The lampposts were wrapped in garland and lights and a large wreath hung from the top of each one.There were trucks offering hot and iced chocolate to drink, and tons of holiday-inspired items to purchase.
The most popular vendor seemed to be Clara's ornaments.I couldn't even see her over the size of the crowd surrounding her table.
I opened the door to town hall, relieved to be alone for a few seconds.I went to the kitchen, grabbing something to drink, reveling in the silence and the air conditioning.
Cooper: Everything's in stock for the bakery.Just need Reina to pick paint colors.
Morgan: I'll talk to her about making a decision.
Cooper: I think you can wrap up the job in a couple of weeks.One of the other jobs got done sooner than we anticipated, so I added a second crew for the apartment upstairs.
I wasn't ready for the bakery to be done, even though I was positive that Reina would be happy.She could get back to her old life.
Would I fit into hers anymore?Or was it better to make a clean break now, before her brother came home?
If I broke things off now, I could pretend that nothing had happened between us.I wouldn't be continuing to risk my relationship with Tom.But I didn't want to stop spending time with her.I liked her.The thought of not seeing her anymore sent sharp pains through my chest.
I couldn't imagine walking away from her and pretending like the last few weeks hadn't happened.Every day, I felt closer to her.But we hadn't discussed where we stood, and maybe that was on purpose.Had she meant for this to be temporary?
Reina: We're running out of everything!Are you on your way back?
Morgan: Coming.
I refocused on the task at hand.I didn't have to talk to her about the renovation today.Everyone was busy with the festival.
It wouldn't be easy getting the food to her table.I couldn't transport it in the truck this time because the roads were closed.My truck was still parked at the bakery, and I wasn't sure that I could easily move it at this point.I'd have to carry everything, and it would take a few trips.
On my brothers' group chat, I asked for help, telling anyone who was available to stop by the town hall and grab a few trays to take to the tables in front of the bakery.Once messages started coming in, offering to stop by, I grabbed a few trays and headed toward Reina.
She might not be used to this level of help from her family, but I was, and I would take advantage of it when I needed it.She was part of the Sterling family now.I'd do anything to make her life easier, and it had nothing to do with my promise to her brother.
The drive to protect her came from within me.I wanted her to be happy.
Everything I was doing for Reina was because I wanted to be there for her.
My heart beat a little harder.Did that mean that I was falling for her?Was I in love with her?I wasn't ready to consider the possibilities.Especially when we hadn't discussed our future.What if I wanted more, and she didn't?
The thought sent a chill down my spine.
I moved through the crowd, being careful not to jostle the trays.I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw the bakery ahead.
Reina stood behind the table, and when she turned to look at me, a smile spread over her face."You're back."
She made a move to take the trays, but I set them on the table instead."Let's get these set up."
She frowned."What about the rest of the trays?You didn't bring your truck?"
"It would be impossible with the crowds today.I thought this would be easier.I asked my brothers to help.They're on their way."
We set the individually wrapped pastries on the table in their designated spots.
Jill continued to take orders as we worked.
"Your brothers don't mind?"Reina asked.
"If they're free, they always pitch in.It's what we do."We were there for each other, and now that good will extended to Reina.
The town had come together to help her in any way they could since the fire.That's just what the town did, and I was happy to be part of it.But my family came through too, and I wanted her to experience that.
