A Baby and a Betrothal

by Michelle Major

  He shook out of her grasp, noticing that Tori’s fingers were long, the nails bright red and perfectly manicured. “I saw enough detail to last me a lifetime, Tori. Let’s leave the past where it belongs.”

  She bit down on her lip, the corner of her mouth dipping into a pout he used to find irresistible. Now it made her seem as if she was trying too hard. “If that’s what you want, but I’d still be interested in that drink.”

  He felt Katie shift behind him. He wasn’t about to let her get away. “I’m busy these days, Tori. But maybe we can work something out.”

  Her smile was immediate. “Why don’t we—”

  “I’ll catch you later.” Without waiting for a response, he turned and jogged to catch up to Katie. “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing,” she said on a hiss of breath. “But I think you just proved my point. It hadn’t been a minute since I said ‘no’ and you were making a date with your ex.”

  They were back in front of the bakery. He took Katie’s arm as she reached for the door. “I could care less about Tori, and you know it. I wanted to get away from her without making a scene. I didn’t make a date. A date is where I pick up a woman at her house and buy her dinner. A date is what I want with you.”

  She looked so lost standing there, as if his simple request to take her to dinner was tearing her up inside. This wasn’t what he wanted for Katie. He wanted a chance to make her happy, not to cause her more pain.

  “I don’t trust—”

  “Katie?” A petite woman with shoulder-length brown hair poked her head out of the storefront. “Marian Jones is on the phone. She forgot to order a cake for her husband’s retirement party and needs something by tomorrow.”

  “I’m coming, Lelia.” She closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again, her expression was carefully blank. “I’ve got to go, Noah. We’re friends and it works. Let’s not jeopardize that.”

  He started to speak but she held up a hand. “Tell your mom I’ll be over to see her as soon as she gets back home.” She stood on tiptoe, leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Her mouth was sweet, and he wanted to turn his face and claim it. But he didn’t move and a second later she disappeared into the bakery. He pressed his fingertips to the skin where her lips had been, as if he could still feel their softness. That kiss had felt like goodbye, and no matter how much he wanted to, Noah didn’t know how to change that.

  Chapter Eight

  The sun was warm on her back when Katie climbed the steps of the Crawford family farmhouse the following week. Emily appeared a moment later, wearing a faded T-shirt and sweatpants and still managing to look more sophisticated than Katie did on her best day. If it wasn’t for the shadow of sadness in Emily’s ice-blue eyes, Katie might be jealous of the other woman.

  Emily had been only a year behind them in school, but Noah’s sister never had much use for anyone in Crimson. Even before Jacob Crawford had got sick, it was clear Emily was destined for a bigger future than this town could give her. Once her father had died, it seemed to Katie that Noah’s sister had become more frenetic in her quest to get out of town.

  But now she was back, just like Noah, and it bothered Katie to see how out of place Emily looked. Katie could relate to that feeling.

  The smile Emily gave Katie was genuine, if drawn. “Come on in.” She stepped back to allow Katie room to enter. The Crawfords had done quite a bit of renovations to the property when Noah and Emily were kids. Most of the first floor was covered in shiplap siding that had been painted warm gray. A colorful rug sat on top of slate tile floors, making the entry seem both modern and as if it would have fit the decade the house was originally built.

  “Noah’s not here right now. He’s—”

  “In Boulder,” Katie finished, then nervously scraped at a bit of dried frosting near the hem of her shirt. She’d been working crazy hours at the bakery and was wearing the same clothes as yesterday. “He mentioned heading down for a meeting.” Actually, she hadn’t spoken to Noah since they’d run into his ex-girlfriend. She’d wanted to visit Meg but hadn’t been able to deal with him again so soon. The older woman who answered the phones for the Forest Service office in town stopped in almost every day for a muffin and coffee, and it hadn’t been difficult to get her to share Noah’s schedule for the week.

  One of Emily’s delicate brows arched. “And you picked today to come out to the house?”

  “Well, I thought...it seemed...” Katie could feel color heating her cheeks as she stumbled over an explanation. “Yes,” she said finally. “I’m here today.”

  Emily looked at her another moment. “Most women fall at Noah’s feet without him even lifting a finger.”

  “I’ve borne witness to that phenomenon more than once,” Katie agreed.

  “He needs more of a challenge than that.”

  “I’m not trying to challenge him.”

  “But you do.” Emily nodded. “It’s good for him.”

  “We’re just friends, Em.”

  Katie had been here a few times over the years and always thought the house displayed not only Meg’s design taste but the love of the family that lived here. Now it seemed almost too quiet.

  “I watched him kiss you.”

  Katie shrugged. “He was...worried about your mom. It was an emotional response, and I happened to be there.”

  “I don’t think my brother has ever had a truly emotional response to anything. He isn’t built like that.”

  “Not true.” Katie wasn’t sure why she needed to defend Noah but couldn’t seem to stop herself. “He cares too much, and it scares him. That’s why and when he makes some of his more brilliantly stupid decisions. If he could learn to deal with what he feels...” She stopped, frowned at the knowing look Emily gave her.

  “If someone could help him with that...” Emily flashed a hopeful smile.

