by Elsie Davis
Until now. She glanced at the back pew. Chad.
Handsome. Likable. And her father. Her world had changed in ways she couldn’t have imagined.
Gemma shook off memory lane and focused on the sermon. This week’s message focused on embracing change and recognizing new roads. It would touch the hearts of some of the congregation, usually the hearts of the people who needed it most. Today, she was one of those people.
When church was over, Kyle held her hand tight as they walked out. The people all crowded together to pass through the doors, stopping to speak with the pastor on their way out. Jake’s hand touched the small of her back, guiding her to the left, where an opening had cleared.
It was the Jake of yesterday, but then Kyle couldn’t see and wouldn’t start getting any ideas. Everything he did was based on what he thought best for Kyle. It was hard to fault the man for trying to do what was right. Somehow, she needed to convince him, she could be a friend to them both. The kid yearned for a woman’s love and attention. Would it be so bad if Jake let her into his son’s life?
As they exited through the doors, he never removed his hand. She didn’t say a word, liking the feel of the possessive gesture, only managing to send him a curious look as they sidestepped a couple of people who stopped to talk.
She spotted her dad in the distance. “There’s Chad. I should meet back up with him.”
“But Miss Gemma, I want you to come to the pawk wif me. Please.” Kyle reached up to grab her arm, not wanting to let her get away.
She dared a glance at Jake and found him watching her, a strange expression on his face. A good strange.
“You’re more than welcome to join us.” His words didn’t register at first.
“But what about—”
“I’ve changed my mind.” He shrugged. “Consider this my olive branch.” Maybe she wasn’t the only one who benefited from today’s message.
“If you’re sure. I’ll just be a minute. I need to let Chad know I’ll be home later this afternoon.”
“So, you gonna come?” Kyle asked, eagerness causing his voice to lilt.
“Yes. And I can’t wait to play with you there. It’s a beautiful day.”
“Yippee!” Kyle jumped up and down, tugging her along to lead her to Chad.
Jake dropped his hand as they drew near, neither Kyle nor Chad none the wiser about his affectionate gesture.
But Gemma knew, and she couldn’t brush it off as nothing. She knew he was only offering friendship, something she wasn’t sure her heart understood.
* * *
Jake wasn’t sure why he seconded the invitation his son issued, but for once, he didn’t listen to the voice in his head that kept warning him away. The idea of spending the afternoon at the park sounded like fun and if it included Gemma, all the better. Her sweet laughter was too enticing to say no to more of it.
Today’s message was about embracing change, and it struck a chord. He sensed it was too late to hold back Kyle’s attachment to her, and as for himself, he was finding it more and more difficult not to think about Gemma.
She’d be gone in a week, and until then, he wanted to enjoy his time with her. After she left, none of this would matter. Tom was the only real problem. Jake hadn’t missed the way his dad watched them, the matchmaker light in his eyes. He’d need to set him straight—again.
Kyle talked to Gemma the entire way to the park, monopolizing her attention. By the time they arrived, she’d learned all about the kids who played there and everything the place had to offer in the way of fun. The kid was off like a bolt of lightning after Jake unbuckled him from his car seat. Racing for the swing set, he stopped once to turn back and wave, indicating they should hurry up and follow.
Another one of the perks of small-town living. His son could run and play and get more than ten feet away from him without a huge concern for his safety.
“I’m glad you decided to come.”
She laid her hand on his arm, stopping him. “And I’m glad you changed your mind about me.”
“I have at that.” It was more than changing his mind, he was starting to open his heart. But it wouldn’t do him any good to voice his thoughts, not with her leaving next week.
She fell in step next to him as they made their way to the bench nearest the swing set where Kyle played with another boy.
“Are you hungry? I can order pizza, and have it delivered here.” There wasn’t any harm in having lunch with his new friend. A picnic in the park. It was something he couldn’t ever remember doing with Kyle. To his way of thinking, picnics went hand in hand with women and romance.
“I am kind of hungry, and pizza sounds yummy.”
“I’ve got a blanket I keep in the truck for emergencies. Would it be okay if we used it instead of one of the picnic tables?” Kyle’s going to want to eat and play at the same time, and the tables are over there.” He pointed to the shelter area where the tables were grouped. “The kid’s a nonstop ball of energy with a healthy appetite.”
“I think a blanket will be perfect. Tell me where to find it, and I’ll go get it.”
“It’s in the back cargo area. Are you sure? I can go.”
“Stay and watch Kyle. I don’t mind since you’re providing lunch.”
Jake handed her the keys and watched her walk away. Carefree and natural, nothing fake about her. Not once had he noticed her treat Kyle any different, having accepted him as just another kid who loved to laugh and play. And she knew how to show him love. Watching them in church together had been an eye-opener.
It was as if they’d been best friends forever, the bond between the two undeniable.
And then there was Chad. Gemma had every reason not to like the man, and yet, she was still here in Hallbrook, giving him a chance to have a place in her life. It was something most people wouldn’t have the strength to do. And the change in Chad had been remarkable.
Gemma had a huge heart and a huge capacity to love, something he couldn’t ignore.
