by Beth Ciotta
“Every time I want something badly,” Rocky said, “somehow I screw it up. Things go wrong. Bad things happen. Do you know how long I dreamed about owning the Red Clover? I’ve dreamed of being with Jayce twice as long and I want him much, much more.”
“So you think if you have Jayce something bad will happen to him?” Chloe asked.
“What, like he’ll get shot or have a heart attack or something?” Gram asked.
Chloe elbowed the older woman, and Rocky glanced down at her grass-and-ash-stained jeans. “You think I’m being ridiculous.”
“No,” Chloe said.
“Yes,” Gram said. “Listen, sweet pea. Life is short and a man like Jayce doesn’t come along every day. I’ve known he was special from the first day he rode his bike over here for Sunday dinner. He was only yay high,” she said to Chloe, “and he pedaled clear across town. Stopped along the way and picked me a bag of apples from a nearby orchard. Said he would have bought me flowers, but he didn’t have enough change. Later I learned from my neighbor that he didn’t even have money for the apples, so he offered to rake her yard in exchange. He could’ve swiped the apples, but he didn’t. He didn’t have to give me a gift, but he wanted to.” Gram reached over and squeezed Rocky’s hand. “Jayce is a good, honest, hardworking soul. Just like you. Don’t shy away from a golden opportunity just because you’re scared. Scared, schmared.”
Chloe grasped her other hand, and Brewster scooted over and rested his head on Rocky’s lap.
“I say spit in the eye of fate and grab all the happiness you can for as long as you can,” Chloe said.
“Nothing more sad than a missed opportunity,” Rocky said, thinking about Jayce’s friend Mrs. Watson.
Brewster barked.
Rocky’s dead heart rallied just as the door cracked open.
It was Dev. “You need to come downstairs,” he said to Rocky.
It wasn’t a request. Curiosity motivated her as much as her brother’s intense expression. Knees wobbly, she slid off the bed and, holding hands with Gram and Chloe, followed her brother. Brewster brought up the rear. With every step, Rocky’s heart pounded a little harder. She didn’t know what to expect, but it sure wasn’t the sight of Tasha and Randall Burke standing in Gram’s living room.
Randall had been at odds with Rocky’s dad for years, and before that Randall’s dad had butted heads with her Grandpa Jessup, Gram’s deceased husband. Tasha was the only Burke who’d ever been in this house, and that was purely because she was a Cupcake Lover.
“What’s going on?” Rocky asked.
“That’s what we’d like to know,” Jayce said.
Her eyes went immediately to his. Her pulse raced and her stomach flipped. So much for being dead inside.
Randall spoke first. “My wife has something she wants to tell you.”
Gram motioned everyone to sit, including the Burkes.
Randall shook his head. “Thank you, but we won’t be staying long.”
The only reason Rocky sat was because she worried her legs might give out. This was bad. Jayce, who’d been standing, sat next to her on the sofa and held her hand. Her brothers remained standing.
“I’m not sure where to start,” Tasha said. Her voice sounded raspy and choked. She swallowed hard and looked at her husband. “I don’t think I can do this.”
Randall reached over and interlaced his fingers with his wife’s. He gave a little squeeze, and Rocky’s own throat tightened at the show of genuine affection and support.
Tasha squared her shoulders and gave a stiff nod. “First,” she said, looking directly at Rocky, “I want to say how sorry I am about your house. I never thought…”
She cleared her throat and pushed on. “A couple of months ago, Billy started flirting with me. I’m ashamed to say I flirted back. It’s what I do. I like attention.” She bit her lower lip, nibbling off most of her signature red lipstick. “Randall was so busy and Billy always seemed to be around, feeding my ego. Nothing squicky every happened. I swear,” she said with a nervous glance at Randall. “But Billy got it in his head that I was toying with him. He became obsessed with impressing me, thinking he could win my affections. He was always surprising me with gifts or showing up unexpectedly and giving me a ride. He e-mailed and texted. He ignored his own wife to the extent of alienating her. I tried to ignore him. I tried to handle the situation on my own. I didn’t want to tell Randall because I didn’t want to cause strife between father and son.” Tears filled her eyes. “But mostly I didn’t want Randall to be disappointed in me. I didn’t want to risk … risk losing him.”
