“You’re welcome. Though I didn’t really do much.”
“But you did, just in being here,” Cole said. “I needed your support today and you gave it to me, no questions asked. I don’t know that I’ve ever had someone do that for me.”
“I trust you, Cole. That’s why I hopped in the car without knowing where we were going or what we were planning to do. My heart trusts yours.”
“To hear you say that means everything to me. I knew the moment I met you that you were passionate. I remember thinking if you could live life so fully, you must love deeply, too. And that’s what I felt from you today, Sophie. I felt loved,” Cole confessed. They paced down the beach, watching the ocean waves continue their relentless back and forth dance with the shore, the consistency a comfort. “I’m not even necessarily talking about love in the romantic sense. If all I ever got from you was friendship, that friendship would be enough for me.”
Sophie laughed a little under her breath. “Of course I’m happy to be your friend, Cole, but I can’t honestly say I’d be okay with only that.”
“Then I hope it’s not too forward of me to say I want to pursue this.” He fluttered his free hand back and forth in the space between them. “I want to see where things can go between us, Sophie. And I don’t want to do that while living on opposite parts of the country.”
Sophie froze. Her feet planted in the sand. “What are you getting at, Cole?”
He turned to take hold of her other hand, facing her. “I want to move to California. To Fairvale. I always thought this trip was meant to show my dad that I’m capable of taking over his business, but it’s actually shown me I’m capable of starting my own. I want to make a life for myself out here, Sophie, and I want you to be a part of it.”
Rising up on her toes, Sophie wrapped her arms around Cole’s neck and let her agreement be known in a slow, tender kiss. She had fallen for this man, hesitantly at first, but now, after this declaration, she could let her guard fully down. She didn’t have to protect her heart anymore. He wouldn’t be taking it across the country with him after all.
They spent another hour at the beach, huddled together under the towel for warmth and shelter from the coastal breeze. Seagulls soared above, dipping down into the foamy ocean and shooting skyward like wild kites on a windy day. An older couple walked by and smiled. Sophie longed to know their story. She wanted to know all of the pages written in the life that led them to this spot on this beach in this particular point in time. It looked like they had created a beautiful one.
The ride back to Fairvale was quiet, peaceful. Cole gripped tightly to Sophie’s hand on the armrest between them and every so often, he would look over and smile, his eyes alight with new affection. She knew Cole was taking a big risk with this proposed move out west. Taking a risk on her. But sitting there, side by side, traveling these California roads together, Sophie knew the biggest risk of all would be in not pursuing a future together.
That was a risk she just wasn’t willing to take.
* * *
HE PICKED UP on the first ring. Sophie figured it would go straight to voicemail, so she startled at the sound of his low voice reverberating on the line. She hadn’t quite prepared what she wanted to say. It was late and her thoughts were sleepy and jumbled.
“Sophie, what are you doing calling at this hour?”
“Please don’t tell me you were already in bed. I’m going to feel really bad if you were.”
“You’re right. I wasn’t.” Scott chuckled. He was always one to give her a hard time. “What’s up, sis?”
“Do you have a minute? There’s something I need to talk to you about—something I’ve wanted to talk about for a long time, actually.”
“Oh boy. Why do I feel a lecture coming on?”
“Not a lecture. More like a cautionary tale.”
“Should I get a bag of popcorn started? Heat up a cup of coffee? I have a sneaking suspicion this is going to take awhile.”
Sophie ignored the sarcasm. “I shared an emotional afternoon with someone today, Scott. Someone who’s become pretty important in my life.”
“Is this special someone named Cole?”
“How did you—?”
“Mom’s told me all about him. Well, mostly about his glasses, but I’ve heard a bit about the guy.”
“Yes. Cole,” Sophie said. “Today was the fifteen-year anniversary of his brother’s passing.”
“Shoot, Sophie, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“He hasn’t been able to speak to his brother for fifteen years, Scott. Fifteen. And how many years have you and Derek let go by?”
