The drop-off was not as high as Bri had remembered, so Devin was able to simply put his hands on either side of her waist and swing her down. She wouldn’t have suspected he was quite that strong but was pleased that he was.
She heaved a sigh of relief when her feet touched the ground.
Devin released her and turned to look around. “I hear the creek but I don’t see it.”
“Over to the left a few feet.” Bri pointed. “It’s actually pretty well hidden behind that patch of hollies.”
“Here.” Devin held out his hand again, and Bri took it thankfully. She allowed him to lead the way since there were still remnants of a path for him to follow, and a few minutes later, he stepped out from behind the embankment and onto the banks of the creek.
He turned then to look behind him in the direction of the overhang. “Oh, this is perfect,” he murmured, dropping Bri’s hand. She had the feeling that he’d suddenly gone back in his mind to an imaginary time in the early 1940s when his protagonist was seeking shelter from a storm.
She stood quietly, allowing him to absorb the scene as much as he needed to. Finally he turned back to her. “Do you want to go inside with me?”
“Absolutely.” She motioned a few feet ahead of them. “The easiest place to enter is just ahead but we’ll probably still have to stoop to go in, and then of course, it grows more and more shallow as you move toward the back. We’ll no doubt end up crawling, but the floor is fairly smooth.
He merely nodded. “Shall I go first?”
“If you don’t mind. The cave’s a little dark toward the back. I wish I’d thought to bring a flashlight. I’d just as soon not run into any spiders.”
He pulled his cell phone out. “I can turn this into a flashlight that should show us if we’re about to run into any unfriendly inhabitants of the cave.”
Bri sighed. “Oh good. And don’t forget to take your pictures.”
“I want to take some from inside looking out, too.” A few steps brought him to the center of the overhang. “Here we go,” he said, aiming the cellphone flashlight ahead of them.
There were no spiders or bats or any of the other creatures that Bri had been concerned about, so she followed Devin even when he had to drop onto his knees and crawl. He hadn’t gone far, however, when the low ceiling forced him to stop. He turned then and sat down, stretching his legs out in front of him and staring at the view.
Bri sat down beside him. “I assume,” she said, “that this scene you’re working on takes place in the summer months since you mentioned a thunderstorm.”
He glanced at her approvingly. “Right. So the view would be different. Lots of greenery, of course. Any flowers that you would suggest?”
“What month?”
“July.”
“Maybe some honeysuckle, but I think it may bloom earlier.”
“I’ll have to look that up. If it were blooming, he’d smell it even if he couldn’t see it.”
“Wow,” Bri said. “You’re very thorough, aren’t you?”
“I try to be.” He aimed his cellphone camera. “I’ll take a few pictures of the view, then fill in the vegetation later. Do you recall any of the trees except for the obvious—the pines and cedars?”
“Maples and of course oaks. As you can see, they’re still holding onto their dead leaves. Also some poplars.”
“Got it,” Devin said, lowering his camera. “Thanks, Bri. You have no idea how helpful this is.” Smiling, he turned to look into her face just as she turned toward him. Seated side by side as they were, their faces were almost touching. Devin’s smile faded as his gaze dropped to her lips.
Bri’s heart rate sped up and her chest tightened. Did she want Devin to kiss her? Absolutely. She leaned toward him just slightly and his gaze lifted. He looked into her eyes, a question in his. She nodded and his eyes widened for a split second before he leaned closer.
Their lips touched, tentatively at first, but he soon turned fully toward her, wrapping her in an embrace that sent warmth rushing through her body, replacing the cool dampness of the cave.
He deepened the kiss, and Bri reciprocated. She hadn’t realized just how lovely a kiss with Devin Morris would feel, although she’d dreamed about it a few times when she was a freshman in high school.
But the girl she’d been back then couldn’t have imagined how delicious and exhilarating a kiss could be. She wished it could go on all afternoon, but the wind was rising and apparently clouds were moving in because the cave had suddenly darkened.
