She laughed. “Give me a minute. I need to finish this and set it to proof, and then I’ll get the tin down.”
Corban leaned on the island and eyed the dough. “What is it today?”
“I mixed Asiago cheese in with my basic sourdough. We’ll see how it goes, but I’m hopeful. I have a vision of a piece of toast with slightly gooey pockets of cheese spread throughout.”
His mouth watered. “I’m available for testing whenever you need.”
She grinned. “Do you have any feelings on sun-dried tomatoes?”
“Not particularly. Why?”
“Thought I might try them next.” She slipped the ball of dough into a bowl, covered it with a towel, and stuck it in the corner of the kitchen. “This is the least drafty spot. If I keep baking like this, I might have to invest in a proofing drawer. And speaking of that, any chance I could buy some more wheat berries from you? I’m nearly through the bag Naomi had.”
“Sure, I’ll bring some over. Bake me another loaf of bread and we’ll call it square. You’re really grinding all your flour? Doesn’t that take forever? Does it make that big of a difference?”
Ruth rinsed her hands and dried them, flipping the towel over her shoulder when she was finished. She opened a cabinet and stood on her tiptoes to grab a round red tin. “It doesn’t take that long, I have a nice powered mill. And you tell me. Think about the last bread you got at the store.”
He lifted his hands in defeat. There was no contest. “All right. You win. Are those cookies?”
Ruth shook her head and held out the bone-shaped biscuit to Spock. “They’re dog treats, like I said. My baking really only extends to bread.”
Corban plucked one from the tin and sniffed it. “There’s nothing weird like liver in it though, right?”
“Nope. It’s just probably blander than what you’d consider...”
He nibbled on one end.
“Okay then.”
Corban tossed the biscuit toward Spock, who nipped it out of the air. “It’s not bad. But you’re right, bland.”
The dog lay on the floor crunching happily on the treat, the second nestled between his paws.
“Your guest giving you any more trouble?”
Ruth shook her head. “She’s been conspicuously absent the past two days. She comes down for breakfast, says nothing except please and thank you, and then disappears for the day. She’s usually back around seven and heads straight up to her room. I’ve checked all the other rooms, they’re still locked and don’t look disturbed, and I haven’t found her trying to snoop, but she’s had the ‘do not disturb’ sign on her door every time I’ve gone up to freshen things, and even though I know she’s out, I feel like I should respect that. I’m grateful my brothers and more guests arrive soon.”
“Your brothers are coming out?”
Her smile lit up her face. “All three. I wasn’t sure Jonah was going to be able to swing the time off, but he called and said to make sure I had room. I can’t wait for them to get here. You’re going to love them.”
“I’m sure I will.” Unless they were the over-protective types who’d try and scare him off. Would they object to a farmer courting their sister? Courting. Now that was a word you didn’t hear every day. Was it what he was doing? That was something to think about. “When do they get here?”
“Saturday. New guests don’t show up until Tuesday. Jaden’s scheduled to leave next Friday. That can’t come soon enough.” She glanced toward the closed kitchen door. “I shouldn’t say that. It’s mean, but she makes me uneasy.”
“Do you want me to bunk here? I could take one of the guest rooms so you aren’t alone at night if you wanted. I’m happy to pay.” He didn’t want her thinking he was making a move. But he also didn’t want her here alone if she was unsettled. “Or I could see if Emerson, Pam, and the boys wanted to move here from the hotel. They don’t close on their house for another couple of weeks and Emerson’s parents’ house isn’t really suited for the kids.”
“Thank you. That’s sweet. But I’m okay. My brothers will be here in two days. I can manage until then.”
“If you change your mind, you know how to reach me.”
She nodded. “You’re in my cell. Have you started planting yet?”
“Next week, maybe, if the weather stays good. I can start putting in leeks, broccoli, cabbage, that sort of thing. I’ll have to keep it covered, but it’ll be good to get started.”
“I’m already looking forward to having fresh produce in the summer.”
