by Cate Beauman
“Am I that predictable?”
“I don’t mind predictability.” She turned to grab a cup, scooped some ice, then filled the sturdy paper with her excellent home brew. “It’s efficient.”
He nodded as she set his drink in front of him. “And who doesn’t like efficient?”
“That’s what I’m saying.” She snatched up a square of waxed paper, then a cookie, putting it in a bag for him. “How are you today?”
He reached in his wallet, tossing a ten on the counter. “Not too bad. I’m here on a bit of a mission, actually. Gwen asked me to come have a look at the lighting Callie made for Arts and Eats. I’m supposed to check out the bathroom tiling, too.”
“Be my guest,” she said as she made his change, gesturing to the side room where the door was currently closed. “Since it’s quiet for the moment, I’ll show you around.”
“Sounds great.” He left his snack on the counter, walking behind Molly, following her into the charming space. They’d used the same dark stain on the floors as in the bakery, creating a flowing continuation from one room to the next. A combination of ancient brick complemented newly hung drywall that had been painted an off-shade of white, accentuating the gorgeous plays of color in the large stained glass piece hanging on the wall.
Tables for dessert and conversation were set up toward the back, while tidy workstations, ready for eager students, had been strategically placed by the picture window, where potential patrons could get a peek at what was going on. A couple of big, leafy plants in decorative planters added an extra layer of warmth to the clever simplicity. “This is awesome, Molly.”
She beamed. “We love it. Our customers seem to enjoy it, too.”
“Gwen decorated this space?”
Molly nodded. “The three of us agreed to keep it streamlined for practicality—and safety’s sake—but yeah, Gwen came up with the overall theme to compliment Callie’s art. Admittedly, I thought the white she chose for the drywall was going to be boring, but it’s perfect.”
“It is.” He moved to step into the unisex bathroom, nodding his approval, loving the spectacular blue-and-white mosaic flooring, deciding on the spot that the airport would have something similar.
Molly stood in the doorway. “Callie and Gwen picked that out together. I think they went to the mainland three or four times before they found exactly what they wanted.”
“They chose well.”
She nodded. “It’s one of my favorite things about the building.”
He made a sound of agreement as he moved back into the main space, scrutinizing the stunning pendant lighting hanging above the center of the room—dozens upon dozens of rectangular glass dangles in various shades of blue. “Callie’s talents are mind-boggling.”
Molly stared at the work of art as he did. “I don’t know how she does it.”
Gwen officially had his complete confidence as he glanced around again. “Your sister thinks something like this might work well in the airport. I agree completely. A statement piece, she called it.”
“Gwen’s fond of statement pieces.” Molly crossed her arms. “You two had dinner last night.”
He nodded as his eyes wandered back to Callie’s art. “We did.”
“How was it?”
“Enjoyable. Good food and good company—great cheesecake.”
Molly grinned.
Grinning back, he pulled his phone from his pocket when it vibrated, ignoring the call from one of the Arkansas Project attorneys as he shoved it away again. “Gwen has several fantastic ideas for the airport.”
“She’s very talented.”
“I agree.”
“She’s also gorgeous,” Molly added.
He nodded, holding her gaze, wanting to tread carefully, because he wasn’t quite sure where she was going. “She is.”
“You two will be working together for the next little while spending a lot of time together.”
Why did this feel like some sort of trap? “We will.”
“Then this is a good time for me to tell you that I like you. A lot. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to warn you to be careful where my sister’s concerned—”
He held up his hands. “Molly—”
She shook her head. “Let me finish, so we can pretend we never had this conversation.”
Nodding, he shoved his hands in his pockets. “All right.”
“Gwen’s been through hell these past few months. My ex-brother-in-law is a bastard of the lowest form. He’s damaged something inside of her—shaken her in a way I’ve never seen. And that’s big, Cade, because Gwen’s typically the most confident woman I know. She puts on a good game face, but she’s vulnerable and wounded and sad. I need you to understand that.”
