How to Stir a Baker's Heart

by Candice Sue Patterson

  Once she had the card table in place and covered, Olivia measured and cut new cake layers, then stacked them with the leftover buttercream from the first attempt, which had firmed to a manageable consistency. She, however, was near hypothermic.

  Once Brittany entered with the fresh icing, they swapped places so Olivia could warm up. Taking turns, they crumb-coated the layers, then frosted them with sunflower yellow-tinted buttercream. Within the hour, all three tiers were stacked and decorated with the white gum paste hydrangeas Olivia had pre-made, along with the chocolate monarch butterflies and a few strategically placed non-pareils.

  “Olivia, this is stunning,” Brittany said through chattering teeth.

  “I couldn’t have done it without you.” Olivia would make sure Brittany was well compensated for her dedication. They left the walk-in into the blessed heat. “Now, I just have to get it there.”

  “Take my SUV.” Brittany handed Olivia the keys. “I already have it cooling down. The cake will stay cooler in it than it will your trunk. We’ll take care of Grandma.”

  Gratitude filled Olivia. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  Brittany smiled. “Me, either.”

  ~*~

  Blake studied the mantel clock. The party had started ten minutes ago, and Olivia still hadn’t arrived. Even if meeting his parents was too overwhelming, she at least would’ve called or texted asking him to pick up the cake. Right? He checked his phone again. Nothing. Then again, cell reception was spotty on this side of the county.

  “Great party, Blake.”

  Cindy. The girl who’d been crushing on him since second grade. He hated to acknowledge her, because each time he did, it produced a spark of hope in her eyes. But she was a nice person and didn’t deserve rudeness either.

  “Thanks. Glad you could come.”

  And there it was, the glow filling her face. The flame of attraction in her eyes.

  Where was Olivia?

  Cindy’s mouth moved, but Blake caught only every other word. He was trying his best to listen. Really, he was. But his concern for Olivia and all the reasons she could be late took precedence. He nodded occasionally, concentrating on the driveway through the bay window.

  At ten ‘til, a compact, blue SUV rolled toward the house.

  “Sorry to interrupt, but I think the cake is here.” He weaved through all the guests to the kitchen door.

  Olivia had made it to the front stoop. She knocked on the glass with her elbow, steadying the large box in her hands at the same time.

  Blake opened the door to a disheveled, and very sexy, baker. “I was beginning to think you’d stood me up.”

  “Sorry, I’m late. We had an icing emergency.”

  Blake took the hefty box from her arms, and she followed him inside. He placed the box on the counter, since the kitchen table was now in the living room.

  Olivia went to work removing the cake.

  “That looks amazing.”

  She sighed. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “There’s a table in the living room already set up with food. There’s room for the cake. Mom’s in there with the guests.”

  As if looking at him for the first time since arriving, her gaze raked over him. “You look really nice.”

  He glanced down at his denim dress shirt and khakis, not noticing anything special. In fact, he’d rolled up the sleeves to his elbows to keep from sweating to death from all the bodies crammed into the small house. But if Livi approved, he wouldn’t complain.

  She glanced at her own clothing. Her shoulders dropped as she opened her palms to reveal yellow stained fingers. She yanked the strings on her apron that was soiled with a kaleidoscope of colors. “I’m a mess.”

  He rather liked her tousled hair, clingy black shirt, and slightly wrinkled shorts. “You’re beautiful.” And he really liked making her cheeks turn pink.

  “I can’t meet your parents looking like this.”

  He reached out and wrapped his hand around her small one. “There are almost sixty people in there. It’s a good opportunity for you to show them what you can do.” He pointed to the cake. “Once they see that, you’ll have customers lined out your door.”

  “I hope your mom likes it.”

  “She’ll love it.”

  Together they carried the cake into the living room.

  A few guests took that as their cue to sing Happy Birthday and, like the Red Sea parting, a path cleared to the table. Clapping erupted, along with a few whistles.

  After setting her end of the cake on the table, Olivia turned and almost bumped noses with his mom. “Oh.”

