savbanks

[savbanks]

Thinking back on the night there were times where she didn’t think her daughter would ever warm up to her and she couldn’t blame her. She was essentially a stranger to her but once they got on the subject of horses, everything changed. It was like the connection between them was there and it felt amazing to be able to bond even a little bit. It was going to take time, but at least they were headed in the right direction which was all that Savannah could ask for. “You’re right. I am so thankful that we were able to bond a little bit. Partially thanks to you and my mom for that because you made her feel like I wasn’t some stranger but a part of her life so thank you for that.” As they headed to the house, it was all too familiar. It was a walk she did for many years and one that she had missed more than she wanted to admit. “Home.” She whispered, her gaze taking in the place that she once called home but now felt different to her. It was like she didn’t belong anymore and that part of her felt extremely saddened by the fact. “This place looks exactly the same. It feels so weird being back here, though. Did you ever think this would happen?” After a few minutes, she glanced over at Hudson and with a small sigh said, "I'm sorry."

As Savannah and Hudson returned to his...their... cabin, Hudson couldn't shake the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. Being with Savannah again, especially in the context of spending time with her and their daughter like a family again, invoked a blend of nostalgia and anticipation. He sensed Savannah's nervous energy, mirroring his own internal tug-of-war between the past and the present. As she spoke about the familiarity of the house, her words struck a chord with him, stirring memories buried deep within. "It does, doesn't it?" he replied softly, a reminiscent smile touching his lips. He noticed her nervous tic, a gesture he remembered well, a testament to her vulnerability. Her question about the evening made him pause, contemplating the intricate dynamics of their reunion. "It was more than good. Alana warmed up to you, and that's significant," he said, his voice laced with a quiet reassurance. "You did great. It's a step, a positive one," he affirmed, offering her a supportive nod, hoping to ease the palpable tension between them while silently acknowledging the resurgence of feelings that echoed within his own heart as he opened up the cabin and let her into the space that barely changed in the past six years. "Welcome home." | @savbanks

#savannah and hudson.

[savbanks]

… fast forward

Spending the evening with her daughter and Hudson felt like a fever dream. Every moment felt like she was on some cloud and she couldn’t believe this was where she was. When her mom told them she would let Alana spend the night and they would get her to school the next morning, Savannah agreed and helped put her to bed. Once she was asleep, she followed Hudson back to the cabin where they could talk more. The drive was like autopilot and she felt extremely nervous for them to be alone. All of her love and feelings had immediately come back - not that they ever left - the moment she set her eyes on Hudson. And now that they were alone, she felt like a little kid again. Her stomach had butterflies as she slipped out of her car and toward Hudson. “God, this looks exactly the same. I missed this house,” she whispered, her hands rubbing up and down her arms, a nervous tic she had. “So, tonight was good right? At least she didn’t run and scream from me so I take it as a win.” She turned to look at him. “What do you think?”

Hudson had never imagined that his day would involve a reunion with his wife. For so long, a part of him had resigned to the idea that this moment might never come, while another part secretly hoped for it. Now that she stood before him, the flood of emotions left him feeling bewildered, uncertain of what this unexpected encounter truly meant. He understood that they couldn't simply resume where they'd left off—too much time had passed, too much pain endured. "It's going to take time," he murmured softly, enfolding her in a tight embrace, offering her his unspoken support and the depth of his feelings. "Having you back means everything," he confessed, a small smile gracing his lips as he gently withdrew. "We'll find our way, piece by piece. But perhaps it's time to start with the little bear in the kitchen," he suggested. | @savbanks

#savannah and hudson.

[savbanks]

“I think these two are the friendliest dogs that I have ever met.” Savannah kneeled down in front of both of them. Her own hands moving to the top of their heads as she pet them. “Griffin and Boston? So cute. I never had a dog before but I’m pretty sure I would want these two if I ever did.” After a few minutes she stood back up to look at their owner. “I guess I would much rather have friendly dogs than ones that just want to bark and attack someone,” she said with a shrug of her shoulders. “I’m walking that way. Do you want some company?”

