But she’d broken the trust between them—kissed his lips while stabbing him in the back. In her defense, she hadn’t planned on kissing him when she’d filed that inquiry.
And then there was his lie. She’d almost convinced herself that it wasn’t a big deal, but in reality, it was a symptom of who he was on the inside: a snob who thought she and Grandma weren’t good enough for his family.
She jabbed the measuring cup into the sugar bucket.
The sound of Grandma’s laughter filtered through the swinging door right before she bustled in. Behind her came Thomas, his face flushed with happiness and hiking.
Brooklyn stowed her emotions and focused on the two of them. Getting them together had been the point of all of this, and she was glad that they’d finally had a picnic after all this time. It was too soon to tell if love was in the air, but they were certainly comfortable with one another. Thomas had his hand on Grandma’s lower back, and she touched his arm.
“How was the picnic?” she asked.
“Great.” Thomas smiled.
Grandma giggled. “This goofball picked a spot on the trolley tour. We had three trolleys stop and give their speech about turkey vultures while we ate.”
Thomas laughed. “I learned quite a bit.”
Grandma swatted at him. “Oh you!”
He went for a wooden stool tucked under the back counter and took a seat while Grandma pulled out a mixing bowl. They were low on brownies. It was quiet while everyone moved around and worked.
“This brings back memories,” Thomas mused. He sniffed the air. “That scent makes me think I’m twenty again.”
“How do you think I’ve stayed so young?” Grandma winked at him, making him chuckle.
Brooklyn listened to them banter for a few minutes. Finally, the question bubbling inside of her had to be let out. “Aren’t you mad at her?”
Thomas tilted his head, curious. “For what?”
Brooklyn tapped the wooden spoon on the side of the pan. “For not showing up that night? For basically standing you up at the altar?”
He hummed and rubbed his chin. “I was. For a while. But seeing death every day …” He shook his head as if the bad memories could fall out like salt from a shaker. “I decided it wasn’t worth holding on to that anger.”
Brooklyn chewed her lip. Asher respected and protected his grandpa. If anyone could get through to him … “Maybe you could talk to Asher about that. I haven’t heard from him in two days, and he won’t answer my texts.”
Thomas and Grandma locked eyes, having a conversation without words.
“What?” Brooklyn demanded. Her heart fluttering with uncertainty.
“Honey.” Grandma came over and put one arm around her back. “Asher went back to Seattle.”
Brooklyn fell into Grandma’s side, the landing soft and familiar when her world suddenly felt pointy and unwelcome. “He left?”
Thomas nodded.
Tears stung her eyes and she sucked in air. “I ran him out of town.” She sniffed. “I mean, I would have happily done that six weeks ago, but—” She swallowed the lump in her throat, but it was right back in place. “I wanted him to stay.”
Grandma cooed and rubbed her arm. “I know, sweetie.”
Brooklyn’s tears left big drops on her apron. “I wish I could fix this.”
“Now, now.” Thomas got off his stool and came over. “We can figure this out.” He patted her shoulder. “What’s the issue here?”
Brooklyn sniffed. “Which one?” She gave a depreciating laugh as she ticked off the items on her fingers. “He lied to me about who he was. He didn’t tell me he was your grandson. And I ruined his job here by filing a water inquiry and the city shut him down. Which I didn’t tell him about either.”
Thomas chuckled. “Well, as far as not telling you he was my grandson, put that one on me. I asked him to keep the crazies away from me.”
“But I’m not crazy.” She flapped her arms once, her voice high. Okay, maybe she sounded a little crazy, but really, she was just upset. She’d had a great man. She loved him. And now he was gone.
“He didn’t know that,” offered Grandma as she stepped back.
“But he didn’t come clean when he did know.” Brooklyn turned back to the saucepan and realized she had no idea how much sugar she’d measured out. She dumped it all back into the storage bucket to start over.