  Blake cleared his throat. “Livi, this is my mom, Rita. Mom, this is Olivia from the bakery.”

  “I remember you.” Mom pulled her into a signature Rita-hug—a tight squeeze with a little rocking side to side.

  “Um, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Olivia’s hands dangled at her sides for a few moments and then rose in the air before they finally returned the hug. “Happy birthday.”

  Mom loosened her hold and stepped away. “Thank you, sweetheart. I’ve never had such a magnificent cake. Are these flowers real?” Mom fingered the white petals.

  Olivia tucked her hands in her back pockets. “They’re made of edible gum paste.”

  “I can eat these?”

  Olivia curled her nose in that cute little way she did when something didn’t suit. “I wouldn’t suggest it. Gum paste isn’t tasty.”

  Mom looked the cake over again, putting a hand to her chest. “It’s breathtaking.”

  Livi tugged at her shirt and glanced around the room where dozens of stares were fixed on her.

  Blake settled his hand in the small of her back and introduced her to the guests, many of them family or fellow church members. He ended with his dad, who had, within seconds, patted Blake’s shoulder in silent approval.

  “Olivia?” Mom weaseled between them. “Would you do the honors of cutting the cake?”

  Olivia placed a hand to her stomach. “Of course, Mrs. Hartford.”

  “Call me Rita.”

  When Olivia had walked far enough from earshot, his mother leaned over to Blake and whispered, “Or Mom.”

  Blake shook his head, though he didn’t bother hiding his smile.

  Once everyone else was served, he grabbed one of the few remaining pieces on the table and handed another to Livi. “She’s having a great time.” He glanced across the room at his mom and saw her laughing.

  The back door opened, and Mom squealed, shoving her cake plate into Dad’s hands.

  The sweet dessert turned to dust on Blake’s tongue.

  Lucas.

  Mom threw her arms around her son’s neck.

  Lucas hugged her back, careful of the white and yellow roses in his hand. He kissed her cheek. “Happy Birthday, Mom.”

  The too-familiar voice of his big brother made Blake’s skin turn hot. The last time Blake had heard that voice, Lucas had declared he was leaving with Blake’s fiancée.

  Mom pulled away and glanced at Dad. “I thought you weren’t coming? Madison had a work banquet or something, right?”

  “I told her to go without me. I wasn’t going to miss your birthday for anything.”

  The prodigal son returns. An anchor of bitterness dropped in Blake’s gut. He’d rather hang than stick around for the praises and the slaughtering of the fatted calf. Blake put his cake on the table and turned to leave.

  Lucas caught Blake’s gaze over Dad’s shoulder and nodded.

  An inferno raged through Blake’s veins. His hands curled into fists so tight it made his fingers ache. He took a step toward his brother when a hand wrapped around his elbow.

  “Blake?” There was caution in Olivia’s tone. A little fear in her eyes.

  Blake ripped his arm from her gentle hold and stormed into the kitchen. How dare Lucas show up like that? How typical to never consider anyone else’s feelings.

  “Blake, are you all right?” Olivia’s footste
ps sounded behind him on the linoleum.

  He couldn’t look at her right now. He threw open the door.

  “Blake.” The plea came again, jabbing his heart.

  He should respond. It wasn’t Olivia’s fault his louse of a brother ruined everything Blake did. This sweet, beautiful woman was as broken as he was. They needed each other. But not today. He wouldn’t be good for anything today. Blake ate the distance to his truck. He threw open the door and slammed it behind him.

  Olivia jumped onto the running board and hooked her elbow through the open window. “I understand you need to go.” She put a cool palm to his cheek, searching him for answers he couldn’t give. “Be careful.”

  Blake pressed his lips together to fight working his frustration out on hers. In the split second it took his brain to communicate his desires to his body, she’d jumped down and moved well out of his way. For the best. He had years of pent-up anger that would devour her in minutes. Blake started the engine and mashed the gas pedal so hard, gravel spewed behind his tires the entire length of the driveway.

