Cooking Up Love

by Cynthia Hickey

  “You were nicer when you were sick.” Adam laughed and popped her with the rag.

  “I love you, son.” Ma cupped his cheek. “Be patient. God has a new wife for you, and I believe Tabitha is the one. You are a lucky man to have two such loves in your lifetime.”

  Adam kissed her cheek. “No, Pa is the lucky one. He’s had his whole life with just you.”

  Her cheeks pinked. “Tabitha loves you. She said so herself, and she is as far from Marilyn as possible. Which, of course, is a good thing, so you can’t compare the two. You were married such a short time. You have many, many years ahead of you.”

  “How did you get so wise?” He forced the question past a tortured throat. Comparison wasn’t a thing he’d considered, but his mother made a good point. At the age of twenty-five, he and Tabby had many years ahead of them. If she showed up.

  “A lot of living.” Ma gave his face another pat, then headed into the storeroom at the back of the restaurant.

  Adam smiled and shook his head. She was completely convinced that Tabby would show up on their doorstep someday and profess her love. Well, he’d given up on the idea. It was time to move forward, and that meant getting the restaurant up and running. Which wouldn’t happen if he continued standing around daydreaming.

  “Afternoon, son.” Pa carried in a bag of wheat and propped it in the corner. “Got a wagonload of supplies if you’ve got a minute.” Already the worry of the farm had lessened from his shoulders and the lines on his face were less pronounced. Adam thanked God every day for the opportunity to own the restaurant and live with fresh ocean breezes.

  “I’m ahead of schedule.” Adam stashed the pail behind the counter that would serve as a lunch bar in a few days. “I’ve more than a few minutes to spare.”

  “Daphne’s working on some posters to hire help. Ought to have them complete by morning. That red paint you wanted for the front door came in today,” Pa said, handing a bucket to Adam. “Don’t know why you want a red door, but it’s fine with me.”

  “I want to be able to make the place easy to find.” They could tell potential customers they were the red door on Market Street.

  They worked until night fell and the light faded too much for them to see. After promising his family he’d be home soon, Adam perched on the top step of the restaurant’s recently built back stoop, his arm around Twister. The dog was a poor substitute for Tabby.

  Why had he built something he knew would hurt him? Rubbing his hand over the wood, he winced as a splinter sank itself into his finger. Building the stoop made him feel closer to Tabby. He could see the look on her face when he showed it to her.

  She’d remember the conversations and closeness they’d shared. He treasured even the precious moments when they barely spoke a word.

  Clouds dissipated, allowing the moon to shine a path across the lawn. What he wouldn’t give to see Tabby run along that silver path and throw herself into his arms. He was a poetic fool, waiting for someone who most likely chose to stay away. Tabby seemed too afraid to trust anyone. But he’d prayed that she could learn to trust him.

  He’d laid his heart before her and God. He’d given her over to his Lord. Yet here he sat, feeling like an old man whose life was on a downward slope. If Ma could read his thoughts, she’d try taking a switch to his behind, no matter his age.

  Chuckling, he picked up a stick and drew squiggles in the dirt. A train whistle blew off in the distance. Such a mournful sound. For two days last week, he’d actually been dumb enough to stand on the train platform to surprise Tabby when she got off.

  Maybe Ma heard her wrong, that day at the mercantile. Daphne hadn’t heard Tabby say she loved him, but she said she’d been engrossed in some pearl buttons. He groaned and tossed the stick for Twister to fetch.

  He stiffened. He’d drawn a heart in the dirt with “Adam loves Tabby” written inside.

  He should have drawn it as a broken heart.

  Chapter 23

  Tabby stuffed her nightgown into her bag. Next stop, San Francisco. Her heart threatened to burst through her corset and layers of cotton. What if she’d made the long trip in vain? Having Adam reject her after all this time made more sense than him welcoming her with open arms. God, please, let him still love me.

