by Ellie Hall
“No, dear, you’re the love of my life,” her husband corrected, slinging an arm around her shoulder.
Margaret’s cheeks blossomed pink.
Sophie’s heart lifted at seeing how adorable the Coyles were together. Married for almost fifty years and going strong.
She’d been with Hayden for several years and they were engaged, but they never had that kind of electric, magnetic connection.
Sophie’s father had died when she was young and her mom never remarried so she didn’t have an example to role model nor did she pay attention to her friends’ parents’ relationships when growing up.
It was then that she decided she’d like to share her life with someone much in the same way that Teagh’s parents did. Sure they bickered a bit, but mostly they laughed together, worked together, and seemed to enjoy each other’s company.
Clyde pointed to a photo. “I think I’d like this photo as my souvenir.”
“I thought you were going to get a T-shirt that said I love New York City or the one that Hamish suggested. It said I came all the way to New York City and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.” Margaret chuckled.
Clyde waved his hand dismissively. “Nope. I like this better.”
Margaret leaned in. “Before we left, we promised each other we’d only return with one item. It’s best to travel light. And this city is expensive,” she added at a hush.
Sophie removed the frame from the wall and would have to replace it with another photo. They were arranged in a large square with three frames across and three down along with a little placard at the bottom explaining the purpose and the photographer.
Clyde and Margaret ordered several items each from the display case along with mugs of tea.
“We may have limited our souvenirs, but we never scrimp on food. This is going to be amazing. Although, I do wish Teagh would stop for a moment and have a proper cup with us. He’s been so busy these last few days—just when we thought he’d be getting a break.”
“That’s life as an entrepreneur,” Clyde reminded her.
“Well, he promised to put everything on pause for the wedding.”
“If you recall, he hardly did so for his own wedding.”
“And look how that turned out,” Margaret grumbled and then turned to Sophie. “Sorry to talk about a sore subject.”
Sophie shrugged it off, not offended because she had her own problems with past relationships and fears about future ones.
They chatted for a few more minutes before Sophie returned to her tasks in the kitchen. As she cleaned bowls, kitchen tools, loads and loads of plates, mugs, and utensils, she tilted her head from side to side, deep in thought. She dried her hands and then popped back into the alley.
Tony was seated on the crate with his eyes closed. He probably didn’t sleep much at night, since his home was a strip of cardboard behind the dumpster.
“What are you doing next week besides going to church?”
He shrugged.
“If you can get yourself cleaned up, I’ll hire you to wash dishes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. It’s only a couple of hours, but it’s a start.”
His eyes widened. “Really, Miss?”
“It’s Sophie and yes, really. Also, I’ll provide you with a change of clothes so long as you don’t mind band T-shirts.” She thought of Jonathan’s typical band-tee garb. “Also something to wear to church if you agree to go.”
“I used to go to services when I was a kid, but after...I just didn’t think I’d belong. Especially not like this, anyway.”
She smiled. “You’re always welcome in God’s home.”
At that, Teagh crashed through the back door with his fists raised.
Tony pressed himself back against the brick wall.
“It’s fine. We were just chatting,” Sophie assured her protector.
“What did I ask you, Sophie?” Teagh said in a stern voice. Then as though realizing it, he softened when he said, “Remember Morris Code?”
She bit her lip then gestured to the man on the crate. “Tony is making some life changes and he’s going to clean dishes in the bakery a couple of times a week.”
Teagh’s mouth fell open and his eyes widened as though exasperated. “Is that really a good idea?”
“The best one I’ve come up with since the homemade strawberry pop tarts.” At that, Sophie turned on her heel. But before heading back into the bakery she said, “Oh, and your parents are having tea inside if you’d like to join them.”
She was indeed small and feisty like the dog named Ginger that was supposedly Teagh’s favorite.
When Sophie got back inside the kitchen, it sounded like the bakery was busy with customers.
It turned out that Clyde and Margaret were standing in front of the photos of the dogs and talking to three women. Maybe they were more cousins in from the UK for the wedding.
Margaret called, “There she is. The proud owner of this fine establishment. Sophie, meet Emma, Clara, and—” She turned to the third woman. “She’s a baker too and Emma’s sister, but I’ve misplaced her name. Forgive me, dear.” She patted the woman with long brown hair on the arm.
“I’m Penny.” Her eyes were a warm brown.
“And she’s a pastry chef at the Palm Court.” Margaret leaned in, “That’s at the Plaza Hotel. Very fancy.”
Penny toed the tile floor with her sneaker as though uncomfortable being in the spotlight. “I’m really lucky to work there.”
“Emma, I could see you doing something like this someday,” Clara said, gesturing around.
Emma’s lips lifted into an unconvincing smile as though she was fighting off sadness.
“I love what you do here,” Clara added. “Baking and dogs. Two of my favorite things.”
At that, the Coyles said goodbye to Sophie until the wedding. Apparently, they’d just met the three women.
The others talked for a few minutes. Clara worked at an animal shelter. Penny and Emma both loved baking and the sisters mock bickered about who was better. They both claimed the other.
