Page 84 of Just One Spark

We'd planned to go out to dinner, so Stevie was supposed to handle the truck for the rest of the night.

Hattie glanced over at Stevie, who was handing a tray of cups out the window."I don't know.We're pretty busy."

Stevie flashed Hattie a smile."Go.I've got this."

Her forehead wrinkled."If you need help?—"

Stevie rolled her eyes."I won't.Now get out of here."

Stevie was a little rough around the edges, but she was great for Hattie.She forced her to take time off and was capable of handling the truck by herself.She was the best thing that could have happened to us.

Hattie grabbed her jacket, and I helped her put it on."Where are we going?"

I took her hand."I want to show you something before we eat dinner."

"Are we going ice skating again?"she asked hopefully.

"Not tonight."But I'd have to remember that for next time.She loved doing the holiday events and not being stuck in her truck the entire time.

I put my arm around her, and we walked in the direction of the new space.It was just off the square, and even though it was smaller than a lot of the other shops, it was perfect for access to the busiest section of town.

We paused at the side of the building where there was a window so that people could order while standing outside.There was a large picture window to the left that Hattie could decorate for the holiday season.

"This space has been empty for so long.It would be perfect for an ice-cream shop."

I hunched against a cold gust of wind, pulling her closer to me."In this weather?"

She laughed."Good point.Maybe it could be a seasonal thing."

I raised a brow, suddenly nervous."You want to see what it looks like inside?"

She frowned."Why would I want to do that?I'm not looking for a storefront right now."

"Isn't it your dream to own one?"I asked as I pulled a key out of my pocket.

She sighed."Well, yeah.But that's not going to happen any time soon."

I unlocked the door."Why not?"

"How do you have a key?"

"Eve gave it to me so I could show you this."I pushed open the door and turned on the light switch.There was a counter along one side that allowed the shop owner to serve customers inside the store and through the window.

On the other side was an open space perfect for a few small tables with chairs.I'd hung strings of lights on the ceiling so she could get a feel for how it would look once she was moved in.

"What's all this?"Hattie asked.

In the center of the dining room, there were pillows, blankets, and a picnic basket."I thought we could have dinner here."

Hattie shifted on her feet."This is sweet.But I don't understand why we're eating dinner here."

I moved around the shop."Can you see yourself selling hot chocolate here?”

Hattie sucked in a breath as she looked at the space again, and maybe for the first time."I mean, yeah.This is a little smaller than I was thinking, but it's a perfect location with the square right there."She pointed at the window."The ice skaters and people in line for Santa could easily come to the window and order."

"You could create an experience in here for your guests.You can paint it however you want and add decorations."

Hattie spun in a circle, her eyes shining in the twinkling lights."Are you sure I'm ready for this?"