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Belle’s head dropped.
Reggie studied the store, with its bright awning and inviting window display. She knew a little about the company—she’d read a couple of articles once she’d learned Toby was the owner. He’d started selling hand pies out of the back of his truck and had graduated to food trucks and then stores.
She remembered when his grandmother would sell the pies in town. Having them for dinner had always been a treat at Reggie’s house.
The front door pushed open, and Shaye waved at her. “Hi. Good to see you again.”
“Hi, Shaye. It’s my first time by the store. If the visual doesn’t draw you in, the smells will.”
Shaye laughed. “That’s what we’re counting on.” She shivered. “It’s freezing. Come on inside.”
Reggie motioned to Belle. “Thanks, but I can’t leave her out here.”
“Bring her in. I’ll pretend not to notice.” Shaye approached Belle. “Hi, beautiful girl. What’s your name?”
“This is Belle.”
Belle sniffed the offered hand, then looked at Reggie for confirmation. “It’s okay. We like Shaye.”
Belle inched forward and allowed herself to be petted, and then they went inside.
The scents were even more delicious in the store. Reggie liked the high ceiling and the seating area off to the side. There were pies, sodas, milk and water, along with to-go boxes in all sizes.
“Saturday was fun,” Shaye said as she washed her hands at a small sink. “Thanks for including me.”
“I’m glad we got to meet. You’ve been here since the summer, right? So this is your first Christmas?”
“It is. I’m looking forward to experiencing all the traditions.” She dried her hands. “Now, what can I get you?”
Reggie eyed the selection. “A mushroom pie for me and a seasonal turkey for Belle.”
“It has cranberries in it. Is that all right?”
Reggie smiled. “Dogs can eat cranberries, and Belle is a big fan.”
Shaye got them each a pie. Belle gulped hers in a single bite, then licked her lips as if asking for more.
“You’ll spoil your dinner,” Reggie told her, holding on to her own pie. She took a bite, then tried to catch a piece of crust as it crumbled. Belle darted forward and snatched it before it hit the ground.
Shaye laughed. “They’re messy but delicious.”
“Yes to both,” Reggie said, grabbing a couple of napkins just as the front door opened and a boy rushed in.
Reggie would guess he was eight or nine, with pale blond hair and brown eyes. Neither were remarkable, nor was the boy, but there was something familiar about him. Something that made her body tense and her fight-or-flight response kick in. Even as adrenaline poured through her and she thought about bolting, a man stepped into the store.
No, not just “a man.” Toby Newkirk.
They stared at each other. Reggie had no idea what he was thinking, but she battled a rush of emotions. Guilt, curiosity, concern, anticipation. They swirled together and sat uneasily with the pie. Even as she realized she couldn’t speak, she knew she had to explain her presence, and hey, maybe why there was a giant dog splitting her attention between the last of Reggie’s pie and Toby’s son.
“Hello, Reggie,” Toby said, his voice casual, as if he wasn’t the least bit surprised by her presence.
“Toby.” She did her best to smile. Not sure if she succeeded, she turned to his son. “Hi, I’m Reggie, and this is Belle.”
“I’m Harrison. I’ve never heard of a girl named Reggie.”
“I’m named after my grandmother Regina.” She wrinkled her nose. “Reggie seemed like a better choice. Belle, can you say hello?”
Belle looked from Harrison to Toby and back. She took a tentative step toward the boy and sniffed twice before resting her massive head on his shoulder and sighing heavily.
