“No, I don’t think so,” I said with a grin.“It’s so cold.Even with her fur, I was worried about her freezing.”
“She’s not built for the streets,” Poet said with a laugh.
“You mind if she hangs out with Lottie for the day?I want to take Lenni to Sweet Teeth for breakfast and then we’ve got a bunch of errands to run.Also, we were wondering if Lenni could borrow one of your winter coats until we get her some winter clothes.”
“Mildred can definitely hang with us.”Poet took Mildred from my arms.“I’m stuck at the bookstore for the day.Gotta make sure everything is ready for the opening.And I’m still playing around with the displays ...And of course, Lenni can borrow one of my coats.”
“Thanks,” Lenni said with a small smile.
“Oh, you’re never going to guess who I’ve got coming for a book signing in the spring,” Poet said.
“Tell me,” I stated, loving her excitement and watching it spread across her face.
“Sibby Goldstein,” she said.
I frowned.“Who?”
“Sibby Goldstein.She writes those snarky romantic comedies about a klutzy heroine in New York.”
“Oh, right.”
I had no idea who she was talking about.
“Anyway, you guys have fun,” she said.“Take the coat on the rack, Lenni.There’s a wool hat and a pair of mittens in the pockets.”
“You sure?”Lenni asked as she went to the coat rack.
“I’m sure,” Poet said.
It was a bit too big, but it got the job done.At least until we could buy her what she needed.
“Bye, Poet,” she said.
“Bye, Lenni.”Poet smiled and then looked at me.She moutheddinner tonight you and me?
I nodded emphatically.
The cold air hit my face as we tromped next door to the bakery.I opened the door, and the cheery bell greeted us.
Sweet Teeth smelled like sugar and vanilla, and I absolutely adored the large booths and marble coffee tabletops.It reminded me of a Parisian café but set in the north Idaho mountains.There was small-town charm, but it felt worldly, too.
“Is everything in this town cute?”Lenni asked as we got in a line that was only three people deep.
“Yes,” I said with a laugh.I pointed to the chalkboard with the listed meat pie specials.“I suggest a breakfast meat pie.They’re insanely good.Pick which one you want.”
“Can I get a donut too?”she asked, her brown eyes wide.
“Yeah.But you can only eat it after you finish your meat pie.”
“Yeah, okay.”She frowned.“Something tells me nothing gets past you.”
“Very little.”
“Wyn!”the bakery owner exclaimed in happiness, a smile blooming across her flushed cheeks.Gracie scurried out from around the counter and hugged me.“I had no idea you were coming!When did you get here?”
“Early yesterday morning,” I said as she pulled back.“Because of Hadley.”
“Right,” she said.“Salem texted that it was just gas pains?”