  Katie shook her head. “I can’t be that person.”

  “Can’t or won’t?”

  “Same outcome. I didn’t come here for this. I care about Noah and your whole family, but Noah and I are only friends. How is your mom doing?” she asked, needing to steer the conversation to a safer topic. “If this isn’t a good time—”

  “She’s feeling good and will be happy to see you.” Emily started toward the back of the house. “Noah moved her bed down into Dad’s office on the first floor. We thought it would be easier not to have to deal with steps.” She looked over her shoulder. “According to Mom, he’ll be moving it back upstairs by the end of the week. Home from the hospital three days and she wants everything back to normal.”

  They paused outside a closed door. Emily straightened her shoulders and reached for the handle.

  “How are you, Em?”

  The other woman turned, her hand still on the doorknob. “What has Noah told you?” Her expression had turned wary.

  “Not a lot. He respects your privacy. I’m asking you.”

  “Things are peachy.” Emily pushed her hair away from her face. “My marriage is over. I have no job and no prospects since I left college to pursue my dream of becoming a trophy wife.” She smiled, but her voice dripped sarcasm. “I’m back in a town I couldn’t wait to leave behind, friendless, penniless and living with my mother. I’m now fighting my ex-husband to get our son the treatment he needs for problems I barely understand. So, yeah, ‘peachy’ about sums it up.”

  “Emily, I’m sorry—”

  “Don’t.” When Katie reached for her, Emily shook off the touch. “If there’s one thing I can’t take right now it’s pity. I’m sure this whole town is talking about how the girl who was too good for Crimson has come crawling back with her tail between her legs.”

  “I don’t think that’s true and I certainly don’t pity you. I remember how much you helped with your father’s care. You’re strong.
You’ll get through this.”

  Emily met her gaze, her blue eyes sparkling with bitterness and unshed tears. “You don’t know me at all.”

  “Maybe not,” Katie agreed, “but I’d like to. I’m helping with the committee for the Founder’s Day Festival—more than I’d planned because my friend Olivia, who was chairing the celebration this year, is having a tough go with morning sickness. It’s her first baby.”

  “Olivia Wilder?” Emily asked. “The wife of the mayor who skipped out of town?”

  “She divorced him and married the youngest of the Travers brothers—Logan.”

  Emily shook her head. “The one with the twin who died? I thought he was trouble.”

  “People change. Logan came back to town for his brother’s wedding and met Olivia. They’re good for each other. He has a thriving construction business and she runs the community center now and took over the festival as an offshoot of her work there. Most of the plans are in place and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

  “That’s quite a reinvention for both of them.”

  “The people in Crimson are more forgiving than you think, Emily. It’s a great town, actually. If you got involved—”

  “Don’t push it, Katie. I’m happy for you to help Noah, but I don’t need saving.”

  Emily’s words stung, but Katie pressed on. She’d bet a pan of brownies that Noah’s sister needed more help than she would admit. “I’m only trying to include you while you’re in town.”

  “I’ll think about it,” Emily said then sighed. “I appreciate the offer.” She opened the door then held out a hand. “Give me your cell phone and I’ll put in my number. Text me the time of the next meeting and we’ll see.”

  “Katie, is that you?”

  Handing off her cell to Emily, Katie smiled and entered the room. “I’m sorry I haven’t been by sooner, Mrs. Crawford. You look wonderful.”

  Noah’s mother smiled and put aside the book she held in her hands. “No apologies. I understand how busy you are with the bakery.” She waved Katie forward. “Your grandmother would be so proud of you, sweetheart. I’m proud of you.”

  Tears stung the backs of Katie’s eyes. It had been a long time since anyone had given her that kind of praise. One problem with being a fixture in town for so long was the expectation she’d do well with the bakery, plus help out wherever needed. Her grandma had held the role and Katie’d taken it over without question. Only recently, since she’d decided she wanted something of a life for herself besides her business, did she wonder if there was more to her than the dependable girl next door everyone in Crimson saw. Hearing Meg say that her grandmother would be proud made the long hours and sacrifice worth it. Gram had been the most important person in her life, and there was nothing Katie wouldn’t sacrifice to live up to her legacy.

  “From what I hear, you’re the one who deserves the praise,” she said as she took the seat next to the head of the bed. “Your recovery has been amazing so far. I know both Noah and Emily are thrilled you’re doing so well.”

  Meg waved away her words. “They worry too much. Noah especially, although he’d never admit it. Now tell me what you brought me.”

  Katie bit back a laugh. “What makes you think I brought you something?”

  “Because ‘life is sweet’ isn’t simply the name of your shop. It’s what you do—you make life sweeter for the people around you.”

  Katie’s heart swelled at the words, and she reached into the cloth shopping bag she’d carried in with her. “Cinnamon rolls,” she said with a wink.

  “My favorite,” Meg whispered and took the box, opening it and licking her lips. “How do you remember everyone’s preferences?”

  “You’re not just anyone, Mrs. Crawford.”

  “Call me Meg.” She lifted the box as Emily walked up to the bed and handed Katie her phone. “She brought cinnamon rolls.”

