A Soldier's Valentine

“Not if I don’t have time or the help to make it. I’ve never made anything that big.”

Was she supposed to feel sorry for him? So far, his opening week was proving to be a success. “You’re going to have to get some gift wrap. Especially with Valentine’s Day coming up.”

“Why’s that?”

Ginger rolled her eyes. Did she have to spell it out? “Haven’t you ever bought a girl flowers or chocolates for Valentine’s Day?”

He shrugged. “No. Not much of a Valentine’s Day guy.”

No surprise there. “Well, other people do, right along with specialty gifts like yours and mine. You’ll need to be ready because we’ve got a lot planned.”

“We?”

She took a deep breath. Finally, she’d roll out the details of the window display contest. She’d helped him out so he sort of owed her. “The chamber of commerce. I’m their liaison with the merchants.” Ginger stood a little straighter. “Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, we’re hyping it up big-time. We want to catch the bureau of tourism’s attention. Maple Springs might even be highlighted in the state of Michigan ad campaign if we can get everyone on board. Part of that is running a window display contest among the downtown merchants and businesses. The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day.”

One eyebrow rose. “Right, the contest. What’s the prize?”

Ginger narrowed her gaze. She’d been trying to catch him for days to spell it all out. But he’d been busy. Maybe that lag time had finally sparked his interest. “A year’s worth of statewide advertising already paid for by the chamber, as long as the chamber is listed, too.”

He harrumphed. “Not interested.”

And maybe not. Clearly, he didn’t get it. “Well, I want to win. And to do that, I’m going to need your help.”

His expression looked sharp enough to slice her in two. “How?”

She pointed toward their storefront. “We have identical windows. I think one of us would have a better chance of winning if they’re tied together somehow. But it has to support the contest theme.”

“Theme?” He looked amused now.

Ginger felt her face heat. “Maple Springs Is for Lovers.”

Zach laughed.

And Ginger experienced a strong urge to belt him. “Why’s that so funny?”

“That’s hokey.”

“It is not!” Ginger placed her hands on her hips. “The downtown restaurants will offer romantic dinner specials and the chamber is sponsoring horse-drawn carriage rides. All the merchants, if they’re smart, will take advantage of the holiday, as well.”

He snorted. “Valentine’s Day was made up by the greeting card companies. It’s no holiday.”

“It’s good business.” She wasn’t particularly fond of the day either, having been stuck at home more times than not, but it made for sales opportunities. “I make up gift baskets with romantic teas and aromatic spices.”

Zach looked as if it was all a game.

Maybe it seemed silly to him. He’d seen combat, probably had made life-and-death decisions, but this contest—and the advertising campaign win—might mean the life or death of her shop!

She crooked her finger at him. “Come with me.”

He gave her a curious look but did as she asked. He followed her through the slider into her store. She slipped behind her counter, where her laptop lay opened, and refreshed her page. He leaned over the counter to see her screen as she clicked around. That wasn’t going to work.

“Come around so I can show you what I’m talking about.” Ginger quickly went through the state of Michigan’s seasonal tourism ads. “See all these little towns? They’re real and I want Maple Springs to be one of them. This year, we have a chance, if I can get everyone on board with the contest.”

He peered over her shoulder as she played several commercials. She felt the warmth of him standing behind her, and every cell in her body seemed to stand at attention and take notice. She’d been on her own for so long, struggling to make something of herself with only Sally’s support. But Sally had not only retired, she moved away to be near her son and grandkids.

What would it feel like to have someone else looking out for her? Helping her succeed instead of laughing at her efforts.

“So, that’s the real prize—statewide recognition?”

“Yeah.” She turned and bumped into his arm.

He quickly stepped back, out of her way.

She looked up at him. “Are you in?”

“In?”

Ginger let out a huff of frustration. “The window contest.”

He sighed. “I don’t know. When does it have to be up?”

“The week before Valentine’s Day.”

He looked really grim then. “That’s right around the corner.”

She clenched her fists. “We’ve got a little over three weeks. Plenty of time.”

He rubbed his chin. “We’ll see.”

Before Ginger could press harder, the door to his shop opened with the ring of the bells he’d installed. From her counter, she had an open view of his retail space, but most of his workshop area was out of sight. Two customers made their way into his studio and looked around.

“Gotta go.” Zach headed for his side and slipped through the slider.

Ginger easily overheard their oohs and ahhs, but once the two young women saw the man responsible for making the glass items, their eyes grew round with interest. Feminine giggles and titters grew louder as they grilled Zach with questions and pretty much fawned all over him.

Ginger shook her head at his one-word answers. The man practically spoke in grunts and growls.

Really, he needed to improve his store-side demeanor lest he get an unwelcoming reputation. Not a good thing for a shop owner dependent on the public’s buying habits. People in Maple Springs talked, and talk spread fast. She should warn Zach about that. But then, he’d grown up here. He should know.

Watching him back away from the two women, she got the impression that Captain Zach wasn’t real comfortable with feminine attention. He’d never be taken for a flirt, that was for sure.

And that made Ginger smile.

Chapter Three (#ulink_49c4f8f6-3850-51aa-9c83-8c23bd4f4133)

Saturday morning, Zach looked over his receipts. His first full week after opening his doors and he’d done pretty well. Even had a couple of custom orders to work on. He spotted his sister Monica taking pictures outside and gritted his teeth. She’d been after him to set up a website.

She popped her head in the door. “Hi.”