Callie greeted her with a hug."What do you mean, finally?I'm earlier than I said I would be."
"I know, but I've been dying to see you."Becca made a face."And I was really hoping that you would have been able to come yesterday."
"Sorry.I would have, but—"
"I know, I know.I'm not complaining.I'm so glad that you and Ollie got to go on your date.You have to tell me all about it.But come inside.Elena and Walt are both waiting to see you, and you'll have to chat with them before I can get you to myself."
"Okay, but hang on."She opened the back passenger door and took out a box.
"Ooh," said Becca."What's in there?"
"Nothing for you this time — don't get too excited.These are mugs for Walt and Elena and a couple of other people who asked."
Becca grinned."So, you're finally seeing sense.You've started selling them?"
Callie rolled her eyes."I already sell them, you know this.I sell them on my Etsy store and at the markets.And no, these are gifts."
Becca huffed out a sigh."Okay, so that's one more thing we need to talk about.You seriously need to start making and selling things around here.And have you talked to Delaney?"
Callie made a face."No, I really haven't had the time."
"Well, you should."
Callie shrugged."We can get to all of that.Let's go see Walt and Elena."
The kitchen was warm, something sweet baking in the oven, and Elena was already smiling as they came through the door.She greeted Callie with a hug, and Walt grinned and nodded."It's good to see you again."
"And you.And I brought your mugs."
Elena clasped her hands together."Thank you so much.I can't wait till you go big time and I'll be able to say that I have an original Callie Clay."
Callie laughed."That's only what Zia calls me, you know.My name's Claiborne."
Elena waved a hand."I know, but if you're going to do the branding thing — if you're going to let Delaney brand you — then maybe you should use the name Callie Clay."
Becca nodded enthusiastically, and Callie made a face at Walt, who shrugged.
"You know me.I don't know anything about all that stuff.All I know is I like my mug.Thanks."He raised it to her — the deep green glaze catching the light.She'd shaped the handle to fit a large hand.It looked right there, in his grip.Like it belonged."And if you don't mind, I'll be off back to the greenhouse to fill it."
Callie couldn't resist leaning in to kiss his cheek before he left."It's good to see you again, Walt."
He gave her a bashful smile."It's good to see you again," he said gruffly before he left.
Elena chuckled."He was excited to get his mug, you know."
"Aw," said Callie."I'm so glad.I didn't know if he really cared."
"He doesn't normally, about that kind of thing.But your mugs—" Elena held hers up."They're something special.And even Walt knows it."
She turned to Becca."I know the two of you are going to want to catch up.I can take myself off."
Becca touched her arm."Please don't do that.We're not going to invade your kitchen.We're going to hang out in Jacob's study.We won't disturb you at all."
Elena chuckled and turned to Callie."I keep telling her she needs to get the hang of how things work.She's Mrs.Jacobs now.It's not a case of her getting in my way — it's a case of me getting in hers."
"I don't like your chances of changing who she is, Elena."
"No, on second thought, I should just be grateful, shouldn't I?"She leaned in and kissed Becca's cheek."You're wonderful just the way you are.I wouldn’t want you to change.Do you want me to bring you coffee and cookies in a little while?"
