Page 61 of All Inn Thyme
As I wait to board my flight, I think about Mellie. I need my momma to be okay; I want her to meet them. She’s been after me for years to find a nice woman to settle down with and give her grandbabies.
I check my group texts with my brothers and sister, and they’re just as worried as me. We’re all meeting up in Alabama.
My phone rings and I answer it, “Flynn.”
“I heard you’re going back home for personal reasons.”
Mack, my field division superior, checks in on me often and I know he won’t be pleased about me leaving during the operation just as it’s heating up.
“Yeah, it’s my mother. I’ll touch base with you as soon as I know more.”
“Okay, I’m sorry about your mother, but you need to be back here as soon as you can. We’re close to finishing.”
“Will do. And Mack, I also want to talk to you about my next contract. I’m not sure I want to renew.” I can’t even believe the words rolled off my tongue. I’ve always wanted to do this job, but lately, I’m rethinking everything.
“Why?” I can tell by his tone that he’s surprised.
“These assignments aren’t conducive to the life I want to live.”
“We can talk about it later. Just finish this assignment. If you want out, I’ll help you get out after this one. You’re a fine agent, one of the best I’ve ever worked with at ATF. We’ll be sad to see you go, but I understand.”
“Thanks. I just wanted to let you know where my head’s at.”
“Just get back here as soon as you can. I hope your mom is okay. It’ll work out, Flynn.”
I want to build a life I can be happy with, with a woman who loves me, a family. Damn it, I want that so bad. I thought this would be a lifelong career for me, but I want other things more now. The job led me to Mellie, though, so I’ll always be grateful.
I have hard choices to make, that’s for sure, but for now, I have to get home.
19. mellie
I want this with him.
We misshim and he’s only been gone a few days. It’s crazy that in the short amount of time we’ve lived with him in the bunkhouse, we’ve become so close and intertwined in each other’s lives.
I drove Ty to the airport and he told me to borrow his truck whenever I needed it, so I went ahead and ran some quick errands in town. I stop in front of Allie’s new bakery, Baked Inn Love. I admire the window at the front of the bakery and smile. Watching this dream come together for Allie has been incredible to see, and I’m so excited to see the inside of the store now that she’s so close to opening.
I walk up to the dark walnut double doors and peer inside. I run my fingers over the ornate wood and take in the big, picture windows with the letters beautifully etched in the glass.
The door swings open, and Allie startles me. “Get in here. We were just talking about you and all your beautiful décor that you helped me with.” I grin as I head in and give her a big hug. Having them include me in their dreams and watching it all come together makes me feel even more a part of their family.
“This looks fantastic!” I take in the boho-chic vibe of the bakery. It’s homey, eclectic, and stunning, with soft pinks, mint greens, wood tones, cream walls, and bright green plants lining the walls with terra cotta pots that she let me help her choose. Large, round tables with cozy oversized chairs are scattered around the front and a few sofas are set up throughout the space.
“Your plants look amazing!” I examine them all lined up on the wall.
“Thanks to you helping me figure out which ones I should choose.” Allie beams as she shows off her greenery.
“Of course. I love how they turned out, especially in the planters we painted.”
“It wouldn’t have looked anything like this without your help, Mellie. You have an eye for decorating. Saved us a lot of money, too,” Allie says earnestly. “Beth’s here. She came for provisions. You hungry?” Allie calls over her shoulder as she reaches for plates and a platter of food from the fridge.
“I’m always hungry. What did you make?”
“A little bit of everything. I made the coolest charcuterie board and I want your feedback on it. I’m thinking about offering these for parties with different themes.”
“Happy to help, that sounds great.” I glance at the empty bakery cases that I know will be filled with treats soon, distracted by all of the beautiful fixtures and details of the soon-to-be-popular bakery. The whole town has been talking for months in anticipation of the opening.
“Okay, come back and see the kitchen. I can’t wait to show you the new giant ovens Logan surprised me with. Talk about a timesaver. I can make a whole day’s worth of treats at once.”
