Love Her - Andrea Johnston Page 0,81

husband looked overwhelmed when he picked them up this morning.”

Knowing Grant like I do, I’m sure he hated that surprise. While he’s calmed down tremendously since leaving the military, and even more since marrying Dakota, my former captain likes structure and order.

“Thank you for that tidbit; I can’t wait to give him grief about it later. It looks like I have some shopping to do, I should go.”

Just a step from the door, the woman says, “Try The Closet. Loretta always has great gift ideas.”

Of course she does. I thank the woman and exit the building. Maybe Lis’s mom isn’t even working today. Sure, she owns the shop, but I know the high school girls she employs often work there on the weekends. Even after my conversation with Mr. Remington earlier in the week, and the simple text exchange with Lis, nerves settle low in my belly at the idea of speaking to Loretta Remington.

She was kind enough yesterday at the game, saying hello with a bright smile before ushering Jacob from the field toward where Lis stood off to the side. Clementine offered me a tentative wave, which I returned. Perfectly polite. Small town manners.

The bell chimes through the store as I cross the threshold. I didn’t make it much farther into the store when I was here last time, so I allow myself a few minutes to scan the displays. Bright colors and wild prints catch my eye first. Maybe this isn’t the best place for me to choose a gift for Dakota.

Turning to leave, her voice stops me in my tracks. I hear the awe and hope in her tone and my heart skips. I’ve missed her. More than I should after what I heard. Yet, standing here with her just feet away, I almost forget why I left that day.

“Connor?”

Lifting my lips into a small smile, I spin to face her. “Hey, Lis.”

Her smile is tentative. Shy, even. It’s the version that has always made me long for the full, bright, and joyful version. The smile that lights up her face and makes you believe everything will be okay. My eyes follow her finger as she slips her thumbnail between her teeth. She’s nervous.

“I didn’t think you worked here.” My tone is harsher than I’d like, but I’m confused.

“My mom had to run a few errands.”

“I was going to get Dakota a gift. She won an award and Grant is throwing a party for her today.”

Her smile widens at the statement and as much as I hate it, the wall I’ve erected around my heart shifts, cracking slightly.

“How fun for her. I’d be happy to help you find something.”

Moving around me, she makes her way toward a display of scarves. With my feet planted, I follow her with my eyes. Palms itching to push the hair that’s fallen into her face away, I stuff my hands into my pockets.

“I’ve only spoken with her briefly but, do you think she would like something like this?” she asks, holding up a floral piece of fabric. I must give a look that says an absolute no because she cringes a little before placing the scarf back on the rack with a giggle.

Minutes tick by as I follow her around the store. She chatters away nervously as she holds up item after item and I shake my head at each one. Words haven’t left my mouth, only the occasional grunt. It may be rude, but I’m afraid of what I’ll say if I speak.

Any of these gifts would be fine but the moment I say something will work, I’ll be done here. My time with Lis will be over. As much as she’s hurt me, and as angry as I am, being in her presence like this, with nobody else around, I don’t want it to end.

“I know!” she shouts, snapping her fingers and pulling me from my thoughts.

Lis waves for me to follow her and I do as instructed. When she steps around the counter to a display case, I peer down to where she’s looking.

“This bracelet is perfect. It comes with a card that explains the design. We have a few different options, but this would be ideal for the occasion.”

“Inspiration,” I read aloud. Silently, I skim the definition and she’s right. Dakota has overcome so much in the last few years and she does inspire us all, especially her children. “I’ll take it.”

“Great. Give me a few minutes and I’ll put a little gift bag together for