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ONE
Tancy leaned against the window of her aunt’s cozy yarn shop and studied the growing line of women crowding the door of Teague’s studio. Did her viral TikTok have something to do with the swarm of beauties clamoring for her friend’s attention?
Peering past the early blooming Dogwood trees, she noted that many were snacking on donuts from the bakery and holding bags from the clothing store. One woman even had a large bouquet of hyacinths.
Good lord, this turned out better than I imagined.
Not only would Teague benefit from her machinations, but several downtown merchants would too. Could there be a citizen of the month award in her future?
Before she could decide, footsteps echoed against the wood floors. “Isn’t it exciting, Auntie? Downtown is bustling.”
Sadie Foster set down a basket filled with bright yarn. “Please tell me you didn’t have anything to do with the throng of ladies blocking the sidewalk.”
“Don’t you think he’ll be thrilled with all the new customers?”
“No! And that didn’t answer my question.”
She ignored her aunt’s disapproving tone and smoothed out her vintage concert t-shirt. “I might’ve made the tiniest effort on Teague’s behalf but wouldn’t want my little TikTok video to earn more credit than it deserves.” She stood up straight. “This is going to be fantastic. Just wait and see.”
“I doubt that very much,” Sadie replied quietly. “The man would rather have dental surgery than speak to that many people.”
Tancy pushed her glasses up. “A little social discomfort is a small price to pay for taking one’s business to the next level, and...” Seeing her aunt’s arched brow made her stop midsentence.
“We both know he does it as a hobby, not a vocation.”
“Then he can focus on all the romantic possibilities.” She flung her hand toward the pack of admirers leaning against the brick exterior of the shop. “He’s not a snarling black ops ghost anymore and could easily find several women worth wooing. Especially if he decides to permanently give up his impression of a pissed off porcupine and use more than two words when responding to a question.”
Sadie rearranged the ferns filling the front window. “I think you’re the one he wants to pursue.”
An involuntary snort escaped. “That’s highly unlikely since the man treats me like I’m a grocery cart with a wonky wheel and often comments on my Doc Martin’s obsession. We’re opposites in every way and hardly ever agree.”
Sadie shook her head, making her gray curls bounce. “An inaccurate statement if I’ve heard one since you two are aligned in all the important areas.” She squeezed her niece’s hand. “And if he has anything to say about your footwear, I’d be more than happy to enlighten him.”
“Thank you, but I don’t think defending my sartorial choices will be necessary. She crossed her arms. “And we barely tolerate one another.”
“Then why do you two spend most of your free time together?”
“We live next door to one another, work on the same block, and are related through marriage. It’s all but impossible to avoid each other.”
“Didn’t he build a bench in his workshop at home so you’d have a comfortable place to sit when you two are listening to true crime podcasts?”
She thought about the little nook he’d made with a small shelf and cup holder. “He didn’t make it specifically for me.”
“But you’re the only one who sits there.” Sadie straightened a cornflower yellow blanket on display. “And my marriage to his Aunt Ellie likely won’t allow you to claim familial ties.”
Ignoring the salient point, she noticed a half dozen people bustle toward the yarn shop and silently thanked the afternoon stitch and bitch group for interrupting further interrogation. “I’m going back to my office.”
“We’ll dig into this at dinner tonight.”
“I think we've covered everything.” She smiled confidently, grabbed a caramel candy, and escaped when the group stepped into the store. When she hit the sidewalk, she unwrapped the candy and glanced into Teague’s studio. She let the buttery sugariness melt against her tongue and was surprised when Teague shot her a frown. “I guess he’s not ready to see the bright side yet.”
She threw him a little wave and decided giving him space was probably best. Sometimes it took time to process life’s blessings, and since Teague was more grumbly bear than happy unicorn, it could be days before he was ready to express his appreciation.
If not months, a small voice whispered. Ignoring the inner naysayer, she clomped toward the legal aid office, noticing the line of women vying for Teague’s attention stretched for an entire two blocks. Damn! Her instincts had been spot on, and women really did go gaga for a drool-worthy retired SEAL slash furniture maker.
“Good lawd, Tancy, did you have anything to do with the public display of foolishness?”
She skidded to a stop in front of her favorite vintage clothing store. “I did, but think it’s a public display of hope and a sign that despite mounting evidence to suggest otherwise, love is possible.”