With a smile as he pet both dogs heads simultaneously, as if to reward them for being so well behaved, he looked back at the other. "This one on the left here is Griffin." he pointed as Griffin wagged his tail on command almost. "And this one on my right is Boston." he smiled as the smaller and younger dog looked up at him and then back at the other as if anticipating a treat or something. "We're just on our way to get some monthly medications and these two act like they've never seen people before in their life. Sad thing is we walk nearly every day." he admitted. @savbanks

#savannah and august.

[savbanks]

“That’s amazing. I’m glad that you had a good holiday. You work hard enough to make other people’s events and such special so you deserve it,” she said with a smile. As she watched the other woman pack up the goodies, she moved to the end of the counter before leaning against it. “I mean I got to sweeten the deal somehow. Plus, I don’t want to deal with a hangry bride so if I can get her stomach full then we should be off to a great start.” She had learned the trick from other wedding planners that she had been in contact with throughout the years and it surprisingly did well so she continued the tradition. Savannah nodded her head. “Yeah. Apparently she’s some big deal in New York but her husband is actually from Covington so they’re coming here to marry so it’s going to be a grand deal I’m afraid.” She wasn’t nervous about it but she knew that this was one wedding she didn’t want to screw up. “Thank you. Let’s hope it all goes smoothly. I know that weddings can be stressful but I never saw the point in being a bridezilla, you know?”

"It's been fantastic. My mom and dad's place was chaotic as usual over Christmas, but that's family for you. We Millers love our gatherings." Memories of crowded holidays packed with laughter and love drifted through Harlow's mind. Family was everything to the Millers, and as adult, she carried that with her. When Sav asked for a few of each, she nodded before turning to pack the different pastries and cookies. “Coming right up.” As she worked, her thoughts turned to Savannah's meeting. "Nothing like baked goods to ply your clients," she agreed as soon as she had everything ready. In her experience, customers responded best to generosity, hospitality and good food, so this should be helpful. "You think this one's going to be a grand wedding?" She asked, handing the boxes over. "I'll keep my fingers crossed that you don’t have to encounter a bridezilla.”

#savannah and harlow.

[savbanks]

“Probably whither away to nothing,” she joked, the smile on her face widening. She didn’t know the full extent of what her father had turned into but she wondered how he was able to run a place and deal with his health at the same time. She was much younger and in better health and she felt like her whole world was spinning every second and she couldn’t find a break in the day for herself. She was trying to find a mix between the restaurant and her wedding business while helping her mom with her dad along with now finding a way to get back into her daughters life. It almost felt like too much to bear but she was doing it day by day - it was the only option. “I would take a million bridezillas instead of trying to coordinate with suppliers to make sure we have everything we need,” she laughed. “I mean I like it, don’t get me wrong but it’s just so new and I am not at all experienced.” Savannah shook her head. “No I could never go back to the way it was. I mean there was so much time in between that passed. I just want to do right by them both now. Hudson is amazing as always and so understanding but like I’m so scared that Alana will grow up to hate me. I just want to be the best for her and I’m scared that I’m not going to live up to it.”

"My savior, what would I do without you?" Samara chuckled with her friend as the two of them stood there at the counter. She knew things might not have been easy for Savannah since her return to Covington, but Samara was determined to ensure the other woman knew that she had a safe place to land with her. When she'd offered to help the other woman out, it was because she knew Savannah wouldn't take it in some wrong manner and would understand that Samara was coming from a good place. "That's okay, the offer's valid till the end of time, she joked with the other before letting out a soft laugh, "of course it's going to be different--a wedding is probably a lot more..I don't know, focused in a way? Because it's not a revolving thing you're working on, right? With a restaurant, it's a constant hamster wheel for lack of a better word," Samara exclaimed recalling how it had been for her when she'd first started taking care of the bar. Samara had brought up the personal side only because she figured it would be good for Sav to have someone to talk to, if that's what she wanted and when she spoke up, Samara nodded, understanding the feelings the other was going through. "It can't be easy of course with either of them, but I mean it's still great that you're trying the best that you can, you know? Other people would just try to pick up where they left off and expect things to fall into place. At least you're not doing that." | @savbanks

#savannah and samara.

