Breakfast for Two (Peakview series Book 2)

by Jill Haymaker

  Melanie reached over and grabbed his hand. “Dad, that’s wonderful. I love you, and I love Violet. You’re perfect together. Do I get to help pick it out?”

  Tears welled up in his eyes, and he squeezed her hand. “Of course you do. I don’t know anything about girly things like diamonds. I’m counting on your advice.”

  Melanie pulled her car to a stop in a parking space on the edge of Old Town Square. She was so happy for her dad. He and Violet—a match made in heaven. For the first time in years, she could feel a glimmer of hope that someday she’d find a decent man to share her life. If her dad wasn’t too old, maybe—just maybe—there was still time for her.

  “Here we are. There are a few very nice jewelry stores all within a couple of blocks from our car. Let’s shop.”

  She hooked her arm with his and led him to the first store. “What are you thinking? Something small? Large? Fancy or plain?”

  “Maybe something not too large, so it won’t get in her way while she works. But still nice.”

  She laughed. “Leave it to a man to look at the practical side of this. But I agree. I don’t see Violet as the type who’d want something too big or showy.”

  She patiently watched as her dad examined ring after ring, interjecting her thoughts here and there.

  “I don’t see anything that’s quite right.” Howard stood up and thanked the sales lady. Melanie followed him out of the store. This could be a long day…They made their way to another store across the Square. Much to her surprise, before the sales lady even approached them, Dad’s face lit up.

  “I like this one.” He said pointing to a ring in the front of the showcase.

  “What can I help you with today?”

  “My dad’s shopping for an engagement ring for his special lady. Could we see that one?”

  The lady pulled out the ring. It was a solitaire emerald cut diamond. “This is a very high quality stone with an 18 karat gold band. Would you like to look at some others, too?”

  Howard held the small ring in his fingers and looked at it closely. “Melanie, can you try it on so I can see how it looks?”

  She held her hand out, while he examined it. “I like it. What do you think?” He said turning to the sales lady.

  “It looks very nice.”

  Melanie fought the tears that started to well up in her eyes. What was this about? Tears of joy for this man she’d come to love? Or tears of sadness, doubting that any man could ever care that much about her? Maybe it was a little of both. But, this wasn’t about her. She smiled getting her emotions under control. “It looks just like our Violet. Is it the one you want?”

  Her dad didn’t hesitate. “Yep, I believe this is the one.”

  “Do you know her size?” the saleslady asked.

  Much to Melanie’s surprise, her dad reached for his wallet and held up a tiny string. “I measured the inside of one of her rings. Will this do?”

  “Well, aren’t you clever. It should work just fine. We’ll size it with the string. If there’s any issue with the way it fits, she can always bring it back and get it resized. It’ll take about an hour. Do you have other shopping?”

  Melanie smiled at her dad. “We’ll go get some lunch and come back.

  ***

  After having a nice lunch at nearby BeauJo’s pizza and picking up Melanie’s books, they returned for the ring. Howard put the small box in his front pocket and held tight to it as Melanie drove back toward the canyon. Spying a large liquor store on the way out of town, Howard turned to his daughter. “Can we stop at that liquor store? I want to grab a nice bottle of champagne to go with the ring.”

  “Sure thing, Dad.”

  On their way again on their way, Melanie said, “So have you thought about how you’re going to propose? It needs to be romantic. Don’t just walk into the café and ask her.”

  “No, I don’t have an exact plan yet, but I’ll come up with something good. I promise. I trust I’ll know when the time is right.”

  “I’m just saying that you need to put some effort into it. That moment’s something a woman always remembers.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Alone in his cabin that evening, Howard let his nerves get the better of him. To him, the proposal was only a necessary step in achieving his goal of making Violet his wife. He hadn’t considered that how he asked was a big deal. But he wanted it to be special for Violet. Maybe that’s the kind of thing women liked. What did he know?