  27

  Black vapor billowed from the smoke stack. Blake revved the tractor’s engine. Four hundred horsepower rumbled beneath him. Not perfect, but it should last another year. He choked the engine and jumped down.

  “Sounds good.” Dad tossed him a rag.

  “Thanks for your help.” Blake wiped the grease from his hands. Dad had a gift with engine repair, something Blake hadn’t fully inherited.

  “A couple more weeks?”

  Blake followed his dad’s gaze to the blue-covered fields. “We’ll harvest in ten days, max.”

  Dad swiped his forehead with the back of his wrist. “It’s going to be a good year. You have plenty of help?”

  “More than enough.” Blake reached into the cooler for two bottled waters. He passed one to his dad.

  “Your mom’s already planning to raid your kitchen. Insists on cooking you breakfast every morning and enough freezer meals to last through September.” Dad took a swig of water.

  “She doesn’t need to do that.”

  “You know your mother.”

  Blake nodded. He lowered onto his closed toolbox and downed half of his water.

  “Speaking of your mom,” Dad blew out a loud breath. “I’m sorry about Lucas showing up at the party.”

  “Dad.”

  “Hear me out.” Dad looked off in the distance. “I love my boys. Both of you. But I also know how much Lucas hurt you, and it must’ve been quite a shock to see him there.”

  Blake’s blood pressure spiked. Seeing his brother had been a staggering blow. But what rocked Blake more than anything was what had run through his mind the first second he’d seen Lucas. That he missed his brother. Who in their sane mind could miss a family member who had blatantly stolen their world from under them? The question brought thoughts of Olivia. Blake swallowed. “It’s not your fault. Mom had a good day. That’s what matters.”

  “It was good. She’s still carrying on about that cake.”

  “Livi did a great job.” She’d also given him space that had turned into three days, and he’d yet to apologize for his behavior.

  Dad pulled a hankie from his back pocket. The action caused Blake to notice his dad had lost weight. “She seems like a nice girl.”

  “She is.” Blake knew when Mom’s prodding was behind his dad’s words. He let it go.

  “It’s OK for you to move on.” Dad blew his nose. Sniffed. Then tucked the square back into his pocket. “In fact, I encourage it.”

  Blake sighed. “We’re going slow. She has a lot going on right now.” Which was why he’d cornered Jennifer Wright after church yesterday.

  She’d just received her RN certification, and the prayer list on the back of the bulletin said she was searching for a job. He suggested she talk to Olivia about in-home care for Mrs. Hudson. Jennifer was young and full of energy. Perfect for keeping up with the Hudson women’s needs.

  Dad leaned against the tractor tire. “It does your mom and me good to see the way you look at her. It’s obvious your feelings run deep. A good excuse to forgive your brother.”

  Blake remained silent.

  “Grace is a beautiful thing.”

  So was justice.

  28

  Heat stung Olivia’s arms as she pulled trays of sourdough bread from the oven. Spongy loaves with a slight golden tinge—perfect. A sweet, yeasty aroma filled the kitchen. She transferred the trays onto a cooling rack and refilled the oven with pans of banana bread batter.

  Teresa tapped her foot to the jazzy tune of Nat King Cole, dumping ingredients for buttercream into the floor-stand mixer. Darlene iced sugar cookies. Brittany stood at one of the stainless-steel tables, leveling sheet cakes for the retirement party order they’d received. One white, one chocolate, no disasters.

  Tina entered the kitchen from the dining area. “We need more lemon cupcakes. The strawberry puree swirled into the frosting is a hit.” She gave Olivia a thumbs-up and opened the walk-in refrigerator for more treats. On her way out, Tina said, “I love the new nook, by the way. It’s exactly what the place needed. And the kids are loving that sand table.” She disappeared through the swinging doors.

  Brittany bumped her hip. “How was your shopping excursion?” she whispered.

  “Good.” Olivia fought the smile inching up her face.

  “I’d say it was more than good, the way you’re blushing.”

  “Sunburn.”

  “Your face was pale earlier.”

