"I see a baby in your future," Mr.Krammer said with a wink."We have several infant items right over here."
"Oh, no—these are for my friend," Ancelin said, her cheeks flushing."Though I've always wanted a rocking chair.Every baby deserves to be rocked."She twirled in place, her movements quick and jittery.
Krammer shot Krevan a concerned look."The tea-root soda isn't known for causing...this level of enthusiasm.But it is nearly pure sugar."
"It's not the soda," Krevan said, watching his wife dart between displays."She's just—" He paused, a hint of humor in his voice."I think I'll purchase these items now, before she finds something that won't fit in our vehicle."
A high-pitched squeal echoed through the store.
"Krev!Look at this dresser!It matches everything!"Ancelin called out.Krammer silently mouthed 'Krev?'to himself."Can we get this too?I can pay for it myself—I don't like using your money."She practically danced back to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and beaming up at him.
Krevan's expression softened."The cost doesn't matter.Your happiness does.But we'll need to come back for the dresser—I can't fit everything in one trip."
Ancelin beamed, rose onto her tiptoes, and threw her arms around Krevan.“Let’s take the chair and table home, then we can come back for the dresser.And don’t forget my wrapping paper and that tea-root soda pop.Do you have any ribbon?Oh—and I want this stuffed bear.”She plucked the bear off the shelf and pressed it into Mr.Krammer’s waiting arms as she twirled into the next aisle.“Thank you, Krevan.”Then, as if she'd just thought of it, she bounced back, kissed his cheek, and hugged him tightly.“You’re amazing—and you feel so nice.”With a final snuggle, she skipped off down another row, humming with happiness.
Krevan watched his lively wife and lowered his voice to Mr.Krammer.“Do you have anything special for Ancelin’s birthday?”
Krammer nodded.“I just got in some silky nightgowns and robes—my wife orders them regularly.I’ve also got bath salts and bubble bath, if you have a tub, plus hair barrettes and clips.Want me to show them to Mrs.Vallex?”
“I’ll look at them when we return for the dresser,” Krevan whispered.“I’m taking these items home first.I want to surprise her with a birthday present.”
“Perfect.I’ll have my wife pull a selection for you,” Krammer said.
A squeal came from the end of the aisle.“Krevan, they have a highchair, too!”Ancelin ran back to join them.“Mr.Krammer, you never mentioned a highchair.”
“Sorry, Mrs.Vallex,” Krammer apologized.“I forgot we still had one in stock.I’d reserved it for another couple, but they couldn’t raise the money.It’s all yours if you’d like it.”
Ancelin bit her lip.“Are you sure?I’d feel bad taking it from someone else.”
“They simply couldn’t swing the price.They may come back later, but right now it’s available,” he reassured her.
“Alright,” she said.“I’ll buy it for my friend.We’ll pick it up when we return for the dresser, right, Krevan?”
“Absolutely, my sweet girl,” Krevan promised.He paid for everything and helped load what they could carry into their vehicle.
As Krevan closed the trunk, Ancelin’s voice floated out, “Krevan, you forgot our tea-root soda!”
"I know," Krevan said, sliding behind the wheel.
"You forgot it deliberately?"Ancelin's voice rose.
"I'll grab it when I return for the other items.That soda is vile—too sweet.Probably terrible for you," Krevan said, his lips curling back.
"Terrible for me?"Ancelin blinked."It's just soda pop.Sweet is the whole point."
"It tastes like poison to me."
"Says the man whose bite is actually venomous."Ancelin shook her head."I loved it.Reminded me of home...of Dad."Before she could finish, Krevan was out of the vehicle.Moments later, he returned with the bottles of tea-root soda.
"Here.I'd rather not upset you over something so trivial," he said quietly.Something warm bloomed in Ancelin's chest at his consideration.
"Thanks, Krev."She stroked his arm.
"Just don't blame me for what I’ll do, if Krammer poisons you," he said with a dangerous smile.
"You're joking...right?"
"Mostly.But I'd be quite displeased," he replied as they left town behind.They pulled up to the house, and Krevan carried the furniture into the garage.
