Page 10 of Rafe

“Alright. Did you take your meds for your arthritis?” Rafe inquired, concern lacing his words.

“Yes, but some days, it’s worse than others.” Fred glanced up at the sky visible through the barn doors, the clouds gathering ominously. “I think we might be in for some rain.”

“Yeah, it’s calling for it. Go inside, Fred. I won’t be long,” Rafe encouraged, gesturing toward the house with a tilt of his head.

“Okay. You know where she works, right?” Fred confirmed, pausing in the doorway.

“Yes, sir,” Rafe replied.

“Alright. It’s already paid for. See you soon,” Fred said, offering a grateful smile before heading out.

Rafe watched as Fred sauntered away, his pace surprisingly brisk for someone complaining about his knees. Rafe frowned slightly, suspicion creeping in as he observed Fred crossing the yard with ease.

“Fred Hancock, if you didn’t want to go, why not just say so?” Rafe murmured to himself, shaking his head with amusement as he made his way to his pickup truck, climbed in, and started it to head into town. The engine rumbled to life beneath the gathering storm clouds.

As he parked his truck across the street from Timeless Treasures, a smile spread across his face as he observed the steady stream of people entering and exiting the shop. With a sigh, he pushed open the truck door, stepped out, and patiently waited for a lull in the bustling traffic before crossing the street.

Upon entering the crowded shop, the air was filled with the nostalgic scent of aged antiques. His eyes roamed the room in search of Maggie.

“Hello. Welcome to Timeless Treasures. Is there something I could help you find?”

A soft voice drew his attention to a striking woman with dark red hair cascading over her shoulders and piercing blue eyes that sparkled like sapphires. She was absolutely stunning.

“I’m looking for Maggie,” he said, with a smile.

“I believe she’s with a customer right now.”

“Okay. I’m picking up a picture frame for Fred Hancock.”

Her face brightened with a welcoming smile. “I’m Savannah Collins. I own the place.” She extended her hand gracefully for him to shake.

Rafe took her hand in his firm grip. “Rafe Marshall.”

“Nice to meet you, Rafe. Let me get Maggie for you.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded and casually glanced around the shop. The room was alive with antique treasures, each piece whispering stories of bygone eras. Several women were eyeing him with interest, prompting him to touch the brim of his hat and grin. Rafe never struggled to find a date; in fact, his best friend, Nate Jefferson, constantly teased him about the attention he garnered from women.

“Rafe?”

He turned to see Maggie approaching, her beauty radiant and captivating.

“Maggie, I’m picking up the frame Fred ordered.”

“Oh, I was going to take it to him this weekend, but that’s fine. Let me get it.”

Rafe followed her to the counter, his eyes skimming over the intricate displays of antiques. The variety was astounding, yet he couldn’t distinguish an authentic antique from something crafted yesterday.

Maggie returned with a box, set it on the counter, and met Rafe’s gaze.

“Here you go,” she said, just as a thunderous boom echoed overhead, making the windows tremble and Maggie jumped. “God! I wasn’t expecting that,” she exclaimed with a laugh.

Rafe grinned. “I think we’re in for a storm.”

“Please be careful going home.”

“Worried about me?”

“I’d worry about anyone out in this.”

---