“It didn’t break!” he yelled.

Mercy rolled her eyes. “You guys! Why does it matter what’s going on? We adore Lovey. She’s the best boss I’ve ever had, and I’ve had plenty. If she’s happy, we should be happy with her and for her, right?”

They all nodded.

“Then calm down and go do your jobs. Wendy, get back to the register. The rest of you know what you’re supposed to be doing.”

They’d become so accustomed to Mercy being in charge when Lovey was recuperating from her injuries that they thought nothing of her calling them out and quickly went back to work.

* * *

Lovey was like a fish out of water in the dress department and finally settled on some dressy black slacks. The boutique already had outfits for the upcoming holiday season, and when she spotted a black-and-silver sequin top with long sleeves and a V-neck, she was sold before she even tried it on. When it fit, she quit looking.

“This is the one,” she said as she came out of the dressing room.

Satisfied she was ready, all she had left was the Thursday hair appointment. She went back to work, and Wednesday came to an end.

It was the next morning before Lovey began to get nervous. There were parts of their story that Lovey would never share in a public forum, but the simple act of admitting she’d given away her baby still broke her heart. She’d buried the pain long ago, and the only time the memories came back was at night when her emotional defenses were down and she dreamed. The bottom line was she didn’t want to bawl like a baby in front of everyone.

She got through the first half of the day, getting the PA system set up in the banquet hall, and as soon as she locked the doors, her staff began cleaning, getting the place ready for the party and the catering crew. Once they finished, Lovey walked out with them.

“See you this evening,” she said, and locked the door.

“What time do you need to be back to open up for deliveries?” Mercy asked.

“The flowers will be delivered around four. The caterers will be here at four to set up,” Lovey said.

“How about you go home and do whatever you need to do, and I’ll come back to let in deliveries. You can come back whenever you want to, but you won’t have to be in a panic. We don’t know what’s going on, but we know it’s a big deal to you, so let me help.”

Lovey hugged her.

“You stood in for me when I was hurt, and I can’t tell you what it meant for me to be able to heal without worrying about what was happening to my place. You all saved it for me, and you’re the sweetest thing for offering this. I will take you up on all of that, if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure,” Mercy said. “I’ll come back already dressed for the party. Go get prettied up.”