Love Inspired November 2014 #2

by Lorraine Beatty

  “Looks like my girl is keeping you on your toes.”

  Ethan smiled when he saw Allen Latimer coming into the stockroom. He looked much stronger than he had the last time they’d met.

  “Afternoon, sir. What brings you here?”

  “Change of scenery. And some time with the two prettiest ladies in town.”

  Ethan smiled and shook the man’s hand. “You’ll get no argument from me. Sadie is a beauty.”

  Latimer strode to the workbench. “Just like her mother.”

  “Yes, sir.” He had the strangest feeling Mr. Latimer was on a fishing expedition. “You’re a blessed man.”

  “Don’t I know it. I was telling my daughter how great the store looks. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate all you’ve done for my girl. She can be bullheaded like her mother, and she doesn’t like to ask for help.”

  “I’ve noticed.” He grinned in agreement.

  “But she’ll take help from you. Why do you suppose that is?”

  Ethan’s neck suddenly felt tight. “I couldn’t say. Things were pretty serious when I showed up. I suppose she was desperate.”

  Mr. Latimer nodded thoughtfully. “True.” He glanced around the stockroom. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen the place so neat. I could never find anything in here, but then, Charlie had his own system. I used to be better about staying on top of things, but after I lost my boy, and I got sick...” He shrugged. “Guess I let things go.”

  “I understand, sir. Illness steals your energy. All you can do is try to survive. Everything else fades into the background.”

  “You speaking from experience?”

  Ethan hesitated. Apparently Nicki hadn’t told her father about his PTSD. “Yes, sir.”

  Latimer studied him a moment. “You strike me as an observant man. Someone who watches, and thinks things through before acting.”

  “I suppose so. I like to take my time. Look at things before I jump in.”

  “My daughter is very fond of you.”

  “I don’t know if I’d say that. We’re friends. Coworkers.”

  “So you don’t find her attractive?”

  Ethan frowned, suddenly feeling like a prom date being grilled by the father before taking his daughter to the dance. He struggled to find a proper response. If he said yes, Latimer might read more into it. There was nothing between him and Nicki. The attraction was there. He wouldn’t deny that, but her plans for the future didn’t include staying in Dover. If he said no, he’d be insulting the man’s child. He attempted a middle ground. “She’s very attractive. Any man would think so.”

  “She has feelings for you. More than just as a friend.”

  “Oh, no, sir. I think you’re wrong about that.”

  Latimer chuckled softly. “Then you’re not as observant as I thought you were.” He waved and walked out, leaving Ethan to puzzle over the comment. Did Nicki care for him in a romantic way? And if so, what did he do about it? More important, how did he feel about it? Nicki was the most fascinating woman he’d ever met, but he wasn’t ready for a permanent relationship. He had to get his life on track before he could think about his future.

  But more and more, when he thought about his future, it seemed to include Nicki and Sadie.

  * * *

  Nicki stood in the middle of Latimer’s the morning of the sidewalk sale, looking around slowly so she could take in all the changes. The store looked amazing. Fresh and different.

  “What do you think, Sadie? Will the people of Dover like our do-over?” she whispered to her daughter, who was snuggled in her arms. Back in her office, she settled Sadie in her carrier beneath the play gym she’d purchased especially for today, hoping it would keep her entertained while she waited on the hundreds of customers she anticipated today.

  Please, God, let my hopes be realized. She wanted to make her parents proud. After a quick check of the baby monitor, Nicki went out front. The store would open in less than fifteen minutes. She smiled when she saw Ethan already at work.

  “You ready for today?”

  “I hope so.” She glanced around, mentally checking the items selected to be out front on the sidewalk tables. She and Ethan had prepared the bins and stacked them near the entrance last night so they’d be ready to carry them outside as soon as the sidewalk sale began. But doubts sprang a leak in her confidence. “Maybe this is too much merchandise to offer at once?”

  “Then we’ll put it out a little at a time.”

