Chapter Nineteen
Parker unloaded another delivery from Renee into her new store. He didn’t realize she’d have so much merchandise. She must love her work to be so prolific with her stock. He opened the boxes and sorted the items in the back room. Who knew you could have so many styles of belts and bags?
He held one up. She was incredibly talented with a needle. The design work itself must have taken her at least a week to do. Some of the gloves she’d made were fleece lined and had been sewn with small, delicate stitches. Others had small beads stitched to them. Still others looked more like driving gloves.
He’d drafted Lucas to help him, and they had cleaned the store, built shelves in the back, and put the front counters together. They stocked the shelves, set several displays, and hung purses, bags, and hats. He adjusted some watercolor paintings he’d bought from a local artist. He hoped he hadn’t overstepped his bounds and Renee would like what they’d done.
He’d found a perfect house for her the next street over from Main Street with the money she left him to purchase one if he found the perfect place. A small two-story home, white with blue shutters, just perfect for her. She had a small, fenced in yard in the front and back, with plenty of room for a garden. He couldn’t wait to help her start planting different flowers. He was sure Lucas would make some great decisions on what would look the best. He was anxious to show her Callahan’s Floral Emporium and let her start planning what she would plant in the spring.
Maybe one day they’d get married and he’d move in with her. Then he could be out of Lucas’ house, especially since his brother had gotten himself a wife of his own. No matter how much they said they loved having him there, he always felt like a third wheel. He was sure they’d want to have some time to themselves.
“I knew you’d have it worse than me when you found the right woman,” Lucas said when he stopped in. “And I believe I told you that some time ago. If I recall, you said I was crazy.”
Parker frowned at him. “Don’t you have flower arrangements to put together?”
“And give up the chance to needle you while we have the time?” He grinned. “I let Ray take over for me while I’m here. Seriously though, I think Renee is your perfect match. You also called me crazy when I told you I believed in perfect matches.”
“You’re right about two things. She is my perfect match, and I still think you’re crazy.” He finally stared at Lucas. “I’m sorry I ever doubted you, big bro. I can’t believe I found her.”
“And that she decided to stay here with you.” Lucas grabbed him in a quick hug. “I’m happy for both of you.”
“Thanks again. Mom will be happy to know I’ve finally found a love of my own.” Parker squeezed his brother’s shoulder. “Enough of this. We should get back to work.”
They worked together to finish unloading the boxes and storing the overstock in the storeroom. They broke down the cartons and took them out back to the dumpster. Back inside, Parker grabbed the broom and swept up the remaining dust and pieces of packing material. His brother whistled while he cleaned the glass counter tops.
“Renee have any idea when she’ll be back?” Lucas finally asked. “I know Blair will love her, and she gets home from her current assignment next week. I can’t wait for the two of them to meet.”
“Wayne shipped all of her personal belongings and I got the last of the boxes a few days ago.” Parker put the broom away. “She said it didn’t take long to find a buyer for her grandmother’s house, but she’s buried in paperwork. I guess it’s not as easy to move a business. She also said this shipment from her store was the last one.”
“I guess paperwork will be the downfall of us all. I’m glad there aren’t any more boxes coming. We’re almost out of room.” Lucas threw the rag in a bucket and walked to the door. “Come on. Let’s get some food. My treat.”
They walked out and Parker locked the door. He stared at store front and hoped Renee would like the sign he and Lucas had made. If not, he’d take it down and do it again. Her happiness, and nothing else, was all that mattered.
****
Renee walked into Warner’s B and B and dropped her suitcase on the floor. Dee came out of the dining room and hurried over to grab her in a tight hug. “My dear, it’s so good to see you again. I’m glad you made it back before winter set in. Are you here for good?”
Renee smiled. “For good. Garland Falls is now officially my home. I hope Parker found me somewhere to live. As much as I love being here with you, I’d like to have my own place.”
Dee’s eyes sparkled with delight. “I think he found you the perfect house. He’ll be around tomorrow to show you.”
“I’m right here, Miss Dee,” Parker said from the foyer. “I’ve picked up a sixth sense where Ms. Tate is concerned. I knew she’d be here today.”
Renee turned and threw herself into his arms. “I missed you so much. I hated it took so long for me to get all the paperwork settled. I almost came back before I had it all finished.”
“I’m glad you got it done.” He held her close. “I missed you a lot, too. What I said was true. I sensed when you got into town, and Lucas said his flowers knew when you arrived. Are you tired? Do you want to go get something to eat?”
“I’m exhausted, but I would love some food. I’m starving.” She turned to Dee. “I’ll be back later. Then, I think I might sleep for three days. Maybe more.”
“Have fun, you two,” Dee said. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Renee. Parker, don’t be late for work in the morning.”
“I’m never late, Miss Dee. You know that.” The two of them laughed as they left the B and B. He leaned close and whispered in her ear. “Like I told you the first week you were here, I set my own hours, so I can’t be late.”
“Mr. Callahan, that’s what’s known as an incredibly large loophole.”
Parker held the truck door open, and Renee climbed in. “Are you okay with a small side trip before we eat?”
“Sure. Of course, it might cost you a bigger dinner.”
“Deal. Close your eyes.” He parked in front of her new shop and hurried around to help her out. He stood behind her and laid his hands on her shoulders. “Okay, now look.”
She blinked several times when she opened her eyes. Painted on the window in blue and gold read “Renee’s Creative Leather Gifts.” He’d already set a beautiful display of belts, gloves, and messenger bags in the window. He’d posted a big “Coming Soon” sign on the door.
“Oh, Parker, it’s beautiful.”
“We’ve already had a lot of people asking when you were going to be open. I didn’t give them a date because I wasn’t sure if you wanted to have a grand opening event.” He unlocked the door and led her inside, then handed her the keys. “Lucas and I built you some counters out here and you have shelves in your back room.”
He showed her an area at the back of the store, facing the door. “We made this spot a work space for you. This way, you can create out here where people can see what you do. We wanted to let you fill it with your tools and things.”
She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “You’re the best man I’ve ever met. I love it.” She gazed at him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He kissed her. “I bought you a house on the next street over. Do you think maybe, one day, we’d live there together?”
“Parker Callahan, did you propose to me after just knowing me for a couple of weeks?”
“Yeah. I guess so.” He grinned. “And because I want to move out of Lucas’ house. It’s too crowded there now.”
She traced his jaw. “I knew you had to have another reason. However, you can’t take it back, so I accept.”
“Good.”
They locked up her store and walked to the diner. Two people who could talk to ghosts in one town. She suspected they’d have a very spirited romance for the rest of their lives. And she was fine with that.
THE END
A word about the author…
I graduated from Mercy High in Baltimore, MD in 1981 and got married to an Air Force man in 1982. We have two amazing boys who have grown into amazing young men. We spent sixteen years in southern New Jersey, four of them at McGuire AFB and the rest in Hammonton. We currently live in Memphis, TN where science fiction, wrestling, and hockey take up what time the cat doesn’t.
annettemillerauthor.com