Longing for Forever (Sunset Bay Romance Book 1)

by Debra Clopton

  “Is your sister blonde?” She had to know.

  His lip hitched and his dimple dug in on one cheek. “She is. You’ve put that window to good use.”

  She cringed. “Like you said, it’s my window.”

  He laughed. “Yes it is. So, my peeping Rosie, it will be good to be out and about tomorrow and to check out the community. I remember the festival from when I was younger and it was always fun. I’m going to let you go inside now because it won’t be long before the crack of dawn hits and I’m banging on your door to wake you.”

  “That sounds like a great plan. Even the banging on my door, because I am wiped out—so tired, I may want to sleep till noon tomorrow. That can’t happen, not after all the work we’ve done. Besides that, after all the work that Birdie and the other ladies did, they would come down to bang on our doors and get us both up and we’d both be in trouble. So I’m going to set my alarm—you set your alarm and we’ll be backup for each other.”

  He grinned. “I’ll be your backup anytime.” He turned to go and then turned back. “Oh, thanks. I haven’t talked much about what was going on with me while at the trauma unit until now. Actually, I talked a little bit once to my cousins, who had some issues after they got out of the military, and I knew they would understand. I talked with them and they talked with me, and that was helpful. My family didn’t know, so I hope that you keep it to yourself.”

  “Of course I will. I’d never even dream of speaking of it other than to you. I understand more than you know. Goodnight, Adam.” She turned, walked up her steps, and opened the door. She turned and looked back. He was still watching her. She waved her fingers at him and then closed the door behind her.

  She was in trouble and she knew it. That something about him that drew her in just got stronger. And she wasn’t sure she wanted to resist it.

  Chapter Seven

  When Sunset Bay had a festival, they had a festival. Adam and Rosie unloaded early at her booth and had barely gotten everything set up before people began to arrive. He soon realized that Rosie’s muffins were going to be the big seller of the entire festival. They couldn’t even keep them stocked fast enough.

  He kept having to pull box after box from beneath the table where they were stashed. He kept thinking the day before when they’d filled those large boxes with muffins that there was no way they’d sell them all… He had been wrong. It wasn’t noon yet and they were two-thirds of the way sold. He felt as if he’d been in the trauma unit, where he was used to moving fast. People here acted as though he were saving their lives when they came up, almost desperate to get one of Rosie’s treats before they were all gone. It was crazy. It was so different than what he was used to doing that it was a welcomed feeling. He was enjoying himself.

  During the day Rosie was handing out cards left and right, and smiles right along with them. He hadn’t eaten a muffin today, deciding he’d better let the customers have them; besides, he knew where the bakery was and planned to frequent it often. And it wasn’t because of her orange spice blueberry twist muffins or her cinnamon pumpkin cranberry explosions. It was because of her, the woman.

  He’d never seen anything like Rosie Olsen. She was like a daisy in a desert. She was just happy and smiling and…joyous. She greeted the hordes of people with a delighted exclamation. There was nothing fake about the woman. She absolutely was thrilled with each person who approached her table.

  And he delighted in watching her.

  He was halfway through the morning when he realized the truth. He had not just burned out from his job, but had become disillusioned, jaded. Where had his humanity gone? Yes, in the trauma unit he saw car wrecks, shootings, and all manner of injuries from violence. He’d signed on for it, thrived on saving lives, but somewhere along the way, he’d become angry seeing so much pain and anguish that should never have happened in the first place.

  Watching Rosie in action, there was no room for anger. There was something really special about her and he was like a thirsty man from a desert.

  She didn’t always have time when there was a line waiting, but still she tried to make each person feel special. When there was someone who seemed alone or dejected, she gave them an extra moment of her time and gave them a little extra special gift of love. That’s what it was, he realized, she seemed to be spreading love and her delicious muffins were the vehicle she used to do it. She was her own secret ingredient.

