Page 73 of Finders Keepers

“It’s perfect, sweetie.” I ruffle her hair, anchoring myself in her joy.

Mary Beth bustles around us, passing out flyers for the shop to festival-goers. “Remember folks, come see our beautiful selection of flowers and plants! Bring in the flyer and receive ten percent off your purchase!” Her enthusiasm is contagious, and people seem genuinely interested in the information she’s sharing. She smooths her hair down as she moves between curious visitors, offering gardening tips and plant care advice.

Ms. Lucy approaches our table from the direction of the bake sale, wearing a flower crown we made her earlier. It sits slightly crooked on top of her head.

“Those pies are selling like hotcakes,” she announces, fanning herself with a paper plate. “And speaking of which, Bailey honey, have you tried the peach cobbler yet? It’s divine. Made with fresh peaches from the Johnson’s farm.”

Before I can answer, Mary Beth waves her hands at us. “You two have been working hard enough. Go on and enjoy the festival! I can handle things here. There’s plenty of crowns for me to pass out.” She gestures to the colorful array of floral creations spread across the table.

Sophie’s eyes light up immediately, and she grabs my hand. “Mommy, can we go see Mr. Gavin? Please? I want a puppy kiss!” She tugs, already half out of her chair.

Remembering the twinge of jealousy I felt when Gavin first told us about the booth. The memory of his expression when explaining the fundraising idea puts a smile on my face.

“Puppy kisses?” Ms. Lucy questions tilting her head.

“People can get a kiss and their picture taken with a dog from Gavin’s clinic for a small donation to the local animal shelter.” I tell her, smoothing down Sophie’s hair.

“Come on, Mommy!” She tugs at my hand as we make our way through the crowd. I hold the flower crown I made for Gavin carefully in my other, trying not to crush the delicate petals.

“Patience, sweet pea.” I say at her enthusiasm. Ms. Lucy walks beside us, still fanning herself with her paper plate.

“Well, if it isn’t Ms. Bailey from Magnolia Blooms!” A familiar voice calls out.

I turn to see Mr. Locke waving at us. His round face is lit up with a genuine smile. Next to him stands a tall, thin man with snow white hair and thick-rimmed glasses who looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“Mr. Locke.” I wave back and we head in their direction.

“And who might this little lady be?” He bends down slightly, though his age makes it a bit of a struggle.

“I’m Sophie.” She replies to him, half behind my leg.

“And what do we have here Sophie?” He points at the flower crown she’s wearing.

“A flower crown, I made it.” She comes out from behind me a little bit.

“That’s mighty pretty.” He straightens up with a grunt. “Lucy, good to see you too. Henry, come meet Bailey and Sophie. They’re new in town.”

The older man beside him lets out what I can only describe as a harrumph. “More new folks? Town’s getting too crowded as it is.”

Ms. Lucy clicks her tongue. “Now Henry, don’t you start. Bailey here’s been a blessing to Mary Beth’s shop, and little Sophie’s the sweetest thing since honey.”

I feel my cheeks warm at her praise, but Henry just crosses his arms. “Back in my day, we knew everyone in town. Now, can’t keep track of all these new faces.”

“That’s because back in your day, dinosaurs still roamed the earth,” Mr. Locke chuckles, earning himself a glare from Henry.

“Watch it, Joe. I still remember when you couldn’t tell a Phillips head from a flathead.” Mr. Locke gives him an elbow bump.

Sophie tugs at my hand again, whispering not-so-quietly, “Mommy, he looks like Oscar.”

“Oscar?” Henry’s bushy eyebrows draw together.

“The grouch,” she explains matter-of-factly, causing Ms. Lucy to burst into laughter.

I feel mortified. “Sophie Marie!”

But Mr. Locke is already doubling over with laughter, his belly shaking. Even Henry’s mouth twitches at the corners, though he tries to maintain his scowl.

“She’s got you pegged, Henry!” Mr. Locke wipes at his eyes. “Out of the mouths of babes, right?”

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