Donuts & Daydreams: An Arcadia Valley Romance (Baxter Family Bakery Book 4)

by Elizabeth Maddrey

  “We don’t know yet. Corban said he’d keep us posted. For now, I guess we wait.” Jonah glanced at the bags of food. “Might as well eat while we do that. Thanks.”

  “It’s the least I could do.” Gloria reached into the bag and pulled out a container. She read the name of the dish scrawled across the top and handed it to Serena. “I think I knew what everyone would like.”

  “This is great, thanks.” Serena popped open the top of her insulated container and laughed. “You know me too well.”

  Gloria grinned, the first easy smile since Jonah called. “You were easy. I had to guess for Mal.”

  Malachi took a container, opened it, and made a gagging motion.

  “Sorry! Um. You can switch with me.” Gloria dug into the bag, pausing when everyone started to chuckle.

  Mal grinned and shook his head. “Kidding. This is fine, thank you.”

  By the time Corban came out again, all but his food had been consumed and the trash carried back out to the main lobby where there was a bigger can that would hold everything. Serena was dozing on Micah’s shoulder and Mal and Ursula had pulled laptops out of their bags and were busy playing their game together. Gloria had tried to start up a conversation with Jonah several times, but his responses had been stilted and she’d finally lapsed into silence.

  Jonah stood when he spotted Corban. “What’d they say?”

  Corban shook his head. “They don’t have anything conclusive, but they’re finding her a bed and will admit her as soon as they have that set up. Her blood pressure isn’t really coming down like it should.”

  Gloria frowned.

  Serena yawned and sat up. “What does that mean?”

  “At this point, they’re calling it preeclampsia. And if they can’t get things under control, they’ll deliver the baby.” Corban scrubbed his hands over his face. “She’s only 23 weeks along. If they decide that’s what has to happen, they’ll probably send us to Boise by air. There’s a level four NICU there. They’ll know more tomorrow. The doctor said he wasn’t going to wait too long to make a decision, though, because it’s dangerous for both of them.”

  Gloria swallowed the lump in her throat. “What can we do?”

  “Pray. Go home and pray. And maybe, Jonah, could you cancel the reservations at the B&B through March? I just don’t see how that can work.”

  “I’ll take care of it.” Ursula rested her hand on Jonah’s arm. “I know the system a little better than you most likely.”

  Jonah managed a wan smile. “Thanks. You’re sure we can’t see her?”

  Corban shook his head. “I even feel like I’m in the way right now. Go home. I’ll text everyone when I know more.”

  All the potential problems hung heavy and unsaid in the air. The baby’s chances were low. Ruth’s didn’t seem much higher.

  “Give her our love.” Jonah stuffed his hands in his pockets.

  Gloria watched the others stand and gather their things. Ursula and Serena both pulled Corban into long hugs while Malachi and Micah exchanged nods with him. If the situation were different, she’d laugh at their manly attempts to show compassion without making physical contact.

  Corban disappeared with his takeout container behind the double doors that separated those waiting from the treatment area and the Baxter crew began moving toward the exit.

  Gloria touched Jonah’s hand, ignoring the sizzle that always accompanied such an action. “Let me know if I can do anything. Anything at all.”

  “Thanks. I will. Though I guess there isn’t likely to be anything any of us can do.” Jonah stopped in the hallway. Micah, Serena, Malachi, and Ursula continued on. He cleared his throat. “Do you think you could swing by the bakery again? Even a little? We were friends, once. I’d like us to be still. I miss you.”

  Could she be friends with him? He was with Kenia now, would seeing him happy with someone else be something her heart could take? “I miss you, too. I can try. You’re sure Kenia won’t mind?”

  He drew his eyebrows together, confusion written on his features. “Why would she mind?”

  Gloria chuckled in spite of herself. He really didn’t understand women at all. “I think it’s probably worth double checking.”

  “Yeah, okay. But...could you come by tomorrow anyway? I was thinking of trying a new donut. You’re my favorite taste tester.”

  She studied his face. There was a hint of something—longing?—in his eyes. No. Couldn’t be. She nodded. “Sure. Usual time?”

