Page 19 of Cookie

“Charlie why are there so many people here?” he whispered with a shake of his head and a long blink.

“That’s my family, plus I think Mom wanted to make sure you knew everyone was happy that you’re moving here. They’re a little over the top for celebrations,” I explained while he still stared at me.

“That’s all your family out there?” he asked and pointed toward the front room, where the noise of conversation seemed to grow even louder.

“Not all of them. Some are friends, others are people who have been curious about the new guy that’s been cleaning up the bookstore,” I explained. “They’re all happy you’re here.”

“Charlie, I’ve never had anyone do something for me like this,” he whispered. “I was worried they wouldn’t like that Millie was selling.”

“Ryan, there is not a person out there that won’t miss Millie,” I said, and his face fell. “But they are all excited for a fresh new start to the bookstore.”

His eyes met mine, and he stared at me a long moment before he spoke. “Are you sure? I don’t want them to think I’m just moving in and taking over.”

I pulled him close and kissed the top of his head. “They’re going to love you as much as I do. Don’t worry about a thing.” I gave him a harder squeeze until he laughed and squirmed out of my arms.

“Come on, I want my boyfriend out there with me,” he said. “And don’t think I didn’t notice you said the L word.” His eyes sparkled with happiness, and I couldn’t stop myself from kissing him and hugging him one more time.

“Let me introduce you to everyone,” I said, and led him back out to the shop.

Avery was still at the register and from the crazed look in her eyes, it had been a little hectic while we’d been in the backroom. Ryan rushed over to help her, and Dad stepped closer to me.

“So, it’s official,” he said and took a sip of whatever he had in his cup.

“Yeah, he’s going to stay,” I said and couldn’t pull my eyes away from Ryan, who was doing his best to get caught up on the line that had formed at the cash register.

“He’s a good one,” Dad said, and patted my shoulder before walking over to the food table.

“Yeah, he is,” I whispered to myself. He looked up then and his eyes went right to me and that spark of excitement was still there. I never would have thought so many people in the town of Grace would be excited about a new bookstore but looking at the locals who stood in line chatting while thumbing through the books they’d chosen, it was obvious they were.

Eighteen

Ryan

After deciding to buy the bookstore, it seemed my feet had barely touched the ground and time raced by. Every day was filled with decisions about changing or not changing different parts of the store and ordering books or finding new ways to sell them.

“What do you think of having a reading night for Halloween? We could pass out candy, but we could also offer a little spooky story while they’re here,” I said to Charlie as he helped me decorate. I didn’t want to forget any of the holidays, and I thought Halloween could be a lot of fun, not just scary.

“That’s a great idea. Why don’t you do it before it gets dark so they can come here and not worry about missing trick or treat?” he suggested.

“I love that idea.”

“We could also dress up. I mean, the kids would love it.” He lit the light on one of the plastic Jack-o’-lanterns we’d placed around the store and stood back enough to admire it.

“I love that idea too. Are you sure you don’t mind helping?” Charlie was always willing to help and I loved it and appreciated it, but I didn’t want him to feel like he had to, and I didn’t want to expect it.

“I wouldn’t offer if I minded,” he said and kissed my cheek as he took a box to the backroom.

“What do you think of making the place look a little scarier? We could dim the lights and put more fake candles around. Sort of set the mood, but not too scary for the kids,” Avery said.

“I like that idea. Maybe we could theme the decorations to the book we choose to read?”

Charlie walked out of the backroom and over to me. “Which book do you want to read?” Charlie asked.

“I’m not sure. But a picture book would definitely be more fun for the little ones.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get on it and find something cute and new,” Avery said, and walked behind the counter to check online.

Charlie walked over and slung his arm around me. “So, what do you want to dress like?” he asked.

---