“Find it okay?”
She smiled and his heart did a lazy flip. “Easy, just like you said. Thanks for inviting me.”
Corban pulled open the door and held it for her. “My pleasure.”
They waited by the sign asking them to do just that until a woman approached with a smile. “Hi there, Corban. You want a table or a booth?”
He looked at Ruth. “Do you have a preference?”
For the briefest moment, she looked stricken, then she shook her head.
“Booth?”
“Right this way.” The woman turned and headed across the bustling restaurant.
He waited for Ruth to sit before sliding in across from her and picking up his menu. “I like that church gets out early enough that I can get over here before they get too crowded. Since they just do breakfast and lunch, you can end up cutting it close if you’re not careful.”
She chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind. This is the kind of place my brothers would love. I’ll have to bring them when they come visit.”
“How many do you have?”
“Three. Jonah, Micah, and Malachi. Mom used to tease Mal that he’d almost ended up named Nahum but Dad talked her out of it at the last minute.”
“Lucky miss.”
“Completely. Though I’ve always half-wished Mom had been reading Esther when I was born, instead of Ruth.” She shrugged and closed her menu.
“You decided already?”
“They have a Reuben. Anytime I see that, I have to try it. It’s a compulsion.” Pink tinged her cheeks and she glanced down at the table.
“It’s a good choice.” Corban pursed his lips and nodded. “In fact, I think I’ve changed my mind. Three brothers. What’s that like?”
“Noisy. They’re all younger than I am. Jonah just turned thirty. Micah and Malachi are twenty-eight. And they still pound on each other regularly. They insist it’s a sign of affection. I just try to stay out of the way.”
He couldn’t quite picture it. “That sounds kind of fun. I’m an only child. We always had dogs, though. I used to love to lie on the floor and wrestle with them. Broke more than one of my mom’s vases that way.”
The server appeared at their table with water, took their orders and left.
Ruth fidgeted with her glass. “Did your parents have any siblings?”
“One each. They’re spread out around the country now though. Cousins too. We get together every five years or thereabout. I don’t always make it out. They forget I’m pretty tied to the farm in the summer and fall, but I do my best.”
Ruth reached out and briefly rested her fingers on the top of his hand. Electricity sizzled up his arm. Did she feel it? She had to. “I’m sorry.”
“Thanks. But it’s really okay. I’ve been alone on the farm for five years now. And it’s not like I’m ever really alone. I have Spock, obviously, and the crew’s in and out practically all year, between planting, covering up crops if we’re looking at a late freeze, and the staggered harvest. Dad always said he should put a revolving door in the farmhouse.”
She smiled and moved her hand. The place where her fingers had rested was cold without her touch. “And I’m just across the way, if you ever get lonely in the evenings. If the Fairview is anything like the place I had in D.C., guests will keep to themselves pretty well. So while I have to be around, in case they have questions, I’m still going to be up for a visit from a friend.”
A friend. Corban grinned. It was a place to start and he was good with it. He rubbed Spock’s head. The dog moaned and leaned into his touch. “I know it, buddy.”
“Still talking to your dog, I see.”
“Emerson?” Corban launched to his feet and took the steps from the porch in one long stride. “Emerson Hadley? What are you doing here? You swore you’d never set foot in Arcadia Valley again.”
The tall, lanky man shook his head. “God has a unique sense of humor.”
“What do you mean? You’re not just visiting?”
“Nope. Seems the wife found out they needed a surgeon at the hospital in Twin Falls. But she didn’t want to live there, guess she got nostalgic for home. We put an offer on the old Madison place and the real estate agent says it’s a pretty sure thing.” Emerson hooked his thumbs in the belt loops of his jeans. “Still running the farm, I see.”
Corban slung his arm around his friend’s shoulders. “Sure am. Come on in, I made some sun tea.”
“Turning domestic, too? You need a woman, Corb.”
