The Sea Star Bakery: A Willa Bay Novel

by Nicole Ellis

  Amanda turned away from him, heading back to the table where she’d set her backpack and schoolwork, and Kyle walked toward the back of the bakery. He stopped in the doorway. Cassie was standing near the ovens, talking with Zoe. Her expression was serious, and he wondered how much Zoe had told her about their conversation.

  Zoe caught sight of him and waved. “Hey, Kyle. I’ll just grab the kids, so the two of you can get out of here.” She scurried out of the room.

  Cassie smoothed the skirt of the cornflower blue dress that matched her eyes. “Am I dressed okay for wherever we’re going?”

  He nodded, his throat thickening. “You’re perfect.” Heat rose up from his collar, but he didn’t try to correct his statement. She was perfect, and he wanted her to know that.

  Her cheeks turned rosy, and she hung her head shyly. “I don’t know about that.”

  He wanted to take her in his arms right then, but he was afraid he’d scare her if he did. Instead, he asked, “Are you ready to go?”

  She looked around, biting her lower lip. “I think so. Let me get my purse.”

  When they got out to the main room, Zoe had already left with the kids. Cassie locked up, then stood with him outside on the sidewalk. “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He winked at her.

  She tilted her head to the side. “I don’t know if I’m up for a surprise. It’s been a long day.”

  “Oh, I think you’ll like this one,” he said. “But I’ll give you a hint – we’re going down to the waterfront.”

  “Okay. I’m up for that.” She smiled up at him. “Thanks for taking me out to celebrate. I’ve been so caught up in the grand opening that I’ve barely had a chance to eat or breathe today, much less celebrate.” She skipped for a few steps, which he found endearing. “I can’t believe how successful today was. It seemed like everyone in town was there.”

  “I wouldn’t doubt it. When Edgar left, everyone was worried about who would take his place, but I think you’ve shown them that they had nothing to worry about.”

  “I did, didn’t I?” She turned her face up to the sky, and grinned. “I couldn’t have asked for a better grand opening.” Her stomach grumbled, and she laughed. “I’m really hoping this celebration of yours involves food, or you’re going to need to grab me a burger on the way back to town.”

  They crossed Willa Bay Drive and walked along the pedestrian pathway through the woods, emerging at the parking lot. “Is that your car there?” She pointed at his blue sedan.

  “It is.” He took a chance and reached for her hand. She hesitated, then grasped it. He tugged gently on her fingers to lead her over to his car. “I have a few things to get out of here.”

  She squealed when he opened the trunk and revealed the old-fashioned wicker picnic basket he’d purchased at a thrift store for the occasion. “That’s so cute. I’ve always wanted one of those.”

  “I know.” He swallowed hard. Cassie loved picnics, and he should have taken her on more when they were married. It was one of the little things that could have made all the difference in their relationship.

  He grabbed the handles of the basket and a large outdoor blanket, then shut the trunk lid. “C’mon.” He started walking back the way they’d come, into the woods.

  Cassie eyed him with confusion. “I thought we were having a picnic on the lawn.”

  “Nope.” He continued on, not stopping until they’d reached a rugged trail leading off from the main path.

  Her eyes lit up. “You remembered!”

  “Of course I did.” He smiled, remembering all the good times they’d had together as teenagers. Up ahead, the river burbled loudly as it spilled over the rocks, and a small clearing appeared. Just enough brush shielded the clearing from the prying eyes of anyone boating on the river, but still allowed for a peek-a-boo view of the water.

  When they neared the riverbank, he spread out the blanket and opened the picnic basket. She helped him pull out summer sausage, cheese, crackers, and grapes, then sat down on the blanket.

  “This looks so good. I can’t believe how starved I am.” She grabbed a few grapes and popped them into her mouth. “Did you bring anything to drink?”

  From under the cloth napkins at the bottom of the basket, he retrieved two bottles of strawberry wine cooler.

