Page 58 of First Bride to Fall
“Charlotte’s our marketing genius, and she’s always been the creative one, which means she creatively often thinks she’s right.”
He chuckled. “Is she?”
“Not as often as she believes.” Nell shook her head. “Charlotte’s headstrong but very sweet underneath.”
“And that’s not you?” he joked.
“No, that’s not me. I’m the oldest, so the most mature. Always the peacekeeper.”
He nodded. “Noted. How about Misty?”
Nell blew out a breath. “Oh boy, hmm. Misty is the baby, and sometimes she acts like it. She was more spoiled because she came last. Everything’s come easy for Misty, including boys.”
He laughed and shook his head.
“Charlotte’s pickier. She tends to dump men, while Misty draws them like moths to a flame. Both are very smart and accomplished. Misty maybe could have done more. She used to talk about going to design school. For fashion or something like that.”
“So Charlotte’s not the only creative one?”
“No.” She pursed her lips. “You’re right, but Misty’s never done anything with her talent. She won lots of art awards in high school, though.”
He leaned toward her and nudged her shoulder with his. “You’re leaving yourself out in the creative arena.”
Her eyebrows rose. “What do you mean?”
“Your knitting, Nell. You make things with your hands. You’re creative, too.”
She chuckled like she’d never considered this. “I guess you’re right.”
“Have you ever thought of selling anything?”
“Oh, I already have. On Etsy.”
“See? That’s very cool.”
She blushed. “There you go, complimenting me again. Thanks.”
Clearly she’d not been complimented enough in her life—something he intended to remedy. “Where did this creative streak come from?” he asked her. “Your parents?”
“My mom is a photographer, but only as a hobby. You know those photos at the café?”
“The black-and-white shots?” He’d seen them and they were spectacular. “She took those?”
“Yep. Every one.”
“Wow. She’s got an eye.”
“That’s what I think, too.”
“Has she ever considered going professional?”
“Not really. She doesn’t have time. She helps my dad run Bearberry Brews. She and he do the coffee roasting and come up with the blends. They also manage the business and oversee its operations. They’ve been working that way together since they opened up shop.”
“How long ago was that?”
“I was in kindergarten, and Misty was a baby, so, hmm. Maybe twenty-five years?”
“I think it’s great that they’ve stuck with it. So many small businesses don’t make it these days.”