Corban winced. The nickname was the only thing about their relationship that he hated. “Working on it, Em. How old are the boys now?”
“Seven and five.”
Corban shook his head and held the screen open. “And you still like being a stay-at-home-dad? Never pictured that as your role.”
Emerson grinned. “I love it. Those boys...they’re smart as whips. Homeschooling is a bigger adventure than twelve hours in an attorney’s office ever was. I still keep my bar membership up, here and in Washington, but I don’t know that I’ll ever go back to full-time practice.”
His best friend was an at-home dad and homeschooler. Not at all what they’d talked about long into the night when they were in high school. Whereas Corban was pretty much right where he’d predicted he’d be. Only difference was now he was here by choice. “That’s great. It looks good on you. Have a seat. I’ll get the tea. Need a snack?”
“Have I ever turned down food?”
“Thought maybe now that you were pushing forty you’d be slowing down some.”
“Kids keep me young and in shape. What’cha got? Is that homemade? You’re baking bread now? You seriously need a woman.”
“Ha ha.” Corban set what was left of the challah on the table with a tub of butter and got two glasses and the pitcher of tea. “This is from the new owner of the Fairview.”
“Your mom’s B&B? I thought that lady, oh, what was her name? You mom was convinced the two of you should end up together.”
“Naomi. And it was just mom. Neither Naomi nor I agreed. She passed away unexpectedly and left it to Ruth in her will. I’m finding it hard to mind that she chose someone like Ruth to take over.”
“Oh?” Emerson studied Corban for a minute before taking a slice of bread. “Mmm. Knows her way around the kitchen. You like her.”
It wasn’t a question. Emerson knew him well enough to know that if Corban brought a girl up, he was interested. But it was too early to say. “We’ve got a good start at being friends. That’s enough for now.”
Emerson nodded. “Don’t move too slow. I’d like my boys to have some playmates.”
Corban scoffed. “It’s unlikely. And even if it does happen, it’s more like your boys can babysit. But we’ll see what God has.”
“You were always more content than me. I envied you that. Still do.”
Corban snapped his mouth shut. What did a guy say to something like that? He reached for the last slice of bread and dipped his knife into the butter. “The Madison place, huh?”
“So it seems.”
Corban grinned. “It’s good to have you home, man.”
5
“Welcome to the Fairview B...Jaden?” Ruth glanced down at the appointment book on her tablet. That wasn’t the name on the reservation.
“Hi, Ruth. Hope you don’t mind, but I had my friend do the booking. I wanted to surprise you.”
Ruth fixed a smile in place. “You succeeded. What brings you to Arcadia Valley?”
“Oh, you know, just had to come and see where my sister spent her last days. I guess I’m looking for closure. We were never close, not as close as I wanted to be. I just hoped that staying here might help it all make sense somehow.” Jaden’s eyes filled with tears and she looked down. Then she ruined the effect by glancing up through her lashes to see Ruth’s reaction.
“I hope you can find that. I know Naomi would want it for you. Let me get your bags and I’ll show you to your room. I put you upstairs in the garden r
oom. It’s the largest and has a nice sitting area, plus a good view of the backyard.” Ruth took the handle of Jaden’s suitcase and hefted it before crossing to the stairs. What had the woman packed? She forced her breathing to steady as she reached the upstairs hall. “Here we are. There’s a binder with information on the various activities around. If you have any questions, or you’d like me to make you some reservations, just let me know. Breakfast is at eight.”
Jaden scrunched her nose as she looked around the room. “How quaint. What do you recommend for dinner?”
“There are a number of local restaurants. Most of them have a menu in the binder. Or you can go into Twin Falls if you’d like something fancier.”
“Is there a pizza delivery?”
“Yes, of course. You’ll find their number in there, too. They give guests a ten percent discount. Just be sure to mention it.”
“Great. I’ll let you know if I need something.”