  ***

  The week crept along too slowly for Violet’s liking. She wanted to move forward—whatever that meant—in her relationship with Howard. He hadn’t asked her out again, and except for a few platonic kisses and hugs while they were occasionally alone in the café, nothing romantic passed between them. Should she invite him up to her place for dinner? Maybe, but then she cooked for him every day at the café. He probably got enough of her cooking. Did Howard want more than a few stolen embraces? She sure did. She the constant yearning inside of her wanted so much more.

  Busy in the kitchen putting food away on Friday evening, she heard the front door open. Hadn’t she turned her sign to Closed? Looking up, she smiled seeing Howard walking up to her.

  “How was your day, beautiful?”

  “Good. Yours?”

  “Busy. I’m still not caught up from all that time I missed from that darn pneumonia.”

  Howard enfolded her in his arms and held on tight.

  “Tired?” He asked rubbing her back.

  “A little, but not too bad. I’m about to head up to watch a little TV with Lucky. Would you like to join me?”

  “Not tonight.” Howard said pulling back from their embrace.

  Violet tried to hide the frown that was forming on her face. What was it with this man? Would he never let himself go? Did he feel anything? Why did he always pull back? She turned and concentrated on wrapping up the leftovers. She didn’t want him to see her disappointment.

  “So I was wondering if you’d like to take a drive with me after you close up tomorrow night? Since you aren’t open on Sundays, maybe I could keep you out a little late? There’s going to be a full moon.”

  Oh, Howard. I’d love that.” She turned back around, the smile returning to her face and planted a big tender kiss on his lips. “It’s a date.”

  “It’s a date.” Howard repeated. He winked at her as he walked casually out of the café, locking the door behind him.

  ***

  Shortly before closing on Saturday, Howard appeared, plopping down on his usual seat.

  “You hungry?” She asked pouring him some coffee.

  “Starved. Got any of your special left.”

  “Sure do, I’ll heat some up.”

  She warmed a generous portion of the pot roast. She could hear Howard conversing casually with the other customers. Setting the steaming plate down in front of him, she saw that when he took off his jacket he wasn’t wearing his usual overalls. Nope, he’d put on a non-faded pair of wranglers and a bright flannel shirt, no ragged edges or worn elbows.

  “New clothes?”

  Howard blushed. “Melanie insisted I get a couple of things when we went to town the other day. Said I needed some sprucing up.”

  “Well, you look nice.” She walked by to bring the check to the couple in a booth. He smelled good too. This was a real date.

  Usually, she was in no rush to close her doors at the end of the day, but tonight with the promise of some alone time with Howard, she hurried through her cleanup. The regulars at the counter gradually wandered out, but that young couple in the booth seemed in no hurry. When she took their order, they told her they were camping down by the river. They seemed to enjoy the warmth of the comfortable booth.

  “Excuse me, Ma’am. Can we get another refill?” The young man asked.

  Violet put on her best smile and walked over to top off their cups. Were they going to sit here all night? “You know, there’s a beautiful full moon out tonight. You don’t want t
o miss it. It’s a great night to sit by a campfire.”

  “She’s right, Tom. Let’s go build a fire. I’m sure this nice lady’s ready to close up for the night.”

  “No, rush,” Violet said with as much sincerity as she could muster. She turned back to her cleaning, topping off Howard’s cup when she passed.

  The couple finally walked out, and Howard immediately got up and locked the front door behind them, flipping on the CLOSED sign. Violet smiled. Howard seemed anxious to start their date.

  “Is there anything I can help you with?”

  “Thanks, Howard, but no, I just need to empty the coffee pots, and then I’ll run upstairs and change out of my work clothes.”

  “Go, ahead. I’ll empty the pots for you.”

  “Thanks, would you like to come upstairs and wait?”

  As tempting as Violet’s offer sounded, he didn’t dare go upstairs with her. He had big plans for tonight that didn’t involve being in her apartment where all he’d want to do was rip off her clothes.

