“I would love nothing more.” Alex gestured towards the cafe with a grin and a wink. “Lead the way, fair lady.”
“I told you. I’m no lady.”
“And I told you,” Alex fell in step beside her, hands clasped behind her back as she walked with Mary, “that I have a nose for ladies, and you are indeed, one of the first order. A high-class lady.”
Mary scoffed but she would be lying if she did not admit to preening a bit at the words. Alex had a way of making her want to simper and blush. It should have made her sigh at herself but instead, Mary quite enjoyed the feeling of careless frivolity.
Alex bounded up the steps ahead of Mary and opened the cafe door with a flourish. “After you, my lady.”
Mary’s cheeks warmed but she stepped inside all the same. The pair made their way to the pastry counter and Mary surveyed the items it held. There were pies, and cookies, muffins and even small cakes that looked heavenly. She hesitated looking at the cakes, remembering Alex’s letter on the perfect breakfast.
“Strawberry shortcake,” Mary said, tapping a finger against the glass.
“What was that?” Alex gave her a quizzical look and stepped closer. The step brought them into close proximity, elbows brushing against the other, the smell of soap and leather filling Mary’s nose. She sniffed again and smiled when she realized it was Alex. Of course, the other woman would smell enticing in addition to looking as much.
“Your favorite dessert,” Mary said gesturing towards the cakes once her brain had cleared enough for her to speak. She licked her lips and fixed her eyes on the dessert rather than meet Alex’s eyes. All it would take was one glance into the pair of warm brown eyes for her to do something truly rash.
Although, once a woman agreed to marry another, Mary wasn’t sure what other rash decision was left for her to make.
Alex beamed at her. “You remembered!”
“Of course, your letters are my favorite indulgence.”
This time it was Alex who blushed. “And yours mine, Minnie. They brighten my day with each and every line.”
Mary’s heart skipped a beat. Her pulse hammered in her throat and she let out a nervous titter. “That's kind of you to say,” she murmured.
“Not a kindness when it is the truth, Minnie.”
Mary ducked her head, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She might have said more but Mrs. Lily was there and smiling at them with a notepad in hand.
“What would you like today, ladies?”
“Oh, well I’m not sure on that account.” Alex gave Mary a sidelong look. “Unless you have made your mind up?”
“I have,” Mary said with a nod. “The shortcakes. I would like all the shortcakes.”
“All of them? How splendid. I’ll just box these up for you. That will be two dollars.”
“Thank you!” Mary was already fishing in her small reticule for her spending money when Alex put a hand on her arm.
“Minnie, that’s entirely too much to spend on desserts. Allow me to--”
“No, no, this is my treat. You love them so.” She handed the money to Mrs. Lily who was now looking at the women with a curious smile.
“Thank you, I’ll just be a moment getting your change there, dear.” She turned to leave the couple, who in Mrs. Lily’s estimation, seemed to be in need of just the right amount of alone time. Who knew what wondrous things might happen in a moment of silence?
“But what are we to do with all these cakes?” Alex wanted to know.
Mary gave a little shrug. “Eat them? Give them away? Whatever you choose, I suppose.”
“Oh, anything?”
“Yes, anything. But why are you giving me such a funny look?”
“Because, I have had the most splendid idea, Minnie. One worthy of the amount of cakes you just purchased.”
“And what would that be?” Minnie asked, her heart pounding. She had no clue what Alex was about to propose but she did know one thing with certainty. Whatever it was, Mary would agree, and wholeheartedly so.
