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

by Elsie Davis

  “You’re incorrigible. I’m sorry, Kevin.” Amanda shrugged, trying to move past the awkwardness her grandfather’s comments created.

  “I’m not.” Kevin chuckled and turned to leave, only stopping at the door to turned back. “Hey, what’s happening with the bakery?”

  Amanda frowned, his question reminding her of a whole other problem, one she’d tried to forget in the short term. She glanced at her grandfather, unsure of how to answer. She hadn’t told him the truth about everything and now wasn’t the time for him to find out she was losing the bakery. “It’s temporarily closed. Just while I’m staying with Grandpa.”

  “I saw that. How long do you expect to be here?”

  “Five or six days, depending on how things go, and if this guy—” she pointed at Grandpa, “—cooperates.”

  “I keep telling her to leave, but she doesn’t listen to me. She’s a strong-willed woman just like her mother and grandmother were.”

  “Why? Missing your pastry fix?” Amanda asked Kevin, trying to alleviate the new tension in the room.

  “Something like that. Let me know if you need anything. I mean it.” He flashed her a smile and was gone before she could answer.

  Chapter Nineteen

  All through his birthday dinner, Kevin found it hard to focus. It wasn’t that he wasn’t interested in the girls’ conversations about school, but he was trying to figure out a way to help Amanda.

  The lines of tension on her face had deepened when he’d asked about the bakery. He knew from previous conversations that things were tight enough that the bank was threatening foreclosure. Being closed for a week would make it worse. And the contest results wouldn’t be announced until Sunday. Winning would tide her over until she could reorganize, but first, they had to get to Sunday.

  Eventually, he came up with a plan of action, one he was almost positive would work, but only if her best friend and the people in town chipped in to help. By the time he and the girls arrived home, he was more than ready to get down to business and call Jennifer.

  “Look, Daddy. There’s a package on the doorstep. It must be a present for you. I wonder who it’s from?” Lacy picked up the box.

  He’d forgotten about the cake. “I know what it is, and so should you,” he teased.

  “Why would we know?” Macy asked, her brow scrunched up as she tried to figure it out.

  “Because it’s a birthday present from you.” He grinned. “It’s my cake.”

  “Seriously? Amanda finished the cake?” Macy’s face lit up, followed closely by her sister’s matching look of surprise.

  “So it would seem. I’d say it’s time for dessert, and then I need to make a few calls. I think I know a way we can help Amanda while she’s busy at the hospital with her grandfather.”

  “Yay! Count me in. She’s super cool!” Lacy said, real affection in every word uttered.

  “Me, too. She’s the best friend ever,” Macy joined in, not to be outdone.

  They headed straight for the kitchen and took out plates, napkins, and forks before sitting down. Kevin peeled off the tape to open the box, curious what the three of them had put together. He wasn’t disappointed. The geeky science professor heating a beaker over a campfire was hilarious. The man even looked like him.

  “We helped. Do you like it?” Lacy asked.

  “I love it.” He nodded. “Best cake ever.”

  The girls high fived each other and then broke into their own rendition of “Happy Birthday.” It was music to his ears even if they were off-key, the love far more important in his book.

  They each polished off their piece, but he’d noticed they seemed to be slowing down despite the sugar rush. When Lacy yawned, it reminded him they had school and he had work to do. “You both have school in the morning and should probably get your showers, figure out tomorrow’s clothes and then get to bed. Thanks for a wonderful birthday full of surprises.”

  The twins hugged him goodnight. “Night, Daddy,” they said in unison before leaving the room. Kevin took out his phone. He had a lot to do tonight, but first, he wanted to send Amanda a text.

  Kevin: “Thank you. Love the geeky scientist. Is that how you see me?”

  He didn’t have to wait long for an answer.

  Amanda: “A baker never gives away her secrets.”

  Kevin shook his head, chuckling. A non-answer if he ever saw one, but at least she wasn’t telling him to get lost. And she had every right to do so after the way he’d treated her.

