How to Stir a Baker's Heart

by Candice Sue Patterson

  He agreed, though the bulk of his appetite had vanished.

  “Thanks for waiting.” Jonathan scooted in next to Olivia.

  The waitress took their order.

  Olivia returned their menus to the rack at the opposite end of the table.

  Perfect time.

  Blake pulled a folded newspaper page from his back pocket and slid it across the table. “I found this in the Portland Press. Sunday Edition, Food and Dining section. Thought you might be interested.”

  She scanned the page, then reached for his hand, cheeks glowing. “Bakery Puts Stone Harbor Back on the Map.”

  Blake bumped her foot with his. “Read it.”

  She nibbled her bottom lip before returning to the article. “Harbor Town Bakery, once the buzz in several food magazines, and winner of three prestigious awards, lost its credentials during the recession, and the desserts lost their spark with the onset of owner and head baker’s Alzheimer’s disease three years later. Granddaughter, Olivia Hudson, has sprinkled a new generation of magic on the bakery, putting the place back into the limelight of dessert lovers everywhere.

  “Food critic, Angela Bloomsbury, announced in the Chicago Times she was delighted to see the bakery had survived. ‘I visited Maine fifteen years ago and stumbled upon Harbor Town Bakery on my way through blueberry country. From my first bite of pie, I was transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen where a simple dessert could wash all my cares away. I was disheartened to see the bakery’s fall and, truthfully, hadn’t thought of the place for years. During my visit to the Annual Blueberry Festival in Machias, Maine, last month, I came across a flyer lying on the ground advertising the bakery’s new menu. I drove to Stone Harbor, which is now known as ‘The Mayberry of Maine,’ and was delighted at what I’d found.

  “The place still held its old charms, along with a few updates like free Wi-Fi and comfortable furniture if you plan to stay a while. As for the desserts, there’s a plethora of new items, from a simple chocolate chip cookie to an elegant cheesecake or fruit tart, which all get an A+ in my book. The sky is the limit, and I can’t wait to see how high Miss Hudson flies.” Olivia put a hand to her heart, staring at the print in disbelief.

  Blake stroked her wrist with his thumb. “It isn’t just my attention you’ve captured.”

  She looked up at him, eyes teary.

  “Congratulations.”

  Enough time passed without a reaction from Jonathan, Blake wondered if the man would acknowledge it at all.

  Then his mouth grew pensive, his eyes clear but somber, and he reached for his daughter’s other hand. “Congratulations, sweetheart. I’m proud of you.”

  Jonathan met Blake’s gaze and nodded.

  37

  Sydney jumped awake from her morning nap when Olivia’s cell phone blared. The dog hadn’t acted right since Grandma’s stroke. She’d paced the house on anxious paws the day Olivia and her father had packed some of Grandma’s things for the nursing home. Like the canine knew these new arrangements weren’t right, and there was a good possibility she’d never see her owner again.

  No pets allowed.

  Olivia set her full coffee mug on the table and answered the call.

  “Hey, Mom.”

  “Did I wake you?”

  “No. Just relaxing a bit before I get ready for work.”

  “Congratulations on your success. Your dad emailed me a copy of the article.”

  Olivia slipped the satiny ribbon between the pages of her Bible and set it aside. “That was nice of him.”

  “It was.” Mom’s voice trailed off as usual when Dad came up in conversation. “Did you get your grandma settled in?”

  “We did.” Though she still hated the situation, Olivia was starting to understand it was probably best. “How have you been?”

  “Oh…I’m fine. Volunteer work at the library is keeping me busy. Busy is good.”

  Olivia understood. “Rest is good, too. Why don’t you fly up here and stay for a while? Relax. See the sights.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Something rustled in the background. “The area holds a lot of memories. Besides, I don’t want to interfere with your new roommate.”

  “Jen won’t mind.”

  The idea of Olivia living in this big house alone had her begging Jen to stay on. She worked days and Jen worked nights, so the arrangement was perfect. It wasn’t too far from the hospital, and rent was cheap. “At least think about it.”

