Page 207 of Pumpkin Spice Promises

Her reply came almost immediately.

Carson

Unfortunately.

I smiled.

Beau

Can I call you?

My phone rang a second later, her name lighting up the screen in the dark room.

“That was quick, sweetheart.”

Her laugh came through the speaker, softer than usual. “You asked.”

I rolled onto my side. “How’s the leg?”

There was a brief pause.

“Better. I kept it off most of the evening after everyone left.”

“Good.”

She yawned.

“Tired?”

“No.”

“Liar.”

“I don’t sleep well after busy days,” she murmured, and I knew well enough not to press her for more information.

“How’d the final numbers look?”

Carson became more awake immediately. “You’re going to think I’m crazy.”

“Probably.” I shrugged, even though she couldn’t see.

“We made more today than last year’s first day.”

I smiled into the dark. “That’s huge.”

“I know.” Her voice broke slightly. “I kept checking the spreadsheet because I thought Rosie entered something wrong.”

“And?”

“She didn’t.”

I could hear the happiness beneath her exhaustion.

“I wish Pops could’ve seen it.” Carson’s voice came quieter, and my heart ached because of it. “He would’ve complained,” she laughed, “about everything.”

“He would’ve had an aneurysm over credit cards,” I added, and she laughed again.

“Definitely.” Her laughter stayed with me for a moment.