  He dialed Jennifer’s number, ready to see if his plan would work. Jennifer was a huge part of it and would require her assistance in a big way.

  “Hello?” she answered on the first ring.

  “Hey. This is Kevin Thompson. Remember me? From the festival?” She would more easily remember him as the guy who blew off her friend in a not-so-subtle way, but he wasn’t about to bring that up.

  “How could I not remember you? You were the guy who got hoodwinked into a large donation at the auction and won a meal from Amanda,” she teased. It was great that Jennifer had a sense of humor, even if it was at his expense. More importantly, it sounded like she didn’t hold any grudges against him.

  “There was that. Listen, I wanted to catch you when you weren’t with Amanda, and she told me you’re going over to the hospital sometime tonight.”

  “Actually, I just left. She mentioned you stopped by. It was thoughtful of you. Thanks.”

  “No need to thank me. It was the right thing to do. Amanda’s a special lady.” He’d been six times a fool not to realize just how special.

  “So, you didn’t go for Joe Maddox?” Her question zeroed in on the heart of the matter.

  “No. Other than to offer him my get-well wishes. I’ve never met the man before.”

  “Hmmm. Interesting.”

  “Why is that?” Kevin knew Jennifer was smart enough to add up two and two, the question was, did she get the right four for an answer? As in two adults, two children, and a future. It was definitely the answer he had been toying with more and more, never able to completely get Amanda out of his head and almost certain he knew why.

  “Nothing. What’s up?” Non-committal and a change of subject. Her opinion of the matter would remain unknown, but it wouldn’t change his.

  “I’ve been thinking about Amanda, the bakery, and the financial issues she’s having. Being closed isn’t helping her one bit.”

  “Amanda told you about her finances? She’s normally a rather private person,” Jennifer commented, surprise lacing her voice.

  “We’ve talked about a lot of things. I know she’s banking on winning the contest, but we both know there’s no guarantee.” There were liable to be hundreds, even thousands, of entries from around the state. He’d read the rules over and over. There was no limit to how many times a person could submit.

  “So, what are you thinking?”

  “What if we open the bakery in the morning?”

  “And how do you propose we do that?” At least she hadn’t come right out and nixed the idea. She was interested, he could tell.

  “Between you and me and Diana, and maybe some of the townspeople Amanda’s close to, we could pitch in and catch different shifts. Some cooking, some serving. We just need to see who’s available and willing. That’s where you come in. You know who would help and can call in some favors. If the bank sees the store closed two days in a row, they won’t threaten foreclosure, they’ll start the process.”

  Jennifer let out a deep sigh. “You have a good point. Give me a minute to think this through.” The silence ebbed on, all except the ticking of the clock on the wall. “I think it’s doable.”

  Kevin exhaled the breath he’d been holding. “I can go first thing in the mornings and get things started and stay through my first-period. After school, the girls and I can come back. They’ll be more than willing to help after school, and I’m sure they could learn to operate the register. Do you think you can get the rest of the hours covered? If y
ou make the pastries the night before, I’m sure I can manage to cook them if you leave me specific directions for temperature and time.”

  “Wow. You must really like Amanda.”

  “I do.” More than like, but Jennifer was not the first person who would be hearing it from him.

  “So why doesn’t she know that?” Jennifer’s directness caught him off guard.

  “It’s complicated.”

  “So uncomplicate it,” Jennifer remarked, stating the obvious.

  “I’m working on it.” Part of which meant confronting Victoria with the truth and hoping they could come to some new arrangement. Amanda’s insights made him realize it was important to concede on some visitation issues, but he also realized it was time for him to quit hiding behind the custody arrangement as a way to protect his own heart. And Amanda was worth taking a chance.

  “Okay, then. You work on that, and I’ll work on a schedule. I’ve already got the keys. I’ll stop by there tonight and see what I can do for morning pastries and donuts. I’ll cover the late mornings and see who we can get to cover from noon to three. This weekend, we can all chip in.”

