Morgan put an arm around my shoulders and steered me away from the front counter."Jill's right.You hired more employees for nights like this.Not only does it allow us to enjoy the festivities, but you gave a few college students a much-needed job.You don't want to make them feel like they have nothing to do, do you?"
My shoulders lowered."Of course not."
"Then let's go for a walk and see how the festival looks from a visitor's perspective.You can get a feel for what the visitors would want on a night like this."
"That is a good idea."I was constantly thinking of ways to improve the shop.And research had become one of my favorite things to do.We'd visited other bakeries in neighboring towns to see if they offered something I wasn't.Anything could spark an idea that would add value to my store.
Morgan pushed open the door, and we joined the crowd walking down the sidewalk, window shopping.
"The window displays have gotten so good this year," someone in front of us said.
"Aspen is hosting a contest for the best window display.Can you believe that she's so good at organizing events?I thought Eve was talented, but Aspen has taken events and contests to the next level."
"I was surprised too.I didn't think she could handle one more job."
I frowned."Is she still working at her other jobs?”
"She only does a few hours at each.I think this one is more of a full-time position."
"I'm happy for her.She seems to enjoy planning things for the town."
"I have no idea what my parents will think about it."
"Speaking of parents, mine are visiting next week."
"Are you nervous about it?"
I smiled."Not really.I'm excited to show them the changes to the bakery.If they don't approve, then that's their problem."
He squeezed me tightly to him."I'm so proud of you."
Creating boundaries with Tom and my parents was new for me, but it felt good.I gave myself permission not to care what they thought of my choices.This was my life.
Morgan paused at a horse-drawn carriage that was waiting by the curb."Do you want to go for a ride?"
"Now?"I asked, a little surprised by his request.
He shrugged."It's not every day that you can take a carriage ride through town."
It was only a few minutes' ride down Candy Cane Lane.We'd be back in no time."Why not?"
Morgan helped me into the carriage, and I arranged a throw over our laps.
The driver turned around."There's hot chocolate in the thermos and cups there.There's even a few sweets from the best baker in town.Help yourself."
"Thanks, Ed," Morgan said.
"When I agreed to provide the treats for the carriage rides, I didn't think I'd be the one who'd get to eat them."
"Why not?You should get to take a break every now and then and enjoy the town you helped create."He handed me a to-go cup of hot chocolate, and I sipped it.
"This is delicious."
He gave me a conspiratorial look."Don't tell Meg, but I think this is from the new food truck by the square."
"It's the best I've ever tried."
He dug into the cookie tin and handed me a snowman sugar cookie.
