by Elsie Davis
“In this town, there’s usually a spark to feed the fire when it comes to the rumors. Is there something you haven’t told me that makes them think one thing and you another?” His gaze intensified.
It was obvious he’d heard things and she wouldn’t lie. Perhaps gloss over a few things, but not lie. “All we did was go to dinner. As friends. And everyone’s making a big deal of it.”
“Why is that?” he persisted.
“Well, there were a few hiccups along the way that night. No big deal, really.”
“Such as?” Grandpa was like a bulldog, not backing down and determined to know everything.
“Such as Greg showed up, and I introduced Kevin as my boyfriend. And then he was sweet enough to help a friend in need of saving face, but then someone from Hallbrook saw us acting our parts and decided we were an item.”
“Sounds to me as though you might be just that—an item, that is. Kevin went along, you say? How far did it go?”
“I’m old enough not to have to play twenty questions or explain myself.”
“How far did it go?” he pressed, ignoring her comment. “Reckon I need to know if I should call the young fellow out for taking indecent liberties with my granddaughter.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, he kissed me. Satisfied?” She shook her head, disgusted that she’d given in and told him, but tired of the direction of the conversation and wanting it over.
“Yup.” He grinned.
“You already heard the rumor, didn’t you? You never intended to do a thing to Kevin, you old coot.”
“You need to take time out and see what’s between you, ’cause it sounds to me like a whole lot more than a rumor mill. I call them facts. Maybe it’s time you face them.”
“I don’t have time for a relationship, and neither does he. We’ve talked about it. Happy?”
“Not really. Maybe you both need to make time. I saw the way he looked at you. I may have had a bad ticker, but my eyesight is pretty darn good. You need more than the bakery, Amanda. You need love and family and fun. I’m telling you he cares more than he’s letting on.”
“And what is it you’re suggesting I do about it?” Amanda let out a heavy sigh, tired of fighting the inevitable. Whatever he wanted to say, would be said, and there was no changing the subject or making it go away until he was done.
“Tell him how you feel. You can pretend it doesn’t exist, but it won’t make it go away. If I’d let fear get in the way, I would never have asked your grandmother to marry me. She could have had her pick of anyone in town, but I was the one brave enough to ask her out, and she said yes. One thing led to another, and then we got married. But it all started with bravery. Don’t ever let fear stop you from anything, especially love.” His eyes glistened with tears as he talked about love and her grandmother. The two of them had something rare and beautiful.
“I’ll think about it. I just don’t know.” It was the best she could offer.
“Go home, Amanda. Take care of business. And go set the record straight with Kevin.”
She grinned. “You’re stuck with me, but nice try.” Amanda kissed him on the forehead. “Take a nap, and I’ll go see what I can get for lunch at the cafeteria.”
Amanda made her way down the hall and took the elevator to the main floor, heading for the café to grab an iced tea and a sandwich. She watched as several families arrived and others left. One young girl smiled up at her mother, hugging her tightly as they waited to be seen. The mother wrapped the little girl in a blanket and kissed her forehead.
It reminded Amanda of a time when she’d wanted a family. The time when she’d believed in love and happily-ever-after. The time before Greg. Her grandpa was right. Was she really going to let one man rob her of happiness in the future and a family? That was giving him far too much power over her life.
And, yes, her father had walked away also, but the one thing that stood out was that every time things went sour, the men in her life had moved on to find love and happiness. Greg and her father had that in common.
It was the women who continued to let the relationship failure destroy their lives. Her mother had never recovered, and Amanda had closed herself off to the possibility of love, afraid to be hurt again.
Maybe it was simply a matter of two people who weren’t a match, making a mistake. Just like Kevin and his ex-wife.
