Somehow, while we were distracted, the Liberty Ladies have appeared out of nowhere. My mother isn’t with them. Though I’m not surprised, considering she’s in just as much of a tizzy as Walker is about getting the farm ready. I’m sure she’s sleeping right now from sheer exhaustion, even though it’s only six o’clock.
“Hello,” Rosie says, and the three of us wave at them. “What are you gals up to tonight?”
“Oh, we thought we’d have a little wine while we discussed this cowboy book we’re all reading. We’re halfway through. What about you?” Babs asks. She’s in a low-cut red top, and I work to keep my eyes on her face.
“We’ll be ready on Monday,” Penny tells them. It’s good she’s replied because the last thing I’m doing is reading a book about a swoony cowboy. I don’t need any help getting carried away in my own mind.
“That’s good,” Babs replies. “We do love our spicy Mondays.”
I offer a polite smile and hope we’re done engaging, but Babs steps closer and somehow her breasts really do seem to lunge toward my face. “You know, we were just talking about you.”
“Me?” I push back in my chair to get a little breathing room.
“Did you know that Rayna owns the building that Mabel’s Bakery used to be in?” Babs muses.
My stomach flips. “No. I had no idea.”
“She’s looking for someone to rent it,” Babs says.
I glance at Rayna, who smiles smugly.
“Have you ever thought of doing something like that?” Babs continues.
“Oh no, I don’t have any formal degree. I just like to bake.”
“Hmm,” she hums. “Well, what about a stand at the farmers market?” She says this to Rosie, who tilts her head toward me in question.
Penny nods. “That’s a really good idea. What do you think, Tally?”
“We’ve got a lot going on at the farm at the moment. The big wedding for one. Plus, they will need the cottages ready for guests because there’s no hotel rooms available in town that weekend.”
Towering behind Rayna, Ruby Simmons perks up. “Oh, my husband could probably help with that. He’s in need of some extra work.”
I blow out a breath. “Walker’s in charge, and I’m not sure we have the money to pay people right now.”
Her lips twist in disappointment. “Okay, well, let us know if he changes his mind.”
“Think about the farmers market, Tally,” Babs adds, tapping a hand on the table before stepping back. “You’re good at what you do.”
I smile awkwardly. “I will.”
The four of them disappear, and the girls go back to talking like everything the Liberty Ladies just said didn’t throw my heart in a tailspin.
“So,” Penny interrupts my thoughts. “What do you think?”
I play dumb. “What do I think about what?”
“The bakery,” Rosie answers matter-of-factly.
I frown. “Who’s going to buy my stuff?”
Penny shakes her head like she thinks that answer is a cop-out. “Okay, maybe not the bakery just yet. But what about your own stand at the farmers market?”
My head swivels, and I stare at my sister. “Where would I even bake?”
Penny taps her lips. “Oh, if only you had a big kitchen to work in. Oh wait, you do.”
“Ha ha,” I say sarcastically. “You forget that I currently share that kitchen with Walker. I doubt he’d be happy if I set up a whole business in the kitchen.”
