Joy to the Wolves (Red Wolf #1) - Terry Spear Page 0,54
in tow who were waiting to hear what he had to say.
“Until six, closing time,” Josh said.
“Thank you. I’ll be back with my daughter and my grandkids in a little while,” the one lady said.
“That will be great.” Josh hoped it would mean more sales for Brooke and not just more traffic. Like the customers who had been here the other day, these women were taking pictures and sharing the images, bringing even more people to the shop. Josh slapped his brother on the back. “Thanks for bringing the reindeer. I think Brooke needed a bright spot in her life today.”
Maverick was setting out bowls for fresh water for the reindeer. “In all seriousness, I’m glad you’re here for her. She needs to feel safe, and it doesn’t hurt for you to enjoy the time with her while you’re getting over your last ordeal.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“It’s not the same thing as last time. Brooke is staying here. And she’s not mated. And she’s not going to get you shot like the other one did.”
Josh raised his brows.
Maverick shook his head. “You could be in the line of fire in this case, too, but not for the same reason. Not because she’s foolhardy. She’s just a victim of circumstances.”
“Right. I’m going inside to help and watch over her. Come inside to warm up whenever you need to.”
“I will.”
Josh returned to the shop and saw Brooke smiling and greeting her customers with enthusiasm and directing them outside to see the calves. He was glad she seemed cheered to have the reindeer here today.
It took about an hour for word to reach people and the crowds to show up. A lot of them were interested in seeing the reindeer calves. Josh took charge of making another pot of hot chocolate and grabbing some blueberry scones and set them out. He glanced out the kitchen window and saw his brother having a ball talking it up with a bunch of kids about the reindeer.
This was what made it fun for them to raise the reindeer on the ranch: seeing how everyone loved them and educating people about them.
Brooke joined him in the kitchen, ran her hand over his arm, and peered out the window at the reindeer. “Maverick’s having fun, isn’t he?”
“He is. So is everyone else. I’m glad you’re okay with having them here.”
“I’m really thrilled. They’re drawing a crowd.”
“How are sales going?”
“Well, you know I said I wouldn’t have any more merchandise if we had big crowds today. I really didn’t believe that.”
“But?” He hadn’t checked the shelves to see how sales had been doing.
“I need some more ornaments on the tree and some more merchandise on the shelves.” She glanced back to see a customer at her checkout counter. “Oh, I’ve got to help another customer.”
“I’ll get the stuff.”
“Thanks! In the room down the hall, there are boxes of new vintage-like merchandise.” She hurried off to check out the customer.
In the supply room, Josh started digging through boxes that Ivy had purchased through wholesalers, then realized nothing had price tags. He started setting merchandise out on a table and then headed for the checkout counter.
“Hey, why don’t we swap places, and you can put price tags on the merchandise.” Josh moved behind the counter.
“Oh sure, thanks. I didn’t think of that. Can you manage the cash register?” Brooke asked.
“I work at the gift shop sometimes at the White Wolf Sanctuary and sometimes at the reindeer ranch. I’ve got this. If you’ll bring me the price tags, I can get them ready when I’m not busy.”
“Sure thing.” She brought a box of Christmas tree ornaments and set them on the counter. “Two fifty on each of these. They came in really late, so that price is the sale price.”
“Gotcha.” He rang up the customer while she looked over the Christmas decorations, then added ten to her order.
“These will make perfect stocking stuffers,” the woman said.
The lady behind her agreed and picked out another six. Heck, he didn’t need to put price tags on them. Once the ladies had their purchases in hand and were leaving the store, he made up a sign: SALE—BRAND NEW! 50% OFF! $2.50 EACH.
Then he set them in a box so customers could rummage through them.
Brooke was busy setting out more items on the shelves so they didn’t look so bare.
Maverick came to the door and poked his head in. “Can someone watch the reindeer while I take a restroom break?”