  “No thanks. I’ll make sure everything’s done down here and wait for you at the counter.”

  He noticed Violet’s frown. Hopefully, he would change it to a smile tonight. True to form, Violet returned shortly, dressed in some soft black leggings and a deep blue sweater. “Wow, you sure look beautiful.” He grabbed her hand in his and led her out the back door to his truck.

  Once they buckled in, and he pulled out of the alley, Violet asked, “So where are we headed?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He reached over and took her hand in his, entwining their fingers. A jolt of electricity shot up his arm as she gently rubbed her fingers against his. His thoughts turned to the small velvet box safely zipped into his jacket pocket. He prayed she’d like the ring he chose. Even more, that she’d like the idea of becoming his wife. He maneuvered the truck off the highway and onto the small dirt road leading up toward Peaktop Ranch. He slowed down considerably. Driving the narrow, washboard-ridden road, usually required two hands on the wheel, but he refused to let go of his lady.

  They passed the entrance to the ranch and continued up the even narrower dirt path. He let go of her hand momentarily to shift the truck into four-wheel drive.

  “Where on earth are you taking me?”

  “You’ll see soon enough. It’s one of my favorite places.”

  “Oh Look!” Violet exclaimed. Two deer crossed the road in front of them, gazing into the headlights as if to say, what are you doing up here in our country?

  He remembered back to when he first arrived in Peakview all those years ago. He felt so lost and so scared—running from a past that he couldn’t face. But the town accepted him at face value, no questions asked. On one of the first nights he spent here camping down by the river, he wasn’t able to sleep. There’d been a full moon just like tonight. He got in his truck and started driving. Somehow he ended up on this little road and when he got to the top, he sat in awe of the nature all around him. Surely a God who created such beauty could help a lost soul like himself. He stood there in the moonlight—a turning point in his life. He was going to be alright.

  Tonight was another turning point for him. For the past thirty odd years since, whenever he needed to just think or calm down he came up to this spot. He never brought anyone else here, but now it seemed like the perfect spot to join his life with his love.

  “We’re here.” He said parking the truck at end of the rocky trail. Hs climbed out and walked around to open the door for Violet. She jump down out of the cab, and he grabbed the picnic basket and blankets he’d stowed in the back. Reaching around her, he grabbed his oversized flashlight from under the passenger seat and turned it on.

  Violet breathed in the crisp, mountain air. She could see her breath in the beam of light.

  “There’s a small trail there to your right.” He waved the flashlight off to the side of the truck. “Just follow me.” She wanted to hold on to him for support, but his hands were full, so she followed closely behind. The trail headed upwards through thick, fragrant pines. A few hundred yards ahead, suddenly they broke out of the trees. The full moon so bright that the flashlight was no longer needed. Howard stuck it in the basket and grabbed her hand. Although his skin felt cold from the night air, warmth radiated up her arm from his touch. Walking carefully around rocks jutting out in their way, they reached the top of a ridge, with a huge smooth rock reaching out to the edge of nowhere.

  “It’s beautiful up here. How did you ever find this place?”

  Setting the basket down, Howard spread one of the blankets out on the flat surface. “Shortly after I arrived in Peakview, I stumbled upon this place while exploring the area. I’ve come here ever since.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her down to sit next to him, wrapping the other blanket around their shoulders for warmth.

  She gazed out across the valleys below. To the south she saw the numerous lights that must be Peaktop Ranch, and to the north smaller clusters of lights glistened in the darkness from other ranches or homesteads. She was on top of the world. Howard looped his arm over her shoulder and pulled her close. Through the cold mountain air, warmth unlike any that she’d ever known enveloped her.

  “I’ve never brought anyone here before.”

  “I’m glad you decided to share it with me.” She leaned over and brushed her lips against his cheek.

  “I want to share everything with you, Violet.” Instead of pulling her closer, Howard moved back to face her dropping the blanket from around them and taking both of her hands in his own. His kind eyes staring into hers with an overwhelming intensity.