[savbanks]

She knew that her daughter had a village of people surrounding her and helping raise her while she was away but a part of her - huge part of her - felt guilty that others had to raise her daughter. Maybe she would move past it eventually but it was going to take awhile for her to get there. “I know but I should have been there. I’ll be fine with all of this eventually but seeing her and you now hurts more than I thought it would.” She knew seeing them would be painful but not in the way that it ripped her heart from her chest and stomped on it. Their hug was everything that Savannah needed and more so she held on tight not ever wanting to let this go. Six years since she had a hug like this and it felt like an entire lifetime. “I never stopped loving either of you. I didn’t just come back for my dad but I came home to you.” She let out a sigh before she moved back slightly to look at Hudson. “I don’t expect you to forgive me so easily but I will make this up to you okay? To both of you.” After a few minutes, she looked back to the kitchen. “Do you think it’s time?”

Hudson sat there, watching with a heavy heart as Savannah sifted through the box of memories, her tears painting a poignant picture of the moments she'd missed. "Her well-being was fine. She has a village taking care of her." He spoke softly. "Same for me." He felt a pang of empathy for her, realizing the depth of her regret and the weight of the lost time. Her words echoed the internal conflict she grappled with, torn between her past decisions and the consequences they held. When she refused his declaration of love, expressing her unworthiness, he felt a pang of sadness, knowing her self-doubt ran deep. Yet, her embrace around him spoke volumes, her need for solace palpable. Holding her close, he whispered softly, "It's alright to be scared. You're not alone in this, S. We'll figure it out together. I'm here for you, we never stopped loving you. ." He offered a reassuring presence, hoping to provide some comfort amidst her overwhelming emotions, wanting her to feel that sense of home and safety she longed for.

#savannah and hudson.

[savbanks]

Savannah looked through all of the items in the box, one by one; her tears falling more freely. She knew that she had missed a lot, but seeing it in front of her made it a reality. She had missed her first day of kindergarten, the first daddy daughter dance, the awards - everything. It was never supposed to be like this and if she could go back in time and change it, she would have thought more about the future than the present she was in. "But what about her well-being? Or yours for that matter?" She knew that she had to do it but now coming back after all these years and knowing what she missed was something that she didn't expect. "I know they do but I just worry. I never wanted any of this to be this way." When he said he loved her more than anything, she had to shake her head. "Please don't say that." She wasn't worthy of his love then or now - especially now. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him as close to her as she could. In his arms, she felt at home which was a feeling that she hadn't felt in a very long time. "You're right. I know you're right but I'm scared."

Hudson's heart went out to Savannah as she expressed her inner turmoil, her vulnerabilities laid bare in the midst of their conversation. He listened attentively, feeling the weight of her regrets and the complexities of her choices. His hand remained on her thigh, offering a sense of comfort amidst the flood of emotions. He met her gaze with a tender understanding, a silent reassurance that her feelings were valid. "S, you did what you thought was necessary for your own well-being," he offered gently, recognizing the conflict between self-discovery and the pain of separation from loved ones. He couldn't fault her for making decisions that aimed to preserve her mental health, even if it meant departing from him and their daughter. "Regret doesn't define what you did. It's a testament to growth and learning," he said softly, hoping to alleviate some of her burden. His heart ached witnessing her tears as she sifted through the box brimming with the moments missed. "She'll understand, in her own time. Children have a remarkable capacity for forgiveness and understanding," he assured. "I don't hate you, Savannah. I love you more than anything in this world," he confessed. Moving his hand from her thigh, he wrapped her up in his arms. "You're here now and have a lifetime together."

#savannah and hudson.

