“Yes, like my career. I’m on it, though. Don’t worry so much.”
She reached into her jeans pocket and pulled out a rumpled newspaper clipping, then slid it across the table to him. He picked it up and read, “Editor wanted for Cedar Lake Community Post.” He set it down in front of her. “A newspaper job ad? What is this, 1995? Do they even have a print paper anymore?”
“Read it,” Paula urged, thrusting it back to him. “They do, but they also have a website and social media that needs to be maintained.”
The kettle began to whistle, and Matthew pushed his chair back and got to his feet. He went to the stove to move the kettle from the burner and turn off the heat. The last thing he wanted to do was edit local news stories and manage social media. His passion lay in fiction, not in the coverage of a small town’s summer softball league.
Besides, there was the potential client Anna was sending his way. And after talking to Brittany a few days ago, he’d also been mulling over the potential of a line editing job with a new press in Vancouver. Sure, he’d have to move there. But it was only a couple hours drive from home, much better than heading back east where most of the big-name publishers were located.
He had options. Ones that didn’t include working for a tiny newspaper.
He poured hot water over the tea bag in the mug, then grabbed a spoon and the jug of milk and brought it to the table for her. “Thanks, Mom. I appreciate you looking out for me, but I’m not a newspaper editor. It’s not my thing.”
“I don’t understand the difference,” Paula said with a huff. She dumped some milk in her steaming mug, gave it a stir, then removed the tea bag and lay it in the head of the spoon on the table. “I thought this was perfect. A job right in Cedar Lake—you said you wanted to be around more, like Marshal.”
Like Marshal. Of course, he’s always been the reliable one. Matthew’s chest tightened, and he took the seat across from her again. “I do, Mom. But I’m not Marshal. I don’t have an attachment to this town the way he does. It’s you, and Dad, and Madison that I’m attached to.” He paused, catching her eye. “And Marshal too. He’s okay, I guess.”
“Honey—”
“I can’t take a job I’m not interested in. And you know, newspapers and media have totally different editing rules than fiction. I know a little bit, but I’d need more training. My BA is in English, not journalism.”
“Well, it sounds like there’s no option for you to stay in Cedar Lake at all then.”
He leaned his elbows on the table, trying to give her a reassuring look. “Maybe not. If freelancing from home was a sure thing, I would put all my eggs in that basket. But starting out in that world is tough, Mom. I need to make a living.” He hesitated, catching the worried look on her face. He thought about sharing the potential lead from Anna with her, but what if it fell through? He was sure she’d be overexcited with the prospect of his own business getting some traction. No, he’d wait until he’d signed an actual contract.
“I know you do, dear.”
“If I take an in-house job, finding one in Vancouver is my priority. I promise, I won’t move so far away this time.” He swallowed, not sure if he should mention the opportunity with Brittany either. He hadn’t decided yet. But his mom was clearly having a hard time with things, and he wanted to ease her mind. “I have an interesting in opportunity in Vancouver—”
His mom’s face lit up, and she opened her mouth to speak, but he held up his hand.
“Hang on. I’m not sure I’m going to take it.” He shifted uneasily, wondering how she’d react to the fact that Brittany was involved. “Brittany contacted me, and she’s starting with a new publishing company in Vancouver next week. They’re opening in January, and they need a line editor. She recommended me for the job.”
His mom pursed her lips, then took a sip of her tea and set it on the table. “Why would Brittany want to work with you again?”
“She’s confident in my work,” he replied slowly. He’d had the exact same question when they spoke on the phone. “She said she felt bad for how things ended, and wants to make amends. As friends, or maybe coworkers.”
“Do you think that’s wise?”
“She doesn’t want me back, Mom. And even if she did, there’s no way I’d consider it.” That, he was absolutely sure of. Even if things hadn’t ended poorly, they weren’t a good match. They would never be able to make each other happy, and his feelings for her had shifted the moment he’d received her break-up text. “But the job is a good opportunity. And it’s a lot closer to home than Toronto or New York.”
