Magnolia Bride

by Tara Randel

  A power saw whined next door. Nealy grimaced. The sounds of construction had become a constant reminder of change. For someone who took ownership of her projects, the thought of all this work benefiting a stranger stung to her core.

  “You can’t be surprised,” Terri said.

  “No. I guess I...I’m not sure how I feel.” Nealy straightened her shoulders. “If Grandmother does decide to sell, at least we turned the shop into a showplace. She’ll get top dollar to enjoy her future.”

  Terri smiled warmly. “She will, indeed.”

  Shaking herself out of her maudlin thoughts, Nealy rubbed her hands together. “Enough conjecture. Back to work.”

  Terri patted Nealy’s arm. “You never know what will happen, dear.”

  True, but she didn’t want to accept the change so easily. Cuppa Joe had been a part of her life she didn’t want to lose, but there didn’t seem to be any way to keep the inevitable from happening.

  After lunch, Dane’s crew showed up to replace the molding around the windows.

  “Oh, look, dear,” Terri gushed, “The men are here to finish up the storefront.”

  Yes, she knew, ignoring the unwelcome twinge of disappointment when the man himself hadn’t arrived. Really, she admonished, she had to get over these lingering feelings for Dane. They’d said everything worth saying yesterday. End of story.

  A pang of sadness settled over her. Once she headed back to L.A., would Dane miss her? Have fond memories, thinking of her as “the one who got away”? With all the single women after him, she’d be a distant thought before too long. As it should be. It’s what she wanted, right? Yet the sting in the vicinity of her heart proved otherwise. Okay, for all her mental debating, she was not over Dane, but they had too many hurdles to overcome. No promise for a future together, no matter how much she might want it.

  Obviously, her emotions would be a confusing jumble right now. Being home. Spending time with her family, and enjoying it, for the first time in years. Not sure of the future of Cuppa Joe. Waiting on word about her new project back in California. Attempting to put the past where it belonged to start concentrating on her future.

  The rhythmic hammering against the outside wall snagged Nealy’s attention. As much as Nealy appreciated the hours the men were putting in to finish the project, she had mixed emotions about viewing the final result. Dane’s vision had been so clear and right on target, she didn’t want to be let down if it didn’t turn out like his sketches. Either way it would be one more thing crossed off grandmother’s list. One more step towards the unknown future of the shop.

  Instead of going outside to see how things were progressing, she elected to stay indoors. She had enough to keep her busy with unloading deliveries and setting up other updated details around the shop. Plenty of work to take her mind off life in Cypress Pointe without her.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  BY LATE AFTERNOON, Dane had caught up with his phone calls and poring over projections for his upcoming hotel projects. Curious about the status of Cuppa Joe’s, he decided to take a break and check it out in person. He arrived ten minutes later, standing on the sidewalk, his astute gaze scanning every inch of the building exterior. Pleased with the results, he made sure to compliment the men working for him before they called it quits for the day. The last piece of the renovation, the new sign he’d ordered, would be the finishing touch on the project. Slightly nervous, he hoped Dorinda would like the changes.

  Or was he trying to impress Nealy? A little of both. Nealy would be leaving soon, but he wanted her to remember how he’d taken care of her grandmother. A small gesture in the grand scheme of things, but it mattered to him.

  He should head back to the hotel, but knowing Nealy was inside the shop made him walk to the front door. Things may be rocky between them, but they didn’t stop him going in to see her.

  For a guy who knew where his life was going, Nealy was the one part he questioned. He’d always been so sure he’d done the right thing for Nealy by having their marriage annulled. So why the questions now? Nealy accused him of not being able to commit. That wasn’t the problem. He was committed to his job. His family. But lately, every decision boiled down to the one he’d made all those years ago. Maybe he’d made the wrong decision for all the right reasons. Could he just now be figuring it out?

  He entered the shop. The scent of freshly brewed coffee greeted him. He gazed around the room. The Graingers had done a bang-up job painting and making the shop feel more in touch with the times. Nealy wouldn’t take credit, but it was her due.

  He got in line to order, noticing for the first time the new coffeemaker. Sierra manned the equipment like a pro. When it came his turn, she grinned at him. “What’ll it be?”

  “I take it you have more than plain coffee to offer?”

  “Yep. I’ve just mastered lattes. Want one?”

  “Sure.”

  He paid, and then moved to the side to wait for his order. Nealy entered from the hallway, cell phone pressed to her ear, forehead wrinkled. She passed right by, not noticing him. He hadn’t intended on eavesdropping, but she stood close enough that he could hear the end of her conversation.

  “Crystal, you’re missing the point. I’ve worked with the Olsens for years.”

  Sierra handed him the latte.

  “Yes. I’m well aware I’m not in California, but I will be back for the party. Felicia can handle things as my assistant.” A pause. “No, this is not acceptable. When I get back, we’re going to sit down and hash it out.” Nealy turned and spotted him. Her cheeks turned pink. “Yes, Crystal, I’ll be there next week.”

