Sprinkled With Love

    My hair knotted in my hands as I tried combing through the long, red locks. After about 30 seconds of failure I decided just to place it in a messy bun that sat on the top of my head. Walking to the hooks that hung on the wall, I grabbed my apron and tied it around my thin waist. The lights of the kitchen began to flicker on as I made my way around pre-heating ovens and taking pre-mixed treats out of the fridge I had made the night before. One would think 4:30 was too early but for me this was when magic happened and I was able to concentrate on all the goodies I was to baking for the day ahead. Today I needed the extra patience that came along with baking, I felt it in my gut, since it would be my first official day having my bakery, Sprinkled with Love, back open. Most people think I took a vacation for a month after the main Summer rush, but in reality I was recovering and spent 4 weeks at home. My life had been much different just a month or so ago, I had everything I thought I wanted, well except for the fact that my relationship or what I thought was a relationship turned into one of my worst nightmares. But, here I am trying to piece myself back together again, starting with my bakery. I placed big and small cinnamon rolls into round pans and stuck them in the oven breathing in the first scent of cinnamon that filled the air, slowly but surely I would be prepared for the day. Last night I had texted Jane my co-worker and friend to see if she could come in to help but she had never responded so I started the remaining of the morning routine and got the front of the shop ready. At 6:29am I unlocked the door and turned the open sign on. Going back to the counter to finish placing all of the baked goods into the display cases I had built into the counter. Little pink, purple and green fairy lights twinkled and lit them up just right. I had everything arranged how I liked by the time a little bell dinged, letting me know my first costumer had entered the door. I looked up to see Sheriff Tommy Johnson and some one else enter. "GOOD MORNING SHERIFF!" I said maybe a little to enthusiastically for this early in the morning but from the looks of it Tommy had been up awhile.        "Good morning Arizona," His grin lit up his face and made his strong features become chubby and softer. He made his way to the counter and leaned over to kiss my cheek. "Ari this is our new Deputy Morgan Reed, Morgan this here is my pride and joy Arizona Love, Her father was one of my best friends, rest his soul." Tommy was right, him and my daddy had been the best of friends all through out their lives but one winter about 5 years back there was an accident and he was taken from us so soon, I smiled remembering him and then looked up in to the most beautiful blue green eyes I had ever seen on a man, and by man I mean it. His features were strong almost like Tommy's but softened around his eyes and lips where he was smiling politely.     "Well Hello Deputy Reed, welcome to town and my bakery," I stuck my hand out and shook hands with him as tingles swept over my whole body. I was hesitant to let go but I did and smiled with a little blush on my face. I couldn't read Morgan's face when we shook hands it was a mixture of a bunch of emotions.      "Thank you Arizona," He spoked with a deep southern drawl and I knew I was a goner, especially with how he said my name.     "Can I get you gentlemen anything?" I nodded to the display cases.     "I will take a large cup of coffee and a toffee crunch muffin," Tommy said pointing to the muffin that sat on the top shelf. "Do you want anything Morgan?" He turned to the other man.     "A large coffee sounds good to me," He smiled then looked over all of the baked treats in the case, "And maybe one of the Orange and Lemon zing scones."     "Good choice that is one of my summer favorites, towards the end of this month I will be introducing all the Fall treats for the season." I smiled and went to work getting their treats and drinks together. While I was doing this Tommy had received a phone call and stepped away from the counter.     "So I am new into town, anything in particular I should know?" Morgan asked as he leaned on the counter with his elbow.     "Ha.. you know small towns you would think there is not much to know but really there is a bunch, take for example, Ms. Hattie down the road own the seamstress shop but up until a year ago when she had a minor heart attack she was in charge of the whole town, she is a gossip and will use it to her advantage when she sees fit," I said as I poured the coffee into to-go cups, "But that is just one example, we do not have the time right now for me to clue you in on all the happenings in this town." Morgan nodded and smiled taking the baggies and drinks.     "But if you really wanna know all the good and dirty secrets come by the shop any time after closing and I can tell you everything while I clean or prepare stuff." I looked into his eyes as I said that.     "I think I just might, I will see you another time Ms. Love," He tilted his black cowboy hat on his head and left through the front door of the shop following behind Tommy.     My insides felt like they had melted and puddled up on the floor under my feet. I shook my head to bring me out of a daydream that was starting and patted myself down just as the front door opened again and Jane bounced her way through. I smiled and for the first time in a while I felt happy.