Page 67 of Lakehouse Promises

Bernice opened her mouth to say something, but two more cars of customers pulled in.

“Go wait on them.” Bernice glared.

Carolina sighed and did as she was told. The first car just wanted to pick out some pumpkins so she told them to let her know if they needed anything.

Remembering Bernice’s words, she pasted a fake smile on her face and walked up to the young man who had pulled up in a small economy car. She shook her head. There was no way he was getting anything in the backseat.

“Can I help you?”

“I hope so. My wife wants me to pick up some mums. For our front door. She didn’t say what kind or what color. She said to make sure they would look good with our door and make sure to get plenty and make sure they were the right color.” He grimaced.

“She should have come with you.” She gave him a sympathetic smile.

“She would have but we have a newborn and she’s been up with him at night. She wants to make this holiday perfect for the baby, but he won’t even understand what’s going on.” He scrubbed his hand over his face. “I work nights at the hospital and I just got off. I don’t want to mess up and get the wrong thing. Not to mention she won’t put the baby in that car. I really need to get a bigger, safer car but I just haven’t had time.” He looked at his economy car.

“I understand. Let’s see what we can do to make your wife happy. You know we offer a decorating service.”

“You do?” His eyes widened.

“Yes. Do you have a picture of your house so I can see the door?”

He nodded and flipped through some pictures. “I just painted the front door.”

“Nice color.” It was a dark navy against a light brick house.

“Thanks. My wife picked it out.”

“You have a small stoop and no porch. I would suggest you decorate both sides of the steps leading up to the door in yellow and orange mums with pumpkins. I wouldn’t even decorate the door. You don’t want to overload it.”

“Whatever you think. Can you give me a quote of how much it would cost for the supplies and how much it would cost for you to decorate it?”

“Sure. Let me do some quick calculations.” She pulled a pencil and pad out of her small apron she wore as she worked. She looked at the picture and counted the steps. After calculating everything she handed him the scrap of paper.

“If this is what it costs to make my wife happy, then so be it.” He looked at her. “And you will deliver?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “I actually think I can get everything in the back of my jeep. I’ll be over today if that’s alright with you.”

“That would be perfect.” He smiled and relief slid across his face. He pulled out a debit card and handed it to her. “Thank you so much.”

“Of course. Just follow me inside and we’ll get this rung up.”

After he left she helped another customer with a sale.

“That makes five more houses to decorate.” Bernice cocked her head. “Who knew people would be jumping on this like a duck on a June bug?”

She wanted to say that she did, but wisely held her tongue. She had enough problems as it was without making her boss mad at her. “I’ll go over to the Clemson house today after work to get the house decorated.”

“The Clemson house? Do you mean Tony and Katie Clemson?”

She frowned and read the name on the order. “Yes. You know them?”

“That’s Hannah’s nephew. I should have come over and spoken to them but I didn’t recognize the car.”

“I think he’s in the market for a new one. He mentioned the wife doesn’t want to put the baby in that car.”

“Who can blame her? Why the whole thing looks like it would be totaled if it hit a squirrel.” Bernice shook her head. “It’s almost quitting time so just go on over there and start decorating their house.”

“Are you sure?”

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