Paula let out a sigh, then took another drink of her tea. “Okay. You’re right. Vancouver is better.” She paused, tapping her fingers against the rim of her mug. “But I hope you keep trying to freelance. I know it’s not easy, but you’re passionate about your work. Maybe Dylan could help you, he’s contracting now.”
Matthew leaned back in his chair, thinking about his ancient-looking website. I’m almost as bad as the Cedar Lake Post and their physical job postings. “That is still an option,” he said. “Marshal showed me his farm website and mentioned that Dylan would probably be willing to help me with mine.”
“Well, why haven’t you asked him yet?” Paula replied. “Get on it. And if there’s anything your dad and I can do, let us know.” She tapped her finger on the newspaper clipping on the table. “I’ll try to be better. Just talk to me.”
“You’re right,” he said. “I haven’t exactly been forthcoming with you and Dad about what I’m planning to do, but I don’t have a firm answer yet.” He paused. “I’ll shoot Dylan a text tonight.”
His mom straightened in her chair, looking pleased. “See? I’m not completely useless when it comes to helping my kids, even though they’re adults.”
“Sure, Mom,” he said with a chuckle, but his thoughts were still on his job situation. The job proposal from Brittany was tempting—a full-time salary, benefits, and some stability in his life. But freelancing as an editor had its perks too, and with a little help from Dylan and Anna, maybe it could work. And what that would mean—it was almost too good to be true. Freedom. Staying in Cedar Lake with my family. Pursuing something more with Anna.
What would happen with her if he moved to Vancouver? He hated the thought of cutting things off before they even began. Would she be willing to try dating long distance? He frowned. Was that even fair to ask of her when they’d only met a couple short weeks ago?
His mom began to tell him about her plans for the Starlight Dance—something about the milk canisters and the dozen spools of burlap she’d picked up from the fabric store. He wondered if Anna would be going. He’d assumed so, since she worked at the inn. But didn’t she work Saturday nights in the kitchen? And if she wasn’t working, she’d probably be staying home to work on that overhaul of her fantasy manuscript. But still, the thought of spending another evening with her, maybe even asking her to dance, was tempting.
I’ll ask her tomorrow.
“Matthew? Are you listening?”
He straightened and focused his attention on his mom. “Yes, sorry. You were saying something about the food? Sophie’s black forest cupcakes?”
“Yes, they’re to die for.” Paula clasped her hands together on the table. “You have to try them. They’re Marshal’s favourite.”
Matthew pressed his lips together and shook his head. The more things change . . .
But she’d brought him pork chops. And he definitely intended to eat Marshal’s share.
Chapter Sixteen
Anna leaned back in her chair and sighed, thoroughly satisfied from the meal Matthew had prepared. Between the perfectly cooked steak, herbed potatoes, and the kale and cranberry salad, he’d certainly proved his proficiency in the kitchen. The pink and orange flowers on the table and the tidy farmhouse only added to the pleasant atmosphere.
She gazed into the kitchen area, where Matthew stood loading the dishwasher with Monty sitting next to him. The dog looked longingly at the dirty d
ishes but kept a polite distance. She’d tried to help clear the table, but Matthew had insisted on cleaning everything up, stating that she could cook for him next time. She dreamily thought of having him over at her apartment, sharing dinner and maybe a bottle of wine, hiding out together from the cold winter rain outside.
“So,” she said, pushing the daydream from her mind, “I chatted with Sarah Peters last night, an ex-Raven Stone romance author. She’s thinking about submitting her manuscript to a small press and would like an editor to help her shine it up. I could pass on your information to her too, if you like.”
Matthew placed a glass in the top rack of the appliance. “Really? Dylan’s coming over tomorrow to help me with my website. So, maybe next week you could send her my website address. If you don’t mind, of course.”
“I still don’t mind,” Anna replied. “I’m the one who thought of it. She would probably leave you a nice testimonial too. Have you heard from Scott yet? He said he wanted to tweak a few plotlines before contacting you.”