  She laughed. “I can’t believe you brought that. I used to think I was so cool drinking these, but I haven’t had one in years.” He removed the cap from one bottle and handed it to her, turning his body to face her. She took a huge swig, then made a face. “It’s a lot sweeter than I remember.” She held it out to him to try.

  He took a sip and grimaced. “No kidding. I think our tastes have changed a lot since then.”

  “We’ve both changed a lot,” she said quietly.

  “I know.” He moved closer to her on the blanket until their knees were almost touching and searched her face. “Cassie, I need to tell you something.”

  Her eyes met his. “Okay.”

  He stretched his hand out to cover hers, and she turned hers to press her palm into his. Every nerve in his body tingled as the sensitive skin on the pads of their fingers touched.

  “I’m in love with you. I think I always have been.” He sighed. “I know the divorce was all my fault. I took you and the kids for granted and wasn’t there for you.”

  She shook her head. “No. It wasn’t just you. There were two of us in the marriage, and I should have communicated better with you. I should have fought harder for us.” Her voice cracked. “I’m still in love with you too. I tried so hard not to be, but I can’t help it.” She laughed a little. “I think we may be stuck with each other.”

  He caressed her soft cheek. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be stuck with.”

  Tears formed in her eyes and she leaned closer to him, her lips meeting his. As soon as they came together, it was like seeing the Fourth of July fireworks all over again. This was how a kiss was supposed to be. He pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her, deepening their kiss.

  She leaned into him hungrily, her fingers weaving sweetly through the hair on the nape of his neck. It may have been because they’d been separated for so long, but this was even better than he’d remembered it. He ran his fingers up and down her back.

  Behind them, a branch crackled, and they reluctantly broke apart.

  “What was that?” Cassie asked breathily.

  “I don’t know.” Kyle was about to get up from the blanket when a cottontail rabbit poked his head out of the bushes and merrily hopped through the clearing.

  They looked at each other and broke out into laughter.

  “I thought for sure my parents were going to catch us kissing again,” Cassie joked.

  “Me too.” He grinned at the long-ago memory.

  She sobered. “Do you really think this will work? Us, I mean?”

  He sighed. “There isn’t anything I want more in this world. I’m not letting you slip out of my grasp again.”

  She glanced at the sickly-sweet wine coolers. “We’re not the same people anymore.”

  “No.” He cupped the back of her head and kissed her forehead, then released her. “We’re not.” He reached into the picnic basket and took out a bottle of Cristal. “But that doesn’t mean we’re not right for each other.” He uncorked the champagne and poured it into two plastic flutes, handing her one. “This time though, we have to grow together, not apart.”

  She nodded. “I’d like that.” She held out her cup and tapped it against his, the hard plastic clicking as it connected. “To us – growing old together.”

  They both took a drink. This time, she smiled. “I think we’re definitely more like Champagne people now.”

  They both laughed, and he snaked an arm around her waist, drawing her close as they sipped their bubbly and gazed out toward the river channel. Being with Cassie made him whole again, and he fully intended to do everything in his power to keep his promises to her.
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br />   21

  Cassie

  Cassie was floating on air as she and Kyle walked back to the Sea Star Bakery, holding hands with their fingers intertwined. Electricity and anticipation sizzled between them with every step, and for the first time in years, her world made sense. The bakery’s grand opening had been a huge success, she was about to hang out with her closest friends, and, best of all, she and Kyle were back together.

  Something was bothering her, though. As they neared the bakery, her footsteps grew heavier and she tugged lightly on Kyle’s hand.

  He stopped, and turned to face her. “Is everything okay? You haven’t changed your mind, right?” His eyes widened as he waited for her response.

  She grinned. “No, I definitely haven’t changed my mind.” She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a peck on the lips, then cast a glance at the bakery’s front door. “It’s just that the kids are in there and I don’t know what to tell them.”

  He nodded. “Because if things don’t work out, we don’t want them to be hurt.” He caressed her cheek. “I get that and it’s fine to not tell them. But – this time – things will work between us. This time, we’re going to make sure we communicate better and are there for each other, even when times are tough.”

