Page 33 of Love's Bloom
“Let me try it on. Hopefully, it’ll fit. I love it,” gushed Misty.
After she slipped it on, Misty studied herself in the mirror. As she’d thought, it would be fine with any color scheme Crystal chose for her wedding.
She stepped out of the dressing room to show Poppy.
Poppy studied her thoughtfully and grinned. “It’s lovely on you. I was going to show you another if this one didn’t work, but after seeing you in this, I’m not going to suggest it.”
Misty looked at Sugar. “Do you like it?”
Sugar barked once, twice.
“Okay, I’ll take it,” said Misty. She held back a gulp of worry at the price.
Poppy seemed to notice. “How about I put this on sale for you? It’s been here a few weeks, and I have to think of making room for fall clothes.”
Misty gave Poppy a wide smile. “Thank you.”
“Is this for a special occasion?” Poppy asked a few minutes later as she carefully folded the dress in tissue.
“Just an end-of-summer treat,” said Misty. “Of course, anything from your store is a treat. You have the nicest things. Your taste is excellent.”
Poppy chuckled. “I buy all the things I’d want for myself. Is anything special planned in town for Labor Day? I wasn’t able to join because I had to take care of my mother. But now that she’s gone, I’ve decided to participate more in local events.”
“In that case, why don’t you come to Jake’s in the evenings? That’s where a lot of us locals hang out for drinks and/or supper and conversation. Most everyone is busy, but it’s a nice way to connect with others. Are you living alone now?”
Looking sad, Poppy nodded. “It’s time for me to get back into the swing of things. I moved here to take care of my mother and decided to open the store.”
“Okay. Why don’t you meet me and the others at Jake’s at seven? We’ll be at our usual table in the back. You never know who’ll show up, but it’s always good to be together.”
“Thanks,” said Poppy. “I’ll do that.”
Misty left the store excited about her purchase and a chance to include Poppy, who’d done her such a nice favor.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
That evening, David came to her house.
Sugar looked from her to David and then stepped forward as Misty opened the door.
“Hi. I stopped by to see how the two of you are doing together. Gage said there was some leeway if you decided the adoption wasn’t going to work out.” He bent and stroked Sugar’s ears.
“It’s been wonderful having Sugar here. She’s such great company. And she’s going to work out well as a guard dog of sorts. Even now, you saw how cautious she was before welcoming you. She did the same thing with Crystal.”
“Oh, good dog,” said David. He looked up at Misty. “Are you going to Jake’s tonight?”
“Yes,” she answered. “I’ve invited Poppy Browning from the Wild Flower Boutique to join us. Gage will be there, and it’ll be nice for both of them to be introduced to the gang.”
“Do you want to go there together?”
Misty shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m going to stay just long enough to test Sugar being alone in the house. This is new to her, and I need to know she’s comfortable.”
“Okay,” he said. “See you later. I’ve got to go home and clean up from work. I’ll meet you at Jake’s.”
“Thanks for checking on us,” said Misty. “I like having you do that.”
“I know,” he said, and after giving Sugar a last pat on the head, he left.
Misty watched him go, wishing she was in a different place emotionally. She’d felt the sexual attraction between them for months now, but memories of her time with Vince were sending her reeling backward. She couldn’t lose control of her life because of a man again.