Ruth nodded and turned from the room, pulling the door closed behind her. Not only would Jaden do just that, Ruth imagined it would be a frequent occurrence. She trudged down the stairs and went into the kitchen where she pulled out her sourdough starter. Naomi had always regretted the relationship she had with her younger sister, but nothing she’d done had ever mended things. What could Jaden possibly want?
If the twisting in Ruth’s gut was any indication, it wasn’t going to be anything good.
Ruth pounded the risen dough down and tossed it onto the floured counter. Jaden still hadn’t come down from her room, even though it was approaching dinner time. An optimist might assume that was a good sign, but Ruth knew Jaden too well. Even if she hadn’t grown up watching her sabotage her sister, the stories Naomi had told would have been enough. Why was she here?
The glass in the kitchen door rattled at the knock. She flicked her gaze to the monitor and smiled, her heart lifting when she saw Corban. She brushed her hands off and strode to the door. “Hey. What brings you by?”
Ruth washed her hands and returned to the bread she was kneading, the silky, elastic dough soothing her nerves.
Corban came in and closed the door behind him. He cleared his throat. “I’m finished for the day and heading into town to meet an old friend who just moved back. I wondered if you’d like to join me. Us.”
She looked down at the dough, her thoughts racing. She had a guest. Not just any guest, either. Jaden. She’d taken the precaution of locking the room to her private area, but there were still things in the public spaces that were small and could easily be slipped into a suitcase. Not that, from the weight of the thing at least, there was likely any room. “I’d better not. I have a guest and...it’s complicated. I appreciate the offer.”
He drew his eyebrows together. “What will you do for dinner?”
“I was going to throw some pasta together later. I found a nice block of parmesan at the store, so I thought I’d make an Alfredo.” She paused and looked up. “Do you want to join me? Pasta is easy. Your friend could come.”
“I don’t...he’s married, two kids.”
Ruth shrugged. “I have a big dining room. Kids like pasta usually. But I’d probably make a salad, too. Maybe some garlic bread?”
Corban’s stomach rumbled.
She laughed. “Is that a yes?”
“Let me give them a call.” He tugged his cell phone out of his pocket and frowned at it for a minute before punching the numbers. “Hey, Emerson, it’s Corban. Would you and Pam and the kids want to come to the B&B for dinner? Ruth can’t get away and she was...yeah, sure...yep, the kids too...uh-huh...that’s what she said. Okay, great. See you then.”
“We’re good?”
He nodded. “What can I do to help?”
“Let me just get this set aside to rise a second time and I’ll figure it out.” The pasta was no problem, she had plenty of that. But what was she thinking inviting a family of four that she’d never met to dinner? That was easy. She wanted to get to know Corban better, and any excuse would do.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time.” Corban’s cheeks were red, but he shrugged. “At least the tractor wasn’t wrecked.”
Emerson laughed. “Your dad about killed you, if I recall.”
“That’s true. Why are we telling these stories again?”
Ruth scooted away from the table. “I believe that might be my fault. But I can’t quite say I’m sorry. It’s been educational. We can move to the sitting room for dessert.”
Pam winced and glanced at the two boys. “Are you sure? They’re not...neat eaters.”
“I’m sure. It’s just dessert bread with honey-butter. I didn’t have time for anything fancy.” Ruth started stacking plates. “It’ll be fine. Corban can show you where it is.”
Without waiting to see what they’d do, Ruth carried the pile of plates into the kitchen and stopped in the doorway. Jaden was hunched over the computer, scowling. Thank the Lord Ruth had changed the password the day she arrived. She put every bit of ice she could muster into her voice. “Can I help you with something?”
Jaden gestured to the computer. “I need to check my email. You can let me log in so I can do that.”
Ruth set the dishes in the sink. “I’m sorry, that’s not one of the services we provide here. There’s free Wi-Fi, the connection details are all in the guest folder in your room. But if you don’t have a computer with you, perhaps you could try the library.”
