Best of My Love (Fool's Gold, #20)(59)

Shelby led the way. When Eddie was seated on the visitor side of her desk, Shelby walked to the bookshelf by the door.

“I have lots of samples of cookie designs here,” she said. “Or if you have a sketch, we can work from that.”

“Shut the door.”

Shelby looked from the old woman to the door, then shrugged. She doubted Eddie was going to rob her, or threaten her. She shut the door and then sat at her desk.

“I didn’t want anyone overhearing us,” the other woman said in a low voice. “This is private.”

Shelby couldn’t imagine what the “this” was. Maybe Eddie had fallen in love and wanted a surprise wedding cake? Or there was going to be a birthday for someone?

“I have money,” Eddie said abruptly. “Not millions, but plenty.”

Shelby tried to stay relaxed. “Okay,” she said slowly. “Congratulations.”

Eddie rolled her eyes. “I’m not looking for praise, you silly girl. I’m offering you a loan. So you can buy the bakery. You could pay me back over time. With interest. And if I die before it all gets returned, then I’ll forgive the loan.”

Eddie’s eyes narrowed. “Let me be clear. That’s not a license to off me. I’ll have a provision in my will that if my death is suspicious, you’re the first one they’re to investigate.” Her expression softened. “But I don’t think you’d do that.”

Shelby opened her mouth, then closed it. “I honestly don’t know what to say. Thank you. I’m stunned, but thank you.”

Eddie clutched her large purse in both hands. “You’re welcome. I’ve been watching you ever since you moved here. You were such a frightened mouse in the beginning. You’ve grown since then. Blossomed. You have backbone and that can’t be taught. You’re smart and honest. You’d be a good bet.”

The words were as lovely as they were unexpected. “Thank you,” she said. “You’re being so nice.”

“Humph. Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation in town. Anyway, you think about it.” Her expression turned stern. “You are going to buy the bakery, aren’t you? Because if you don’t, you’re an idiot.”

Shelby laughed. “Yes, I am. I’m going to tell Amber right now.”

“Good. I’d hate to be offering my money to an idiot.” She rose. “Let me know what you want to do.”

“I will.”

Shelby stood and circled the desk. Before she opened the door, she hugged the old woman. Eddie was smaller than she seemed. Like a little bird. But when she hugged back, her hold was fierce and powerful.

Shelby walked her out, then went into Amber’s office.

“Do you have a second?” she asked.

Her business partner looked up. “I do. Have you made a decision?”

“I’d like to buy the business.”

Amber laughed. “I’m so glad. I was hoping you’d say yes. This is fantastic. We have a lot to do. I’ll get my lawyer going on the paperwork and we’ll need to get the business valued. Oh, Shelby, you’re going to do great. I know you are. You have so many ideas and so much energy.”

“I’m excited.”

“Me, too! Let’s celebrate with a cookie.”

Shelby laughed. Because champagne was out of the question. But there would be plenty of bubbles later. With Aidan and the rest of her friends.

*

THE WEARY CAMPERS stepped out of the van as Aidan unloaded their backpacks and set them on the ground. Charlie, who’d already spent five minutes greeting Aidan, sniffed everything.

“Best time ever,” a teenage boy told his dad. “We have to do this again next year.”

“Maybe we’ll bring Mom along,” his father said.

The teen laughed. “Like that’ll ever happen.”

The rest of the group seemed equally pleased with their long weekend. The weather had been perfect—warm during the day and cool at night. The signs of spring had been everywhere in the mountains, from the wildflowers to the newborn fawn they’d seen.

Aidan ushered everyone into the office, where they signed the forms that confirmed they were back where they’d started, then checked the van one more time for forgotten gear or cell phones.

He hadn’t slept much while on the trip. He never did. Now all he wanted was a hot shower and about ten hours in his bed.

The latter thought had him picturing Shelby, but he carefully pushed that image away. Sleep. He needed sleep.

“How about a walk before we head home?” he asked the dog.

Charlie wagged his tail and followed Aidan into the office. Fay was finishing up with the last of the customers. She pointed to where Charlie’s leash lay on the counter.

“Kalinda played with him most of the morning,” his office manager told him. “I knew you’d want to crash and that wouldn’t work if your boy was restless. So he should be tired, too.”

“Thanks for that, and for taking care of him.”

Fay petted the dog. “Are you kidding? We all love having him. You should go on more trips where you can’t bring him. I won’t complain.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He yawned. “I’ll be back to check messages, then I’m heading home.”