He grinned. “Me too. Do you think, maybe, once your brothers are settled, you’d be able to leave them in charge and come out to dinner with me?”
She blinked. “Dinner? Like a date?”
Heart pounding in his chest he nodded. “Like a date.”
“Pam doesn’t mind you hanging out with me tonight?” Corban opened a bag of chips and set it on the coffee table before dropping into one of the two recliners in front of the television.
Emerson shook his head. “She’s got a later shift tonight, and her parents have been desperate to keep the boys overnight, despite their house being far from kid-friendly. Pam said why not give it a shot now, so we know how it’ll work later if we want to try and plan something? I figure that’s reasonable, seeing as I can run out on you without too much fuss if I need to.”
Corban laughed. “Movie? Video game? What are you up for?”
“Video games? When did you get into that?”
“It’s something to pass the time on nights when I don’t feel like reading.”
“That happens?”
“It’s been known to, yes.” Corban frowned at his friend. Just because a guy liked to read didn’t mean he had no other interests. “Maybe you’ve been gone long enough that you’ve forgotten how rural we really are here.”
“Just giving you a hard time. I’m up for a game. Especially if it’s one I can’t play with the boys. I get enough of those at home.”
Corban pointed to the cabinet under the TV. “They’re in there. Choose what you want and load it up. Want a soda?”
“Sure. Why not?” Emerson squatted by the TV and opened the door that hid the shelves underneath.
Corban ambled into the kitchen to grab drinks. He had a life. Maybe it wasn’t a big city life, but he didn’t live in the big city, did he? Emerson had spent the last ten years in Seattle, chasing the dreams he’d had since high school. And he’d still ended up right back in Arcadia Valley. Corban turned and stared out the kitchen window. It was dark enough that he couldn’t see all the way to the Fairview. How was Ruth doing tonight? Had that woman—Jaden, wasn’t it?—given her any trouble, or was she still keeping to herself? He’d nearly called her six times today, just to check in. And then he’d stopped because...why? When was the last time he’d been interested in a woman like this? Too long ago to count.
He grabbed two cans out of the fridge and carried them back to the living room. “So. What’d you choose?”
Emerson held up a case that featured warring post-apocalyptic treasure hunters. “Dude. I’ve been dying to play this. You’ve been holding out on me.”
It was a solid game. He’d finished it right after it came out. What was that, two years ago now? Still, it had decent replay. “Load it up. I’ll choose a different character than when I first played.”
“We have to do this at least once a month now that I’m back in town. We had friends in Seattle, but it’s not the same. As much as I wanted to get away, coming back? This is home. You know?”
Corban nodded. “I figured it out while I was still in college, but then, I’ve always been a little smarter than you.”
Emerson snorted and brought the controller back to his seat. “Keep telling yourself that.”
“You sure Pam isn’t going to mind if you leave her alone on a Friday night once a month?”
“That’s a fair point. We’ll just have to find you a woman, then she and Pam can hang while we do. Or we can mix it up now and
then and go out as couples. With both sets of grandparents in town, finding someone to watch the boys shouldn’t be too big a deal.” Emerson gave Corban a side-eyed glance. “Maybe that nice girl who’s running the B&B now? What was her name?”
Heat flooded Corban’s cheeks. “Ruth. As you already know. I see you haven’t figured out subtlety yet, either.”
Emerson snickered. “So? Spill.”
“There’s nothing to spill.” Though she had agreed to go on a date with him. Was he supposed to tell his friend that? “Her brothers are coming tomorrow for a visit. We’re going to go out when they’re settled.”
“Who’s we? You, Ruth, and her brothers?”
Corban frowned and hit the start button. “No. Me and Ruth. Were you this dense in high school and I just didn’t notice?”
“Probably. But I make life interesting and fun, so you keep me around. That’s what Pam always says.”
Corban laughed. “She isn’t wrong. Hurry up and choose a character.”
“Tell me this: when was the last time you were out on a date?”
“Who keeps track?”
“So...it’s been awhile.”
