Mattie's Meltaways

by Mary Manners

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Also Available by Mary Manners

  Coming Soon

  Praise for Mary Manners

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  Epilogue

  Available Now

  Back Page

  Mattie’s Meltaways

  A Sweet Treats Bakery Story

  Mary Manners

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Mattie’s Meltaways

  COPYRIGHT 2011 by Mary Manners

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or Pelican Ventures, LLC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given away to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.

  Contact Information: titleadmin@pelicanbookgroup.com

  All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version(R), NIV(R), Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

  Cover Art by Nicola Martinez

  White Rose Publishing, a division of Pelican Ventures, LLC

  www.whiterosepublishing.com PO Box 1738 *Aztec, NM * 87410

  White Rose Publishing Circle and Rosebud logo is a trademark of Pelican Ventures, LLC

  Publishing History

  First White Rose Edition, 2012

  Electronic Edition ISBN 978-1-61116-113-7

  Published in the United States of America

  Dedication

  To Robbie Price, my kind-hearted friend. May God guide each of your steps and shower countless blessings on you and your precious daughters.

  Also Available by Mary Manners

  Mended Heart

  Tender Mercies

  Brenna's Choice

  Light the Fire

  Love's Kindled Flame

  Buried Treasures

  Starfire

  Kate’s Kisses

  Grace’s Gold

  Tessa’s Teacakes

  Coming Soon

  Lone Creek Ranch Series

  Praise for Mary Manners

  4 1/2 Stars for Tender Mercies from RT Book Reviews "…A wonderful story…"

  Mended Heart: Nominated 'Best Inspirational Romance 2010' by The Romance Reviews, Finalist for the Award of Excellence, 4 Stars from RT Book Reviews

  “…this heartwarming story is one to curl up with and read over again.”

  ~Clare Revell, Happily Ever After Reviews

  on Light the Fire

  “There was so much to love about this story.”

  ~Novel Editions on Mended Heart

  “This is definitely a book I would suggest to any reader.”

  ~Night Owl Reviews on Mended Heart

  “At the road's end, Mary Manners will leave you anticipating the next journey.”

  ~Frank Maturo, Chicago, IL

  “Mary Manners is my new favorite author.”

  ~Robbie Price, Seymour, TN

  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

  ~Hebrews 11:1~

  1

  The bell above the Sweet Treats door jangled. Mattie glanced up from the display case as the door swung open, ushering in a cold gust of air.

  “Mornin’.” Tyler Jacobs nodded and tugged scuffed leather gloves from his hands. He brushed sandy brown hair from dark, walnut eyes.

  Mattie didn’t miss the fine, jagged scar along his hairline—a reminder of the danger of his job as a firefighter.

  “It sure is a cold one.”

  “Wind’s restless, too.” She motioned to the street beyond the shop-front window. Weeping willows gyrated in a frenzied dance along the boulevard. “Do you think it’s gonna snow?”

  “Might. Certainly feels like it.” He sidled up to the counter and dropped his gloves beside the cash register. “Could use a hot cup of coffee and a bite to eat.”

  The scent of pine soap and something purely masculine mingled with lemon and chocolate. Her pulse quickened, and she turned away to wipe her hands on a towel. What was wrong with her? Her insides suddenly felt like tangled spaghetti noodles. She cleared her throat and checked the coffee maker as its gurgles subsided. The brew was fresh—Tyler was usually the first customer of the day. “One muffin, or two this morning?”

  “Make it two, both to go. I’m running a bit late. Jessie forgot her reading book at the house, and we had to rush back for it.” He pulled a paper napkin from the dispenser on the counter. “And then we realized Nibbles—”

  “Jessie’s new hamster, right?”

  “That’s right.” He rolled his eyes and grinned. “Well, Nibbles escaped from his cage, so we had to launch a search and rescue.”

  Mattie laughed. “Was the mission successful?”

  “Barely. Fluffy had him cornered in the laundry room.”

  “Oh, no. Not the cat.”

  “Yes, the cat.” Tyler loosened the zipper on his leather jacket and tugged the collar from his neck. “Anyway, after I calmed Jessie, she insisted on giving Nibbles a good talking to, then Fluffy, too, before we could leave again. Then we were a few blocks from the house when—”

  “Let me guess…you realized you forgot the reading book, again.”

  “Right.” He groaned and ran a hand across the crown of his head. “I think I have a few new gray hairs.”

  “You look fine to me.” Better than fine. Mattie turned her attention to the display case. “But that was some way to start a morning. Sounds like you’ve earned your breakfast.”

  “You can say that again.” He sighed and propped his elbows on the counter, leaning in. “And I’ve been looking forward to your apple-cinnamon muffins. Nothing better to quell my appetite.”

  “Coming right up.” Mattie reached for a foam cup, poured a robust house blend. Her hands shook as Tyler trained his gaze on her, his deep brown eyes like rich, chocolate coins, and a bit of the cloudy brew splashed onto the hot burner, hissed and spat.

