Love & Chocolate: Valentine's Day (Holidays In Hallbrook Book 4)

by Elsie Davis

  “I feel sorry for them. It’s probably not a good idea that I make things worse, and my being here does that. I really appreciate everything you’ve tried to do to help, but I don’t think this is working. I should leave and let you deal with the twins. They need you.” She laid her hand on his arm, urging him to go after the twins and find a way to make things right.

  “You’re one heck of a woman, Amanda. You’re forgiving with all that they’ve done. And I love the determination you have to save the bakery. It makes me want to help you more. I would agree with you that perhaps now’s not the right time to have you around the girls, but I don’t think it should mean I can’t help you. Why don’t I make a list of the ingredients I find in the house that are possible, and I’ll meet you at the bakery. We’ll see if we can figure this out together.”

  Amanda liked his persistence, even if it was slightly misguided. He didn’t need to feel guilty, the twins old enough to make their own decisions and be responsible for their mistakes. “In that case, I accept. But let’s not upset the girls anymore. Figuring out this recipe is important, but not to the point that it hurts them. They have enough going on in their life that they’re trying to deal with without me making things worse.”

  Chapter Nine

  Amanda hadn’t heard from Kevin since Thursday night. Not that she’d expected him to have time to help her any further, but she’d held onto a tiny ray of hope they’d figure out the missing ingredient. With only days before the deadline, it was time to pick another recipe. She poured through her mother’s and grandmother’s cookbooks again, searching for something else that would work. She wasn’t a quitter and would enter no matter what, even if it wasn’t the recipe she wanted to use.

  She’d have to find the time to make the new recipe today at work. Hopefully, Jennifer would be over later tonight since it was Hallmark movie night, and her friend could be her taste tester for the new dessert.

  The weekend had given her plenty of time to think about the twins, especially during church. She hated the trouble they kept finding themselves in. It brought back memories of a time when Amanda had felt lost after her dad left. Not that the twins’ mother had left for someone else, but still, Paris was a long way away, and her job was demanding.

  Amanda could never put her career over her children, but some people did, and some people found a way to make it work. But her being halfway around the world wasn’t working for the kids. What they needed was something to make them feel special. Sometimes, a little extra love went a long way in a hurting child’s heart.

  “Hey, Cuppy.” Her baby girl trekked into the room, nudging Amanda’s leg with her nose, wanting to be petted. She scratched around the dog’s ear and down her shiny brown coat of fur, pulling her close for a hug. Amanda drew back and stared at Cupcake, an idea taking shape.

  After a quick kiss to the dog’s head, Amanda stood. “I’ve got it. I’ll make the girls cupcakes for their birthday to take to school tomorrow. Maybe they just need an extra dose of kindness.”

  The dog nudged her hand more as if in agreement. “You’re the best for inspiration.”

  Amanda let the dog outside in the backyard for a quick run and potty break, knowing she would need extra time at the bakery to get everything done. Fifteen minutes later, she pulled up and parked just down the street, leaving customer spots open that were closest to the bakery. She left the sign flipped to closed. Minutes mattered on today’s tight schedule. She headed for the kitchen and flipped on the ovens to preheat them, eager to get the first batches for today’s inventory in the oven and then get started on the cupcakes.

  It took her an hour to make two dozen red velvet cupcakes and two dozen chocolate cupcakes. While they were cooking, she lifted the oversized basket of baking decorations off the shelf, searching through them for the perfect idea for each of the girls. After much deliberation, she chose her favorites and set them aside.

  The timer went off for the oven and Amanda moved the cupcakes to the cooling rack. Glancing at her watch, she realized there was barely enough time to make the torte. Left with no choice, she bagged up the decorations to take them home with her.

  Amanda closed the bakery right at five o’clock, loaded down with cupcakes and decorations. After putting everything in the back seat of the car, she started to pull out of the parking spot, stopping suddenly as she remembered the torte in the refrigerator. She backed into the spot again, letting herself back in the bakery to grab the dessert. It didn’t take long, but it was precious time lost. Signature creations took time and couldn’t be rushed.

