by Jen Gilroy
“We’re only the delivery team. You have to open it and find out.” There was a smile in Brendan’s voice.
Annie’s stomach fluttered. She’d told Seth never to contact her again, so had he sent Brendan and Dolly because he knew she wouldn’t turn them away? And if so, why? Her legs wobbled as she got to her feet.
“See you at work in the morning?” Brendan grinned.
“Of course.” Annie drew in a breath and let it out again. Had she misjudged Seth?
“Great, I’ve missed your coffee.” Brendan patted her stiff shoulder. “I missed you too, Annie-Bella.”
The lump in Annie’s throat swelled and all she could do was nod. After her brother and Dolly went back down the front walk, she went into the house and sat on the stairs, still clutching the little pouch in one hand. She tugged on the loop that held it closed and pulled out a small piece of paper folded in four quarters with her name on it in black letters.
As she unfolded the paper, a miniature silver key charm on a fine chain slid into her palm. She fingered it as she read the note.
“‘I know you don’t want to talk to me, but I hope you’ll listen to my show on Monday morning at seven forty-five.’”
Annie got goose bumps as she read Seth’s decisive script.
“‘Rick’s given you a key to your future, but you have the key to my heart.’” Seth’s name was scrawled below, followed by a postscript in smaller writing. “‘I did the work around your house because I wanted to help you, not because I think you can’t do it yourself.’”
She blinked away the sudden hot rush of tears. Outside the house, a car door slammed. Hannah’s voice rang out, and footsteps pounded on the front walk. Annie rubbed a hand across her eyes and slid Seth’s note, the organza bag, and the key necklace into a pocket of her hoodie.
He wasn’t the kind of man to make a statement in front of the whole town, was he? Maybe he didn’t mean what she thought he did. She squeezed her hands at her sides. Or maybe he did.
Her stomach quivered with hope, excitement, and that rock-solid sense of self-belief that was new. No matter what did or didn’t happen between her and Seth, she’d be okay—she and Hannah both.
Chapter 24
“Where is your head this morning?” Tara grabbed the canister from Annie. “I need ginger, not cocoa powder. Regular gingerbread cookies, remember? You said you’d give me a hand.”
“I did. Sorry.” Annie blew out several short breaths and glanced at the wall clock in the bakery kitchen. Only two more minutes until seven forty-five.
“Maybe it’s too soon for you to be back at work.” Holly looked up from the pan of scones she was about to slide into an oven. “Brendan will be finished with that phone call in the office soon. We can manage without you if you want to take a break, or even go home.”
“I’m fine.” She gave them her best fake smile and fumbled in a drawer for a clean set of measuring spoons.
“No, you’re not.” Tara’s eyes narrowed, and she took the spoons from Annie’s shaky fingers. “Holly’s right. You should go home.”
Annie touched the key charm that dangled from the chain around her neck beneath her apron and snuck another glance at the clock. Although she’d fallen in love with Seth, she’d been afraid to fully trust him. And, worst of all, she’d judged him against Todd and thrown what had happened with his company in his face like a taunt. “I have to stay here. At least for the next few minutes.”
“Then you can unpack the shipment of cake boxes that came in while we were away.” Tara gave her an exasperated look. “You shouldn’t be anywhere near food preparation right now.”
“Did you hear what Seth said? How can there be a traffic jam across the bridge this morning?” Holly gestured to the radio then shut the oven door and set the timer. “It’s not even eight, and the weather’s perfect.”
“I heard more people are looping through town because of that construction by—”
“Would you two be quiet?” Annie cut Tara off and clenched her hands in her apron. “It doesn’t matter why or even if there’s a traffic jam. It’s not like either of you will be driving across the bridge this morning.”
“But . . .” Tara snapped her mouth closed, and both she and Holly stared at Annie in astonishment.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice came out in a whisper. It was seven forty-six. Maybe the bakery clock was fast. Annie jumped as the back door opened, and Rowan came through it.
“Can I get a coffee and cinnamon bun to go? I need caffeine and sugar before facing those summer school kids and—”
“Shush,” Annie, Tara, and Holly said together.
Annie reached for the radio and turned up the volume.
“For all your farm equipment needs, head to the John Deere dealership where Keith and his friendly team will be pleased to help you.” Seth’s voice faded out and was followed by an advertising spot for the local cheese factory.
“What’s going on?” Rowan moved farther into the kitchen and picked up the coffee pot.
“Nothing.” The hands on the clock inched toward seven forty-seven. Maybe it was a trick. Annie didn’t think she was that gullible, but she’d already proven she wasn’t a good judge of character so—
“This next tune is special.” Seth was back, and his silky voice enveloped Annie like it always did, a comforting shield against life’s storms. “When I first came to Irish Falls, I thought I’d forgotten how to write songs. I thought I’d forgotten a lot of things and, until a few months ago, I didn’t believe life had anything more to offer me or I could trust anyone again. It turns out I was wrong.”
In the background, a dog barked, and Seth made a shushing noise. “I owe a lot to this town. And I owe even more to someone here who helped me turn my life around and shared her life and heart with me.”