  “You OK?” Tyler bolted around the counter and took the carafe from her. He set it back on the burner and reached for her hand. His long fingers grazed her palm, her wrist. “Did it burn you?”

  “No. I’m fine.” She waited while he lifted her hand for a closer inspection. Her breath came in small gasps as his fingers gently skimmed hers.

  “Well…it looks OK.” He nodded and let her fingers slip from his. “What’s got you so jittery this morning, Mat?”

  “Nothing.” Mattie shrugged and brushed damp palms across her apron. The coffee hadn’t burned, but his touch sure had. She turned from his gaze and trembled as the rich brew filled the shop with the aroma of hazelnut and vanilla. With a quivering voice she diverted his attention to something—anything—else. “So, how’s Jessie…other than a bit forgetful?”

  “Excited about her birthday.” Tyler took the cup from her, added a healthy spoonful of sugar and two creams before pressing his back to the counter and indulging in a sip. “Turns seven tomorrow.”

  “Oh, that’s right.” Mattie eased back
, putting a bit of distance between them. The strength of him was just this side of intoxicating. “She was born on—”

  “Valentine’s Day.”

  Mattie busied her hands arranging and rearranging stacks of foam coffee cups. “You have something special planned?”

  “Gonna make her favorite meal—baked spaghetti drizzled with mozzarella cheese. Then we’re going to bundle up in something warm and ice skate on the duck pond over in the town square.”

  “Well, this weather should keep the pond frozen and the rink operating a while longer.” Mattie reached into the display case and drew out two muffins. “And the pond’s so pretty this time of year, with snow clinging to the evergreens and the air crisp and clean.”

  “You sound like you’ve skated there before.”

  “The town’s been freezing that pond every winter since I was a little girl. My daddy used to take me and my sisters there.” The memory tugged at her emotions, and she busied herself by placing the muffins into a small, white pastry bag. She knew Tyler would devour them on his walk across the town square, to the Mount Ridge fire hall. “I fell in love with the feel of the ice, and I used to take lessons at the Ice Chalet in Knoxville…years ago.”

  “Really?” His gaze slipped over her as he drew a long sip of coffee. “Tell me more.”

  “I thought you were in a hurry.”

  Tyler glanced at the clock above the shop door. “I have a few minutes to spare.”

  Mattie waved a hand in the air, dismissing the memory. She drew a sleeve of lids for the coffee cups from a box beneath the counter and arranged them with the cups beside the coffeemaker. “In that case, let’s talk about Jessie’s birthday. What about a cake? Do you have something special in mind?”

  “A cake…” Tyler gave a guilty shrug. “Oh, I forgot about that.”

  “You forgot the cake?” Mortification raced through Mattie. “Oh, Tyler…that’s the most important part.” She wagged a finger at him. “Do you want me to make one for you?”

  “It’s such short notice, Mat. I couldn’t impose on you.”

  “Of course you can. It’s no problem, really. I do run a bakery, after all.”

  “And a fine one, I might add.” He grinned at her. “OK. It would really help me out. Thank you, Mattie.”

  “You’re welcome.” She gathered a memo pad and a pencil. “Now, what kind of cake would Jessie like?”

  “I’m not sure.” Tyler snapped his fingers, reached into his pocket and drew out a crumpled slip of paper. He scanned the words scrawled on it. “Wait a minute. Can you do something chocolate, with smiley faces?”

  “I can do anything you like.”

  “Oh, you’re a lifesaver.” He paused, scratched his chin. “Um…would you like to join us? Jessie would love it if you came to dinner, and skated with her after.”

  The suggestion startled her. She’d always been friendly with Tyler and Jessie whenever their paths crossed, which was often, but she didn’t realize either felt anything more than an easy friendship. To share dinner and skating, well, that was something more. “I don’t know, Tyler…”

  “Oh.” He gulped and returned the slip of paper to his pocket. “I wasn’t thinking, Valentine’s Day, and all. I bet you already have plans.”

  “No, it’s not like that at all.” She had plans all right…maybe she’d pair a rented movie and a bowl of popcorn while she washed and folded a few loads of laundry. “Are you sure…I mean, it’s Jessie’s birthday, and I wouldn’t want to impose.”

  “Impose? Nonsense, Mattie. Jessie would be thrilled. Six o’clock, OK?”

  “It’s…perfect.”

  The shop door flew open and Tessa rushed in amid jangles and an arctic blast of air. Her chestnut hair spilled from a knit cap, and her cheeks flushed crimson from the cold wind. But her smile was contagious. “Hey, Mattie, hey Tyler.”

  He turned to her and nodded. “How’s it going, Tessa?”

  “Good.” She unbuttoned her long, wool coat and placed a hand over her rounded belly. “Sorry I’m late, sis. Didn’t get much sleep. Baby’s been kicking up a storm.”

  “Let’s see.” Mattie placed her palm over the mound, felt the nudge of a tiny foot as the baby wiggled and squirmed in his warm cocoon. “Yes, he is. Kid’s gonna be a star punter, or a soccer pro, for sure.”

