Snowflake Sweethearts

by Turansky, Carrie

  Kevin Seagraves pleaded guilty to embezzling $687,430 during the last five years while he worked as manager of MELCO Community Credit Union. He expressed regret for his actions and blamed the thefts on a gambling addiction. Seagraves is scheduled for sentencing in Eugene, Oregon, on January seventeenth. The maximum penalty for embezzlement is thirty years of imprisonment and a $1 million fine.

  She froze and stared at that last sentence. One million dollars? How would he ever be able to pay a huge fine like that if he was going to spend thirty years in prison? Would the responsibility for paying it fall on his wife’s shoulders?

  Tears burned in her eyes. When Kevin walked out of her life, she’d been hurt and angry. She had even prayed that God would get a hold of him and make him realize how much he’d hurt her, but she’d never wanted something like this to happen.

  Then another thought crashed down on her. What if she’d told him she was pregnant, and he’d come back into her life? What would’ve happened then? The truth took her breath away. If she’d married Kevin, she’d be right in the middle of this terrible situation...and so would Emma.

  Tingles traveled up her arms as that thought sank in. She’d felt so distant from God when she’d gotten pregnant, sure that He’d pulled back from her because He was disappointed in her choices and actions. But He’d been right there all the time, watching out for her and protecting her from deeper heartache. He didn’t take away the consequences of her foolish choices, but as soon as she called out to Him, He walked with her in the midst of them and cared for her each step of the way.

  She stared at the laptop screen, lost in thought.

  “What are you working on?” Alex crossed the kitchen toward her.

  She gasped. Her hand shot out, and she closed her laptop.

  He stopped and cocked his head. “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing.” But traitorous heat flooded her face.

  He glanced at the closed computer and back at her. “You sure?”

  Go ahead. Tell him the truth. Let him read the article and see why you can’t tell Emma about her father.

  She opened her mouth, but the words wouldn’t come.

  What would he think of her if he found out Emma’s father was a criminal? What did that say about her? She swallowed and pushed those questions away. She couldn’t tell him. Not now. “I was just...reading an article online.”

  He nodded slowly, but she read the disappointment in his eyes, and it about killed her.

  He turned away, took a mug from the cabinet and poured himself a cup of coffee, while the silence hung between them like a thick cloud.

  Her stomach churned and twisted. What if she told him the truth? Maybe he’d understand, maybe he wouldn’t—but hiding this from him was hurting them both.

  What should I do, Lord?

  The answer came immediately. Still she fought it as she watched him pour cream and sugar into his coffee.

  Finally, she blew out a deep breath and slowly opened her computer. “The article was about a guy I dated in college.”

  His blue eyes lit up, and a slight smile curved one side of his mouth. “Ah, so you were reading about an old flame.”

  She forced herself to continue. “His name is Kevin Seagraves. He’s...Emma’s father.”

  Alex’s eyes flashed, then he quickly schooled his expression. “Why’s there an article about him online?”

  “He’s in a lot of trouble.” With a trembling hand, she turned the computer toward Alex.

  He sat down next to her, focused on the screen and quickly scanned the article. When he finished, he sat back and rubbed his chin, his expression unreadable.

  “See why I can’t tell Emma about him? What would I say? Oh, yes, you have a father. But he has a gambling addiction, and he’s going to prison for embezzlement.”

  His expression softened. “I’m sorry, Annie. Do you...still have feelings for him?”

  Her queasy stomach contracted. “No, not anymore. I haven’t seen him since I was nineteen.” She pressed her lips together for a few seconds. Finally she said, “He doesn’t know about Emma.”

  Alex blinked. “You never told him?”

  “No. We only dated for a few months. Then we broke up, and he moved away before I realized I was pregnant.”

  “But he could’ve helped you or at least sent child support.”

  She looked away and shook her head. “God took care of us. He provided in other ways.”

  Alex waited quietly, encouraging her with an understanding expression.

  “Kevin had serious problems even back then. I never should’ve gotten involved with him, but I thought I could help him change.” She shook her head. “But instead of him changing, I was the one who compromised and ended up pregnant.”

  So much compassion filled his eyes that she had to look away. “I saw things a lot more clearly after we broke up. I didn’t want him involved in Emma’s life.” She nodded to the computer. “Now I’m sure that was the right decision. When she’s older I’ll explain things, but not now.”

  He nodded slowly, his blue eyes shining. “I admire you, Annie.”

  She sat back and searched his face. “I don’t know why. I’ve made some serious mistakes.”

  “Hey, you’re not the only one who’s made mistakes. I’ve made plenty of them.” He sent her a slight grin. “But seriously, I admire the way you’ve taken a tough set of circumstances and made the best of them.”

  “I’ve tried.”

  “You put yourself through culinary school, and you’ve raised Emma to be a great kid.”

  “Who makes up stories about her father.”

  “Well, you’ll probably have to talk to her about that, but overall she’s seems happy and well-adjusted. I’m sure she’ll be okay, and so will you.” He reached over and laid his hand over hers. “Thanks for telling me. I know it wasn’t easy.” The warmth in his expression and gentle touch of his hand felt like a soothing balm.