“Listen, that’s not all me—”
Sophie cut him off before he could make the flimsy excuse. “I know that. And I’m not calling you to point fingers or place blame. Today I glimpsed what it’s like when you can’t reach out to someone you love, and Scott, let me tell you, it’s devastating. I’m not naïve enough to think Cole and his brother never had any problems or arguments. I’m sure they did. Family can be messy. But I know he would give anything to have just one more day with Caleb. And here you and Derek are, letting all of these days pass between you.”
There was a pause. Sophie knew this sort of conversation was best done in person, but the immediacy of her plea didn’t allow for that. She had to get it all out now. She had learned an invaluable lesson from Cole today, and it was one she had to share.
“You need to be here for the wedding, Scott,” she continued. “I know Derek wasn’t there for yours, and I don’t condone any part of his behavior in that, but it’s the right thing to do. One of you has to give and I think you’ve been presented an opportunity here to be the bigger man.”
“There’s no question I’m the bigger man,” Scott said in jest. He was silent a moment before he added, “But I do agree with you, sis.”
“Wait…What? You do?”
“Yeah. It’s why I boarded the first flight from Seattle to Sacramento this morning.”
Sophie’s jaw dropped. “You what?”
“I’m over at Mom and Dad’s now. Starving, by the way. That woman’s cooking seems to get worse with age.”
Sophie couldn’t believe it. “You’re seriously in Fairvale?”
“I seriously am. Shayna stayed back with Aimee since she’s still got a runny nose and the flight would be too painful with all that head congestion, but I’m here. For what it’s worth, I suppose.”
“It’s worth more than you even know, Scott.”
“I’m glad you think so, but I can’t help but wonder if Derek will feel the same,” Scott said. “I keep replaying this mental image of me getting kicked out of the wedding ceremony. Drug out by my hands and feet and thrown to the curb.”
“Weddings aren’t night clubs, Scott. There isn’t going to be a bouncer checking I.D. at the church entrance.”
He laughed heartily. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Does Derek know you’re here?”
“No. Just Mom and Dad. And now you.”
“Are you going to tell him ahead of time, or just show up at the church?”
Scott sighed. “That’s where I will defer to your better judgment.”
“Considering there is a whole RSVP-ing process for a wedding, my best advice would be to let Derek know before Saturday. At the very least, so he has a heads up for his caterer since there will be an additional mouth to feed.”
“I hadn’t really thought about that.” Sophie could detect the vacillation in her brother’s voice. “My just showing up does throw a monkey wrench in things, doesn’t it? I don’t want to cause more stress for him on his wedding day, sis. I really don’t. Maybe I should’ve just stayed in Seattle and left things as they were. Seems like the easier option.”
“Of course it’s the easier option. Difficult things are difficult, Scott, but it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be done.”
“Difficult things are difficult. Where did you ever pick up such a profound piece of wisdom?�
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“I’m being serious. I’ve had to make a few of my own difficult decisions lately, so I know what I’m talking about here,” Sophie asserted.
“And what decisions are those? Which color of flower to plant? What type of fertilizer to use?”
“I’m selling my truck.”
Sophie could almost hear Scott’s jaw drop. “The one you spent three years restoring with the money you got from Grandma Sarah’s inheritance? Soph, why would you do that?”
“An opportunity came up and I need the cash.”
“But it’s your truck. You love that thing.”
“I know. It’s not the ideal situation, believe me, but unless you happen to know where I can get thirty thousand dollars by Monday, I’m afraid it’s my only option. Plus, I’ve already found a buyer, so at least that part of the process is done.”
Scott sighed. “Man, when did being adults become so hard?”
“I wouldn’t say you and Derek have been behaving anything like adults. The opposite actually. Sometimes it feels like you two have yet to grow up.”
“Well, maybe me being here is the first step in that direction. How does the saying go? The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step? So maybe the journey toward adulthood begins with a baby step.”
“Sure. Something like that,” Sophie said, choking back a laugh.