Jaden crossed her arms. “I don’t feel like going out. Come on, Ruth, just let me use the machine. You’re not using it.”
“I’m sorry, but no. This area is off limits to guests, which is why there’s a sign on the door marking it private.”
“I’m hardly a guest, Ruth. We’re practically sisters.”
What was the woman after? “Jaden, you and I both know that’s not true. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have company. You’re welcome to join us for conversation in the lounge if you’re not going out.”
“You’re going to regret this. This place should be mine. Naomi was my sister, not yours. No matter how you tried to steal her. You and your whole stupid family. But you’re not going to get away with it this time.” Jaden stormed out of the kitchen, plowing into Corban on her way through the door.
Ruth sagged against the counter and stared at the ceiling, blinking back tears.
“You okay?” Corban touched her shoulder. Part of her mind registered the shivers that worked their way down her arm, the rest focused on breathing in and out and not throwing something. “I mean, you’re not. Obviously. I only caught a little at the end but...that lady’s crazy. You know her?”
Ruth let out a little laugh. “She’s Naomi’s younger sister. They never got along. She hates me. I don’t understand why she’s here.”
“Hey.” Corban pulled her against his chest, slipping his arms around her.
Ruth breathed in his masculine scent and closed her eyes. Tears slipped down her cheeks and she fought against the flood pressing against her eyelids. She was not going to cry over this. This wasn’t the first time Jaden had tried to disrupt Ruth’s life. But it was going to be the last. She dragged in another deep breath and wrapped her arms around Corban, giving him a quick squeeze before stepping back. “Thanks.”
“My pleasure.”
She wiped her cheeks and forced a smile. “I like your friends. I can see why you’re glad they’re back in town.”
“Emerson’s good people. And Pam was made for him. They’re peas in a pod.”
Ruth opened the bread box on the counter and sighed. Half of the sweet loaf she’d baked this afternoon was missing. She pulled out the sourdough and the half-loaf. “Looks like Jaden helped herself to some bread while she was snooping.”
“Don’t worry about it. If that one’s anything like what you gave me, it’ll be great.” He reached for the cutting board she’d arranged the bread on. “Let me get that.”
“Corban.” She touched his arm and held his gaze. “Thank you.”
&nbs
p; 6
Corban stopped the tractor and looked across the road. He hadn’t talked to Ruth since Monday night. He missed her. Which was dumb. But that woman who was staying with her was bad news. Ruth hadn’t been willing to file a police report, saying Jaden hadn’t actually threatened her. Maybe not, but he would’ve felt better. And yet he hadn’t called or stopped by for three days. Was it because Emerson had ragged on him so much about having the hots for the innkeeper, as he so cleverly put it? Honestly, they weren’t in high school anymore. Who said stuff like that at their age?
He whistled for Spock. The dog loped up. “Let’s go visit our neighbor. You remember Ruth?”
Spock wagged his tail, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth.
Corban stepped down from the tractor and patted his leg as they stepped into the road that separated the farm from the B&B. It had once all been owned by his family, but working both sides of the road had been too much for his dad when Corban was in college, so his mom had convinced Dad to diversify. Mom loved the Fairview. It had kept them in Arcadia Valley past the time Dad wanted to retire to Florida. Corban circled around the side to the kitchen door and knocked.
“It’s open.”
He pushed the door open and chuckled. She was up to her elbows in bread dough. “Spock’s with me. Okay if he comes in?”
“Sure. I baked him some dog treats yesterday. I’d planned to bring them over tonight if you didn’t stop by.” Pink flooded her cheeks. “Not that I expected you. I was just hoping...I mean, it’s always good to see you.”
He hid a smile. She might regret her rambling, but it was good to hear he wasn’t the only one attracted. Spock padded into the kitchen and sat by Ruth’s feet. “I think he heard you talking about biscuits.”
Loaves & Wishes: An Arcadia Valley Romance (Baxter Family Bakery Book 1) Page 3