  Her cellphone rang just as she entered the house. After setting all the boxes and bags down, she tried to remove it from her pocket, her cold fingers not making it easy. The lit-up screen identified Jennifer as the caller. “Hey, what’s up?” Amanda unwound her scarf from around her neck and hung it on the hall closet doorknob, her hat with it.

  “I’m sorry, but I need to cancel on Hallmark night. Will’s not feeling well, and I promised I’d take him some chicken noodle soup.”

  “Well, darn. I needed you to try a dessert for me. Maybe you could stop by and pick it up, and the two of you could do a taste test. That actually works out great, because then I can use the rest of the night to finish the toppings on some cupcakes I’m making.” Suddenly she had lots of free time, Amanda letting out a deep sigh of relief.

  “For the shop?” Jennifer knew she didn’t usually work at home for the bakery’s inventory.

  “No, for the twins.” Amanda smiled, wishing she could see Jennifer’s expression.

  “Oh? Is there something I should know?”

  “No. I just feel bad for the girls. It’s their birthday tomorrow, and their mom’s not around. I decided to do something special for them.” It was a perfect idea, and she couldn’t wait to see the kids’ expressions tomorrow. Maybe this would put the girls and her on the same page going forward.

  “Sounds to me as though someone’s getting more and more involved with the Thompson family. Speaking of, how is Kevin?” Her voice had turned more curious and more intense.

  “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t talked to him in four days.” It was the truth, so Jennifer needed to keep her feet on the ground. Kevin wasn’t flying her to the moon and back just yet. And Amanda, well, she wasn’t even buying a ticket for the excursion.

  “Four whole days? Goodness, it’s over,” Jennifer teased.

  “It’s over because it never started. I don’t know why you keep pushing me in his direction.”

  “Because he seems like a great guy, and Tanner speaks highly of him. And you deserve someone nice.” Amanda couldn’t help but agree, at least the part of deserving someone nice. Kevin was a great guy and a wonderful father, but self-preservation keep her silent on her opinion. Jennifer would be like a freight train if she sensed any growing attraction between her and Kevin, and she’d turn a blind eye to all the reasons it wouldn’t work.

  “He was just helping me with the recipe. It’s called guilt. His twins sabotaged my auction dinner.”

  “Say whatever you want, but I think running a chemical analysis on your cake goes a bit above and beyond an apology. I’ll stop by and get the dessert in about fifteen minutes. I never say no to free food if you’re doing the cooking.”

  “Perfect. And thanks.” Amanda flipped on the TV and turned it to tonight’s Hallmark movie. Thankfully, they were past all the Valentine’s Day movies. She turned up the volume and sat at the kitchen table facing the living room so she could see the TV as she decorated the cupcakes.

  Jennifer didn’t stay but a few minutes when she picked up the chocolate torte, other than to take the time to extract a promise she’d take pictures of the cupcakes. Her friend’s curiosity was still in hyperdrive, but luckily, girlfriend duty called.

  The cupcakes turned out perfect. One at a time, she created twenty-four miniature masterpieces for each of the girls. For Lacy, she carefully topped the red-velvet cupcakes with two-tiered donut-shaped swirls of p
ink icing, topped with a strawberry and chocolate heart. She stuck a green leaf next to the strawberry and placed a solid chocolate heart on the side, setting each one on a lacy cupcake doily for added effect.

  Amanda decorated Macy’s chocolate cupcakes with a butterscotch cream-cheese frosting swirled like ice cream on the top. She added tiny white, milk-chocolate balls and a star on each one, finishing them each off with a piece of a miniature Kit Kat bar like a straw. Sweet and fun, but not as fancy.

