“You’re going to come back to OQ? Really?” Ursula squeezed his hand as they headed back down the sidewalk toward the bakery. “I’m so glad. I never meant to chase you away from that. Even if we hadn’t worked things out...you have friends other than me online.”
“None that matter nearly as much.” He paused and pulled her close for another kiss. “I love you.”
She smiled and kissed the tip of his nose. “I need to run if I’m going to go with you. What time will you head out?”
Malachi fought a frown. Did she just not feel the same as him? Sure, it was better that she not say she loved him if she didn’t. But...if that was the case, should he—what? Give up? Move on? That wasn’t an option. Not yet. He’d just keep saying it until she said something. One way or the other. Please, God, don’t let it be the other. “Three thirty?”
She nodded. “See you then.”
He sighed and watched her jog across the street and head home. It was nice that she’d sprung him from the cramped office for a lunchtime walk. He rubbed the space over his heart. He loved her. And he needed her to love him back.
The older woman who sat behind the writing desk near the door looked up as Malachi held it open for Ursula.
“Good afternoon. Ursula, wasn’t it? You were here earlier this week with Ruth?”
Ursula nodded, her cheeks pinking prettily. “Yes. Hi, Barbara. This is my, um, this is Malachi Baxter.”
Barbara’s eyebrows rose and she extended her hand.
Malachi shook it. “It’s nice to meet you. My brothers and I have a bakery in Arcadia Valley. It’s a CSB—Community Supported Bakery—anyway, Ursula thought you might enjoy our cookies.”
“Well, I never say no to cookies.” Barbara looked at Ursula. “Were they that bad?”
“No. Not bad...just...everything else is upscale and classy in here. They were dissonant.” Ursula shifted from one foot to the other. “I didn’t mean...”
Barbara smiled and flipped open the box. “It’s fine. I’ve often felt the same way. We used to have a consultant who baked cookies each week and brought them in. And then she ended up finding the love of her life, choosing an amazing dress, and eloping. But we had a little bit of a reputation for offering tea and cookies, so I felt like we needed to continue. My skills, however, don’t run to baking. My, these look delicious. Would you join me?”
“Oh. No thank you.” Malachi held up his hands. “I’ve had some today already. The oatmeal chocolate chip are a favorite, so I always sneak a few when my brother makes them. I put our card in there as well. Feel free to get in touch with any questions.”
Barbara bit into the cookie and chewed. “Mmm. You deliver?”
He nodded. “Wednesdays we have a pick up location here in Twin Falls and I have a few deliveries that I do as well.”
“Thank you. I’ll...probably be in touch.” Barbara set the box down on the desk and crooked her finger at Ursula. “Before you go, could I show you some shoes I was thinking of for your friend? It won’t take long.”
Ursula glanced at Malachi.
He shrugged.
“Okay. Sure.” Ursula followed behind Barbara.
Malachi watched them turn the corner before shifting his attention to the store. It was sparkly. And feminine. He couldn’t quite picture his sister enjoying being there. Not that she wasn’t feminine, but she wasn’t girly. And this place reeked of girly. Still, maybe every woman wanted that on her wedding day. How was he supposed to know? His general feeling about weddings circled somewhere right around just tell him when to show up and where to stand. Not that he’d given weddings much thought in his lifetime. Had Ursula? Probably. All little girls did, right?
Several minutes later, Ursula came back with Barbara in her wake. “Thanks again.”
Barbara nodded and extended her hand to Malachi. “It really was a pleasure meeting you. I’m sure I’ll be in touch about the cookies.”
Back in the car, Malachi shifted so he could see Ursula better. “What was that?”
“What? The shoes? They were shoes.” She wouldn’t quite meet his gaze. “But I’m guessing your sister already knows what she wants. And I also doubt she wants to spend two hundred dollars on a pair of shoes.”
“For real? They’re shoes. Do they walk for you?”
Ursula smiled and shook her head. “I don’t expect you to understand. I mostly don’t myself. Anyway, thanks for inviting me along.”