  “I will. How does it feel to be another year older?”

  “Ugh, you would bring that up, wouldn’t you?” Olivia stretched her legs along the couch.

  “Am I not supposed to wish my only child a happy birthday?”

  Not when that child was twenty-nine and didn’t have her life together. “With everything going on, I hadn’t even noticed.”

  Mom laughed. “I hardly believe that coming from the girl who thinks her birthday should be a week-long celebration.”

  That was a child’s mentality. Back when problems were black and white and life hadn’t left its dirty footprints on her soul. “It’s just not that important this year.” Especially when she was spending it alone. Blake had to leave town, so she’d scheduled herself to work.

  “I know I haven’t said as much, but I admire what you’re doing. You’re successful at everything you touch. I wish I could be more like you.”

  Olivia swallowed, unsure what to say. “Please, come visit, Mama.”

  “We’ll see. In the meantime, you bake yourself a big ole cake and eat every bite.”

  “No deal. Calories aren’t as kind to me as they used to be.”

  “Wait until you’re fifty. Eat them now while you still can.”

  The doorbell rang.

  Sydney jumped to the ground and barked all the way down the hall to the front door.

  Olivia threw her feet to the ground, hoping the noise hadn’t woken Jen. Phone in hand, she jogged on tip-toe to the front door and swung it wide. “Uh, can I call you back later?”

  “All right, sweetheart. Enjoy your day.”

  “Thanks. Love you.” Olivia ended the call, trying to comprehend why Blake would be on her front stoop, grinning as though he’d gotten away with something naughty. Horrified by the sudden realization of her unkempt appearance, she ran her fingers through her hair and crossed her arms over her yellow tee. “What are you doing here?”

  “Well, that’s rude, little miss sunshine.” Blake patted the dog’s head.

  Sydney circled his feet, and then left to inspect the row of landscaping bushes.

  “Sorry, I’m just surprised to see you this early in the morning.”

  “Nice pajamas.”

  She peered down at her bubble gum pink toes peeking out from beneath pajama bottoms covered in cupcakes. Olivia glowered and gave him a playful kick. Blake snatched her waist and pulled her close. “Someone told me today is your birthday. I came by to see if you have plans.”

  “I’m scheduled to work.”

  “No, you’re not. You’ve got fifteen minutes to get ready and climb in my truck. I’ll be waiting.” He slapped her hip and walked away.

  “I can’t, I—”

  “I talked to Brittany. She’s got it covered,” he called over his shoulder. “Hurry up. Clock’s ticking.”

  Her feet danced on the cold slab of concrete. “Where are we going?”

  Blake turned to her and grinned. “I’ve got our whole day planned, and I can guarantee you don’t want to miss it. Dress warm. Bring a sweatshirt.”

  Well, it would be nice not to spend her birthday alone. She scooped up the dog, now waiting at her feet.

  “And do something with that hair.”

  Her mouth fell open. His laughter chased her all the way inside and up to the second floor. Fourteen and a half minutes later, she climbed into Blake’s truck, showered, dressed, and in full makeup. She doubted Superwoman could beat that record.

  “You’re late.” Blake fired the engine.
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  “I am not.”

  They rumbled down the driveway.

  He pulled his gaze from the windshield and gave her an ornery grin. “I’m just trying to get a rise out of you, so your gift seems more appropriate.” He bent to retrieve something from underneath his seat.

  She stared at the red-wrapped package he offered. “You didn’t have to get me a gift.”

  “Open it.”

  Olivia took it and peeled back the tape.

  “It’s not much, but I couldn’t pass it up. It was so you.”

  An apron fell onto her lap. An embroidered moose with a sassy scowl and crossed arms said Don’t Moose with Me. She laughed, holding it up for further inspection.

  “I found it appropriate.”

  “Thanks. I love it.” She set the gift aside, claimed the middle seat beside him, and kissed the corner of his mouth. He slowed to a stop at the end of her drive and turned his head for a real kiss.

  Thirty minutes later, after discussing their favorite childhood birthdays, Blake turned onto a side road that led to a dead end. He parked, reached into the truck bed, and held out a metal pail.

