by Lacey Wolfe
She was gone before he had time to climb out of his truck, but she didn’t head toward the house. Where was she going? Should he follow? He smacked his forehead purposely on the steering wheel. What the hell was wrong with him?
He put the car in reverse, maneuvered out of the parking spot, and headed back to his parents for the night. He was going to have to talk to Darcy soon. Otherwise he was likely to become her very own Peeping Tom.
* * * *
Darcy let herself into her parents’ house. She’d been avoiding them yet again. She hadn’t seen them since the engagement party, but they had been hounding her to come by. She’d been using the bakery as an excuse to not see them, but she couldn’t put it off any longer. It was time to face them and put the past behind her.
“Mom,” she called out as she walked through the foyer.
A giggle sounded from the kitchen. Was her mother actually laughing? She tiptoed across the house and peered through the kitchen doorway. Her parents were kissing and laughing with one another. While this would gross most people out, instead Darcy smiled. She’d never seen her parents this way. They were always collected together and never so much as touched. She often wondered if they loved one another. But seeing them now, she knew they did.
“Hi.” Darcy walked into the kitchen. Her parents immediately broke apart and went back to the way they usually looked. “Don’t stop on my account.”
Her mother opened her arms and embraced Darcy. “I’ve missed you.”
“It’s only been a few weeks.”
“But last time I lost you for a year. I don’t want that again.”
“That’s right. You’re our daughter and we need to work things out. That’s why we asked you here tonight. We are going to sit and talk,” her father said.
“Okay. But are you going to listen?”
“Yes, we are,” her mother said. “And we’re going to eat pizza and drink soda.”
“In the living room,” he added.
“Sounds like the perfect family evening.” Steven clouded her thoughts and she smiled as she remembered serving her parents soda. And then she thought of Jasper.
Darcy took a plate, loaded it with slices of pizza, grabbed a soda, and headed into the living room. She took a seat on the loveseat across from her parents and wondered if they’d ever done this before. They had meals every night in the formal dining room, and it was always elegant. Even if they had pizza, it was on nice china. Never paper plates.
“I would like to start,” her mother said.
This was a first also. Her father began every talk they ever had. Was she in the right house?
“I’m proud of you beyond words. You’re independent, strong, talented. The list could go on. You’re following your dreams. I never meant to push you away. Both your father and I were miserable that year without you. There were times we wanted to help you, bring you home, but you succeeded. And we’re happy.”
“You’re happy I failed at my first attempt at a restaurant and I was so broke I answered a help wanted ad to be someone’s fake fiancée?”
“We should’ve supported you after you got your degree and went to open your business, instead of shutting you out like we did,” her father said.
She took a drink of her soda. “I learned a lot from my failed restaurant, and I’m using that knowledge with the bakery.”
A silence sat between them all and Darcy wondered why they had both gotten so quiet. But after a few moments of silence and looks between her parents—which really made her wonder if they could speak silently to one another—her father spoke. “Answering the ad wasn’t a mistake.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I humiliated you both, and I’m sorry.”
“You did, yes. But we’ve forgiven that,” her mother said.
“A little heads-up would’ve been nice, but I already spoke to Steven about it,” her father added.
“You’ve talked to him?”
“Several times. Your mother and I truly believe everything happens for a reason. And our higher power must have needed a good chuckle when he set up the way you’d meet your soul mate.”
Darcy didn’t say anything. Her parents weren’t upset and they were supporting her and Steven. Had hell frozen over? Were these her parents? For years they had told her what to do and now they were fully supportive of her.
“Well, thank you.”
“Are you two going to work things out?” her mom asked.
“He loves me. And I pushed him away.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, honestly. I guess I thought that things never work out for me and I didn’t want to lose Steven after years of loving him.”
“That’s just silly. We can’t guarantee it will work out with him, but if you love someone, you try.”
Her parents were right. She supposed you did try. And she wanted to try with Steven more than anything.
By the time dinner was over, she was laughing right along with her parents. For the first time in a long time, when she left their house she had a smile on her face. While things weren’t perfect with them, it felt as though they were on their way.
Chapter 23
Darcy pushed her chair back and paced the length of her small office. She had an idea to get Steven back. She just had to work out all the details.
“Ma’am.” A construction worker popped his head in. “We need your approval, and we’re done. You should be ready for the painters.”
“Okay.” She pushed her chair in and minimized the window on her computer. Up front she found the head of the team.
Darcy took in the whole scene and smiled. The walls were up, windows where she’d wanted them. It was perfect. Now it would be time for paint, then to bring in the equipment. She was giddy just thinking about it.
“It’s great. Your team did a wonderful job.”