  “Thanks for listening.” She wanted to say more, tell him how much it meant that he didn’t criticize or condemn her, but she couldn’t get those words out. So she sent him a smile instead, hoping he would see in her eyes what was in her heart.

  Chapter Twelve

  Alex opened the oven door and peeked inside. The savory scent of roasting turkey floated out on a wave of heat. He pulled in a deep breath, and his mouth watered.

  “Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Annie placed her hands on her hips and pretended to scowl, but her dark eyes sparkled with a humorous light.

  She sure looked cute in that flowered apron with her hair tied back and that one dark curl swinging free next to her cheek...almost as sweet and delicious as the apple crisp cooling on the counter.

  “I’m just checking on the bird. We wouldn’t want it to burn,” he said, matching her teasing tone.

  “Well, every time you open that door, you lower the temperature and mess with the cooking time.”

  He shut the oven and took a step toward her. “Is that so?”

  Her eyes danced, and her face flushed a pretty pink. “Yes, it is.”

  He tipped his head and sent her a cocky grin. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to see what we can do to raise the temperature around here.”

  Her mouth dropped open, then just as quickly snapped shut. She spun away, opened the refrigerator and rummaged around in the vegetable drawer for a few seconds.

  He chuckled and leaned against the counter. Something had definitely shifted in their friendship. He’d sensed it in the past few days. Then the night before, when Annie shared more about her past, it had drawn them even closer. This new softening and openness on her part made him feel as if there was a huge magnet pulling them together.

  He wasn’t sure where everything was headed, but he definitel
y wanted to test the waters and see.

  Carrying a load of vegetables, Annie walked over to the kitchen table and pulled red and green peppers out of a plastic bag.

  He followed her across the kitchen. “What are you going to make now?”

  “I didn’t know you were so interested in cooking.”

  “Sure I am,” he added with another cheeky grin. “I like cooking. Especially when you’re making the food and I’m eating it.”

  She laughed and shook her head. “You’re funny, you know that?”

  He shrugged one shoulder. “I try.”

  A smile played at the corner of her lips as she set out a wedge of purple cabbage and a head of romaine lettuce. “I’m going to make a Seven Layer Salad. One of my friends from culinary school sent me the recipe.”

  “So what’s in this Seven Layer Salad?”

  “It has some different vegetables with shredded cheese and a creamy dressing spread over the top. Then you decorate it with a design made out of colorful peppers. Sort of like a mosaic.”

  “Sounds good. Maybe I could help you.”

  “You want to make the salad with me?”

  “Sure. I’ll be a great assistant. Just tell me what to do.”

  They laughed and talked as they worked together for the next few minutes. She showed him how to rinse and pat dry the lettuce leaves. Then he followed her directions as he chopped the head of romaine and placed it in the bottom of a cut-glass bowl, along with a second layer of purple cabbage.

  “That looks great.” She glanced at the recipe. “Next we add a layer of water chestnuts and then some thinly sliced purple onion.”

  “Water chestnuts?” He lifted one eyebrow. “I’ve never even heard of them.”

  She laid the little white circular slices over the purple cabbage in a neat pattern. “They don’t have too much flavor, but they add a nice crunch.”

  He stepped up next to her and leaned over her shoulder, close enough to catch the soft floral fragrance in her hair. It reminded him of walking through a garden on a summer afternoon.

  She glanced up at him with a teasing smile. “Here, you can slice this next.” She handed him a purple onion.

  He set to work, peeling off the wrinkled outside skin and cutting thin slices. Within a few seconds, his nose tingled and his eyes began to burn. He pulled back and squinted against the fumes. “Hey, you didn’t tell me this stuff was like pepper spray.”

  “Hold your breath. That should help.”

  “Okay.” He squeezed the word out through his tight lips, but it was no use. Tears flooded his eyes and overflowed down his face.

  “Sorry. I didn’t realize you were so sensitive to onions.”

  “It’s okay.” He sniffed and grimaced.

  Annie grabbed a tissue from the box and held it out to him, but his hands were full and reeking with onion juice, so he used his shoulder in a vain attempt to wipe his face.

  He finished the last slice, then coughed and waved his hand over the salad. “Whew. That’s strong stuff.” Blinking rapidly, he tried to clear his burning vision.

  “Here, let me help.” She reached toward him with the tissue and gently wiped the tears from his face.

  His heartbeat sped up, and his vision began to clear. At this close range, he had a great view of the dark, feathery lashes surrounding her warm, expressive eyes. His gaze traveled across her pink cheeks and down the gentle slope of her nose, stopping at her full, pink lips.

  Her hand stilled. Her lips parted, and he could see her pulse throbbing at the base of her neck.

  “Annie,” he whispered, then reached for her hand, drew it to his lips and kissed her fingers.

  “Alex...I’m not sure we should—”

  “Shh.” He placed his finger against her lips. “You don’t need to be sure about anything right now. Just trust me.”

  A hint of fear flickered in her eyes.

  “I’d never hurt you, Annie. I promise.”

  Her gaze softened, inviting him closer.

