Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“It’s how I keep up with everything.”
I started to move past Sally and toward my car.
“Let me know what you think about her!” Sally called out.
Lifting my hand and giving her a wave, I replied, “I’ll bring you back some banana bread.”
“Thank you!”
Once I was in my car, I let out a soft laugh and started my car. “Popped him off. Some things will never change in this town.”
Cadie
“Thank you so much, Cadie. A crowd shouldn’t be coming in, so you won’t have to do much. Maybe sell a few things.”
Smiling, I motioned for Opal to head out the door. “Opal, I can handle this. I know how to use the register, and I hardly think a rush will come in an hour before we close.”
She looked past me and into the bakery, which only had two young ladies sitting at a table eating orange scones and drinking coffee.
“I promise, I’ve got this.”
Opal chewed on her lower lip. Katherine had already left, and Chelsea, the young high school girl Opal hired to work from one to three, had a fever and wasn’t able to come in today.
“Go, enjoy the time with your friends. I’ve got this.”
“And you remember the combo to the safe?” she whispered.
“I do. And you’re only going to be right down the street, so if I need anything, I will call you.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind me abandoning you like this?”
I laughed. “You’re hardly abandoning me, Opal. Now go and enjoy yourself. I’ll start working on the Tigger cake.”
Her face finally relaxed. “Thank you, Cadie. I’ll check in with you in a little bit.”
Opal hurried out the door and down the street. Turning, I made my way over to the two ladies who were chatting.
“Did you ladies need anything else?”
The younger one looked up and smiled. “I would love another coffee, if you don’t mind?”
“Not at all.” I turned and faced the older woman. She wasn’t the younger girl’s mother; she wasn’t that much older, so I was guessing maybe they were sisters since they both had the same blue eyes. “May I get you another as well?”
She glanced at her nearly empty coffee cup and laughed. “Yes, and may I have one of those yummy-looking chocolate cupcakes?”
I winked. “I’ll bring two!”
Both women giggled and then quickly resumed their conversation as I headed to the counter. I poured them a fresh cup of coffee and brought it to their table with their cupcakes.
“Enjoy, and just let me know if you need anything else.”
The older woman smiled. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure we’ve been introduced.”
Returning the gesture with my own smile, I replied, “Cadie Waterford. I started working for Opal a few weeks back.”
“You’re the one who makes the amazing banana nut bread, right?” the younger one stated.
“That would be me.”
“My name is Ashtyn, and this is my older sister, Jayme. Our parents own the Christmas tree farm right outside of town.”
“Oh, how nice! I can’t wait for Christmas.”
Jayme leaned in and asked, “Will it be your first one here in New York?”
“It will, indeed.”
Ashtyn lit up. “Will it be your first white Christmas?”
I let out a soft laugh. “No, I’ve had one or two.”
Both sisters deflated in their seats. When the bell above the door rang, we all turned. A very handsome man walked in. He looked in his early thirties, maybe, and his brown hair was neatly trimmed. He wore jeans and a long-sleeve shirt that showcased his toned body.
“Oh my gosh,” Jayme whispered. “What in the world is he doing here?”
“Maybe he heard you were back in town, Jayme!” Ashtyn said, excitement bubbling up as she bounced in her seat.
The gentleman went to the case and started to look at the few items we had left over.
“Do you think?” Jayme asked.
Turning to look at both women, I asked, “Who is he?”
Jayme continued to stare at the guy while Ashtyn looked at me with a gleeful look. It was obvious she liked to gossip.
Lowering her voice, she said, “That is Kian Carter.”
Frowning, I asked, “Kian Carter? Opal’s nephew?”
Ashtyn giggled. “Oh, yes. She’s his aunt. The Carters are very well known here in Moose Village. And very wealthy with a beautiful house overlooking the lake. Jayme and Kian dated in high school.”
“Hush!” Jayme said to her sister. “That was forever ago.”
Ashtyn motioned for me to get closer. For some unknown reason, I wanted to know what she would say, so I leaned down. “He dumped her when he went off to college. He’s a big-time lawyer at his parents’ firm in New York City.”
I pulled back and stole a quick look at Jayme. She was still staring at Kian.
“Excuse me, ladies,” I said as I quickly approached the case. It was already rude of me not to have welcomed him, but I had to admit, I was a bit captivated like the two sisters had been.