Chapter Thirty-Four

Overcome by orgasms. Or OBO, as Callie now referred to Hunter and his master delivery tactics. It was the only explanation for why she’d said “yes” to an official date with him. That and she’d answered before hearing the question. She’d been so bamboozled by his charm and his sex appeal and his everything that the question seemed irrelevant at the time.

Not that she wasn’t looking forward to their date. She was.

So much that the Christmas music playing in Baked on Main had her dreaming of waking up Christmas morning wrapped in nothing but him. She glanced out the window to Main Street. A light rain fell that didn’t require an umbrella or damper the festive spirit. Poinsettias filled flower boxes. Wreaths hung on shop doors. Christmas lights decorated trees and hung across the main intersection. And soon they’d know who won the ambassador position.

Her phone lit up with a text, drawing her attention back inside.

Nova: Meet me at Wildflower in twenty?

Callie: That should work.

“I’m sorry about that,” Vivian said, hurrying back to their corner table in the bakery. “My brother and I are planning a surprise anniversary party for my mom and dad over Christmas and he called to confirm some things with me. Now where were we?” She looked down at the handwritten notes she’d been taking.

“No worries. I could sit here all day with the delicious smells. What anniversary are your parents celebrating?”

“Forty.”

“Wow. Congratulations to them.”

“Thanks. They’re still madly in love, too. They’ve had their share of ups and downs for sure, but my mom has always said marriage is about two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other, and they’ve stuck to that.”

Callie let those words of wisdom sink in. She’d heard similar ones from Birdy. What did it mean that her parents did give up on each other—twice?

“I hope to follow in their footsteps,” Vivian continued. “They’ve been great role models.” She took a sip of her coffee. “Enough about that, I’ve got two more questions for you.”

“You want to get married and have kids?” Callie asked. The more she got to know Vivian, the more she thought her a perfect match for Hunter. Unfortunately.

“Absolutely. I think having a partner to do life with is important for a person’s long-term health. Mental and physical. We need someone by our side. Friends fill that spot, but they can come and go. Once you make a commitment to love, honor, and cherish, I believe it’s forever.” She narrowed her eyes at Callie. “You keep getting me off track.”

“It’s more fun talking about you than myself.”

“What if I told you there’s a good chance the feature I’m writing on you is picked up by Bride magazine for their New Designers To Know write-up?”

Callie tucked her hands under her thighs to keep from jumping to her feet in excitement. Omigod! That would be ridiculously amazing. “I’d ask you what I need to do to make it happen.” And then she’d do it to a T.

Vivian waved off Callie’s offer. “I’ve got a good friend there, and your talent for dressmaking combined with the story behind the applique and the magic it brings makes for a great story. And I think Marry Matchmaker has a nice ring to it that will attract a lot of attention. Everyone dreams of getting married, and if they believe in a magical boost, then I think this could make you an exceptionally busy designer, my friend.”

Her friend. She liked the sound of that. Appreciated Vivian’s partnership in this. Vivian was more than a reporter in their small town. She seemed to want to put down roots.

Because of that, Callie dropped her guard a little. “Not everyone wants to get married.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have said that. Bad reporter.” She lightly slapped her forearm. “I think I’m getting a little caught up in it is all. I wish my bestie was getting married.” She smiled warmly. If she’d figured out Callie didn’t want to get married, she didn’t let on.

“Well, when she does, I’m here for you. Thank you for taking an interest in my business and possibly elevating it to a whole other level. I do need more business and with your help…” She could buy the cottage and maybe even expand to other areas. L.A. Chicago. New York.

“I don’t know you well, Callie, but I think you deserve all the success the world has to offer. The people I’ve spoken to about you love you.” She glanced at the time on her phone. “Shoot, I’m sorry, but I need to hurry. Okay, obviously the Owens wedding in two weeks is important, given you’re dressing the maid of honor and best man. Kennedy has graciously invited me to be there so I can conclude my story that night. What are your instincts telling you?”

“I’m not sure yet. This is the first wedding where I have a personal relationship with the family, so it feels different.”

“Hunter is the talk of the town right now. If the magic does work for him, do you think you’ll continue to make suits for best men?”

“That’s a good question, and I’m not sure of the answer yet, but I’m thinking probably not.”

“How come?”

Callie’s heart pounded. Because it would be hard to see Hunter get married. Give his smiles and care and undivided attention to someone else. “I’ve loved making dresses since I was a teen, and I see myself expanding on those designs.”

“Well, if the suit matches Hunter with his soul mate, you may find demand requires it. Women wear suits, too, you know.”

