she was glad someone as nice as Quinn had found someone special. “Well, we wish them years of happiness.”
She finished folding the towel and stashed it on the shelf in color coordinated fashion, then reached down into the box to unwrap another of the plush bath towels. She held the soft fabric to her chest for a moment, as if it could sooth her pounding pulse and give her comfort.
“Mrs. Dowland, you’re bringing your family to the barn raising party tonight, aren’t you?” Tess asked.
“Of course. We wouldn’t miss it. I’m the president of the ladies committee for Saguaro Gulch as you know, and we’ve arranged for everyone to bring tables and a little potluck. We’ll be there an hour before the party to help you set up.”
Ari nodded and put her attention back on folding. Once Mrs. Dowland left the store, Tess strolled to her side and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” Tess paused. “His loss.”
“Don’t be. I’m fine.”
“I don’t think you are.” Tess tugged the towel from Ari’s fingers and nudged her to turn and look at her. “I know we haven’t seen eye to eye on many things. You put up with me because of Lynn. And…maybe I do the same, but as much as you dislike me sometimes, I consider you my dearest friend. You’re not the kind of woman who likes to share her feeling, but I know you had them for Quinn. There’s always been a fire that burned in your heart for him, hasn’t there?”
“Nah. He’s a good guy. Good business partner.” The fantasies she had about Quinn were wistful daydreams. He’d emailed her a couple times about the horses. All three of her mares were in foal. On the last email he’d apologized for his absence and wished her well. Quinn had never hinted at a relationship. “It’s just a business partnership.” Tears welled in her eyes. Having a severe case of the blues didn’t make sense.
Tess hugged her. “Oh, gosh, please don’t cry. You’re the strongest out of the three of us. We had a rough go with our first husbands. Doesn’t mean love is our enemy. I haven’t treated any man who’s spent time with me as anyone other than another guy who’d eventually lie to me. But I think it’s time we were a little more open to giving love a chance. Don’t you? Look at Lynn. She and Connell are so happy together. Eventually, she’s going to move out. She deserves it after all, but we do too.”
Ari swept the tears away. “I’m just happy for Quinn. He’s a nice man, and I don’t think he’s the type who would cheat on a woman once he’s made a commitment.” A debilitating ache squeezed the air from her chest as if she’d told an enormous lie.
Tess nodded. “Until love comes knocking, we’ll just keep ourselves busy. Speaking of which, Morgan called a little while ago. He said my frames are finished. I want to put them around those two displays on the wall. Would you mind getting them?”
“Sure. Is Lynn coming back for lunch?”
“No, I think she’s staying with the quilting group this afternoon. She took Ellie with her. She just loves that girl. Not to mention quilting.”
“Maybe we’ll each have a new blanket this Christmas.”
Tess’s shoulders rose. “Hope so. They’re beautiful. Speaking of which, let’s make it a working lunch. I want to show you my ideas for the Christmas decorations I’ve got planned for this place.”
“Christmas already? It’s only August.”
“Gotta stay ahead of the game.” She winked. “I really want your input.”
“Sure. I’ll drop by the hotel and grab us some lunch.”
“And, I have other big news.” She clapped her hands together. “I took your advice and hired a girl to cover the three to nine shift. She’s so sweet. Her name’s Clara, and she’ll be here today to start her training.”
Ari smiled, although she felt completely stone-cold dead inside for some reason. “That’s great, Tess. Where did you find her?”
Tess picked up the cardboard box once Ari removed the last towel. “Total luck. She’s new in town. When I interviewed her, she just struck me as a gal I could trust.”
“I’m glad. Can’t wait to meet her.” Ari tucked the last towel on the shelf.
“You were right. Lynn needs to help on the ranch, and it’ll give me time to work on the expansion of the store.”
She nodded. “I’ll head over to Morgan’s. See ya shortly.”
After picking up the frames from the mercantile and