  “What’s this for?” She finished zipping her sweatshirt then gripped the handle.

  “Collecting your heart-shaped stones.”

  Her own heart melted into a puddle right there on the grassy hill. The breeze drifting off the water lifted her hair.

  Blake tucked a strand behind her ear. His hand lingered near her cheek, the callouses on his fingertips causing her heart to beat a wild rhythm. “Come on.” Blake took her hand and led her down to the water.

  Their feet crunched the pebbles beneath their shoes. She’d never been to a beach without sand before, but it was more beautiful than anything she’d witnessed in the south. Waves crashed against jagged boulders jutting from the water. Luscious, green pines lined the high cliffs, contrasting their beauty against dark, wet rocks and deep blue water.

  She closed her eyes and listened to the waves’ melody. Blake wrapped his arms around her from behind. She leaned into him. “I don’t ever want to leave.”

  “This spot gets wicked in the winter.”

  “It’s chilly now. I’m glad you told me to bring a sweatshirt.”

  “I’ll gladly keep you warm.” He kissed her cheek.

  Olivia held up the pail. “About these stones…”

  Blake released her. “You have to hunt for them, search the rocks until you find one.”

  Olivia went to work, kneeling to scour through rocks of all different sizes and colors. They were cold and slick in her hand, wet from the tide.

  Blake moved farther down the beach.

  After several minutes of sorting, she jumped to her feet. “I found one!”

  Blake pivoted in her direction. “Keep looking,” he yelled. “There’s more.”

  She rubbed her thumb over the smooth, gray surface of the stone. The center was indented, making a perfect heart. Not symmetrical, but perfect all the same.

  For what seemed like hours, they scanned the shoreline, flirting, picking up anything that resembled a heart. Keeping the good ones.

  After a while, Blake rested on a boulder a safe distance from the water and waited.

  Her bucket nearly full, Olivia searched one last place that earlier had been surrounded by bubbly surf. A deep groove at the base of the boulder held a pile of stones inside, and she picked through them, squealing with delight. “Look at this one, it’s huge.” She placed a rock the size of her hand in the top of the pail.

  Blake jumped. “Livi, watch out!”

  A wave of icy water crashed into her backside. She sucked in a breath. White foam swirled around her tennis shoes. She stood still, frozen.

  Blake’s deep laugh echoed along the beach. He approached her, arm outstretched.

  “You think that’s funny?” Her body trembled.

  “I do.” He continued laughing.

  From the sound of it, another wave was rolling in. She yanked his hand as hard as she could. He tumbled forward into the surf. The shoulder and chest of his shirt soaked in water.

  “You’re right.” She beamed. “It is funny.”

  Water clung to his lashes. “You’re in trouble now.”

  Olivia scrambled to her feet, clutching her pail, and ran as fast as she could up the hill to the truck, squealing as Blake’s footsteps neared. They reached the vehicle, both out of breath and shivering.

  He took the pail from her hand, balanced it on the truck bed, and trapped her against the vehicle. “That wasn’t very nice.”

  “But it was sure satisfying.”

  “So is this.” His lips pressed against hers, warming her instantly. When desire threatened to dominate their good sense, Blake pulled away. “Happy Birthday.”

  She shivered, more from the aftershock of that amazing kiss than from her wet clothes.

  Blake opened her door. “Let’s drive around and warm up. Then I have another place I’d like to show you before your birthday dinner.”

  “You’re spoiling me.”

  “You’re worth it.”

  She peeled off her wet sweatshirt, draped it over the dash, and strapped into the middle seat. Blessed heat flowed from the vents. They huddled together, and Blake rubbed her arms.

  “I hope we don’t ruin your seats.”

  “They’ll dry.” He nuzzled her neck.

  “Your nose is like an ice cube.”

  “I know. It’s your fault.”

  They drove along the coast for close to an hour, covering everything from their favorite movies to their worst college experience. Olivia laughed harder than she had in months. She could truly define this day as happy. Blake parked at an overlook where Coleman’s Lighthouse towered in the distance.