Her last words sort of croaked out, and mascara streamed down her face along with tears. Rocky knew for certain she wasn’t the only one in the room who felt like they were witnessing a freak show. Tasha Burke crying? Tasha Burke embarrassed and contrite? But Rocky knew from little things Tasha had said over the past week and a half that her misery was genuine.
“Billy knew that Tasha and Rocky were longtime rivals,” Randall continued for his wife.
“Everyone in Sugar Creek knows that,” Luke said.
“But he also knew how devastated and humiliated Tasha was when she was forced to give up her role as president of the Cupcake Lovers,” Randall said, “and Rocky took her place.”
Rocky flushed. Even though Tasha had been asking for it, Rocky had humiliated her. In front of the entire club. Publicly at the Shack.
“My son got it in his head that if he rattled you enough,” Randall said, “if he scared you, Tasha might be … entertained.”
“That’s sick,” Gram said.
“He told me he was spying on you,” Tasha blurted. “He wanted to spook you. I told him to stop.”
“The letter,” Jayce said. “And the underwear.”
“He told me about that, too,” Tasha said. “He stole the panties from Rocky’s house and as for the note … he wanted to confuse you, Jayce. Maybe shed suspicion on someone else while terrorizing Rocky at the same time.”
Rocky hadn’t realized she’d worked her way to the edge of the seat. She couldn’t believe her ears. Gripping the sofa’s cushions, she braced for more.
“This is like something out of a movie,” Chloe said.
“Except it’s real,” Dev said.
“Unfortunately,” Gram mumbled.
“I knew things were bad,” Tasha said, “but I didn’t realize how bad until today. Billy bragged to me that he crushed you. He promised you’d fall apart. That you’d drop out of the club and the presidency would be mine for the taking. He told me he’d torched your world, your home.” Her legs were trembling now, and Randall put his arm around her waist to bolster her.
Rocky felt sick but couldn’t tear herself from Tasha’s words. As if sensing Rocky’s anxiety, Jayce placed a comforting palm at the small of her back. Strength shot up her spine.
“I called it in, Rocky,” Tasha choked out. “I tried to save the Red Clover and then I went to Randall and told him everything. I can’t believe … I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve his support.”
Randall whispered something in Tasha’s ear and she faltered.
“Where’s Billy now?” Jayce asked.
“I don’t know,” Randall said. “I think he got a dose of reality when he realized Tasha had betrayed him and tipped off the fire department. We’re heading over now to speak with Sheriff Stone. We just wanted to tell you first.”
Tasha palmed her stomach as though she was going to be sick. “I’m so sorry, Rocky.”
“My son has always been a bad seed, but I chose to turn a blind eye. I’m as guilty as my wife in this matter,” Randall said. “Whatever happens with the insurance company, Rocky, I’ll still make restitution. As far as Billy … I’ll let the law handle this, although I feel compelled to pick up his legal bills. I hope you understand.”
Rocky didn’t know what to stay. She stood when Jayce stood, still grappling for words.
“I’ll come to the station with you,” Jayce said.
“Me, too,” Dev said.
Tasha was wringing her hands when they turned to leave.
“Wait,” Rocky said. She hurried over to her longtime nemesis, her best furry friend glued to her side. “I know how hard it was to come here and…” Rocky anchored her trembling hands on her hips and blew out a breath. Tasha had come here and humiliated herself in order to right a wrong with Rocky and to save her marriage to Randall. Rocky was humbled and impressed. “I was hoping you could do me a favor, Tasha.”
The woman blinked. “Anything.”
Even though no one in the room moved, Rocky could feel everyone leaning forward in anticipation. “I’m going to be very busy, what with trying to rebuild my life.”
Tasha flushed.
