Page 27

I was still upset about how Bones, Leon, and Alfred had pushed me into essentially accepting a bodyguard role.

I thought they were blowing it way out of proportion.

Deon didn’t even know I was back to work there.

He was moving on after his beating. All I wanted to do was do the same and forget I knew him.

After Bones left, Leon went back outside.

I tried to see where he was, but for such a large man, he seemed to disappear.

I even scanned nearby cars but had no luck.

Alfred and I got caught up. I’d missed him so much. And he had no issue with me wearing my property cut. He said it was cool. If he were younger, he might have joined the Pagans. That was his reply when I asked him if it bothered him. I had to hug him when he said it.

The day picked up about an hour after my man left, and we had a steady stream for several hours.

Some people were just browsing, and others were looking for specifics.

I answered questions and gave them more information.

I loved sharing what I knew. Then, a couple of customers wanted an appraisal of their antiques, but it had to be done at their homes.

The items were too big or numerous to bring to the store. I was dealing with one of those now.

“Ma’am, if you can tell me a date and time, I can see if I have an opening to come do the appraisal.

If not, we’ll find a day that works for you, I’m sure.

Where exactly is the address of the items in question?

How many items require appraisal? Are they easily accessible, or will I need to climb into an attic to see them?

Do you only want an appraisal, or would you like Treasures to sell the item or items? ”

She was a woman, maybe in her fifties, so she wasn’t old.

However, she did have a snotty attitude.

I knew her kind well. We got them in here occasionally.

I’d had men and women like her dismiss me due to my age and sex.

They insisted on talking to the manager or owner.

This woman looked at me down her long, slightly hooked nose and sniffed.

I bit my tongue so I wouldn’t ask her if she needed a tissue.

“I’d like to talk to the owner and an actual appraiser. I don’t have time to waste with assistants coming to take pictures to show the appraiser. I want the actual person doing the appraisal.” Her dismissive attitude rankled me, but I let it go.

“Mr. Pennington is the owner. Give me a moment to get him,” I said calmly.

I barely made it around the wall to the back when I met Alfred coming toward me. He was rolling his eyes. He heard. “Come with me. I’ll handle this,” he whispered.

I turned and followed him back to the front counter. Behind it, a desk and a small work area were set up. When no one was there, I could sit there and do my research without standing all the time. I was doubly grateful for this now that I was pregnant.

“I’m Alfred Pennington. I’m the owner. I understand from Blythe that you asked to see me,” he said politely with a slight air of haughtiness. Uh oh, she’d angered him. Alfred was sweet as can be, but occasionally, he could be pushed to act like a snob.

“Yes, Mr. Pennington. Your shop was highly recommended to me as the best place to have appraisals of antiques and find similar items. I have a few items at my home that I’d like appraised.

Your…assistant was asking me for details.

I don’t share those with anyone but the person doing the appraisal.

You understand. You can’t be too careful who you allow to know where you live or into your home.

I’m surprised at your choice of staff.” She cast a quick, telling glance at my property cut.

“I’m sorry, Ms…”

“Ms. Cooke.”

“Ms. Cooke, I’m sorry we won’t be able to help you,” he said.

“Whatever do you mean?” she asked, surprised.

“You don’t want Blythe in your home. She’s the appraiser.”

“What about you? Surely, you’d make exceptions for certain customers and do it yourself,” she prompted.

“No, I wouldn’t because while I love antiques, I’m no expert.

Blythe is. She’s been educated on it and is a well-known appraiser in the area.

You’re welcome to see if another shop has someone who can do it, although they won’t be up to her level.

You might lose some money if the appraised value is incorrect, but I’m sure they have someone more to your taste.

We only hire the best, and she gets top dollar for our customers. ”

I fought not to crack up laughing or from hugging him.

Ms. Cooke’s face registered her astonishment.

She was trying to come up with a response when the door chimed, and another customer walked in.

This one I knew. He was a regular. When he saw me, he broke into a huge smile and hurried to the desk.

Alfred was still dealing with Ms. Cooke.

I came around the counter, and when he reached it, I was hugged.

“Thank God, Alfred got you back. No offense, I like Alfred, but he’s not you when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of antiques.