[savbanks]

Savannah gave a smile right back to her with a nod. “They’ve been good so far. How has your holiday been?” Her gaze followed to the different pastries that the other woman was showing and trying to decide on what to get. As far as she knew the people she was meeting with didn’t have any allergies so anything was fair game for them. She nodded her head as she moved along the display case, still thinking about what to get. “Actually, could you just give me a couple of each product that you have. I think the variety of it all is everything that I’m looking for.” When you didn’t know what to get, you get everything or at least that was the motto her best friend had taught her when she first started at the company. “I’m meeting with a wedding client and I never know what people will like so I figure if I get a variety, it would be perfect. What do you think?”

continue from here.

Looking up from the tray of pastries, she flashed the woman a polite smile. "Good afternoon. Happy holidays," she said in a pleasant tone. "I hope your Christmas has been enjoyable so far." Hers had been especially special this year what with all of her siblings being back home. Harlow gestured to the display case—showcasing the variety of treats. "We have our classic croissants and scones, along with some seasonal options like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark. The gingerbread cookies are quite popular this time of year. Customers seem to really enjoy them." With a slight nod, she added, "Personally, though, the peppermint bark is my favorite. It has just the right amount of minty flavor." She gestured towards the display case, carrying the assortment of pastries. Turning her full attention to the customer, she asked, "Did you have something specific in mind today, or would you like any recommendations on our holiday offerings?"

#savannah and harlow.

[savbanks]

The one thing that she loved about Hudson was his understanding of her struggles and the way that it seemed he didn’t hold it against her even though she wouldn’t blame him if he did. Every emotion under the sun was going through her brain and she felt like she couldn’t even begin to process it. This was not how she wanted her first interaction with either Hudson or Alana was supposed to go and now she felt like it was ruined even though she knew that it wasn’t. With his hand on her thigh, she met his gaze and gave him a small smile. The simple gesture was something that he used to it and it felt like old memories, which put her mind at ease. “I know but what if it wasn’t for the best. I was selfish when I left. I mean you were going through your own things too but I had to get out so I chose me. I do regret that choice most days,” she admitted. She couldn’t have found herself while living in Covington but she hated that she had to leave the people she loved to be able to do that. “Do you really think she’ll understand that choice or will it cause her some kind of trauma in the end? I mean I don’t want to cause her any hurt even though I probably already did.” She shook her head. “You are too good to me. You should hate me, you know.” When he mentioned the box filled with every moment of her daughter growing up, she moved closer to it as she scanned through the items. Seeing all of the moments that she missed caused the tears to fall down her cheeks that she tried so hard to hold back. “I missed everything.”

Hudson sat quietly next to Savannah, feeling the weight of her words permeate the air. He understood the turmoil she grappled with, the complexities of her feelings, and the ache of uncertainties about her daughter's perception of her absence. He met her gaze with a softness in his eyes, a silent understanding of the conflict raging within her. "Every Sunday," he confirmed gently, acknowledging the routine that persisted despite the underlying strain it might carry for him. He placed a comforting hand on her thigh, offering a wordless reassurance as she poured out her concerns and fears. He listened, his heart aching for her struggle to navigate the balance between her own well-being and her daughter's perceptions. "You did what you believed was best," he offered softly, "you were struggling and no one could have fixed what you were going through, besides yourself." He acknowledged the complexities of motherhood, the postpartum, and the relentless self-doubt that often accompanied it. "Being a good mom isn't defined by one action or choice. It's a journey filled with love, mistakes, and second chances," he said, hoping to provide solace amidst her swirling doubts. He glanced at the box on the table, a symbol of the shared moments that might've been, but remained unspoken between them. "You'll find your way to her heart. She'll understand one day. You're enough, Savannah, you always have been and you always will be." he assured her. "You never truly left us since we got to live through everything you did." He put a hand on the box in front of this. "I figured you're the reason mom asked me to bring this over. It's for you, and Alana. It's every moment of her growing and every moment of you healing."

#savannah and hudson.

