The Quietest Shop on Main (Shops on Main #3)

Chapter 29

29

T hough her mind was clearer from the surge in her blood sugar, as Skyla and Dalton pulled up to her house, she was starting to regret having eaten all that orange chicken.

Dalton parked on the street and came up to Skyla’s car door, opening it and offering a hand, which she gratefully took.

This should have been the most important and happiest day of her life. She and Dalton were in love and planning to get married…but what was going to happen to Grandpa?

Skyla loved him. She’d taken care of him for a long time, but even she knew that sharing a house with her grandparent when she and Dalton were newlyweds wasn’t going to be a good idea. She and Dalton needed time together. The amount of time they got alone now was barely keeping them afloat, and she didn’t want to start her marriage that way.

But she also didn’t know what they were going to do.

“It’s going to work out,” Dalton said, giving her hand a little squeeze. He grinned and stopped them before they stepped in the house, quickly unwinding the scarf around his neck. “Why are you always scarfless?”

Skyla laughed softly. “Why are you always wearing one?”

“I told you…Analiese crochets when she’s stressed.”

“We’re almost inside,” Skyla said, her voice muffled from the scarf in front of her mouth. “You didn’t need to put it on me.”

Dalton leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. “There’s still five feet left. I don’t want you cold in that five feet.”

Did women really sigh and melt into puddles? Because Skyla certainly wanted to in that moment. Yeah…it was a little cheesy, but so sweet. She needed this man in her life.

Turning back to the house, Skyla took a deep breath. They could make this work. She had no idea how, but she couldn’t lose Dalton. She’d lost herself during the twenty-four hours they were apart, and Skyla never wanted to experience that again.

Gripping the front door, she walked inside with determination. “Grandpa? Analiese?”

“In the kitchen,” Analiese called back.

“Uh, oh,” Dalton muttered under his breath.

“I heard that!”

He grinned and stomped his feet on the porch before stepping inside. It took a couple minutes to remove coats, scarves, and gloves, but eventually Skyla and Dalton clasped hands and walked in to greet the rest of their odd little family.

A united front that Skyla desperately needed to get through this next conversation.

Grandpa was sitting at the table, glaring at her from under his bushy eyebrows and Skyla almost missed a step, but she stiffened her knees and threw back her shoulders.

This was going to be hard. But she could do hard things.

Especially with Dalton at her side.

“You missed dinner,” Analiese said sarcastically. She stood with her hip against the counter, drying her hands on a towel. “I even did the dishes.”

Skyla tore her eyes away from her grandfather and turned to the woman who was going to be her sister-in-law. Last time they’d talked, it hadn’t been very pleasant. “Thank you for helping tonight,” Skyla said, her voice softer than she wished, but it just seemed to be part of who she was. “And I want to apologi?—”

Analiese shook her head, holding up a hand. “I need to say something first.”

Skyla snapped her mouth shut and Dalton started to step in front of her, but Skyla pressed her free hand against his chest. “It’s alright,” she assured him. “We need to have this conversation.”

Dalton sighed and nodded. “I know, I just…” He shook his head.

“I’m not going to cook her and eat her,” Analiese snapped.

Dalton raised an eyebrow. “Can you?”

“Dalton,” Skyla scolded, but she didn’t miss that Analiese and Grandpa both laughed.

Analiese huffed and studied her fingernails for a moment before coming back to Skyla. “It was wrong of me to get mad at you,” she said, her tone softer than usual. “I was hurt and angry, and we’d all been scared on the boat and…” She sucked in a breath, turning toward the wall. “And I let my emotions get the better of me. I’m sorry.”

Skyla blinked. Then blinked again. “I…” She shook her head. “I never blamed you,” she said. “I acted out of fear, myself. You were right to be upset with me.”

Analiese’s shoulders dropped, and she closed her eyes, then slowly looked back up at Skyla. “But that’s exactly why I need to apologize. I was being a hypocrite. I’ve let my emotions rule me for a couple of years now, and it’s…” Analiese shook her head. “It’s miserable, Sky. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.” Analiese pushed a hand through her hair. “As much as I think you’re perfect for Dalt, you’re not perfect , perfect, and it wasn’t fair of me to hold you to that standard. I really am sorry. And I hope that you can forgive me not only now, but in the future because I’m pretty sure I’ll make a lot more dumb mistakes before this is all over.”

Skyla let go of Dalton and marched over, immediately wrapping her arms around Analiese. “I make stupid mistakes, too,” she whispered. “Maybe we can keep forgiving each other?”

“I’d like that,” Analiese said, squeezing tight. “Can you forgive me?”

“I already have,” Skyla replied quickly. She pulled back. “Can you forgive me?”

“Already done.” Analiese smiled, looking so much like Dalton in that moment that Skyla felt her heart lurch just a little. This was her family. Imperfect and awkward, but wonderful all at the same time.