  “Hard to believe I only have a month or so left.” Tessa tossed her coat into a chair at one of the round, wrought-iron tables. “You wanna feel, Tyler?”

  “No, thanks.” His voice was a low crunch of gravel as he shook his head and took a giant step to the other side of the counter. His gaze widened like that of a deer tangled in cross-traffic. “I’d better be going. Don’t want to be late for work.”

  Mattie felt a tug on her heart at Tyler’s sudden change in demeanor. She knew he was probably thinking of the wife and infant he’d lost to childbirth a few years ago. But Tessa, oblivious to the change, peeled off her hat, tossed it beside her coat, and reached into the display case for a blueberry muffin. “Fire hall been busy?”

  “The usual.” Tyler grabbed his gloves from the counter and tucked them into the pocket of his jacket as he backed toward the door. “This cold brings out the worst.”

  “Take these.” Mattie added a few chocolate confections to the pastry bag that held his muffins. “They’re from a new recipe I found in my grandmother’s files…chocolate mint meltaways, guaranteed to melt in your mouth, hence their name. Share them with Jessie, and let me know what you think, OK?”

  “Sure. She loves chocolate.” Tyler took the box and opened the shop door.

  A cold breeze whipped Mattie’s long, black braid, and she shivered.

  “Thanks, Mattie.”

  “No problem.” Her teeth chattered, but a pleasant rush of warmth spread through her belly, untangling the mass of nerves. “See you tomorrow?”

  He nodded. “Looking forward to it.”

  ****

  Tyler was thankful for the bite of a cold breeze as he trekked across the square to the fire hall. The chill cleared his head and brought his heart rate under control. Seeing Mattie did weird things to his insides…things that felt unsettling and pleasant at the same time. He couldn’t put his finger on it. But the brush of her hand kindled a need buried deep in him…how long had it been since he’d felt the gentle touch of a woman?

  And Tessa, asking him to feel the baby growing in her belly…it brought back memories of Lydia, and the devastating childbirth that took both her and his son. Jessie should have a baby brother, but she remained an only child—and motherless, to boot.

  Tyler tried not to dwell on the loss. Three years had passed since he’d lost Lydia and Noah. He’d stumbled through all the classic stages of grief and shaken his fist at God more times than he could count. There were no answers…he simply needed to trust.

  And he did. Yet sometimes the loss still burdened his heart.

  But not around Mattie. No, never around Mattie. She filled something in him that was missing. He wanted more, but he didn’t know how to go about asking for it. He was nearly twenty years out of the dating scene, and the game was beyond terrifying.

  But he’d asked her to dinner, and she’d said yes. Tyler picked up the pace, his chest suddenly a bit lighter. Maybe it wasn’t so bad…navigating through the dating waters.

  But was it a date? Did Jessie’s birthday party count? He shook his head, the slight bit of confidence shattered. Oh, well…

  He delved into the pastry bag, took one of the square meltaways and tossed it into his mouth. The chocolate—smooth with a hint of mint—dissolved on his tongue and left him longing for another taste.

  He grinned and hunched his shoulders as the wind nipped his face. The sky rolled with heavy, gray snow clouds. If the temperature held, he’d have his hands full building a snowman with Jessie that evening. He’d stop by the grocery store on the way home, surprise her with a carrot nose and a handful of walnuts for the eyes.

  He thought of the note she’d slippe
d into his coat pocket that morning as he walked her to school, and warmth coursed through him.

  Dear Daddy,

  Can I have a choclit cake for my birthday and lots of smiley faces please???

  ___YES ___NO

  Love,

  Jessie Jacobs ( ALMOST 7)

  He’d check YES and leave the note on her dinner plate tonight. He had no doubt Mattie would make the cake special, and Jessie would be thrilled with it. He tapped the side of his head, making a mental note to pick up some birthday candles along with the carrots and walnuts. He wondered what Jessie’s birthday wish would be. He knew what he’d wish for…if he was turning seven again and still believed that wishes came true.

  Tyler shook off the thought. He washed the meltaway down with a gulp of coffee and picked up the pace as the fire hall came into view across the square. Cherry-red trucks sat in the drive, gleaming as they awaited the next emergency call.

  He hoped it wouldn’t come today.

  2

  “Mattie, have you had trouble with this oven again today?” Grace asked as she frowned at the pan of gold cake she’d just pulled from the heat. “It’s not baking right. I think there might be a short in one of the elements.”

  “It was working fine earlier this morning.” Mattie stirred chocolate that bubbled to a smooth, creamy mixture in a pan on the stove. “Tessa made a batch of strawberry teacakes before she left for her doctor’s appointment, and they turned out just fine. It seems to come and go.”

  “Well, it’s not working now. Look.” Grace set the gold cake on the counter and frowned at the sloppy crater that sank right through its center. Uncooked batter was a congealed, gooey mess.