He moaned softly and broke the kiss. “I knew you’d taste sweet,” he whispered. “As sweet or sweeter than any dessert you’ve ever created . But it’s getting colder and neither of us is dressed for the weather.”
Bri grimaced. “You’re right. We’d better go.” She scooted on her bottom until the ceiling was high enough that she could stand and walk. Devin followed. By the time he’d snapped a few pictures outside, the wind was lashing the brown leaves on the oaks around them. Bri was thankful they didn’t have far to walk to get back. That cold front they’d heard about was arriving a few hours early.
* * * *
By the time Devin got Kaitlin home, she was almost asleep on her feet but her excitement level hadn’t abated much. “Mr. Wheeler said I should ask Miss Galen if I can have two kittens, Daddy,” she informed him as they entered the house.
“He did, did he?”
“Yes. He says they’d keep each other company and not tear up so much stuff.”
“What stuff do they tear up?” Devin asked. Damn! He hadn’t thought about those tiny claws. He’d have to be sure and keep Greybeard away from the leather furniture in the den.
“I don’t know, Daddy. Ask Mr. Wheeler. He knows everything about animals. Did I tell you how old Mister Patches is?”
“No,” Devin said aloud. Under his breath he murmured, “But I’m sure you will.” He couldn’t help smiling, however, at how happy his little girl was.
And he wasn’t exactly miserable himself. That kiss with Bri had been great. In fact, he’d enjoyed every minute he’d spent with her this afternoon, including their hasty trip across the field after the wind became so bitter so quickly. She’d invited him inside but he figured he’d better pick up Kaitlin and get her home. The clouds didn’t look as though they were carrying snow, but he didn’t want to take any chances.
Plus, he could hardly wait to get back to his writing now that he had so many great details to add to his protagonist’s need to find shelter in a mountainous area. Bri’s cave would be perfect.
The following morning being Sunday, Devin as usual made blueberry pancakes for his and Kaitlin’s breakfast. She’d slept late, and he’d completed several pages on his current chapter, but now she was badgering him nonstop to call Bri about another kitten.
He had to admit that he didn’t mind having an excuse to call Bri, but he insisted they wait until after noon. He didn’t want to risk turning into a pest. Finally, though, the hour was advanced enough that he felt safe in placing the call. Bri answered on the second ring.
“Bri, this is Devin. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
She laughed. “I’m doing paperwork, and I never mind an interruption when I’m using a calculator. How are you and Kaitlin today?”
“I’m fine except for the fact that Kaitlin is about to drive me crazy. Seems Mr. Wheeler suggested she get a second kitten to keep Greybeard company, and she wants to know if you can spare another one.”
“Well, you can set her mind at ease right now. I’ll be glad for her to have another kitten. Did she have a specific one in mind?”
“No, and here’s the problem. She wants to come by and pick one out this afternoon. She’s terrified that someone else will get to them first and choose the one she would have wanted.”
Bri laughed again. “Believe it or not, I haven’t had people beating my door down and demanding to adopt a kitten. But bring Kaitlin by any time this afternoon and let her make her decision so she won’t continue
to worry. Just be sure she’s dressed warmly. Even though the sun’s out today, it’s still cold and that means it will be chilly in the barn.”
“Thanks for the heads-up. Would forty-five minutes from now be convenient?”
“Just fine. I’ll see you then.”
Kaitlin was so excited at the prospect of seeing the kittens again, Devin had to practically sit on her to get her into her coat, cap, and mittens, but they were finally on their way. Bri had been right about the need to dress warmly. Perhaps because the clouds had already moved out, the temperature had dropped significantly, but Devin recalled from having grown up in this part of the country that weather conditions could change quickly.
Bri obviously had been watching for them because when he pulled up in front of the house, she stepped out onto the front porch already bundled up in a blue down jacket. He could tell by looking at the turned-up cuffs of her jeans that they were lined with plaid flannel, and she wore a knitted hat and leather gloves. Even with several layers of clothes hiding her curves, she looked great to him.
Grinning, she hurried down the wooden porch steps and out to greet them. She stood by while he got Kaitlin out of her car seat, then immediately gave Kaitlin her full attention as they walked toward the barn together.
