The knob of the back door of Felicity’s shop was cool under her hand. Mornings like this…when she came to open her shop…were always filled with happiness.
The last time she’d opened this door, everything had been chaos and fear. Since then, every single member of the Malone family had congregated here to set everything to rights.
The guys did the heavy lifting, fixing the busted shelves and lugging stacks of books to the appropriate sections while the ladies organized everything in pretty displays.
Even little Navy did her part by placing stuffed toys from the kids’ section into a big basket. Of course she pulled them out again too, but that was part of the fun.
Now good memories brightened the shadow of the old. Felicity gripped her key and slipped it into the lock.
Suddenly, a footstep sounded behind her. Warmth cloaked her back as Gabe’s scent wrapped around her. His deep rumble vibrated through her senses. “You okay, bookshop?”
She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Just remembering.”
“The break-in?”
She leaned her cheek against his. Her lips curved. “I walked into the shop to find it wrecked. I was terrified, yelling that I had a boyfriend with a gun and he was military.”
He huffed a laugh. “Look at you now.” He turned her into his arms, pressing her up against the door. “You’ve got a boyfriend who is former military.” He gave her hip a gentle squeeze. “And for the record, I’m planning on being more than a boyfriend.”
Her heart kicked at his words, drumming fast and leaving her breathless.
He lowered his lips to hers, tasting her for only a brief moment. Suddenly, the door fell out from behind her as hetwisted the key in the lock. She started to fall, and he caught her in his strong arms.
A laugh bubbled out of her, and she grabbed him by the hand to lead him into the tidy shop. Behind them, she heard him flip the new deadbolt.
Drawn by the smell of books, Felicity moved through her shop.
Gabe stepped up beside her. “Welcome back.”
“Thank you.” She drifted to the counter. Behind it, she kept a few of her personal favorites on display. She rubbed her thumb over the frayed corner of one of many copies she owned of her favorite book.
“Wollstonecraft said women should rely on reason, not fear,” she murmured to herself. It steadied her every time. Even now.
Just then, someone knocked on the front door, rattling the glass in the old wooden frame.
She let out a gasp. “We’re not even open yet!” She hurried to the door and spotted Vera standing there.
“Here we go,” Gabe muttered, moving up behind her. Knowing he had her back—always and in all things—gave her a little more strength.
She unlocked the front door and swung it open to face the bakery owner.
“Hi, Felicity. I heard you were back in your shop today and…well, I brought you a little treat to celebrate.” She held up the paper bag with a big smile on her face.
Felicity inhaled the rich scent of brownies when she accepted the bag—and what appeared to be a gesture of friendship.
“Thank you. Really. And yes, I’m reopening today. I’ll even have an online shop soon.”
Vera’s face softened in an expression that bordered almost on relief. “I’m so pleased to hear that. This street wouldn’t be the same without you. Or your bookshop.” She darted a look past her at the rows of books on display. “And—you didn’t hear it from me—but the interstate exit is set to be finished by the Fourth of July. We’re about to get traffic again!”
Hope fluttered in Felicity’s chest. “That’s incredible.”
“It is.” Vera squeezed her hand. “You’ve weathered more than most. I’m glad to see you back where you belong.”
And with that, she slipped out the door, apron fluttering as she disappeared down the sidewalk.
Felicity turned to Gabe, a slow smile spreading over her face and the brownies bag clutched in her hand.
She sidled up to Gabe. “Well. I guess she wasn’t trying to steal my shop after all.”
