His Winter Rose and Apple Blossom Bride

by Lois Richer

  “I know it’s early for you, Jeff. But it’s even earlier for me.” Her light, musical laugh carried through the general office to the reception area. “I need to know if you’re interested in making an investment. Serenity Bay. I sent you a fax. Of course you haven’t heard of it yet. I haven’t started publicizing it yet. But when I do—”

  Jason moved quickly into his own office, sorted through the files Ida had left for him and began dealing with his workload. Piper’s melodic voice carried to him periodically, her laughter bubbling out like a brook released from winter’s grip. From what he’d overheard, she sounded awfully friendly with this Jeff person. But then someone who looked like her wouldn’t be alone for long.

  Checking the direction of his thoughts, Jason plowed through the pile of manila folders, then decided to start the coffee. Ida preferred hers the consistency of tar and wasn’t averse to tossing out anything she declared dishwater. He needed a cup before she came in.

  He walked to the kitchen, filled the coffeemaker and waited for the water to drip through the grounds.

  “Tomorrow? Fantastic. Thanks a lot, Peter.”

  When the coffee was finished, Jason poured himself a cup, added some sugar and carried it toward his office. He was almost there when Piper flew out of her office and ran smack-dab into him. He jerked back to protect her and caught his breath as hot, dark coffee slopped over the rim and across his chest.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize anyone else was here. Come on, we need to get some cold water on this or it will stain.”

  She grasped his arm and half led, half dragged him toward the ladies’ room. Bemused by her quick actions, Jason dug in his heels before she got him through the door.

  “Umm…Piper…” he muttered.

  Piper followed his stare to the sign on the door, blinked. “Oh, yes, of course,” she murmured. “Just wait here and I’ll get something.”

  She returned moments later with a wad of wet paper towels which she applied directly to his sweater.

  He jerked back as the icy water contacted his skin.

  “Hold still,” Piper ordered.

  “There wasn’t any warm water in the tap?” he grated, watching as she dabbed then blotted the mark, her head tilted to concentrate on the task at hand.

  “Cold works better.” She kept up the routine until most of the color had been absorbed by her paper. “Just a little bit more,” she said. “Stay here.”

  She disappeared into the ladies’ room again before he could argue that it didn’t matter. Seconds later she was back and the routine began again.

  The dark curls of her hair bobbled and danced in the light from above. A tiny pleat marred the perfection of her forehead, her eyebrows drawn together in serious concentration as she assessed her work.

  “I think that’s the best I can do,” she murmured, tipping her head back to look at him.

  Jason got caught in her fragrance, a soft, light scent that brought to mind warm summer nights when you could smell roses bursting with beauty.

  “Excuse me!”

  Jason jerked back to reality, grimacing. Ida.

  “I think your shirt’s all right now.” Piper acted as if she hadn’t even noticed Ida’s appearance.

  Jason knew he should have warned her about the woman’s tendency to gossip. He loved her dearly but Ida took great pleasure in being the first to know anything. And to share it with everyone.

  “I spilled coffee on my sweater. Piper insisted on cleaning it up.”

  Piper winked at him then turned to face Ida.

  “Actually, he’s being gallant. I came rushing out of my office and forgot to check for cross-traffic. Not a very good way to impress the boss, is it?”

  “If it was that dishwater he usually makes, it wouldn’t have stained anything.” Ida examined Piper’s cream sweater and slacks admiringly. “You’re an early bird, too?” she asked.

  “Not really. I’m half-asleep most mornings. But there was so much I wanted to do today—” she smiled “—I couldn’t sleep for ideas that kept bubbling up.”

  “Looks like they hired the right woman for the job then. We could use some new ideas around here.” Ida undid her jacket. “About time I got to work, too,” she said. “Otherwise somebody will want to dock my pay.” She cackled then walked away.

  “Sorry,” Piper apologized. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

  “I’m used to it. That’s Ida’s favorite pastime.” He grinned to show there was no ill will. “What are you working on this morning?”

