“You did?” She glanced suspiciously at the pastry box as if she didn’t believe me.
“You told me it was your favorite, right?”
She took the box from me, opened it, and stared at the cake. “So what, you just made it for me?”
“Yep. Well, I made it for the bakery, but I saved you a piece.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” I glanced at the mailboxes, unsure if she was just starting or had already finished. Our old carrier was usually done by this time, but he’d held the job for many years. Yesterday, Eliza had confessed that she was completely overwhelmed trying to get the job done on time.
“I haven’t started yet,” she said.
“Oh, okay. I can come back later.”
“No, I’ll pull your mail.”
“You don’t mind?”
She rolled her eyes. “You brought me hummingbird cake. Of course, I don’t mind.”
She opened the back of her van and dug through a plastic tub of mail before handing me a magazine and a bill, which I’d already received online but couldn’t figure out how to stop receiving paper statements.
“Hey, have you heard of Bianca Morgan?” Eliza asked. “Is she related to you?”
“She’s my sister. She owns the salon next door to my bakery.”
“Oh. Is she on vacation or something?”
“No, why?”
“She hasn’t collected her mail in weeks. Her mailbox is so stuffed I don’t think I can fit any more in there.”
“Do you want me to take it to her?”
“That’d be great.” Relief flooded Eliza’s face, which was really sweet. Despite being overwhelmed, she obviously wanted to do a good job as our new mail carrier.
When Eliza opened the panel to the back of the mailboxes, it was pretty obvious which one belonged to Bianca. I took the mail from Eliza, said good-bye, and headed home. Most of Bianca’s mail would probably go right into the recycling bin. There was one letter, however, that looked like a personal one from Claudia Cavenaugh in Kansas. I’d never heard of Claudia before, but Bianca had friends from all over the world.
Outside Bianca’s apartment, I listened to sounds of major construction. Daniel had begun renovation on my sister’s kitchen. Not wanting to disturb him, I decided to deliver her mail later.
In my bedroom, I turned on my noise-canceling machine, put on my sleeping mask, and instantly fell asleep for my usual twenty-seven-minute power nap. When I awoke, I read for a bit before showering and dressing for my date with Ambrose.
As I headed downstairs to wait for him, I remembered Bianca’s mail. Her apartment was quiet, and I imagined she’d gone out to eat. Figuring I’d leave her mail on the entry table, I let myself in, surprised to hear soft laughter coming from the back porch.
Glancing out the window, I saw Bianca eating pizza with Joy and Daniel. Seeing the three of them like that took my breath away. They seriously looked like the most perfect family in the world.
Bianca waved for me to come out back. I headed that way but made a detour into the kitchen first to check on the progress. I have to say that I was incredibly impressed. On the back porch, I told everyone that I loved the countertops.
Bianca nodded. “Didn’t they turn out great?”
“They really did.” I held up her mail before plopping it on the side table next to her. “Here’s your mail. You might want to think about checking your mailbox once in a while.”
She batted a dismissive hand. “Isn’t that what I have you for? Plus, what’s the point? Nothing good comes in the mail anymore.”
Daniel nodded. “That’s true.”
Bianca smiled as if to say, Isn’t he the most handsome, most intelligent man in the world?
I returned her smile, and she gave a curt nod. “You’re all dressed up. Do you have another date tonight?”
“I do.”
“Who is it?”
“Ambrose. He’s a lawyer I ran into at The Grand.”
Her voice oozed with judgment. “You’re going out with a guy you met while on a date with a different guy?”
“I told you, Seth and I are just friends, so it wasn’t a real date.”
“Poor Seth.” She shook her head.
“Seth is that cute firefighter with the dimples, right?” Joy asked.
Daniel cleared his throat. “I think he’s a little too old for you, honey.”
Joy laughed. “Of course, he’s too old for me, Dad. He’s like twenty-eight.”
“Thirty-one,” I blurted out. Well, he’ll be thirty-one on his next birthday.