He nodded, taking in what Molly said, considering and appreciating the insider information he was getting about the woman who reluctantly fascinated him. “Thanks for the heads-up. Gwen’s certainly an intelligent, funny, beautiful woman. I’m looking forward to calling her a friend, but I’m no good to anyone in any other capacity. I haven’t been for a long time.”
Molly’s brow furrowed slightly. “Jeez. Don’t sell yourself short, champ.”
He sent her a small smile. But sometimes, the truth was the truth, even when it was ugly. A part of him had died the day Cadence did. The moment Mum had called him with the news, he’d turned himself off. He didn’t know how to get through the days otherwise. “I make a better friend.”
She nodded. “Thanks for letting me pull out the intrusive sister card, anyway.”
“No worries.”
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her—to make everything okay for her again. She won’t let me do much to help her these days—she rarely ever has. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try.”
“I get it.” He understood where Molly was coming from. Her love for her sister knew no bounds, as his for his siblings didn’t. He’d been helpless to change Cadence’s situation. There’d been nothing he could do but sit back and watch her get sicker. He’d searched for surgeries, treatments, experimental trials—anything that might change the outcome—even after Cadence and the rest of the family had accepted the unacceptable. “Is there anything I can do for you? For Gwen?”
She shrugged, shaking her head. “Time will help. Just being there for her is a good option, too—but without her knowing it—sort of sneaky.”
It probably wouldn’t do much good to tell Molly that her big sister wouldn’t be confiding in him anytime soon. Gwen had every intention of keeping a wide berth. She would do her job, but otherwise, she was off-limits. She’d made that perfectly clear last night. “I’ll keep that in mind. I should get going, though.”
“Sure.” Molly closed the door behind them, walking back into the bakery with him.
“I’ll see you again soon.”
“Thanks, Cade.”
“I think I should be thanking you.” He grabbed his cookie and iced tea, waved to her, then headed outside, sliding his aviators in place as he navigated his way around the tourists clogging the pretty sidewalks and cobblestone streets while he thought of the woman he’d spent last evening with. Gwenyth Carter and her many facets: affection, warmth, and loyalty when she spoke of her family and close friends; passion and professionalism for her career; and a cautious, cool streak when it came to men—or at least him.
But Gwen was also vulnerable, wounded, and sad.
He knew exactly what it felt like to be vulnerable, wounded, and sad. He just wasn’t sure what he could do about it—what he wanted to do about it—when it came to his gorgeous new colleague and neighbor.
Life whispers to you, Paxy.
But currently, it was screaming—the instinct to get in Gwen’s way and stay there. He’d been half-dead since Cadence’s passing, yet he couldn’t dismiss that Gwen had stirred something back to life when he’d laid eyes on her at Carter Island Grocers.
Going with his gut for the second time in two days, he pulled his phon
e from his slacks, selecting Gwen’s number programmed into his contacts.
“This is Gwen Carter.”
Very professional. He grinned, well aware that his number was programmed into her phone, too—that his name had popped up on her screen when it rang, and she knew exactly who would be on the other end when she answered. Most women threw themselves at him, but Gwen was doing everything possible to keep him at arm’s length. “Gwen, it’s Cade.”
“Cade. How are you?”
“I’m well. I’ve just left Molly’s place. I took a look at the lighting and bathroom tiling.”
“What did you think?”
“I think you have excellent taste. The new space is amazing—clever and understated.”
“I’m glad you think so. I’ve had a chance to pull together a couple of concept boards while Kaitlyn’s been napping.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing what you have. Do you have some time now?”
“Right now?”
He glanced at his watch as he stopped in front of his Dodge Ram because this wasn’t a great time for him, either. He had another meeting scheduled with Jade, but their permit issues in Arkansas weren’t changing anytime soon. “If you don’t mind. I can be there in about fifteen minutes.”
“Um, all right, but don’t ring the doorbell. I want Kaitlyn to sleep for a little while longer.”