[savbanks]

“Of course. I’m just saving you from that type of addiction,” she said with a laugh. It was so easy to laugh with Samara that she felt so at ease than she had in quite a few weeks being back home. It was like everywhere she looked, there were memories that she wanted to forget but couldn’t. It was like a breath of fresh air to be around someone that understood her in ways that she couldn’t express. When the other offered her help with the restaurant, she gave her a smile. “I appreciate that and I will definitely take you up on that offer sometime but I need to try and get my bearings straight first. I know it will take time but I didn’t realize how different it would be than wedding planning.” Planning weddings was easy compared to this and now that she was doing both, it felt a lot harder. Once their drinks arrived, she quickly took a sip. “It’s not. I mean with Hudson and Alana, it’s going to be a tough road to go down but I’m in it, you know? I’m gonna be here for the long haul but it’s just trying to make up for lost time which is hard.”

“Oh so you think I don’t need coffee but I have to be nice to you and let you have it? I see how it is Sav,” she chuckled before shaking her head and waiting at the counter for their two drinks. When the other asked her what’s been happening, Samara thought about letting her know how her thoughts were constantly keeping her awake but decided against it, the mood was light enough and she didn’t want to make it heavy. She instead moved the question over to her friend and listened as she spoke. “Well any business is hard to manage,” she knew that firsthand, “but if you need help, you know you can ask me—I’ve had quite an experience with the bar and am happy to help where you need it,” she offered as both their drinks appeared. “Okay this one is yours and this mine, and while we walk—you can tell me more about how life has been since you’ve been back. I can’t imagine things are easy at all for you..especially on the personal front.” | @savbanks

#savannah and samara.

[savbanks]

“Every Sunday?” She questioned, hard to believe but also so expected of Hudson. Even after she left, she knew it must have been hard on him to have to come to the house every week to spend time with her family. A part of her was thankful, though, because it meant that her daughter got to grow up with her grandparents. She hated how things were left but she had to get out or it would have been worse and she didn’t want that for her daughter. She didn’t want to leave but she didn’t want her daughter to hate her if she stayed; not that she didn’t hate her now because what if she did? The thought crossed her mind countless times over the years that she had been gone and now that they were here, she didn’t know what to do or where to go from there. Savannah moved over to the couch and sat down next to Hudson, glancing at the box that he had set on the table. “I always wanted her to be a part of them but she couldn’t have been in the way that it was meant to be. I just,” she paused, her shaky hands grasping the news article. “Good mom’s don’t leave their kids. I want to make it up to her but what if I can’t? What if I’m not good enough for her or she wishes that I was someone else? Someone better?”

"I've made it a point to be here every Sunday," Hudson confessed, unsure of how Savannah would receive that revelation. Initially, he pondered avoiding encounters with the Banks altogether. However, when it boiled down to it, his daughter was the primary consideration. She deserved to maintain a connection with her grandparents, to stay connected to that side of her family. Settling onto the couch, Hudson wore a faint smile. Words couldn't quite express the significance of his consistent presence and what it likely meant for Savannah's parents. Since her father fell ill, things had slowly started unraveling. When Savannah implied she'd be better off without them, Hudson shook his head, grasping the lid of the box. "She'll never be better off without you," he murmured softly. "She adores hearing about everything you've been up to—reading about the places you've visited and seeing photos of the weddings you've organized." Retrieving a news article showcasing Savannah's wedding business, Hudson handed it over. "She understands that sometimes people need to navigate things on their own before they can be their best selves for someone else."

#savannah and hudson.

[savbanks]

She squinted her eyes before rolling them. “Well, duh. I meant after I left. Did you continue to come every Sunday?” It felt still hard to manage the conversation that they were having. When she thought about this day, she never imagined what their actual conversation would be like. She thought maybe there would be yelling and fighting; crying and pleading for him to forgive her. And maybe that was what would happen but right now she felt like she was too stunned to actually speak. There were so many thoughts running through her brain that she couldn’t form sentences even if she wanted to. She nodded her head. “It’s good to be back. I mean with the circumstances and all.” Part of her wondered how much Hudson knew about her fathers sickness but if he had been there every Sunday he knew more than she did. When he mentioned to go meet her daughter, she instantly shook her head. “I don’t know. Maybe that’s not such a good idea. I don’t plan on leaving but she was better off without me.”