Joy’s eyes widened. “Wow. I didn’t know he was that old.”
In a gesture that was so adorable it made me sick with jealousy, Daniel winked at Bianca. “Thirty-one is not that old.”
“Exactly,” Bianca said.
“Anyway, I need to go.” Refusing to let my sister make me feel guilty about going out with Ambrose, I glanced at Joy and Daniel. “It was nice seeing you two again.”
“You too,” they both said as I left for my date.
*
At the yacht club, Ambrose and I sat at a premier table overlooking the most gorgeous view of the ocean. Luxury yachts were anchored in the bay, and the sunset seemed almost too perfect to believe.
Our food was incredible, of course. The steak was cooked to perfection, and I’d never tasted more delicious lobster. But our conversation fell short. Oh, it was pleasant enough. We talked about our businesses and our families, but there was no spark between us.
Calm down, I told myself. Not everything has to be all exciting all the time.
Maybe Ambrose was a little boring, but he obviously had many positive qualities. For one, he had well-cut and manicured fingernails. And he’d followed through with asking me out. What more did I want? Sparks and fireworks?
Afterward, we drove to the green area downtown and listened to a local country band. While they weren’t as polished as last night’s band, I appreciated their enthusiasm and had no doubt they’d one day be successful.
Turning to Ambrose, I asked what he thought about the concert last night.
“It was okay,” he said. “I didn’t think it was as great as everyone said. Then again, I’m not a big fan of music.”
I stared at him, confused. “You don’t like music?”
“Not really.”
I tried to wrap my head around what he was saying. Who didn’t like music? Ambrose the lawyer, I guessed.
When Ambrose dropped me off at my apartment that night, I was anxious to say goodnight, get out of the car, and leave. The date felt long, as if it’d lasted an entire week instead of just a few hours.
“Can I see you again?” Ambrose asked.
I hesitated, trying to figure out how to say “no” without sounding rude.
“I have to be back on the island for an early morning meeting. Maybe we could have breakfast or—”
“I have church,” I blurted out, thinking that would deter him.
“Church.” He tapped his finger on the steering wheel. “Well, I haven’t been to church in a few years, but—”
Suddenly, Bianca pulled into the parking lot, parked her car, and skipped toward the building, swinging her purse. Was she drunk? Bianca wasn’t one to drink and drive, but something was going on with her. Maybe Daniel had kissed her or—
“Vicki?”
I glanced at Ambrose. “Sorry. That’s my sister. I need to go.”
“Oh, sure. So, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, okay.” I spoke without really paying attention as I climbed out of the car. “Thanks for the date. I’ll see you later.”
“I’ll see you at church tomorrow.”
“What?”
“Church. I’m going to come with you. What time should I pick you up?”
“Vicki,” Bianca shouted, coming toward me.
“I’ve got to go,” I told Ambrose.
“What time tomorrow?” he asked.
“Ju
st meet me there. It starts at ten.” With that, I shut his door and ran to meet my sister.
“Vicki.” Bianca waved a letter in the air. “You’ll never believe what happened.”
“Let’s go inside and you can tell me all about it.” Without looking back at Ambrose, I ushered my sister into the building.
Once in the foyer, she thrust the letter into my hands. “It’s from Claudia, my daughter. That’s her name. Claudia Cavenaugh.”
In the dim light, I stared down at the letter. “She wrote to you?”
“Yes! She told me all about her life, and she sent a picture. She lives in Kansas and has two brothers. She’s so beautiful, and she plays the violin. Joy found a video of one of her performances online.”
“You already told Joy?” I asked, feeling a little hurt she’d told Joy before telling me.
“Joy and Daniel were there when I opened Claudia’s letter. Her letter was in the pile of mail you gave me. Oh, Vicki, I really do need to check my mail more often.” She laughed. “I just thought Claudia would call or email. I never imagined she’d send a real letter.”
I skimmed the beginning of the letter. “Bianca, I’m so happy for you. Did you tell Mom and Dad?”