“Hey, it’s catchier than difficult things are difficult.”
“If you’re done giving me a hard time, I’m going to head to bed. It’s been a long day and tomorrow’s going to be even longer. I’ve got to get all of the flowers harvested so I can start on the arrangements for Saturday. I should try to get some rest.”
“I should go, too. Mom and Dad just started a movie and if I don’t at least pretend to be asleep, I’ll get stuck listening to them bicker over the name of the actor that neither of them knows, but both are certain they are right about,” Scott said. “Thanks for calling, sis. I mean, even though I had already made the decision to do the right thing, it’s good to know you care enough to try to put me in my place.”
“You can always count on that, Scott. Always.”
“And that’s why I love you, sis.”
* * *
BRIAN TEXTED AT daybreak, saying he had just laced up his running shoes and was about to head over with a cashier’s check in hand. While Sophie spent the previous night tossing and turning over the decision, her bed sheets as tangled as the warring emotions within her, she knew it was the right choice. It was the only one.
She awoke early for one last morning drive through town, ending up at her favorite coffee shop before any other Fairvale inhabitants had even opened their eyes to start the day. As she waited at the barista bar of Heirloom Coffee, a starburst of light glinting off her windshield caught her eye as it reflected through the storefront windows. It cast rainbow prisms all across the walls, the tables, the chairs. Sophie’s chest filled with hope at the kaleidoscope of color and she took that as a sign. A promise. Oh, how she needed one that particular morning.
“We’ve had a lot of good memories together,” she spoke aloud as she began the drive home. Reaching for her latte, she pulled in a slow, warming sip. “I know it feels like I’m trading you in for the land, but I promise that’s not the case. When I first found you, you were dirty. Neglected. In need of tending to and loving on. But over time, you’ve been restored into something beautiful.” As she quietly spoke within the confines of the cab, her vision blurred with the tears she struggled to hold back. “The flower farm—that restorative process is ongoing. Every season, the soil needs to be worked. The seeds need to be planted. Pruned and weeded. And then, finally, the flowers will grow, restoring the land to beauty once again. You’re not unlike those flowers, but it’s time for someone else to enjoy you.”
As she pulled into her driveway, she could see Brian bounding up the sidewalk. With her palm, she wiped her cheeks and sniffed. Brian wore a broad smile as he threw his hand into the air for a wave. Sophie knew he was the right owner for her truck. There was no doubt. She saw the way his eyes lit up when he spoke of the heartfelt memories made with his grandfather. The tone in his voice would change, nostalgia drawing out something real and true within him. He would take such good care of that truck and that was all Sophie could hope for.
“I’m still pinching myself over this,” Brian admitted as Sophie climbed down from the vehicle to join him in the driveway. “My wife says I’m acting like a kid on Christmas morning, but I just can’t help it.”
“I’m so glad to hear that, Brian. I’m not going to lie; it started out as a rough morning for me, but hearing your excitement makes it a little easier to let her go.”
“I’m sure this wasn’t an easy decision. I can tell you’ve put a lot of time into getting this truck where it is right now. I can assure you I’ll continue to take good care of it. Might be the runner in me, but I look at this as a passing the baton sort of thing.”
Sophie smiled. “I like that.” She settled the keys into Brian’s palm as he handed her the check in exchange. “I hope you take her to the finish line.”
“Oh believe me—I have no intention of ever parting with this beauty. My dad says his biggest regret was selling Grandpa’s truck after he passed. My hope is that I’ll be able to make memories with my future grandkids. This truck is going to have a legacy. A true, lasting legacy.”
Sophie didn’t doubt it. In fact, she believed it already had one.
20
Cole
“THANK GOODNESS YOU’RE here!”
Caroline reached out and grabbed Cole’s shirtsleeve, yanking him off of the front stoop and into the townhome. He had to concentrate not to spill the contents of the two coffee cups in his hands, her grip forceful and sudden.