  “Sounds like a plan. And, Jennifer, thanks.” Friends were important, and Jennifer was one of the best. She was always there for Amanda when she needed her. Unlike him. But that was about to change.

  “No. Thank you. Amanda’s my best friend, and she’s one of the nicest people I know. I think it will be awesome if the community helps when she needs it the most. We both know she won’t ask, so it’s up to us. Oh, and Kevin, don’t mention it to her. I have a feeling she’ll shut us down in a heartbeat. She doesn’t like to impose.”

  “I’ll make sure everyone keeps it a secret.” He trusted Jennifer’s judgment on the matter, although he wasn’t sure Amanda would be any happier when she found out what they were doing. But hopefully, intent counted for more than a violation of privacy and usurping one’s authority without asking.

  “Perfect.”

  They hung up, and Kevin sat there, satisfied with the call. The problem was, the measures were short-term fixes to a bigger problem. Sunday, the contest winners would be announced. But what if Amanda didn’t win?

  Kevin lay in bed that night, tossing out possible ideas when one finally hit him. Mark Mitchell, part-owner of the Carlisle Food Corporation, a college buddy and good friend, might be exactly what, or who, Amanda needed in the eleventh hour to save her bakery. Kevin wasn’t above using his connections and quickly typed out an email to Mark.

  Amanda might not appreciate him sending her recipe to Mark, but Kevin trusted his friend to keep it confidential and hoped he’d at least consider the proposal to add Amanda’s cake to their product line. It might not be the direction she was looking to go, but at least it was doing something more than putting all the hope in the Anything Chocolate contest.

  Not that he didn’t think she’d win. This was just a backup plan—and a long shot at that.

  * * *

  Kevin shoved a couple of trays of pastry products into the oven, following the directions Jennifer left for him each night. He and the girls arrived here bright and early each morning, the twins all too ready to help. Of course, there were perks, like free pastries. They were quick to jump in and set up the tables, refresh the condiments, and even learned how to make a mean pot of coffee, something that would come in handy at home. He laughed to himself, remembering the last time they’d made him a cup of mud. It wasn’t that long ago. In fact, it was only four days since the undrinkable birthday brew he’d been forced to drink.

  The only problem they ran into was what to do with the daily deposit. And there was plenty of it. Once people in town got wind of what was going on, they showed up in droves to either help with cooking or help with the eating and spending loads of money in the process. Without access to Amanda’s bank accounts, he’d been forced to lock up the money in the shop.

  Today, they were here for the long haul. Kevin regretted not being able to visit Amanda, but he was needed here at the bakery. There was so much to be done. Not to mention, he wasn’t sure the girls could keep a secret or that Amanda wouldn’t guess he was up to something.

  Kevin made his way to the office. He wasn’t comfortable going through her desk to find the information he needed, but he wanted to make the deposit. There had to be some bank account information somewhere. He started with the mail, hoping for a bank statement that would clue him in.

  He spotted an envelope marked urgent from the bank in the pile he’d been stacking up from the daily postal deliveries. Kevin shouldn’t open it, but there was no way he couldn’t. Having pretty much taken over the business with Jennifer until Amanda could return, he felt obligated to follow through on all aspects.

  Kevin slit the envelope open. Shock radiated in waves as he realized what he was holding. This wasn’t a foreclosure warning; it was a foreclose notice. A final foreclosure notice.

  Based on the money they were looking for to catch up her account and avoid foreclosure proceedings, Kevin didn’t have near enough in the deposits. And that was only the mortgage. There were other bills that needed to be paid, including her suppliers.

  Amanda had drawn a great big heart around tomorrow’s date on her desk calendar, an AC written inside it. She had banked everything on this final chance at saving the bakery.