Upon hearing his wife's inquiries, Hudson couldn't stifle a gentle laugh. "I think I started showing up for Sunday dinners around when I was fifteen," he mused, attempting to pinpoint the exact moment he began joining the Banks family gatherings. Initially daunting, now it felt ingrained—a part of his routine. They were a second set of parents and Alana's grandparents, demanding a place in his life akin to his own family. Learning that she had been back for a month left Hudson conflicted. He hadn't received any word from anyone, nor had he glimpsed her presence around. He knew Mr. Banks struggled with the grill, but he hadn't realized he passed it on to Savannah. It made perfect sense. Moving further inside, Hudson picked up the box and placed it on the coffee table. "It's good to have you back," he acknowledged, considering Mr. Banks's health situation. "She has indeed. Every day, she resembles you more." Hudson offered a soft smile, glancing over at their eight-year-old. "You should go in there and meet your daughter, S," he suggested, then added with a pause, "But only if you're here to stay. We can't handle you leaving again."

#savannah and hudson.

[savbanks]

In the month that she had been back, her mother hadn’t mentioned her daughter or husband - estranged or not - coming around. She wouldn’t have known what to do about the situation if her mother had. Her mind was spinning a million miles a minute and her gaze moving to her daughter, the features of herself present making her heart break even more. Tears pricked at her eyes as she watched the little girl scurry past her to the kitchen where her mother was still cooking dinner. Instead her gaze moved back to Hudson who still managed to look the same after all of these years. How long had he been having dinners with her family? And why hadn’t her parents told her? “Every Sunday? Since when?” It had been the tradition they held before she left but had he been doing it all this time? She cleared her throat as she crossed her arms across her chest. “I’ve been back a month. I just haven’t exactly been around here with dealing with the grill and everything.” She glanced back to the kitchen. “Alana got so big. I can’t believe it.”

Sunday marked the customary visit for Hudson and Alana to the Banks' household, a day earmarked for football watching and dinner. This ritual had persisted since Alana's infancy and even earlier, tracing back to Hudson's teenage years. It was an unbroken tradition, irrespective of the absence of the Bank's daughter in recent times. When Mrs. Banks requested Hudson to bring the memory box, stating her desire to add something and revisit the pictures of Alana's first day of kindergarten, it didn't strike him as odd. Nor was it unusual to find another car parked in the driveway upon his arrival in his Bronco. Having an additional guest for dinner wasn't unprecedented, but the unfamiliar car was the initial oddity. Perhaps a new acquaintance, he speculated. Helping Alana out of the back seat, Hudson planted a kiss atop her head and watched her scamper indoors for an apple pie-making lesson, or so he assumed. Yet, the strangest sensation struck him as he stepped inside—the hairs on his neck prickled, and his stomach somersaulted as if in free fall. Her utterance of that name rattled Hudson to his core. Five years had passed, yet she still held an undeniable sway over him. He offered a faint smirk, setting the box down and slipping off his shoes. "I'm a regular here every Sunday," he stated casually. "The real mystery is finding you here."

#savannah and hudson.

[savbanks]

”Sure you didn’t,” she joked. She knew the other woman didn’t have a mean bone in her body so it was just an honest mistake and one that even Savannah had made countless times before. There weren’t many people in the place but who knows who snatched her drink or if they had already left. “It’s the universe telling you that you don’t need it. Me, on the other hand, is in desperate need of a huge caffeine fix right now.” She could understand the not sleeping well aspect because for the last month she had only tossed and turned during the night instead of the solid sleep she would get beforehand. It was the stress she had with being back in town and she had no idea how she was ever going to get over it. “My dad and work. I mean I co own a wedding planning business but who knew an actual restaurant would be so hard to manage? It’s just been a lot being back here, you know?”

