“That was me handling a situation. George called me about ten minutes ago and said if Ginny showed up here, to force her to buy a new dress. So, I obliged. Plus, it gives us a chance to get acquainted,” said Andrew. He gestured for Patrick to follow him to the back of the shop. “Now before I forget, here is her order. It’s already paid for. I’ve had it done for two days, but it was a good excuse.”
Patrick smiled and set the box at his feet. “Now you get to answer my question. What are you to Ginny that she responds so fast to you?” he asked.
Andrew leaned back and relaxed in his chair. “Once upon a time, long ago, we were lovers.”
“And,” Patrick said trying to find out what happened.
“We meshed well as humans, but as wolves, it was fun. It was playful. It didn’t work. She wanted a mate and babies at that point. I wasn’t ready for that and later I understood why. We just didn’t fit,” Andrew said with a sigh. “I’m the pack’s shaman as well. That was another reason our relationship didn’t work. She didn’t want the responsibility that went with being my mate.”
Patrick shook his head. “Yet from what I can tell, she has all the responsibilities and just not the title now,” he said. “There are days I do not understand women.”
“Oh, I agree. Ginny is the matriarchal wolf in the pack. Luc may be the head, but when it comes to family matters it’s Ginny they turn to. Which leads me to another question,” said Andrew.
“Yes,” said Patrick wondering just how fast the news had traveled.
“Does your wolf recognize Ginny as a mate?” Andrew asked. “Do you intend to make her your mate?”
“Yes, and it is my intention. It’s been a whirlwind romance to say the least and I have to admit I’m still trying to catch my breath,” said Patrick. “I’ve gone from widower to lover to mate with the potential extended family added in less than 48 hours.”
Andrew smiled. “George filled me in a bit. Plus, you smell of an honest shifter,” he finished. “I have something for you then if you want it.” Andrew stood and pulled a box from a drawer. “I made this for Ginny a long time ago. If you’re serious, I’d like you to have it.”
Patrick nodded as he took the box and opened it. Inside was a silver chain with tiny Art Nouveau roses decorating the length of the chain. “Um, Andrew, are you sure? Don’t you have a lady friend you’d like to give this to?” he asked.
“No, I lost my heart a long time ago. I have the occasional lover but nothing serious. Besides this was made with Ginny in mind. She should have it, and I can’t think of a better point in time for her to receive it,” Andrew said. He slid the chain into a velvet bag and handed it back to Patrick.
Patrick took a long look at Andrew. “Thank you. What do I owe you?” he asked.
“You owe me to love that crazy woman with all of your heart and keep her from killing all of us when she stresses,” said Andrew with a smile. “Otherwise, nothing.”
“Andrew, that isn’t fair. You’re an artisan and deserve payment for your art,” argued Patrick.
“Make her happy where I could not,” Andrew said and stood up. “Now you’d better get moving and make sure she buys something nice. Kohl’s is down the left past the popcorn store. Oh, and her favorite color is dark green.”
Patrick knew from the look on Andrew’s face that there was no arguing with him. He nodded, put the bag in his pocket and picked up her order. “Will you be at the party?” he asked.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Ask Luc when you see him to show you the bear claw,” said Andrew as they headed back to the front of the store.
“Bear claw?” Patrick asked.
“Have Ginny tell you the story,” said Andrew and disappeared into the back.
*
Patrick left the shop and headed towards Kohl’s. He could have followed Ginny by scent alone, but it was nice to have some directions. He found her coming out of the dressing room with two outfits in her hand.
“So, which one are you getting?” he asked as she almost walked past him.
“Oh! Patrick, you startled me. Um… I really haven’t found one I like,” she said trying to put what she had in her hands on the rack for the clerk to return.
“So, are these the only two you have tried on?” he asked looking at the dresses. His nose told him that she had also tried on a green dress stuffed to the back. He pulled out all three and looked at them. The first one was plain. Straight body and no real fit. A sack with an expensive price tag. The second one looked like the kind of dress you’d wear to a funeral. Dark blue with a severe cut and no decoration. He put those two on the rack. Then he looked at the green one. It was softer, both in cut and fabric. A layer of some semi sheer fabric over a darker under dress and subtle lace around the collar.
“Ginny, what size do you wear?” he asked.
“A sixteen,” she said. “Damn! Why did he have to see that one?” she thought.
“Oh good. This is a sixteen. Go try it on. This is a really nice dress,” he said and held it out to Ginny. When she didn’t want to take it, he gave her a look that sent shivers down her spine.
“Fine,” she said and took the dress into the dressing room.
“I want to see you in it,” he called in after her.
“Just a minute,” she called. “Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn!!!” she thought to herself as she slipped the dress on. She had tried it on first, fell in love with it, but couldn’t bring herself to spend the money. She did up the back and headed out to the lobby where Patrick waited.
“Here it is,” she said and did a quick turn and tried to head back to the dressing room.
“Wait a minute. You barely gave me a chance to see you let alone how the dress looked,” Patrick said with a subtle sub-vocal growl.