Chapter Nine
Worship music played from the radio set on the counter.
Maegan sang along, singing praises as she rearranged several displays to make room for a trunk show next week.
A new indie dyer she’d found online had agreed to dye several custom colorways, and Maegan couldn’t wait to see what Nya, the dyer, came up with.
The bell chimed, and Judah walked in wearing his deputy’s uniform, tan utility pants and a black polo with the town’s crest embroidered on the chest. Tomorrow marked three weeks since they’d begun their fake romance, but the flutter in her heart tried to confuse reality and their scheme.
“Hi,” she greeted, setting down a basket of yarn.
“I didn’t expect to see you today, but I’m not disappointed.
Unless you’ve come to tell me I’ve been involved in a crime I can’t remember, but we both know I remember anything and everything, even the conversations the dentists had when I was under anesthesia getting my wisdom teeth removed. ”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “You’re clear of any crimes.”
“That’s a relief.”
“I come bearing good news and bad news.” He leaned against the checkout counter with his hands propped behind him.
“Tell me the good news first.” She set down the duster she’d used to clean the shelf.
“I got off work early.”
“And the bad news?”
“Boss is sending me to a conference this weekend. A spot opened, and he wants me there.”
As the information processed in her mind, the consequences dawned on her, and she frowned. “You’ll miss the jazz club night.”
He nodded slowly. “I’m sorry. I was really looking forward to it.”
“Me too.” She tried to squelch her disappointment. Life happened, and she would adapt.
“We can try again next month,” he said, offering a hopeful smile.
“Of course.” Moving beside him, she joined him in leaning against the counter. “Where’s the conference?”
Judah paused. “Charlotte.”
“That’s great. You’ll get to see your family.”
“Yeah.” His voice lacked any sense of conviction.
“What’s going on?” she asked gently.
“I left to clear my head, and it’s barely been a month that I’ve been here.” He turned to his side and looked at her. “For the first time in a long time, I’m happy. I’m at peace. What if I get to Charlotte and find out all that was surface level. I don’t want to go back to the person I was.”
Showing support, she covered his hand with hers, ignoring the spark.
“You are one of the strongest people I know, and you can’t say that I don’t know the real you since we’ve known each other three weeks.
The time we’ve spent together and the intense conversations we’ve had have allowed me to see the strength, courage, and integrity inside of you.
Your faith has only deepened since I’ve known you, and you will lean on that when faced with painful memories in Charlotte. ”
He drew a long breath, then held it before releasing it slowly. “Thank you. I feel far from strong some days, but you are right. My faith will carry me through.”
“Plus, you have friends and a support system now in Dogwood Creek. This community has adopted you as one of their own. If you get to Charlotte and need a friend, you can call me any time, day or night.” She gave his hand a squeeze before releasing it.
“I appreciate that.” He pursed his lips. “Is it bad that I asked if someone else could go instead?”
“Doesn’t hurt to ask, but I’m assuming the answer was no since you’re here telling me you’re going.”
“Actually, he did give me an out, but once he explained the conference and why he chose me, I couldn’t say no.”
She stood upright and tilted her head with curiosity. “Why is that?”
“Many law enforcement agencies are bringing in mental health professionals to bridge a needed gap, but most smaller agencies can’t afford that, even when they recognize the benefit.
This conference seeks to equip officers in those smaller law enforcement organizations with the tools and trainings to help the mentally ill in crisis mode when called upon for assistance.
” He paused for a breath. “I’m told I was specifically chosen because I’ve already been recognized for my compassion and patience. ”
“That’s wonderful.” Pride for him surged through her.
“First, that such a conference exists. I’m so grateful the stigma of mental illness is beginning to fade.
But I’m also thrilled that they see in you what I’ve seen from day one.
I’m proud of you for choosing to attend, despite your reservations of returning to Charlotte. ”
“Thank you. I’m not sure I warrant the privilege- I work with a group of amazing men and women, each who I believe would represent Dogwood Creek week, but I accept the honor.”
“When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow morning. They were going to fly me, but by the time I fight with security, baggage, and a rental, driving will be the same amount of time and a lot less stress.”
“Makes sense. How long is the conference?”
“The final session is Monday morning, followed by a closing lunch. I’ll drive home after that and return to Dogwood Creek late that evening.”
Her brain quickly calculated. Four days of not seeing him felt entirely too long, but maybe that space would be healthy since her heart wanted to confuse her feelings for him. “Do you need me to take care of anything at your house while you’re gone?”
“Since you asked…” A sheepish grin rested on his lips. “My sister insisted I needed a house plant to make my place feel like home. It would probably survive without being watered while I’m gone, but if you wouldn’t mind stopping over Sunday at some point to water it, I’d be grateful.”
“That’s no problem. Do you have an extra key hiding somewhere to let myself in?”
“I don’t, but I’ll stop and get one made this afternoon.
” His face lit up like he had a great idea.
“Packing won’t take me long, and since I got off early, I can take care of all that by this evening.
Would you want to come over for dinner, and I’ll grill steaks?
This warm front has me itching to light the grill. ”
“I’ll never turn down a grilled steak. Want me to bring a salad to go with it?”
“That would be perfect.” He looked around the store. “I should head out to get busy, but before I leave, I want to pick out yarn for my aunt. I’d like to visit her while I’m in Charlotte.”
“That’s sweet. What does she like?”
“Everything.” He laughed at her raised brows. “No, really. I sent her a picture that first day I was here, and she was in awe. Wait, she’s allergic to mohair. I do remember her telling me that one time.”
“You’re in luck, as I don’t carry much mohair, though I will special order skeins for customers. What does she knit the most?”
“Socks, hats, sometimes sweaters but she jokes she doesn’t have the patience for them. She’ll often make prayer shawls for ladies at church.”
“Do you have a budget you’re looking to spend?”
He gave her a number, and she formed an idea. “Mini sets are a great way to go for gifting since they offer a wealth of versatility. If you don’t know what weight to get, I would go with DK, again for flexibility.”
“Weight?” His forehead crinkled. “You’ve lost me.”
She went to the far wall and selected several packages.
Returning to the counter, she spread them out.
“These are mini sets. Together they make a full skein, enough for a pair of socks or a small shawlette, but they’re also great to use with colorwork.
They’re very popular in the knitting world right now. ”
Judah scanned the packages. “Are they soft? I know she likes super soft yarn.”
“These are nineteen microns, some of the softest you can get in Merino without going to a cashmere blend.” She carefully opened the adhesive end of a set’s packaging and removed a mini skein. “Here, feel for yourself.”
He stroked the yarn and squished and squeezed it. “This feels luxurious.”
“It’s dyed on a bestselling base. Many people love it.”
“I’ll take the green gradient set, and this purple set. Those are her favorite colors.”
“Good choices.” She tucked the mini skein back in the package and made sure the set looked like new.
Once he paid- full price because he stubbornly refused a discount-he gave her a final smile until later. “Come by around seven, and I’ll have the steaks going.”
“I’ll see you soon.” She watched him leave, letting out a contented sigh when the door closed behind him, and she eagerly anticipated the evening ahead.