“You’re right. Bottom line, I do want my business to grow, so I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Well, I’ll be rooting for you. And Hunter.”

For a second, Callie thought she meant her and Hunter as a couple but then realized she meant separately. A rush of uneasiness laced its way through her back and shoulders. Deciding never to marry hadn’t bothered her. Until now.

They stood. “Thank you so much for everything, Vivian.”

“You’re welcome. And please call me Vivi. Let’s grab a coffee sometime and talk boys, not business.”

“I’d like that.”

On the walk down Main Street to meet Nova, Callie’s thoughts strayed to Hunter for the millionth time. He’d made it clear he wanted to be with her. She wanted to be with him, too. It was as simple as that if she let it be.

But for how long? He wanted to get married. And that wish now directly had influence over her business.

She’d gotten herself into a big mess.

Coming toward her on the sidewalk were two women holding up the Botanical Society calendar Nova had put together as a fundraiser. Hunter graced the cover and the month of June, not that she’d purchased her own copy and stared at him a hundred times over the past few days.

“Hi, Callie,” Bella said, having lowered the calendar so Callie could see her face. Kennedy’s RN, Savannah, was the other woman.

“Hi. How are you guys?”

They giggled. “We’re on a break and trying not to obsess over this calendar. Bella is particularly fond of the month of June,” Savannah said. “Have you seen it yet?”

“No,” she lied and immediately hated herself for doing so. It was just…Bella had feelings for Hunter. She could see it written all over her face, and Callie didn’t want to talk about him when her own feelings were probably just as easy to read. “But I’m on my way to Wildflower now to help Nova with some mailings. Have a great rest of the day.” She stepped around them to hurry on her way. In truth, she didn’t have a lot of time to talk with a fitting scheduled at the shop after she helped her best friend.

Nova practically tackle-hugged her when she walked into Wildflower. The catch-all store with high wood-beam ceilings and aisles of different offerings had volunteered to be the main seller of the calendar.

“The calendar is sold out!” Nova said.

“That’s fantastic! What’s going on back there?” Callie lifted her chin toward a crowd of people.

“Hunter is doing a signing. Come on.” Nova led her toward the group.

The man of the hour wore a cowboy hat, jeans, and a short-sleeve blue T-shirt that made his baby blues even brighter and accentuated the muscles of his biceps. He handed the calendar back to a woman, his dimpled smile and gratitude causing her to fan herself. For real. She waved her hand in front of her face as she walked away.

Going unnoticed, Callie hung back to continue to watch him in action.

“Hey, Birdy.” Hunter looked around at the few other women waiting alongside Birdy. “Mayor. Mom. Looks like half of the Baker’s Dozen is here.” At seeing the mayor, Callie’s mind flitted to the ambassador position and whether Mayor Garnett had made a decision yet.

“We’re here to support Nova and the Botanical Society,” Mary Rose said.

“I’m here for you,” Birdy announced. “And the other eleven hotties in the calendar. Where are they?” Birdy put a hand on her hip.

Hunter shrugged a shoulder. “Sorry, but it’s just me here today. I’m sure if you head to the fire station, though, you could snag a few more signatures.”

“That’s an excellent idea.”

“Actually, we’re going to do one more signing at the Botanical Gardens this weekend with a few of the other guys,” Nova said.

“See that? I’m already old news,” Hunter said lightheartedly. He signed calendars, joked around, and gave his mom a kiss on the cheek that made everyone go, “Aww.”

After things quieted down and he signed the final calendar, his gaze connected with hers like he knew she’d been standing there the whole time. She walked over to him. “Hi, cowboy.”

“Hi, Triple C. Where’s your calendar?”

“You guys are adorable,” Nova piped in, appearing out of nowhere.

Hunter gave her a look that said, My sister knows all about us?

“She’s my best friend,” Callie said.

“And as her best friend, I know she already has a calendar and can’t stop staring at your picture.”

“Shh!” Callie swatted her away.

“No, no. Tell me more.” Hunter leaned back in his chair and crossed him arms over his chest, thoroughly enjoying himself.

“There is nothing more to tell. I thought I was here to help with mailings.”

“I finished it,” Nova said. “I just wanted to see your face.” She grinned like the Cheshire Cat. “Hunter, is there anything Callie can help you with?” By her tone, it was clear Nova meant in private.

“Sorry, but I’m out of time,” Callie said. “I have an appointment back at the cottage. See you guys later.” She turned on her heels and marched away like the badass businesswoman she was.

Her phone sounded with a text when she reached outside.

Hunter: I liked seeing your face, too.

She texted back, I liked seeing yours. And for the rest of the day, she had a goofy smile on her face.