He studied her. “Dinner?”
22
Ursula gave the potato salad another stir and licked the spoon before dropping it in the sink. It was good. Mixing in the Dijon—just a touch—really gave it a bit of a kick. Well, that and the hot sauce. But she never told anyone about that anymore. The one time she’d mentioned it, it had created entirely too much drama. What people didn’t know couldn’t hurt them. She covered the bowl with a sheet of foil and looked around. Was she forgetting something?
Triton meowed grumpily from beside his dish.
“I can’t help that you ate it too fast. You don’t get any more.” She squatted and scratched his head until he started to purr. “That’s better. Now you can have a pleasant day with the house all to yourself. I’m spending the day with Malachi and his family at their farm. Well, Corban’s farm. I guess it’s not theirs. But they’re having a barbecue and Malachi invited me.”
Triton cocked his head at her before butting her hand off and stalking away.
Ursula smiled. Cats kept you on your toes.
She and Malachi had seen each other for at least a few minutes every day since their Wednesday trip to Twin Falls. Every time they were together, he told her that he loved her. And still the words lodged in her throat. She cared for him. She wanted him in her life. Why couldn’t she say the words back? She saw the hurt flash in his eyes when she didn’t. Even though he’d never say anything about it.
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Today wasn’t the day to worry about it. Today was for a Labor Day picnic with Malachi and his family. She was looking forward to seeing Ruth, too. The Fairview took up most of her time. They’d been particularly busy the last week with what came across, at least in texts, as high-maintenance guests. Hopefully Ruth could still get away and hang out with them. Ursula really didn’t want to be the only woman there.
With the potato salad in hand, Ursula made her way to the car. She glanced over at Mr. Greenway’s house. It was odd not seeing him out on the porch these days. Was he still in the hospital, or had he finally been released? Malachi would know. She made a mental note to ask as she settled the bowl in the foot space of the passenger seat. She pressed a hand to her stomach to quell the jitters and got in the car.
The drive to the farmhouse was short. A police car was parked on one side of the driveway. Ursula chuckled. Had they gotten that rowdy already? Who was around to hear? She parked next to the cop, not wanting to go behind and block it in.
Ruth grabbed the door handle of Ursula’s car and dragged it open. “You made it. I was beginning to wonder.”
She stepped out of the car and smoothed the skirt of the robin’s egg blue sundress she’d decided on at the last minute. “Am I late?”
“No. Of course not. I’ve just been waiting for you.” Ruth glanced across the lawn to where several people congregated around a big silver grill. “I’m not the only one.”
“Yeah?” She took a deep breath and followed Ruth’s look. “I’m kind of excited to see him, too.”
“Here he comes. What did you bring? Just give it to me, I’ll take it over to the table we set up and give you two some privacy.” Ruth winked and circled the car. She opened the passenger door and grabbed the bowl before disappearing.
Malachi strolled over, his hands tucked in his pockets. “Hi.”
“Hi yourself.” Ursula turned to take in the setup. “This is more than just your family.”
He nodded. “Corban invited some friends—Emerson and Pam and their two kids—as well as some folks from church. W
ord got out and...well, it turned into a bit of a party.”
“Someone called the cops?”
He laughed. “No. That’s Jonah’s friend, Gloria. She comes by the bakery just about every day. I think he’s smitten.”
“Yeah? Oh, she’s who came to Mr. Greenway’s.” She didn’t know Jonah super well, but he seemed nice enough. Plus he was the mastermind behind most of the baking, which was its own recommendation. “Do you know if Mr. Greenway is out of the hospital yet? Every time I look at his house and don’t see him out on the porch, I get sad.”
“Tomorrow. But...he’s not going home. His daughter is strong-arming him into Retro Village. Turns out, moving in with her wasn’t given as an option—I guess her husband isn’t on board with it—so it’s Retro Village or a nursing facility near her. I get the impression that she doesn’t visit very often, didn’t even when she and her husband lived here in town, so living close doesn’t hold as much appeal as staying in Arcadia Valley. Selfishly I’m glad.” Malachi took her hand and tugged her to his side. “Did I mention you look lovely? Because you do.”
