Accept Me

by Marion Ueckermann

  Haddie shook her head at Nai’s plan. “Oh no, I wouldn’t want to do anything behind Ivy’s back. That would be deceptive, and I just couldn’t. She’s been so good to me. I don’t mind asking her if I can use it for some sewing.”

  Nai smiled at Haddie, the expression holding more warmth than her body language had earlier, or her tone with Ivy yesterday morning. “I think that’s a good idea, and I don’t think Aunt Ivy would have a problem with that at all.”

  “Thanks for your help, Nai. I really appreciate it.”

  “No problem. Should we go back?”

  “Yes. And Nai, just in case you have any concerns about me, I want to assure you I have more than the qualifications required to work in your aunt’s bookstore. I’ll work hard and strive to do what’s best for Ivy’s on Spruce in performing my duties. Your aunt won’t be sorry she hired me.”

  A thoughtful expression flitted across Nai’s face.

  Haddie took that as a hopeful sign. She slipped on her brightest and most sincere smile, hoping that someday she and Nai might even become friends. “And I promise you won’t be sorry either.”

  Riley had jumped at the lunch invitation from Haddie. It had been a long time since he’d enjoyed a home-cooked meal prepared by a woman. He really should try to take time off and visit his folks back in Michigan.

  Seated around the small table made for two in a corner of Haddie’s one-roomed apartment, Riley was surprised Ivy had managed to squeeze in all three of them. He didn’t mind because it meant constantly brushing shoulders and hands with Haddie.

  Haddie had cooked burgoo, a notable Kentucky dish, according to her. The thick stew made from vegetables and lamb, which she’d prepared overnight in a slow-cooker, was uber tasty. She’d served the stew on a few dollops of creamy mashed potatoes. He had to hand it to Haddie—the girl could cook. What was that saying about the way to a man’s heart? Well, every time he was with her, she seemed to occupy a little more space in his heart—food or not.

  “So, Riley, exactly where in Michigan are you from?” Ivy asked as she forked the last of her stew and mash into her mouth. She got up and took their empty plates, chuckling as she ambled to the sink. “Best to get my plate out of the way before I pick it up and lick it clean. That was really tasty, Haddie. Thank you for sharing a bit of your heritage with us.”

  Without waiting for Ivy to return to her seat, Riley answered her question. “From Bay Port, a small town in the Thumb overlooking Wild Fowl Bay.”

  “The Thumb?” Ivy sank into her seat again.

  “It’s the thumb-shaped part of Michigan’s ‘mitten’,” Riley explained.

  Haddie burst out laughing, then quickly covered her mouth with her hand to still her chuckles. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help thinking it was a good thing your parents didn’t call you Tom.”

  Riley pretended to be cross, narrowing his brows. “Haddie Hayes, you’ve read one too many fairytales.” Then his laughter joined with Haddie and Ivy’s.

  “And what brought you all the way across the country to Chapel Cove, Riley?” Ivy asked.

  Crossing his arms, Riley leaned back in his chair. “It was just before my twenty-eighth birthday after I returned to my parents’ house following a long shift that it struck me—I was way too old to still be living with my folks. I guess I’d felt the need to stay longer with them because I’d only been with them from the age of fifteen.”

  Ivy’s eyes widened. “You’re adopted too?”

  Too? Haddie must’ve told Ivy why she’d come to Chapel Cove. That was good. Ivy would possess a great wealth of knowledge to help Haddie find her birth mother. But if that was so, why had over a week passed and Haddie had seemingly not found the woman?

  For the second time in as many days, Riley retold his story, albeit a more abridged version.

  “Anyway, I knew it was time to spread my wings farther than my parents’ home, or even their town. There were several EMT positions in various states to choose from, but Chapel Cove immediately drew my attention. I guess I’d call it God steering me toward my destiny. I’ve never been sorry for making the move. And I found my best friend here. I love life in Chapel Cove.” Even if he’d never found the right woman to settle down with.

  Now, he wasn’t so sure that still rang true.

  With the kitchen and dining room portion of Haddie’s apartment tiled, Haddie’s chair scraped against the floor as she rose.