Amanda didn’t want to be the kind of person who ran away anymore. All these years, she’d thought fools fall in love, but now she realized the real fools were the ones who ran away from a chance at love. The one thing she knew for certain was that Kevin made her feel safe and special, and he could always make her laugh. With him, she was comfortable. With him, she was sure she’d fallen in love. Her attempts to fight against the possibility of love hadn’t been able to stop the real thing from happening. Now, it only remained for her to discover if it was one-sided or mutual.
But she wouldn’t live with the regret of not telling him. Whatever he was facing with Victoria or in his own heart, he’d have to deal with it himself and make his own choice. But his decision wouldn’t be because he didn’t know the truth.
* * *
Amanda returned to her grandfather’s room after they’d gotten him settled in the new wing. As he slept, she sat in the recliner by the window, watching him sleep. There were a lot fewer machines and wires, and the room was far less intimidating than ICU. She pulled out her phone and checked to make sure she hadn’t missed a call for the umpteenth time. It was set to vibrate to get around the hospital policy of no cell phones, her intent to make a beeline for the waiting area if a call came in. This wasn’t the time to ignore or block strange numbers. It was Sunday—the day they would announce the winner of the Anything Chocolate contest.
What she didn’t know, was whether they would call or email, but with each hour that passed her nervousness increased, to the point she couldn’t sit still. She stopped in front of the window and tapped on the icon for her email account, scanning through the inbox subject lines and senders. Her gaze landed on one from the Mega Online Media Corporation—the contest people.
A rush of excitement filled her. This was it. Everything in her future hinged on this email. She clicked on it and waited for it to open, her heart in her throat.
Congratulations Bethany Wagoner of Scofield, New Hampshire.
Amanda couldn’t breathe, the words ringing in her head as she stared down at Bethany Wagoner’s name. Sitting in the recliner, Amanda rocked back and forth, trying to dispel the agitation and disappointment overwhelming her. It was over. She’d lost. There was nothing she could do to save the bakery now. Her eyes filled with tears and trickled down her face. She brushed them away with the sleeve of her shirt, not wanting Grandpa to catch her in a moment of weakness. He had enough trouble without her adding to it.
She stared out the window, a sense of emptiness overtaking her. Amanda took a deep breath and glanced back down at the list. The letter went on to congratulate everyone who’d made it to the finals and to those who’d placed. Her gaze slid down the page. There at the number two spot, she saw her name. Amanda Tillman. Winner of five-hundred dollars. It was a blessing, but not one that would save the bakery. She scrolled to the bottom of the page, curious to see if they’d posted the winning dessert. Sure enough, there was a picture and the name. Bethany’s Magnificent Chocolate Torte.
Amanda shook her head, second-guessing her decision not to send the torte recipe. The dessert looked delicious, but it also looked complicated to make, which made it less than desirable for everyday women in their homes. Amanda’s recipe had been more practical, but it hadn’t been enough to win.
“Why the sad face?”
She glanced up to find Grandpa watching her wide-eyed and alert. “Nothing for you to worry about. I’ve got everything under control.” There was no way she would tell him now. She didn’t want to take a chance on giving him a heart attack. He’d find out soon enough that she’d lost everything.
“You�
��re not a good liar. But I can tell by the firm set of your shoulders there will be no getting it out of you today. And it’s time for you to go home. I’m in my new room, so you are all out of excuses for why you can’t leave.”
“Don’t I know it. And, yes, that’s what I planned on doing. I just wanted to wait until you woke up before I left. I’ll be back this evening, Grandpa. Try not to flirt too much with the nurses while I’m gone.” She faked a laugh, dropped a kiss on his forehead, and gave him a hug before she left. If she stayed much longer, he’d see right through her.
Amanda drove home first, deciding the bakery could wait, especially considering it wouldn’t be hers much longer. More importantly, she needed to hug and hold her sweet baby because doggy licks were always good for soothing the soul.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Cuppy, I’m home,” Amanda called out as soon as she opened the front door. The dog raced toward her, her tail wagging in high speed as she bounced up and down in excitement. Amanda patted the dog’s head and back, hugging her tightly. “I’m sorry I’ve been away.” She dropped to one knee to get a better hug and scratch behind the dog’s ears. “Grandpa’s doing better, but I’ve lost the bakery. Maybe now I’ll have more time to spend with you. At least until I find a new job. I’ve got to go take care of some things at the bakery, but then I’ll be back.”
