The blue fabric was soft and light- perfect for a day out in the New Orleans’ heat. There was a flowery pattern stitched into the material of the dress, and by the look of it, it was hand-stitched. It was even prettier than the one from the night before.
A small piece of paper had fallen out of the dress, and she noticed it for the first time. She picked it up and read what was scribbled in black ink.
Good morning, Beautiful. I hope you slept well. I also hope you like your new dress. Come downstairs when you wake up. I have lots more surprises for you today.
She grinned as she read the note as she held the dress. He knew she didn’t have many clothes since she was on the run and living out of her car. The beautiful dresses he had given her were such perfect gifts. She couldn’t wait to thank him.
Bonnie got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower. She figured that she might as well get ready for the day before heading downstairs. Plus, she really wanted to try on the new dress and show it off to Dylan right away.
She turned on the shower and stepped into the hot water. She could still smell the coffee wafting all the way from downstairs, and enjoying a cup of it sounded better and better. She’d heard wonderful things about the chicory coffee that New Orleans was famous for. She couldn’t wait to try it.
After her shower, she dried her hair then quickly got dressed. As soon as she pulled the summer dress up onto her shoulders, she walked over to the large mirror in the bathroom. Her smile widened the moment she saw herself in it. It was officially one of the most beautiful dresses she had ever tried on. It fit her perfectly. It seemed to hide the curves of her body that she hated and accentuated the ones that she loved. She couldn’t wait to wear it on whatever adventures Dylan had planned for that day.
A quick check on her phone showed a message from Mia. For a moment, her heart sank, thinking something might be wrong. When she opened it up, a beaming picture of little Tyson filled her screen. “Someone just wanted to let you know that he missed you.” It made her smile, and she quickly sent a messag
e back saying that she and Dylan both missed him as well.
Dylan and his grandfather were downstairs talking in the kitchen. She could hear them speak, but couldn’t make out what they were saying. It was mostly their laughing that caught her attention, though. Something about hearing that made her feel calm. It reminded her when she was younger, and she’d wake up early to hear her parents chatting over coffee in the morning. Something about it was nostalgic.
After taking one last look in the mirror, Bonnie headed downstairs. When she turned the corner into the kitchen, she saw Dylan and his grandfather sitting at the round, white table at the far end of the kitchen. They sat next to each other, with the newspaper opened up in front of them on the table. Both of them had a cup of coffee in their hand, and they were laughing to themselves as they read something in the paper.
“They’re going to make it to the series, PawPaw,” Dylan said. “They’re a hell of a team. Ever since they got that new pitcher, they’ve been unstoppable.”
“I can’t believe it,” PawPaw said, shaking his head. “Well, it’s nice to see the underdog team have a chance. That’s all I can say.”
Bonnie took another step further toward them and cleared her throat. Both of the men looked up from their newspaper. Dylan’s eyes widened the moment that he saw Bonnie.
“Good morning, Beautiful,” Dylan said, standing up from his seat. “I see you found the dress.”
“Yes, and what you think?” she asked while twirling around once to show it off to them.
“I think you look amazing.” Dylan approached her and pulled her in for a hug, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before releasing her.
“You look cute as a button,” PawPaw said to Bonnie. “In fact, I’d say are the prettiest girl this side of the Mississippi. Although, I do wonder something.”
“What’s that?” Bonnie asked.
“Should I be proud or should I be concerned at how good Dylan is at picking out dresses?” PawPaw said, with a mischievous grin.
His comment made Bonnie laugh out loud.
“Very funny, PawPaw,” Dylan said, with a chuckle. “I promise that I’m not good at picking out dresses. It’s just that Bonnie makes anything look good.”
“Thank you,” Bonnie said, her cheeks tingling as she blushed from the comment. “I love the dress, Dylan.”
“Come join us for breakfast,” PawPaw said, motioning Bonnie over to the table. “Have a cup of chicory with us before you head out for the day.”
“That sounds great,” Bonnie said. “I’ve heard good things about chicory coffee.”
She sat down next to the old man, while Dylan fixed everyone a fresh cup of the coffee and chicory blend. He wore a white button-down shirt with gray slacks that accentuated his trim figure. He had the cuffs rolled up on the shirtsleeves, displaying his strong forearms.
“What do you two have planned for the day?” PawPaw asked as he patted the top of Bonnie’s hand, just like her own grandfather used to do.
“It’s a surprise,” Dylan said, setting the coffee down onto the table. He put out some scones and muffins for Bonnie as well. “I’ve got some fun things planned for us, though.”
“When you guys get back, we can all sit around and tell embarrassing stories about Dylan from when he was a kid.” PawPaw flashed a wink.
“You promise?” Bonnie asked, peeling open a muffin and taking a bite. “Because I’d like to hear some of those.”