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She grins and we walk through the expansive lobby and loop around. Near the LM Kids section, there’s a shop. The lights are off, but Scarlett pushes the code on the door and opens it, turning on the lights.
I gasp. “This is gorgeous!”
She makes an excited face. “I’m so excited about it.”
I turn around, looking at the pretty chandeliers and elaborate mirrors against the pale pink walls, and the beautiful vintage chests spaced throughout the room. There are two pink velvet chairs that fit perfectly.
“I love everything about this,” I tell her.
She bounces around and opens one of the chests, pulling out a few lacy things.
“I keep wanting to hang things up, but we’re not quite there yet. The POS system still has to be set up and the counter for that isn’t done. It’s going there.” She points at the far wall. “And I don’t know…do you think we need a painting or two in here?”
“I think that’s your artwork right there,” I say, pointing to the deep blue teddie she holds up. “That’s absolutely gorgeous, Scarlett.”
“Aw, thank you. I thought this was just a hobby, and Jamison is the one who has really encouraged me to turn it into more.”
“This embroidered detailing. I’m in awe. Youmakeall of these?”
“So far, it’s just me, yes. We’ll see what happens with it.” She grins and points at the chest. “Take anything you like.”
“No way. I love it so much, and believe me, I felt like a goddess in the one you gave me, but when you get the store up and running…do you have a website?”
“It’s almost done, but you can just come in anytime,” she pauses when she sees my face. “Wait, you’re coming back, aren’t you?” She frowns and when I start crying, she takes my hand and drags me to the pink chairs.
“I’m sorry. I’m a mess today.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m so sad about your emu,” she says. She winces when I cry harder. “I hope it’s okay that Callum told me.”
“Of course. He’s so great,” I sob.
“He is,” she says carefully. She puts her hand on my knee and looks at me desperately. “Is everything okay with you and Callum?”
I feel terrible for making her nervous when she’s just trying to show me a good time.
“Things are wonderful. He’s perfect. The best man I have e-ever known.” I put my head in my hands and sob and then fan my face.
He’s myhusband, but I can’t tell her that.
Just when I think I have everything I ever wanted, Junior goes and messes everything up.
“I’m so sorry. I love it here. I love…I love your brother,” my voice cracks, and I smile when she lights up.
She leans in, her knees touching mine. “You do? I was hoping with all my heart that you did after seeing him declare himself the other day.” She gives me the side-eye and shakesher head slightly as she sputters. “I mean. You just don’t know…howunlikemy brother that was. The fact that he let you stay a single night in his home was telling enough, but God, he is hopelessly in love with you. I heard him talk more at Thanksgiving than I have my entire life.” She puts her hands on my knees and squeals. “This is so great. I have beendyingto pester the two of you, but I’ve been trying to give you space to get acquainted, and it sounds like you have becomeacquainted.”
She covers her mouth and cracks up and then stops suddenly.
“What is wrong with me?” She holds her hands up. “Sorry, I got so excited about you saying you love him that I’m not even getting to what’s important right now. You’re so devastated about your emu and I’m just skating right over that and making it about my brother.”
I’ve been getting the tears back in check. Her excitement is contagious. But my mouth wobbles when she’s so genuine.
“He’s everything,” I tell her, swallowing hard. “I can’t seem to talk about him without crying. I promise I’ll get it together here in a sec. At least I hope so. I’m just…I don’t want to leave him.”
“But he’s meeting you there later.”
I nod. “He is. But he’ll have to come back, and I’m not sure when I’ll be able to.”
Scarlett looks like I’ve just slapped her. “Oh.”