“Not yet. But hopefully soon.” Matthew popped the last plate inside the dishwasher with a clink. “I’d really like to get things rolling. If I could work from home and stick around here—” he glanced at her— “well, I’d rather not move if I don’t have to.”
Anna’s stomach knotted. I want you to stick close to home too. She wasn’t sure what would happen if he left. Would they try dating long distance? She’d done that before with Jace, and it didn’t go well. But Matthew seemed different. She couldn’t imagine him running off with another girl.
Matthew closed the appliance’s door, then reached down to scratch Monty’s ears.
A handsome man who cooked me a stellar meal, and he also happens to be great with my dog? Yep. I definitely don’t want him to leave Cedar Lake.
He straightened and caught her eye, then gave her a silly grin. “What?”
“Nothing,” Anna replied. “Just wondering what you used in that dressing for the kale and cranberry salad. It was so good. I bet we could use it at the inn.”
He shook his head. “It’s a Talbot family secret. My mom would kill me if she found out I leaked it.”
“Hmm. So, I assume Sophie knows it already, then.”
“Nope. Not until she’s a Talbot.”
All it takes is marriage to get the secret recipe? Anna bit back the words. Nope, it’s way too early to think like that. Even if it is only a joke.
She got up from the table and joined him in the kitchen area. “Well, I guess I’ll have to wait until she marries Marshal. Then I can get the recipe out of her for my own personal use.”
Matthew leaned his back against the island and lifted a brow. “Mom will have her swear an oath of secrecy, probably on Marshal’s life.” He grabbed Anna’s hand, and she let him tug her against him.
“I’m sure Marshal is a worthy sacrifice,” she teased. “Come on, what is it? I could have sworn there was a touch of apple cider vinegar.”
He looked down at her with that crooked grin, his wavy hair slipping over his forehead. The woodsy smell of his cologne filled her with longing, and she fought the desire to run her fingers along the edge of his freshly-shaven jaw. He wrapped his arm around her waist, and she rested her hand on his chest. They were close enough, if she stood on her toes, like that night in front of her door—
Monty pawed at Anna’s leg and let out a whine. Startled, she pulled away from Matthew and patted the dog’s head, disappointed at the interruption. “Need outside, buddy?”
He let out a low woof and trotted to the entrance of the hallway, then looked over his shoulder at them.
Matthew chuckled. “I’d say he needs to go. Stat.”
“I’ll take him out and make sure he doesn’t go on anyone’s tires.”
Matthew pushed away from the island. “I’ll come with you.” He rubbed his chin. “Hey, want to see Sophie’s new chickens while we’re out there?”
“Did you say Sophie’s chickens?”
Matthew nodded. “Marshal got her some laying hens. They’re up in our grandpa’s old coop. She doesn’t know about them yet. He’s going to surprise her on Sunday when they get home.”
A wave of humour rolled through Anna. She could envision Sophie cooing over the birds as she collected eggs. “That’s cute. She’ll love them. She was trying to convince Katie to set up a coop at the inn.”
They followed Monty down the hallway to the front porch, and he urgently pushed against the door. Matthew flicked on the outside light. “Is he okay off his leash?”
“Sure, I take him to the off-leash dog park all the time.”
He let Monty outside, and Anna turned her back to slip on her shoes.
“Here.” Matthew stepped up behind her with her coat in his hands, holding it open.
She gave him a shy smile, then slipped her arms through the sleeves. “Thank you.”
They went outside into the cool night air and made their way down the front steps. Anna squinted in the dim light of the yard lamp, looking for Monty. She frowned. “Do you see him anywhere? Usually he doesn’t go far.”
“He might be behind the bushes, off in the shadows somewhere.” Matthew rubbed his hands together. “Monty?” he called out. “Come here, boy!”
Anna listened for the sound of rustling leaves or Monty’s padding footsteps. Nothing. “Monty!”
A muffled bark met her ears, and then panicked squawking filled the night air.
