Page 35 of Two Hearts Reunited

“Not too bad despite all the craziness of the pandemic. How’s your mother doing?” she asked. “I’ve missed her. We used to be pretty close.”

“Coincidentally, she’ll be in town for the next few days,” he replied. “But I’ve actually ordered something from here to give her for Christmas.”

“I saw the name O’Neill and I assumed the items were Brian’s or Ashley’s.” She grinned. “Would you like to see the ring?”

He grinned back at her. “I would.”

She reached for a box nearby, opening it up for him to view first, before tugging it out and handing it over. “You picked out a new design that I just created.”

“It’s beautiful, Dawn,” Eric said, studying the two silver dragonflies entwined to clasp a purply blue mystic topaz. “I remembered that Anya had loved all the jewelry that featuredthat specific gem.” He cleared his throat. “I know it’s not as expensive as a diamond, but it seemed appropriate. Plus, this particular stone matches the color of her eyes.”

“Eric,” she said softly. “What you just told me is all that matters. I guarantee that this will mean a lot more to her than any diamond. You can count on it.”

“Thank you,” he said. “I’m going to have to give her some bad news, but I want her to know that I’ll be back.”

“You’re returning to duty?” she asked, definitely sympathetic as she began wrapping the box.

“Unfortunately. Although I’ll be here for another three or four weeks, I hate to break it to her right away.”

Dawn nodded her obvious understanding. “That necklace for your mom is in the box over there. I’m guessing the bracelet might be for your sister-in-law and the two watches belong to Brian and your dad. Take a look at everything and make sure you’re happy before I wrap them.”

He took a few minutes to look everything over, nodding his approval. “I think I’ll order something for my youngest brother, Rick, while I’m here. He’d probably love one of those watches too. He’s the only one who’s not going to make it home for Christmas, so I won’t need it right away.”

“Good. I’ll be restocking for Valentine’s next week, so I’ll give you a call as soon as I have more made,” she said.

“Great,” he answered, smiling. “I think I’ll leave you while you’re wrapping everything, so you can take your time. I see that you might have a couple of customers to wait on too. I’ve got to pick up something I ordered from the auction so how about if I just return in about twenty or thirty minutes?”

“That sounds good,” she replied, after wrapping the pendant for Mom. “I’ll have everything ready to go.”

As Eric made is way toward the artwork line in the ballroom, he glanced around, surprised at how busy it was.

It only took about ten minutes before he was waited on, by none other than Jake Loughlin, he realized, glancing at the man behind the table.

Jake studied him momentarily. “Didn’t you work for me for a while?”

Eric grinned. “I worked as a busboy in the café the summer after I turned sixteen. I’m Eric O’Neill.”

Jake grinned back at him, holding out his hand. “Brian’s brother, right?

Eric shook his hand. “I am. It’s nice to be back in Crystal Rock.”

“I can understand that after everything your family went through,” Jake replied, glancing at the computer screen before him and punching in some keys. “So, let’s find your artwork.”

Jake grinned, apparently recognizing the painting Eric had purchased. “A Christmas gift for Brian and Ashley, huh? They were disappointed that it got such high bids last night.”

Eric smiled wryly. “Good. I’m glad it’s something they really wanted. It’ll be a nice surprise since it was just a fluke that I happened to notice it when I was watching the auction.”

Jake laughed, accepting the payment that Eric handed over before turning, glancing at the wrapped packages stacked against the walls behind him. “O’Neil,” he muttered, reaching down to a package not too far down the line. “Here it is. You may want to peek inside to make sure it’s the right portrait.”

Eric pulled away the brown paper at the edge. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It sure is. My wife has several paintings by that particular artist,” Jake answered. “You know, we’re offering gift wrapping down there for free.”

“I think I might just do that,” Eric replied. “Thank you, Mr. Loughlin.”

Jake snorted. “Jake, puh-lease.”

Eric began laughing as he walked away. He’d better pick up the stuff from the gift shop first, he decided, glancing at the line where they were offering the free gift wrap.

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