  “If that still works.”

  “I’ll see you then. I’m glad you called me.”

  Jonah took her hand and squeezed it gently before dropping it. “I’m glad you came.”

  Smiling inside, Gloria strode out into the cold, dark parking lot. It smelled like snow. She glanced up at the clear sky full of twinkling stars. No clouds. Not yet, at least.

  In her car, she plugged in her phone and started up her streaming service, punching the worship music mix that she favored when she needed to pray but couldn’t find the words. She’d been singing these songs a lot lately. Tonight, at least, there was a small something to be thankful for. She’d missed Jonah’s friendship. Getting that back—or at least the possibility of it—was definitely a blessing.

  Hopefully, Kenia wouldn’t take it away. Again.

  “Hi, Mom.” Gloria pulled the cruiser into a parking lot and shifted into park. She checked the time and radioed in for a five minute break. “What’s up?”

  “I was going to ask you the same thing. I called last night and you didn’t answer.”

  Gloria frowned. “The phone didn’t ring. You didn’t leave a message?”

  “It wasn’t important. Where were you?”

  “At the hospital with a friend.”

  “Ah. Hospitals always have bad signal. I think they do it on purpose.”

  Gloria laughed. “You’re probably right.”

  “You sound happier than usual. You’re sure you’re okay? Did Frank come back?”

  “No. Mom, I told you, he’s divorcing me. Or, I guess I should say he divorced me. I got the final papers yesterday.”

  “You didn’t call me? Are you okay?”

  “I would’ve called—the thing at the hospital kind of pushed everything else out of my mind. I’m...actually fine. In some ways, I guess it’s a relief.”

  “Uh-huh. I’ve been telling you to get rid of him for years, why is it okay now? At least if you’d done it, it could’ve been on your terms. You let him walk all over you for too many years.”

  She’d tried to explain it to her mom so many times, there was no point in trying again. Since her mother didn’t have faith in Jesus as a starting point, trying to do things His way was a total disconnect. “Well, now it’s done.”

  “And you’re happy?”

  “Happy isn’t the word I’d use. I’m still sad that Frank doesn’t want to get to know the Lord. I’m sad that he’d rather spend his life as far away from me as possible instead of trying to make things work and running the risk of hearing about Jesus. But I did what I could, and he ended things. So I’ll let him go.”

  Not that it was that easy, but she’d had years of practice at this point. She’d grieved the end of her marriage for the first three years she’d lived in Arcadia Valley, even while she hung on to the hope that Frank might change his mind. At the start of the fourth year, she’d given up that slim hope and simply prayed for Frank to find Jesus, with or without her. That was, after all, more important.

  “You’re really sticking this Jesus thing out, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, I am.”

  Her mother sighed loudly into the phone. “In that case, it’ll probably thrill you to know that Harry has me going to church with him twice a week now.”

  “What? Seriously? That’s great.” Gloria sent up a quick prayer of thanksgiving. “How’d he swing that?”

  “Seems the pastor brought his car in for service and he and Harry got to talking. Turned into a weekly thing over cof
fee and one thing led to another. Now Harry’s pushing me to marry him, says he isn’t going to keep living with me now he knows it’s a sin. I figure maybe the third time’s the charm, but I wanted to make sure you were okay with it. It’s not like he’d be your daddy, though he’s a fair sight better than that man ever was, still thought you might want to say your piece.”

  Gloria tried to wrap her mind around her mother’s words. “I think that’s wonderful. But if Harry’s a believer now, I’m not sure he should marry you if you aren’t one. Maybe the two of you should talk to the pastor about that.”

  “You really think it matters?”

  “Look at my marriage, Mom. You might be okay with tagging along to church now, but if you’re not going for yourself, if you’re not believing because you think it’s the right thing to do, then at some point it’s going to become a wedge in your relationship. On the flip side, if you and Harry are both working to grow in Jesus, it’s going to make your marriage stronger, too.” Gloria pressed her lips together. Had she said too much?

  “That...makes a kind of sense. I’m not opposed to Jesus, not like I used to be. I can certainly see the good He’s done in your life. Maybe—you really think He’d be interested in someone like me?”