“Yes,” she responded to one of Kaitlin’s questions, “I’ve been out to visit the kittens this morning.” Then, “No, the barn isn’t too cold for them, but if the temperature drops too much, I’ll bring all of them into the basement. They would stay good and warm there.”
Five minutes later Kaitlin was seated on a three-legged stool laughing at the antics of the kittens. “I can’t decide on just one, Daddy,” she said.
“Well, Miss Muffin, you can’t have more than two altogether, so you’d better plan on making a decision sometime this afternoon.”
Twenty minutes later, Kaitlin was still trying to decide. Devin and Bri had leaned up against a stall partition and were watching her interact with the kittens and the mother cat, which was frantically running from kitten to kitten while trying to keep track of her offspring. Every time Kaitlin laughed out loud, Devin and Bri laughed with her.
Finally, Kaitlin announced that she’d made up her mind. She declared that after observing the kittens playing together, she’d concluded that Greybeard played more with Little Bit than with any of the others, so she believed he would most like to have Little Bit living with him.
“Okay,” Bri said. “I’ll be sure to hold on to Little Bit and Greybeard for you until they’re ready to leave their momma.”
Kaitlin regarded her solemnly. “You promise?”
“I promise,” Bri replied just as solemnly. “Now then, I’ve got some hot chocolate in the house, plus I’ve been trying out a new recipe for cake pops. Want to warm up with a cup of chocolate and give me your opinion of the cake pops?”
“Yes,” Kaitlin yelled, jumping off the stool and running to Devin’s side. “Can we, Daddy? I love cake pops.”
Devin shrugged. “Guess I’m about to have my education broadened again. I’ve never had a cake pop. Never heard of one either.”
Bri grinned at him. “Come along then. You’re in for a treat.”
Fifteen minutes later Devin was learning about the joys of cake pops. Bri had escorted him and Kaitlin into her cozy kitchen and seated them around the table, then supplied each of them with a cup of hot chocolate. Some sort of tiered stand holding little round cakes on a stick sat in the center of the table. The cake pops looked as though they’d been dipped in something pink and drizzled with icing or coated with sprinkles. Devin had never seen anything like them before.
“Yay,” Kaitlin said, grinning. “I love cake pops. And these are prettier than the ones I had in New York.”
Devin frowned. “When did you have cake pops in New York?”
“At Molly’s birthday party.” She turned to Bri. “Molly was my best friend in New York for years and years, and I was sad when I had to leave her but I’m not so sad anymore, especially since I’ll be getting Greybeard and Little Bit to live with me.”
Bri smiled at Kaitlin. “I’m glad you think my cake pops are pretty. I’m thinking of making some heart-shaped ones for Valentine’s Day.”
“That would be awesome,” Kaitlin said. “Will we have some to decorate tomorrow?”
“No, tomorrow is just a cupcake decorating class, but if I make some heart-shaped cake pops here at home, I’ll let you help decorate them if your dad agrees.”
“Oh, he won’t mind,” Kaitlin assured Bri. “What color cupcakes are we going to have tomorrow?”
Devin leaned back in his chair and watched the interaction between Bri and his little girl. He appreciated Bri’s efforts to please Kaitlin and was thrilled that she’d been so understanding about everything, including his less-than-admirable behavior the first couple of times they’d met.
He waited until there was a lull in the conversation before chiming in. “Speaking of the cupcake decorating class, what time should I get to the bakery tomorrow?”
“Just come when you bring Kaitlin at three. Since all the enrollees are in kindergarten or the first grade, they’ll get out of school at two. I figure an hour is sufficient time to get from the school to the bakery, even allowing for the tourist traffic.”
“If you need me earlier, I can ask Mrs. Lang to bring Kaitlin.”
“That’s not necessary. Does Kaitlin ride the bus home?”
“Usually, but I’ll pick her up tomorrow so we can get to the bakery in time for me to be of some assistance. I’ll even bring my own broom if you’ve changed your mind and want me to sweep the floor.”