  “Sponsors for the fish derby. So far I’ve got three.”

  “Anyone I know?”

  “Could be.” She turned toward the staff area where the coffee machine was. “I think I’ll get a cup of that. Want me to pour you a fresh one?”

  He handed over his mug, trailed behind her wondering why Piper hadn’t told him who the sponsors were. Was it a secret?

  “Just in time,” she mused as Ida picked up the pot. “If you’re going to dump it out I’ll have some first.”

  Ida poured both cups, made a face at the liquid. “Not a bit of body,” she grumbled and tossed the remainder down the sink.

  “Ida, could you get me a list of the dates for town council meetings?”

  “Why do you need that?” Jason asked, accepting his mug.

  Piper’s surprise was obvious.

  “I’ll need approval from them, won’t I? I mean, I can’t just go ahead and put my ideas into action without some communication. We’ll want to work together to make sure everyone is on the same page.”

  He felt like an idiot. Of course she would attend council meetings. He was getting paranoid. But that seed of distrust from the past still lay rooted inside, warning him not to be tricked again.

  “Yes, of course. I wasn’t thinking clearly,” he told her. “Lack of coffee.”

  “My fault.” She grinned, excused herself and went back into her office.

  “Why are you acting so suspicious?” Ida scolded him. “The girl’s trying to do her job, that’s all.”

  “I’m not acting anything.”

  “Yeah, you are.” Ida’s gaze narrowed. “You’re going to have to get used to working with her. It shouldn’t be too hard. She’s pretty.”

  “I never noticed.”

  “Liar.” Laughing uproariously, Ida began filling the carafe with fresh water. “I saw the way your mouth was hanging open when she was cleaning your sweater. At church on Sunday when the pastor was talking about loving your neighbor, you kept sneaking looks at Piper. Never noticed, my foot!”

  Jason sighed.

  “Ida?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Get to work.” Irritated beyond measure, Jason walked back to his office and this time he closed the door to shut out that laugh. But it took him a long time to read through the first sheet of paper.

  A very long time.

  *

  “I love it, Ash.” Piper leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. “It’s the most perfect job.”

  “With the most perfect boss.”

  “I’m not too sure about him,” Piper admitted, remembering their encounter this morning. “One minute he’s really friendly, the next he looks at me as if he suspects I’m going to walk out of here with the town payroll. It’s weird.”

  “Especially after he took you to church and everything.” Laughter lay beneath Ash’s quiet voice.

  “He didn’t take me. I went with him. He introduced me around. But, yes, he was friendly then. But this morning—” A knock on her door cut short her conversation. “I’ve got to go. I’ll call you later, okay?”

  “Sorry. I didn’t realize you were on the phone.” Jason stood in the doorway.

  Piper prayed he hadn’t overheard that crack about the payroll.

  “Is this a bad time?”

  “No. It’s perfect.” She motioned toward the chair. “Have a seat.”

  “Thanks.” He sat, his attention riveted to something on the floo
r.

  “Something special you wanted to see me about?” she prodded, wondering about his stern look.

  “I got a call this afternoon. At the marina. It seems you were talking to one of my suppliers about sponsoring one of your events—some kind of cup, I think he called it.”

  “The Vanity Cup is my working name for the project,” she explained. “Yes, I did make some calls. Is there a problem?”

  “I don’t know.” He named a well-known boat manufacturer.

  “Peter Evans. Yes, I called him. Is something wrong?”

  “Not wrong, exactly.” He looked bemused, as if whatever he’d learned confused him.

  To keep her hands still, Piper clasped them in her lap, waiting for the explanation. She couldn’t have blown it twice in one day—could she?

  “He wants me to arrange for a display of his boats near the marina this summer. His cost. If we sell them, he’ll pay a hefty profit.” Jason frowned. “Whatever you said to him must have impressed him a lot. He’s never been willing to consign so much before.”

  “I take it that’s a good thing?”