  Gloria’s eyes filled and she blinked to keep the tears from spilling over. “Yeah, Mom, I do.”

  “All right. I’ll talk to Harry about it tonight.”

  “When you have a wedding date, you let me know. I’ll come down to Georgia for it.”

  “No, hon, we’re not going to make a big fuss. Probably just have the pastor do it some afternoon. You come visit when you can spend some time. Or maybe Harry and I’ll throw a suitcase in the car and come on up your way. Been awhile since we took a road trip.”

  “Okay. Send me a picture at least.”

  Her mother laughed. “You can count on that. I’m sorry about you and Frank.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I’ll be okay.”

  “I know that. You always are. Sometimes I worry that you’re too okay. You need to let yourself dream a little.”

  Gloria managed a small smile, though her mother couldn’t see it. Dreams were for other people. She’d learned that early on in her life and none of her experiences since then had changed her mind. She’d just keep her feet on the ground and her head out of the clouds like she always did. “Love you, Mom. I’ll call you later.”

  9

  “Dude, go back in the kitchen. She’ll get here when she gets here.” Micah shook his head. “You’re making the pastries nervous.”

  Jonah’s lips twitched. “Why don’t you take a break? I can handle the front. You can go in the back and bug Mal.”

  Micah laughed. “This is just Gloria you’re expecting, right?”

  “I know. Sorry.” He couldn’t explain it. Last night, it was as if something between them shifted. He couldn’t tell if it was better or worse, but his heart certainly yearned for the former. “Did you try today’s donut?”

  “The bacon’s a nice touch. Good crunch, but not overwhelming. And I liked that there wasn’t a crazy thick glaze on top like you usually find with maple bacon. This had all the flavor without the sticky sweetness.” Micah pointed at the tray in the case. “They’ve been a big hit. Several people commented they were glad to see donuts again.”

  It had been nice to make them again. Jonah had never associated a particular person with a specific food item the way Gloria and donuts went together in his mind. He needed to break that, though, just in case they weren’t able to stay friends. His heart panged. Even knowing it was impossible, he still wanted more than that from her. He could, at least, settle for friendship.

  The bell on the door jangled and Kenia hurried in. A flash of color caught his eye and he watched Gloria park the cruiser. His stomach sank. Why did this seem like a bad idea?

  “Hey, Kenia.” Micah jabbed Jonah with his elbow. “Since you’re here, I think I’ll go see if Mal needs any help in the back.”

  Jonah snorted before he could stop himself. Help Mal? With what? “Hey. What brings you this way again?”

  “It’s okay, right? I just thought I’d take another quick break.” She grinned and stood on her tiptoes to press her lips to his as the bell above the door sounded again. “Excited for the concert tomorrow?”

  Jonah’s gaze flitted to Gloria. What had she seen? “Oh, yeah. Of course. Should be a great time. And it’ll be nice to know we’re helping Allie out. Hey, Gloria.”

  Kenia turned and a little crease formed between her eyebrows. “Keeping the town safe?”

  “One donut at a time.” Gloria smiled and shook her head at Jonah. “I’ll take it to go.”

  “You don’t need to do that.” Jonah slid down to the tray of bacon-topped treats and grabbed one, sliding it into a bag.

  “I really do. My mom called a little bit ago and that ate up my personal time. How much?”

  “On the house.” Jonah fought a scowl. They were always on the house. She knew that. And she really didn’t need to go. His gaze flicked over to Kenia who stood with her arms crossed, watching the whole exchange.

  “Appreciate it.” Gloria nodded to Kenia and stuffed a bill into the tip jar by the cashier before sauntering out, setting the bell jingling again.

  Kenia shook her head. “Still?”

  “What do you mean?” Jonah watched Gloria back out of the parking spot then turned to face Kenia. “Still what?”

  “You’re still in love with her.”

  “That’s ridiculous. She’s married. I’m dating you.” Jonah’s heart sped up and bile crawled up the back of his throat. The look on Kenia’s face was something he’d never seen before. Well, not on her. He’d seen it plenty of times on the faces of women who were about to dump him, though. Time. They just needed time. He scrambled for something, anything, to distract her. “Do you want to try our new donut flavor?”

