Page 12 of Dale
Ever since surviving a school shooting her senior year, her cousin didn’t leave her house that often. She only ventured out to get supplies or pick up discarded furniture to work on. That would be great for the channel and for Harper too. Working on pieces and explaining the process, step by step, were up her cousin’s alley. More than once, she’d done exactly that with Sadie on a Zoom call.
“I plan to suggest it again when I call her tonight,” she said before biting into her pumpkin cream cheese muffin.
The last time Sadie had made the suggestion, Harper told her she’d think about it. Since it hadn’t been a flat-out no like in the past, she felt optimistic that the timing was right.
“Well tell her we’re hoping she comes down,” Loni said before sipping her drink.
Lori sat back, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Let’s circle back to the Dale subject.”
“Let’s not,” she muttered into her muffin before biting off another delicious chunk.
“You living next door could be beneficial to him. Maybe he could use a little distraction. You know, something to lighten the mood. And who better than our lovely Sadie, the queen of crafts and good vibes?”
Sadie choked on her muffin. Shaking her head, she gulped down her drink before clearing her throat. “Oh, sure. Because nothing says, ‘Welcome home’ like glitter and glue guns.”
Loni chuckled, setting her cup down. “Actually, that sounds like a great idea. You could make him a welcome home gift. Or Sam. Something simple, like a ‘Get Well Soon’ card or a little craft project to cheer them up.”
“Already took care of the ‘Get Well Soon’.” She cocked her head, her mind already whirring with ideas. “But something for Sam for when he gets out of the hospital isn’t a bad idea. Thanks, ladies.”
It felt good to have friends who knew her so well and encouraged her creativity.
While they finished off the muffins, they chatted, moving from the topic of Dale to the latest happenings at the bakery. Loni excitedly talked about their new seasonal flavors, while Lori mentioned a few upcoming events they were commissioned to bake for. Sadie enjoyed the comfortable banter, feeling the usual warmth of their friendship wrap around her like a cozy blanket.
As Sadie and the twins finished their conversation, the bakery’s bell jingled, signaling new customers. She glanced toward the door and her heart skipped a beat. Dale walked in, followed by the sheriff. The duo seemed to command the room’s attention without even trying. Both men were ruggedly handsome, with broad shoulders and muscled biceps, but it wasn’t the man in uniform who ruled Sadie’s pulse.
Lori nudged her. “Wow. He certainly grew up.”
Sadie rolled her eyes. “Shush. Be cool,” she whispered, but her heart raced, nonetheless.
Gabe spotted the group first and waved. “Hello, ladies. I brought my friend here for the best Boston Cream donuts in town.”
Loni grinned, rising to her feet. “Hello, Sheriff. Hi, Dale. We heard you were back in town.”
Great. He was going to thinkshewas talking about him. Okay, technically that was true, but Sadie hadn’t been the one to bring him up.
Gabe’s brows rose. “Wait, you know each other? Of course.” He laughed. “Probably through Zoom calls with Dean and RJ.”
“No. Happened many summers ago,” he told Gabe. “Nice to see you again…Loni, is it?” Dale asked, and her friend nodded as he approached. “It was always tough telling you and Lori apart.”
Lori snorted. “We’re making it easier now. I’m the one with the bangs. Good to see you, Dale. Sorry about your dad. How’s he doing?”
His expression sobered. “Thanks. And good.”
“You guys are in luck,” Loni said, walking behind the counter. “We just made a fresh batch of Boston Cream. How many do you need?”
“Make it a dozen,” Gabe replied. “We’re heading to ESI to talk to the guys.”
Loni nodded. “You got it. I’m going to throw a cinnamon bun in there for my man. Make sure he gets it.”
Gabe grinned. “Roger that.”
As her friend began to fill their order, Dale’s gaze drifted to her. He nodded but didn’t say anything, so she nodded back. The fact his expression was kind of closed off kept her from speaking.
Her chest tightened. Crap. It felt like she was back in school, getting the brush off from him again.
Loni boxed up their order and pushed it toward the men. “Because it’s your first time back in town, Dale, they’re on the house.”
“That’s not necessary.” He frowned, reaching for his wallet.