And Skyla really, really hoped her children inherited their dad and aunt’s smile, someday.

“So this is where we’re going?”

Skyla turned around, frowning at her grandfather. “What?”

Grandpa leaned back in his chair, looking every bit his eighty-five years. He looked tired and worn, and he slumped in a way that looked as if he had very little body strength. It hurt Skyla’s heart. How were they supposed to do this? Grandpa couldn’t take care of himself.

“This,” Grandpa said firmly, waving his hand around the room. “We’re making this permanent?”

Skyla looked to Dalton, who was already watching her. The warmth in his gaze sent her heart into odd skitters, but it didn’t hurt. It was glorious. “Yes,” Skyla said, her voice soft but strong. “I do believe we’re making this permanent.”

Dalton couldn’t look away. Everything he wanted was in those words and in the green eyes watching him from across the room.

One hurdle, Analiese, had just been tackled.

But the biggest one was left.

“Mr. Bowen.” It took a great deal of self discipline to look away from Skyla, but Dalton managed it. “You and I have already spoken, but I want to make this official in front of everyone.”

He held out his hand, and Skyla joined him.

“I’ve asked Skyla to marry me, and she’s agreed.” Dalton watched the older gentleman slump deeper into his seat. “Naturally, we have concerns about?—”

“I think it’s time,” John said, scratching his three-day beard.

Dalton frowned, his mind blanking now that his speech had been interrupted. “I’m sorry?”

John took a deep breath, and the eyes he turned to Skyla were misty, causing instant panic in Dalton’s chest. “I’ve been holding off for as long as I could,” John said, his voice wavering. “It’s been you and me for so long, my night sky.”

Skyla let go of Dalton and rushed over, kneeling at her grandfather’s side.

“I made a mistake,” John continued, his shaky hand landing on her head. “I’ve tried to keep you with me for too long and now…” He shrugged. “Now, I’ve nearly ruined your path to getting there.”

“Grandpa,” Skyla began, but he cut her off.

“I had my time,” Grandpa said. “I had my love and I had my family. It’s not fair of me to keep you from yours.” John looked at Dalton. “She’s holding back because of me, isn’t she?”

Dalton didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. Everyone in the room knew their situation was difficult.

“But no more.” John shook his head, looking back at Skyla. “Right after the stroke, I found a place a ways down the road.”

“Grandpa, no,” Skyla whimpered.

He nodded. “You can’t keep taking care of me, Sky. We both know it. I can barely walk. I need medical attention and a strong set of shoulders.” He sighed. “You can’t give me those. I’ve watched you work yourself almost into an early grave trying to take care of everyone, and I’m going to lighten the load.”

“We visited it,” Analiese added.

Dalton and Skyla’s heads whipped to the side.

Analiese cleared her throat and shifted her weight. “When you two were fishing, John and I went up for a visit. It’s nice.” She shrugged. “They have staff to help, and it’s only a thirty minute drive. I believe they’ll take good care of him.”

“Grandpa,” Skyla said again, but her words died off and Dalton knew how she felt.

But this all felt a little…too perfect.

Analiese apologized. John offered to go into a home.

Where was the catch?

“I have a stipulation,” John said, unknowingly answering Dalton’s question.

Dalton settled his weight and took a deep breath.

“Anything,” Skyla automatically responded.

“The fishing trip was a lie.”

Skyla nodded. “I know. I still don’t really understand why you did it, but I know.”

John glared up at Dalton. “But the bookshop wasn’t.”

Dalton frowned. “The bookshop?”

John leaned forward. “This body won’t last forever, but that shop can. I want to pass it down, but I want it to be more than a part time job.” He pointed a gnarled finger at Skyla. “And she’s who I want running it.”

Dalton tilted his head. “So…you’ll let me marry her, if I promise to turn the shop into a family legacy?”

John nodded slowly, never losing eye contact. “It should not stand in thy posterity, but that myself should be the root and father of many kings.”

Dalton chuckled. “That might be asking a bit much.”

John waved off his concern. “I always had plans to go back to the shop. But…” He shrugged. “Life isn’t going the way I wanted. I thought my wife would be by my side until the end and Skyla would marry and I’d save the bookshop for her.” He shook his head. “But Margene died. And Skyla took on the burden by herself. Time kept going and now I don’t have the ability to go back and finish the dream.” The hardness of his jaw softened and for the first time since they’d met, Dalton saw a softer side to John. “I might not see my great-grandbabies, but I can leave them a piece of me. I’m asking for your help.”

Dalton would have agreed to this plan a thousand times over, it was an absolute bargain to have Skyla in his life and to have her to himself.

But men being men, the two engaged in a staring contest for several long heartbeats before Dalton raised his eyebrows.

“I want a quick engagement.”

John glowered. “She puts in her two week notice now.”

“What are you two doing?” Skyla asked, standing up and folding her arms over her chest.

