Jillian eased her car into a parking spot across the street from the shop. Instead of being on top of the world and walking on cloud nine, she couldn’t shake the fact that Avery was back in town. Talk about running into someone—literally.
She remembered how he’d pulled her close to keep her from falling. The memory of being held in his very capable arms made her heart race. How many sleepless nights had she wondered what it would be like to be that close to Avery? Too many to count.
But that was all in the past. She was over him. And her reaction to being held in his arms, it was—it was nothing. She’d just been caught off guard. Nothing more.
Right now, she needed to concentrate on Tangled Charms—the biggest accomplishment of her life. But this wasn’t just her achievement. Her best friend, Suzanna Simms, had stepped up and had helped every step of the way. Suzanna was quite the artist in her own right. She preferred to make unique charms from metal, clay, and glass. When Suzanna wasn’t making charms, she was creating small, decorative figurines. Between the two of them, they’d created quite a large inventory.
Tangled Charms was strategically placed between the boutique and the hair salon. Hopefully there would be lots of curious people who would stop in and find the perfect gift for themselves or someone special.
Jillian retrieved the muffins from the back seat of her car and crossed the street. All the while, she admired the fresh coat of white paint on the outside of the building and the way the showroom stood out with white twinkle lights. They had been Suzanna’s idea. The lights framed the showroom window and lined the wine-colored wooden sign that hung from a wrought-iron arm that stuck out above the front door. While the lights surrounding the sign blinked to help draw the eye, the showroom lights were static so as not to distract the eyes from the jewelry and charms that were on display.
Lots of thought had been put into the shop.
She wondered if Avery would ever visit—
Wait. Where had that thought come from? This was her big day and she was thinking about him? She gave herself a mental shake, hoping to clear her thoughts.
She was the best thing he ever passed up. It was his loss. And she wasn’t looking back. She had a bright future in front of her. And she had no room in it for a romance. That had been proven by her last messy relationship.
Spotting Suzanna already inside, Jillian grabbed the brass door handle and pulled the door open. “That man can be so frustrating.”
Suzanna glanced up from where she was arranging baked goods and fresh brewed coffee on a small table with a white tablecloth. “Good morning to you too. I’m guessing you didn’t have such a good weekend.”
“My weekend was fine until I ran into him.”
Suzanna tucked a lock of her short dark hair behind her ear. “I take it Glenn was in town again.”
“Glenn? Why would you think that?”
Suzanna’s eyes widened. “I just thought…well, you were going on and…never mind. Who are you talking about?”
“Avery.”
“Oh.” Suzanna’s pink glossy lips stayed in that ‘O’ shape as though she were surprised by this news. She held out her hand for Jillian’s container of muffins.
Jillian relinquished the baked goods. “You mean you didn’t hear that he arrived home last night? I didn’t think anything happened around this town without everyone knowing.”
“Yeah, I heard, but I didn’t know you two had run into each other.” Suzanna placed the muffin container off to the side of the table.
“We ran into each other all right. He practically ran me over.”
Suzanna’s brows rose. “Really? I can’t wait to hear this.”
“Hear what?”
Suzanna frowned at her. “You know, whatever he’s done now to get you all fired up.”
“He didn’t do anything.” Suddenly she regretted bringing up the subject. She’d promised herself that she wouldn’t let him get under her skin. “It’s nothing.”
“It sure sounded like something.” Suzanna stared at her as though trying to read her mind. “Come on. Spill. It’s me. We’ve told each other everything since we were kids.”
Jillian sighed. “I did tell you the truth. Nothing happened.”
“Oh, so that’s the problem. Well, you know Avery, he’s never one to make a move on a woman.”
“Avery had an excuse after his parents died. He had to step up to be the man of the family. But then the kids grew up and still nothing. And now I’m done understanding. He can just stay on his side of Marietta and I’ll stay on mine.”
“You’ve got to be kidding, right?”