Sophie hadn’t made too many friends in the city since she was relatively new there and had been so busy with the bakery, but in the spirit of creating community, which was one of her goals, she had a brainwave.
“What would you think of a baking and Bible study class here once a week? Sometime after six when we close.”
“I think that’s fantastic,” Clara said. “I can’t promise to come every time because I have three jobs.”
“I can make it,” Penny said.
Emma shrugged. “I’m just visiting, but I really like that idea.”
“She’ll pop in next time she’s in town,” Penny said brightly.
They all exchanged numbers and agreed to get together for tea sometime while Sophie figured out the logistics for the class. “I know just the place,” she said with a wink and returned to the kitchen.
Shortly after, Jonathan informed her that he’d also sold a photograph. She couldn’t wait any longer and called Jennifer with the good news—and because she was sort of bursting to tell her about Teagh.
After high school graduation, her best friend had fallen in love with an Englishman (and his pack of rescue dogs) and followed him to London. They’d married and ran an animal rescue called Wags and Purrs.
The line rang a few times and then Jennifer answered in a sleepy voice.
“I am so sorry. I forgot about the time difference.”
“Sophie?” Jennifer asked.
“Yes, I’m sorry. Go back to sleep. I’ll call you back in the morning.”
Jennifer sighed. “No, it’s fine. I’m up now. Is something the matter?”
“No, not at all. It’s good news. Two of your photos sold today.”
“That’s wonderful. Thank you. How’s business?”
“I don’t want to jinx it, but it’s going great.”
“Speaking of great, did you and Peter go on another date?”
Peter? Sophie had near
ly forgotten about the blind date Jennifer had arranged from afar. She may have been excellent at pairing people and animals, but playing matchmaker between humans wasn’t her forte.
“Uh, no. If you recall, it was a bit of a bland date.”
“But you said he was sweet.”
“Yes and I like sweet, but prefer it in my chocolate chip cookies.”
“Oh, don’t talk about them. Now I’m having a craving.”
“What do you mean a craving?”
“Oh, um, well...” The sound of sheets rustled and her voice lowered. “We haven’t told anyone yet, but you’re my best friend so you should be the first to know. Lex and I are expecting a baby.”
Sophie all but squealed. “That is amazing. Wonderful. I’m going to be an auntie.”
“Godmother, but we’ll get to all that. We’re still keeping it hush-hush. Tell me about your love life.”
“Love life?”
“Now that you’re back in the dating game have you met anyone else? Anyone more spicy and less sweet?” Jennifer asked, sounding alert now.
“I’m not looking for spicy.”
“I mean that feeling you get when you eat something spicy. It’s a surprise at first. Then terrific. The feeling that knocks your socks off.”
“It’s chilly out. I’d like to keep my socks on.”
Jennifer laughed. “There aren’t any other prospects?”
“Well...” Sophie went on to tell her about meeting Teagh and how they were going to a wedding.
That time, it sounded like Jennifer held back a squeal of delight. She asked about twenty questions that all prompted Sophie to wonder what she wanted in a partner. She did want sweet, but spicy too, someone that wasn’t a pushover like Peter. Gentle and strong. Humble and confident. Would she find that in the Scotsman?
There was only one way to find out. Bake him her famous cupcakes. Jennifer used to say they were deliciously enchanted and had the ability to prove if someone was the right one like a magic eight-ball—a toy she had when they were young. Of course, Sophie knew it was silly, but as the friends got off the phone, she took mental stock of the ingredients she’d need to get.
But first, she had to get home and get her beauty rest. She had a wedding to go to the next day.
Chapter 10
Teagh
Teagh had thought he’d been careful with planning and arranging everything so that taking the following day off to go the wedding wouldn’t be any trouble. However, several unexpected matters came up—one of his trainers backed out, the scheduling software had a glitch so some of the info online was incorrect, and his lawyer had to add several addendums to the various contracts to ensure he was protected from Teresa’s talons.
Not only that, but she’d been calling, texting, and basically stalking him since their last encounter.
For a second he had the idea that returning to the farm with his parents to avoid Teresa wouldn’t be so bad. But then there was Sophie who he wouldn’t consider leaving, not after he found her in the alley chatting with the homeless man and offering him a job. Sophie had a big heart, but he worried about her common sense. Then again, he’d been bringing the guy proper meals to supplement what was likely a ton of baked goods. Charity was woven into the fabric of who he was. But his fierce sense of protection over Sophie distracted him from all sense.
After locking up the gym, the door to the bakery jingled.
“Hi, neighbor,” Sophie called as she too locked up.
Her hair was a bit frizzy and under her coat, a red and white striped apron poked out as though she were wearing a skirt over her jeans. When she turned to face Teagh, he saw that it had Minnie Mouse heads, complete with red bows, on the pockets.
He smirked.
“I saw that,” she said as though she’d been watching for him to smile.
“You saw what?” he asked, struggling against his amused smirk.
She was undoubtedly adorable and feisty and small enough that he wanted to scoop her up, whisk her back to their building, and talk to her all night long. Not only that, but it felt good to smile after yet another stressful day. She somehow had that effect on him.
“What’s so funny?”
“I like your apron.”