“Well, that was unfortunate. But again, I think he was waiting on me. He’d forwarded your emails, and I hadn’t answered him.” Thomas glanced at Grandma. “I was trying to sort some things out on my own. Be angry with me about that, not him. okay?”
Grandma sighed happily. In that one sound, was more joy and love than she’d ever known her grandma to feel. It sounded like Thomas would be part of the family for a long time to come.
Brooklyn thawed. “I can’t be upset at you for something I started, now, can I?” She gave him a quick hug. “What about the other thing?” She fiddled with her apron. “What can I do to make up for ruining his project?”
Grandma got a sly look in her eye. “I may be able to help you out with that.”
Her heart jumped with hope. “How?”
Grandma crossed the room to the old recipe box on the shelf.
Brooklyn held up her hand. “I can’t let you sell the family recipes, Grams.” Book publishers had been after her for years. Some had offered amounts that turned their heads, but in the end, they’d always decided that the Sweet Shoppe should be their focus and people should have to come to them for the goodies.
Grandma scoffed. “You think the only thing in here is recipes?” She fingered through the tabs and came up with a cream-colored paper folded into quarters. “Aha.” With a flourish, she unfolded the paper and began to read. “The Township of Eureka Springs grants to Mrs. Julie Drury the amount of one hundred water shares—”
“What?!” Brooklyn screeched as she crossed the room and pulled the paper to her nose. Thomas followed right behind. The city seal was at the top. It all looked official. “Why do you have this?”
Grandma lifted a shoulder. “We were doing pretty good when the shares went up for sale. Your grandpa was spending the money he could find on booze, so I invested it in water shares to protect it. As time went on, I started to think of it as my retirement fund.”
Thomas kissed her cheek. “You always had a head for business.”
Grandma flushed a pretty shade of pink. She folded the paper and handed it to Brooklyn. “I want top dollar for those water shares.” Her eyes twinkled. “If you can find a buyer for them, that is.”
Brooklyn hugged her. “I don’t know if this will make up for it, but I can try.” Trying and apologizing was about all she could do.
“Forget that!” Thomas’s big hand thumped her back. “You tell that boy you love him and want him back.”
She laughed, swiping away the last of her tears. “I will.” She patted her pockets for her phone. “I need to book a flight to Seattle.”
Thomas laughed. The sound was rich and caramelly and added a whole new flavor to their kitchen. She liked it, a lot.
“I hope you stick around for a while.”
“I’m going to have to.”
“Have to?” Grandma backhanded his stomach. “That doesn’t sound very romantic.”
He rubbed the spot she’d wacked. “It’s not like I have a choice. Brooklyn’s taking my plane to Seattle tonight.”
Both Brooklyn and Grandma’s mouths fell open. “Your plane?” they said together.
Thomas laughed again. “I’ll call the pilot and have him fuel it right now. What time do you want to leave?”
“Now,” she blurted, and then she glanced down at her jeans and old tennis shoes. Her hands went to her hair, pulled back in a messy bun because she was making fudge today.
Thomas smiled fondly at her. “He won’t care what you look like so long as you show up.”
She nodded. “I guess I’m on my way, then. Oh my gosh! This is crazy
. I need to pack some clothes, at least.”
Thomas ushered her toward the exit. “Forget about it.”
Her foot banged into the swinging door and she fell into the shop. Crystal looked up from her phone. “What’s going on?”
“Your cousin is going after the man of her dreams.” Grandma waved her hand in front of her misting eyes.
Thomas hugged her to his side. “You always did love a good love story.”
Brooklyn and Crystal put their hands over their hearts and said, “Ooh.”
A shiny black car pulled up in front of the shop. “There’s your ride.” Thomas took her arm and escorted her out, opening the shop door and then the back door to the vehicle. “To the airport, Clark. And don’t let her chicken out.” He slammed the door behind Brooklyn and waved.
Brooklyn flipped around in her seat to see out the back window. Thomas and Grandma were on the step in front of the door, waving goodbye. Crystal was in the window, grinning. She waved enthusiastically back at them, her heart full of love for these people who wanted her happiness.