Her insides went gooey. She tipped her head up and brushed her lips over his. “Thanks.”
“Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone. Or at least everyone I know. I’m not sure I have all the names straight. Then we can eat. The ribs should be done soon.” He drew her with him toward the small crowd on the lawn.
There were picnic tables and blankets spread out in a haphazard array. A long table along the porch was loaded with bowls, platters, and bottles. A tub sat on the ground at one end, cans and bottles poking up out of ice. Conversation floated around on the breeze. It sounded like the end of summer barbecue it was.
Jonah manned the grill. A woman in uniform stood nearby, chatting with him as he poked at ribs and flipped over burgers.
Malachi stopped by Jonah and touched his arm before signing quickly.
Jonah grinned and turned. “Hey, Ursula. Glad you could make it. Have you met Gloria?”
“Briefly, sort of. But not under such pleasant circumstances.” Ursula extended her hand.
Gloria smiled and took it. “I hear you’re responsible for the bakery website?”
She nodded.
“You did a great job. Still taking new business or do you have enough to stay busy?”
“I can always use a new client.” Ursula flipped open the clasp of her small purse and dragged out the silver card case she’d thrown in at the last minute.
Gloria took the card. “Thanks. I can’t promise anything, but I have a friend who’s a potter. She does most of her business online and her website...stinks. I’ve told her, and she admits it, but she’s been determined to do it all herself. And, well, websites aren’t her strong suit. But her pottery is amazing and deserves better.”
“Cool. I love working art and e-commerce into a site, so I hope she gets in touch.” Ursula’s back warmed where Malachi placed his hand. “It was nice to meet you.”
Malachi steered her to another group of people. This time he tapped Corban on the arm and signed more slowly.
Corban made introductions and Ursula tried to keep up as he rattled off names. She managed a few words with everyone before Malachi led her to another group. This time it was Micah who did the talking. And she officially lost track of who was who and what kids went with which parents. Maybe it’d all come together at some point, but for now, she fell back on smiling and nodding.
“Ready to eat?” Malachi nudged her with his elbow.
“I am. This is nice. You’ve plugged in so quickly to the town. I’m a little jealous.”
He shook his head. “Not me. It’s all Ruth and Corban. Jonah and Micah to a lesser degree. I just get brought along for the ride.”
They approached the table at the same time as Jonah brought a heaping plate of ribs over from the grill. He grinned and cupped his hands around his mouth. “Can I get everyone’s attention?”
Gradually the conversation died down. Jonah nodded. “Thanks so much for coming out to relax and celebrate the end of summer with us. The food’s all ready—and it looks amazing. So before we all dig in, why don’t we get Corban to say the blessing?”
Corban jolted and then, with red creeping up his neck, he tugged the ball cap he was wearing off his head and cleared his throat. “Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for this beautiful day, the sunshine, the food, and the friendship that we have here. Help us to glorify you in all we do. Please bless this food to our bodies, and our bodies to your service. Amen.”
Mutters of amen echoed around the small crowd.
Ursula blinked away the tears that tried to form. This was what she’d been missing. And she hadn’t even realized it.
Malachi handed her a plate before taking one for himself. “You okay?”
She nodded and kissed his cheek. “Just really happy to be here.”
The afternoon was filled with laughter and food. Lots and lots of food. People came and went as their schedules allowed—there were other gatherings to attend and last days at neighborhood swimming pools to take advantage of, after all. Ursula drifted between clumps of people, usually with Malachi at her side, though he disappeared here and there as well when one of his siblings needed him.
“Having fun?” Ruth slipped up behind her as she watched several kids playing a cutthroat game of tag.
“I am.”
Ruth laughed. “Don’t sound so surprised.”
Ursula hunched her shoulders. “Sorry. But I didn’t expect to. I was looking forward to seeing Malachi—and you—but didn’t expect to stay as long as I have.”
“Well, before you run off, I really want to show you something. Come walk with me?”
