“I did, didn’t I?” Braden said, smiling down at her. He didn’t feel regretful or as if he was going to hang his head in shame over the kiss. It had been sheer perfection. He couldn’t even pretend he hadn’t thoroughly enjoyed it.
Piper was gazing up at him with doubt pooling in her eyes. “Last time you said our kiss was a mistake. You’ve never been the type of person to repeat your missteps.”
Braden reached out to brush her wayward curls away from her forehead. He wanted to make sure he could see her eyes at this special moment. He wanted to savor it because he knew it wouldn’t last once she found out his secret. Maybe it was selfish of him, but he’d kissed her knowing a huge chasm sat between them that could never be bridged.
“It wasn’t even close to being a mistake, Piper. In fact, it might just have been the smartest thing I’ve ever done.”
The smile that crept over Piper’s face threatened to take over her entire face. “That’s really nice to hear, especially after what you said last time. I have to admit it left me feeling pretty confused.”
He shook his head. “I—I wasn’t trying to hurt you. Matter of fact, I was trying not to further complicate things between us since I thought I was going to leave after Christmas.”
“Now that you’re not leaving, have you told your family you don’t want to work at the family business? If not, you really should,” she said, her brows knit together. “The sooner you tell them the better.”
He ran a hand over his face. “I’ve been dragging my feet about doing it, but you’re right. I’m supposed to be starting after the holidays are over.”
She squeezed his arm. “They’ll understand, Braden. As long as you speak from the heart and tell them exactly how you feel, your family will accept it. They love you.”
He let out a low chuckle. “When did you become such a fount of wisdom?” he asked.
Piper scoffed. “Trust me, I don’t have all the answers. If I did, I would have patched up all the problems with the diner a long time ago.” Her smile hit him squarely in his solar plexus. Had she always been this stunning? These days it seemed as if he was seeing her through a completely different lens. And he liked what he was seeing!
“You’re beautiful, Piper. You always have been, but ever since I came back it’s hard for me to remember you used to be a knock-kneed tomboy.”
Piper let out a sound of outrage. “Knock-kneed? Those are fighting words, Braden North. I wasn’t any such thing and you know it.”
Braden threw his head back in laughter. He’d said the word on purpose, knowing it would get a heated response from her.
“Take it back!” she demanded, playfully shoving against his chest.
“Okay, I will. I was just teasing,” he admitted, holding up his hands in surrender. “You weren’t even close to being knock-kneed. Matter of fact, you were always the prettiest girl in Owl Creek, bar none.”
She shook her head. He wasn’t sure if it was his comment or the cold air, but her cheeks were flushed and rosy. “I don’t know about that, but you’re really sweet for saying it.”
He brushed his knuckles against her cheek. “It’s getting late. You need your rest, and I’ve got to take Rudy home.”
“Good night, Braden.” She bent down and ruffled Rudy’s fur. “Night, Rudy.”
Braden stood by her truck as she got in and started the engine. He stood by for a few minutes until Piper warmed it up a little then drove off into the night.
“Ready to go home, boy?” he asked Rudy as he opened the passenger door of his truck and prompted the dog to jump in. Braden got behind the wheel and let out a throaty chuckle as he turned to look at Rudy. He was making himself comfortable in the seat. As he drove home, Braden let out a sigh. As Piper had stated earlier, it had been a fantastic day full of unexpected surprises. Now that he had decided to stay in Owl Creek, Braden knew he had to figure out a plan for his future. His secret was still sitting between him and Piper. He had to work out how to tell her and deal with the consequences if she decided not to forgive him. And if North Star Chocolates wasn’t going to be his vocation, it was important to find something else that would pay the bills. He wanted to show his family that he wasn’t simply slacking by declining their job offer.
Now, he just had to decide how to make a living while still pursuing his love of adventure, the great outdoors and sports. He’d been doing a lot of brainstorming. It might not be easy to pull it off, but he was determined to make it happen. His family had made Owl Creek a tourist attraction due to their chocolate factory. Could he capitalize on the tourism aspect and create something of his very own? Piper had inspired him to hold fast to his dreams.
If she could turn things around at the Snowy Owl, then Braden could also reach out for what he wanted most. One way or another, he was determined to live out his dreams right here in Owl Creek.
Chapter Eleven
Braden stood by the large Christmas tree in the great room of the family home, admiring the festive decorations his mother had put up with so much love and care. He smiled at the sight of all the red-and-white stockings hanging from the stone mantelpiece. There really was no place like home. The large bay window provided a bird’s-eye view of his family’s property. Snow covered the ground, courtesy of a fast-moving storm that had blanketed Owl Creek last evening. He let out a deep sigh and gazed at the snowcapped mountains in the distance. Nothing made him feel more at peace than the sight of the Alaskan vista.
Even from this distance he could sometimes see owls soaring over the woods at dawn. A pine tree fully decorated in ornaments, mini lights and tinsel sat near the driveway. At night its multicolored lights shimmered and winked from outside, providing a festive air to the North family home. Despite his knee-jerk decision to leave town after Jack’s death, he knew with a deep certainty there was no finer place than this town he loved so dearly.