“Sure.” He got in his truck. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay. Bye.”
He turned over the engine, well aware that he was being incredibly rude. Putting Gwen on the spot and inviting himself to her home would have earned him a swat to the back of his head from Mum, but this felt right, so that was good enough for him. Grinning, he found Jade’s number, then pulled into traffic.
Gwen rushed around the house, picking up Kaitlyn’s toys scattered on the couch, coffee table, and floor. She took a moment to fluff the accent pillows before she hurried into the kitchen to put her dirty breakfast and lunch dishes in the dishwasher.
She glanced down at the pale-pink tank top and denim cutoff shorts she was wearing as she ran her hand over the messy bun she’d piled on top of her head, debating whether she should change before Cade got there. She tossed a look at the pretty wall clock in the living room, dismissing the idea. He was the one stopping by at two thirty in the afternoon with hardly any notice. It wasn’t her responsibility to appear professional when she’d planned her day around being at home. The goal had been to work during Kaitlyn’s naps—and that’s exactly what she’d done.
From nine to ten thirty, she’d confirmed tonight’s twelve students for the two Arts and Eats evening classes, then played phone tag with the mother of the bride for tomorrow night’s low-key bachelorette party. With her business tasks seen to, she’d had time to put a few ideas together for the airport before her daughter had woken again. When Kaitlyn went down again at one, she’d focused solely on Carter Island Air, making decent progress with a series of concept boards.
“You’re totally killing it,” she muttered, stifling a yawn, refusing to acknowledge her exhaustion after another tough night. Kaitlyn had decided that waking at two a.m. was as good as waking at five. But despite her lack of sleep, today was turning out to have some promise. Her little girl had taken her normal morning and afternoon naps, which meant they were nearly back on track in the sleep routine department. She desperately needed to believe that.
She yawned again as her cell phone started ringing. She grabbed it from her back pocket, recognizing the number as the mother of the bride she’d been waiting to hear from. “Mallory,” she answered warmly, well aware she was often a patron’s first impression of Arts and Eats via their initial phone conversation. The fact that Mallory Sykes was also editor and chief for New England Magazine made a great start all the more important. Their new business couldn’t afford any bad press. “I’m so happy we’re finally connecting.”
Mallory laughed. “I’ve been on and off planes all day today. I’m finally home.”
“I hope you’re getting a chance to relax before you join us here on Carter Island tomorrow.” Gwen heard the knock at the door just as Kaitlyn started moving around, fussing upstairs. She glanced at the monitor on the sofa table, making certain Kaitlyn was safe in her crib, then hurried for the front door, opening it wide to let Cade step in. She sent him a small smile as he stood in the entryway, looking tough and delicious in his aviators. Gesturing to the phone, she held up her finger, realizing she’d lost the thread of her conversation while Mallory continued talking.
Kaitlyn’s fussing quickly turned into loud cries.
Gwen pressed her fingers to her temple as everything rapidly went to hell—much like it had yesterday. “Um, yes. Yes,” she tried again, hoping that went along with what Mallory had just said.
Cade set his glasses on the entryway table as he closed the door, then gestured toward the second story with his head before he started up the stairs.
She wanted to tell him that Kaitlyn was fine—that she could handle it. But right now, she needed a hand, so she let him go.
Moments later, Kaitlyn’s crying stopped.
“Hello, beautiful,” his deep voice echoed through the speaker. “Are you lonely up here?”
She hurried back over to the monitor, watching Kaitlyn smiling as Cade’s big hands wrapped around her baby’s tiny body in her pink striped onesie, lifting her up.
“…a recipe she might like.”
“You don’t say,” Gwen said, struggling to focus on Mallory again as she kept a careful eye on Kaitlyn and Cade in the various nursery cameras.
“I’m sure Molly has plenty of recipes of her own, but you know how mothers can be.”