“I just got back from there.”
I smiled at my sister, elated for her. “Now what?” I asked. “Is she coming to meet you? Are you going to go up there?”
Bianca took a deep breath. “No. She’s not ready to meet me, and I understand that.”
“You do?”
“Yes. She’s very close to her adoptive family, which thrills me. She was raised by loving parents just like I’d prayed for. I couldn’t be happier. I have a feeling she’ll change her mind in time, and I’ll be ready. Eventually, we’ll meet. I just know it.”
I squeezed my sister’s arm. “I’m sure you’re right.”
*
The next morning, I found Ambrose standing outside on the church steps waiting for me. I have to say he looked quite handsome in the sunshine with his Bible tucked under his arm.
As we talked, however, I was reminded of how awkward our date had been. When Seth walked past us into church and my hormones went crazy, I was reminded of the complete lack of chemistry I had with Ambrose.
“Are you ready?” Ambrose asked, offering his arm.
“I am.”
Determined not to think about Seth, I looped my arm through Ambrose’s and went inside.
*
Usually, after services, my family had brunch together at the ranch. Today, however, everyone except Bianca and me had other obligations, which is how we ended up dining at Juanita’s restaurant with Ambrose and Daniel. Daniel’s daughter Joy had been invited, too, but she’d gone to the beach with friends from church.
As I sat in the booth next to Ambrose, I ran a hand over the beautiful Mexican-tiled table. Bianca dipped a chip in salsa and said something about carne asada that caused Daniel to laugh.
I wasn’t quite sure what was going on with them, but he’d sat next to her in church. The two of them seemed so happy together, it was ridiculous.
After lunch, Bianca and I said good-bye to the guys and climbed the stairs to our apartments. I teased her about Daniel, and she blushed. Then, she asked about Ambrose.
“Oh, he’s nice, but—”
“Not the one?” she asked.
I stopped walking, knowing exactly what she was implying. For a moment, I almost considered telling her everything. Telling her that I was in love with Seth and measured every guy I ever dated against what I’d had with him.
Silencing my thoughts, I glared at my sister. “Why do you think so little of me?”
“I don’t.”
“Well, you act like I’m too picky. I wish I liked Ambrose like that. I wish I liked Seth . . .” I stopped myself from saying I wished I liked Seth enough to give up my fear of having kids.
Instead, I told her that I wanted to get married. “I just don’t want to make the wrong choice.”
“I know, and I respect that.”
“Do you?”
She nodded. “I’m sorry, Vicki.”
“Thank you.” I opened the door to my apartment, needing some space from Bianca and everyone else.
“Vicki—”
“It’s fine,” I said, calming down. “I’m just tired of the dating scene. I’m tired of trying, you know? It’s exhausting.”
“I know. Just don’t give up.”
I gave her a sad smile. Don’t give up on what? Finding someone who made me feel the same way Seth did? Maybe the best thing I could do was give up on that idea.
Chapter 29
Seth
Seeing Vicki with Ambrose at the concert and then again at church Sunday morning made me physically ill. Was God trying to send me a message? Did He want me to forget about Vicki?
If I’m supposed to move on, God, help me do that. If Vicki and I are supposed to be together . . . I’m tired of waiting.
“You should go out with some of the women who contacted you through the dating site,” Oscar suggested, interrupting my silent prayer.
“You think so?” I kept my gaze forward, watching my son, who was playing in the water with Oscar’s son John. The four of us had spent the past hour kayaking in the bay. We’d gone ashore for lunch, and the boys were now having a handstand contest in the water.
John laughed at something Grant said. I was happy the two of them were getting along so well today. In the past, that hadn’t always been the case. Apparently, John didn’t understand Grant’s obsession with rocks. Grant, on the other hand, thought the turkey sandwich John ate for lunch every day smelled bad.
“Are you ignoring me?” Oscar asked.
I pulled my gaze from the boys to glance at my friend. “I’m not ignoring you. I’ve actually got a date lined up for Wednesday with Amie, one of the women who contacted me.”