“No. I’m perfectly serious. There’s no longer any reason for our lives to intertwine.”
“This is Marietta. Not New York City. You know there’s going to be no chance of avoiding him. Especially since he’s in town for a while from what I hear. What exactly is wrong with him?”
“It’s none of my business. We’re practically strangers now.”
Suzanna’s expression said she didn’t believe her. “Uh-huh. You do remember that you two have been friends since you played on the swings in elementary school?”
“Things change. People change.” She really didn’t want to talk about Avery any longer. “And how about you? How did your date go this weekend with the new guy?”
It was Suzanna’s turn to shrug. “It was okay.”
“Okay? What does that mean?”
“That he wasn’t six foot two like he’d put on his online profile.”
Oh no. Not good. “How tall was he?”
“Five foot six or so.”
“Ouch. That’s just a bit off.”
“It wouldn’t have been so bad if the rest of his profile was accurate, but he didn’t look anything like his photo.”
Jillian felt sorry for her friend. She definitely had the worst weekend. “What exactly did he look like?”
“Average.”
“So then why did he lie?”
“I don’t know, but it ruined any chance we might have had.” Suzanna opened the container of muffins Jillian had baked.
“You should sign up for the dating service too. Then we could go out on a double date. It’d be so much more fun.”
Jillian shook her head. “No way. I have a hard enough time finding a guy that I like when I meet them in real life. I don’t need to guess who’s being honest and who’s fudging about themselves online. Besides, I’ve sworn off men after Glenn.” She shrugged off her coat and slung it over her arm. “Would you ever trust anyone on that site again?”
Jingle. Jingle.
They both turned to the door to find not one or two customers but a half dozen curious visitors. Jillian’s gaze moved to the wall clock just above the door. They were five minutes early. This had to be a good sign.
“You are open, aren’t you?” Carol Bingley asked. When both Jillian and Suzanna nodded, Carol smiled. “Jillian, your mother made me promise last night that I would stop by today. And I brought some friends.”
“Welcome. Come on in,” Jillian said, moving behind the display counters, ready to pull out any of the merchandise for a closer look.
“We have refreshments.” Suzanna gestured toward the table. “Fresh brewed coffee and hot chocolate to take the chill off the morning. And some baked goods to tempt you.”
The customers all started talking at once and soon Jillian was caught up in her work. Any thoughts of Avery were pushed to the back of her mind where they belonged.
Carol approached the jewelry counter. “Everything is so beautiful. You two are quite talented.” She leaned closer. “Is it all handmade?”’
Jillian smiled. “Yes.”
“It must have taken you forever to create all of this.”
“We’ve been planning this for a long time.”
Carol glanced around. “It was definitely worth all of the effort.”
“Thanks,” Jillian said while Suzanna was off showing the other ladies some of her colored glass char
ms. “So far everything has been a big hit on the internet. Suzanna and I were hoping that if we opened a shop in Marietta that it would catch on.”
Carol moved slowly up the glass display case, hemming and hawing. And then she stopped. “Have you considered doing something for the upcoming Bake-Off?”
Jillian had heard they were doing a fundraiser in honor of a local fallen hero, Harry Monroe. Everyone in town knew him, including Jillian. He was a great guy who would have helped anyone at any time.
This past Labor Day weekend, he’d been helping an elderly couple whose car had blown a tire. They’d pulled off on the side of the highway and while Harry was changing it, he’d been struck by a passing car. He’d lived long enough to get to the hospital, but his injuries were too extensive. They weren’t able to save him. All of Marietta had been devastated.
“You know, I’ve been giving the fundraiser some thought,” Jillian said. “And I have something in mind that might appeal to everyone in town. Perhaps they could bid on it throughout the different rounds of the Bake-Off.”
“Oh, I’m intrigued!” Carol took on an interested look. “What is it?”
“I don’t want to say just yet, in case it doesn’t work out. But I’ll be sure to let you know when the plans are finalized.”
