“Well, they can’t make you go back. It’s your choice.”
“Yes, but sometimes it’s complicated.”
“Why do you think things are so different here?”
“I don’t know. It’s a slower pace. It seems more real. You’re great, and this store is amazing. I love all the feminine stuff. It’s all just so pretty. It’s nice. This town is small, and I guess with it being small, I notice and enjoy more things. Does that make sense?”
“I know. When I was in Hilton Head, things were so busy that I didn’t even have time to enjoy myself.”
“Right. Like walking to work, or today I rode the bike. That’s so nice. And church. I don’t even remember when the last time was that I’d gone to church before I moved here. I love it. I feel so grounded, and I’m doing things I normally wouldn’t do.”
“I saw you volunteer to help with teen night.”
“And I had a blast. I think I may have even helped someone. That was so gratifying.”
“You fit in so well here. Whatever it is you think you want to do or be or try, you can do it here in Antler Creek.”
“Would you mind if I committed to sticking around and renting your bunkhouse through the summer? By then I’ll be prepared to sign a lease or find another place to live if you’re ready to flip it. Is that fair?”
“Totally, and I’m not pushing you for a decision, but I’m so thankful you’re going to stay a while longer.” Krissy bounced with delight. “I have a feeling Adam is influencing this decision, whether you admit it or not.”
“If I stay, it won’t be because of Adam. It will be because it’s right for me.”
Krissy flung her hands in the air. “Good. You’re right. That’s how it should be. We have to take care of ourselves before we can consider including anyone else in the equation. That’s how it was for me and Grady too. It wasn’t until I got back here and opened the store and kind of got my feet under me that I could take my hands off the brakes and start coasting into that possibility.”
“You two are so perfect together.”
“It’s funny how things work out when you least expect it. I’d all but given up on having someone like him in my life, and then there he was.” She reached over and patted Merry Anna’s hand. “I won’t push, but just don’t turn your back on the possibility. I never knew life could be this good with the right partner. I want that for you too.”
“Thank you.” The chimes on the door jingled. “We have a customer. I better get back to work, or my boss might fire me.” Merry Anna walked over to greet the customer, excitedto spread a little Antler Creek hospitality. “Looking for anything special today?”
“I’m not sure what I’m looking for. My mother-in-law’s birthday is next week, and my husband always dumps that on me. Like, how am I supposed to know what to get her?” The woman spun around, too harried to even really see anything.
“Oh my goodness. I’m sure that makes you crazy, but you’ve come to the right place. I just know we’ll be able to pull together something she’ll love or, even better, can’t complain about.”
“Do you know my mother-in-law?” The lady let down her guard. “Thank you. I appreciate the help.”
“I’m Merry Anna, and it’s my pleasure.”
“You can call me Jessica.”
“Well, Jessica, let’s start over here.” An hour later, not only did Jessica have the perfect gift for her mother-in-law, but she’d also treated herself to some very nice things.
Merry Anna wrapped the present for Jessica’s mother-in-law, then carefully folded the other things in beautiful tissue paper. Jessica was sure to feel special when she rediscovered all her goodies later at home. Merry Anna walked the woman all the way out to her car, then came back in to a very happy Krissy.
“And this is the selfish reason I want you to work here. My sales have never been this good.”
“That’s only because it’s still a new business. You are doing everything right.”
“Well, it’s more fun with you here. I’m going to head upstairs to the studio and work on that barn quilt for the Ogburns.”
“Sure. I’ve got this.”
Merry Anna’s phone rang, startling her since it so rarelydid these days. It was her mother, and since she wasn’t up for a discussion with her, she let it go to voice mail.
At the end of the day, Merry Anna got on the Schwinn to go home. The neon sign at the antique store beckoned her.
It wasn’t as though she had anything better to do. With her plants on the back patio, she could even take care of them late at night under the porch light. She swerved the bike into the lot and pulled it up onto the sidewalk next to the front door. She put down the kickstand and went inside.
