lab bust three towns over, and the sheriff had called in all available help, which included Hawk. He’d packed a bag and left, and she’d only been able to talk to him on the phone since Tuesday. When they’d talked this morning he said he’d be in Bookman Springs around four.
“And I expect to see you on your knees, mouth open.”
“As you command, Sir,” she’d said. She wanted to tell him she wanted some Little time with him, since they hadn’t had any in at least a week, but she knew better than to ask. Hawk knew how to read her, and he would set up scenes as he saw fit. She was thinking about the wonderful way they played together when the door to the shop opened. The retirees were already here, enjoying coffee and donuts while she tried to think of another cake to make this afternoon. She looked up to see Aurora walking toward the counter. Her new friend always made her smile.
“Morning!” Jessica called out. “Can I get you a donut?”
“I’ve been sent after cookies,” Aurora said. “We have new clients, and there are a lot of kids. We thought treats would be a nice way to welcome them. Becky’s running her buns off trying to get people settled, and I’ve been sent into town. I’m going to pick up treats, then make a run to the grocery store.”
“I was going to ask you how it felt to be unemployed, but it seems as if you’re not.”
“I’m not,” she said. “I do a lot of paperwork for Holt, and I’m trying to help in the kitchen, although I’m not much of a cook.”
“I dropped the ball, didn’t I?” Jessica took out a box and started to fold it. “I was supposed to teach you how to cook. I’m so sorry.”
“You’ve had other things on your mind,” Aurora said. “Like making my wedding cake. Just six weeks to go.”
“I can’t believe it’s so close,” Jessica said.
“Me, either.” Aurora sat down on a stool. “At this time last year I was wondering where my life would end up. Now look at me about to get married to the most marvelous man in the world.”
Jessica turned toward the back counter. She poured Aurora a cup of coffee, then turned and set it down in front of her. She knew her friend well enough to know which donut she liked. She took a plate and piled it with two chocolate frosted. After she’d given it to Aurora she repeated the order, then rounded the counter, her own treats in hand, and sat down next to her friend.
After she’d swallowed her first bite of fried dough, Jessica said, “How are the other plans going? Can I do anything?”
“Well, I’m glad you asked,” Aurora said. “How do you feel about a trip to Amarillo this weekend? Maybe Saturday afternoon?”
“Sounds like fun,” Jessica said. “Saturdays are usually very slow, so I can close early. I’ll put a note up on the door to let people know. What are we doing?”
Aurora giggled. “It’s a surprise.”
“Not even a hint?”
“Nope.” Aurora giggled again. She took a bite from her donut and wiggled her eyebrows as she chewed.
Jessica took a sip from her coffee, then went back around the counter to finish boxing up the cookies. When she was done she pushed them across the counter. “I’ll put them on your bill.” Then she pulled them back. “Or maybe I won’t give them to you until you tell me the big secret.”
“Then I’ll just buy boxed ones at the store.” Aurora ate the last of her donut.
“You wouldn’t!” Jessica said in horror.
“I would.” Aurora giggled again. She did that a lot lately, and to tell the truth, Jessica was a little jealous. She laughed, truly, but she didn’t think she was as happy as Aurora was at this moment. Was that what true love brought you? If she told Hawk she wanted to buy the Spellman Farm and move out there with him would she be giggling every few minutes, too?
As much as she liked the idea, Jessica knew that wouldn’t happen. Not many people found the loves of their lives. She cared about Hawk more than she’d ever thought possible, but she knew she would never be able to stay with him forever. Things didn’t work that way for her.
“What’s wrong?” Aurora asked. “You were smiling, and all of a sudden you look like you stepped in dog doo.”
Jessica laughed, then pushed the cookie boxes back