He handed her a clipboard and pointed where she needed to sign. Once that was done and they had left, she locked the front door and went back to her office. She didn’t want to be interrupted.
Darcy opened the browser window back up on her computer and decided to get it over with. She wanted Steven to see the bakery and share in this moment with her. She took her seat and began to compose her email.
Subject: Wanted: Husband
I’m looking for a kind and supportive man. One with dark brown hair and the most adorable dimple on his cheek. He’s funny and enjoys evenings on the couch.
Pay: Kisses, home-cooked meals, and shots of whiskey.
To apply for this job, come in person to The Apple Orchard Bakery on 423 Broad Street.
Serious inquiries only
Darcy pressed send and sat back. The email was on its way to Steven. Now to hope he showed up.
* * * *
“It was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done and I don’t want it to be between us for the rest of our lives. Can we please move past it?” Jarred asked Steven.
Steven leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “I can forgive you and Terry. But why in the hell did you do what you did at our engagement party? That’s the issue. I honestly don’t care you were shacking up with my leftovers.”
Jarred groaned.
“Why did you do that at the party? If you’re mad at me for something, come to me. Know my secret, tell me. Why hurt Darcy?”
“I honestly don’t know why I did it. It was mainly Terry calling all the shots. I’m really sorry.”
Steven sucked in a deep breath. “I just don’t get it.”
“Punch me. Kick my ass.”
“You’re being childish.”
“No, I’m not. I’m trying to make things right.”
“Why, because you’ve lost everything? Terry dumped you and Dad fired you after your stunt. Let me guess…I need to forgive you and give you a job here. Is that what this is really about?”
Jarred was silent.
“I’ll give you a job, but I don’t forgive you. That will take time.”
“Really?” J
arred’s face lit up.
Steven nodded. “Don’t make me regret this decision.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry how things ended up with Darcy.”
“Me too.”
After Jarred left his office, Steven sat back in his chair and stared into space. Was he going to regret this? He wasn’t sure. Maybe one day he could forgive Jarred, but today wasn’t that day.
Ding.
A new email came into his personal account. Shaking the mouse back and forth, the screen saver disappeared. He maximized his email software. He couldn’t believe his eyes. An email was there from Darcy with a subject line that made his heart rate double.
He opened the message and read. Without thinking twice, he stood so fast his chair slammed into the wall behind him, and he hightailed it out of his office. He sprinted for his truck. He was on his way to Darcy.
Chapter 24
Darcy took a bite of her sandwich and then set it down. She wasn’t in the mood for ham and cheese. As much as she hated to admit it, she wanted Marcello’s. Some of their tasty, warm garlic bread. Yum.
She placed her current meal back in her lunch bag and decided to find something to do as she waited to see if Steven would come. She hoped he got the message right away, but he could be having meetings all day. Or perhaps he was out in the field getting dirty. She smiled as she imagined him planting a new tree or picking apples. It could be like that show that came on one of the network stations. A boss coming down from his spot to see how everything worked. Steven was already very kind. His employees were well taken care of and no one had anything negative to say.
There wasn’t much for Darcy to do here today. Why she hadn’t chosen a better day where she could be busy as she waited to see if Steven arrived, she wasn’t sure. It would have made a hell of a lot more sense.
Leaving her office, she made her way to the front. It was getting dark outside, and it was only lunch time. Was a storm brewing? She unlocked the front door and stepped outside. The wind had picked up and the dress she wore blew in the breeze. A flash of light tore through the sky. That was just great. But at least now she’d know if the building leaked anywhere.
She was about to go back inside when she heard, “Darcy!” Looking back over her shoulder, she saw Steven. He was at her side in an instant. And before she had time to speak, his mouth slammed into hers and forced her body against the building.
She wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him close. Her tongue met his and she sighed at finally having him again.
Rain began to fall and thunder echoed all around. But at that moment, she didn’t care. The kiss was full of passion and Darcy wasn’t sure she could ever break away from him. She could stay in this spot forever.
Then a loud bang sounded around them, causing her to jump.
“We better take this inside,” Steven whispered.
He took her hand and led her back into the building. She locked the door once again and stood there dripping wet. Steven looked around.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“A lot has changed. It’s coming along very nicely.”
“I think so too. The painting begins next week.”
“Looks like everything is right on schedule then.”
“It seems to be.” She gazed at him. “In more than one way.”
“So, about this job...”
“Are you interested?”
“I am. I just have a few questions.”
Darcy laughed. “Ask away.” There was a small sofa in the corner that Darcy had picked up on a whim. She led him over and they sat.
“Is this a long-term position? I’m seeking full-time work and one that I can build a life with.”
