Will

“I can’t believe this day is finally here!”

I turned around from where I’d been fussing with a product display, glancing at my beautiful fiancée. Sydney stood in the center of the store, her hands pressed to her lips as she made a slow circle, taking in the space that was now Bark and Bites: Gourmet Food for Furbabies.

“It sure felt like it wouldn’t ever get here sometimes,” I agreed, closing the distance between us to pull Sydney close as we gazed together at what we’d built. “But it’s pretty incredible, babe. Look what you’ve done. Look what you’ve created.”

“What we created,” she corrected me. “I couldn’t have done this without you, Will. I wouldn’t have even had the idea if it hadn’t been for you–and Bailey, of course.”

From his custom-made bed in a place of honor, Bailey lifted his head and gave a small happy bark at the sound of his name.

“He’s the very picture of a perfectly contented, healthy doggo,” I remarked. “A walking advertisement for your wares.”

“Let’s hope so.” Sydney lifted anxious eyes to me. “Do you think we’re going to do okay, Will? I mean, opening a store that only carried pet food in such a small town–am I crazy?”

“No.” I shook my head. “Definitely not crazy. We did the market research, remember? We ran all the numbers. Everything looks excellent. Plus, your product is superior. You have customers already hooked, babe. They’re going to be lining up around the block.”

“Let’s hope so. I need all the good vibes I can get.” I stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

“Did someone say good vibes?” A familiar voice floated in through the open door as Kiki sashayed into the store. “Well, here I am, chock full of them.”

“Aunt Kiki!” Sydney broke away from me to greet her aunt. “You made it!”

“Of course, I did.” Kiki hugged her niece. “I would have been here sooner if the damn airport hadn’t been fogged in yesterday. But you know that crazy man of mine did? He hired a private plane and a pilot to get us here as soon as it was safe to fly.” She flung wide her arms. “And now, I’m here.” She paused. “Or should I say, we’re here.”

“Was that my cue?” Troy Beck, country music superstar, strolled in behind his woman, pausing to hook an arm around Kiki’s neck, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. “Hey, y’all. I hear there’s a big, important business opening today.”

“Troy.” Sydney hugged her aunt’s love, and I managed not to be one bit jealous. I was secure in my woman’s love for me. But it took a strong guy not to be threatened by the undeniable testosterone bomb that was Troy Beck.

“Thanks so much for coming.” I strode forward to kiss Kiki’s cheek and offer my hand to Troy. “We both really appreciate it.”

“I think you’re going to appreciate it more than you know.” Kiki grinned at us. “Troy posted on his social media accounts that he’s making a surprise appearance here at the opening of Bark and Bites today. By the number of comments, likes and shares, I’d say you might have yourself quite a crowd.”

“Ohhhhh.” Sydney looked at me with wide eyes. “I can’t believe it. Troy, thank you so much!”

“Hey, it’s the least I can do after you guys have been so great about running the bakery so I can drag Kiki around the world with me.” He glanced down at Kiki, and the word smolder came to mind. “I can’t do without her, you know.”

“Excuse me.” A woman I’d never seen before stood in the doorway. “Are you open yet? I’ve been so excited to come in and buy some of your cat treats. My neighbor shared a sample she’d gotten from the vet clinic, and my cat went crazy for them.”

Sydney’s eyes met mine. I smiled and gave her a quick nod.

“Yes, yes, we are open.” Sydney took a deep breath and reached out to link her hand with mine. “We’re so glad you’re here. Welcome to Bark and Bites.”

As more people streamed in behind the first customer, I grabbed Sydney for a quick, heated kiss.

“So proud of you, Sydney. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She squeezed my hand. “We’re going to have a lot to celebrate tonight. I can feel it.”

I chuckled. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ve got plans for you–and that celebration.”

Sydney’s cheeks flushed pink. “Is that a promise?”

I dipped my head to whisper into her ear.

“Always.”

 

Keep the Small Town Love Sizzling!

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