Page 66 of Say It Isn't Snow

“The jewelry store two doors down offers a personalization service,” the clerk answers.

“Thank you.”

Gift in hand, I find the jewelry store and drop it off for engraving before I head to the bakery.

It’s as packed as the busy sidewalk outside. There’s a line at the counter six people deep and a few tables have empty plates.

I collect them and wipe the tables down, helping a mother slide two of the tables together for her children to eat at.

Holly doesn’t spot me right away, too occupied taking care of her customers. When she does, she spares me a quick smile and a wave before getting back to it.

“Are you out of these maple cookies?” The man placing his order taps the empty spot in the display case.

Holly presses on her tiptoes to see. “It looks like I am. Sorry about that, I didn’t realize the last one sold. If you’ll wait just a moment, I’ve got a fresh batch about to come out of the oven. How many would you like?”

“Three,” he decides.

She plasters on a smile and rings him up. “I’ll be back in a sec.”

It’s not her real, effortless smile. I rub at the hot sensation irritating my chest.

It drives a wedge through me seeing her pushing herself to the brink like this. Tired. Overwhelmed. Fighting on her own to keep it all in check.

She’s not alone. She has me at her side.

I’m filled with the need to take the weight she carries from her before she needs to ask. I want to do this for her every day for the rest of our lives.

I’ll become the support she can trust will always be there for her to lean on from here on out.

Without a word, I step behind the counter as she ducks into the back and sanitize my hands at the sink. I greet the next customer in line with a friendly smile.

“How’s it going today? What can I get started for you?”

“Two chocolate muffins,” the woman replies.

“Coming right up.” I grab the tongs in the case and bag the muffins before ringing up the total with the touchscreen display.

Holly falters in the doorway when she returns, giving me a glassy-eyed look that makes me want to wrap her in my arms and protect her from the entire world.

We work in tandem through the rest of the line. Once it’s calmed down, I sweep the shop again to bus the tables and take the dirty dishes to the kitchen to wash. Before starting them, I message Layla.

Caleb

You don’t start your new job until after New Year’s once you’re at your new place in Mayfield, right?

Layla

Yup. Mom’s made an excuse to go shopping every day. She’s sad I’m leaving her. It’s not like I’m going far [laughing emoji]

Caleb

Then you’re free this week?

Layla

Why, what’s up?

Caleb