“Yes.”
Taking a bite of my pastry, I close my eyes and moan as the tender, flaky treat melts on my tongue. “This sure beats the way this morning started. I mean, those two strolled in right after I opened the doors. But all they did was gossip. Social media’s got nothing on those two.”
She giggles. “Hell, this town’s so small, everybody here’s either dated or is related. Or both.”
My face scrunches up in disgust.
Addison throws her head back in laughter, her gorgeous dark locks falling down her back. She’s absolutely stunning. She’s going to make a beautiful bride. My eyes land on the engagement ring, sparkling in the early summer sun. “How’s the wedding planning going?”
“It’s not. Just too busy to even go there. How about you? You two planning to get hitched any time soon?”
I bite the inside of my cheek. Truthfully, I didn’t think it would be long after I moved here that Alex would pop the question. Instead, it’s starting to feel like living together may be good enough. “No. It hasn’t really come up.”
Addison shifts to give me her full attention. “Well, you two are still young. But if it’s important to you, I’d have a conversation with him. Maybe he’s trying not to rush things.”
“I suppose your right.” There’s no real rush I guess. It’s not like either of us is in a hurry to have babies or anything. I just never pictured myself moving in with someone without being engaged. I don’t want Peggy and Louise to start saying Alex won’t need to put a ring on my finger. Why buy the cow when you can get the mild for free and all.
Thankfully my thoughts are cut short when a large black pickup that appears to be held together by rust and a prayer parks directly in front of us. The vehicle sputters as the engine turns off and a large redheaded man in overalls steps out.
“Hi, Scooter. What ya no good?”
I love Addy. But is that even English?
“Hey, Addison. I’m just looking for something nice for Doris. It’s our anniversary.” He winks at her, making my brows furrow. Is that a small southern town thing too? I mean, he’s out shopping for his lady, but winking at Addy?
Deciding to ignore the confusing interaction, I hop up from my seat and walk over to open the door for him. Scooter has a lot more potential to be a paying customer than the two hens from earlier. “Let me know if I can assist you with anything.”
“Oh, I will darlin’.” He chuckles.
Okay, this dude is odd.
Addison trails along behind me as I return to the counter. She points at some of the new potted hydrangeas in the front window declaring they would be the perfect garden party staple when suddenly the fire alarm starts to blare above us.
Spinning on my heel, I tilt my head in confusion. Did Scooter just drop his arm down by his side?
There’s no time to consider this further when a crowd develops outside and Addison and I make the decision to join them until the town’s finest show up to ensure the shop is safe.
“C’mon, Scotty.” Addison ushers him out the door. “Once the boys verify it’s a false alarm, then we can help you pick out something nice for Doris.”
My heart rate has picked up, the more the alarm continues to wail. God, I hope it’s a false alarm. I’ve only been open for business for a few weeks.
The familiar sound of sirens grows closer, and I try to relax. Alex and the boys will take care of everything. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. There’s no sign or smell of smoke.
As the engine pulls up in front of the store, I watch as Matt and Jason jump out of the front of the shiny red vehicle in full turn out gear. They move toward the side of the truck and lift a rolling panel just as I see Alex coming my direction.
I know he’s here in a professional capacity, but I can’t help myself. The alarm is making me a nervous wreck, so I practically fling myself into his arms.
“It’s okay, Sunny. I’ve got you.”
“Sorry. The alarm went off out of nowhere. I never saw any smoke or smelled anything burning. But now I’m scared.”
His hand rubs lovingly up and down my back, and suddenly it dawns on me. Why are they all still out here instead of checking on the store?
My eyes flick over to Matt and Jason to see if they’re retrieving equipment or hooking up the hose to the fire hydrant when I notice the sign dangling from the side of the engine.
“Tuesday, Will You Marry Me?”
A gasp escapes my lips and I quickly turn to find Alex down on one knee.
