“Coffee,” the voices say.
“Shot of espresso,” Charity yells from her office. “A shot of espresso and coffee.”
In all honesty I don’t think she should even be back at work yet. Will is only a few months old, but she has cases that won’t wait, even for maternity leave.
“Baby not sleep last night?” I say as I peak my head in.
“I don’t want to complain,” she yawns. “Especially to you.”
“Stop.” I give her a look and a grin. “You’re allowed to. You’re a new mom with a full-time job. It doesn’t bother me to hear you complain. Hell, if I were in your position, I’d be complaining too.”
“It was so much easier when I was younger,” she sighs. “Even with two of them. I’ve just not been able to bounce back like I did before.”
“We’re older,” I remind her. “It’s bound to happen.”
“Even with my body,” she continues. “I gained more weight with the twins and I was down to my pre-pregnancy jeans in a little over a month. This last ten pounds with Will? It won’t budge. No matter what I do, it will not budge.”
“Charity, you’re still beautiful.”
“That’s what Drew says, but you know as well as I do that it’s hard to see yourself how others see you. This ten pounds is keeping me from wearing a lot of my favorite clothing, and I’m pissed.”
The look on her face makes me laugh. “You’re gonna get it, Char.”
She breathes deeply. “In the grand scheme of things it’s so small, but dammit.” She smacks her desk.
“Believe me, I get it.”
“Anyway, I need a shot of espresso, please.”
“You got it.”
Going back to the lobby area, I grab my crossbody bag, putting it on before leaving through the entrance. The exit is closer to Harper’s shop, but today I feel like a little bit of a walk.
Spring is starting to make its way into Kentucky. The last few days we’ve had a lot of rain, giving the area around the square green grass and blooming plants. Everything shines with a sense of renewal.
Turning the corner, I see Harper’s shop up in the distance. She’s got a few people parked, and if I’m not mistaken, there’s a bike or two. I’m still too far away to make out who it may be, but whoever it is, I’ll sure be glad to see them.
The closer I get though, there’s an excitement rumbling in my stomach because that’s one hundred percent my husband’s bike. I’m quiet as I open the door so I can just watch. He’s standing next to Caelin, and they appear to be in deep conversation about the baked goods Harper has in her case.
For a moment I let myself admire the man I call mine. He’s stands tall, his hair a little long at the top. He woke up too late to do anything other than brush his teeth and get dressed. His beard is longer than normal, but I love the way it brushes my skin.
When I get to arms-length, I reach out, hooking mine around his waist.
“Hey, babe.” His deep morning voice rushes through me.
“Hey, what are you doing here? Thought you were gonna be at the shop today.”
Harper waves at me, and I wave back, motioning for three coffees and one espresso.
“I was supposed to be, but I’m going with Caelin today, probably for the same reason you’re getting a shot of espresso. Figure that’s for Charity?”
“Bingo.”
“Yeah, so they all had a late night last night with Will. Drew’s no good if he’s not on the top of his game, so I offered to go with Caelin. We’re doing some fact checking.”
Part of me wants to ask what they’re checking, but there’s another part of me that knows he probably can’t say.
“Here you boys go.” Harper hands some sandwiches and what looks to be some pastries to Caelin and Dalton. They pay her, even though she always tries to give it to us for free.
“I’ll see ya, babe.” Dalton leans down, kissing me on the forehead.
“Be safe today.” I watch as he and Caelin walk away.
He turns, using his back to open the front door of the bakery, flashing me a smile. “Always.”
Sometimes, that’s what worries me.
“Do you need anything else, Mandy?” Harper has my three coffees and a shot of espresso ready.
“Yeah.” I look into the case, my stomach growling as I see the apple turnovers. “Three of those and three cinnamon rolls too.”
“Coming right up!”
She moves around behind the counter with so much grace. “If I were you, I wouldn’t know my head from my feet.”
Harper laughs. “You get used to it. If Cash comes to help me, or God forbid, Remy, they put my shit where it normally isn’t and completely screw up my system. Not to mention my day because it ends up taking me double the time to figure out where everything is.”
“Men.” I roll my eyes.
“How are you doing? I haven’t talked to you since you brought Walker by for breakfast.”
I take a moment to doctor up my coffee before I answer. “Really good. Not perfect,” I admit. “But so much better than I was. I text the doctor every week. So far I haven’t had to go in for more sessions.”
“Sometimes that’s all we can ask for, and I know I’ve not said it, but if you ever need anything.” She shrugs. “Ya know, a friend who isn’t as closely connected to Heaven Hill as the rest of the women in your life are, I’m here.”
“Thanks, Harper. You don’t know how much that means to me.”
“The offer stands.”
“I’ll keep it in mind. Have a good one.” I grab our stuff, and walk back to the office, a smile on my face.
D: Wanna go for a ride tonight? There’s some stuff I need to check out at Wet Wanda’s. I know it’s not exactly your favorite place, but thought I’d ask.
M: You’re