  The bell over the door jingled. Kevin walked out of the office to see one of the early morning regulars walk in. “Good morning, Mrs. Jenkins. Nice to see you again.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it. Been getting my coffee here in the morning for nigh on twenty years. It’s my way to start the day before I head to the library.” The older woman unwound the scarf from around her neck and let it hang loose. Her hat was one of those fancy toques with feathers and jewels on one side, reminding him of royalty.

  But from what he could gather, Mrs. Jenkins was the queen of the library, not a country. “That’s a great way to start the day. The usual?”

  “Of course. I’m glad you and Jennifer have stepped in to help Amanda. She must be relieved.” Mrs. Jenkins stepped up to the counter and placed a twenty there.

  “Well, actually, we haven’t told her.” He shrugged.

  “Probably a good idea. You just let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

  “Thanks.” He handed her the change and then slid a donut and a cup of coffee her way.

  The bell jingled over the door, and Jennifer walked in, passing Mrs. Jenkins and exchanging a few pleasantries before the older woman left.

  “Good morning,” Jennifer called out as she removed her jacket and hung it on the coat rack.

  “Hey there. You’re awfully chipper for a Saturday morning.” He smiled, wishing he had her kind of energy. But keeping up with the twins, his job, and the bakery was draining.

  “That’s because I got a text from Amanda. They’re moving her grandfather from ICU to a regular room tomorrow. Things are looking up.”

  “That’s great news for sure. Did Amanda say anything about the shop?” He worried with each day that passed, she would find out and be furious with him.

  “No. She still thinks it’s closed. I’ve been dropping by the hospital with food and clothes. No one else that has stopped in to see Joe has said anything, either.”

  Kevin breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good.”

  “Stop worrying. If she’s mad, it will be at us both. We just need to stick together as a team.” Jennifer smiled. “I was thinking I could get some work done from here on my computer this afternoon if you want some relief. Maybe you could take the girls out to do something fun for a change.”

  “Sounds like a great idea. We can get lunch and go to the park. I’ll even stop in and get Cupcake if you give me Amanda’s house key. The kids will love it.”

  “That would be great. Thanks for thinking of the dog.” Jennifer moved behind the counter, tied on an apron and grabbed her purse.

  “No problem.”

  Jennifer removed a key from her chain and
tossed it in his direction. “Here.”

  Kevin just wished he could fix all of Amanda’s problems this easily. The contest winner would be announced tomorrow, but his friend Mark Mitchell hadn’t answered him. For all he knew, his friend was on vacation or out of the country. Either way, it would seem the back-up option wasn’t an option any longer, and even if something came of him reaching out to Mark, it would be too late to help Amanda.

  The contest was her only hope.

  Kevin said a prayer, hoping things would turn out right.

  Chapter Twenty

  Amanda watched as her grandfather slept peacefully. Lots of people had stopped by to check on Grandpa the past few days, going out of their way to drive to Lancaster and visit. It was times like these that brought their close-knit community even closer. Cards and flowers filled Grandpa’s room, and although he acted as though it was all an unnecessary fuss, she caught the way he gazed around the room each time he woke up, a slight smile on his lips as he spotted the loving generosity.

  His eyelids fluttered open. “Are you still here?” Don’t you have a home to go to?” Grandpa smiled, his voice cracking.

  “Not that easy to get rid of me. But after the medical team gets you settled in the new room today, I’ll head out and check on things. That way, the nurses can come and flirt with you without your granddaughter standing guard to run interference.”

  “That works. I figure if I flirt now, it’ll make it easier to ask them out when I get out of this place,” he teased.

  “Well, it won’t be long now. The doctor is pleased with your progress.”

  “How come your young man ain’t been back? I liked him.”

  “You know he’s not my man. Don’t go feeding the rumor mill.”

  “He’s obviously interested, or he wouldn’t have shown up here.” Her grandfather’s gaze followed her as she crossed the room, trying to appear unaffected by his words.

  She had been disappointed he hadn’t returned, but it didn’t do any good to dwell on it. Even worse, would be to let her grandfather know it bothered her. “It’s not that easy. We’re friends, that’s it.”