanner. This is incredibly thoughtful, and I’m just blown away. Thank you.”

“Oh good,” he says with a sigh of relief. “It’s been a while since I had to buy a present—like a real one.”

“I appreciate it, and I’m going to reach out to her and see what else she has in stock.” His smile is wide and he nods.

“I think she’ll like that.”

“Dad!” Briggs dodges and weaves between people before launching himself at Tanner who catches him, completely unfazed by the small airborne human. “Dad! I bought my book!”

“That’s awesome!” Tanner listens as Briggs tells him all about the hot dog that goes to the construction site to learn about the skills, materials, and safety required to do such an important job.

“You’re doing a great thing here,” Case says as he pulls me against his side and places a kiss on my temple.

“Wouldn’t want it with anyone else but you,” I reply because a store is just a store until you bring in people with genuine love for what’s inside.

“Excuseme, lovebirds,” Miss Thelma interrupts with a light pat to her newly done hair.

Case’s phone vibrates in his pocket, and she grins wider as he slides it out and opens the messages. Looking around, he hits play and a video of Sorren holding Louise against his chest as he pets her plays for about ten seconds before cutting out. Case snickers and I stare open-mouthed as I look between the two of them.

“What in the—”

“It’s top secret. You didn’t want a ring so I can’t tell you.”

“Yet,” I clarify. “I didn’t want a ringyet.”

“Has anyone started a pool on that?” Miss Thelma deadpans.

“What?” My gaze bounces between them.

“I’d ask Sorren; he’s usually good for that.” Case replies casually.

“Great,” she says as I stare at her completely baffled. She grins. “So tell me, dearie—when are you doin’ the first Book and Boudoir shoot because I don’t want to miss it.”

“I have you down already, don’t worry.”

“Can I bring Louise?” She cackles. “I’m just kidding but your face was priceless.”

“You can bring the Moscow Mules, how about that?”

“Just get my number from Case and let me know.”

“Of course.” I chuckle as she waves and then meanders through the store like that wasn’t our strangest conversation to date. Turning to Case I ask, “That was weird, right?”

He chuckles. “Could have been worse.”

“She’s still terrifying sometimes.”

“I know,” he says with glee. “Good thing she likes you.” I hum and look around again at all the people who came out to support me. They’re a part of this town, this shop, andme.

“Say…” I tilt my head as I look at Case. “I never did get to cash in all those favors.”

He chuckles, and the rumble in his chest has my toes curling in my black peep-toe pumps that Isla insisted on getting me to complement the bright-red mini dress I bought from Velvet Threads with Gwen and Cheyenne’s approval.

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