  “Very good.”

  “Then I’m happy. Now if we can just get him to commit to some sponsorship stuff, I’ll be even happier.”

  “He said to tell you ‘yes,’ whatever that means.” He blinked when Piper let out a whoop of excitement.

  “It means that I’ve got somewhere to start, a concrete commitment toward the boat and motor we’re going to offer as a grand prize for the Vanity Cup,” she explained. “It’s not difficult to bring others on board when someone’s already committed. Getting the rest of the prizes should be easy. I’ll need some money to get the publicity rolling. I’ve worked out some figures if you want to take a look. Also, I want to get some advertising prepared.”

  A burst of excitement surged inside her. She’d prayed Serenity Bay was the right move for her and if this first success was any indication, God approved. Maybe He’d also help her stop Baron.

  “Uh, yeah, I can take a look. But it’s after six. Don’t you want to get home now? You’ve been here for almost twelve hours.”

  “Really?” She checked her small gold wristwatch. “So I have. I guess it can wait for tomorrow.”

  At that precise moment, to her very great embarrassment, Piper’s stomach growled loudly.

  “Sounds like you’re hungry.” He chuckled.

  Her cheeks burned. She picked up her jacket and thrust her arms in, surprised to feel his hands on her shoulders as he helped with her coat.

  “Thank you.” Her purse lay on the credenza behind her desk. She slid the strap over one shoulder and stepped toward the door.

  “I don’t suppose you’d want to share dinner? We could talk then.”

  Piper paused, surprised by the offer.

  “The Lakeside Diner serves a great lasagna.” He leaned against the doorjamb, waiting for her response.

  “You’re sure it’s not an intrusion giving up part of your evening for work?” she asked, noticing that he’d changed his coffee-stained sweater for a gray one that emphasized the silver glints in his blue eyes. “Or maybe I should have said another evening. I’m sure that acting as mayor requires a lot of your time.”

  “Some months are more hectic than others. But developing Serenity Bay is important to me. I think it will be interesting to hear your plans.”

  “Great.” But as she walked out of the building, women’s intuition told Piper that Jason Franklin was more than just interested in what she’d planned.

  “Do you mind walking?” He locked the door behind them then shrugged into a light windbreaker. “It’s just a couple of blocks.”

  “Sounds great. I could use some fresh air.” She turned her face into the wind, let it soothe the day’s tension as she walked beside him. “The Lakeside Diner used to be a pizza joint when I lived here. We used to call for delivery so we could ogle the delivery boys.”

  “Your grandparents?” he asked, one eyebrow raised.

  “No, silly, my friends. The Bayside Trio.” She giggled. “We’re still really close.”

  “And the delivery guys?” His eyes were bluer now, sparkling in the sunlight that still glittered on the water.

  She grinned at his dour look. “None of us ever got up the courage to ask one of them out. We were really brave when we were talking about it, but once they showed up, our tongues got all twisted.”

  “Typical teenagers. Do your friends still live here?” Jason held open the door of the restaurant to allow her to walk through.

  “No. We’ve all moved on. I did see them a few weeks ago, though. We make a point of getting together for an annual birthday bash. This year I hosted it here.”

  “Sounds like fun.”

  “Do you ever see any of your former coworkers?” she asked idly, taking stock of the homey interior of the restaurant. If the food went with the decor, the place must be busy in the summer.

  “No.”

  His brusque answer surprised her. Piper studied him while he spoke with the owner. He introduced her, then followed her to the table. There were only two other tables occupied.

  “I’m sorry,” Piper murmured when they were alone. “I didn’t mean to get personal. I’d forgotten what Ida said.”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  But it did. Otherwise why would he sound so gruff?

  They ordered, then Jason leaned forward.

  “Okay, tell me about the Vanity Cup. What have you lined up so far?”

  Piper explained how she envisioned the plan working.

  “I think we should make the Vanity Cup the final part of the Serenity Bay Fish Festival.” She leaned back, waited for his response.

