Bookshop by the Sea - Denise Hunter Page 0,72

publicist from Rosewood Press touched base with last-minute details. Jenna inquired about the jury duty notice she’d received in the mail, and for some reason Seth needed her to resend his flight itinerary. Granny texted her—something about Joshua. But the woman had apparently used voice-to-text, and it was impossible to make sense of her garbled message.

With one hand Sophie responded to everyone, then walked Lilly back to the store. When Anna finally decided to take the baby home, they all breathed a sigh of relief. Sophie joined her staff, shelving books and answering questions as they arose.

Ellie, her librarian-turned-bookstore-helper, was a little bossy with Amber, the well-read college student Sophie had hired. The younger woman was patient with Ellie, but Sophie could tell it was wearing on her nerves.

To separate them, Sophie asked Amber to help her with the fiction section. But she would have to talk to Ellie soon. The woman seemed to regard Amber as one of her former high school students instead of as a fellow employee. Sophie would hate to lose Ellie, as the woman was a big help in curating the books, but Sophie couldn’t let her chase away other employees either.

The afternoon flew by, and soon the roofers finished. She thanked the men and gave Brandon a big hug. “Thank you so much for your help. I’ll let you know when the insurance check arrives.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow for the grand opening.”

It was amazing how quickly the shelving went once the four of them were focused on the task. They were making such great progress, they worked straight through supper. They did the local shelves last, a section Sophie was particularly proud of. She and Ellie had put a lot of thought into books that might appeal to tourists and locals.

Sophie took the empty boxes to the Dumpster and returned. As she passed the different rooms, she surveyed the shop as though for the first time. The wood bookcases gleamed under the lights, burgeoning with beautiful books. The blue walls were a soothing backdrop, and the wooden floors, creaking here and there, gave the place a homey feel.

She placed her palm over her thumping heart, a feeling of contentment overwhelming her. What do you think, Mama? Is this what you had in mind?

She didn’t need an audible answer. Her mother would’ve loved the spacious children’s area, the huge selection of classic literature, and the comfy chairs where readers could curl up and sample a book. It was just the way they’d planned.

Tears stung her eyes as it sank in: Despite the obstacles, and thanks to Aiden and all her neighbors, her bookshop—her new home—finally had become a reality. She entered the main room where the others were making quick work of the local section and drew in a lungful of her favorite smell—new books.

Aiden rose with another empty box, his eyes locking on hers, giving her a look that aligned with her thoughts. “What do you think?”

“I can’t believe we’re almost finished. We made it.”

“Here you go, Sophie.” Ellie handed her a book on the history of Fort Macon. “This is the last one—you should do the honors.”

Sophie took the book and placed it in the correct spot on the local history shelf. The others applauded, almost as thrilled as Sophie to have all the books shelved at last.

“That was a lot of books!” Amber said. “But I’m well trained in our inventory now.”

“The store looks amazing.” Ellie’s gaze flittered around the space, her eyes filled with the kind of wonder only a book lover could appreciate. “I’m so thrilled we finally have a bookstore in Piper’s Cove. I’ve wanted this a long time.”

“I can’t thank you enough for your help.” Sophie checked her watch. “And we actually got done early. I thought I’d be here until midnight!”

Aiden chuckled. “Me too.”

“I have a few things to finish up.” Sophie addressed the women. “But after that, why don’t you let me take you to supper? It’s the least I can do after all your help.”

“That’s so sweet,” Ellie said, “but I should get home to my husband. Once the store’s open, I’ll be working a lot of hours, and he’s used to me being around all the time. Heaven forbid he should have to cook his own supper!”

“I told a friend I’d come over after I was done,” Amber said. “But thanks for the offer.”

The women cleared out pretty quickly after confirming they’d be here by nine the next morning to go over