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“That’s what Pinterest is for,” she replied.
I laughed and nodded.
“Nate said I had the prettiest dress there.” Olivia bit her lip.
“Of course you did, darlin’.”
“We’ve been telling everyone this is the best place to shop for clothing in the Cove,” Kate commented.
“I appreciate that.” I smiled down at Libby, who now had my tendrils wrapped in her chubby hands.
“We better let you get back to work.” Miss Kate reached for Libby.
“Make sure you check out the sales rack in the back. We just marked down what was left of our spring line. You should check out the summer line too. I know you’re getting ready for your cruise, and there are some lovely maxi dresses up front that would be perfect for you.”
Kate wagged her brows. “You twisted my arm.”
I gave Libby one more kiss and Olivia a squeeze before I said goodbye to them all.
Bobby Jay was quick to find me in the crowded boutique. He was holding up a neon pink tankini. “Do you think this would make my butt look too big?”
I laughed and swiped the swimsuit from him. “Give me that. Don’t you have something better to do today?”
He flashed a sly smile at Ryder, who had moved closer to one of the mannequins in the store, before focusing right back on me. “No, ma’am, we’re enjoying watching you run your hoity toity little store.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “It’s only a tad hoity. Definitely not toity.”
His booming laugh filled the boutique. “We did miss you, girl.”
I don’t think we missed me. I placed the swimsuit back where it belonged.
Bobby Jay and Ryder followed, though Ryder kept his distance. Marlowe took that as her opportunity to chat him up. She needed to be helping customers, but I let it slide. My other sales associates, Talia and Holly, were also in working today. Macey had the day off and was supposed to be going with Jaime on his inaugural backpacking excursion for the Ranch.
“I saw you with that baby in your arms. Why aren’t you working at the hospital?” Bobby Jay asked.
I tucked some hair behind my ear and without thinking began rearranging the swimsuits according to style and size. “I wanted something new.”
“Uh-huh, you little liar. You loved your job as a midwife and whenever you were around you always had someone’s baby in your arms.”
That was just it—I wanted my own baby. Ryder’s baby. “The licensing here is different,” I gave him a poor excuse, “but I did act as an unofficial doula for one of my friends.”
Jenna, Emma’s best friend since forever, had a baby last November and she was determined to go natural. I told her I could help, so I worked with her before and in the delivery room. She did beautifully and her baby boy, Elliot, arrived safe and sound. Unfortunately, her husband, Brad, didn’t do so hot. He spent most of the time puking and apologizing for being so lame. To this day he had to wear a mask to change his son’s diaper. Emma and Jenna teased him about it whenever they could. At least he did it, so he got credit in my book. And the way he held his little guy was precious.
“So, the question is, Miss Shelby,” he placed his large hand over mine on the rack, “are you happy here?”
I glanced at Ryder deep in conversation with Marlowe before meeting Bobby Jay’s gaze. I gave him a small smile. “I am happy here.”Chapter Seven“He said he hardly recognized her.”
Emma raised her brows. We were eavesdropping on her sisters. I knew it wasn’t polite, but Emma and I, and even Sawyer, were curious to see what Macey and Marlowe had to say about the new guests at the Ranch. We were sitting on the deck eating while they lay nearby on lounge chairs soaking in the evening sun. I did love them, but they were so self-absorbed. I don’t think they even thought to check that I might be nearby listening to them talk about me.
Before I could stop myself, my jaw dropped in a very un-ladylike manner. “How dare he say that about me,” I whispered. “Do I look different to you?” I asked Emma and Sawyer.
Sawyer looked to Emma to answer. He was a good husband and that was an unfair question for me to ask him considering I threw myself at him last summer. Goodness, I was still so embarrassed by that. Moving on. I had other issues at hand.
Emma pecked Sawyer before addressing me. “If anything, you look better. Really, how do you do it?” She grabbed her second bottle of Dr. Pepper and downed half of it. She gave us a cat-like grin when she set the bottle down. “I know. I know. I’m giving it up tomorrow.”
Tomorrow started our sugar detox. I had to admit, I was reveling in my last glass of sweet tea before we embarked on our sugarless journey. Poor Emma already had the shakes about it. I was shaking, but for other reasons.