  She signed off.

  “Trouble in the workplace?” he couldn’t resist asking.

  “More like a hassled boss trying to hand my events to a newbie.” She placed the phone on the counter. “Not gonna happen.”

  “I’ve never seen this side of you. Go, tiger.”

  She tried to suppress a grin but failed. “I can’t even escape for a couple weeks without these crazy calls from my boss. I have it all covered. The woman has never heard of the word overkill.”

  “As you’ve reminded me, you are good at your job.”

  “Crystal seems to have forgotten.”

  “You’re hard to forget, Nealy.”

  Her grin froze before fading. “When I’m back next week she’ll definitely know I’m there.”

  Sierra called Nealy over to help. “Duty calls.” She made her way to the counter.

  He watched her take over, admiring her sure tone while working with Sierra, her attention focused on the customers. Nealy had a way with people. Always had.

  After she served the last customer in line, Dane walked to the counter. “What do you think of the storefront?”

  “It was dark when I got here this morning so I didn’t get a good look.”

  “C’mon. I want your opinion.”

  She hesitated, glanced at Sierra then shrugged. “Guess I can’t put it off.”

  “Thanks for trusting me,” he said drily.

  Her gaze slipped away from him. “It’s not your expertise I don’t trust.”

  More like her heart. He got it.

  She grabbed her phone from the counter and they went outside. She took up a position across the street, likely to get the full effect. He could have sworn he glimpsed tears in her eyes, but it could have been the sun.

  “So?”

  “Wow. No other shop looks like this.”

  “I wanted to make it different.”

  “You succeeded.”

  “So it gets the Nealy Grainger stamp of approval?”

  “It does, and let me tell you, I had high expectations.”

  His chest grew tight. Only Nealy made him feel this good.

  “I have no idea what Grandmother
will think, but it’s just as you explained it. If it makes her remember her trip to New England, then you hit it right on the mark.”

  Her cell rang again. She pressed a few buttons, closed her eyes and muttered, “Give me strength.” Taking a breath, she opened her eyes and hit a button. “Crystal.”

  Her boss. And his employees thought he was demanding.

  Once again, he couldn’t miss the heated words Nealy exchanged with her employer. Apparently their cross-country communications weren’t solving their issues.

  “My grandmother gets home Wednesday. I’ll let you know then.” She finished the call and slipped the phone into her pocket.

  “Another problem?”

  “My boss is pushing me to come back earlier, but I want to talk to Grandmother first.”

  His stomach clenched. He knew she was leaving, had known since the beginning. Still, it bothered him. “Not to put any more pressure on you, but we have the wedding rehearsal Thursday night.”

  “We had a deal. I’ll be there, Dane.”

  “Look, I don’t mean to push.”

  “I said I’d be there. At least I always keep my commitments.” Guilt crossed her face. “I didn’t mean about the annulment.”

  He held up his hand. “No need to explain.”

  Her features softened. “I have so much going on.”

  “You’re stressed. I get it.”

  “Still.”

  “Nealy, don’t go there.”

  Her face flushed and she pursed her lips together. A few awkward moments passed. As they stood there in silence, an idea niggled at him. He’d been mulling it over since the engagement parties. More so after the tea party. Going out on a limb, he said, “Got a few minutes? I’ve got something I’d like to run by you.”

  Nealy glanced at the storefront and back. “I don’t think you could do anything more.”

  “Not about Cuppa Joe.”

  “Sure. I can spare a couple of minutes. I need a break anyway.” She poked her head inside the shop to let Sierra know she’d be back soon.

  He pushed past the kick of nerves in his stomach. “After listening to you tangle with your boss, I can’t help but think you need to lighten your stress levels.”

  “This is nothing. The pressure will be on once I get back to LA.”

  “Maybe going back to L.A. isn’t the right move.”

  “And you would know this how? From the many events you’ve planned?”

  “No. I do run a business and know something about workload.”

  She puffed out a breath. “Sorry. No need for me to be snippy. Go on.”

  “Ever think of opening your own business? Here? In Cypress Pointe?”

  “No.” She blinked. “Sounds even more stressful to me.”

  “Nealy, people are impressed with how you organize and run important occasions in their lives. Cypress Pointe could use a talented event planner.”

  She frowned. “I’ve never thought about doing my own thing. I like working at Milestones by Crystal.”

  “But you’ve also enjoyed being home, right?”

  The quick flash of understanding in her eyes gave him the answer.

  “Maybe it’s time to give it some thought.”

  “It’s kind of out of the blue, don’t you think? My mind is busy juggling the coffee shop until Grandmother gets back, with upcoming events in L.A.”

  “Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the possibility.”

  “All my contacts are in L.A.”

  “So? You make new contacts here.”

  Her chin hitched up. “I’m due back next week.”

  “You don’t have to do anything today. Think about it.”

  The door opened and Sierra stuck her head out. “Need help.”

  “Right.” She glanced at Dane. “Um, I’ll see you Thursday.”

