Ford angles his body to me and takes my hand. “First off, no hope, youwillbe a new lawyer soon.” I appreciate that he has always been my biggest cheerleader. “And job prospects, I don’t know. I’m sure my training facility needs more people on our legal staff.”
I shake my head. “No, I’m not going down that route.”
“This time we won’t let anything or anyone get in our way,” he promises, and I love the faith in his voice.
I attempt to smile, but deep down I have a fear that something will get in our way.
“Come on, eat a little more. You need your strength.” There is pure sexiness in his voice.
We finish up our breakfast and take a little walk on Main Street, as we have time to spare. I see Piper in her boutique, and she waves at me through the window.
“I should go in and say hi.”
Ford steps back and holds his hands up. “Go for it. I’ll stay out here.”
I look at him peculiarly. “Why?”
“She’s my neighbor and Hudson’s wife, so I need to remain somewhat respectable. I can’t go inside her boutique with you and not go crazy.”
“It’s just a bouti… ahh.” My brain catches up, and I roll my lips in as I try not to grin. “A lingerie boutique.”
Ford slides his hand into my hair to pull me in for a kiss. “But go in there and have fun. Use the credit card for it.”
I burst out with a laugh. “You want me to use the credit card you gave me, which is for Connor and things he needs, to buy lingerie?”
“Why not? I like providing for my family.” He can’t control his grin.
I wave him off. “I’ll be quick.”
I don’t look back and head straight into Piper’s boutique. The bell chimes over my head and the door closes behind me.
Piper is behind the counter, opening a box, with her daughter asleep in her stroller in the corner.
“How is life with our favorite hockey player? You both look cute walking hand in hand down Main. By the way, there is a rumor that Margo wanted to buy out the florist for your upcoming wedding.” Piper has a knowing grin as she focuses on her task.
I assess the array of lingerie and pajamas in the store. I’m not sure where to focus, everything is either beautiful, sexy, or cozy.
“Remind me to fix that scenario. And Ford and me? It’s… well,” I say as I touch the fabric of a red nightie.
“That’s a good choice, but if I may be a little bold, then I would suggest the deep purple color.”
My hand retreats back like I touched a hot pan. “Oh, I just came in to say hi and check to see how Grace’s skin is going.”
Piper walks to her daughter and smiles. “She’s doing better, thank you. Sleeping like a little angel. Her bath with the oat oil really helped.” Piper steps in my direction. “Let me repay you with something.”
“Don’t be silly. Advice is free,” I protest.
Piper holds a finger in the air. “Exactly, advice is free.” She walks to the corner and reaches behind a rack of clothes on hangers to pull out an item hanging in the back. When she holds it up, my eyes nearly bug out. It’s a bra-and-panty set with stocking suspenders, black with bright pink edging.
“I can’t wear that!”
“Of course you can.”
I shake my head in astonishment.
“It’s always fun to shake things up.”
My mouth opens but no words come out. “I guess… well, Ford and I, we’re…”
