Eve grinned."I hoped it would be popular, but I had no idea it would be that well attended.I think people are looking for fun things to do on the weekend, and we should keep giving them that."
"Congratulations.You deserve this," I said to her.
"Thanks, Morgan."Then she turned her attention to Reina."I actually wanted to talk to you about that space next to your store.Morgan mentioned that you were thinking of adding seating.But we're planning on upgrading the sidewalks.Would it be possible for you to wait until that's completed before you expand?"
"That's not a problem.We were talking about a bench in front of the window and maybe some planters too."
"I love those ideas.I want there to be inviting spaces all over town, not just at Belle's Bookshop.We're doing a little at a time."
"I don't mind waiting.I think I'll have my hands full with reopening and getting used to the new design."
Eve raised a brow."Will the renovation be completed soon?"
"Yeah, I was going to talk to you about that.We have maybe two more weeks."
Eve smiled at Reina."You must be excited to move home."
Reina's smile wavered."I can't wait."
I had a feeling she wasn't excited about returning to her apartment.She probably still had some trauma around the fire itself."I'm glad that we could get things completed ahead of schedule."
Eve touched my arm."That's why we love working with you.You've really come through for us."
I inclined my head at her compliment."We're happy to be part of what you're building here."
"I had no idea that the town would be this successful when we took over.There was so much uncertainty.Even with the setbacks we've had, the town businesses have supported each other.That's what makes us special."
I had to agree with that sentiment.It was time to move forward, and that included Reina's plan to move back to her apartment above the bakery.I couldn't hold her back or tell her not to do what she'd always done.It wasn't fair to her.
"I need to talk to a few other people, but work on a design for the outdoor space, and we'll talk about it soon," Eve said.
"Will do," Reina said with a smile.
I sensed this was the beginning of the end for us.Reina's life was taking off, and I'd be moving on from her project and onto something else.I didn't have a good feeling about what it meant for our relationship.
She was at a crossroads.She could continue as is or choose to expand.And from what I knew about her, expansion was the only option she'd consider.She was always looking to improve and increase her business.
We moved toward where my brothers were congregating.There were Hudson and Angela, Maverick and Belle, Ford and Natasha.
Ford lifted his glass."We should toast."
Everyone lifted their drinks."To Christmas Town."
"The town keeps growing and getting better.I think you're going to have a problem on your hands soon," Ford said.
"And what problem is that?"Natasha asked.
"Too many guests and not enough parking."
Natasha grinned."That's a good problem to have and Eve's to deal with."
"I don't envy her," Clara said."She has to deal with unhappy shop owners and customers.It's a lot."
Aspen approached, giving Reina a hug.
"She's always wanted this job though," Eve continued, "whether it was in this town or another.I think it helps that she owns this one.Every decision she makes affects us.And that's always better than working for someone else."
Aspen winced."I don't mind working for others.It's less responsibility.I do my work and let someone else worry about profit and loss."