  “You’re serious? Let me ask you this, Jonah. Why’d you make donuts today? You haven’t had any since right around New Year’s.” Kenia’s voice was calm and had a hard edge to it that wasn’t like her at all.

  He cleared his throat. “Last night, Gloria mentioned she might swing by. I’d been toying with this flavor for a while...”

  “Last night?”

  “At the hospital?”

  Kenia blinked. “You were at the hospital? Are you okay? Why didn’t you call me?”

  His heart sank into his shoes. He’d called everyone who came to mind when he’d been racing to get to Ruth. Kenia hadn’t been on that list. Heat burned up his neck. “Not me. Ruth. She’s having complications with the baby. Corban’s saying they’re probably getting transferred to Boise so they’ll be near a level four NICU. He’ll know more soon.”

  “I see.” Kenia sighed and her eyes took on the wet shine of unshed tears. “This isn’t going to work, is it?”

  “Kenia. Of course it is. Some things don’t happen instantaneously. It takes time.” He was fumbling this. Badly. He could see it in her expression.

  “I don’t think we should see each other anymore.”

  “Don’t say that.” He hurried from behind the counter and reached for her hand. Kenia stepped back, her arms tightening around her waist. “Kenia, please.”

  “Do you love me, Jonah?”

  What was he supposed to say? His heart was hammering so loudly, surely everyone within two blocks could hear it. “It’s only been...”

  “Close to six weeks. Are you even a little in love with me?”

  “I don’t think—”

  “Neither do I.” She took a deep breath and blinked. A tear slipped down her cheek. “Goodbye, Jonah. Maybe...maybe it’d be better if you did your book buying online for a little bit. Okay?”

  “Kenia.”

  She held up a hand and ran from the bakery out into the cold, clear February day. Jonah scrubbed his hands over his face. That was just perfect. Dumped the day before Valentine’s Day. Story of his life.

  Jonah stared at the flames that
licked along the edges of the logs in the fireplace. What a completely lousy day. Just before dinner, Corban had called. Ruth had had a seizure, which threw everyone into emergency mode. They’d air lifted her to Boise and were expecting to do a c-section to deliver the baby as soon as they got there. Which meant he was probably an uncle by now.

  He should be happier about that, except, of course for his sister’s life being in danger and the fact that he was in love with a married woman and the woman he’d been dating was smart enough to dump him rather than keep pretending that it could work. How long would it have been before he’d had the gumption to end things with Kenia? Would he have married her? It wasn’t completely out of the realm of possibility.

  What was wrong with him?

  Maybe it was time for another change.

  Jonah glanced at the time before scrolling through the contacts on his phone and pressing send.

  “Season’s Bounty, how may I help you?”

  “Hi. Is it possible to speak to Paige Jackson?”

  “Hold on one moment, I’ll see if Chef Trent is available.” A string version of a popular worship song came on the line and Jonah gave himself a mental kick. Paige had gotten married about the same time he was leaving to come to Arcadia Valley. Had he ever known her new last name though?

  “This is Paige.” Pots and pans clattered in the background and Jonah couldn’t stop the smile. The sound of a kitchen line. He missed it.

  “Hi, Paige. It’s Jonah Baxter. Is this a bad time?”

  “Jonah? Hi. Nah, we’re winding down—basically all that’s left are desserts at this point. What’s up?”

  “I had a couple of questions. Both are probably long shots, but you’re who came to mind every time I thought about it, so, I figured I’d at least start with you.”

  Paige laughed. “Okay. Let’s have it.”

  “My brothers and I started a community-supported bakery in Arcadia Valley, Idaho, coming up on three years ago. We’ve branched out some from just breads on a subscription plan to cookies, muffins, donuts, and other bakery-type items, though our staple is bread. Anyway, Micah helps with the baking, and he’s going to be in and out a lot more going forward, so we need some help. Do you know anyone into local, sustainable baking that might want to relocate?”