  He leaned down until his lips brushed hers, kissing her gently. Her lips were soft and sweet and tasted like cinnamon and sugar. He held back, but it was hard when she responded with warmth and feeling that surprised him.

  His senses reeled, and he had to force himself to think past the moment. Finally, he stepped back and pulled in a deep breath. “Wow. That was...amazing.”

  She blinked a few times. “Yeah.” Then she ran her tongue over her lower lip, and her face flushed a deeper pink. “Alex, I don’t know. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.”

  “Hey, it’s okay.” He moved closer and wrapped her in a hug. Everything in him wanted to wipe the fear and questions from her eyes.

  She rested her head against his chest. “But you’re leaving in three days. What’s going to happen then?”

  “We’ll figure it out.” He willed confidence into his voice, but he had no clear idea about the future.

  She pulled away and shook her head. “We shouldn’t do this. It’s too complicated. I have to think about Emma and the bakery and your grandmother.”

  He placed his hands on her upper arms, holding her still. “Annie, look at me.” He waited until she lifted her gaze to meet his. “You’re a beautiful, talented and wonderful woman. I care about you, and I’d be crazy to let a chance for a relationship slip out of my hands just because things are complicated.”

  Her eyes filled with tears, and her lips trembled. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “What?” He stared at her for a second, trying to understand what she meant. “No! I’m totally serious.” How could she not know how great she was? He grabbed a tissue and held it out to her.

  “Sorry I’m so emotional. But it’s been a very long time since anyone said something that sweet to me, and I’m just having a little trouble believing you really mean it.”

  The thought that she’d been hurt before felt like a knife in his heart. He slipped his arm around her shoulder, wishing he could right all the wrongs in her past and somehow make up for the pain she’d experienced. “Of course I mean it. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t.”

  Annie relaxed and leaned against him, then released a shuddering breath.

  “Hey, the parade’s on TV!” Emma ran into the kitchen and slid across the hardwood floor in her stockinged feet.

  Annie straightened and started to pull away, but he kept his arm around her shoulder.

  “And my tooth is loose! Look!” Emma opened her mouth and wiggled one of her front lower teeth.

  “Wow, look at that.” Annie leaned down, and he finally let go of her.

  “Nice,” Alex said. “You’ll have to ask your mom to tell you about the Tooth Fairy.”

  Emma’s eyes brightened. “Tooth Fairy?” She had her own set of wings and a wand and loved anything to do with fairies.

  Annie touched Emma’s shoulder. “Yes, remind me about that tonight. I’ll tell you about her when I tuck you in.”

  Emma tapped her foot in an impatient rhythm as she looked back and forth between Alex and Annie. “So are you coming to see the parade?”

  Annie turned to Alex. “Why don’t you go ahead? I’ll finish the salad and come in a few minutes.”

  “Okay.” He squeezed her hand and sent her a secretive smile. “We’ll save a seat for you.” Then he scooped up Emma and flew her back into the living room amid her peals of laughter.

  * * *

  Annie stood by the table as Alex carried Emma out of the kitchen to watch the Thanksgiving parade. Emma spread her arms like a bird and flew into the living room in Alex’s arms. The sound of her daughter’s laughter echoed back through the house. Then Irene’s voice rose above it all, telling Alex to be careful and to put Emma down gently.

  Annie’s heart swelled, and tears burned her ey
es again. What an amazing day this had been.

  She hugged herself, replaying the events of the past few minutes. Were they real? Had Alex actually said he thought she was beautiful and talented and worthy of his love? Well, he hadn’t actually said the worthy-of-his-love part, but that was what he’d meant, wasn’t it?

  He’d kissed her. And she’d kissed him back.

  She ran her finger over her lips, and the memory of that kiss set her heart pounding again.

  But doubts rose and echoed through her mind.

  Don’t be a fool, Annie. Alex might have good intentions, but he has a job in San Francisco, an apartment and friends there...especially one particular friend named Tiffany.

  She bit her lip as uncertainty swirled through her. Closing her eyes, she lifted a prayer. I don’t want to give my heart away again unless Alex is the right man for me. Please show me what to do. If this is not right, make it obvious to me so I can put a stop to it before it’s too late.

  But she was afraid her heart had already made up its mind about Alex.

  * * *

  A contented, peaceful feeling settled over Alex as he leaned against the doorjamb of Emma’s bedroom, watching Annie tuck her daughter into bed that evening.

  Even though it was after nine, his stomach was still full from their delicious Thanksgiving dinner and the great desserts that followed. Annie had done an amazing job adapting several recipes to make healthy options that his grandmother could enjoy.

  Celebrating Thanksgiving with Annie, Emma and Irene had been great. After dinner, Irene’s Bayside Treasure friends came over for dessert. Who would’ve thought he’d enjoy playing a rousing game of speed Scrabble with a group of seniors? But he had.

  He hadn’t even minded the way they watched him and Annie for any signs that their matchmaking hints were working.

  He glanced at Annie again, his heart lifting. One small lamp glowed on Emma’s bedside table, spreading a cozy circle of golden light around them. Annie folded the soft flannel sheet over the edge of the bedspread and pulled it up to Emma’s chin.