He shrugged. There was no need for his friend to know all the sad details of his non-existent dating life.
“If you need any tips, let me know.” Emerson hit some buttons on his controller. “All right, I’m ready.”
“When was the last time you went on a date again?”
“Hey, I take Pam out all the time.”
“Not quite the same though, is it?” Corban activated the first quest. “I think I’ll be okay.”
“Don’t screw it up, ‘k? Pam and I both like her.” Emerson turned and arched his brow. “When was the last time Pam liked anyone you were interested in?”
Corban shook his head. Never. Even in high school, Pam had been a little mother. He could chalk up the end of two different relationships to Pam making it clear to the girls in question that they weren’t good enough for him. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
7
“You’re here!” Ruth threw her arms around Jonah and squeezed.
He returned the hug and grinned down at her. “Surprise. Though I’m guessing Micah spilled the beans.”
“Was it a secret?” Micah bumped Jonah out of the way and pulled Ruth into his arms. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.”
Ruth laughed. “I haven’t been gone that long. You can’t possibly have missed me already.”
Malachi’s hands flashed as he spoke. “I did. You left me alone with these two morons.”
“Hey. I resemble that remark.” Micah punched his twin in the shoulder.
Ruth signed as she turned to Malachi. “Sorry about that. I think, once you look around, you’ll understand why.”
“Already do.” Malachi slung one arm around Ruth’s shoulders and looked around, not bothering to sign while he spoke. “Maybe the decorations aren’t what you’d choose, but I can already see you fit here.”
She let out a breath. That was it, exactly. Leave it to Mal to get it. To get her. For him to feel comfortable enough speaking without signing was huge, too. Since he’d lost his hearing after he learned to talk, he didn’t have the tell-tale distinctiveness in his voice that many who were deaf did. But he’d always been self-conscious. When you coupled that with his quiet nature, you got a sensitive man who didn’t say much. When he did speak, it was always worth listening. Ruth kissed his cheek. “I’m glad you’re here. All of you. Come on, I’ll take you up to your room and then show you around. Sorry you have to share, but it’s...”
“Don’t sweat it.” Jonah reached for his duffel bag. “We’ll be fine.”
Micah shot Jonah a look. Jonah shook his head.
Ruth frowned. Whatever that was about they weren’t saying yet. She’d pry it out of one of them sooner or later. “Before we go up I should warn you, Jaden’s here. She keeps to herself, but you’ll see her at breakfast. She’s leaving on Friday. We’ll have two new couples on Monday, so just be polite if she says anything, okay?”
Malachi rolled his eyes and grabbed his bag.
Micah pointed to the stairs. “We go up here, right?”
Fine. They weren’t going to say anything. They wouldn’t embarrass her. Not on purpose, at least. But Jaden...who knew what that girl was going to do? She’d been polite—mostly—since the first day. But Jaden hated Ruth’s brothers even more than she hated Ruth. Having them here was wonderful, but the timing could’ve been better. Ruth gave herself a firm mental shake. That was enough. This was a business and she could be professional. So could her brothers.
“Here we are. It’s the best I could do for the three of you. If it gets too cramped, someone can take the sofa in my rooms. It’s not the most comfortable, but it’s not awful.” Ruth unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing two twin beds with a rollaway bed folded against the wall. “You do have a private bathroom just through there. And if you keep the third bed folded during the day, it might not be too bad.”
“It’s great. I doubt we’ll be in here much unless we’re sleeping anyway. I was reading up on the area, there are some great rafting trips and hikes around here. Think you could get away and come along?” Jonah made puppy dog eyes.
Ruth chuckled. “That hasn’t worked on me since you got taller than I am. Probably not, but you’re welcome to go. There are brochures in the binder over by the phone. Some of the places give my guests a discount. We’re a little before the real season, but I think a few operate as close to year-round as they can manage. Give ‘em a call and see.”
“You don’t need us here?” Micah dropped his duffel on a bed.
“Whoa there, Sparky.” Jonah reached over and grabbed Micah’s duffel. “I don’t think we’ve determined who gets a bed just yet.”