She looked down. “Oh, I forgot to take it off. Too late now. I’ll just wash it at home.”
“Disney fan?”
“Minnie Mouse was my favorite when I was a little girl. My grandmother used to make an apron for me every year. Even when I was a baby. I have them saved for when I have kids someday.”
“Speaking of having kids—”
She nearly stumbled on the sidewalk and he extended his arm to catch her.
“Sorry. Odd segue. I feel like it’s only right for me to ask since we’re going to the wedding and all. Is there anyone else in your life? Someone special. Like are you dating anyone? I have to ask before...” He was rambling and not letting her answer like his parents had been doing ever since they’d arrived.
She stood still, under the glow of a streetlight. A street light shone on one side and the sign for a twenty-four-hour deli on the other. Sophie met his eyes. They were beautiful, soft, honest. Eyes he’d like to gaze into for a long, long time.
“No one special except for a handsome boxer who’s taking me to a wedding tomorrow. But he has nothing to worry about because I won’t wear an apron.”
Teagh’s lips lifted higher.
Sophie snapped her fingers and then did a victory dance. “There it is. The sight that I’ve been waiting for.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’d never seen you smile until now. I knew—” She paused and then grinned. “I knew it would be worth waiting for.”
The smile didn’t leave his face even though it was cold out. Even though work was stressful. Even though smiles were relatively foreign in his life.
As they walked home, they fell into easy conversation as though they’d been friends forever.
“So, what brought you to New York City?” he asked as they entered the foyer of their building.
Mr. Spinigotti must’ve had the evening off for one of his card games because a different doorman greeted them.
They paused by a pair of chairs in front of a crackling fire in the hearth.
Sophie rubbed her hands together. “It’s definitely colder here than in North Carolina so not because of the weather. You asked why I moved here. Well, I needed a fresh start—”
“Sounds familiar.”
“My grandmother passed away and she left everything to me, including the apartment in this building.”
His face flickered with compassion. “That’s tough.”
Sophie nodded. “I used much of the inheritance to get the bakery started. She was a proper society woman and very strict from what I understand, but had a soft spot for sweet treats. She had a recipe box with loads of recipes, but I have yet to find it. If she’d been able to leave me anything, I would have wanted that most. But I am eternally grateful for everything else because it allowed me to turn my dream into reality.”
“Was she the same grandmother who made you that apron?” Teagh playfully tugged on the frilled border.
“The very one.”
“I’m sorry about your loss.”
Her eyebrows crimped together. “Thank you. I hadn’t seen her since I was under five and just that one time unless you count when I was an infant. She’d send me a birthday card each year with a sizeable check and an apron. I’d never even been to Manhattan.”
“And you’d moved here sight unseen? That’s brave.”
“My mother said it was foolish. I suppose though, that sometimes in life, you have to have to take the leap and trust that you’ll land, trust that things will work out. And sometimes you just know when something is right.”
“Or someone.” His breath quaked as he exhaled.
“Or someone,” she repeated.
The firelight softly flickered across her features. Its heat and his proximity t
o Sophie warmed him through.
She tipped her head up and met his eyes. Hers were bright and wreathed by long, dark lashes. Sophie blinked slowly and he felt himself melting toward her.
From the entryway, a loud cackle issued and was followed by a familiar voice.
Did Teresa stake the place out and just lay in wait for him to appear?
Teagh gripped Sophie’s elbow and started to make toward the stairs, but it was too late.
“Good evening, Teagh,” Teresa cooed.
He grunted and angled himself and Sophie to take their leave.
Teresa strode over and brushed her fingers down his chest.
He shook her off and scowled.
Teresa pouted. “Oh, come on, Teagh. You know you want me back.”
“I want nothing to do with you and I made that clear.” He’d had enough of her nonsense.
“If it’s between this shrimp and me, I’d say the choice is obvious.” Teresa’s smile was smug as if she’d won, but there was no contest. Sophie was the clear winner. She was a knock out in every way.
“It is obvious,” Teagh said, leading Sophie away.
As they mounted the stairs, Sophie called over her shoulder, “Duckling or shrimp, which is it, Teresa?” Then she laughed. A resonant laugh that wasn’t bullying or mean, but as if she actually found the situation funny.
“Don’t listen to her,” Teagh said.
“You have nothing to worry about.” Sophie smiled brightly as though she’d easily brushed off Teresa baiting her into an argument. His ex-wife was particularly skilled at insults and criticisms—the ugly duckling comment and now shrimp. He knew better than to engage with her immature games.
“You don’t have anything to worry about either.” His hand found hers and he gave a squeeze as they got on the elevator.
The connection between them should’ve been all wrong. He knew he ought to resist it, but Sophie was so good, so pretty, and already a light, a still point in his life.
They stood toe to toe, facing each other as the elevator glided upward.
“I leave the worrying to my mother.” Sophie’s eyes crinkled with mirth. She was so easy going.
Teagh chuckled. “And to me.” She had no idea the rage that had consumed him when he thought she was in danger again in the alley. He was upset with her for going back there without letting him know but also dared anyone to try to lay a finger on her. He took a deep, steadying breath to calm himself. The mere thought of anything happening to her made him burn inside.