I hated that you left. And look at you, pregnant and glowing.

We must catch up. But first, I’ve got my eye on a few pieces.

I want your opinion. Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.

I had to hug my favorite appraiser in the South.

” Mathius said the last part to Ms. Cooke, who stood there with her mouth open and eyes popping out of their sockets.

“It’s wonderful to see you, Mathius. And I’m so happy to be back.

I’ve missed the place and everyone, especially our regular and favorite customers.

You know I’m always glad to appraise something for you.

You know what I need—the specifics, including what it is, where it is, and the address.

As you can see, I can’t go crawling into lofts in barns or climbing rickety stairs into attics now. ” I patted my stomach.

“Absolutely not! It’s in a house. I found them by accident and would like to know if they’re what I think they are. If you confirm they are, I’m snatching them up,” he said excitedly as he rubbed his hands together.

“Why don’t you and I sit at my desk? I’ll get the details, and we can catch up. Alfred, do you need me for anything?”

He smirked. “No, you go do your thing. If I need you, I’ll call.”

I smiled and then led Mathius to my desk. He checked me over. I knew Ms. Cooke was listening to us and not paying attention to Alfred anymore. It couldn’t have gone better if I had planned it.

“You look good and are having a baby. By the looks of it, unless I’m wrong, you’re with a Pagan Soul. They’re a decent bunch of guys. How thrilling. Tell me. How did you meet, and when is the baby due?”

I wasn’t about to tell him that the babies belonged to Deon. “We met purely by accident. He was my doctor when I had to go to the ER. It was an immediate connection, and it quickly grew from there. And I’m having twins. I’m just over eighteen weeks along,” I shared proudly.

I heard a gasp from Ms. Cooke. As if she couldn’t help it, she said scornfully, “A doctor wouldn’t be in a motorcycle gang. Really.” She sniffed again.

“Well, you’d be wrong. Bones is very much a doctor and works part-time at the Cherokee Hospital,” I informed her.

“Wait, did you say Bones? As in Dr. Phoenix, from the Pagans?” Mathius asked.

“Yes, that’s his name. Bones is his motorcycle club name. They all have one. Do you know him?” I asked in astonishment.

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him. I found it quite thrilling to have a doctor who was a biker.

He treated me in the ER after a bad fall about five months ago.

You remember the one, Alfred. Anyway, he and I chatted a bit, and then someone called him Bones, and that’s how I found out.

He’s a very clever and engaging fellow. The two of you will make beautiful children together. Congratulations,” Mathius said.

I hated that Bones wasn’t their biological father.

The kids wouldn’t look like him. Mathius and I put our talk on hold to deal with Ms. Cooke.

It seemed she changed her mind. She was insisting that I schedule her as soon as possible.

Alfred and I got her scheduled, and when she left, the three of us had a good laugh after Alfred told Mathius how she had been acting.

After Mathius left, there was less than an hour until quitting time. It felt good to be back at work, but it was tiring. I was ready when five o’clock hit, and Alfred flipped the sign on the door from Open to Closed and locked the door. I’d told Bones to knock when he arrived, and we’d let him in.

As if I manifested him, five minutes after lockup, there was a knock.

Alfred told me to rest, and he’d let him in.

I was sitting behind the counter, so I couldn’t see him.

When both men appeared, I smiled at Bones as I stood.

He swept me into his arms and gave me the mandatory kiss.

After that was out of the way, he spoke a few words to Alfred, and I got my purse.

The three of us shut off the lights. Alfred told us to have a good night.

He parked in the rear. Bones wanted to see him to his car, but he waved us away.

I’d been given a key to the store as soon as I returned, so I locked the front door behind us.

Alfred would set the security alarm on his way out the back.

We had a panel by the front and back doors.

“Let’s get you home, and you can tell me all about your day. You need to put your feet up. You’re tired. I hope you didn’t overdo it,” Bones fussed.

“Not overdone, re-acclimating to it while pregnant, that’s all.”

“Still, don’t push yourself. Alfred said you don’t have to work every day, but three days a week would make him happy.”

“I know, and maybe as I get bigger, I’ll take him up on his offer. Take me home, Jagger. I’m hungry, and I want a bath.”

“Your wish is my command, Firefly.”