“Isn’t that the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen?”
August smiled down at me. “Not a bad way to spend the day.”
I took another bite from my fried dough. “I should probably get back.”
“I’ll walk you back.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Handily, my store is right under yours.”
“Right. Handy.”
I moved to the stroller and smiled down at Rhiannon, whose big blue eyes were finally open. She gave me a drooly smile as I waved. I looked up at Ivy. “Can I leave this with you?” I held out the hat.
Rory took it. “We’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks.” I handed it to him and turned to Ivy. “Today’s a little crazy, but we’ll talk soon?”
She nodded. “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”
“I know.”
Her gaze tracked up to August. “Both of you can.”
August touched my lower back, which got me moving.
“Kin, wait up.”
I lengthened my stride. “I need to get back.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?” The doughy sweetness now tasted like sawdust, and Ivy’s words filled my brain. She didn’t seem mad at me, but she didn’t seem happy either.
August snagged my hand and drew me to a stop before I could get to the stairs. “Will I see you tonight?”
I flashed a bright smile at him. “I just watched a bunch of baby ducklings sprint across the park. If that didn’t make me want to try to make a baby tonight, what would?”
“Right.”
I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but then two customers came up the walk—one obviously who wanted to talk to August.
He heaved out a breath. “I’ll find you later.” He waved to the couple. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby, it’s nice to see you again.”
They both smiled and August gestured for them go ahead as he opened the door for them. He paused for a second, giving me a tight smile before he followed them inside.
I tipped my head back, then tossed my cold fried dough into the garbage can before I went up to my own store. So much for a perfect day.
Nineteen
“Are you serious about this thing?” my younger brother Caleb asked.
I propped my hands on my hips as I gazed at the petite armoire I’d built for Kinleigh without her knowledge. After some discussion, she’d settled on wanting a skinny dresser instead for that spot in her shop where her customers tried on clothes and accessories, so I’d started working on that too. She hadn’t mentioned our bartering arrangement again so I figured I’d have to beg for the pillows.
In the meantime, I’d worked on this stuff during the hours I was supposed to be sleeping after Kinleigh sent me home after my sperm insertion duties were done.
But I wasn’t bitter. Exactly.