Kincaid had spent the weekend getting the place gussied up for the Christmas season, making it look magical and inviting. “That’s great. And it was really no problem. I enjoy decorating.”

“I appreciate it regardless, but I was hoping I could ask you for one more quick favor,” she said a little tentatively.

“Sure.” Kincaid swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Whatever you need.”

“The new owner needs someone to walk him through the inventory system and the order of the storeroom. He’s going to be stopping by there around lunchtime,” she explained. “Do you think you could let him in and give him a little rundown? I would, but I’m volunteering at a church event today and—”

“No problem,” Kincaid said, interrupting her. “I’ve got nothing going on today besides a few errands. I don’t mind helping out. Plus, I need to eyeball this new owner, make sure he understands not to screw up your store.”

Grace laughed. “It’s not going to be mine anymore, but I appreciate the sentiment. I’ll tell him you’ll meet him there and let him in.”

“Sounds good,” she said. “Oh, what’s his name?”

There was a shuffling of papers on her end. “Um, Robert Jones. I think he goes by Bob.”

“Well, that will be easy to remember.” Kincaid hung up, was tempted to text Ash about the store being sold, but she resisted. Ash had waited over a decade for her. If he needed space now, he had the right to it. Maybe he didn’t want to talk because there was nothing to say. He was back to his traveling life. He didn’t want to have to tell her the obvious—they lived different lives in very different places. Falling in love didn’t fix that.

The thought made her chest ache, but she forced herself out of bed. She would not wallow today. Grace needed her, and the store selling was good news. That meant Kincaid would have money to start some renovations because she hadn’t cashed Ash’s check. She couldn’t take that money in good conscience. That was Ash’s money.

She grabbed her favorite sweater dress and a pair of knee-high boots. She’d been schlepping around in grungy clothes for the last few weeks, always getting dirty with house stuff, but it was time to feel pretty again. Sometimes the outside gloss could help the inside glumness. At least she hoped it could.

The store was closed as she pulled up in front of it. The window shades had been drawn and a sign had been taped to the door. Under new ownership. Reopening on New Year’s Day. Her eyes misted a little, but she stanched the tears. Everything had to come to an end at some point. This was just another chapter closing in her life.

She parked in the back of the building and dug her keys out of her purse. She’d have to turn those over, too. With a sigh, she climbed out of the car and headed to the building. She checked the time on her phone. The new owner would be here in fifteen minutes or so. She could go in and turn on all the Christmas twinkle lights and have the store looking nice for him.