“How exciting,” Chloe said. “What can we do to help?”
“The contractions are why we brought overnight bags in the car for Carly and me,” Tracy said. Turning to Chase and Jade, “Does your offer to keep Carly still stand?”
“Yes, of course,” Jade replied.
“For as long as you need,” Chase added.
“Yes, and we can take Carly too,” Chloe assured her. “Don’t worry about her.”
“I’d love to pitch in wherever I can help,” Charley offered.
It was a hustle and bustle then as Cash and Tracy sought out Carly to let her know that Mommy was going to the hospital with Daddy. Carly and the other kids gave a whoop to find out Carly would be staying with her uncles, aunts, and cousins. When Daddy brought Mommy back home, it would be with Carly’s new baby brother, Dalton Cooper. Another whoop came from the kids, along with well wishes from the family. Tammy Dalton and Coop escorted them to the door. Chase followed them out to the car and returned with Carly’s overnight bag.
With a busy day ahead at Sully’s store and Charley’s grand opening, they said their thank yous and good nights. Owen did as well and followed them out of the house.
“Someday,” Sully said, looking west in the direction Cash and Tracy had gone toward Memorial Hospital as they paused under the archway of Triple C Ranch-Central. He wondered if Charley would understand that he was referring to having children.
Charley followed his gaze down the highway and whispered, “At least a couple.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
“Thank you and come again soon,” Charley called to a lady and gentleman as they left her shop on Black Friday, one carrying a holiday floral arrangement and the other carting out a Christmas cactus full of cheery red blooms.
Charley loved the smell of the fresh pine garland she’d cut from the woods behind the shop as she placed a wreath on the front door. Between the Rocky Mountain Columbine on the stained glass and the pine trees to the back of the cabin, she felt she belonged here. The morning flew by, and it was almost noon when she saw Leon walking across the gravel parking lot. She’d actually hoped he wouldn’t show up. What was she going to say to him? And how to begin?
Inside the middle pocket of her reindeer apron, which was tied around her neck and waist, her phone rang. “Hi, Chloe, do we have a bouncing baby boy yet?” Charley asked as Leon entered the shop. Wiggling her fingers in a wave at Leon, she listened to Chloe. Then Charley replied, “Ten fingers and ten toes. Wonderful. I can’t wait to meet Dalton Cooper. Yes, I’ll be sure to let Sully know.” Chloe commented, and Charley laughed. “I’m next?” Smiling, she nodded and confided in her cousin, “Itold Sully at least a couple someday.” Thanking Chloe for the call, she hung up and faced Leon. “Hi Leon.”
“A couple of rugrats?” Leon asked, not bothering to say hello.
Charley felt a stab of unease at his insensitive choice of words but answered, “Someday.” She noticed a huge, bruised bump in the middle of his forehead and asked, “What happened?”
“I’m late because my uncle has temper tantrums and hit me,” he said, making his way across the shop to the office area.
“I thought your uncle was deceased.”
“I meant my aunt.”
“You have an aunt?”
“Yes, totally demented. I had to settle her down before I could leave.”
Maybe Leon had just given her a kind and caring opening. “Leon, I’ve been thinking that I can’t expectyou to make the drive from the Springs to the country for this job. Especially so if your aunt isn’t well.”
Ignoring that, Leon said, “Being Black Friday and your grand opening, I said I’d be here.” He hung his jacket on a hall tree at the far end of the kitchen counter. “You don’t have to pay me.” He added, “Today or ever. I just enjoy the floral shop business and working with you.”
“I would think the cost of gasoline to drive out here alone could be prohibitive,” she said. He wasn’t going to make this easy.
“I have the monthly income I mentioned.”
“Did you have Thanksgiving dinner with your aunt?”
Leon looked around the shop made merry and bright with Christmas lights, festive red and green decorations, and scented with cinnamon.
“Opened a can of tuna fish,” Leon mumbled.
“Oh.” How different Leon’s scenario was compared to the one Charley had enjoyed with Sully and a house full of family, friends, and a feast.
Again, feeling sorry for Leon, she noticed as he walked around the open shop area, his shoulders slumped and his arms didn’t move. How badly would losing his job affect his mood? Before she could broach the topic of not working for her again, the tingling bell over the front door chimed and danced.