  “Hot flash.” Olivia fanned her face with her hand.

  “It’s a hot flash all right.”

  Olivia nudged Brittany with her elbow. “Nosy.”

  No doubt, Olivia’s face showed everything—her attraction to Blake, her admiration of his character, how his tenderness after her confession melted her heart, awakening her icy core. “Wash up and meet me in the office.”

  Grandma was seated on a corner stool, engrossed in the latest edition of Professional Bakers Magazine. The issue featured recipes for savory cupcakes, something Olivia had never attempted but was now inspired to try.

  Brittany followed her into the small office and closed the door. “You’re not firing me, are you?”

  Olivia frowned. “Hardly. I’m promoting you.”

  She picked up an envelope off her desk and handed it to Brittany. “It’s not huge in the way of bonuses, but I want you to know how impressed I am with your cake skills. You’ve really helped boost sales.”

  Brittany swatted a hand, brushing off the comment. “Oh…go on.”

  Olivia laughed. “You bring a smile to work every day, you have a great sense of humor, and the respect the other women have for you shows.” She rested her backside on the edge of the desk. “I’d like to offer you a manager position.”

  Brittany was all perfect teeth and dimples.

  “I need someone I trust to run the bakery when I can’t be here. I don’t know what the future holds as Grandma’s condition gets worse, but I’m realizing I can’t do this by myself. The position will involve a pay increase, of course. And time off for your upcoming honeymoon.”

  “Sign me up.” Brittany slapped the envelope against her palm.

  Olivia stood, relieved. Now she could take a day off or help Blake harvest his blueberries without a flood of worry or guilt. Funny how he’d crept into her future plans.

  Brittany folded her check and tucked it into her back pocket. “I’m glad you’re doing this. Not just for my sake but for yours, too. You need a break.”

  Olivia nodded. “Not everyone will be pleased with your promotion.”

  Brittany rolled her eyes. “I know.”

  They stood for a few awkward seconds before deciding to hug.

  Brittany stepped away, curling her nose. “Ew, we’re both sweaty.”

  The door opened. Darlene peered inside. Her gaze stretched from Olivia to Brittany, and her face puckered into a scowl. “Blake Hartford is here with a delivery.”
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  Olivia examined her soiled apron, remembered Brittany’s words, and realized just how unpresentable she was.

  “Ooh,” Brittany teased, “flowers? Candy?”

  Darlene’s lips flattened. “Fruit.”

  “Even better.” Brittany moved to the door with a triumphant smile, forcing Darlene to return to the kitchen or get run over.

  Olivia left the office and welcomed the sunshine as she stepped from the building into the parking lot.

  Blake leaned against his downed tailgate, reached into the bed, and pulled boxes toward him.

  Here came the real hot flash. Her body reacted in ten different ways just seeing him. The old adage was right; five days’ absence had made her heart grow fonder.

  “I brought you the first berries of the season.” Two cardboard crates waited on his tailgate.

  “I thought they wouldn’t be ready to harvest until next week?”

  “The majority won’t.”

  Olivia plucked a fat blueberry and popped it into her mouth. “Mmm, thank you.”

  His face morphed into deep, serious lines, an expression unlike the Blake she’d come to know. The sight nagged at the problem-solving, situation-analyzing therapist inside her, and she wanted nothing more than to remove whatever burden weighed him down.

  “I’ve got to get back to the farm. The acres for open-picking are in use, and my mom is running things until I get back.” He stacked the crates and lifted them with ease. “Let me know where you want these, and I’ll carry them in for you.”

  Even the tone of his voice was laced with melancholy.

  He followed her to the walk-in fridge and placed the crate on a vacant shelf. “Will I see you Saturday?”

  She searched his face, wanting to make him smile. “I’ll be there.”

  “Good.” A battle raged behind those dark eyes, one Olivia was all too familiar with. A war of wanting to shirk off the past and move forward, but the vice-like grip it held made that impossible.

  Blake squeezed her hand and headed for his truck.

  Olivia drummed her fingers on her leg. What could she do to show she supported him?