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“It’s too early for lunch,” Luke said. “Do you have any errands to run? We can do it now and then get some lunch.”
“Do you want to go out?” she asked.
“I do. Might as well let the rest of Mystic know if you’re good with it?”
“More than good with it,” she said.
But she wasn’t ready to let her family know and was glad they were three hours away right now.
23
Sexy Hero
“Why didn’t you tell me you had a sexy man you were making time with?”
Heather was standing at Lily’s house, outside on the deck, her crutches under her arms. It’d been a little over two weeks since she’d bought her SUV and Luke and she were going out to eat in public. She hadn’t made an announcement or anything about them dating, but she was talking about him with Daisy around other people.
It’d been easy enough for people to catch on, but Poppy was still on maternity leave.
“You’re busy taking care of that beautiful little flower in your arms.”
“She is beautiful,” Poppy said, swaying the sleeping baby in her arms back and forth. “More so when she’s sleeping.”
“Did you make that blanket?” she asked.
Holly was wrapped up in a floral blanket that looked soft to the touch and was a stunning array of flowers in pink and purples. Since it was matching the headband on Holly’s head, she was going to hazard it was a yes.
“I did,” Poppy said. “I’m thinking of proposing a baby line of accessories and blankets. Diaper bags and so on. A whole set or collection. A bag, blanket, headband if it’s a girl. Have to think of something if it’s a boy. But I might need to focus on the girl right now.”
“I think it’s an awesome idea,” she said. “And since I saw Jasmine had something similar yet a different pattern, I’m going to assume you are testing the product now?”
“Of course I am,” Poppy said, giggling. “We’ve got matching bags. It’s pimping the product phase. I’ve gotten a crazy amount of comments when I’m out in public. Jasmine has too.”
These girls were all about expanding and she was thrilled she was allowed to be part of their process.
“It’s wonderful,” Heather said, her finger coming out to touch the soft cotton. “This is a summer blanket, right? Are you thinking of something with a Sherpa fleece maybe on the other side for winter? I love my Sherpa blankets. I’d be happy if you did adult ones.”
Poppy did a little butt wiggle. “It had crossed my mind to do that too. Once I’m back and in full swing again, Lily and I will start talking about production and putting a few in the shop and online. Not a lot of designs yet until we see how they sell.”
“Always smart.”
“That’s right,” Poppy said. “And if I was in the office more I’d be smart enough to know before anyone else that you had your eye on a hot man in uniform. So...what gives? I’m kind of annoyed that I had to find out from Rose last week.”
“Did she rub your nose in it?” she asked, smiling.
“Of course she did. I wish I could have seen her as she told me because I have a feeling she was doing some kind of fist pump when she was gloating over knowing it before me. And you’re deflecting. Do you not want to talk about it since he’s here too?”
Heather turned her head to see Luke standing by Zane and Trace talking. “It’s not that,” she said. “But this is an engagement party for Violet and Trace. Or a cookout. Whatever it is that Lily does so effortlessly.”
She would have figured that Lily would have had this catered or something with as busy as she was. But no. Those girls were always practical and not wasteful.
Somehow Lily found the time to organize this get-together, have a few salads that she made and Zane was grilling. She’d offered to bring something but was told no. Instead she’d stopped and picked up wine and beer. She let Luke talk to Zane about it. It’s not like she could stand in the kitchen to make much so she was thankful for it.
Everyone else did bring either a dessert or salad or snack too. She was raised to do that when going to a party and it seemed everyone else was too.
Daisy was working today, but Ivy was here and walking around with her niece, Cori, while Jasmine and Wesley were talking with Rose and Thomas. She’d seen Violet come out with Lily, carrying some food, and Lily with a frown on her face.
“It’s just an excuse to get together,” Poppy said, smiling. “But we are celebrating their engagement too. It was nice and fast. Those are the best. And Lily looks put out that Violet is helping her. She won’t let Jasmine or me do anything because she says we need to relax with the babies. The party is for Violet and she shouldn’t be doing anything. And you can barely stand without wobbling.”