  It took her far longer than she’d intended, but it was well worth it. Satisfied with the way they’d turned out; she hoped the twins would be pleased when she dropped them off early so they could take them to school. She also hoped Kevin wouldn’t mind the early morning intrusion, her doubts stemming from the fact he hadn’t been in touch with her. She was looking forward to seeing him again, but only to see how things had been going. He’d made a lot of sacrifices for the girls, attesting to what kind of man he was, and she wanted things to work out for him.

  * * *

  Kevin looked up as the girls stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. “Good morning, girls. And happy birthday to you both. Today’s a special day. It’s your second double-digit birthday.”

  “It’s just another day. Nothing special about a day we’re grounded. Now, if we were in Paris, maybe this would be a special birthday.” Macy shrugged, unaware of the pain her words drove into his heart.

  He was just never enough, no matter what he did. Victoria was their shining star right now. They didn’t understand it was their mother’s choice to be in Paris. That her choice was to put career over family. It’s not as though she wanted the twins with her, but he’d never tell the girls. It was better they stay mad at him.

  “Paris would be amazing. Think of all the beautiful dresses the women wear. Oh, and their fancy coats. It would be a dream come true.” Lacy’s eyes twinkled as she pictured the fashion palace of the world.

  “I can’t give you Paris, but I do want to make your birthday special. What would you girls like to do after school? I know technically you’re grounded, but I’ll lift it for today, considering it’s your birthday. We need to do something to celebrate. Call it a hiatus of sorts.” He grinned, dropping a kiss on the top of each girl’s head.

  “Or you could just lift the entire grounding and call it a birthday present,” Macy pushed.

  “Or not.” Kevin was tired of having to hold the line and be the disciplinarian all the time, but someone had to do it.

  “Could we go to dinner? Maybe catch a movie. What about ice-skating? We could call our friends and see who could meet us there.” Lacy’s suggestions sounded like fun, which were much-needed options after Macy’s wishful thinking.

  “Macy? Any ideas?” Kevin tried to draw her into the conversation, but the stiff line of her back was an indication of where she stood in the matter. It was her way or the highway.

  She shrugged. “I don’t care. Just whatever.” He wasn’t going to do this her way, and with her attitude, she’d be hitching a ride all the way to her bedroom. But not until tomorrow.

  “I guess that settles it then. I’ll check and see what’s playing at the theater and then we can decide. I’ll pick you up after school and we can come here to change for dinner and a night out. I’m making you a pancake special this morning. They should be done in a few minutes. Get some orange juice, and while you’re at it, grab the maple syrup and whipped cream, will you?”

  “Okay,” Lacy replied, jumping down off the barstool and heading for the refrigerator. Surprisingly, Macy followed her sister and did as she was told.

  Kevin took the whipped cream from Lacy and returned to the counter where he’d put a couple of special Mickey Mouse pancakes on each plate. He sprayed two whipped cream eyes and a mouth on each one, dropping chocolate chip pieces in the center of each eye, and a trail of them in the mouth like teeth.

  “Ta-da!” He handed them each their plate. “Happy birthday to my two favorite girls.”

  The twins looked at each other and then back at their plates.

  “Cute, Dad.” Lacy smiled.

  “Maybe next year, we could graduate to grown-up pancakes,” Macy added.

  “Point taken. It’s hard to believe you’re both eleven.”

  “Not until 3:25 this afternoon. 3:30 for knucklehead over here.” She nodded toward Lacy.

  “I remember all too well, trust me. But in my book, today’s your day all day. It won’t be long before you’re both driving and bringing home boyfriends, and then you’ll be off to college.”

  The twins rolled their eyes.

  “Geez, Dad. It may seem fast to you, but to us, it’s forever,” Lacy added.

  They may have thought their Mickey Mouse pancakes were a bit immature, but it didn’t stop them from chowing down.

  The doorbell rang. Everyone looked toward the kitchen door and then at each other in surprise.

  Kevin glanced at the clock on the wall. 6:15 was early for anybody to be knocking at the front door. “I’ll see who it is, and you two finish your breakfast.”