  “Dessert anyone? It’s Derby pie, just the way my mother taught me to make it. I baked it last night in Ivy’s kitchen, because frankly, using this small oven would’ve been a challenge.” She pointed to the two-plate burner and oven combo standing in the corner of the countertop. “It should only take a few minutes to heat the pie though. The oven is already hot.”

  Great. He’d saved a space in case there was dessert.

  “Derby pie? Sounds interesting. What is it?” It was Riley’s turn now to ask questions.

  “It’s a chocolate and walnut tart with a pastry dough crust.” Haddie offered Riley a smile before removing the filled pie dish from the small refrigerator. She popped it into the oven.

  “You don’t want to miss this, Riley.” Ivy grinned. “And neither do I. Last night I could barely sleep for the scrumptious aroma lingering in the air. But if I’m going to eat another thing, I’ll have to go upstairs and get out of these church clothes and slip into my fat pants.”

  Standing once again, Ivy took a step toward the door. “Will you excuse me for a few minutes?”

  “No problem. You have time. I still have to whip the cream.” Haddie grabbed a bowl from the kitchen cupboard and a hand whisk from the drawer, before removing a container of cream from the fridge. She poured the cream into the bowl and began to whisk.

  Riley rose then moved toward her. Standing behind Haddie, he placed his hand over hers. “Here, let me do that for you while you make sure not to burn that pie.” He hadn’t expected his voice to come across as husky as it did.

  It seemed to fluster Haddie. “Um, yes, okay sure.”

  She shifted to one side as Riley stepped forward. Their bodies bumped up against each other.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  He wasn’t.

  Haddie gave him a fleeting glance then tucked her hair behind one ear, exposing the small, delicate auricle. Riley had an overwhelming urge to plant a kiss on it, but resisted, concentrating instead on whipping the cream while Haddie focused her attention on setting out three dessert plates on the small counter with shaky hands. Was she attracted to him, or scared of him?

  She shot a glance at the cream. “Be careful not to over-whip that.”

  Riley smiled at her. “I won’t. My mom taught me a thing or two in the kitchen as well.” Although he hadn’t used those skills in a while. It was easier to make something quick and light when he got home to his apartment after a shift.

  “So, why do they call it Derby pie?” he asked. “Why not just chocolate and walnut pie?” It would certainly be much easier for folk to understand. Without a doubt, this must be another traditional Kentucky dish.

  Haddie pulled on a pair of red silicone oven mitts, the same shape as his home state, then opened the oven door. He sniffed as heat and deliciousness rushed toward them. Heck yeah, he wanted a slice of that pie, no matter what was inside, or what it was called.

  She lifted a large knife and cut three triangle-shaped pieces before shifting one slice onto each plate. “My mom told me it’s called that because back in the fifties, the Kern family members who created the pie each had a different name for the dish. To resolve this quandary, they put their names for the pie in a hat and pulled out one paper. Derby pie. Just as well, I guess, because this pie is often associated with the Kentucky Derby.”

  And there was the Kentucky connection.

  The cream had formed firm peaks, and Riley ceased whisking. He turned to Haddie. “I’d love to help you search for your mother. I’ve given this a lot of thought since yesterday, and while I might
not have the wealth of knowledge of Chapel Cove that Ivy has, I do meet a lot of people in my line of work. I can ask around if anyone knew her.”

  Her blue eyes searched his. “You would? Really?” She dropped the knife onto the counter and flung her arms around Riley’s neck. He could get used to the warm feelings her touch stirred. “Thank you, so much. I really had no idea where to start, and I’m afraid to ask questions in case people clam up on me, a stranger.”

  Haddie stepped away, and disappointment settled in the empty spot in his stomach he’d saved for that slice of pie. Instead of showing his emotion, he said, “It would be an honor to help reunite you with her. What is your birth mother’s name?”

  “Kayleigh Scott.”

  After they’d enjoyed their Derby pie and a cup of coffee—Ivy her tea—Haddie walked Riley out to his Jeep. She hated to see him go, but Nai and Mateo would be there soon and she couldn’t have him around when she and Nai put Operation Blue Blouse into action.

  “I’d like to see you again.”

