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Without looking up from her phone, Kelsey shook her head. “It’s not ideal, but it’s going to be fine. We just need to…” Her voice trailed off then her head snapped up and she grinned. “And, done.”
Megan blinked a few times then shot a concerned look toward her cousin. “What’s done?”
Kelsey held out her phone toward Megan. “See for yourself.”
On the screen was a social media page that highlighted the events in Rocky Ridge.
Confusion swirled around Megan like a fog. “You have a Rocky Ridge social media page?” She’d never seen anything like it. Taking the phone in her hand she scrolled through the listing. There was a generic picture of a book with a cup of coffee beside it. And in the text was a brief announcement of an event taking place to welcome the new business to the area. It was eloquent and well-phrased.
And it was nothing like what Megan might have been able to accomplish even if she had five hours to write something. Her whole body sang with joy. Gabrielle had come through in a way she’d never thought possible. Megan returned the phone to Kelsey and beamed if only to prevent herself from getting emotional. “That’s amazing.”
“I’ll schedule some more announcements throughout the rest of the week. By the time Saturday rolls around, the whole town and all the surrounding ones will know what’s going on. Now, we just need to focus on finalizing the plans for the event.”
Brooke held up her hand. “That’s where I come in. I’ll make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. We’re going to come at this like a wrecking ball. People aren’t going to know what hit them. Do you have any ideas for the flyers?”
Gabby jumped forward and shoved a piece of paper into Brooke’s hands. “I drew up a little something.” Upon seeing Megan’s surprised expression, she murmured, “I hope it’s okay.”
Megan threw her arms around her cousin. “You’re the best.” When she pulled back, she scooted closer to Brooke to get a better look at the flyer. Peering over the edge, her heart skipped another beat. It was perfect from the font choice to the cute little clipart Gabby had designed. Her smile widened and Gabby reached for her hand to give it a squeeze.
Despite all the issues with Daniel and starting a business to become the rival of her cousin’s new family, this week was already turning out to be one she would never forget. Her fears and concerns regarding starting up the bookstore quickly faded and she was able to look forward to the grand opening.
* * *
“It’s goingto be great! Brooke has a guy who can do music. And Kelsey has been working with some of the businesses in town who want to show their support. The bakery will set up next-door to our booth and a couple of the other local businesses agreed to donate money so Megan can hand out books to the children.”
Megan sat quietly at the kitchen table as Gabby practically gushed over their plans. It really had turned out better than she’d expected it to. From the outpouring of support to the event itself, she felt like she had gone to heaven.
Was this how everyone who moved to Rocky Ridge felt? This placewasheaven.
She picked up her roll and pulled off a piece before tossing it into her mouth and letting the conversation continue around her. Everyone from the barbeque was present.
Well, everyone except one person.
Daniel had refused the invite to dinner, but Megan had heard that there was a possibility of him sleeping in his own bed. Though she wasn’t sure if Daniel’s mother was saying that just to make her feel better.
“Sounds like you have this thing in the bag,” Bo nodded to Megan. “I know we’ll be there to support you.”
“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. Just because you’re married to my cousin—”
He held up a hand. “I’m going to stop you right there. I’m not going because you’re my wife’s cousin. I’m going because you’re part of this community. I’m also going because you’re my friend. I wouldn’t miss it and I know I speak for everyone in this room when I say that we all consider you family.”
There were varying degrees of agreement in the room from nods to murmurs, all of which were able to creep into her heart and make her whole body fill with warmth. She didn’t have a large family. She’d been a single child and Gabby was her closest cousin. The distance that had kept them apart for most of their adult lives had worn on her. But now everything would change. They were going to be close. Megan had finally found a place where she could belong.
She let her gaze sweep through the kitchen, landing on every individual. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.” Movement caught her attention out of the corner of her eye, and she glanced toward the door.
Daniel stood there, scowling like he had in the bookstore. Before anyone could invite him in for supper, he slipped away.
For the first time since she’d arrived, a sliver of guilt crept into her body. She frowned, wondering if she shouldn’t have been a little easier on him.
“Don’t worry about Daniel, dear. He’ll come around.” Though even as his mother said it, Megan couldn’t help but see the worry lining Jennifer’s face.
Megan glanced once more toward the door despite knowing Daniel was long gone. Hopefully his mother was right. She didn’t want to be the reason he might have a falling out with his family.
CHAPTERFIVE
“Traitors. You all are traitors.”Daniel slammed the fridge door shut and spun around. He glowered at his parents and his brother. If anyone should be supporting him, it should have been them. His folks were supposed to be there for him. His brother was supposed to stick up for him. And they were all going to support the one person who could be the end of his business.
“You’re overreacting. Your coffee shop isn’t in jeopardy. You might have to make a few adjustments—”