  “Okay.”

  She went inside, leaving Dane to wonder if he’d pitched the idea of Nealy staying in town because it would benefit the population of Cypress Pointe or because he wanted her to stick around to see what happened between them.

  * * *

  NEALY HAD JUST approved the newly installed menu board late Wednesday morning when her grandmother bustled into the shop.

  “Well, my dear, you have been busy.”

  Nealy whirled around. “Grandmother.” With a yelp, she hurried over for a great big hug.

  Dorinda took Nealy’s hand and walked around the shop, stopping to peer at the prints on the walls and the new arrangement of tables and chairs. When she made her way over to the counter displaying the brand-new equipment, she ran her fingers over the smooth metal machine. Lastly, she noticed the old Cuppa Joe sign taking up residence on the wall where pictures of Nealy once hung. She stared, blinking rapidly before turning to face the woman behind the transformation. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say you like it.”

  “I do like it.” Dorinda took a shaky breath. “When I gave you the okay to update the shop I knew I left it in good hands. I must say, you have outdone yourself.”

  Nealy blinked at the tears pressing against the backs of her eyes. She’d been living with butterflies in her stomach all morning, waiting for her grandmother’s appearance. At her grandmother’s pleased reaction, relief flooded her.

  “And the outside. I barely recognized the shop.”

  “You can thank Dane for the change.”

  “Dane?”

  “Long story.”

  “Then it’s a good thing we have a new coffee machine. Let’s say you whip me up something fancy. We’ll sit down and catch up.”

  Nealy hugged her grandmother again. “I’m so glad you like it.”

  Dorinda pulled back, still holding on to Nealy’s arms. “How could I not?”

  As her grandmother circled the shop one more time, Nealy whipped up two lattes. She handed her grandmother a cup as they sat at a corner table.

  Dorinda took a careful sip. “Mmm.” She took another one. “I don’t know why I fought updating the shop for so long. And this coffee is delicious.”

  “I understand, Grandmother. It must be hard running the shop alone.”

  “Oh, I’m never alone. My friends always help out when I need them.”

  “Like Terri? She’s been here every day.”

  Dorinda grinned. “I knew you were more than capable of handling the shop, but I wanted Terri to have something to do while all her friends were gone.”

  “I figured as much, but I have to say, she chipped in like she’s been working here forever. I think she mastered the new machine faster than Davey and I.”

  “I’ll have someone to show me the ropes once you leave.”

  Nealy felt a twinge of regret. She’d be out of Cypress Pointe soon and without much of a chance to visit with her grandmother. “Davey, too. He’s so excited about the changes.”

  “I imagine he worked right beside you.”

  “Yep. Along with Lanie and David. And get this. Even Mom and Dad helped out.”

  Dorinda’s hand flew to her chest. “Your parents pitched in?”

  “They painted. Mom redid the groupings of tables and chairs. She said something about feng shui and good vibes for the customers.”

  “Feng shui?”

  Nealy chuckled.

  Tears shimmered in Dorinda’s eyes again. “Oh, my.”

  “I know. I was shocked, as well. We all had a nice time together.”

  “And I missed it.”

  “Hey, you were enjoying yourself. Much more important.”

  Dorinda shrugged. “Maybe.” She glanced around again. “I’m still so surprised.”

  “Take your time drinking it in. I know it’s a lot.”

  “Beautiful.
” She met Nealy’s gaze. “And the storefront. I almost went right past the place. So, how did Dane get involved?”

  Nealy squirmed in her seat. Since Dane suggested she start a business in Cypress Pointe she’d thought of nothing else. Well, almost nothing else. Reliving his kiss took up a lot of her time. In just a few days she’d gone from getting over the past with Dane to, oh, no, I’m falling for him again. What should she do?

  Focus, for starters.

  Right.

  “When I explained about the Merchants’ Association hounding you, he wasn’t pleased. He felt bad, and to be honest, I had no idea what to do out there, so he came up with the idea to work together.”

  Dorinda’s eyebrows rose. “What? How?”

  “Shocker, huh?” Nealy grinned. “He helped with the exterior of Cuppa Joe and, as I might have played a teensy part in Angela quitting, leaving Dane in a bind, I arranged a tea party last weekend. Once I step in and help with the wedding rehearsal on Thursday, we’re even.”

  “You and Dane working together.” Dorinda chuckled. “How did it go?”

  “There were ups and downs.” Nealy tightened her hand around the coffee cup. “We were able to talk about the past. Come to terms.”

  Dorinda sat back and regarded her granddaughter. “The bartering worked for you, Nealy. You seem more peaceful than when you first arrived.”

  “I am. Dane apologized. I accepted. Getting our feelings out in the open went a long way to heal my anger. It was time to let go of the past.”

  “Then you coming home worked out for everyone.” Dorinda gazed around the shop again. “So much for your vacation.”

  “I didn’t mind. I knew I’d be working. And I reconnected with some old friends. Even had some people ask about my services.”

  “People wanted you to plan events here?”