  “But I thought the intent was to make this a family vacation spot. If we’re catering only to fishermen—”

  “We’re not. We’re going to have something for everyone. The events I’m planning will last throughout the summer—I’ve named it Summer Splash. Each weekend the art guild has agreed to sponsor a sidewalk sale in what I hope will soon be known as the town square. I have to talk to you about that.”

  He didn’t look happy at that prospect but Piper plunged on, outlining events that would bring visitors in through the spring, summer and into the fall and engage people of all ages in ongoing contests, games and a host of other activities.

  “The fall events will be connected under the banner of Fall Fair. That gives us Spring Fling, Summer Splash and Fall Fair. I’m thinking maybe Winter Festival, too. What do you think?”

  He was spared an answer by the arrival of their food. Piper wasn’t sure she could eat anything. Waiting for his response was like sitting on pins and needles.

  “Smells great.” He bowed his head for a moment. Piper followed suit, said a quick plea for help. Then Jason picked up his fork, then glanced at her, one eyebrow raised.

  “Yes, it does.” If he wanted to play it cool, she’d follow along.

  “I like the ideas you’ve proposed,” Jason said five minutes later. “There’s a real diversity that will mean people want to keep coming back. But I’m somewhat concerned that you’ve contacted so many people without running this by me first.”

  “But you knew the basic idea,” she said, stunned by his objection. “I showed it to you that first morning.”

  “This sounds much bigger than we first thought.”

  “That’s the nature of tourism. It grows and changes.” She sipped her water and tried to think of this from his perspective. “Some things that we try this year won’t work the way we expect and we’ll have to revise plans, even change midstream sometimes.”

  He nodded but she could tell he wasn’t convinced.

  “Is there something specific that bothers you?”

  He lifted his head, stared at her. “Do I sound critical? I’m sorry. It’s just that it’s all a little overwhelming.”

  Piper nodded. “That’s because I’m trying to get the ball rolling without the six to twelve months of prep work that
should have gone before. We don’t have time to lose if we want to see results this year.” She fiddled with her napkin absently. “That is what you wanted, isn’t it?”

  He nodded. She continued.

  “It’s going to be hectic, but it’s doable. Don’t worry about details right now. It’s more important to get the big picture in place. Once we’ve got things nailed down, once we know exactly what we can handle this year, who will sponsor what and how we’ll handle whoever comes to town, that’s the time to start getting the details in sync.”

  “But some of those details are going to affect what we can do this year. For instance, a hotel. We have a couple of motels, an RV park and a number of campsites, but we just can’t handle the influx of people you’re talking about without a major hotel developer.”

  “Yes, we do need more accommodation. But I doubt anyone can get a hotel built and operational before summer so we won’t have to concentrate on that just yet.”

  “But that’s the thing,” he insisted, laying down his fork to accentuate his point. “Building a hotel takes time. I want to recruit a company who can provide the kind of amenities we’re asking for quickly.”

  “Once Serenity Bay takes off, there will be any number of prospective developers knocking down your door. But most of them want to see some of the potential first. I’m sure you know that from your work at Expectations.” One glance at his face had Piper wishing she hadn’t said that. “There are lots of hotel builders, Jason.” She heard a wariness creep into her own voice and paused. He didn’t need to know her worst nightmare.

  “There are. But I don’t want just anyone. If we show them your plans, perhaps we can lure one here.” Jason reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a paper. “I drew up a list of those I think would do a good job for us.”

  Piper took the list out, read the first name and swallowed.

  “I think we can cross off Wainwright,” she murmured.

  “But they are my first choice.” Jason was clearly not pleased by her comment. “They’ve done lots of developing, they know how to make a project take off, they’ve got enough resources behind them to keep their commitments.”

  “They’ve also had trouble on several projects recently,” she told him, remembering what Rowena had said about the London undertaking. “I don’t want us to get tied up with a company that’s dealing with serious legal issues elsewhere.”