Three pairs of eyes swiveled to look at Annie.
“If she still wants it, this woman has my heart, too.” Seth’s voice got quiet, and Annie held her breath. “I love you, Annie Quinn. I was afraid to feel it, and, for a long time, I was afraid to say it. Then when I did say it, I messed up. I shared your song with a guy I trusted could help you with your career because, at the time, I thought that’s all I could give you. It turns out I was wrong. I can give you all of me if you want it.” His breath stuttered, and he cleared his throat.
Annie’s legs went weak, and she gripped the edge of the counter to keep herself upright.
“Ooh.” Her sisters and Holly clustered around her.
“Since most folks have heard how I did wrong by you, it’s only right they also hear how I really feel about you. This song is called ‘Key to My Heart and Soul,’ and I wrote it for you, Annie.”
Annie sucked in a breath, and her pulse raced as the first haunting chords from Jake’s Gibson echoed in the silent kitchen. Then Seth’s voice reached into her heart and soul, and she licked her lips as all the love she had for him rolled over her in a wave.
Seth really loved her. She should be embarrassed he’d announced it on the radio, but she wasn’t. Not only had he been honest with her, he’d been honest with her family and community, too. She tugged on her apron strings, but Tara already had the ties undone.
“Go.” In the silence after the song ended, Rowan’s voice was gruff, and she pulled the apron and hairnet off of Annie and gave her a gentle push toward the door.
Annie pressed a hand to heart. “I . . . he said . . .”
“He loves you.” Tara’s gaze was tender.
“He sure does.” Holly patted her eyes with the end of a tea towel. “That was the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”
It was the most romantic thing Annie had ever heard too, and Seth had done it for her. She looked around the kitchen. “I should . . .” She swallowed hard.
“You should go up to the s
tation is what you should do. What I should do is put this gingerbread dough in the fridge and start a batch of butter tarts.” Tara gave Annie a tremulous smile. “That man can have as many as he wants. I won’t charge him, either.”
Annie’s laugh mixed with a sob as she hugged her sisters and Holly. She hadn’t believed she and Seth could work. She’d thought he was another man who wanted her music, but not her love. But she’d been wrong and upstairs, waiting for her, was the second chance she’d never thought she’d have.
~ ~ ~
Seth gulped a mouthful of tepid coffee. Had Annie read his note, or had she tossed the whole thing in the trash unopened? And if she had read it, had she listened to his show, or had she made Tara and Holly change the bakery radio to another station? As the words of a song he barely heard echoed through his headset, he checked the time on the computer.
Annie was downstairs. He’d have put money on it. Although he hadn’t seen her, the building felt different when she was in it. Happier, for a start, but it also had a sense of comfort, ease, and that the world was a better place simply because she was nearby.
He’d wanted to do the right thing, but what if once again it turned out to be the wrong thing and he’d made a fool of himself in earshot of the whole town?
He glanced at Dolly who sat in her dog bed in a corner of the studio.
“What do you think, Dolly? Did you like the song I sang for Annie?” After he’d set the Gibson down, Seth had gone straight into the next three songs on the playlist, and then it would be the pre-recorded thought of the day from the Baptist minister.
The dog scampered to the studio door.
Seth’s head jerked up. Annie stood in reception in a green T-shirt and black shorts. Oblivious to Sherri, who sat at her desk with her mouth half-open, Annie’s gaze met his and held.
The outside door swung open, and Brendan came through it. He said something to Annie, and she gave him a tentative smile. Then he gestured to Seth.
Seth made himself get out of his chair and, on legs like jelly, he opened the studio door. He glanced between Annie and her brother.
“I’m taking over for you for the next half hour.” Brendan’s tone said he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“I can’t walk out partway through the show.” Except, his fingers tingled, his heart raced, and he wanted to forget all about the show.
“Sure you can.” Brendan grinned. “It’s small-town radio and, after what you did, folks will want to know there’s going to be a happy ending.”
Would there be? Seth eased Dolly aside and took a step toward Annie, who still stared at him, her expression uncertain.
“I want one.” Her mouth trembled, and her eyes were soft. “That happy ending, I mean.”
“Me too.” Seth took a deep breath as Brendan slipped into the studio behind him. “Annie . . . I . . .” His throat constricted and, for the first time in as long as he could remember, he felt complete, whole. “Come here.” He looped his arm through hers and led her down the hall to his apartment, closing the door on Dolly, Sherri and everyone else.
In the small entryway, he turned to her and took both her hands in his. “I’m sorry, and I hope you know how much I mean it.”
“I sure do.” She squeezed his hands and together they moved into the living room. “I’m sorry, too. You aren’t Todd, you aren’t anything like him, but I judged you as if you were, and I said horrible things about your company in LA and your songwriting.” She stopped and stared at their entwined hands.
“I deserved it. I should have told you about everything a long time ago. My business partner cheated me. Not the way Todd cheated you but still . . .” He scrubbed a hand across his face. “I want to clear my name. I’m taking the guy to court but . . . there might still be people who think the worst of me.”