“It will be a while until I’m in the right frame of mind and have the proper time that’s needed to carry out the responsibilities of the president of the Cupcake Lovers. You’ve handled the deal with Highlife Publishing beautifully and I’d be relieved if you’d oversee the ongoing progress as well as the traditional aspects of our charity work … just until I’m back on my feet. Kind of an acting president thing. I’m sure Gram and Chloe can clear it with the club.”
Gram raised a penciled brow.
Chloe smiled. “We can try.”
Tasha shook her head. “I couldn’t…”
Randall squeezed her hand.
“I’d be honored, Rocky. Just until you’re back on your feet.”
Dev led the Burkes to the door.
“God, I love you,” Jayce whispered in Rocky’s ear, then followed the Burkes.
Rocky tingled from head to toe. Knowing Jayce loved her and actually hearing him say the words were two very different but wonderful animals. How could she feel so miserable yet happy at the same time? How could everything that had been so muddled only hours before suddenly be so crystal clear?
“This calls for a cocktail,” Gram said.
“I’ll join you,” Luke said.
Chloe palmed her forehead. “I’ll sit here and catch my breath.”
Rocky hurried after Jayce. “Wait,” she said, catching him at the door. “You’re coming back here, right?”
He smoothed his knuckles over her cheek. “To kiss you good night, Dash. Absolutely.”
“No. I mean to take me home. With you. Me and Brewster.” She caught Jayce’s hand and placed it over her heart. “I take it back. I can do this, Jayce. I want to do this. Us. But I need you to work with me. Meet me halfway in our goals. I want marriage and a family, but I also want a career. I’m going to fly to Los Angeles, meet with Harper Day. It’s not about succeeding; it’s about contentment.” She knew that now. She didn’t need to be rich or famous, but she did need purpose and passion. With the Red Clover gone, her direction was clear.
Jayce swallowed hard. “Don’t do this, us, just to make me happy, Dash.”
Words she’d said in anger. Her mouth curved into a gentle smile. “You should know me better than that.”
He nodded, then pulled her into his arms. “You’ll have to handle some details before heading to California. The police, insurance company. If you let me, I’ll help you with as much of that as I can.” He kissed the top of her head. “Then I’ll drive you to the airport myself.”
He was meeting her halfway. Rocky absorbed the moment, their future. A dueling sense of calm and excitement rioted throughout her being.
“My timing’s wrong as usual,” Jayce said. “And I still don’t have a ring. But I have to ask, Rocky.”
Heart full, she pulled back and shushed him. “Please don’t. It’s my turn,” she added, smiling up into his expressive eyes. “Will you marry me, Jayce Bello?” She held her breath then, truly sensitive to what it was like to put that life-altering question out there, ready to rally if he countered with some old-fashioned the guy’s supposed to propose crap.
Jayce grinned, that sexy, arrogant smile that had been revving her heart and fantasies since she was a girl. “Hell, yes.”
HONORARY CUPCAKE LOVERS
Submitted Recipes and Tips from On-Line Members
GERMAN APPLE CUPCAKES
(submitted by Molly Monte of New Jersey)
1 cup sour milk (set aside)
1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
2 cups apple chunks (set aside)
2¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ cup shortening
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
• Prepare the sour milk [pour 1 cup of milk into measuring cup less 1 tbsp. Add 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice to sour the milk and set aside]. Peel, core and chop 4 small apples to make 2 cups. Set aside.
• Blend or sift together: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this aside.
• Cream shortening and add both sugars, mixing until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each one. Alternate the flour mixture with sour milk until all is mixed and smooth. Stir in apples by hand.
• Pour into papered cupcake pan 2⁄3 full. Bake at 350° @ 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan and add powdered sugar on top of warm cupcakes or frost with buttercream frosting mixed with 2 tsp cinnamon.
I make this in a 9 × 13 pan and dust with powdered sugar. I will use cupcake tins when making these for lunches. The original recipe was one my mother always used and committed to her memory. After many years my sister found a copy in my mother’s handwriting, tucked away in a knitting bag.