  “Right. But what if it’s too little? I don’t know if I have anything else to unload.”

  “If that’s the case, then people will want to come back tomorrow to see what else we have. Either way, it’s a win-win situation.” He smiled. “Don’t worry. It’ll be fine. You’ve done a great job. I have confidence in you.”

  “Thanks.” He always made her feel good.

  “You’d better get ready. The store opens in ten minutes. I’m going to start moving the tables out front. The furniture store has already started carrying things outside.”

  “Vicki should be here any minute to help.” She was glad she’d listened to Ethan and asked her former part-time employee, college student Vicki Borman, to come in for the sale. She knew the register and the merchandise.

  Nicki lost track of time once the store unlocked its doors. A steady stream of shoppers stopped in front of the store to peruse the sale merchandise. By noon, Ethan had replenished the bins twice, and Nicki’s hopes were soaring. Thankfully Sadie had been cooperative and taken a long nap.

  Nicki finished ringing up a customer’s purchase, placed it in a bag, smiled and thanked him sincerely for his business, all the while aware of Sadie’s cries on the monitor. She had to break away, but the store was filled with people chatting about the changes to Latimer’s and the bargains available on the sidewalks of Dover. It was a huge blessing and she was grateful, but her baby needed her. Scanning the store for Ethan, she waved him over to the register. As he drew near, he glanced at the monitor and understood her unspoken request.

  “Go. I’ve got this.”

  Nicki thanked him and hurried to the office. In the nursery, Nicki lifted her daughter into her arms, holding her close and speaking softly. A swell of guilt lapped at her mind. If things were different, she could stay with Sadie all the time. But they weren’t.

  She hated to leave Ethan alone out front, but she had no choice. Soon she’d have to face the fact that Sadie would need more attention than working at the store allowed. Sadie was getting bigger every day and staying awake longer. She’d need toys to stimulate her interest. Toys that made noise and moved, which meant it would be harder to entertain her and still wait on customers, which meant looking into day care. But not yet.

  Nicki fixed her a bottle and settled into the chair at her desk, holding Sadie and bottle with one hand. She snagged a piece of fruit with her other hand and scarfed it down. Her new store design was being well received by the shoppers. More than once she’d heard compliments tossed about.

  Once the bottle was empty, Nicki stole a moment to cuddle with her little girl. “Are you as excited as I am, sweetheart?”

  “Excited about what, Nichelle?”

  Nicki spun around, surprised to see her mother coming into the office. “Mom. What are you doing here?”

  “I came to see how the sidewalk sale was going, and I found the store packed with customers and no one to assist them.”

  Nicki swallowed her irritation. “That’s not true. Ethan is out there, and Vicki is handling the sidewalk tables.” Her mother reached for the baby, and Nicki reluctantly relinquished Sadie.

  “Get her things together. I’m taking her home with me for the afternoon.”

  “Oh, no, Mom. You have enough to do with Dad.”

  “Nonsense. Your father is doing so well I’m h
aving trouble keeping him from coming back to work.”

  Nicki hesitated. “I don’t know, Mom. Wouldn’t she be better here with me?”

  Her mother narrowed her eyes and glared. “Nichelle, I’ve raised two children. I think I can manage to take care of one baby for a couple of hours.”

  Nicki felt herself giving in. With Sadie out of the store, she and Ethan could concentrate on making this day a success. Nicki quickly shifted mental gears. “Would you like to take the portable crib with you?”

  “No. We’ll make do.”

  Nicki scooped up the diaper bag, making sure there were clean bottles and diapers. “She’ll play for a while. And she hates to be wet, so be sure and change her often. She’ll be ready for a nap around three, and she should sleep for several hours. Call me if you have any trouble.” She took a deep breath. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  Her mother’s eyes softened. “Sadie is my first grandchild. I haven’t had her to myself for more than a moment since she was born. Besides, if you’re going to save this store you need to focus on those customers out there and not be distracted by a crying child.”