  As Emily leaned forward to breathe in the scent, a deep voice called from the doorway, “You’re planning to share those. Right, Mom?”

  Katie’s phone clattered to the tile floor and she heard a crack as the screen shattered. “Damn,” she muttered, bending forward to retrieve it. Noah’s long fingers wrapped around hers as she picked up the phone. “I’ve got it.” As soon as she said the words, he released her. “I thought you were in Boulder today.”

  He quirked one brow at her statement. “Checking up on me?”

  “Katie is my guest today, Noah,” Meg said. “And you owe her a new phone.”

  “It’s fine,” Katie said quickly. “My fault.”

  “It was clearly Noah’s fault,” Emily said.

  “Because I came home?” he asked, his voice incredulous.

  “You made her drop the phone,” Emily insisted.

  Katie shifted in her chair, focusing her gaze on Emily and Meg. “He didn’t.”

  “I’m sorry, Katie,” Noah offered after a moment. “I’ll gladly buy you a new phone if you’ll make eye contact with me.”

  Katie sucked in a breath, shocked that he’d call her out publicly in front of his mom and sister.

  Her eyes snapped to his, but before she could speak, Meg said, “Noah, would you please put on a pot of water for tea?”

  “Emily can do that.” He kept his blue gaze on Katie, who fingered the cracks on the screen of her phone. A dozen hairline fissures radiated out from the center. Splintered just like her heart felt since Noah had returned to Crimson.

  “I’m going to check on Davey.” Emily hitched a thumb toward Noah. “Save one of those for me. Don’t let Noah eat them all.”

  “I may not let him have one if he doesn’t do what I ask.” Meg lifted a brow at her son. Katie kept her head down.

  “Fine,” he mumbled and followed Emily out of the room.

  “I should go,” Katie said when they were alone.

  “You just got here,” Meg argued.

  Katie stood, dropped her ruined phone into her purse. “I really only came to drop off the cinnamon rolls to you. I came because...”

  “Because you thought Noah was in Boulder today.” Meg slowly shut the white cardboard box that held the cinnamon rolls. “He’s my son and I love him. That doesn’t mean I’m unaware of how he operates.”

  “He didn’t mean for my phone to break.”

  “He wouldn’t mean to break your heart, either.”

  Katie swallowed, nodded. “But he could.”

  “Or he could make it whole.”

  “I can’t take that chance.” She dropped a kiss on Meg’s cheek, unwilling to consider the possibility of trusting Noah with her heart. “I’ll be by to see you again. I hope you’ll be well enough to attend some of the Founder’s Day Festival events. I’d like Emily to help out with the committee.”

  Meg nodded. “That would be good for her. You’re good for this family, Katie. For Noah. I hope you know that.”

  Katie didn’t know how to answer, so she flashed a smile she hoped didn’t look as forced as it felt. “Take care, Meg.”

  She slipped from the room and down the hall. She could hear Noah banging cabinet doors shut and china rattling in the kitchen as she sneaked by as quietly as she could.

  Her foot hit the first step of the porch when the front door slammed. “Is this what it’s come to?” Noah’s voice rang out in the silence of midafternoon. “We go from friends to lovers to you running away from me? I’m used to being the person disappointing everyone around me. Now I understand how they’ve felt on the receiving end of it all these years.”

  * * *

  He’d meant to rile her—because misery loved company, and Noah was miserable and angry right now. The anger was mostly self-directed. He’d finished his meetings early in Boulder and left before lunch to beat rush-hour traffic coming out of the city. When he’d pulled up to his mom
’s house and seen Katie’s Subaru parked in front, a flash of pleasure and anticipation had surged through him. He couldn’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon than on the front porch of the farmhouse with a cold beer in his hand and Katie on the porch swing next to him.

  Except it was obvious she not only hadn’t expected his return but was upset by it. Katie, who had always been ready with a smile and a hug, didn’t want to see him and tried to sneak out to avoid him.

  Oh, yeah. He was pissed. But as he watched her stiffen while strands of hair blew around her shoulders in the summer breeze, he wondered if he’d gone too far.

  All Noah wanted to do was get closer, but the only thing he seemed to manage when he opened his mouth was push her further away.

  “I came to see your mom.” Katie turned, her fingers gripping the painted railing. “This has nothing to do with you.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Have you had that drink with Tori?”

  He shook his head. “I won’t if it upsets you.”

  “It’s none of my business.”

  “It matters what you think, whether it’s your business or not. You said it yourself—we’re friends.” And more, even if she wouldn’t admit it and he barely understood his changing feelings about their relationship. He felt alive with Katie, his body electric in its response to her. Her blue cotton T-shirt hugged the curves of her breasts and her slim waist, and he knew how her skin felt underneath it. That was the thing making him so crazy. It was knowing her in a way no one else did. People in town saw her as the dependable, caring baker they could count on in any situation. But he wanted more of the passionate woman who had nipped and teased him, responsive to every kiss and touch. He wanted to close the distance between them and place his mouth on her throat, where a tiny patch of dried icing stuck to her skin. The idea of sucking it off, imagining the sugar on his tongue mixed with her unique taste made him grow hard.