  He had decided, watching her, that at some point in her life or her career, Rosie had decided to be an investor of love and she was doing it through her bakery in her outreach. His heart cracked open watching her, as if the window to his jaded opinions opened and the fresh air of her mission blew in through the crack and filled him. He wanted to know everything there was to know about her, especially what drove her. Because he decided that she was driven; she worked too hard at it not to be. What was her story? He hadn’t been this curious about a woman in a very long time. Maybe ever. Something about her called to him.

  “Hey, Adam, what’s up?” Brad stood on the other side of the table, hands on his hips, grinning at him. “Are you in the muffin business now?”

  Adam laughed, glad to see his brother. “I am for the day. Rosie, the owner, is my neighbor. I stopped by the bakery, not realizing she owned it, and ended up getting roped into helping her and a few of her customers get ready for the day. Since I was off today I came to help.”

  “Really. What customers?”

  “Do you know Birdie Carmichael? I bought the cottage from her. And her friends Mami—”

  Brad chuckled, while nodding. “I know Birdie and Mami, and Lila. I know exactly how you got roped into it now. Doreen was probably involved too, but she’s quiet and not one to instigate.”

  He thought of Doreen and how shy she seemed. “I see you’re taking your job pretty seriously, Fire Chief. You know your community.”

  Brad looked suddenly serious. “Yeah, I do. I try to know everyone, but those ladies are always at all of the firehouse fund drives. Everybody knows them. They get involved. You’ll see as the doc in town that they’re always there to help out if you need something.”

  “Good to know. Did you stop by for a muffin or to see me?”

  “Are you kidding? I’m here for muffins. Rosie dropped a batch of them by the firehouse last week and I’m hooked.”

  “Hi.” Rosie came over, smiling. “You’re the fire chief.”

  “And my brother,” Adam said.

  “I’m glad you remembered. I’m going to get another dozen muffins. A couple for me and then I’ll drop them off at the firehouse for the guys. They loved them.”

  “I am so glad. And I heard the girls talking about you being brothers last night when Adam was helping bake muffins.”

  Brad’s expression changed to open curiosity. “My brother helped you bake muffins last night?”

  Rosie looked from him to his brother. “Ummm, yes. He did a very good job.”

  Brad crossed his arms over his chest and grinned. “When you said you helped, I had no idea you meant you baked. Wow.”

  Adam laughed, knowing full well that he would never hear the end of this.

  “He was a little rusty at first but he’s a fast learner.”

  “I’m sure he is.”

  Adam shot Brad a warning. “Lay off the teasing. I’ll get your muffins and then you’d better move out of the way and let someone else move up in line.”

  “Hey, you trying to get rid of me?”

  Adam made no move to sugarcoat his answer. “Yes I am.”

  Brad’s eyes twinkled. “Fine. Totally understandable.”

  More people moved into the other line and Rosie smiled. “Enjoy the muffins,” she said and went to take orders.

  “Of course. They’re the best,” Brad called to her.

  Adam watched Rosie welcome the new customers with her big smile then he handed Brad a full bag and tore his gaze off of her to look at his brother. Brad was smiling broadly at him and Adam realized he mi
ght have lingered too long on Rosie.

  “Your neighbor,” Brad said with a bit too much interest. “That’s cozy. Mom is going to be over the moon when she finds out about this.”

  “Hold it, swear to me you are not mentioning this to Mom.”

  Brad looked innocent. “Why wouldn’t I tell her?”

  “Because, I’m just helping out and Mom might get the wrong idea.”

  Brad laughed. “I’m just teasing. I totally get it and she won’t hear it from me. But believe me, she’ll hear it from someone.”

  Adam knew she would and he would never hear the end of it.

  Rosie was amazed all day at how supportive and helpful Adam had been. He was a real trooper. She hadn’t expected him to stick around the entire day but he did, and he’d watched intently as she worked, as if he were figuring her out, detail by detail. She wanted to know his story, too.

  She kept thinking about last night, outside their cottages. She’d been so drawn to him, and more so now. Every moment around him drew her to wanting more time with him. He was so kind to everyone who came by the booth and she could tell his bedside manner as a doctor would be wonderful. His patients had to love him.

