Reid?
I feel a small flutter in my chest, but I try to hide it. Sophie doesn’t notice, though, as she extends her hand with a smile that’s nothing short of contagious.
Thank goodness. I don’t know how she’d greet me if she knew about my one wild night with her brother.
Focus, Dakota.
“Well, welcome back to town, Dakota,” Sophie says warmly, shaking my hand. “It’s good to meet you.”
I nod, trying to keep things casual. “Thanks. It’s… been a bit of a whirlwind, but I’m settling in.”
She grins. “I get that. I moved back a few years ago, and it took me a while to get used to everything again. Colter Creek can pull you back in, whether you’re ready or not.”
Her words are like a quiet reassurance, and I find myself smiling a little more than I expected. “Yeah, it definitely has a way of doing that.”
As Sophie watches Violet head down the aisle, she lets out a little, slightly tuneless but very sunny whistle that reminds me of her brother.
“So,” I ask, glancing around the store, “how long have you been running the boutique?”
“Not long, actually. I bought this place when I came back to town to use my creative degree. I freaking love it.”
I can’t help but admire her for that. “It’s a beautiful shop. You clearly love it.”
Sophie’s face lights up at the compliment. “Thanks! It’s like my little dream come true, honestly. It’s been a lot of work, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” She gestures around the shop. “You should see what it looked like when I first got here. It was all… well, let’s just say I had a vision, and it took a little elbow grease to get it to where it is now.”
I can imagine. The space is perfect. Charming, vibrant, but not overcrowded, with just enough personality to make it feel unique. It’s got a vibe, that’s for sure.
Definitely the kind of place you’d want to spend time in, whether you’re shopping or just looking for a moment of peace.
As Sophie and I continue chatting, I glance over my shoulder to find Charlie standing near the counter, looking up at a small bowl of brightly colored lollipops. Sophie, noticing my gaze, looks over and gives a warm smile.
“Hey, Charlie,” she calls, walking over to him with a gentle expression. “How about a treat? I’ve got some lollipops here, just for kids with good manners.”
Charlie’s eyes widen, his gaze locking on the rainbow of colors. “Really?”
“Yep!” Sophie says. “Pick whichever one you like.”
Charlie looks at me with a hint of hesitation. “Can I, Mama?”
I smile, nodding. “Of course. Go ahead.”
He grins, practically jumping in place as he picks the brightest one—green, of course—and Sophie hands it to him with a wink.
“Thanks!” Charlie says enthusiastically, looking up at her like she’s just given him the best treasure in the world.
“Anytime,” Sophie replies, ruffling his hair. She glances back at me with a chuckle. “He’s a good kid. I can tell he’s going to love the rodeo. You’ll have to bring him down there, for sure.”
“I plan to,” I say, a little lighter than before. I rarely feel this easy with someone I barely know. There’s something about Sophie, her genuine warmth, that makes it hard not to relax.
Once Violet has grabbed everything she wants, we head toward the front of the store. Charlie’s already halfway through his lollipop, happily sucking away with sticky fingers and a big grin on his face.
“You two ready?” Violet calls, holding the door open for us.
“Yep!” I nod, giving Sophie one last smile as I grab Charlie’s hand.
We step outside into the warm afternoon. Main Street feels different now. Familiar, the pulse of the town starting to sync with mine. It’s strange how quickly this place has started to feel homely again.
It isn’t just the house or the memories; it’s this. Walking down the street, bumping into old faces, meeting new ones like Sophie. It all feels right in a way I didn’t expect.