Anna and Matthew exchanged glances. He pulled his phone from his pocket, turned on the flashlight, and started across the dark yard. Anna followed behind him, hurrying to keep up with his long strides. “The chickens! You don’t think he got inside their coop, do you?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Matthew’s voice was calm. “Chickens make fun targets for dogs. I’m sorry, I should have known better than to let him out without a leash. All the flapping and flying feathers—a chicken coop is like an amusement park for them.”
Anna’s mouth went dry at his words, and another bark and a cry from an angry chicken floated through the air. Matthew led her around the side of the house, past a firepit area, to a ramshackle shed with peeling shingles with a chicken-wire fence around it.
He flashed the light in the outdoor run area. Sure enough, Monty lunged through the tall, brown grass, on the tail of several snow-white hens.
“Monty! Stop!” Anna cried out.
They rushed through the gate, which Monty had pushed open. Anna scrambled, trying to see him in the dark so she could grab his collar, but it was as if he wasn’t even aware of her presence. He had zeroed in on those birds, and nothing else seemed to register in his mind.
Matthew handed Anna his phone, then put his fingers to his lips and let out a shrill whistle. Monty faltered in his stride, and the chickens scurried away from him and scooted through the chicken-sized door into the coop. Before Monty could follow and stick his big head in there, Matthew grabbed his collar.
“Easy, buddy,” he said in a soothing voice. Monty pulled against him half-heartedly and licked his chops. “No chicken dinner for you. Not tonight.”
Anna strode to Matthew’s side and wrapped her fingers around Monty’s collar. “Here, you check the hens and make sure there are no injuries.” She returned his phone to him.
Matthew gave her a nod and made his way to the coop. He shone his light through the door, then stepped inside. After a moment, he returned outside and closed the door behind him. “All six are accounted for. There doesn’t appear to be any injuries, only some ruffled feathers.”
“Thank goodness.” Anna let out a sigh of relief. “Monty, what were you thinking?”
“He was just being a dog.” Matthew said as he walked back to her. “Like I said earlier, I should have known. I closed their little door to keep them inside for the night.” He ruffled Monty’s ears. “And I bet I know who’s been busting out of the kennel at the inn now. It’s not your friend, Mack, is it?”
Monty cocked his head, as if trying to
look innocent.
Anna shook her head. “I guess he was tricking us all along with his old man act.”
“The innocent-looking ones are usually the perpetrators. Right, boy?” Matthew scratched Monty’s neck. “Let’s get him up to the house and leashed.”
With Anna leading Monty by his collar, they made their way across the lawn and into the circle of the yard light at the house.
Before Anna could get the dog inside, headlights appeared on the driveway.
She looked at Matthew. “Are you expecting anybody else?”
“No,” he replied, watching the lights approach. “It’s probably Mom. She pops by unannounced once in a while.”
Anna’s stomach twisted. His mom? Sophie’s going to find out I was here for sure. And Marshal. And Madison. Was he ready to let his family know they were dating?
A white Honda pulled up in front of the house and parked next to Anna’s and Matthew’s cars. Anna tightened her grip around Monty’s collar so he wouldn’t lunge to greet Paula.
“I don’t know that car.” Matthew cocked his head, his brows knit together.
The door opened and a woman with waist-length blond hair emerged, and his face turned bright red.
She looked them up and down, then righted her leather purse over her shoulder, shut the car door, and strode toward them. “Hello, Matthew. My flight came in early, so I thought I’d come out tonight. I stopped by your parents’ place, and they gave me directions to find you here.” She slid her gaze to the farmhouse and her eyes widened. “This is where you’re living?”
“Hey, Brittany.” Matthew frowned and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. I live with Marshal now.”
Brittany? The knot in Anna’s stomach hardened. Monty pulled on his collar, but she held tight. His ex. She flew out here to see him.
Brittany gave Anna a wide, fake smile. “Hi, there. I guess Matthew’s not going to introduce us. I’m Brittany. And you are?”
Matthew cut in. “Hey, I was going to—”
“It’s okay.” Heat swept over Anna’s face, but she lifted her chin. “I’m Anna. I’ve been working with Matthew at the inn.”
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