  She looked at the bakery again. “Yeah, that’s part of it. I don’t want to get their hopes up if things sour between us – not that I think they will.” She put her hand on his chest and kissed him again before looking deeply into his eyes. “I want to take it slow, so we can work through things without being flung into the deep end all at once.” She sighed. “And, selfishly, I want our relationship to be just us for a while, something that the kids don’t factor into.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Uh …”

  She laughed. “Yeah, I know. We’ll still do family stuff together. I only meant that we could go out on dates together without the pressure of them knowing that we’re getting back together. I want us to have time to get to know each other again – as individuals, not just as co-parents.”

  “Like a secret relationship?” He squinted into the sun and then a smile spread over his face. “I think I like it. It’ll be like we’re in a romantic spy movie or something. Is it okay to tell other people, though? You’ll still tell your friends, right?”

  “Of course I’m going to tell them.” She chuckled. “I’m sure Zoe is going to grill me about it as soon as I walk in the door.”

  “Okay then.” He squeezed her hand. “Now, we’d better get you to your Wedding Crashers meeting. I’ve got a full evening of junk food and movies planned for the kids.”

  She peered at him. “Not too much junk food, right?”

  He gave her an innocent look. “Of course not.”

  She laughed and pressed close to him. It felt wonderful to joke with Kyle, just like they used to do.

  They went around to the back of the bakery and Cassie slipped inside. Zoe had unlocked the door using a key Cassie had given her, and judging by the noise level, most of the Wedding Crashers were already present.

  “Hey,” Cassie said as she walked into the main room. Her friends had arranged several smaller tables in a group and everyone was crowded around them, drinking coffee or wine as they chatted. Amanda was sitting with the women, while Jace hung out at a table in the corner by himself, happily playing on his tablet, his ears covered by headphones.

  The women looked up.

  “Hey, Cass.” Zoe pushed her chair back and stood. She peered past Cassie with a worried expression. “Where’s Kyle?”

  “He’s waiting out back for the kids.” Cassie’s lips twitched, knowing Zoe could barely contain herself from asking if she and Kyle were back together.

  “Oh,” Zoe said carefully. “Did the two of you have fun?”

  “Uh-huh.” A warmth spread across Cassie’s face at the thought of their romantic picnic by the river.

  Zoe nodded knowingly. “Good, I’m glad.”

  Cassie went over to Jace and removed his headphones. “Hey, buddy, it’s time to go to Dad’s apartment.”

  “Okay.” He stood, not taking his eyes off of his tablet, and walked blindly toward the back room. The other women must have told Amanda that Kyle was waiting, because she’d grabbed her little purse and was disappearing down the hall. Cassie followed them to make sure they found Kyle.

  At the door, Kyle laid his hand on Jace’s shoulder to guide him outside. He locked eyes with Cassie, making her breath catch. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  When the kids were headed away from the bakery, he turned and waved at her, mouthing the words, “I love you.”

  “I love you too,” she mouthed back, watching the loves of her life as they disappeared around the corner. She leaned against the doorframe, filled with happiness. In time, her family would be back together, the way they were meant to be.

  Cassie re-entered the main room of the bakery and took a seat next to Zoe. Celia, Tia, Meg, Libby, and Debbie were seated around the other tables across from them. Samantha, Debbie’s youngest daughter after Libby and Meg, hadn’t arrived yet.

  “So?” Meg asked. “Are you and Kyle back together?” She popped a potato chip in her mouth as she waited for Cassie’s response.

  Cassie mock-glared at Zoe. “I see someone can’t keep their mouth shut.”

  Zoe shrugged, then grinned at Cassie. “Sorry?”

  “Like you weren’t going to tell us anyway.” Libby took a sip of white wine, then looked at Cassie expectantly. “So? Are you back together?”

  “Yes,” Cassie said, unable to stop the huge smile that overtook her whole face. Even her eyes felt like they were smiling. Everyone cheered at her announcement. “But don’t tell the kids,” Cassie warned them. “We don’t want them to know yet.”