  Nicki blinked in surprise. “How did you know?”

  “I’m not as blind as you and your father seem to think. But I’ve learned over the years that it’s best if I let him handle things his own way. Your father likes to think he’s protecting me. But I always know what’s going on.”

  She’d never heard her mom speak so candidly before. “I thought I was helping you by not letting you babysit Sadie. I didn’t want to add to your burden.”

  Her mother reached out and touched her cheek. “I know. But we miss you and Sadie. This little girl brings a lot of joy to your father and I. Now, give me your car keys because I don’t have a carrier in my car. I’ll bring her back around closing.”

  Nicki walked her mother to the car and helped her settle Sadie safely in the baby seat, then stood back as her mother got behind the wheel. Before shutting the door, her mother glanced up at her and smiled. “You’ve done a good job with the store, Nichelle. It’s not what I would have done, but the customers seem to like it.”

  Speechless, she could only stare as the car disappeared down the alley. If she weren’t so busy today, she’d go upstairs and have a good cry. It was the first time she could remember her mother ever paying her a compliment. Back inside, she closed the door and saw Ethan hurrying toward her.

  “You okay? You’ve been gone awhile. Where’s Sadie?”

  “My mom came and took her home with her.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Ethan, I think I’ve made a big mistake.”

  “What do you mean?”

  The doorbell sounded and she gestured toward the front. “Never mind. We have customers to help.” There’d be time later to think about what her mother had said.

  * * *

  Ethan locked the front door to Latimer’s Office Supply, flipped the sign to Closed and sighed deeply. The sidewalk sale had been a hectic, nonstop event. One he prayed would set the store back on track.

  He glanced over at Nicki, who had finished counting the till and was filling out the deposit slip for the bank. He was anxious to learn how the sales added up, but the crease in her forehead and the thin line of her lips told him to hold off for now. He smiled. Nicki Latimer never did anything halfway. It was all or nothing with her. He suspected that when she gave her heart, it would be a forever kind of love.

  Shaking off those thoughts, he began sorting out the items stacked inside the door. The store was a disaster. But the good kind.

  “Ethan.”

  When he walked to the counter, there was an odd light in her eyes. “Everything okay?”

  She nodded. “More than okay.”

  He took the deposit slip she handed him and looked at the total sales for the day, stunned at the amount written there. “In one day?”

  “Yes.” Nicki hurried from behind the counter and threw her arms around his neck.

  He held her close, fighting to keep his emotions in check. She fit perfectly against him. She suddenly released him and stepped back.

  “Sorry. Got carried away.”

  Her blue eyes were wide as she searched his face. The pulse in her throat beat like the wings of a hummingbird. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

  “Ethan, I think things might be turning around. If we can keep up this kind of traffic in the store, Dad won’t have to worry ever again.”

  Ethan hated to burst her bubble. “But remember, this is only one special day. You probably won’t do this much business every day.”

  Nicki took the slip from his hand and placed it inside the bank deposit bag. “I know. But you heard the shoppers today. They loved the new look of the store, and they were wild about the electronic kiosk.”

  “I know. I finally had to suggest people come back during the week to browse. There were so many people crowded around it, I couldn’t demonstrate it or place orders.”

  “The main thing is that people see us differently now. They’ll start to come here first before going to that big-box store.”

  Ethan smiled. He loved to see her so confident. “It was all your idea.”

  “But you helped.”

  “Naw. All I did was follow orders, boss.”

  Nicki’s blue eyes softened as she held his gaze, sending tiny tingles along his skin. “No, you’re more than my employee. You’re my friend, and I—”

  The back-door buzzer sounded, signaling someone had come inside.

  “I’ll bet that’s my mom.”

  “I’ll start cleaning up.”

  “No. We can do this tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow’s Sunday.”

  “Monday morning, then. I’m too happy to work. I want to celebrate.”