Ursula pushed herself out of the chair she’d snagged when Malachi had darted inside with a promise to be back quickly. He’d been gone five minutes. Would he think she left? “Do you know where your brother is?”
“Mal? He’s helping Jonah with the ice cream maker. I told him I was going to grab you. He won’t think you’ve run off.”
“I’m that easy to read?”
Ruth shook her head. “No. But I’m in love myself, so I know how the brain works. Come on.”
Ursula’s jaw dropped just the tiniest bit. She wasn’t—but Ruth was already striding around the back of the house. She hurried to catch up with her friend. “Why would you say that?”
“Hmm?” Ruth looked over at her, curiosity written on her features. “Say what?”
“About me being in love?”
With a small chuckle, Ruth opened the gate set in a white picket fence. “Aren’t you?”
Ursula sighed. She didn’t know. And that was the problem. Her mother’s advice was hard to wrap her mind around. Could she just choose to be in love? There had to be more than that. “I don’t know.”
“Ah.” Ruth patted her arm. “Well, you’ll figure it out. Isn’t this lovely?”
Ursula pulled her thoughts back and looked around at the garden. The roses were clinging to their last blooms and the waterfall in the corner bubbled merrily. The rest of the plants had, by and large, passed their prime. But they were still beautiful. “It is. What is it?”
“It was Corban’s mother’s garden. She, apparently, wanted to grow something other than vegetables and wheat. And she’d come and sit out here in the evenings with Corban’s dad.” Ruth moved to the bench by the water feature and sat, patting the space next to her. “I sneak over sometimes, when the B&B gets overwhelming or if I’m homesick for D.C. Corban proposed right here.”
Ursula smiled. It was a good location, all things considered. The cheerful fall of water, the plants—in the spring the flowers must have been a riot of color. “I suspect I’d do the same. Do you really get homesick?”
Ruth shrugged. “Not as much anymore. It was time to leave—and with my brothers here and having found Corban...my whole life is here. But moving, even when you’re ready to go, is hard. Why don’t you think you’re in love with Mal? Is it okay if
I ask?”
“I guess.” Ursula cleared her throat and tried to assemble her thoughts into something that would make sense. This was, after all, exactly what girlfriends were for. And maybe as someone newly in love, Ruth would have a better explanation than her mom. “It’s largely because I’ve never been in love before. The guys I dated in high school were mostly friends. And maybe there were a few tingles when we kissed, but I also knew that they weren’t going to be someone I married, so I never let myself get too wrapped up in them.”
“Not a member of the ‘every date is a potential mate’ club?” Ruth laughed.
“Ugh. No. Though my youth pastor was big on that. And I understand the theory—now that I’m older it makes sense. But in high school...it was just dorky.”
“Does that mean you consider Malachi a potential mate?”
Back to her brother. Which was good. She nodded. “I care for him. A lot.”
“But you don’t see him as a necessary part of your future?”
Did she? Ursula tried to imagine the years ahead. Malachi was always there. How much of that was because he was here, now, though? “I can’t really picture the future without him.”
Ruth nodded. “Which leads me back to my initial observation. You love him. It’s scary to admit, I get that. But I know my brother about as well as anyone, I think. So I’m just going to say one more thing and let it go. Don’t leave him hanging for too long. He can be patient, but not forever, and it hurts him that you’re not willing to take that next step.”
Willing. She was willing, wasn’t she? “I’m not unwilling...I’m just not sure how.”
Someone hollered for Ruth and she stood. “You just make a choice. It’s both that simple and that difficult. I think that’s Corban—you can sit here a while if you want.”
Ursula nodded and watched the water trickle over rocks as Ruth scurried off. Back to a choice. Was it one she’d already made but wasn’t willing to admit? She spent her time focusing on when she would see him again whenever they were apart. And when they were together, she never wanted it to end. It was easy to picture a life with him. Maybe it wasn’t as mysterious as she was making it.
Muffins & Moonbeams: An Arcadia Valley Romance (Baxter Family Bakery Book 2) Page 15