He needed to be courageous in all things. Above all else, he needed to come clean with Piper and tell her the truth. Only then would he be able to move toward the life he so wanted to live here in Owl Creek. Braden knew without a doubt that he’d put off his talk with Connor long enough. Since he wasn’t expected at the diner until later on this morning, he figured there was no time like the present. His brother was in the kitchen rumbling around making himself some breakfast. If he caught him before he left for the office, they could have some quality time to talk things over.
Give me courage, he prayed. Although he and Connor were both adults, he still felt as if his older brother was wiser and more measured than he could ever hope to be. Braden admired and respected him more than he could ever express in words.
When he walked into the kitchen, Connor was sitting down at the table eating a big bowl of oatmeal mixed with berries. A tall glass of orange juice sat beside his plate.
“Morning,” Connor said with a nod. “Surprised to see you here. You’ve been going to the diner pretty early every morning. Our paths hardly ever cross.”
“Good morning. I’m heading in a little bit later.” He cuffed the back of his neck. “Can we talk? There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Sure thing. What’s going on?” he asked, placing his spoon down and motioning for Braden to join him at the table.
Braden sat down across from his brother. He fiddled nervously with his fingers. “I’m not coming to work at North Star Chocolates.”
“You’re what?” Connor asked, leaning forward in his seat. “I don’t think that I heard you right.”
“I’ve decided not to become a junior executive at the company.” In response to his statement, Connor’s mouth went slack.
“You’re joking, right?” Connor stammered.
Braden met his brother’s steady gaze from across the table. “I respect you too much to ever do that. I’m serious, Connor.”
Connor ran a hand through his hair. “It’s all we’ve ever talked abo
ut since we were kids. What happened to change your mind?” Connor’s expression gutted Braden. He appeared crestfallen by the news. It packed an extra punch since his older brother rarely showed his emotional side. Ever since they were little, Connor had been the stoic one. He prayed his brother would understand and not feel betrayed by his decision. He was one of the most important people in his life, and he treasured their brotherly bond.
“Where do I start?” Braden let out a ragged sigh. “It’s not where my heart lies at the moment. I love North Star Chocolates and the legacy our family has created. It gives me an immeasurable sense of pride to even be affiliated with it, but I can’t imagine I’d be happy stuck behind a desk all day. I’m just not that guy. I can’t imagine I ever will be.”
“Maybe we can work something out. It’s not all drudgery. There’s travel to Switzerland and Belgium to attend meetings and chocolatier conferences.” Connor’s expression brightened. His voice sounded hopeful. “You love to travel.”
Braden crossed his hands in front of him. “I don’t think so. I’ve spent the last three years running from things I haven’t been able to face up to. I can’t do that anymore. Now that our family is whole with Sage back in the fold, I have to commit myself to living my best life.”
Connor sat back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. Braden knew his brother was floored by the information he’d just dumped on him.
After a few moments, Connor said, “I get it, Braden. I’m sad we won’t be working together, but I’m happy you’re back here in our hometown. That means a lot to me. Having you back is the most important thing.”
His shoulders sagged with relief. “Thanks, Connor. You’ve always been one of my biggest supporters.”
“That won’t ever change. I promise. So what do you see yourself doing?” He dipped his spoon back in his oatmeal and pushed a large amount into his mouth. “At least you have your trust fund to help you get something started.”
Connor was right. Their grandparents had set up sizable trust funds for him, Connor and Sage. Although he’d used some of his money to travel all over the world for the past few years, he still had a considerable amount left, some of which he wanted to use to help support Pie in the Sky. Although Piper had frowned on accepting money to help her turn things around at the Snowy Owl, he was determined to become one of her investors. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. For now, it would be his secret.
He cupped his hands around his mug and took a swig of the sweet smelling hot chocolate. “I love the great outdoors and all of the adventures I’ve experienced over the last few years. But I also hate being away from the people I love here in Owl Creek, so I’ve got to figure out a way of merging all of those things into a career I can really be proud of. I want to go to work every day knowing I’m doing what my heart is calling me to do.”
“If anyone can do it, you can. You’ve always had a knack for finding your way through the difficult times. You’ve got this.”
Connor stood up and came around to Braden’s side of the table. Braden stood up and the brothers hugged it out. When they pulled apart, Connor heartily clapped Braden on the back. “I need to head over to the factory. Now that I can’t dump half the work on you, I’d better get to it,” he teased. As Connor headed out of the kitchen, Braden let out a sigh of relief. He’d been so worried about his big brother’s reaction to his decision, but like always, Connor had a way of surprising him by his compassion and understanding. It was part of what made him such an exceptional person.
Footsteps sounded behind him. When he turned around, Beulah was standing a few feet away from him, a quizzical expression etched on her face. Dressed in her signature pearls, she was wearing a hunter green skirt and a black silk shirt. Her hair was perfectly coiffed as if she had just left a salon.
“So, when were you going to share the news with me?” Beulah asked, hands on her hips.
“Grandma. I didn’t know you were still here. How much of our conversation did you hear?”
She frowned. “Enough to know what you’ve decided about your future at North Star Chocolates.”