  Ethan followed Nicki to the back, nodding to Mrs. Latimer before ducking into the stockroom. Nicki wanted to celebrate. So did he. He felt as if he’d been inside this store for weeks. She must feel the same. Maybe he should suggest they take in the events on the square. He’d like to spend time with her outside of the store.

  As soon as Mrs. Latimer left, he sought out Nicki in the office. “Do you still want to celebrate?”

  “I do. I’m so wound up I’m liable to burst.”

  “We could walk to the square and try some of that prizewinning catfish. Maybe take in the concert?”

  “I would love that. Sadie would, too. She hasn’t been in her stroller for days.”

  After locking the store and retrieving the stroller from upstairs, Ethan assumed pushing duties as they walked to the square.

  Nicki inhaled a deep breath. “I love this time of year. All the flowers are blooming, the air is clean and sweet, and the humidity hasn’t taken over yet.”

  Ethan strolled beside her, delighting in her cheerful spirit. He’d never seen her this relaxed and carefree. Nicki absolutely glowed when she was happy. He let the sight of her make a deep impression in his memory. He would always think of her like this.

  “So where do you want to eat? Or should I ask whose catfish do you want to try?”

  She smiled up at him, bumping his shoulder playfully. “The winner’s, of course. I heard Burt Kershaw won this year. He’s set up at the other end of the square.”

  Their journey through the courthouse park was periodically interrupted by old friends, all eager to comment on the new look of the store, inquire about her father and gush over the baby. By the time they arrived at the blue-and-white-striped awning over Kershaw’s booth, Ethan’s stomach was growling. He pulled out his wallet and handed the man a bill. Nicki reached over and tapped the empty cellophane photograph sleeves.

  “Why no pictures?”

  He shrugged and took the change the man handed him, quickly closing his wallet and shoving it into his back
pocket. “No family.” He carried the Styrofoam containers of fried catfish, hush puppies and coleslaw to a picnic table near a giant magnolia. Ethan parked the stroller beside him so Nicki could eat in peace.

  She took one bite of the crispy fish fillet and sighed with pleasure. “Oh, Burt definitely deserved the prize. This is so good.”

  Ethan bit into his fish, nodding in agreement. The fillet was light, the batter tangy and crisp. But as far as he was concerned, spending time with Nicki was the real prize.

  Dusk was settling in by the time they finished eating, and the sounds of the band warming up at the other end of the park drifted on the air. Ethan tossed their trash into the bin, then grasped the stroller handle. “Do you want to listen to the concert for a while or are you ready to go home?”

  Nicki shook her head, sending her blond waves floating around her neck. “I’m having too much fun. It feels so good to not worry about the store for a change. Besides, my little princess has fallen asleep. We might as well take advantage of this golden opportunity.”

  The band was beginning their first number, a country tune that invited anyone within earshot to tap their feet in time with the rhythm. As they passed the stately gazebo, a historic structure that had a deep place in the heart of the town, Nicki stopped.

  “The music is really loud. Maybe we should sit here in the gazebo and listen for a while.”

  “All right.” Ethan picked up the stroller and carried it up into the gazebo, careful not to wake the baby. Nicki and Ethan sat on the wooden bench that ringed the inside of the bandstand.

  Nicki checked on Sadie, then settled back to listen to the band. By the time the third song was under way, darkness was falling and the lights around the roof of the gazebo had blinked on, casting a warm, cozy glow inside. Ethan looked at Nicki. She was even more beautiful in the soft light. All signs of stress had vanished, replaced by a warm glow of happiness. He wished he had his camera with him to capture the moment forever.

  Now that they were alone together, Ethan could almost believe there was no one else in town but the three of them. For a brief second, he allowed himself to pretend that Nicki and Sadie were his. That somehow he could be a husband and father, a man who could provide all the love a family needed. Nicki smiled at him and his heart flipped over. He could easily fall in love with this amazing woman. Maybe he already had.