“It certainly is. I’m looking to hire someone who is committed and willing to go with the ups and downs. Someone who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty, and when push comes to shove, they’ll see it through.”
“I think that sounds good. Now, let’s talk about the hours.”
Darcy shook her head at him. “What kind of hours are you looking for?”
“Twenty-four a day.”
“That’s a lot of hours.”
“It is, but I aim to please.”
Darcy had missed their flirty banter. “How many days a week are you wanting to work?”
“Seven, of course.”
“You do realize that the hours you’re requesting are well outside the usual forty hour work week, right? There is no overtime.”
“Oh, I think there is overtime.” He ran his fingers up and down her arm, leaving goose bumps in his path.
She stared into his eyes, knowing what had to come next. In order to move forward, they had to do the real talking now. That was always the hard part.
“I’m sorry for running out on you like I did. And I’m sorry I couldn’t instantly be with you when you said you loved me.”
“You don’t need to apologize. My brother did a shitty thing.”
“I can’t deny that. But I should’ve stuck though it with you and not left you to pick up the pieces.”
He took a deep breath. “It would’ve been nice if you did, but it’s the past and we can’t go back. All we can do is move forward. And I want to move forward with you.”
“I want that too.”
Steven wiggled away from her and removed something from his pocket. He then dropped to the floor on one knee.
“What are you doing?” she gasped.
“Darcy, I love you. My love and desire for you is real. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He opened the small box in his hand and the ring she wore once before sat there. He still wanted her to have his grandmother’s ring.
“This is for real?” Tears built behind her eyes.
“Yes, this is real. I want you as my real fiancée. For better or worse, richer or poorer.”
“Yes!” She leapt from her seat and tackled him onto the floor.
“Oh God, Darcy!” he called out.
Darcy straddled him. “It would be nice if there was a fireplace here and a soft rug, but I suppose this will work.”
He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and flipped her over so he was now on top. “I plan to have my way with you.”
“Right here, in the front?”
“You put blinds up. And unless someone peers in the front door, no one will see.” He leaned close and whispered, “And if someone does, they might enjoy the show.”
Darcy grinned at him. “Before we go any further, do you have protection?”
“No.” He grunted.
“We’ll be careful, because I can’t not have you.”
Their lips met and in no time at all, their clothes were in a pile on the floor next to them. Steven thrust into her in slow movements and she savored the feeling. It had been much too long since they’d been together and connected.
Her hands rubbed up and down his bare back, her legs wrapped around his waist. The hard floor under her was bearable. Her back arched and she started to thrust her hips faster, needing the depth.
“I’m ready, Steven. Come with me,” she whispered into his ear before returning her mouth to his.
And he did. He went over the edge with her and when it was over, they both laid on the floor, hands intertwined and gazing into one another’s eyes.
“I love you, Darcy,” he said.
“I love you, Steven. And I’m so glad that I was desperate enough to answer your ad.”
He placed a kiss on her ring finger. “You weren’t desperate, it was just the path that was chosen for us. And I can’t wait to see where we go from here. However, I think we should get dressed and go home.”
“I couldn’t think of anything better than going back to our place.”
“Are you sure though? You’re returning to a life you never wanted.”
“Just shut up and take me home. I know exactly what I’m getting myself into.”
Steven sat up and then pulled her to him. “Sounds good. I’m glad
to have found the queen of my apple orchard.”
Epilogue
Ten months later
Darcy sat up in the bed. She pressed the up button on the bed’s control panel until the back met with hers. In her arms she held the most adorable little girl she’d ever seen in her life. Darcy was in love—again.
This was the first time she’d been alone since the birth of her daughter. Steven had been at her side the whole time. Her parents and his had been by numerous times now. Even the staff at The Apple Orchard Bakery had been by.
With the baby in her arms, she laid her head against the pillow and shut her eyes. The last few months had been a whirlwind. Steven and she had their wedding and it had been spectacular. She had her mom to thank for that. The day Steven had asked her to marry him and they’d made love was the day, she assumed, they’d gotten their precious bundle of joy. It was the only time they had been together unprotected.
So they wed and of course there were then rumors that Steven had knocked up his fake fiancée, married her, and now they were doomed to a life of misery. But Darcy didn’t care. She knew the truth. She and Steven were head over heels in love with one another and nothing was going to change that.
The bakery had been open for a few months and it was booming. Before the doctors put Darcy on bed rest, she’d spend hours there in glory until Steven would drag her home.
Life was going perfectly, and she hoped it stayed that way. She didn’t want anyone to pinch her and wake her up.
The baby softly cried, bringing Darcy from her thoughts. She lifted her daughter up and placed her head on her shoulder and lightly tapped her back. She’d just eaten and Darcy feared she might have a slight gas bubble.