Micah grinned. “Snooze you lose, man.”
“Lose. Whatever, I’ll just take...” Jonah frowned as he turned. “No. Way.”
Malachi wriggled on the other bed and folded his arms behind his head. “Ahhh. Comfy.”
Ruth fought to hide a smile. “You can always take my couch.”
Jonah sighed. “We’re alternating nights.”
“Hello? Is anyone actually home?” Jaden’s scorn-laden voice carried clearly down the hall.
Ruth winced. “I’ll be right back. You three figure it out, okay?”
She stepped back into the hallway and fixed on a bright smile. “Did you need something, Jaden?”
Jaden scowled from the doorway of her room. “Someone needs to freshen in here.”
“Of course. Were you planning to go somewhere today? I usually do the rooms while the guests are out, if they don’t have the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign out.”
“I’m leaving shortly. If I’d known the sign would keep you from freshening, I would’ve taken it in.”
Ruth bit her tongue. What did she think the sign was for? Don’t disturb unless you’re going to change the sheets? “I’ll update the material in the guest folder to make that more clear.”
Jaden huffed, turned, and slammed the door in Ruth’s face.
Ruth closed her eyes and started counting.
Micah let out a low whistle.
She spun, eyes wide, and gestured for him to go back in his room. Crossing the distance, she held up a finger before any of her brothers could speak. “She’s a paying guest. It’s not a big deal.”
“Ruth. Please.” Micah frowned. “You shouldn’t let her treat you that way. What did she think the sign was for, if not to keep you out?”
“I know that. You know that. But please, okay? I just want her to have the best possible experience here and then leave. Preferably without putting a nasty review online.” Ruth twisted her fingers together, one ear listening for sounds in the hall. “Let it go.”
“I...yeah, okay.” Micah glanced at Jonah. “Maybe we shouldn’t leave Ruth alone.”
“Don’t be silly. Go rafting and hiking. It’s gorgeous out there. And maybe one night this week I co
uld get you to hold down the fort?” Butterflies danced in her stomach. They were going to give her the third degree, but a date with Corban was worth that. He was so...there weren’t words.
Malachi cocked his head to the side, signing quickly. “Got a hot date?”
Micah smirked.
Jonah laughed. “Right. Ruth doesn’t date, remember?”
If the heat was any indication, her face was bright red. She chewed on her lower lip. “Actually. I do.”
“You do what?” Jonah blinked.
She took a deep breath. Better to just spit it out. “I have a date. Or, at least, an open-ended offer for one. And I’d like to take him up on it.”
“With who? You’ve only been here two weeks. Who’s asking you out that fast?” Jonah’s gaze bored into her.
“Gee, thanks, Jonah. You know just how to make a girl feel special. No wonder women are throwing themselves at your feet.” Ruth stared at him until he broke eye contact.
“Sorry. I’m just surprised.”
“Clearly. However, as I’m a grown woman—older than all three of you, I might add—I think that’s my business. Let me know when you’re available to watch things, would you? I have a room to freshen and some bread to bake.” Ruth resisted the urge to slam the door behind her as she left their room. They meant well, but that didn’t stop it from being annoying. Even when she’d been a teenager, her brothers had been over protective. Mom and Dad had said it was because they loved her and because brothers were supposed to look out for their sisters. Maybe so. But it didn’t stop it from being annoying.
“Hey. I was hoping I’d see you again this morning.” Corban tucked his hands in his pockets and smiled at Ruth.
Her heart lifted and she smiled back. “Wouldn’t miss it. I liked it last week, didn’t see any reason to look elsewhere.”
“Did your brothers come with?”
“They’re around somewhere. Jonah said something about getting an extra bulletin and the twins tagged along.” Which was weird, now that she said it out loud. What were they up to? She cleared her throat. “I was thinking Tuesday? Does that work?”
Loaves & Wishes: An Arcadia Valley Romance (Baxter Family Bakery Book 1) Page 4
