Page 6 of Rafe

Vanna burst into laughter. “I thought the same about Grady when I first saw him nude. My, oh my. That cowboy is amazing.” Vanna tilted her head with a playful smirk. “Cowboys are the best.”

“Yes. Yes, they are,” Maggie grinned, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “I’d better get back to work before I melt into a pool of water on the floor.”

“We’re busy today, but I’m not complaining,” Vanna remarked, her eyes moving around the bustling shop filled with aged treasures. Her voice carried a friendly lilt as she observed the lively activity within the shop’s walls.

“I’ll check with the folks in the dollhouse room,” Maggie replied, nodding toward the section where intricate miniature worlds beckoned with their meticulously crafted details and stories waiting to be discovered.

“Okay. Jackie had to run to the pharmacy, but she shouldn’t be much longer,” Vanna informed her.

“Well, I would’ve been back sooner if I hadn’t stopped by Rafe’s for Fred. I’m sorry,” Maggie admitted.

“Oh, Maggie, it’s fine,” Vanna assured warmly. “Besides, it made your day.”

“Probably going to make my night too,” Maggie grinned, the laughter between them soon rising in contagious mirth.

Maggie stepped into the room brimming with dollhouses. The atmosphere was enchanting: from the tiniest, meticulouslycrafted cottages to larger, elaborate mansions, each perched charmingly on tables, scattered gracefully on the floor, or arranged along wide, time-worn shelves. She lovingly caressed one of her favorites, running her fingers over its tiny, carved details. Even though Vanna generously offered her a discount, Maggie knew she couldn’t quite afford to own one, so she often retreated into this room to admire the miniatures and dream of the day she might have one of her very own.

Sometime later, while she was assisting a customer at the counter, the shop’s door opened and in walked Jackie Largent. Maggie grinned. She truly enjoyed working with Jackie. Having moved here just six months ago, Jackie, with her friendly manner, was not only a talented colleague but also very sweet and fit right in.

Jackie, who also split her time working part-time at the sheriff’s department was very popular with the customers at the shop. She was happily married and always seemed to be in a good mood.

“Hey, did you need any help?” Jackie asked.

“Not right now, but if you wouldn’t mind checking whether anyone needs assistance in the dollhouse room, I’d appreciate it,” Maggie responded.

Jackie’s smile spread as she replied, “Sure thing.”

Just as Maggie finished ringing up a customer, the door swung open once more, and Fred made his entrance. His presence brightened the room and drew an immediate smile from Maggie. Setting aside her tasks at the counter, she moved gracefully around to envelop him in a warm, affectionate hug.

“Didn’t I just see you?” she teased, her voice light and full of spark.

“I could always leave and come back tomorrow,” he countered with a playful wink that promised mischief.

Maggie laughed. “No. You’re here now. Let me show youaround.”

“Alright,” Fred agreed, his tone matching her enthusiasm.

Taking the lead, Maggie guided him through the front of the store. She pointed out antique treasures with histories whispered through their timeworn surfaces, then directed him toward the quieter, more intimate back room.

“Jackie? This is my father-in-law, Fred Hancock. Fred, meet Jackie Largent,” Maggie introduced with a gentle nod, her hand gesturing toward Jackie who had paused in her tasks.

“Hello, Mr. Hancock. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Maggie speaks so highly of you,” Jackie said as she extended her hand, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth.

“No need to call me Mr. Hancock. Fred is just fine, Jackie,” he replied with a gracious smile.

“I’d like that, Fred,” Jackie responded pleasantly. Then, spotting a small group of customers approaching, she added, “I see someone needs help. Have a nice day.”

“You too, honey,” Fred replied, his eyes lingering on Maggie with affectionate admiration. “She seems very nice.”

“She is. She works here three days and two days at the sheriff’s office answering the phones,” Maggie explained.

“Busy woman indeed,” Fred commented.

“Well, she’s here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and she’s off at the sheriff’s office on Tuesday and Thursday, at least, she gets a full week of work,” Maggie grinned.

“That’s true,” Fred replied, scanning the neat rows of antiques. “This is a lovely shop.”

“I’d introduce you to Vanna, but she’s with a customer now,” Maggie noted, her tone apologetic.

---