Jake called in an order for pizza, getting two kinds just to be on the safe side.
Gemma headed his way carrying the red plaid blanket.
He took hold of one end, and they spread it out together.
“Thanks.” She slipped off her shoes and sat down at the far side of the blanket.
Jake joined her, leaving plenty of room for Kyle in the middle. She smelled like fresh honeysuckle, the scent blowing his way on the gentle breeze. He like this fragrance even more than the vanilla he’d come to associate with her.
“Pizza will be here in fifteen minutes. Maybe we should use this time wisely and go over the sequence of events between now and Friday.”
“I agree. But before we do, I’ve been thinking of something, and I hope I’m not out of line in asking. I would love it if you, Kyle, and your dad joined Chad and me for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m cooking if you trust me.” She grinned, daring him to refuse.
The temptation to say yes was on the tip of his tongue. It’d been a long time since he had a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal. Not that he didn’t try, but he never claimed to be a good cook. And his dad wasn’t much better. Besides, it sounded like fun. A family Thanksgiving dinner.
“Sure. What can I bring?” He wouldn’t embarrass himself and try cooking anything, but he was friends with Sally Little, and she knew how to cook.
“Just yourselves. I’m going to take care of everything the way I learned from my mother. It’ll be my chance to show off my culinary skills and prove there’s more to me than just an expert organizer.”
“I’m already convinced there’s more to you.” He winked before turning back to watch his son.
The pizza arrived, and Kyle ran over to join them. Outdoor play had a way of increasing the kid’s appetite.
“A picnic lunch. Cool.” He crawled into the open spot between Jake and Gemma.
“It is cool. And the pizza is yummy.” Gemma leaned down and nudged Kyle, shoulder to shoulder, to push him playfully into Jake.
“Yummy in my tummy.” Kyle rubbed his belly to emphasize his words, getting pizza sauce all over the polo shirt he’d worn to church in the process.
“Stop. You’re getting your shirt dirty. That’ll be an impossible stain to get out.” Jake admonished.
“Just wet it down and rub it with dish detergent. Then use ice to rub out the stain. If there’s still a discoloration, blot it with a clean cloth moistened with vinegar. The acid will cut any discoloration.” Gemma rattled off the advice without missing a beat.
It was the kind of stuff mothers taught their daughters, but nothing he’d ever heard before. Things like that should come in a manual for single dads. “Thanks, it would’ve been useful to know from the time he started eating solid food. Kids and clean don’t go together.” He shook his head and laughed.
“I think Miss Gemma should come home wif us and show you how to clean, Daddy.” His son’s innocent comment stung just a bit. Jake tried, and he was doing the best he could, but obviously, his four-year-old son thought there was room to improve.
“I’m sure he tries, Kyle, but some stains are trickier than others. And then you need special tips and tricks to make them go away.”
“Like magic?” his son asked, gazing up at Gemma in wonder.
“Exactly. Just like magic.” Her laugh and easy-going manner wrapped around him like a blanket on a cold winter’s night sitting in front of a fire. But Jake knew if he got any closer, there was a good chance he’d get burned.
Chapter Fourteen
Thanksgiving morning dawned, the sunlight streaming through Gemma’s window and beckoning her to get up and start the day. There was a lot to do this morning to prepare for the Thanksgiving feast, but so far, she had it under control. Having never done anything even close to this before, she spent extra time planning and preparing the past couple of days whenever she could squeeze in the time.
Chad had been surprised when she volunteered to cook the holiday feast and even more pleased to find out she’d invited the Duncan family. Her surprise, however, came when Chad volunteered to do the shopping and pick up the bill, an offer she was all too willing to take him up on.
His face had been priceless when he checked over the list. Thanksgiving dinner was just one of the meals which needed fourteen dishes for five people. It was a tradition. And she was grateful for his offer to help peel the apples and pumpkin for the fresh pies last night. It was one less thing for her to have to cook today.
The past few days, whenever she wasn’t working on the carnival details or the holiday feast, she and Chad squeezed in time to ride. Gemma loved the time they shared together, something she’d miss when she left. A complete turnabout from when she’d first arrived.
It was all so familyish, but Gemma enjoyed every minute.
This morning was no different than all the others, Chad having left her a half a pot of coffee and already gone. The GiddyUp Kids weren’t coming today because of Thanksgiving, but then it was better they were staying home with their families. She was disappointed she wouldn’t get to say goodbye to the children since she was leaving Sunday. Back to her mom, Syracuse, and her job.
Gemma wanted today’s dinner to be perfect. Not just for Chad, but for the others who were coming. Especially Jake. His agreement to come had been yet another pleasant surprise in the long list of many she’d experienced since her arrival. Their paths hadn’t crossed the past few days, and at first, Gemma wondered if it was intentional. She expected he was having second thoughts about agreeing and planned on canceling.
But it hadn’t happened. Instead, his call last night to confirm what time they should arrive left her with a mixed sense of relief and anticipation. He sounded good, even on the phone.
She’d meant what she told him; they could be friends. She would call and talk to Kyle, and of course, whenever she visited her dad, she would take the time to stop in and see him. And Jake, of course.