Carol’s smile vanished. “Are you sure you can’t share it with me? I promise I won’t tell a soul.”
Jillian struggled to keep a straight face as she knew Carol needed to gossip as much as she needed to breathe. “Sorry.” And then anxious to change the subject, Jillian asked, “How are the plans coming for the fundraiser?”
“Really well. This Bachelor Bake-Off is going to be the talk of the town.”
“I think it already is. Do you know who these lucky bachelors are going to be?”
“Not yet. The area businesses are still picking their bachelors. Isn’t it exciting?”
“Definitely.”
Before either of them could say more, another customer called Carol aside to show her one of Suzanna’s clay figurines. Suzanna looked over everyone’s heads to Jillian and smiled broadly. The opening was off to a great start. Nothing was going to ruin this day.
Chapter Five
This would be no big deal.
So then why was he nervous?
Avery pulled his pickup to a stop a few spots down the street from Tangled Charms. He cut the engine and then rubbed his palms over his jeans. He assured himself his uneasiness was due to the fact he didn’t have an alternate plan should Jillian reject the idea of mentoring him. It had nothing to do with seeing Jillian again.
Avery glanced out the pickup’s window at Jillian’s brand new shop. He recalled Jillian mentioning that she wanted to open her own shop someday. Avery just never expected it to happen so soon.
Was it wrong that he was a little bit envious of her? Beth had filled him in on how Jillian had risked it all by selling the house she’d bought with the money she’d inherited from her father. She’d moved into her mother’s garage apartment in order to invest as much money as possible into this venture.
He was happy for her. He truly was, but it reminded him of his own unattained dreams. By this point in his life, he’d planned to own his own place like the Crooked S Ranch on the outskirts of Marietta. And if he hadn’t been a guardian for the past six years, his dream would be a reality.
Avery drew his thoughts up short, ashamed of himself for thinking such a thing. He loved his family with all of his heart. And he would do anything for them—hence his presence today at Tangled Charms.
With Jillian’s help, he hoped to make a respectable showing at the Bake-Off. Jillian was so kind and patient. He’d witnessed her many times helping his brother and sister with their homework and showing them how to do basic cooking in the kitchen.
Jillian had always been a real lifesaver. But would she be willing to do it again? Was it even fair of him to ask her? He paused, not sure what to do. But then his phone buzzed with a new text message:
Beth: Did you ask her?
Avery: I will.
Beth: Hurry up.
Avery: Stop pushing.
Beth: Let me know what she says.
Avery climbed out of his pickup. His movements were slow and labored as his knee was not as mobile as he’d been hoping. Not all of the swelling had gone down. And the bruising was now dark and ugly. Today, he’d opted to wear the brace on the outside of his jeans. It was definitely not as comfortable. But he just couldn’t bring himself to go about town in his sweats. And with the temperature below freezing, he couldn’t wear shorts.
He greeted people he passed. A few stopped him to ask about his knee, but thanks to the weather, no one tarried too long.
At last, he arrived at the entrance to Tangled Charms. It had a fun yet elegant style. Wine, gold, and white colors adorned the outside of the store, from the front door to the sign hanging overhead. Clearly a lot of thought had gone into this place.
Once he stepped inside, his gaze was immediately drawn to the jewelry displays and all of the fantastic decorations. He knew he’d come to the right person. Jillian could take the plain and make it fancy. And that was exactly what he needed. He didn’t need to just bake a cake. He had to make it stand out—in a good way.
Suzanna glanced up from where she was working behind the counter. “Well, look what the wind blew in. How are you doing, Avery?”
“Not too bad.” He cleared his throat. “The shop looks really nice. I hope it goes well for you and Jillian.”
“Thank you.” Suzanna moved to the display case. “Did you stop by to pick out something for Beth?”
“No—”
“Oh, do you need a present for a special lady?”
