Gage knew exactly what she smelled. Apples and spices. He pointed to a black storefront about ten or so feet away. On a small, white distressed-wood table next to the entrance step, a two-wick candle burned, luring shoppers in to try the various candle scents offered there.
Aurora read the gold lettering that stretched out over the door aloud, “1820 House Candle Company. Ooh, I love a good candle!”
“Well, these are the best,” Gage said. “At least, according to my mom. This is the only place she’ll buy candles. They’re all soy and burn for a really long time. She likes them so much she buys the scents in multiples of two. Like she’s preparing for some sort of candle ark.”
Aurora laughed. “If they’re that good, I think I’ll start my perusing of the stores here,” she said with barely concealed excitement.
He stepped over and swung the door open, then made a sweeping gesture with his hand. “After you.”
“You’re coming in?”
“I might as well pick Mom up a couple of her favorite candles while I’m here.”
“You’re sweet.”
“Sweet like the candle,” he replied and then bit back a groan at how corny that response sounded. He never tossed out silly one-liners with his ex. But then Jess wouldn’t have smiled or laughed the way Aurora did when he tossed those things out. She would have pursed her lips in irritation. His gaze sought out his family’s pretty guest, only to confirm his musings as she stood shaking her head at him with a grin.
Aurora groaned aloud. “Oh my gosh, the smell is even better inside.”
“Morning, Gage.”
“Morning, Sidney,” he replied to the dark-haired, twenty-seven-year-old entrepreneur-in-the-making as she came over to greet them. Just as he and his siblings would someday take over the retreat completely, Sidney would someday step into her mother’s role of owning and running the candle shop. He looked at Aurora. “Sidney and Julia studied marketing in college together.”
“How nice,” Aurora replied. “That’s how my best friend Emmy and I met. We were both pursuing our Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor in business at Seattle University.”
“Julia and I knew each other growing up but didn’t become close friends until college. But I’m so grateful we did.” Sidney smiled. “Anyway, welcome to 1820 House.”
“Thank you.”
“Aurora wanted to see what other scents you have while we’re in town. I told her how much Mom loves 1820 House candles.”
Sidney’s slender brows arched slightly. “You’re here together?” she asked as if trying to decipher what kind oftogetherthey were.
He could see why Sidney and his sister had become such good friends. They were both inquisitive and not afraid to ask questions. “Aurora’s just a guest at the retreat,” he quickly explained, not wanting Sidney to misread the situation and add fuel to the fire with his sister and mother wanting him to find someone special.
“Uh, yes, I’m just a guest,” Aurora agreed, glancing his way.
She wasn’t smiling. Why did it feel as though he’d just hurt her feelings? That’s the last thing he ever wanted to do.
Aurora pulled her gaze away from his and turned to Sidney. “That candle I smelled burning outside of your shop stopped me in my tracks.”
“It’s part of our Northern Candlelights Collection,” she replied. “We call it Solar Flare. It’s a blend of apple and cinnamon with a hint of clove.”
“I love the play on the Northern Lights,” Aurora told her. “But then I was named after them, so I tend to like everything that has to do with the Northern Lights. Even if I have yet to see them for myself.”
“I hope you get to someday,” Sidney replied. “They’re spectacular. The collection was my idea. Mom came up with the five scents for the line. Solar Flare, mixing apple, cinnamon, and clove. Spectacular Sky, which is pumpkin and vanilla. Dancing Lights, vanilla and cardamom. All Aglow, which is vanilla, clove, and dried orange peel. And Beautiful Aurora, which smells just like a sugar cookie, because seeing the Northern Lights is the sweetest, most breathtaking moment ever.”
Beautiful Aurora.Sweet. Breathtaking.She was definitely all of that, Gage thought. Her parents couldn’t have given hera more fitting name. “Beautiful Aurora sounds like one Mom would love,” he said. “Can you please wrap one up for her?”
“Only one?” Sidney asked, clearly knowing better.
“You’re right,” he said with a chuckle. “Make it two. Actually, make it three. I’d like to get one for Aurora.”
Aurora looked surprised by the gesture. “Gage, that’s?—”
“Sweet of me,” he finished for her. “We’ve already covered that part. I’m just a sweet guy.”
Sidney snorted, drawing both their gazes her way. “Sorry,” she said, waving their attention away. “I’m just going to go about my business.”