Gemma searched for an apron, coming up with few choices and none she liked. Kiss the Cook was the least ridiculous and she tied it on. Would Jake see it as an invitation?
She wouldn’t say no.
After the turkey was prepared and stuffed with her mother’s favorite cranberry dressing, she tied the drumsticks into place, covering the wing tips with foil. She made a cover with foil over the entire pan, leaving a vent for steam to escape, and slid the turkey into the oven.
The hardest part was done.
Her mother had been all too delighted to give her the recipe and a complete update on the wonders of the spa and the emotional healing and peace she’d discovered there. Gemma, in turn, volunteered lots of information on Chad.
Lots and lots.
To which her mother replied nothing at all. More proof Gemma was on the right track. The possibility of her parents getting together was overwhelming. She would say an extra prayer for them today during the blessing, hoping they might find their happily-ever-after.
She was thrilled Chad had rigged a gate on the front porch, which allowed Brody to stay outside without her worrying about him running off while she cooked. Her dad even took him for a walk a couple of times to let him get more exercise and to potty. The task normally fell on her and Gemma didn’t mind the help.
With the turkey in the oven, Gemma started to fix the rest of the meal, preparing each one of the dishes with meticulous care. Potatoes. Squash. Green Bean casserole. Lemon-lime pistachio salad. Cranberry sauce. Rolls. The list went on and on. She was going all out to prepare this dinner in style.
The room had heated up considerably between the warmth radiating from the oven and the fire Chad had lit again this morning. Gemma broke a few cinnamon sticks and tossed them into the fire. The sweet smell would linger in the air, welcoming their guests.
She’d purchased a handful of decorations and was pleased with the overall effect when she finished placing them strategically around the living room and kitchen. Bright splashes of color in various shades of yellow, orange, and brown. Her favorite was the orange pumpkin pie scented candle adorned with pinecones and leaves. Kyle would love the paper turkey she picked up yesterday for him to play with. The house looked quite festive.
Gemma glanced at her watch, moving to the oven to baste the turkey. It wouldn’t be long before she needed to remove the foil and let the turkey darken to a tawny brown. Chad was the first to come in.
“Everything under control in here? Need any help?”
“Nope. I’ve got everything under control right down to the homemade sweet iced tea. By the looks of you, a shower might be in order though.” His pants and arms were covered with red clay as if he’d been wrestling with the mud—and lost.
“Thanks. Last night’s rain made everything muddy down at the barn. What time is everyone showing up?”
“I told Jake I was targeting one o’clock and he should be here no later than twelve-thirty.”
“I best get a move on then in case they show up early. And I’ll grab some firewood after I get cleaned up. Smells as if you’ve been making more desserts.”
“No, the pies are plenty. That’s cinnamon I threw on the logs. Natural fragrance.”
“I should’ve guessed. Another tip you learned from your mother, I’m sure. She was always a fan of cinnamon-scented everything.”
Gemma was stunned. He even remembered her mother’s favorite scent. There was no other explanation. Her mother was the woman Chad was in love with, and Gemma was thrilled to realize he was going after her. Her mother had no clue what was in store, and Gemma wasn’t about to warn her.
“She still is.”
Chad smiled, a faraway expression on his face. Turning away, he headed down the hallway toward his room.
Gemma set the table and cleaned up the kitchen a bit. The sound of boots thudding up the front porch stairs alerted her their guests had arrived.
She used the back of her hand to push her bangs off her face, glancing down to make sure she looked all right. The ‘Kiss the Cook’ words on the apron
were a glaring reminder of the limited apron choices. Would Jake kiss her?
A moment of panic settled low in her belly. It was too late to change now, not that she would. Maybe it was the reason she’d chosen this one over the others in the first place.
A couple of light, little-boy knocks sounded on the door.
Brody lifted his head to see what was happening, his tail thumping the hardwood floor, but he stayed put by the fire. His last walk must have worn him out.
She opened the door, and Kyle launched himself against her legs and wrapped his arms around her.
“Miss Gemma. We aw here. Can I see Bwody?” Gemma stooped to give him a hug.
“It’s good to see you again, too, Kyle. Thanks for coming today. Brody’s over by the fireplace, and I bet he would love it if you went to say hello.”
The doorway behind Kyle was suddenly filled by the other two men. Jake at the front, stood there, as handsome as ever. His dress shirt looked as if he was headed to church, but his well-worn tight-fitting jeans and boots declared him a country boy through and through.
He tipped his hat in her direction. “Good afternoon. Looks as though you’ve been working hard.” Jake’s grin grew wide when he spotted her apron.
Torn between disappointment he hadn’t kissed her and curiosity to know what he was thinking, she turned to greet his dad.
“Smells mighty fine in here.” Tom removed his hat and hung it on the rack
“Thanks. Must be a combination of the turkey, the fixings I’ve prepared, and the cinnamon I threw on the fire.”
“Never heard of anyone doing that. Must be another one of them woman things,” Jake teased, shooting her a wink. “We seem to get a lot of those around you.”
“That’s cause we’re hardly ever around women thanks to you,” Tom ribbed Jake good-naturedly.