Griffin pulls on his jacket slowly, as if he doesn’t really want to. Stepping into my space, he runs his big hands around my waist and kisses me, sweet and gentle. “See you in the warehouse tomorrow?”
“I’ll be there to boss around my Christmas elf.”
TWENTY-TWO
HOPE
I’ve never seen somany cute clay charms. Tiny mugs of hot cocoa complete with minuscule marshmallows, little pumpkin pie slices with dollops of whipped cream, gingerbread men complete with gumdrop buttons—I love a good food theme. I’ve been unwrapping and setting out the perfect little replicas dangling from earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. They’re a new item, but they fit right in at The Daisy.
One set of earrings catches my eye, and I immediately buy the pair for myself. I try not to do it too often, but sometimes I can’t help myself. Really, it’s good business. Free advertising and all.
Now I just have to figure out the right time to wear these tiny waffle earrings.
That reminds me. I text Griffin another waffle emoji. He hasn’t mentioned them yet, but he will eventually.
“You’re sure happy about something.”
I jerk out of my daydream, and just about drop my phone. Abby walks up the store aisle, smiling at me as she pulls off her sleek white puffer coat. We first met when she brought me the journals she makes out of vintage book covers.Pride and Prejudicealways sells out first, no surprise. When we discovered she could use a part-time job and I needed extra help in the store, I hired her on, too.
“It’s nothing.” I tuck my phone away on that believable lie.
“Oh. I thought maybe my grandma texted you. She’s not terrible at it, so it’s in the realm of possibility.”
I go still, my hands splaying on the counter. “Did she decide?”
Her grin goes wide. “They’re all yours if you want them. She said she’s home anytime. You can get them whenever you want.”
“You are an angel! I’m going right now.”
“They’re big, though. They won’t fit in your Jeep.”
“That’s okay. I think I’ve got a ride for them.”
I gather my things and head over to the warehouse, the good news Abby just gave me putting an extra shimmy in my step. Or maybe it’s the three inches of snow that fell last night that’s making my boots slip around on the sidewalk. Either way, it’s exciting stuff.
I burst through the door and into the quickly growing Winter Wonderland. Griffin’s working on the third building, a cute little townhouse with shutters around the windows. I can’t wait to paint this one.
Okay, fine, I can’t wait to paint all of them. I’m easily pleased that way.
He notices me and sets down the drill. Moving closer, he holds his hands out to the sides in a littleta-damove. The glittering delight winding through me proves I’m easily pleased by a lot of things this morning.
“Pretty good, right?” Cocky Griffin sure hasn’t left the building.
“It looks amazing. The kids are going to eat these up.”
“I’ve got a few things left to do, but you should be able to start painting this afternoon.”
“I’ll be ready. Hey, quick question—how much can you lift?”
He blinks at that randomness. “Like in a gym?”
“It’s probably a lot, right?”
The ghost of a smirk touches his mouth. “I’m flattered. Why are you asking?”
“I need to go get something, but I’m pretty sure they’ll be too much for me. Can we use your truck?”
“Sure. What are we getting?”