Cupcake lapped her tongue, catching Amanda on the cheek. “I promise I won’t be gone long this time.” She stood, one hand on the door.
The dog whined. Amanda’s heart ached for Cupcake. She didn’t want to leave her again, no more than Cupcake wanted to be left.
To heck with it. The bakery was closing anyway. There wasn’t anything worse that the health department could do to her beyond what the bank intended to do. “Come on, girl. Let’s go.” The dog could roam freely in the building for all she cared.
Cupcake jumped in the back seat of the car, trying to get comfortable and watch out the window as they made their way across town. When Amanda turned down Main Street, she glanced ahead, trying to locate a parking spot. She was surprised to see the street lined with cars on both sides. A car pulled out ahead of her, and she moved into place, preparing to back in and parallel park her vehicle.
She opened the back door and let the dog jump out. “Cuppy, heel.” Quick to command, the dog stayed by Amanda’s side as she made her way down the sidewalk toward the bakery. Amanda drew close, surprised to see people going in and out of the bakery. Was something wrong? The place wasn’t supposed to be open.
Amanda picked up her pace and then stopped in front of the bakery. The sign indicated the place was open, which didn’t make any sense. She pulled open the door, grabbing hold of Cupcake’s collar, wishing now she’d thought to grab her leash. Once inside, she couldn’t believe what she saw. There were at least six customers eating pastries and drinking coffee.
Everyone looked up as she walked in, and suddenly the place was buzzing with activity. People approached, giving her hugs. “It’s nice to see you again,” Mrs. Elliot said, stepping back to let the others greet her.
“How’s your grandfather?” Mrs. Higgins asked, the sincerity in her voice beyond that of the town gossip looking for news.
“How are you?” Tanner gave her a bear hug.
“Grandpa is fine. I’m fine. What’s going on? The bakery isn’t supposed to be open. What’s going on?” she repeated the question, dazed, but needing answers.
They all smiled and stepped back, clearing a path for her to see the front counter.
She couldn’t believe her eyes. The twins were behind the register ringing up a customer. Kevin was behind the counter rolling out dough, looking as if he had more flour on him than on the counter. She took a step forward, pulling Cupcake with her.
One of the twins looked up and spotted her. “Miss Amanda!” Lacy called out, racing around the counter toward her.
“And Cupcake,” Macy exclaimed, following her sister.
Within seconds, Amanda was bombarded with hugs from the girls. Cupcake broke free in the excitement, and the twins turned their attention to her, squealing with delight to have Cupcake playing with them.
She glanced back at Kevin, his gaze steady on her. She walked toward him slowly, and everything else around her faded. “Hi,” she murmured, her voice dropping a notch. “What’s going on?”
Kevin grinned one of those good-old-boy smiles that always made her catch her breath when he turned it on her.
“Welcome back.” He came around from behind the counter. “How’s your grandfather? I heard he was moving to a regular room today.”
“He’s doing great. They will keep him for observation for a few more days, but then he should be coming home. How did you hear he was moved?”
“Jennifer filled me in. I couldn’t visit with everything here and at school and with the girls, but she kept me informed.”
“Everything?”
“This.” He waved his hand around the bakery. “It’s just something Jennifer and I worked out together.” He grinned, clearly pleased with his efforts.
“Jennifer? She knew about this and didn’t tell me?” Amanda was trying to comprehend what she was hearing but it wasn’t adding up. She saw Jennifer everyday and yet her best friend hadn’t said a thing.
“Because we both knew you’d tell us not to do it. Better to do it our way and not have you worried. You had enough to think about.” Kevin didn’t seem so sure of himself now.