  “Maybe Mommy’s here to surprise us.” Lacy jumped up out of her seat and raced around Kevin, Macy hot on her heels. There may be a strange visitor at their door, but he’d be willing to bet the girls grounding status it wasn’t Victoria. She’d never been a morning person, not to mention, Paris was a long way for her to come without advance notice. The girls would be disappointed, but there was nothing he could do about it.

  Macy yanked open the front door.

  Kevin was surprised to see Amanda standing there, bundled up like a snow bunny, two large containers in her arms.

  “Oh, it’s you.” His daughter was out of line, but he’d let it go for the moment. The downcast expressions on the girl’s faces as they trudged back to the kitchen nearly broke his heart.

  “Come in, Amanda. What a surprise to see you this morning.” He closed the door behind her, a wave of sweet jasmine floating his way.

  “Sorry to barge in on you so early. I wanted to wish the girls a happy birthday and to bring them a special treat.” She glanced down the hall, a pained look on her face.

  “Really? You shouldn’t have gone to any trouble. But since you did and you’re here, I guess it’s too late to stop you.” He grinned, taking the big box from her. “Follow me, they’ve only gone back to the kitchen to finish breakfast. They thought you might be their mother paying a surprise visit,” he said by way of explanation for the girl’s rude behavior. He pushed open the kitchen door. “Girls, Amanda’s here to see you, not me, and she’s brought you something.” Two heads swung around and stared at him as if he’d lost his mind.

  Both girls frowned.

  “Happy birthday, Macy.” Amanda removed the plastic cupcake tree container from the box and set it in front of his daughter. “And happy birthday, Lacy,” she added, setting the second tree in front of Lacy. “I wanted to do something special for you both, so I made you cupcakes to take to school today.”

  “Why?” Macy asked, her eyes narrowing as she glanced back and forth between him and Amanda.

  “Because kids love to share birthday cupcakes with their classmates. At least, they did when I was in school.” Amanda smiled. She was trying hard where the girls were concerned, and it was a pity they couldn’t find it in their hearts to stop seeing her as a threat. Nothing could be further from the truth.

  Macy’s eyes narrowed. “Why would you be nice to us? We burned your dinner, and we haven’t been nice to you.”

  “Because I understand what you’re going through and why you do the things you do—I was a young girl once upon a time, too. I choose not to hold grudges, preferring instead, to offer kindness as a better avenue.”

  “Or is it because you want to marry our dad?” Macy asked, getting straight to the heart of what was bothering her.

  “Macy, knock it off,” Kevin interjected, this time unable to hold his tongue. The next step was to send her to room without finishing breakfa
st, something he preferred not to do on her birthday.

  “No, I’m not looking to marry your dad. I don’t know how many times I must tell you that before you believe me. I’d rather we all be friends. And friends do nice things for each other. Do you want to see the cupcakes? I decorated them last night. I’m really pleased with the way they turned out.” Amanda smiled at the girls and reached for the cupcake trays.

  “No, thanks. We’ll see them at school, I’m sure.” Macy snapped.

  “We’ve got to go get ready. We’re running late. Come on, Macy, let’s go.” Lacy grabbed her sister’s arm and yanked her in the direction of the door.

  The look of disappointment on Amanda’s face was heartbreaking. He could only imagine the time she’d taken to go out of her way to do something like this for the twins, and in return, they’d acted like spoiled brats. It was times like these that he considered grounding them for life. “Thank you for doing this. And I’m sorry for the way they’re acting.”

  “I debated whether I should do it or not, but I wanted to make up for their mother not being here. I should’ve stuck by our plan and stayed away. I’m the one who’s sorry. I’ve upset them on their birthday. Maybe I should just take the cupcakes with me and leave.”

  “No. Leave them. I’ve got to take the girls to school this morning and I’m sure the cupcakes will be greatly appreciated by the other children. I did notice she admitted she’d see them at school.” He smiled down at Amanda.

  She nodded. “If you’re sure, then okay.”