He inwardly groaned. Why did everyone seem to think he had to be linked up with a woman to be happy? What was wrong with being a bachelor? For the first time in years, he could come and go as he pleased without worrying about a nanny. He was enjoying his alone time. At least that’s what he kept telling himself when he’d catch himself talking to Marshmallow.
“Nope. No present needed. I actually came to speak with Jillian. Is she around?”
Suzanna’s brows rose beneath her bangs. “Actually, she just stepped out. Can I give her a message?”
Just then the bell above the door rang out. Jillian stepped inside and stopped. Her gaze settled on him. “Avery, what’s the matter?”
“Why does something have to be the matter?”
“Well, you’re here. In my shop.” And then a range of emotions flitted over her face. “Do you need something for your girlfriend?”
“Not you too. How come everyone in this town thinks I need to hook up with someone to be happy?”
Jillian held up her hand as though to fend off his barrage. “Hey, I didn’t say that. I just don’t understand why you would come here otherwise.”
“I needed to talk to you.” He glanced over his shoulder to find Suzanna hadn’t moved. She was watching them with rapt interest. He turned to Jillian. “Can we go somewhere and talk?”
Jillian didn’t say anything for a moment as though considering his request. “I’m sorry, but I’m working. We’ll have to talk here. Is this about Romeo? Has he come to visit your house again?”
Avery shook his head. “No. Romeo hasn’t returned, but Marshmallow hasn’t been herself. I think she misses him.”
“I didn’t think they got along.”
“I don’t know.” Avery rubbed the back of his neck. “Romeo was pretty persistent and each time he moved, she let him get a little closer. I think there may be something there.”
“Oh boy, wait until my mother hears that her baby boy has a girlfriend.”
“Her baby boy?”
Jillian nodded. “My mother treats that cat like he’s human. And he is spoiled rotten. But you don’t want to hear about any of that. What did you want to talk about?”
Avery shifted his weight to his good leg. “Beth called last night after you left.”
Jil
lian’s beautiful face creased with worry lines. “Is something the matter?”
“That depends on what you mean.” He wasn’t sure how to broach the subject.
“Avery, you’re starting to worry me.”
“Sorry. I promise Beth is healthy and her grades are good.”
“Then what is it?”
“Have you heard about the fundraiser? You know, the one for Harry’s House?”
Jillian nodded.
“It seems Beth and Joanie have put their heads together and decided I would be a good bachelor to enter in this baking competition.”
“Oh.” A small smile tugged at Jillian’s glossy lips.
“This isn’t funny. I know next to nothing about baking. And I prefer to keep it that way. That’s what bakeries are for. But Beth has this idea in her head, and she thinks I can do anything.”
“You do have to admit you bake the best cupcakes.”
“Not you too.” He glanced down at the white floor tiles. He lowered his voice. “I can’t bake.”
“But the cupcakes?”
He kept his voice low, not wanting his admission to become public knowledge. “I take my mother’s recipe to the Copper Mountain bakery. Every year I pay them extra to make the cupcakes that Beth and Jordan have been receiving all their lives.”
Jillian’s mouth gaped. “And they never knew?”
He shook his head. “When they were younger, I made sure to mess up some dishes and make it seem like I’d been slaving away.”
“But why?”
He shrugged. “I just didn’t want them to think I didn’t care enough to bake them myself. But I was so busy working at the Crooked S on top of rodeoing on the weekends—not to mention looking after them and the house—that I didn’t have much free time. And the time I did have, I wanted to spend with them. So I took a shortcut. I guess it was wrong of me.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t know this. After all of the years I was in and out of your house, there are still so many things I don’t know about you. But your heart was in the right place. That’s the important part.”
“Really? You’re not mad at me?”
“No. Why would I be? I think it’s sweet that you went out of your way to make your brother and sister’s birthdays special. And you kept your mother’s memory alive.”
Sprinkled with Love Page 4