“Sounds like this gift was made just for her.”
“I think you’re right. And she likes silver, because that’s all I’ve seen her wear.”
The girl grinned. “Should I gift wrap it for you?”
“Oh, would you? That would be amazing.”
She chuckled. “I’ll work on this while you keep looking around. That is, if you have more shopping to do?”
“I do, indeed. Thank you so much.”
“My name is Grace. If you need any help, just come get me.”
“Will do,” I replied as I handed her the necklace.
I started looking for something for Lilith. I came across a beautiful silk scarf with pink and white flowers. Plus, it was on sale, which made it even better. Then I glanced around the store, wondering what in the world I could get for Gus and Ladd’s brothers.
“You look a little lost.”
Turning, I smiled at the older woman who looked as if she could be Grace’s mother. I glanced over to the young girl, then back to the woman in front of me. Yep. Grace was a mini version of her.
“Grace is my daughter. I’m the owner, Janet Miller.”
I let out a small laugh. “I figured. I’m Vivianne Pennington.”
Her brows lifted. “As in the Pennington family? Senator Pennington?”
This was one of those moments: I could admit that my father was, indeed, Senator Pennington, or I could maintain the distance from my parents.
“Distant relative.”
She smiled. “I see. Well, what brings you to our sleepy little town?”
“I’m dating Ladd Wilde.”
Her smile grew into a full-on grin. “Oh, everyone adores the Wilde family. They were one of the first families that settled this area. Did you know that?”
I shook my head. “I didn’t.”
“How sweet that Ladd brought you home to meet his family.” She bumped my arm softly. “That must mean things are serious between the two of you, then.”
Shrugging, I looked around the store, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “I was, um, looking for Christmas gifts for Ladd’s brothers and his father.”
Her eyes brightened. “I’ve got just the thing!”
Taking my arm in hers, she walked us over to the other side of the store. We stopped in front of a display, and she held out her arms as she said, “Ta-da!”
I stared at the display, then back at her. “A CD player?”
“It’s not just a CD player, it’s aportableCD player! What man wouldn’t want one?”
“The Wilde men.”
The sound of Ladd’s voice had me turning to see him standing there, I nearly hugged him. Thank God he’d come when he had.
“Ladd Wilde, it’s so good to see you home.”
He tipped his cowboy hat and gave a sharp, “Mrs. Miller. Good to see you. If you’ll excuse us.”
