Single Barrel: Bourbonland Short Stories and Novellas 1: Bourbonland Short Stories and Novellas, #1 by Jennifer Bramseth

Author:Jennifer Bramseth
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Woodford Press

“CiCi, you need to buy something here and go on a babymoon.”

“Are you really giving your employee permission to escape work?”

“I’m sure we can spare our master distiller for a few nights.”

“Hmm. A babymoon. That sounds silly.”

“Trust me, it isn’t. The two of you need to take a break while you can,” Hannah declared. “After that little one shows up, you’ll regret not stealing away for a night or two. So grab something fun for yourself—and him—and tell that husband of yours you need a getaway.”

The gang was gathering at Booty-Teke in Lexington that cold December Saturday afternoon for Cara’s somewhat impromptu bridal shower. The fact that CiCi was expecting had been revealed the previous week. Someone from work had brought in—of course—one of her favorite bourbon-infused pies from The Windmill. Unable to fake a sudden illness or claim she wasn’t hungry (she’d gotten busy and hadn’t eaten lunch), her ability to plausibly deny that she didn’t want a piece was torn to shreds. So she’d confessed a few weeks earlier than she and Walker had intended, and now all Craig County was aware of her condition.

Harriet raised an eyebrow. “Are you telling me they have a maternity line of naughties here?”

“Doing research for future needs?” Hannah asked.

“But is she right?” CiCi asked before Harriet could respond.

“Yes. Go see if you can find that section and do some browsing before the guest of honor arrives.” She checked her watch. “Cara should be here any minute along with everyone else.”

Hannah ambled away to check something with a clerk, leaving CiCi alone since Harriet had excused herself to the ladies’ room.

She wandered through the darkened confines of the funky boutique, looking wistfully at the sexy and crazy pieces. No need to buy anything right now, considering her size was going to significantly change over the next several months.

CiCi arrived at a circular rack shimmering with a rainbow’s worth of color displaying the same simple yet sultry satin gown Hannah had given her. As she admired a deep red piece just like her own, CiCi noticed another customer on the opposite side of the circular display.

It was Coraleigh Boyle, head down, looking quite intent on her shopping. She plucked a deep blue and a radiant cream from the rack, holding them in opposite hands to study.

Choosing not to engage, CiCi smiled and tried to discreetly move away. But Coraleigh just happened to look up and meet CiCi’s glance as she was trying to leave.

“Hello,” CiCi said brightly. Even though they were surrounded by luxury—and sometimes a bit kinky—lingerie—Coraleigh Boyle was a state senator. CiCi wasn’t about to pretend she hadn’t seen or didn’t know her. Doesn’t hurt a court clerk to know someone in the legislature when one is in the market for a new or upgraded courthouse.

Even in the odd and low lighting of the shop, CiCi noted the senator’s mildly embarrassed look. She walked around to join the senator as she replaced the gowns on the rack.

“Come here often?” Coraleigh said, then giggled.

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