“What exactly are you doing?”
“Running your business. You were occupied with your grandfather, and I know how much the place means to you. I wanted to help you keep it open, so Jennifer and I have been going back and forth, coordinating our schedules. Some of the people in town have helped, too. Even Sally’s been doing some of the baking.”
“I can’t believe this.” Amanda didn’t know what to say. Words would never properly show her appreciation for everyone’s well-meaning efforts. “Thank you so much. How do I every repay everyone for their kindness?”
“You don’t, except of course, by just being yourself. The kind, compassionate, helpful person you’ve always been when it comes to others. Trust me, it’s been an eye-opener for me, too, seeing how people come together to help a neighbor. The twins and I feel like a part of the community. Any doubts I had about moving here were lifted over the last couple of days. The girls absolutely love it here now.”
“I still can’t believe you did this.” She shook her head and looked around the bakery.
“Oh, there is one thing I couldn’t do. I’ve got all the money from the sales in your office. Locked up, of course. I don’t know your account information, so I haven’t made any deposits.” His expression darkened.
“What is it?”
“Nothing. It’s nice to have you back.”
“Spill it, Kevin.”
He glanced around, pulling her off to the side. He clearly didn’t want anyone to overhear what he had to say. “It’s just that a lot of bills are backing up. One in particular.”
“Did the bank threaten foreclosure again?” she asked, trying to calm the impending sense of disaster as she waited for the bad news.
“It’s more than that. You got a letter and the bank started the proceedings. I’m sorry. We were determined to keep the place opened until you heard from the contest people.”
“Well, I heard. I didn’t win the contest. I got second place, which means all of this that you did was for nothing. I’m so sorry.” Amanda fought back the tears threatening to fall. With all everyone had done to keep the place running, her imminent failure was like a knife to the gut, intensifying the pain of losing the bakery.
“I’m sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help.” Kevin hugged her, Amanda reveling in the feeling of his strength, desperate to lean on him more than he knew. It was like coming home out of a dark storm to safety. She tried to pull herself together, not wanting everyone else to see her break down.
Right now, she need
ed to suck it up and say thanks to the people who’d tried to help her. She made her way around the room, stopping to talk to each person. Amanda still couldn’t believe Kevin, Jennifer, and the girls had put all this together to help her save the business. She smiled, watching Macy handle the customers like a pro. Lacy was busy keeping Cupcake out of trouble, and away from the people at the tables, something Cupcake didn’t mind at all judging by the looks of things. The two of them were curled up in the corner at the back of the bakery, Lacy rubbing the dog’s belly on her tickle spot.
* * *
The four of them worked side by side until it was time to close the bakery. Kevin could see why Amanda loved the place so much. And the people loved her, but then what wasn’t there to love? Her kindness knew no bounds. She talked to others, concealing her inner turmoil as she dealt with the disappointment of losing the contest and, therefore, the bakery.
She was far more focused on showing her gratitude toward everyone for their help. Amanda made him feel as if he was already home whenever she was around. He watched her as she crossed the room to talk with another more customers who had come in.
Poise and grace and a big heart. She’d be an amazing role model for any child, and more than ever, he wanted that for the twins. Family. The word had a pleasant ring to it.
Working together today like this, as a team, confirmed the knowledge he wanted her in his life. He’d done everything this past week with Jennifer and so many other people in town who cared about Amanda, because he cared about her as a friend, but there was so much more to it. And for the first time, he was willing to put a name to it.
Love.
It was something he wouldn’t walk away from. Not by a long shot. It was love that had made him trust Amanda’s insights, and that had given him the confidence to face Victoria. It was love that drove him to go to extreme measures to make things better for Amanda. It was love that made him feel her hurts and disappointments as if they were his own and made him want to bring joy into her life. It was as though she were his soulmate, their time together precious and filled with joy.