Immediately, Cole could see the kitchen was a disaster. Bowls, pans, measuring cups, and mixers were strewn about like an earthquake shook them from their cupboards. And there was Caroline, covered in powdery white, caught in a confectionary snowstorm.
“Flour mishap?”
“Wedding cake mishap is more like it.” She lifted the hem of her apron to her face and swiped her cheeks. “The wedding is tomorrow, Cole. Tomorrow! That’s one day away. And do you know how many cakes I’ve gone through so far?”
“I’m guessing more than one?”
“Three.” Behind her, several crumbled cakes littered the counter. “Three cakes! And none of them are right. I knew I was taking on more than I could handle with this, but I just had to do it, you know? I couldn’t let someone else bake my wedding cake when it’s what I do. I’m a baker. It would be like having someone else landscape your yard.”
“I get it, Caroline,” Cole said. “But I also know we tend to be much harder on ourselves than others are. My guess is these failed cakes aren’t as bad as you think.”
“Oh, they’re bad. Very bad.”
“Mind if I try a bite?”
Caroline closed her eyes and shook her head as though downright defeated. “Only if you don’t place any real value on your taste buds.” Grabbing one of the coffee cups from Cole’s hand, she guzzled down the hot latte meant for Sophie. Cole didn’t protest. He figured the bride-to-be needed it more than her roommate. “I’m not kidding, Cole. I’ve never made anything so terrible in my life. It’s like I’ve completely forgotten everything I’ve ever known about baking.”
Stepping around her, Cole withdrew a fork from the cutlery drawer and dug into the first deconstructed cake. It was a rich brown, chocolaty in appearance.
Squinting one eye shut, Caroline awaited the verdict.
“It’s…” Cole tried to keep his face neutral as he chewed on the spongy texture. “It’s not completely terrible.”
“That’s exactly what I mean!” Caroline grabbed the fork, shoved a heaping bite into her mouth, and then promptly spit it into the sink. “How was Caroline and Derek’s wedding?” she said in a fabricated, nasally voice. “The ceremony was lovely and the cake wasn’t compl
etely terrible!”
“No one is going to say that,” Cole assured.
“You’re right. They won’t. Because they won’t be able to talk since all of their taste buds will have been totally destroyed!”
“I’m not sure that’s how it works—”
“Cole! What am I going to do?” Collapsing onto the counter, Caroline buried her face in her folded arms and let out a gargled yelp.
Cole moved to the second cake in the line of discarded pans. This wasn’t as bad as the first, but something was still off. His mouth watered, the bite of acid tickling his tongue. “Are you following a recipe for these?”
“I don’t really use recipes. It’s all up here.” She lifted her head and tapped it with her index finger. “Hasn’t failed me yet. Until today, of course.”
Unwilling to spit out the inedible cake in front of Caroline, Cole choked down the contents in his mouth. That was rough. There was no doubt something was amiss with the ingredients. Glancing around the kitchen, Cole took inventory. Cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, cinnamon. Stepping closer, he squinted at two rectangular containers placed side by side, their lids off and left next to them on the tile. Cole picked up the covers and read their labels aloud.
“Salt and sugar, huh?”
“Yeah. Those go to the containers right there.”
Lifting the lids, Cole swapped them back and forth between his hands, shuffling them like playing cards. “Does this one go to this? Or to this?”
Caroline’s eyes bulged. “Oh no. You don’t think I…?”
“I think maybe you did.”
She flung her hands into the air. “Are you kidding me? Knowing the difference between salt and sugar is like knowing day from night. How on earth could I make that mistake not once, but three times?”
“I think maybe the fact that tomorrow is the big day might have a little something to do with it.”
“I suppose,” she relented as she slumped against the counter. “Some brides get cold feet; apparently I get wedding brain.” Letting out a sigh, Caroline said, “Looks like I’ll need to go to the store to get more ingredients since I’ve already wasted all of this.” She waved her hand over the spread before them. “Any chance I can bum a ride off of you? Sophie’s got my car over at the farm for the day.”
In the Market for Love Page 17