Gwen chuckled because Mallory did. “I do. Molly does create her own recipes, but I’m sure she’s open to fresh ideas for summer tarts.” She winced because that was hardly true. Her sister didn’t want or need help in the kitchen, but the customer was always right—especially when the possibility for good publicity was involved. “And we’re still expecting you and your guests at six thirty tomorrow evening?”
“Yes. All ten of us will be there. We’re just so excited to meet Callie Davis and learn from her. And let’s not forget about the dessert bar your sister’s creating. I’m counting down the minutes until I can sink my teeth into another one of her truffles. They’re heavenly.”
“They definitely are. We’re looking forward to sharing the Arts and Eats experience with you.”
“We’ll see you tomorrow, Gwen.”
“Bye, Mallory.” She hung up, exhaling a long breath, intending to rush up the stairs to rescue Cade and Kaitlyn, but she quickly realized that no one needed saving as Cade rocked Kaitlyn in the rocking chair, looking through one of her fabric books with her.
He pointed to the picture. “You like that apple, do you?”
Kaitlyn grabbed the page, bringing it to her mouth.
“Of course. Why not have a chew?”
Gwen chuckled, heading upstairs, unable to deny that Cade seemed to know what he was doing. Moments later, she stood in the doorway, studying his powerful body, accentuated in navy-blue slacks and a white button-down rolled halfway up his muscular forearms as he stood facing one of the large picture windows.
“That’s not a bad view of the water you’ve got, kiddo.” He gave Kaitlyn a gentle bounce, making the baby grin before she started to babble. “And what have you got here?” He moved to the framed pictures hanging on Kaitlyn’s wall—a photo of Grandma and Grandpa, then another of Gwen, sweaty and exhausted, grinning into the camera with her birth partners moments after Kaitlyn had been born.
“Sorry about that,” she said, stepping farther into the room.
He turned, smiling, the dark scruff along his strong jaw accentuating his perfect lips and teeth. “No worries. I thought we would stay upstairs until you were off the phone.”
“I appreciate it.”
“That’s quite a picture.” He gestured to her and her newborn baby, surrounded
by their family. “You gave birth at home.”
She chuckled. “I did. Rather unexpectedly.” She thought back to the snow-stormy night, remembering the pain and fear. But there had also been the love and support of Molly, Nate, Callie, and Brad—the people she adored most, encouraging her through the worst of the contractions. Then there’d been the miracle of holding her baby after all the hard work.
“It looks like you had quite a crew with you.”
“I couldn’t have asked for better or done it without them.”
He grinned. “I remember hearing about Kaitlyn’s birth on Teddy’s morning show.”
She blinked her surprise as she reached for her daughter, breathing in Cade’s cologne, her skin brushing his as they made the exchange. “You were here?”
He nodded. “I’d flown in earlier that day—got stuck at the inn with Annie and Cletus until the worst of the blizzard blew over.”
“Oh.” She kissed Kaitlyn’s forehead, snuggling her close. “Thank you for giving me a hand. I’ve been waiting for that call all day.” She kissed her daughter again. “You’re good with children.”
“I like kids. Harry, Willow, and Jade are quite a bit older than me, so I was still on the younger side when my nieces and nephews were tiny like Kaitlyn.” He gave his attention back to the baby as she grinned at him. He grinned back. “This one has the potential to wrap you around her finger. In fact, I’m certain she’s already accomplished it.”
Gwen studied his genuine adoration for her daughter, swallowing a rush of guilt, well aware that a stranger had more affection for Kaitlyn than her own father. “I bet you’d like to get a look at the concept boards.”
“I’m still not quite sure what that is, but it sounds important.”
She smiled. “It is. Come with me, and I’ll show you.”
Cade followed Gwen down the sweeping staircase, then through the pretty living room. The house was huge and homey with its amazing ocean views, the occasional area rug, plants and candles tucked here and there, lighter wood-toned furnishings, and big chunky beige couches accented with large pale-green pillows. But it was the pictures of family and friends hung in charming groupings that he liked best.