She flipped around and her stomach swirled with nerves.
“I know what he said, miss.” Clark glanced into the rearview mirror. “But if you’d like me to drop you off somewhere, I will.”
She pressed her palms together and pressed her fingers to her lips. “I can do this.” She’d been born and raised in Arkansas—never left the state before. “State lines aren’t real, are they? They’re just on maps.”
Clark chuckled. “Yes, miss. They don’t really draw them on the land.”
She nodded. “I thought so.” Settling back, she put on her seat belt. “Anything you want to tell me about Seattle before I get there?”
He smiled. “Try the clam chowder on the dock—you’ll love it.”
She grinned, thinking of her and Asher by the water, the waves soft in the background and the sun on their skin. Er—it was Seattle, so maybe the rain on their skin? “I will. Thanks.” She folded the water share paper once more and then stowed it in her phone case. It was her ticket to getting Asher back.
She hoped he was a forgiving man, and that she’d be able to come up with the words that would explain how she felt. Because even if he didn’t want her, she had to tell him she loved him. Had to take the chance.
She prayed for guidance and grace the whole way to the airport.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Asher
Home sweet home in Seattle felt more like an empty warehouse of designer furniture. The back deck had been prepped for his evening. A fire burned in the outdoor pit, the lights were turned to a soft glow, and soothing piano music floated through the air. It was well past sunset, but only a few stars were visible.
He missed the Arkansas sky—it was the kind of sky that inspired lovers.
Asher glared down at his stocking feet. “Poor little billionaire,” he mocked himself. “Surrounded by the best money can buy and wishing he was in an outdated fudge shop instead.”
He had a meeting scheduled with Adam Moreau in the morning that he wasn’t looking forward to. Asher wasn’t the type of man who failed. It didn’t sit well with him.
Not having Brooklyn to hold was even worse.
Mrs. Morgan appeared in the doorway. She had a house on property, but she had access to his home any time night or day—a necessity for her job. “I’m done for the night. Do you need anything else?”
A brownie. A pound of cookies-and-cream fudge. A marshmallow alien. “I’m fine. Thank you.”
She nodded once. Her phone rang, and she glanced at the screen. “What in the world?” Hitting the answer button, she pressed it to her cheek. “Yes? … He shouldn’t … I see.” A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Landing in three minutes, you say? … We’ll be right up.”
Asher was already putting on his shoes.
“Your grandfather’s plane is landing in three minutes.”
He growled. “I wonder what happened.”
She lifted a shoulder, moving quickly into the house. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
They raced to the garage where he’d parked the golf cart. Most of the residents of the Seattle Cove had them to get around the neighborhood or visit the beach. He liked the idea but didn’t think it was possible for the Mountain Cove, as the terrain was too rough. They’d have to use side-by-sides and four-wheelers—except there wasn’t going to be a Mountain Cove. The realization stung. Brooklyn had said she was trying to get rid of him, just being nicer about it. He should have taken that warning at face value.
It only took a few minutes to get to the private landing strip on the hill. By then, Grandpa’s plane was done taxiing and the engines had stilled. Asher got out and stood by the cart, his hands in his pockets and his spirits low. Eureka Springs had done a number on his family; that was for sure.
Mrs. Morgan’s gasp brought his head up and jerked his gaze to the cabin door. At the top of a rolling set of stairs was Brooklyn. She broke into a wide grin and ran down the stairs.
Asher stared at her, not sure if he was in a state of shock or hallucinating.
“You idiot. Run to her.” Mrs. Morgan smacked his arm.
He jerked and jolted to a start as the realization that she’d come after him sank in. There was so much to clear up, but she was here!
He ran faster, ready to collide with her and never let her go. At the last second, she jumped, an act of trust that said she believed he’d catch her, and his heart soared.
