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Does this mean we’re supposed to mess it up? his bear asked.
No, Matilda’s trying to make us see the afternoon doesn’t have to be perfect, Gabe told him. And that we should relax and enjoy it.
Oh. We are so going to enjoy it! His bear was ready to burst with joy.
Then he sensed Mara.
Gabe slid the thermoses into their bag, set it on top of the basket, and carried everything through to the front, setting it at the end of the counter. The awareness of her grew stronger the closer she got. Until at last, the bell above the bakery door rang, and Mara walked in wearing jeans and walking shoes, a light jacket folded over one arm and sunglasses pushed into her hair.
She smiled the moment she saw him. “Hi.”
For one ridiculous second, Gabe forgot every other word in the language. “Hi.”
His bear was almost beside himself. She came back.
She said she would. Gabe sighed.
Mara’s gaze moved to the picnic basket at the end of the counter, then back to Gabe. “You packed a picnic.”
“I did.” He hoped it wasn’t too much.
Then Matilda appeared from the kitchen. “I thought I heard someone come in.”
“Matilda, this is Mara,” Gabe began. “And Mara, this is Matilda, my right-hand woman.”
“And his left-hand woman,” Matilda said as she nudged him lightly in the ribs. “It’s good to put a face to a name.”
“Matilda’s covering for me this afternoon,” Gabe explained.
“Are you sure it’s okay?” Mara glanced at Gabe. “I don’t want to steal you from work.”
“You aren’t stealing anything.” Matilda ushered Gabe around the counter. “As I’ve already told Gabe, I have worked here long enough that I don’t need him fussing, so he should take the picnic and go.”
Gabe picked up the basket before Matilda could add anything else. “Ready?”
“I am.” She smiled at Matilda and said, “It was good to meet you. And I’ll make sure to bring him back in one piece.”
“Have a good afternoon,” Matilda called as they headed for the door.
Mara looked back. “Thanks. We will.”
Gabe led her to his truck, where he set the basket on the back seat and wedged it against the far door so it would not slide around.
Mara looked at him over the roof. “You really did rearrange your afternoon.”
“I asked Matilda to come in early, that’s all.” He came around the truck and opened the door for her.
“Because of me.” She looked up at him, and his heart stuttered in his chest.
“Yes,” he managed to say even though he could barely breathe.
“You didn’t have to.” Her eyes caught his, and his knees went weak.
How are you going to walk the trail when you can barely stand? his bear asked, highly amused.
Gabe ignored his bear as he leaned on the door. “I wanted to.”
“Well. Thank you.” She climbed into the passenger seat.