  When she had been so ill, a doctor or nurse’s attitude could help brighten her day.

  “He’s a doll, isn’t he?” Birdie startled Rosie out of her deep thoughts.

  “Um, yes, he is.”

  “We’ve been watching, but because the two of you were so busy we didn’t want to come over till now.” Birdie grinned. “You two work well together. Had a happy crowd all day. I’ve been waiting on a muffin all day long. Had to settle for a funnel cake for breakfast.”

  “For breakfast?” Adam asked, looking skeptical.

  Rosie thought she was seeing his doctor face and she had to smile.

  “Hey, it’s no worse than a donut.”

  “True, but who said a donut was healthy?”

  “True, but it sure was good. I’d have felt better with the muffin, though. At least I know Rosie puts good ingredients in them.”

  Rosie knew even her muffins weren’t good if they were eaten in excess, but still, her heart warmed at Birdie’s kind words.

  “Speaking of which, I’ll take an orange marmalade zest.” Birdie winked.

  “And I’ll have a raspberry delight,” Mami called, hustling across the street. “I thought I was never going to get loose to come by.”

  “Us too,” Lila called, with Doreen huffing along behind her. When Lila reached them, she pushed her glasses back up the bridge of her nose and grinned. “It’s muffin time.”

  Doreen leaned on the table, heaving deep breaths. “I thought you might be out. Lila, you didn’t have to practically run. I’m all tuckered out now.”

  Lila looked pointedly at her friend. “Yoga. I already told you that you need to join the class.”

  “Do not go there today, please.” Doreen scowled at her, breathlessly.

  “Ladies, it’s good you’re here and muffins are coming right up.” Rosie smiled as she reached for a muffin at the same time Adam reached for the same one. Their hands met and their gazes locked.

  “Allow me,” he said, showing a dimple.

  Her insides fluttered. The man looked better than a muffin any day. She let go of the muffin and tried not to appear too flustered.

  “Such a gentleman,” Mami cooed.

  “Isn’t he.” Lila batted her eyes at him.

  It was easy to see he had an effect on all ladies, not just her.

  “You are one efficient helper, Doctor Sinclair,” Birdie said, eyeing them both with avid speculation. “You’re just the man Rosie needed today.”

  “I had to stay on my toes all day. I think the only reason we’re having a little slack time right now is people ate lunch and are full.”

  “I think you’re right. But they’ll be coming for round two soon.”

  Doreen nodded. “It’s a wonder if you make it to four o’clock, though. Y’all have to be about out.”

  “They are,” Birdie said. “I never dreamed you would go through all we made yesterday. As good as your stuff is, I never dreamed they’d fly away like that.”

  “We ran out of muffin balls about an hour ago,” Rosie said as Adam handed out the muffins.

  “No charge, ladies. Thank you so much. And tomorrow, coffee and muffins are on the house.” Rosie felt Adam step near her, felt the heat off his body, and her skin warmed. She enjoyed him being here with her.

  “Speaking of lunch,” he said. “I’ll go find us something to eat, if you can hold the fort down while I’m gone?”

  “That sounds wonderful. I am getting a little bit hungry. And if it goes as fast and furious as it did this morning, we’ll need some sustenance for the afternoon.” She felt the looks from the ladies as they watched them closely. She was sure they’d noticed her reaction when she’d grabbed his hand.

  “You are a sweetheart, aren’t you?” Mami said.

  Birdie stopped eating long enough to add, “You know, there’s a guy down there that’s making a roasted chicken on a stick and it is delicious. And kinda healthy since you look like you’re thinking health-wise. I figure you’d look on a corndog with about as much affection as you had for my funnel cake.”

  “He doesn’t like funnel cakes? Oh dear, they’re wonderful,” Lila added.

  “The corndogs are on an open pit—they aren’t fried,” Mami said, trying to justify the corndogs. “I think you would like them. And he also makes French fries that are very tasty…” Mami frowned. “Not that I’ve eaten any today. Because they would really mess up my diet. I saved that for the muffins.”