  “Is everything, okay?” Her voice quivered. What if he’d brought her up here to give her some really bad news? Were his health problems greater than she imagined?

  “Everything’s perfect. I just don’t want to waste another moment without the love of my life beside me. I love you, Violet. Will you grant me the extreme honor of agreeing to be my Wife?”

  Howard’s hands shook as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box. “I hope it fits.” He said fumbling to remove the ring.

  “Oh, Howard. Yes, yes, yes, I’d love to be your wife!” Tears of joy stung her eyes as she held out her left hand for him to slip on the ring. Her hand trembled, too. “It fits perfectly. How did you know my size?”

  “I have my ways.” Howard’s face turned a bright crimson. “If you don’t like the style, we can always exchange it.”

  “It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”

  She scooted over and claimed a spot in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing her face to his, and holding on tight. Howard Crandall’s wife. How amazing. When Stan passed, she believed her true happiness died right along with him. But now…She couldn’t even begin to describe her feelings. She moved her head slightly to look into his steel blue eyes.

  “I love you, too.” She murmured as her lips found his in a kiss she never wanted to end.

  CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

  Melanie paced back and forth across the small bookstore.

  “Mom, stop. You’re going to wear a rut in the new floor.” Sophie rolled her eyes at her mom.

  She plopped down on one of the wooden chairs. “I’m sorry, honey. It’s just that I want to make a good impression on Isabel. We’ve never had any extended family before, so I’m nervous.”

  Howard had left early this morning to drive to Denver International Airport and pick up his sister Isabel, her husband, Owen, and their twenty-five year old son, Nate. They were flying in from Pennsylvania for the wedding and were Howard’s only other family members. What if they didn’t accept her and Sophie? These past few months the three of them had become a tight knit group. Adding Violet to the mix was one thing. After all, Violet had been there from the beginning, but this was something totally different.

  “Relax. They’ll love us.” Sophie giggled. “Here have a muffin.” She opened the bag she’d brought from the café letting the sweet aroma of blueberries fill t
he air. If anyone should be nervous it’s Violet, and she seems fine. I’m excited to meet my cousin. I never thought I’d have one.”

  “You’re right. They’re Grandpa’s family, and I bet they’re as special as he is.” A car door slammed outside causing Melanie to jump up, brushing muffin crumbs out of her lap onto the floor as the front door opened.

  Howard ushered his family into the room and shut the door behind them. “This is my daughter, Melanie, and granddaughter, Sophie.”

  The beautiful silver-haired lady rushed across the room and enfolded Melanie into her arms. “Oh, my God. It is so wonderful to finally meet you. I’m your Aunt Isabel, but everyone calls me Bella.”

  Melanie smiled as Isabel stepped back and held her at arm’s length. “Howard, she’s beautiful. And Sophie, you’re beautiful as well. I’ve been dying to get out here and meet you two since Howard called in January. And now a wedding…I couldn’t be happier. I was beginning to think that my baby brother would die alone, and now look at him. He’s got three gorgeous women in his life.”

  Isabel introduced her husband and son and turned to her brother. “What do you have planned for today?”

  “I thought after we drop your things off at the cabin, Owen, Nate and I would try our luck at some fly fishing. Do you want to come?”

  “Heavens, no! If you’re going fishing, then I’ll head over to the café and spend some time with your lovely bride-to-be. See if she needs any help with wedding plans. Melanie and Sophie, would you like to join me?”

  Sophie looked hopefully over at her grandfather. “Can I come with you? You said you would teach me to fly fish.”

  “Of course you can. We’d love to have you.”

  Sophie smiled and followed the men out to Howard’s vehicle.

  “So let’s get some coffee.” Isabel linked her arm with hers and started across the street. Melanie relaxed. She liked her new aunt already. Violet came around the counter as soon as they walked in and gave Isabel a hug.