Seeing Savannah was very reassuring because when Samara had tried the drink, it had tasted slightly familiar. Almost like one she'd tried on occasion whenever she met up with the other woman for coffee and they both tried each other's drinks. "You know, I didn't steal it on purpose," she chuckled before quickly ordering her another one and handing the barista her credit card. She couldn't help but sigh loudly at the idea of who got hers because there were no drinks waiting at the counter or in the line up asides from the one for Savannah. "Clearly someone else got my drink, which is fine--maybe I need to kick the caffeine habit," she said this as a musing, both of them knowing well that Samara would not be doing that anytime soon. "Yes I am," she sighed before shaking her head, "I haven't been sleeping all that well and I have no idea why. Now your turn, what's got you so absentminded?" | @savbanks

#savannah and samara.

[savbanks]

for: hudson calhoun at savannahs parents house

When she had gotten the call from her mother asking for help, she initially wanted to decline but instead she threw on an old pair of sweats and a t-shirt and headed to their home. It wasn’t a long drive but it felt like it didn’t last nearly as long as she had wanted it to. She parked her car behind her mothers and headed inside where she helped get her father up and ready for dinner. The opening of the door caught her by surprise and she quickly headed to it when her heart fell into the pit of her stomach and the hairs on the back of her neck tingled. “Hudson,” she managed to let out through the panic currently rising up into her throat. “What - what are you doing here?”

#savannah and hudson.

[savbanks]

Savannah had already secured a new wedding client when her best friend recommended them coming down to Georgia from New York. She was happy to be doing work that she loved and her client seemed to love the quaintness of a small town. To show her appreciation for coming all this way, she decided to pick up some baked goods for their upcoming meeting. The moment she opened the door to the bakery, the sugary scent hit her nostrils and she instantly felt joy within her. Something about sweets always did that to her. A smile graced her lips at the person behind the counter as she walked up to it. “Well, tell me what are some of the best selling items. I have a client meeting in a few and I want to get things for it. Got any recommendations?”

open to all

capping at 4 (0/4)

Harlow shuffled a tray of croissants to make room for her latest batch of sugar-dusted scones, humming to the tune of a Christmas classic under her breath. The holiday had been a blast—full house, full bellies, full hearts—and she couldn't shake off the giddiness. As she lined up the pastries, the front door chimed. Peering up, she smiled brightly—her holiday spirit, still in full swing. "Good afternoon. Are you here for the gingerbread cookies?" she asked the person who entered, speaking casually and cheerfully as someone happy from good times with family. "They’re freshly baked…” During the holiday season, her gingerbread cookies were a favorite amongst her patrons. Half the time, it wouldn’t take long at all before the cookies would be sold out.

#savannah and harlow.

[savbanks]

Savannah had lived in Covington most of her life yet she felt confused on the streets down town and where she was supposed to be going. She found herself stopping on the corner and glancing down at her phone where the directions to a supplier was at. She wasn’t paying much attention to her surroundings until she noticed a dog at her feet causing her to smile and lean down petting them. When their owner came up, she immediately shook her head. “They are no problem at all. I happen to be very fond of dogs and especially dogs as friendly as these two. What are their names.”

where: Pawsitive Heart Vet who: Open (Capping at 3 - 0/3)

“Griffin, Griffin, slow down!” August sighed as the oldest - and biggest - golden retriever dog was aggressively pulling his leash in an attempt to greet the stranger on the street. It had never been a secret that August and his wife’s dogs were friendly beings, and while he had Boston also, the smaller goldendoodle was much better at keeping to August’s side then Griffin who was always eager to greet someone new. “I’m walking as fast as I can, buddy.” he sighed, watching as he say nicely sat the feet of the other, his tail wagging in an attempt to get pets. “I’m sorry, my boy’s just a little aggressive with people sometimes.” he laughed, watching as Boston moved to join his brother, clearly following in his footsteps. “They’re both sweet as can be, I promise.” he smiled, moving to pet his own dogs on the head, trying to distract them in the off chance that the other wasn’t a dog person; or if they had an allergy. “Don’t feel obligated; I can make them leave you be.” he nodded, taking their leashes tighter in his hand before giving the command for them to come if the other was ready.

#savannah and august.