  She dug around in her bucket. “This one’s my favorite.”

  A light gray, speckled heart.

  Blake inspected it between his fingers. “Granite.”

  “The book I bought at the festival said they’re formed when a weak layer of rock breaks off something larger, like a cliff or a boulder, in a V-shape, and falls into the ocean. Their edges are rounded by tumbling along streambeds or rolling surf.”

  Blake nodded. “Something beautiful created from something broken.” He lifted her chin and gazed deep into her eyes. “It went through a lot of adversity to get there but now it’s polished to perfection.”

  A flood of warmth as intense as sunshine blasted any remaining doubt she had about giving her whole heart to his man. Blake saw her, even when she couldn’t see herself. The best part, he was offering himself to her, something he didn’t do to just any woman, according to the town. He was a rare and beautiful gift. Like this stone. Emotion clouded her eyes. “Thank you, Blake.”

  He rubbed his thumb beneath her eye. “For what?”

  “For being you.” She kissed him. The stubble on his upper lip was rough on her lips. Then she pulled away and curled her arms around his neck, squeezing. He returned the embrace, pulling her closer. After months of wandering lost and alone, Blake felt like home.

  “There’s another place I’d like to show you.” His deep tenor rumbled in her ear. “We could hike. Work up an appetite.”

  Anywhere with him was fine with her. “Sounds good.”

  Blake drove a few miles farther to Lubec, where they toured the famous red and white striped West Quoddy Lighthouse. Mostly dry, they hiked a few of the smaller trails.

  Blake asked if he could go with her the next time she went to visit Grandma at the nursing home. She offered to help him paint the spare bedroom he’d been working on, and they rescheduled the chicken wings and baseball date they’d missed.

  “All this food talk is making me hungry,” Blake said. “You up for an early dinner? It’s close to four.”

  “Let’s do it.”

  He chose a cozy restaurant on Water Street, claiming the view was like no other.

  The waitress gave them a window table that overlooked the rippling cove, protected by a short
lighthouse the locals called Spark Plug.

  The savory seafood hit the spot. Olivia was too stuffed for dessert, but Blake insisted she have birthday cake. She forked a bite of dark chocolate cake in her mouth and moaned. “I can’t remember when I’ve had such a fun day.”

  The small lines around his eyes crinkled as he pulled a corner of his mouth into a sideways grin. “Anything for you.”

  “Anything?” She set down her fork and wiped her mouth with a napkin.

  “Anything.”

  “Can we go see what all those people are staring at?”

  Blake followed her finger out the window to the large group that was gathered at the cove. People pointed and took pictures with their phones. Blake paid and then led her by the hand to an empty space along the fence an elderly couple had just vacated.

  “Blake, look!” She pointed.

  On a heap of rocks harbor seals were sunbathing. Their slippery skins glistened in the sunlight. At least ten seals chased each other in the water. An occasional bark ensued, joined by the click of cameras and clapping children. A seal on shore stole a fish from the one resting beside it.

  Blake’s laugh stamped perfection on the day.

  They watched the marine show until the sun began its descent, and the group of seals thinned.

  Blake drove her home and walked her to the doorstep. She stared up at his rich, dark eyes. “Thank you for an incredible day.”

  That heart-stopping smile was every bit as intoxicating as wine. “You’re welcome.”

  Her muscles were relaxed, her mind clear. She fought a yawn as she slid the key into the lock. Sydney’s bark sounded through the door. “Do you want to come in? Hang out for a while? Grandma has a large collection of old movies. I can make popcorn.” Yes, she was practically begging, but she didn’t want him to go.

  Blake joined her on the stoop, his close proximity sending awareness through every nerve. He pecked her lips. “As long as there’s popcorn.”

  Olivia prepared the snack while Blake picked out the movie.

  Sydney staked her territory beside Blake on the couch. Apparently no female was immune to his charms.

  Olivia set the popcorn bowl on the coffee table. “‘Old Yeller’? This movie makes me cry.”

  “It’s one of my favorites.”