Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Lowering her gaze to the display of frosted treats, she scanned the case. “I hope you have some of the featured cupcake, Reindeer Tracks. I had one the other night at a party, and it was so good. I’ve been thinking about it ever since.”
When Ellie didn’t immediately respond, Gemma lifted her gaze to find Ellie staring at her. A slow smile grew.
“What?” Gemma asked in confusion.
“I’m just putting my super sleuth skills to work. Let me see…” She tapped her lips, clearly drawing out whatever she was going to say. “Anton Gates was here a few days ago. He bought a dozen Reindeer Tracks cupcakes for his sister’s birthday party. I’m sure in a few weeks when we get closer to Christmas, I’ll have large orders for Reindeer Tracks, but Anton is the only person who’s purchased more than one of that flavor so far this early in the month.”
Gemma bit her lip, trying not to smile.
Ellie leaned her elbows on the edge of the counter. “And here’s the thing. I had six of them in the display case until about an hour ago when a customer came in and bought them all.”
Gemma sighed. “Darn it.” She’d been looking forward to the rich flavor of the frosting all day.
“Guess who that customer was,” Ellie continued.
Gemma’s face lit up. “Anton?”
Ellie nodded. “Imagine the coincidence? Perhaps you know where he lives and you can go by his place and see if he’d let you have one.”
Gemma busted up in laughter. She couldn’t hold it back any longer.
Ellie rushed around the counter and grabbed Gemma in for a big hug.
The two of them bounced up and down, squealing and laughing.
“I’m so excited for you,” Ellie shouted. “Is he the one? Is Anton your Daddy?”
“What’s going on out here?”
The booming voice coming from the door to the back room made Gemma spin around to find Tarson filling the doorway with his usual mixed expression. He was like a huge teddy bear. He often had his brow furrowed as if he was trying to maintain a serious demeanor, but the rest of his face was filled with laughter.
“Gemma found her Daddy!” Ellie announced.
Gemma shrugged. “I mean, it’s only been a few days. We don’t really know each other that well yet. Maybe I shouldn’t tell everyone in the world.”
Tarson grunted. “I’ve known Anton for a long time. He’s a good man. I’m glad he found such a good woman.”
Gemma’s cheeks heated again at the compliment. She turned to Ellie, not caring that Tarson was listening. “It’s happening so fast. Do you think I’m being too hasty?”
Ellie shook her head. “Sometimes when you meet the right person, you just know right away. When I met Garrett, we had instant chemistry. That’s the way it’s been with most of my friends who have found their Daddies. When it feels right, it just does.”
Gemma glanced at the display of cupcakes again. “I guess I don’t need any cupcakes after all. I feel bad coming in and not buying anything.”
Ellie shook her head and gave Gemma another hug. “Don’t worry about it. Besides, I come into your shop without buying things all the time. Everyone does. Sometimes we just need to browse.”
“Nobody browses cupcakes, silly.” Gemma giggled. “It’s not the same kind of shop.”
Ellie shrugged. “Well, how could you know your Daddy already bought every one of your favorite flavor?”
Gemma broke away and waved as she headed for the door.
“Have fun sort of sleeping tonight,” Ellie called out.
Chapter Nine
Anton was pacing in front of the window that evening as he waited for Gemma to get home. He’d spent the entire day making his house a place where Gemma could be as Little as she wanted and feel at home. He hoped she liked the changes he’d made.
Finally, she pulled into his driveway, and he flung the door open and jogged out to meet her. He didn’t care that he looked overly eager. Based on the banter in the texts they’d exchanged all day, he’d known she would show up. There had been no signs of cold feet or hesitation.
He reached Gemma’s car fast, and opened her door for her, glancing at the back seat. Nothing was in the car except her purse sitting on the front passenger seat, Buzzy’s head sticking out the top.
For a moment, his heart fell. “You didn’t bring anything to stay over?” he asked as he took her hand and helped her from the car.
She set her palms on his chest and looked up at him. “You said I could take more time if I wanted.”
He swallowed and then nodded. She was right. He wouldn’t pressure her. He was just surprised.
Suddenly, a wide grin spread across her face. “I’m just kidding, Daddy. My things are in the trunk. I hope you meant it because I brought a lot of stuff.”