  The train lurched. She lost her footing, slammed her hip into the wall and dropped her bag. Wonderful. She could limp her way through San Francisco. She knelt to retrieve the bag. The train came to a stop. Her head did the same, against the steel foundation of her bunk. She prayed the rest of her time in California wouldn’t be as painful.

  With a deep breath, she straightened, luggage in hand, and made her way to the platform to wait for her trunk. She’d have to wait until she could store it, when all she wanted was to search for Adam. She stood, foot tapping, and watched as families reunited with loved ones.

  Maybe she should have taken the chance on a telegram. Then Adam could have met her, or not. But she would have known then, the moment she stepped from the train, instead of still wondering about her reception.

  She stepped aside as a man barreled past her and swept a woman into his arms. She sighed, blinked away tears and moved into the train station office.

  Approaching the ticket agent, she opened her reticule. “I need to store my trunk for a day or two.”

  The man peered at her over wire spectacles. “It’ll cost you a dollar. Your name on the trunk?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Write down your name and a description of the trunk. We’ll hold on to it for three days. That’s Wednesday, don’t forget.”

  “I won’t. Please watch it carefully. It contains my wedding clothes.” Tabby peeled a dollar off the small roll of cash, filled out the required information, then handed him the paper and money. “Thank you. I’m looking for a restaurant.”

  “Lady, there’s lots of them.”

  “Owned by a man named Adam Foster.” Please say you know him.

  “Sure, I know him. His place is on Market Street. Has a red door. You can’t miss it.” He looked over her shoulder at the next person in line. Tabby’s cue to leave.

  “Thank you.” She rushed from the station and to a waiting buggy for hire. Getting to her destination as quickly as possible would make the use of precious funds worth the expense. She climbed into the buggy. “Market Street, please.”

  The driver, a wizened dark-skinned man with hunched shoulders, nodded. “Any particular place?”

  “Foster’s?”

  “Right away.” He clicked to the horse, and then ambled away from the train.

  Tabby settled back against the hard wood of the seat. Her breathing increased to the point she feared she’d pass out and fall under the horse’s hooves. She made it. Within minutes, she’d look upon Adam’s face.

  What would she see? Regret? Dislike? Happiness? Her hands trembled in the folds of her skirt.

  By the time the buggy stopped in front of a storefront that displayed a grand sign saying Foster’s Eatery, she’d worked herself into quite a dither. She paid the man and climbed from her seat without waiting for his assistance. She heard a rip as her skirt caught on something, but instead of slowing, she yanked the new traveling costume free and dashed for the bright red door.

  Closed? Of course. Adam wouldn’t have his business open on a Sunday. Her shoulders slumped.

  A paper tacked beside the door caught her attention. Help Wanted. She snatched the page to her chest. She’d approach Adam about the job. Tomorrow. He would have to see her then.

  In the meantime, she’d wander the streets in search of a place to spend the night. If restaurants abounded, so must hotels. Preferably one by the ocean. She’d always wanted to see the sea.

  Refusing to let the setback deter her or stomp her spirit, she set off at a brisk pace in the direction she thought to be west. Ignoring
the glances and occasional whistles due a woman traveling alone, she marched as fast as her skirts would allow until she faced the lapping shore.

  A salt-filled breeze caressed her face. She breathed deep of the clean air, closed her eyes, and listened to one of the most beautiful sounds God ever created. Oh, why hadn’t she made the trip before? All her complaining about wanting adventure, and she’d never before faced such a marvelous sight.

  Her feet suddenly felt too confined in her shoes. She sat on the sand and removed them, even being so daring as to remove her stockings. Shoes and stockings in hand, she raced to the water’s edge. The water kissed her tired toes and washed away the stress of the day and the worries of tomorrow.

  Wonderful. She shaded her eyes with one hand and gazed across the silvery blue expanse kissed by diamonds scattered by the sun. What she wouldn’t give to sit there on a cool evening with Adam’s arms around her to keep her warm. The moon would replace the sun and provide a backdrop more romantic than anything she could imagine.