Oscar patted me hard on the back. “Way to go.”
I grinned. “Yeah, I figured why not. She seems sweet and pretty.”
“That’s great, man. And you’re welcome.”
“You’re welcome?”
“For setting up your profile. If I hadn’t violated your privacy, you wouldn’t be going out this week.”
I made a scoffing noise and shook my head. “I’m not going to dignify that with a response.”
Oscar chuckled. “Okay, but let me give you some pointers, okay?”
“No. I’ll be fine without your dating advice.”
“While you’re on the date, try to avoid having another man to steal your girl. That’s just a suggestion, but in your case, I think it might be helpful to focus on it.”
I groaned. “You think you’re so smart.”
He cracked up. “I am smart. Do yourself a favor and follow my advice. You won’t regret it.”
*
About an hour before my date on Wednesday, I received the following message from Amie. “Seth, I’m so sorry, but I’m not going to be able to make it tonight.”
“No problem,” I texted back. “Everything okay?”
She didn’t reply. Not wanting to bug her, I let it go. Maybe something had come up with her work, or maybe she simply lost interest in me. It didn’t really matter. Part of me was relieved. Dating was nerve-racking, and we didn’t have that much in common other than both wanting kids.
*
On Saturday, I picked up Grant from Scarlet’s house. Thankfully, Ford had taken Aiden to the park, so we didn’t have to deal with the little guy’s devastation over not being able to come with us.
“Are we going to Vicki’s Bakery?” Grant asked once we were on the road.
I shook my head. “I think we’ll check out Sweet Elephant’s today.”
“Sweet Elephant’s?”
“It’s a new coffee shop close to the college. I went a few weeks ago. You’ll love it.”
Grant wrinkled his nose. “I don’t think I’m going to love it.”
“How do you know? You’ve never been there before.”
“Do they have chocolate chip muffins?”
“They didn’t last time, but they had a chocolate croissant that wasn’t bad.”
“I don’t like croissants. I like the chocolate chip muffins from Vicki’s Bakery.”
I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel. “Well, we’re not going to Vicki’s today.”
He took a rock out of his backpack and balanced it on his knee as he swung his legs. “What if Sweet Elephant’s doesn’t have anything I like?”
I shrugged. Why was he making such a big deal out of this? “I guess if they don’t have anything you like, you’ll just have to starve and be miserable.”
Grant picked up his rock and held it in both hands. Then he laughed. “You’re joking, right, Dad?”
I smiled, not quite sure how to answer his question. All I knew was I couldn’t go to Vicki’s today. The other coffee shop would just have to do.
*
“I like these pictures.” Grant ran his hand over the wood burnings on a lamp at Sweet Elephant’s. His brownie lay half eaten on his plate. “Do you think we can decorate my kayak with pictures like these?”
Grant and I were building a kayak together. During rehab, I’d taken up the hobby of woodworking and found it was a great way to relax and get outside of my own head. Kayak building with Grant was slow going, but we were making progress. Forward was forward as the saying went.
I glanced at the dolphins and seashells on the lamp. “I think pictures like that would look great.”
Grant continued studying the lamp. “How did they make these pictures anyway? Did they use a knife or something?”
“They used a wood burning pen,” a woman said.
Glancing up, I saw Amie, the woman who had canceled our date. Her eyes widened at the sight of me. “Seth, hi.”
“Hi.” I came to my feet and awkwardly shook her hand. It seemed odd to shake hands with someone who was a 93% match and thus a possible future wife, but how else was I supposed to greet her?
Amie offered an embarrassed smile. “I’m sorry about Wednesday.”
“No worries.”
She opened her mouth as if to say something else about canceling our date, but Grant interrupted her. “What’s a wood burning pen?”
She turned back to him and patiently answered his question. “It’s a tool that looks like a fat pen. Instead of using ink, it draws by burning wood.”
Vicki’s Gift Page 18