Chapter Twelve
The next dayI found Dylan standing guard once more in front of thebakery.
Zoey came out of the kitchen with a tray full of treats and set them on the counter for me to put into the case. She paused by the front door and then quirked a brow atme.
I ignored her. “It took a lot of begging and pleading, but I managed to get two of the four prerequisite classes I needed for the program. At this rate, it’ll take four years for me to complete thetwo.”
Zoey rolled her eyes. “Seriously? You’re still clinging to school as an excuse to stayhere?”
I glanced out the window and sighed. “How long do you think he’ll continuethis?”
“Until you invite him inside,” Zoey said in an are-you-stupid tone. “By the way, that coffee he left you this morning on the front steps with a bow on it is delicious. We need to order some for thebakery.”
“You stole mygift?”
“You said you didn’t want him…I mean the coffee, or any of his little presents he’s been leaving for you.” Zoey snickered and waltzed by me. “Give the poor man a break before he draws enough attention that Sheriff Milton shows upagain.”
The thought of Dylan being escorted out of town made my pulse quicken. “Fine, but only because I don’t want any more attention over this business.” I marched to the front door and swung it open. “Getinside.”
“Some invitation.” Zoey headed back to the kitchen to make more scrumptious treats while I focused on putting the scones in thecase.
“Good morning,” he said, removing his hat. “Can Ihelp?”
I eyed Sadie’s apron hanging on the hook at the register. The one with the pink ruffles and swirly script words. Not to mention the bling Aunt Cathy had added. “Sure, but you have to wear an apron.” I held it out to him, figuring this would drive him away forsure.
A grin spread across his face. “If this is my punishment, Iaccept.”
And he did. Each morning, Dylan arrived, put on his apron, wiped down tables, swept floors, served food, and ran the register. He was the best employee I’d ever workedwith.
On Friday, Dylan went to visit his father, so I was on my own. While cleaning the top of the cabinet, I noticed a circle in red on the wall calendar. “Zoey, is there some event thisFriday?”
She bounded out of the kitchen, eyed the tea pot and booking calendar, and then looked at me. “No. Don’t you know what next Fridayis?”
“No. ShouldI?”
“Dylan leaves that day. You have a week left until you let him leave town without you again.” Zoey grabbed the empty trays on the counter and headed back into thekitchen.
“I didn’t let him go lasttime.”
She shrugged. “No, but this time you have a choice. I’m just saying, the girl who protested the injustice of this sure isn’t doing anything different. Are you punishing Dylan or yourself by staying in MagnoliaCorners?”
“What happened to sweet Zoey who always wanted to make everything better foreveryone?”
“She’s on summer break.” Zoey disappeared from sight. I could hear the clanking in the kitchen with the washing of thedishes.
I eyed the calendar and then the door. Dylan would be returning from visiting his fathersoon.
Only a week left with Dylan. I collapsed into a chair and stared at the clock. Each time the old-fashioned large hand on the wall clock clicked, my decision changed. I’d follow him. I’d stay. I’d wait for him. I’d move on with mylife.
I could give up everything and run away with him, but then who would I be? I could stay behind and work on my degree, but would that make mehappy?
Dylan had been right. Sadie was married now, and Zoey was only home for the summer. I’d be here alone running Sadie’s business soon. Didn’t I owe her that much,though?
It took an hour to calm down, but I finally decided to see how Dylan and I were together. I still had a week to figure things out. Perhaps it was time to gather further information, see how I felt about him really while he was home. Then, maybe, I’d know what todo.
The large truck that Dylan had borrowed from a friend pulled into the parking lot. I went bounding outside and threw my arms around him, surprised that he wasn’t in uniform for once. Check one: the comfort of his arms around me made all my doubtsdisappear.
Dylan held tight for a minute. “I should arrive late moreoften.”