  Debbie nodded approvingly. “Makes sense. You can make sure everything goes well without worrying about them.”

  “I’m so happy for you,” Zoe squealed, wrapping her arms around Cassie. “I think things are going to work this time around.”

  “Me too.” A wave of joy rushed over Cassie. She grinned at her friends. “Now, what else is new?”

  “Well, we have our first wedding next weekend at the Inn.” Zoe smiled, but Cassie noticed her friend had a death grip on the stem of her wine glass.

  Cassie patted Zoe’s arm. “It’ll be beautiful. Make sure you take some pictures.”

  Next to Zoe, Celia nodded vigorously. “I’m planning on it, if Zoe doesn’t.” She beamed. “This is so exciting. You have your bakery now and Zoe is managing the premiere wedding venue in the area.”

  “No kidding,” Tia said. “The phones have hardly stopped ringing with potential clients lately. My schedule is packed with appointments for showings.”

  “I knew I was smart to hire you.” Zoe grinned at her.

  “Right …” Tia drawled. Cassie was happy to see her exchange a friendly glance with Zoe. They seemed to have worked through their issues from when Tia started out at the Inn.

  “Hey, where’s Samantha?” Cassie asked. “Is she coming tonight?”

  Libby shrugged. “I have no clue. I called to tell her about the meeting, but she never responded.” She turned to Debbie. “Have you heard from Sam at all?”

  Debbie shook her head. “No. Not for a few days. She’s been really distant lately.” She frowned. “I don’t know what’s going on with that girl.”

  “I’m sure she’s just busy. I saw her around town yesterday.” Meg bit into a bear claw and washed it down with a slug of coffee. “But come to think of it, I haven’t talked to her in over a week either.”

  “I’ll call her tomorrow,” Debbie said. “You girls know I get worried when I don’t hear from you for a while.”

  “Yes, Mom.” Meg made a face. “You know we’re all adults, right?”

  Debbie narrowed her eyes at Meg. “And you remember that I’ll always be your mother, right?”

  Libby elbowed Meg. “Give up. You’re not go
ing to win this one.”

  Meg grinned, but said nothing.

  “When do you think you’ll start on the restaurant?” Libby asked Meg.

  Meg looked over at Zoe. “In a few months?”

  Zoe nodded. “Probably. It depends on how long it takes to finish renovating the Inn. We need to get the guest rooms completed before we start on another project.”

  Meg pressed her lips together tightly and got up from the table, bending over to pick up the coffee carafe. “I’m going to make another pot of coffee.” She walked behind the counter and fiddled with the coffee maker.

  “Is Meg upset that the restaurant won’t be ready any time soon?” Cassie whispered to Zoe.

  “A little.” Zoe grimaced. “I feel bad about it, but there’s not much I can do.”

  “Can you start clearing out the barn?” Debbie asked. “Meg mentioned that it’s packed with junk. That might help get her out of this funk she’s been in.” She looked worriedly at Meg, who’s back was still turned to them.

  “I can help,” Libby said. “I’d love to see what all was stored in the barn over the years.”

  Celia laughed. “I’m afraid it contains a little bit of everything. I don’t even know what all is in there.” She sobered. “But, it would be nice to get started on it. Maybe there will even be some old furnishing or décor from back in the day. That would be nice to see.”

  Meg came back to the table and set the carafe on the table with a loud thunk. “What would be nice to see?”

  “Oh, the Inn, once it’s finished.” Celia smiled serenely at her. “Now, let’s get down to gossip. I feel like I’m out of the loop. Have any of you heard why Bruce Danville really left town?”

  Cassie watched as her friends chatted amongst themselves, interjecting her own observations as warranted. She sat back in her chair, sipping a cup of hot coffee and relaxing. It had been a long day, but if she ever had the chance to relive any day over and over again, this would definitely be it. Her kids had been a wonderful help at the bakery’s grand opening, as had her friends. And that picnic with Kyle – she couldn’t have asked for anything better. Yes, today was a day to treasure.