make good on the promise, Your Grace.”
“You’re goofy.” I kiss his cheek. “I kind of like it.”
Chapter 14
~Sam~
“Hey, Sam.”
I smile at the tall blonde behind the glass counter and nod at her husband as he walks out of the back at Cunningham Falls Goldsmiths. There are only a few weeks left until Christmas, and I need to get something special for Natasha.
Something besides the fuzzy slippers and coffee mug that says, I’m a f*cking delight in the morning that I already got her.
“Hey, Kate. Aric. How’s it going?”
“Busy time of year,” Kate says with a grin. “So, no complaints from us.”
“I’m looking forward to January when we can take a little time off,” Aric adds with a wink. “How can we help you today, Sam?”
“I need a present for Tash.” I glance into the glass case and immediately feel overwhelmed. “And I have no idea what that might be.”
“That’s what we’re here for,” Kate says with a wink. “Are you thinking engagement ring?”
I blink at her, feel my cheeks flush, and then shake my head. “Uh, no. No, thanks. You have other things here, right?”
“Yes, don’t panic,” Aric says with a laugh. “Your expression is priceless.”
“I thought you were going to pass out,” Kate says, also giggling. “Okay, let’s look at some things.”
We talk budget and colors. But everything they show me leaves me feeling…meh.
“I know I’m being difficult, and I’m sorry, but I feel like it has to be something extra-special. She’s been through more than her fair share this year, and I want to give her something really great.”
“We can design something,” Aric offers.
“Do we have time for that?” My interest is piqued, but we only have a few weeks.
“I can fit it in. Who needs to sleep, right?” He reaches for a drawing pad and pencil
“You know, I always thought Tash would be gorgeous in emeralds,” Kate suggests. “With her dark coloring and gorgeous skin, they would just be awesome on her.”
“I like that idea,” I say with a nod. “Maybe a necklace?”
“An emerald pendant, but on a longer chain,” Aric says, clearly in the zone. He sketches quickly, his pencil moving in fast, short strokes. “Light yellow gold. Almost champagne in color.”
“Agreed, you don’t want to take away from the stones,” Kate says, watching over Aric’s shoulder.
The other man sets the sketch on the countertop and I blink in surprise.
“Have you ever thought of ditching the goldsmith thing and being an artist?” I ask as I stare down at the gorgeous drawing. “This is amazing. Can I afford it?”
Kate smiles kindly. “Absolutely. He wouldn’t show you if you couldn’t.”
“Then I’m in.”
“Give me two weeks. I’ll call you when it’s done.” Aric shakes my hand. “I guarantee you’ll have it by Christmas Eve.”
“Perfect. Thank you for squeezing it in. Next time, I’ll remember to pop by earlier. I’m still learning.”
“The learning never ends,” Aric replies and waves as I turn to leave.
Now that that’s done, I need to grab the kids each a couple of extra things, and then I’m done. Tash took care of just about everything, and I owe her for that, too.
She’s fucking amazing.
She and the kids are baking cookies and getting ready to decorate the house tonight. I’m in charge of bringing home all the makings for tacos.
And, just because I know she likes it, I’m going to bring home something sweet, too.
I walk down to La Fleur and push through the door.
Beth glances up with a smile. “Sam! Hey there. What are you up to today?”
“Just running some errands. I thought I’d pick up some dessert for later, if you have anything left.”
“I have a chocolate cream pie, huckleberry cobbler, and some lemon huckleberry bread that is to die for. But no pressure.”
“I’ll take the bread for French toast tomorrow, and the chocolate cream pie for tonight.”
“Oh, that’s a really good idea,” she says with a smile. “You could make a huckleberry compote to go on it.”
“Right. I could. If I was Emeril.” I laugh and open my wallet. “What do I owe you?”
“Nothing at all. This is payment for rescuing me off that mountain on Thanksgiving.”
“What were you doing up there, anyway?”
“My parents came to town, and I met them up there for dinner.” She shrugs. “It was kind of awful, and I was in a bad mood and not paying close enough attention to the road. Lesson learned.”
“I’m sorry it was a bad trip for them.”
“Oh, they had a great time.” She bags up the goodies. “I just didn’t see