Bri laughed out loud. Devin enjoyed the lilt of her laughter. It always seemed to lighten his spirits in some way.
“No, you don’t need to bring a broom, but you might stick your snow shovel in.”
Devin sat up a little straighter. “Why? Are they predicting snow?”
Bri grinned and shook her head. “Just flurries, although heavy snow is predicted for the higher elevations.”
“Daddy?” Kaitlin had polished off two of the cake pops and most of her cup of hot chocolate. “Can I visit the kittens again before we go?”
Devin glanced at his watch. “We’ve taken up enough of Miss Galen’s time this afternoon, Miss Muffin, but maybe we can come back in a couple of days and visit the kittens.” He wouldn’t mind having an excuse to see Bri again after the cupcake decorating class was over.
To his surprise, Kaitlin didn’t put up an argument and they were soon on their way back home with a box containing six cake pops and a promise from Bri that Kaitlin could visit her kittens anytime she wanted as long as her dad approved.
Chapter Five
Bri made it a point to get to the bakery early the next day. Not only did she have the usual Monday morning rush to deal with, but she also needed to make cupcakes in three different flavors—red velvet, strawberry, and chocolate.
Still, despite the challenges, she looked forward to the day—and especially to seeing Devin again this afternoon. She wasn’t altogether sure that was a wise thing. After all, despite having attended the same high school for a year, they really hadn’t known each other very long.
But obviously he enjoyed her company too. That kiss in the cave day before yesterday was proof enough for her. She considered herself a good judge of character, and she was certain Devin wouldn’t have kissed her like that if he hadn’t felt some attraction for her.
But she needed to stop thinking about Devin. She had a full day of work ahead of her and half a dozen little girls to deal with at three o’clock. She knew from past classes that they could become a little too exuberant if she didn’t manage to keep them occupied. That meant she needed to be totally prepared before they descended on the store.
She had an hour before Mrs. Sandler was scheduled to arrive, so she pushed Devin out of her thoughts and got to work. By one o’clock, she had two dozen cupcakes of each flavor ready and waiting, and she was just fini
shing the last of three large pans of frosting in chocolate, cream cheese, and strawberry. Now all she had to do was put plastic cloths on the tables and distribute the various edible decorative items Devin had supplied.
Just thinking of Devin brought a smile to her face. He was a great father, which to her said a lot about his character. Not every single father would be willing to adopt two kittens when he obviously was not a cat person. On the other hand, she figured he’d soon be almost as enthralled with Greybeard and Little Bit as Kaitlin was.
Devin and Kaitlin arrived at two thirty, which worked out well since a couple of the other children arrived early too. Bri instructed Devin to help get the children seated. Knowing that they needed to stay occupied until the class started, she’d stocked each table with white construction paper hearts, red crayons and valentine-themed stickers so the girls could create their own cards while waiting for the class to start.
That activity kept them occupied until three when Bri and Devin carried out the cupcakes and icing. Each child got to choose four cupcakes to decorate. Bri had made extras, figuring some colors would be more in demand than others, and she was right. The red velvet cupcakes were gone first, followed by the strawberry, but no one lost out on either her favorite color of cake or frosting.
Bri watched Devin’s interactions with all of the children and soon saw that he was thoroughly enjoying himself. The other girls’ mothers had been a bit taken aback when they realized a father was participating—especially when that father was a well known writer—but they soon warmed up to Devin, and for the next hour and a half, the bakery was a cacophony of little girl squeals interspersed with adult laughter. Bri couldn’t stop smiling. She was so glad Devin had harangued her into doing this.
She had just glanced at the clock and realized the class was almost over when one of the girls squealed even louder than usual, then jumped to her feet and pointed to the front window. “Snow! Snow! Look how hard it’s snowing.”
Everyone in the store turned to look, and sure enough, huge snowflakes were drifting through the air in a scene straight from a winter wonderland story. The girls ran to the window to look out while their mothers started gathering their things together, all expressing their eagerness to get to their vehicles and be on their way before the roads got slick.
My Cupcake, My Love Page 6