Braden’s heart sank. He hated hurting his grandmother. Her dream had always been to bring the North family together to work for their chocolate empire. Even though Sage was a teacher, she still worked in a part-time capacity for North Star Chocolates. He would be the first one to veer away from the North family business. He hated being the one to break the chain.
“I’m sorry. I feel like I’ve come back home after all this time only to disappoint you.”
Beulah crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her booted foot on the hardwood floor. “Who said you disappointed me? If there’s one thing I hate, it’s when people put words in my mouth. You’re my grandson, Braden North. It’s practically impossible for you to let me down.”
Braden regarded her with a skeptical eye. “Even if I won’t be working for North Star Chocolates?”
Beulah gifted him with a beatific smile. “Even if you were to move to Tahiti and open up a surf shop, I’d still be your biggest fan.”
Braden chuckled. “You know I don’t know how to surf. Not sure I can even picture it.” He winked at her. “I’m an Alaskan, through and through.”
Beulah reached out and swept her palm across his cheek. “My point is...you’re special to me, Braden. Always have been. Always will be. Family is everything. I’ll always want you to be close by, but I care about your happiness, wherever it may lead you.”
Braden leaned down and pressed a kiss on Beulah’s temple. “It led me straight back to Owl Creek. It’s exactly where I want to be.”
“This town wasn’t the same without you,” she said, tears glistening in her eyes. “Just ask Piper. She walked around town like a shell of her former self after you left.”
“Don’t forget she was in mourning for her father,” he explained. Once again guilt threatened to swallow him up whole. “I suppose my departure didn’t help matters any.”
“Now be honest. What’s going on between you and Piper? And don’t tell me it’s simply friendship. I was born at night, but not last night.” Beulah cocked her head to the side and studied him with a critical eye. “I watched the two of you in the diner after the caroling, and there was something simmering in the air between you. Are you falling for her?”
There was really no point in trying to hide anything from the town’s biggest know-it-all. Of all people, he could never fool his grandmother. “I think it’s safe to say I’ve already fallen. But we’re just friends.” Just saying the words out loud caused his pulse to skitter like crazy. It felt a little bit terrifying to admit how far gone he was. Although he thought Piper’s feelings mirrored his own, he had no proof. Anyway, his secret could ruin everything.
“Have you told her?” Beulah pressed.
“Not in so many words,” he admitted, instantly regretting being so candid. Beulah was known for being forceful. The very last thing he needed was to have her butting into his love life. “There’s something important I need to tell her that I should have come clean about a long time ago.”
“What are you waiting for? Time waits for no one. If you want to move forward with your life, it’s important to get that off your chest. You’re a North. Be bold like your grandfather was when he courted me.”
“I agree,” he said, realizing Beulah was never wrong. If he wanted a future with Piper, he needed to lay his heart bare. Staying in the friend zone would no longer do. “I just don’t want to mess up our friendship. What if she doesn’t reciprocate my feelings?”
“Trust your gut. And if you care one whit about my opinion, Piper thinks you hung the moon. The way she looks at you...if that isn’t a look of love, I don’t know what is.”
Braden grinned. He felt a bit sappy, but Beulah’s words served as encouragement. He didn’t know how he was going to express his feelings to Piper, but he was intent
on doing it as soon as they could share a private moment.
If Beulah was right, Piper would be receptive to what he had to tell her, and they could move forward together. He’d made one big decision this morning. In order to start fresh in Owl Creek, he needed to come clean with Piper. And it terrified him because he knew in doing so, he might kill any chance they had of a future together.
* * *
Piper looked around the crowded diner with a feeling of contentment. Business had been steadily increasing over the past few weeks due to the holiday stroll and the countdown to Christmas events. She couldn’t even guess the number of milkshakes they’d served or the specialty pie orders that had been placed since they’d added them to the menu. Things had gotten so crazy with the pies that they’d been forced to set up a separate baking location at Birdie’s house to complete the orders. It seemed everyone wanted to take home a holiday pie for Christmas.
Thank you, Lord. She felt blessed beyond measure. Her faith in the Snowy Owl’s future had been restored. For so long Piper had been living in fear. At the moment she was hopeful for a new chapter at the diner. She no longer had to walk around on eggshells waiting for the bottom to fall out. Now she felt as if she could truly enjoy Christmas without fearing what was coming down the road. She still had a lot of work to do in order to keep the diner in good financial straits, but if business continued at this pace and if Pie in the Sky was successful, her establishment would be secure.
God was good! He had shepherded her through the storm and brought Braden back to Owl Creek where he belonged. It was beginning to look like a very merry Christmas indeed. What had sparked between herself and Braden was exciting and full of promise. Thinking of him in a romantic light was new to her. It still felt surprising to her that their friendship was morphing into something else. Perhaps she’d always had a little bit of a crush on him.
Hadn’t her mother always told her that the best relationships started off as friendships? Braden was trustworthy and kind, as well as being extremely easy on the eyes and humorous. If she had to make a list of attributes a romantic partner should possess, Braden would check off all the boxes. Lately she’d had a serious case of the butterflies every time he was around. It was scary to even acknowledge it to herself, but she was in love with her best friend.
Alaskan Christmas Redemption Page 14