S’MORES CUPCAKES
(submitted by Sara Strunk of Wisconsin)
For cupcakes:
1 box Devil’s Food cake mix (plus water, oil, and eggs called for)
For topping:
12 standard sized marshmallows, cut in half
For frosting:
2 cups shortening
2 tbsp vanilla extract
2 pounds powdered sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup Biscoff spread or “Cookie Butter” from Trader Joe’s
• Prepare and bake cupcakes as directed on box.
• Meanwhile, prepare frosting by beating shortening and extract together until well-combined and smooth. Add powdered sugar and water and beat until stiff. Add Biscoff spread/ cookie butter and beat until well-combined. Set aside.
• When cupcakes have 3 minutes left to bake, carefully place cut marshmallows on top of cupcake. Place under the broiler until just toasted. When removed from the oven, gently press toasted marshmallows down.
• Prepare pastry bag or heavy zipper-top bag with Biscoff-spread frosting. When cupcakes are cooled, frost top of cupcakes with ample amounts of frosting.
Enjoy!
FALLING FOR YOU PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CUPCAKES
(submitted by Dawn A. Jones of New Jersey)
Ingredients
1 box Duncan Hines Signature Pineapple Supreme Cake Mix
1 jar Maraschino cherries—without stems
2 cans Dole pineapple slices in 100% pineapple juice
1 cup marshmallow fluff
½ cup Domino Light Brown Sugar Premium Pure Cane Sugar
½ cup butter
Cake Directions
1. Preheat oven according to cake mix.
2. Follow directions on box of Cake Mix.
3. Heat butter on stove or microwave and spoon a little in your muffin pans.
4. Take a spoon and take a little brown sugar and add a little to your muffin pans.
5. Take pineapples and add them to your muffin pans.
6. Take your cherries and cut them in half and add ½ to the center of your pineapples muffin pans.
7. Add your cake batter and bake according to cake mix. Cake is done when it springs back to the touch or when a cake tester or toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Center Directions
• Using a steak knife, cut out a plug (piece of cake) from the center of each cupcak
e and put it aside, then use a teaspoon and add a small amount of marshmallow fluff, then replace the plug (piece of cake).
• When they are cool, take a knife and loosen the edges and turn the muffin pans over onto your plate.
Makes about 24 cupcakes, depending on cake mix.
GENERAL CUPCAKE RECIPE “CHEAT” TIP
(submitted by Pam Ackerson of Florida)
Take any cupcake recipe you like. Instead of eggs, substitute ½ cup of cream cheese and a tablespoon of whipping cream. Follow directions for your favorite recipe and find yourself a new favorite!
Read on for an excerpt from
anything but love
—the next enchanting romance from
Beth Ciotta and St. Martin’s Paperbacks!
CHAPTER ONE
“Forget love—I’d rather fall in chocolate!”
—Sandra J. Dykes
Sugar Creek, Vermont
December 23
Luke Monroe was by no means a Scrooge. He was all about family and giving and good times with friends. He co-owned and ran the Sugar Shack, a local pub and restaurant devoted to camaraderie via top notch food and drinks, and a cozy atmosphere. Like every other year, this year he’d decked the Shack’s halls with boughs of holly on December 1st—fa-la-la-la-la. He’d helped decorate two other family businesses, too. J.T. Monroe’s Department Store—owned and operated by his dad, Jerome Monroe, and Luke’s older brother, Devlin Monroe. And Moose-a-lotta—a kitschy café owned and operated by his grandma, Daisy Monroe, and Dev’s lady love, Chloe Madison. Lots of red and green and a good dose of silvery white due to the latest snowstorm. Overall the entire town of Sugar Creek looked like Santa’s Vermont Village. Normally, Luke felt like a giddy kid for most of the month of December. This holiday season, for reasons that eluded him, Luke was bluer than blue. Fa-la-freaking-la.
Considering Luke and his entire family had a lot to celebrate, first and foremost, his dad’s ongoing recovery from a scary bout of cancer, this seasonal funk really pissed Luke off. No way was he going to rain on anyone’s holiday parade, so he’d been putting up a cheery front for weeks, waiting for the funk to fade and the joy to commence. No moping. Life as always. Hence why he was with family just now instead of home alone, swigging beer and watching sports?