  Riley’s words took Haddie by surprise. Her heart thumped against her ribcage, so hard she was certain Riley had heard. “I–I’d like that too.”

  “Is tomorrow night too soon? I attend a Bible study group at the youth pastor’s house. I thought you might like to join me. You’ll love Heath and Reese, and the other folk that attend his group—his brother, Hudson, who is one of the three doctors in town, his wife Julia, and little Emma who is almost three months old; Hudson and Heath’s eight year old nephew and his mother, Olivia; and one or two other couples. Pastor Brock has the most incredible old house, called Bliant’s Bluff, set on a cliff overlooking the ocean.”

  “I love old houses.” Haddie lowered her gaze to the asphalt, the earlier dusting of snow on the ground melted hours ago. As much as she’d love to see him the following evening, she couldn’t.

  She looked up, into his dark brown eyes fixed on her as he waited for an answer.

  “Can I take a raincheck on that? I–I’m not yet quite ready to join a Bible study. You see… I’m not in the right space to get that close with God. Since my mom took ill, I’ve carried a lot of anger toward Him. I’m way better than I was—hey, I handled going to church this morning—but a Bible study… Well, it feels too intimate, too personal, for now. I hope you understand.” He probably thought she was crazy. Or worse, a heathen.

  Riley reached for her arm and gently wrapped his fingers around it. “Of course I understand.” A slow smile curved his mouth. “And do you know what? So does God. He’s patient. So am I, but not that patient. How about Tuesday night then? No Bible study.”

  Haddie laughed. “Tuesday sounds great.”

  “I’ll see you on Tuesday then.” Riley opened the door to his Jeep and hopped inside. “Seven? Do you like Mexican food?”

  “Seven is perfect.” Plenty of time to finish up in the bookshop, have a bath, and get ready. “And I love Mexican food.”

  By the time Haddie stepped back inside her apartment, Ivy had already washed the dishes and put them away. She’d even stored the leftover food and pie in the refrigerator.

  “I told you to leave those for me. You’re my guest.” Haddie chuckled and herded Ivy back to her seat. “Would you like another cup of tea?”

  “As long as it comes with a second piece of that pie.” Ivy stretched the waist of her pants. “There’s still some space in these fat pants.”

  As they sat at the table eating pie and sipping tea, Haddie took the opportunity to ask the question that had been burning on her lips since she’d spoken to Nai after church.

  “Nai tells me you have a sewing machine in one of your spare rooms upstairs. Would you mind if I used it sometime? I have some things I’d like to sew.”

  “That old thing? If you can find it beneath all the dust and books, you’re welcome to use it any time. Just come on upstairs. It’s in the bedroom to the left of the staircase. I think.”

  “Bless your heart, Ivy.”

  As soon as Nai got that blouse to her, she’d get on the internet and try to order a yard or two of the same fabric, or something that would match. She had a few ideas of how to repair the blouse, depending on the damage. The thought of doing something nice for the woman who had taken her in and welcomed her with open arms warmed her heart.

  And this act would be such a blessing for the man who’d saved her life.

  Chapter Eleven

  SEATED OPPOSITE Riley inside Tía Irma’s, Haddie wiped the corners of her mouth with a paper napkin then relaxed into the cushioned banquette bench. The chicken fajitas, refried beans, and Mexican rice she’d just enjoyed had been world-class, but she’d eaten way too much.

  Her jeans tighter than they’d been when she left home, Haddie contemplated loosening the button. Nobody would see, her long, off-the-shoulder jersey-knit top hiding the waist of her pants. She really should’ve said no to the complimentary nachos and salsa.

  She gave a satisfied exhale. What a good week this had been—and it was only Tuesday night.

  On Sunday evening, she’d managed to source the same fabric as Ivy’s blouse online from Liberty in London. She’d immediately placed an order. By early next week, the two yards of fabric would arrive. With a bit of luck, maybe even by the weekend.

  Yesterday, she’d had an incredible first day in the bookshop. And today was amazing too. She’d made good progress with the second-hand books section, and Ivy loved her idea of starting an Amazon Marketplace store to sell the rarer and more valuable books she’d discovered last night when she’d searched the spare bedrooms upstairs for Ivy’s sewing machine.

