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Laurel pointed out where the cut flowers and arrangements would be placed, the section highlighting non-floral gifts, and the soda fountain.
“I guess it’s obvious.” She felt her face heat. “The counter kind of gives it away.”
He grinned at the color creeping up her face. “And the large mirror and shelves on the back wall. What you’re doing is quite the undertaking.”
“I know it seems that way to most people around here.”
Aiden raised his brows. “Which means you have secrets.”
She laughed again. “They aren’t secrets. It’s just no one has asked me.”
He pointed to the badge on his shirt. “I have no problem asking questions. What experience have you had?”
“Experiences is more like it. My father was in the Army. I’ve lived all over the country. In high school, I worked for a burger and soda shop on weekends and full-time in the summer. The owner was great about teaching me the business. He was getting ready to retire and wanted at least one employee to have information about the shop.”
She pulled a bottle of water from a back pocket and took a long swallow. “There’s water in the cooler behind the counter.”
“I’m good, thanks. Did your father buy it?”
“Unfortunately, Dad died not long after I graduated.”
“Sorry to hear it.”
Laurel shrugged before continuing. “Mom had money from her grandmother, and a smidgeon from the Army. She bought the burger shop. I worked there and managed it when Mom was gone. It was a great experience. When she met a man and remarried, she sold the shop and moved to Florida.” She shrugged in alife happensgesture. “My degree is in horticulture, so that was what I planned. When I saw this place, it seemed natural to combine the two. Flowers and ice cream. What do you think?”
“I think you, Mrs. Maddox, could do anything you want.”
“Please, call me Laurel.”
“Virgil said you’re a widow. I’m sorry.”
She expelled a slow breath. “Yeah. My husband was in the Navy. He was on a, um…assignment, and didn’t return. KIA.”
Killed in action, Aiden thought. “That’s rough.”
“He would’ve loved this place.”
A minute passed before Aiden spoke. “I should be getting back to my job.”
“You probably didn’t stop by for a tour. Did you want to talk to me about the fire at the ranch?”
He nodded. “I wanted to fill you in on what we’ve learned. The sheriff and I had an idea of who started the fire. When the man left the ranch, he headed home. We notified the local authorities, and they kept watch on him. Within a few days, they caught the man attempting to start a fire near his hometown.”
“Well, that’s good news. I appreciate you letting me know.”
Aiden walked to the front door, his hand hovering over the handle. “No problem.” He stood there a moment, then turned back toward her. “I know you’re busy, but how about dinner some time?”
A slow smile brightened her face. “I do have a lot to do. Still, I do have to eat.”
He took a step toward her. “Did I just hear ayes?”
“I suppose it is, Deputy.”
“Call me Aiden. And I’ll contact you to arrange dinner.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Heard you and Sam are engaged.” Barrel climbed out of his truck in front of the Kelman barn. He reached out a hand, giving it a hard pump when a stunned looking Logan accepted it. “Surprised everyone. Congratulations, man.”