  She turned and headed down the beach, keeping her feet on the cool sand, splashed by waves. What did it matter if her dress was ruined? She’d bought it with Adam in mind. It was already too mussed and stained to wear another day.

  A few yards away, a man sat cross-legged in the sand and leaned back on tanned arms. The wind mussed his dark blond hair. Singing drifted down the sand.

  Tabby’s heart stopped.

  * * *

  Adam closed his eyes, spending his morning in God’s love, rejoicing in His promises. His family had yet to find a new church home, so the beach gave him a place to worship with no one around but him and God.

  He softly sang the lyrics to “Amazing Grace,” sending the words out to sea and up to heaven. The restaurant opened tomorrow, and he sang his praises to the One who let his dream come true. At least one of them. Well, he wouldn’t complain. He’d known Tabby’s feelings from the very beginning.

  God held it all in His hands. Marilyn’s death, selling the farm, the restaurant and Tabby’s choice for her life. While Adam’s heart had healing to do, he’d made peace with her decision.

  A wave came farther than before and soaked him. He shivered but didn’t move. Ma was used to him coming home with salt-stiffened clothes.

  “Red’s my favorite color.”

  “Is it?” She came! Adam clenched his hands together and kept his gaze focused on the rolling waves.

  Tabby lowered herself beside him and wrapped her arms around her knees. A sheet of paper fluttered from one hand. “I’ve come to apply for the job.”

  Adam fought to keep from grinning. “I’m afraid I’ll have to interview you.”

  “I’m ready.”

  The words seeped into his heart, filling the empty space. “Proceed. Tell me about yourself.”

  She took a deep breath. “My name is Tabitha McClelland, and I’m a fool. I’ve been a lost child my entire life, and I’m looking for my home. Will you help me find it?”

  He turned so fast he almost fell over. He grabbed her empty hand. “It’s right here.” He placed her hand over his heart. “It’s always been right here. There’s only one job I want for you. Will you accept it?”

  “If it’s the position as Mrs. Adam Foster, I’ll accept it gladly.” Her eyes shimmered with tears.

  Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close, pulling them both to a standing position and tucking her head under his chin. “No more gladly than I offer. What took you so long to come? I’d almost given up hope.”

  “I had to fulfill my contract. I’ve never quit anything in my life, except for almost letting you get away.” She shuddered. “I met the wisest woman in the mercantile the day you left who told me life was short and to buy the boots.”

  “Boots?” What in the world was she talking about?

  “The most beautiful pair of white boots in the world. After she left, and I realized you’d left, I sat in church for hours and talked to God. I came to terms with my father, Adam. He was one man. One poor, misguided, ill and sinful man. And my mother was just as weak. I almost followed in her footsteps. We are nothing like them.” Her arms snaked around his waist. “Will you kiss me?”

  “Oh, sweetheart.” He tilted her face to his and placed his lips on hers. He kissed her until she sagged against his chest, and his legs threatened to give way.

  Relinquishing his hold on her precious lips, he pulled an arm’s length away. “I’m tired of waiting. I want to marry you now. Tomorrow, at the latest. Will you come meet my family?” He motioned his head toward a white cottage on the horizon. “We’ve rented a house by the shore. Marry me here, in this spot.”

  “Oh, Adam.” Her tears increased, turning into sobs. “How can you forgive me for my stupidity?”

  “I can forgive you anything.” He wiped away her tears. “Let’s go.”

  “I look such a mess. My dress is ruined, my feet are bare, and my face must be red.”

  “You’re beautiful.” He kissed her again. “I think you’ll be barefoot a lot while we’re here. This is our new spot. No more back stoops.”

  She grinned and placed her hand in his. “Most definitely, Mr. Foster.”

  Hand in hand, they made their way to the house where Ma already stood, hand shading her eyes, on the porch. He should have known she would notice the presence of a young woman on the beach. If the smile on her face was any indication, she also knew who the lady was.

  “My dear.” Ma dashed to greet them. “Did you buy the boots?”

  Tabby nodded. “I plan to wear them tomorrow.”

