The Fairy Tale Bride Read Free Page B

said carefully then he glanced back at Sage. She, at least, got a smile. “And don’t give all my secrets away. A doctor who loves chocolate? You’ll ruin my reputation.”
    It seemed his grumpiness was isolated to her. Lisa turned her back on him and paid attention to the glass counter filled with gorgeous chocolates again. “Sage, that’s what I came to tell you. I want some chocolates for the shop today. We’re having some special guests. Polly Parker and Ruby Cole are coming to see if they can find bridesmaid dresses this morning.”
    Sage wrinkled her nose. “I recognize those names. Who are they?”
    “They’re friends of Nancylynn Pruitt’s. Do you know she’s coming back to get married here in a few weeks?” Lisa’s eyes widened as she just remembered something. “She wants to use local businesses. I’ll tell her to come in here. You could make her wedding favors.”
    Sage smiled widely and looked thoughtful. “Do you think she would want something like that?”
    “Why not, doesn’t everyone love your chocolates?”
    Sage shrugged modestly. “I hope so. I could make her individual chocolates covered in foil to match her bridesmaid dresses. Does she have a theme for her wedding? I could make her molds – you know, cowboy hats, intertwined hearts, or just a great big Hollywood sign.”
    She picked up a handful of leaflets and handed them over to Lisa. “Can you leave them in the shop so she can see them? If she’s interested she can come and chat with me.”
    Lisa grinned. “Once she’s tasted the chocolates I’ll have in store for her today I bet she’s over in a shot.” She almost pressed her nose against the glass. She didn’t care it was only nine am. She’d been awake since five. It was never too early for chocolate.
    Sage pulled out a basket and lined it with some tissue paper. “Do you just want a variety?”
    Lisa nodded and started pointing through the glass. “Some of the orange ginger truffles – you know they’re my favorites. And the chocolate mint melts.” She moved further along the counter as Sage picked up her tongs and started putting chocolates in the basket. “Some heart-shaped raspberry creams, the fig and pistachio chocolates and the spicy mango too. Oh, and some coconut truffles.”
    “Are you sure that basket’s big enough?” Adam’s deep voice had a hint of laughter about it. Maybe he wasn’t such a grump after all.
    Lisa swung around towards him. To be fair, he looked tired. He’d probably been up most of the night. “I’m just trying to make my new guests feel welcome. What girl, or guy,” she added, “doesn’t like chocolate?” She waved her hand towards the counter. “Go on then. What’s your poison? But I’m warning you, if it’s the orange ginger truffles we’ll be out there duelling at dawn.”
    The edges of his tired lips hinted at a smile. “You’re safe, I’m here for four bars of the single origin cinnamon and hazelnut chocolate bars. Can’t see past them.”
    Sage tapped a few she had sitting on the counter behind her. “And I keep them specially for Adam.” She nodded towards Lisa and laughed. “He gets cranky if they’re sold out.”
    “Cranky?” said Lisa as she couldn’t help but grin. “Oh no, Sage. Not Dr. Brady. He’d never be cranky.” She raised her eyebrows at him as Sage rang up her chocolates on the cash register.
    Sage smiled back at Adam and lifted her hand. “It’s two against one. Don’t even go there. Are you playing poker with Dawson and the guys tonight?”
    He gave a nod. “Unless I’m called back on duty, tonight is free. I’m looking forward to it.”
    She turned to Lisa. “What about you, are you going to Grey’s tonight?”
    Talk about a setup. Lisa felt color rush to her cheeks. At some point she would kill Sage for this. She liked to try and play matchmaker for others. Lisa felt as if she had a sign above her head. Single and desperate .
    She picked up her chocolates from the counter