She pressed a kiss to his lips. Before he had a chance to respond, for his mind to catch up to what his body already celebrated, she’d pulled away. “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” She hugged him close.
“Me too.” He set her on her feet and closed his eyes, breathing in the scent of sugar and thick cream. “Oh my gosh, you smell so good.”
She laughed, pulling away from him so she could look into his eyes.
“What are you doing here?” He couldn’t help the smile that filled his face. He already knew the answer—a woman didn’t fly across the country for a man she didn’t love. But he had to hear it from her.
“I came for you.”
He kissed her, but she pulled away.
“I love you, Asher Lockmore. Even if you are a billionaire and didn’t tell me.”
“It’s not something that comes up in everyday conversation.”
She smacked his arm. “It’s not like you’re confessing to murder.”
He went very still and wiped the smile from his face.
Her eyes widened, and he watched the wheels of her mind spin as she wondered if he’d killed someone.
He broke character. “I’m kidding. I’ve never killed anyone.”
She smacked his arm again, giggling. “Don’t tease me at a time like this.”
He was so happy, he lifted her up and spun her around. “I believe you said something about being in love with me …”
She laughed. “I did.” He spun faster, and she grabbed on. “I do! I do love you!”
He slowed down, but for him, the world was at a crazy tilt. This amazing, beautiful woman loved him. “I love … that apron. Is it new?”
She pulled out of his arms and glared. “Asher, if I get back on that plane …”
He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers. “Brooklyn Triggs, I love you with all my heart and every piece of my soul. I can’t be apart from you for one more minute, and I’m sorry for not telling you who I am—or about Grandpa. I promise to always tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth for as long as we both shall live.”
She placed her hand on the side of his face, her eyes luminous. “Me too.”
He tugged on her hand, bringing her close enough to kiss, and lowered his mouth to hers. She tasted as sweet as sugar. Her arms wrapped around his head and she melted into him.
As they kissed on the runway, his heart took flight. He moved to deepen the kiss, and she pulled back. “Wait.”
“W-what?” He men
tally stumbled forward.
“I almost forgot.” She took her phone out of her back pocket and popped off the case, handing him a folded piece of paper.
He eyed her curiously as he unfolded it. Scanning the first few lines, he blinked. “Is this …? Are you kidding me right now?”
She shook her head. “I’m afraid you’ll have to pay out the nose for them, but Grandma is ready to cash in her retirement. I didn’t know she had them. I swear. It just happened to come up when I was—”
He stopped her with a kiss. “I don’t care,” he said against her mouth.
“You don’t?” she replied, tipping her head and hooking the back of his neck.
“The minute I left Eureka Springs, I—” He shook his head. “I was lost. At first, I thought it was because I didn’t have a job or a project anymore. But that’s not true. I was lost because I didn’t have you.” He kissed her forehead. “You’re what makes each day worthwhile.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “If I worked every day in the fudge shop and got to spend it with you, I’d be happy.”
She laughed. “You might just have to with Grandma retiring.”
“Don’t tease me, woman. You can’t dangle that out there and not follow through.”
She softened in his arms. “As much as I want you right where I can kiss you at every moment—you have a development to oversee.”
“You won’t hate me?”
“Never,” she whispered.
He pulled back. “Mrs. Morgan?” he called toward the golf cart, where his assistant was looking the other direction. Bless her discreet heart.
“Yes?” she turned elegantly.
“Pack your bags. We’re going to Arkansas.”
Brooklyn whooped and threw her arms in the air. Laughing, he took her hand and pulled her to the golf cart. She leaned back, digging in her heels, her eyes wide. “I didn’t pack any clothes! Your grandpa said I wouldn’t need them.”
He laughed. “Dirty old man.”
Her jaw dropped and she smacked his arm. “I’m not that kind of a girl.”
“I know.” He laughed harder. “I was kidding.” She slid onto the soft leather seat and sat between him and Mrs. Morgan.
Her Billionaire Mistake (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 1) Page 15