  Ma cried and pulled her close, leaving Adam feeling suddenly alone. “Excuse me, but she will be my bride.”

  “And my second daughter.” Ma slapped his arm. “You behave and go warn your pa. We don’t want him having a heart attack when you walk in with your news.”

  Adam shook his head, placed a kiss on the top of Ma’s head and pushed through the door. Tabby was in good hands. But only for a moment. He intended to steal her back in seconds and never let her go again. “Pa, I’m getting married.”

  “About time, son.” Pa came from the parlor. “Overdue, I’d say.” He clapped a hand on Adam’s shoulder. “I assume it’s with the wind-tossed lovely on the porch with Ma?”

  “That’s the one. We’re getting married on the beach tomorrow at this time.”

  Pa nodded. “I’ll fetch a preacher. Don’t worry. All you have to do is show up.”

  Adam had no intentions of doing anything else. He didn’t know where Daphne had been hiding but if her shriek was any indication, she’d joined the bevy of females on the back porch. Life couldn’t be grander. Adam wanted to fall to his knees and thank God for his blessings. But that would have to wait. First, he wanted to kiss his bride-to-be some more and right now, the crowd was too large to suit him.

  “Okay, Ma, Daphne,” he called, joining the women. “Let me have her back. We’ve things to discuss. Go get your best dresses ready. There’s a wedding tomorrow.”

  Ma cried louder, Daphne hugged Tabby and Adam grabbed Tabby’s hand. “Let’s run while we can.”

  They dashed back across the sand, scattering shoes, stockings and whatever else Tabby had kept in her hands. They stopped at the water’s edge and Adam pulled her back into his arms.

  They had a lot of kissing to make up.

  Chapter 24

  Tabby sat in a high-backed straight chair and stared at the white boots on the floor in front of her. Walking in the sand would be difficult in shoes with a heel, no matter how modest. She smiled. No, she’d go barefoot and carry the boots. Just as she had done yesterday when finding her love on the beach.

  “You look beautiful.” Mrs. Foster dabbed at her eyes. “That’s the dress from the mercantile window. Oh, and the...boots.”

  Tabby stood and hugg
ed her future mother-in-law. “This is all your doing, Mrs. Foster. If you hadn’t met me in the mercantile...”

  “Pshaw.” She waved a hand. “Please, call me Ma. We’re family. I haven’t seen Adam this happy in such a long time. It does this old heart good.”

  “I’ll do everything in my power to make sure he stays that way.”

  “Just love him.” Ma cupped her face. “And I can see that you do.”

  “With everything in me.” Tears stung Tabby’s eyes. God was so good to her, and all she’d done previously was feel sorry for the life she’d had as a child. A difficult life, but one that prepared her to know, and cherish, happiness when she found it.

  “Will you miss your life as a Harvey Girl?” Ma tucked a piece of hair that had fallen loose from her bun back under its pin.

  “No. I enjoyed that life, but this is the one God has called me to.” Amazement over the revelation wouldn’t dissipate anytime soon. For a girl who’d always yearned for a steady job and adventure, marriage offered more than she’d dreamed in both areas.

  “Okay.” Ma shook out the hem of Tabby’s dress, then handed her a bouquet of daisies. “I’m going to the beach. You and Daphne come along when you can. I’m sure Adam is as jittery as a june bug.” She gave Tabby a kiss, then left the room.

  No more so than Tabby. She lifted her trembling hands when Daphne entered the room. “I’ll fall before I get there.”

  Daphne shook her head and took Tabby’s hands. “I’ll be with you the whole way. After all, Adam is waiting. I’m sure if you fall, he will break his fool neck rushing to your aid.”

  Tabby giggled, picturing the sight of her sitting in the sand in her new dress with Adam sprawled before her in his best clothes. “Yes, I guess he would.” He’d storm hell’s gates if she needed him to.

  She peered out the window. The sun was beginning to set. She’d have to hurry to be there on time. Adam wanted the sky pink like her cheeks, he’d said. She flushed at his words, eager to become Mrs. Foster.