“They don’t matter.” Her steady gaze met his filled with love and everything he’d ever hoped for and needed. “I believe in you and everyone here does too.” She swallowed. “Rick, he . . .”
“He told me what happened to Todd.” Seth reached out to pull her close. “It’s over. We don’t have to talk about him again. But I want you to know it’s you I care about, not the music. Although I like making music with you, if all you want is to keep it as a hobby, that’s fine. I had no right to try and take over.”
“I . . .” Her face worked. “You . . .” She stumbled back and sat on the sofa, bringing him with her. “When you said you loved me, right on air . . . I . . .” Tears trickled down her cheeks, and Seth took one hand away from hers to brush them away.
“I meant it more than I’ve ever meant anything in my life.” He tried to smile. “Apart from how I love my son, I didn’t know anything else about what love was until I met you, and then when you said you’d fallen in love with me, although I said it back, I was confused. I guess I didn’t think I was lovable. If my own father couldn’t stick around for me and my grandparents didn’t really want me, what hope did I have? And then, Amanda left me as soon as another guy she thought had better prospects came along. But you loved me for me, not because you were supposed to or for what I might be able to do for your career.”
“Always.” Annie nestled into his shoulder and tucked her head under his chin.
“Dylan told me what you said to him. That you’d be happy to talk to him like a friend. He needs that. He needs you in his life, too.”
“Like Hannah needs you.” Annie’s voice was low. “Not as a dad, but as a friend and mentor. Another man in her life apart from Duncan and Brendan she can count on.”
“Until you walked out the door, I didn’t know love could feel like this.” He leaned against her.
“Like what?” Her expression was puzzled.
“Like coming home.” When he pulled her into his chest, her body fit to his like it belonged there. “And now I want to figure out where we go from here.”
“Me too.” Her eyes filled with warmth and love.
“It’ll take time because this is new for me.” His face got hot. “I haven’t had good role models for relationships. Not like you with your folks and now your mom and Duncan. I need your help to get things right.”
“Like I need your help. I’m the one who was stuck in old, comfortable patterns.” She gave him a chagrined smile. “I wanted to do something with my music, but I was scared. Apart from the thing with Todd, that’s why I got so mad at you for sharing my song with Rick.” She traced the curve of his shoulder, and his body trembled. “We can help each other.”
“Of course we can.” He caught her hand in his. “This is a new start for both of us.”
“All of us, Hannah and Dylan too.” Her voice hitched. “Like a . . .”
“Like a family.” And it would be the kind of family he’d longed for all his life but never had.
“I love you, Seth. I didn’t plan on it. I tried to avoid it because I was scared of love, let alone getting involved with someone in the music business. But you’re so much a part of my life, I can’t imagine you not being in it. You’re not a city guy. You’re my guy.”
“That’s good because I plan to stick around.” He kissed the top of her head and smelled cinnamon, floral shampoo, and a sweetness that was all her, the woman he loved with his whole heart and soul. “We have a lot of stuff to work out, but I want to work on it together—forever.”
“Me too.” Her voice was raw.
“For you and us, I’ve got all the time in the world.” Seth pulled her closer.
“Umm . . .” Annie pushed against his chest and giggled. “You have to get back to the show.”
“I guess I do. Who knows what your brother is doing out there.” He captured her mouth in a kiss so sweet it made him ache, then drew back slightly and studied the tiny freckles dotted across the bridge of her nose. “What do you want me to tell my listene
rs about that happy ending they’re hoping for?”
“Tell them we’re working on it.” Annie’s mouth curved into the smile he loved best. “And that you have the key to my heart and soul, too.”
Epilogue
October, three months later
“I ran this bakery fine when you were still in diapers. I can manage for a week while you and Seth are in Nashville.” Annie’s mom put her hands on her hips and gave Annie the look she remembered from childhood—loving but with a hint of steel.
“Besides, what are Brendan, Holly, and I? Chopped liver?” Tara swatted Annie’s arm. “Hannah will pitch in after school and on Saturdays, if we need her to, and our new apprentice starts tomorrow.” Tara glanced at Holly and Brendan huddled over an order list on the far side of the bakery kitchen. “You have more important things to think about nowadays than the muffin of the day.”
Annie smiled at her sister. “The success of this bakery will always be important to me, but I still can’t believe all the rest of it.” She and Tara moved out to the store with a tray of Halloween-themed cupcakes.
“What part can’t you believe?” Tara’s tone was amused. “That, thanks to Rick, people are falling over themselves to record your songs? Or you’re able to have a career in music while still living in Irish Falls and working part-time here? Or Seth looks at you like you’re a yummy butter tart he wants to eat right up?”
“All of the above!” Annie laughed and slid a cupcake with orange frosting into the display case.
The bell over the door jingled and Seth came in.
Annie’s heart skipped a beat like it always did when she saw him. There was something about a man in jeans, boots, and a white T-shirt beneath an untucked shirt. Or maybe it was only him. Whatever it was, the past three months had been happier than she could have ever imagined.