  “Something sweet?” Riley lifted his glass and took a sip of his drink.

  The mention of sweet had her dreaming of Paula’s sinful chocolate pancake stacks. What she wouldn’t do for one right now. But they were at Tía Irma’s, and besides, she was stuffed. Not the tiniest space for another morsel.

  “And sinful?” She laughed, unable to resist the tease, then shook her head. “I couldn’t.”

  Riley leaned forward. “Tell me something about yourself, Haddie.”

  Haddie gave a nervous laugh. “Like what?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. How about we start with what your favorite flower is?” He flashed her a grin.

  Was he fishing? Valentine’s Day was only two weeks away.

  What a ridiculous thought. There was no way he’d be thinking about Valentine’s Day with her.

  She rested her arms on the table and clasped her hands together. One shoulder lifted in a shrug. “If I had to narrow it down to one, it would have to be double form peonies. Light pink with a swirl of cream.”

  “Hmm,” Riley offered, as if he knew exactly which flowers she was talking about.

  Most certainly he had no clue.

  “And are peonies, in any form, in season now?” he continued.

  Haddie smiled. “Somewhere in the world they are. Anything is possible today with floriculture and its polytunnel greenhouses, hydroponics, aeroponics, and goodness knows what other polies or ponics—especially getting your favorite flowers when they’re out of season. Probably the exact reasons I managed to snag a bunch on Saturday from the flower shop. Freshly shipped in from Idaho.”

  Riley’s eyes widened. “Wow, polytunnels, ponics? How do you know so much?”

  Haddie chuckled. “I read. A lot.” Mostly romance novels, though that hadn’t helped her to know much about love.

  “I wish I had more time for reading. All I manage is my Bible in my quiet time.” Riley eased back into his seat. “So, peonies, these double form ones… Are they the flowers that were in your apartment on Sunday?”

  “Yes.” Hmm, he’d noticed them, even though she’d moved them from the table to the nightstand before Riley arrived for lunch. There was barely enough room her, Ivy, and Riley at the small table, let alone a vase of peonies.”

  “From what I saw, they looked beautiful.”

  He glanced up and smiled just as a pleasant aroma of men’s c
ologne wafted over her shoulder. Someone stood behind her.

  “Jordan, my man,” a low voice boomed.

  Haddie twisted around just as the shadow moved. The next thing she knew, a stranger—to her anyway—shimmied onto the bench beside her. She stared at him. On second thoughts, was he a stranger? He looked familiar.

  In an instant, it rushed back to her. Wasn’t this good-looking guy the same person who’d assisted Riley when she suffered that bad asthma attack at Ivy’s?

  “Bennet! Come for a little karaoke?” Riley fist bumped the guy before shifting his attention back to Haddie. “You remember Pete, my partner in crime at work? And also my best friend.”

  Was this the best friend Riley had alluded to over lunch on Sunday? Haddie was afraid he had meant a girl.

  Then again, maybe he had.

  A twinge of jealousy needled.

  She stuck out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. And thanks for doing your part to save my life that Friday afternoon at the bookshop.”

  Recognition lit Pete’s face, his hazel eyes with their flecks of green, gold, and brown igniting with his smile. “Asthma girl!”

  Goodness, was everyone around Chapel Cove calling her that?

  Ignoring Haddie’s hand, Pete went in for a hug before swinging back to face Riley. “I didn’t know you two were—”

  “Oh no, we’re not…” Haddie interjected. “We’re just having dinner.” The last thing she wanted was to assume that after one lunch and a dinner, she and Riley were dating. Although the thought was very appealing.

  Riley raised his left brow slightly, the hint of a smile on his lips. He leaned toward Pete. “So how are things going with Summer?”

  “Summer? We broke up.”

  Riley pursed his lips. “I’m sorry to hear that. When? The last we spoke about her, merely days ago may I remind you, things were still great between you.”

  Pete shrugged. “On Saturday. This whole sneaking around behind her family’s back thing…” He shook his head. “Not for me. I actually wonder whether she would ever have brought me out of the family closet.”