It took work to keep from grinning like a loon, and Dalton didn’t miss how John’s lips twitched as well.

“We’ll need to renovate and update,” Dalton said.

“I know there are a couple of twins running around here who can help with that,” John shot back.

Analiese snorted. “You two are ridiculous.”

Dalton tilted his head. “I want a writing space in the back.”

John’s eyebrows went up. “Oh?”

“It’s not just your legacy, I’m concerned about,” Dalton continued. “The books we sell can be yours…but the ones we publish will be hers.”

“Dalton,” Skyla breathed.

“You should move Analiese in there,” John said. “Turn the storage room into an office and bring in foot traffic for the tours. It’s win-win.”

Dalton stepped forward and held out his hand. “All I’m looking for is to make Skyla happy. The rest is bonus.”

John’s handshake was weak, but they shook. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

“I think I just became chopped liver,” Analiese said wryly.

“And I think I just witnessed a marriage negotiation,” Skyla added, huffing. “Those went out of style not long after Shakespeare, Grandpa.”

He gave her a look. “Some parts of the world still use them.”

She pursed her lips and shook her head. “Not here.”

Dalton laughed and pulled her into his arms. “We’re just two men who love you,” he said softly. “We both want to make sure you’re taken care of…but we also both want you to have the freedom to follow your dreams.” Dalton kissed the top of Skyla’s head. “You already take care of both of us…we’re just making plans to make sure you’re taken care of as well.”

Skyla sniffled, and Dalton grinned, then turned to his sister.

“You know full well you’re not chopped liver,” he scolded playfully.

Analiese opened her eyes wide. “Do I?”

Dalton scowled, and Analiese smiled. “But you’re going to either be living alone, or you’ll need to find a roommate. Because I’m moving out as soon as possible.”

It wasn’t perfect.

This plan to move and reform their family, change careers, and expand opportunities. It would take work and effort, and they’d probably get smacked with a few unexpected waves along the way.

But they had their heading. Everyone had chosen a direction that worked for them, and everyone was taken care of.

There was only one more thing to do.

“Come with me,” Dalton said softly. He pulled Skyla toward the front door.

“What’s going on?” she asked as they put their winter gear back on.

Dalton didn’t respond, instead, he tugged her outside and shut the door, taking a deep breath of the cold air. “Finally,” he breathed, his exhales puffing in great white clouds. “Alone.”

Skyla laughed. “We were alone before we came here,” she said.

“Yeah, but we didn’t have that.” Dalton pointed up to the porch roof.

Skyla followed his finger and laughed louder. “Mistletoe? Are you serious?”

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his chest. “You didn’t have any at the shop,” he said, slowly lowering his head. “It’s a Christmas tradition, and I’ve been jipped.”

“It hasn’t stopped you from kissing me,” Skyla said softly, raising up on tiptoe to meet him.

Dalton paused before completely closing the gap. Raising his hand, he bit the end of his glove to pull it off so he could run his fingers through her hair. Even with the bruising and stitches, she was glorious. The road had been rough, but as he stared into the face of his fiance, Dalton didn’t care. It had been worth it, and everything he’d just promised to do going forward would be worth it. Even dealing with that stupid narrow staircase again.

“You were right, you know,” Skyla whispered.

Dalton raised his eyebrows. “While I can’t say I mind hearing that, what exactly are you referring to?”

“You told me everything would be alright,” Skyla continued. “Over and over. I kept worrying and pushing harder, but you kept saying it would be fine. It’ll all work out. You were steady and strong while I was scared and anxious.” She bounced up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss. “Thank you for that. Thank you for giving me enough hope to keep going and for seeing this through to the end.”

Dalton’s smile slowly spread across his face, the same way the heat was spreading through his body. “Thank you for giving me a chance. Your quiet kindness was why I had the courage to say all that. I knew it would work out because I knew you wouldn’t give up until it did.” He rubbed his nose against hers.

“Dalton, you take my breath away,” Skyla breathed.

Dalton grinned. “I know how we can take both our breaths away.”

Skyla leaned back, and Dalton frowned. “I have a quick question.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Did you ever give that cookbook to Analiese?”

“What?” Dalton frowned, then burst out laughing. “No way. I returned it later. She’d have skinned me alive for giving that to her.” Pursing his lips he tilted his head to the side. “We should have given her the Jell-O one though. That might have gone over just fine.”

Skyla smacked his coat. “I was so flustered by you being there I couldn’t think straight.”

Dalton nodded. “Niiice.” He leaned down. “How about I fluster you some more?”

“Oh, please do.”

No more talking. Dalton had had Analiese put up the mistletoe earlier so it would be a good excuse to kiss Skyla, but she was right. He didn’t need it. He just needed her.

Beautiful, quiet Skyla. Who needed words when they had each other?

Together they would build a legacy far greater than a bookstore…and Dalton was looking forward to every minute of it.