  “I ate the fries and corndog,” Doreen said softly and grimaced. “Maybe I shouldn’t have but I just couldn’t help myself.”

  Adam patted her shoulder. “It’s okay, ladies. Relax. I’m not the food police, so just forget I’m a doctor and enjoy your day. If the chicken sounds good to you, Rosie, I think that’s what I’ll get.”

  “Go for it.” Rosie didn’t care what she ate as long as he came back and spent the rest of the day with her.

  “Then I’ll be back soon. Don’t have too much fun while I’m gone. I feel like I’ll be missing out.”

  They laughed and watched him leave. Rosie couldn’t help but stare.

  “He’s a good fella,” Birdie said. “I think you like him.”

  “I do too,” Lila said and the others echoed her.

  “What’s not to like?” Mami asked. “And he is so nice, too, and he can’t take his eyes off our Rosie.”

  Rosie rolled her eyes. “Girls, don’t get any ideas. Yes, you’re right on all counts but we’re just friends. I don’t want to rush into anything. Especially relationships.”

  “Ha,” Lila said. “Honey, you better latch onto him now before some of these ladies who hovered around this table get their claws into him. I hate to say it but I don’t think you sold all these muffins today purely on their delicious merits. I do believe several of the ladies came back for seconds and thirds.”

  Rosie hadn’t thought of that because she’d been so busy, but now that she did, she could see the truth. She glanced after Adam and caught a flash of red out of the corner of her eye. She focused and saw Lulu Raintree duck behind the Korney Korn trailer, then peek back around the corner. What was she doing?

  “Oh dear,” Doreen said, drawing Rosie’s attention back to see worry on her darling face. “What are you going to do, Rosie? You don’t want to lose him.”

  Sweet lady, Rosie thought. Problem was, she never had him in the first place and wasn’t sure what to do with him, even if she wanted him.

  “Now all of you need to stop this. I know what you’re doing and hoping for, but I have a business to run. I don’t have time for romance right now. Someday, but just not right now.” When she was ready and not before.

  “Well, I want to see you have some wedding bells in your future,” Mamie said. And of course, everyone echoed her thoughts.

  “Ri
ght now, the only wedding bells I’m thinking about are Clarence and Belva’s. Is everything a go for that?” She glanced back across the street at the Korney Korn trailer and there was that brilliant red head peeking out. Lulu was hiding. But why? Rosie scanned the area. There were people everywhere, but it looked like she was staring at the group of firemen handing out candy on the corner. Brad had stopped to talk to them and was still holding the pink Bake My Day bag in his hand. The big handsome fire chief looked cute holding the pink bag.

  “The Sandy Shores is all set,” Mami said. “Rosie, are you listening?”

  Rosie looked at Mami. “Yes, I am.”

  “Good. We’ve lined up the music and the preacher will be there too. I’ll come by and pick you up that morning.”

  “That sounds good. I’ll have Gigi drop the cake off that morning before she opens up and then you and I can get there before the wedding and make sure everything looks great.”

  “I think it is wonderful you’re helping with this wedding,” Lila gushed. “I love when older couples get married. Just because a person is over eighty does not mean they can’t have a happily-ever-after.”

  Birdie harrumphed. “I guess,” she grunted. “But I’m so set in my ways already that I know at eighty I’ll be as set as concrete.”

  “I think it’s lovely,” Doreen said. “Everyone should just do what feels right to them. If they want to marry that late in life then so be it. I wish them well. I wish I could be there to celebrate with them and help out, but I’ll be out of town.”

  “It’s okay, we’ve got it handled,” Mami said.

  Rosie chanced a look back at the Korney Korn trailer but Lulu was gone. What had she been doing? The firemen had moved on down the street too, the crowd parting as the group walked back toward the firehouse, continuing to hand out candy as they went. She was going to have to ask Lulu why in the world she’d been hiding behind the trailer. But now, she needed to pay attention. “Yes, don’t worry, we’ve got this handled.”