Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22788 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22788 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Chapter Seven
October was flying by so quickly, it was buzzing like a whirlwind. Mae slid her hand into Caleb’s as they made their way through the park and Snots decided to go chasing after fallen leaves.
The town was thriving with tourists, and the town mayor had arranged for thrill rides to be set up around the high school. Everything was ready for Halloween. Caleb had gotten busier in the last few weeks, and Mae opened for a few hours on Sundays. She only ever did this through October when tourists were in high demand during recent book launches.
Caleb whistled to Snots as another couple with a German shepherd neared, and Snots immediately came to him and sat down.
“I can’t believe how well you have him trained,” Mae said.
“I got him from a pup, and he was in one of those shelters where they put them down. I just couldn’t let that happen. I adopted him and had him home within twenty-four hours.”
Mae looked at Snots, and her love for him went through the roof.
“I always wanted to have a dog, but my grandma was allergic, then with the shop and Grandpa, it was just never the right time.”
“I don’t think there is ever a right time getting a dog. Training and stuff is a lot of work, I won’t pretend it’s not. Sometimes, you just got to make time, you know?”
She did know.
The other couple thanked Caleb, and then he clicked his tongue for Snots to carry on chasing leaves. She couldn’t help but laugh as she watched the carefree dog.
“So, Pete’s asked if you and I would be willing to watch his two girls this weekend? He wants to take Emily for a quick romantic getaway.”
Mae laughed. “You know, Emily asked me the same thing.”
“She did?” Caleb asked.
“Do you ever get the feeling they are trying to play matchmaker?” Mae asked.
“Does that bother you?”
“No. They’re our friends, and clearly, they each care about us.” Mae knew Emily had only the best intentions.
“Yeah, but do we want to take care of their kids for an entire weekend?” he asked. “I mean, they are terrors.”
Mae laughed. “Kasey and Leah are gorgeous and it will be a lot of fun. Also, if you like, we can give them back Sunday after getting them hyper on candy and chocolate?”
Caleb laughed. “I love the way you think.”
He pulled her in close and took possession of her lips. They kept doing this, and Mae stopped worrying about where they were when he’d just kiss her. They’d been dating for over a month, and she was pretty sure the gossip had moved on from the two of them at this point.
She smiled up at him.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing, just, it’s been over a month since you and I started dating.”
Caleb chuckled. “So, now you agree we’re doing more than just having fun?”
Mae sighed. “We are, though, right?” She hated how unsure she sounded and he laughed.
“We’re doing more than just having fun.” He pulled her in close and kissed her. “A lot more.” And he kissed her again.
Snots let out a bark, and they both turned to see the dog waiting for them. He was not interested in just sitting around waiting for them. They left the park, and Caleb crouched down to put the lead on, and he took hold of her hand as they made their way through town. She wasn’t sure if he noticed, but people were watching them and pointing at their hands.
Mae didn’t pull away. Clearly, where she thought they were no longer the topic of conversation, she was very much mistaken.
“Do you want to have kids?” Caleb asked.
Mae froze and as she did so, Caleb kept walking. “What?”
He stopped and their hands were extended. “I was just curious if you wanted to have kids? You know, with us taking care of Kasey and Leah.”
She felt her hands go a little clammy. “Do you?”
He looked at her and Mae waited. Neither of them spoke, and then Caleb’s cell phone rang. He let go of her hand and checked down at the caller. “I’ve got to take his.”
She nodded and took the lead from him. He stepped away, and she crouched down to stroke Snots.
“That wasn’t good, was it?” Mae asked.
The dog just looked at her as he waited.
She continued to stroke him, and then Caleb came back. “That was work. I’ve got to deal with something.”
“That’s okay. I’m going to see Emily.” She offered him a smile, and Caleb looked at her. She waited to see if he would kiss her, but he didn’t. “I’ll call you soon.”
Mae watched him walk away then took a deep breath and slowly expelled it.
“I don’t think we ended things quite so well.” She couldn’t help but wince, and then she gave Snots a tap on the chest and started to make her way toward the bakery. It was cold, and the bakery didn’t like pets inside.