CHAPTER SIXTEEN
O ver the next several days, Crystal and other local merchants and restaurant owners in town started decorating for Summer Faire. Green and lavender flags and balloons were attached to the streetlamps in the colors of the Summer Faire. Store windows carried out the theme with decorations and signs welcoming visitors and offering Faire specials.
As the Faire weekend grew closer, anticipation grew. In its tenth year, the Faire was well organized and was yet another instance of the small town coming together. The town square was where the chili and barbeque cook-offs would be held. The town hall would house the baking contest entries and would serve as a place where visitors could cool off and buy lemonade from a church group. Their proceeds would go to the church refugee relief fund.
On Thursday afternoon, several food trucks parked along the streets connecting to Main Street, extending the town center to make room for hungry and thirsty visitors.
Crystal prepared for another cooking class, the last of the three before the Summer Faire baking contest. Two of the kids had dropped out, making it a little easier to work with the others.
For this last class, they were preparing cakes from scratch. She’d borrowed a few round cakepans from some of the mothers, so the kids could have fun covering a two-layer chocolate cake with a fluffy vanilla icing.
She focused on the kids in her cooking class and tried to imagine what her children with Emmett might look like. She hoped they’d have his beautiful turquoise eyes.
“Ready?” asked Misty, breaking into her thoughts.
Crystal laughed and nodded.
They got to work right away, so the cakes could be made, cooked, and cooled. As soon as the cakes were in the oven, the kids helped make a couple of batches of the icing to share.
While they worked, the kids chatted about their lives. Crystal listened closely, learning what children that age liked to do, wondering if she’d ever get the chance to use this information.
As soon as the cakes were cool enough, Crystal handed out special icing spatulas, hoping the spreaders would help deter the inevitable mess of icing everywhere.
It was interesting to see how each child managed his or her process. Taking care of the bottom round cake was relatively easy because there was nothing fancy about spreading the icing across the top. After the second layer was placed atop the first, the struggles began.
Crystal showed the class different ways to create swirls and designs but left them to their own devices because they’d be on their own to create something for the baking contest.
“They’re doing a terrific job,” said Misty, standing beside her.
“I’m impressed with their skills. It’ll be fun to see how the contest goes. Something new for the Summer Faire.”
“Next thing you know they’ll be creating something for Chef Ramsay,” said Misty, chuckling.
Crystal grinned. “I’m thinking of them as future employees of the Café.”
They were still laughing when Whitney appeared. “I know the restaurant is closed, but I saw the door was unlocked and decided to see if you were here.”
“Hi, Whitney. Look at what these young bakers are doing in preparation for the baking contest at the Faire.”
Whitney observed them and then pulled Crystal aside. “I understand Senator Chamberlain was in town recently. How did things go?”
Crystal shook her head. “Poor Emmett has a difficult family situation. I was able to see that for myself. The senator mentioned possibly running for president and wants Emmett’s support.”
“Wow, that’s big news,” said Whitney. I’ve heard rumblings about that, but I also know some in his party don’t want him to run because of moral issues surrounding him. I’d be surprised if he went ahead with that idea.”
“The senator is attractive and very sure of himself, but a little creepy in the way he blatantly stared at me.”
“Exactly my point,” said Whitney. “I haven’t seen you for a while. I was wondering if you and Emmett would come to dinner at my house tonight. I know it’s late to ask, but I’ve made lobster salad and homemade biscuits and want to share them with you.”
“It sounds delightful. Let me ask Emmett, and I’ll get right back to you.” Crystal left Misty and Whitney to oversee the kids and went to her office to make the call.
A few minutes later, Crystal emerged wearing a smile. “Dinner tonight would be a treat. Emmett and I are happy to accept.”
“After this, I may put together a party following the Summer Faire, a party to welcome Emmett and Dirk. But this will do for now for Emmett,” said Whitney. She turned to Misty. “Are you sure you won’t join us?”
“As I said to you while Crystal was gone, I’m still slowly easing back into my new life here. But I appreciate your offer.”
Whitney gave Misty a hug. “We’re glad you’re back.” She straightened. “See you tonight, Crystal. Shall we say seven? Timothy should be down for the night by then.”
“Thanks. It’s great timing, right before the Summer Faire.” She thought as she often did how lucky she was to have a friend like Whitney. They maintained a close relationship without awkwardness between them regarding Nick. She was eager for Emmett to understand that. She’d always love Nick, just not as a spouse. Maybe this evening with all of them together, he’d see that.
###
T hat night, a few minutes before seven, Emmett picked up Crystal, and they drove to Whitney and Nick’s house. While she’d lived in the one-story Cape Cod house, it had been comfortable but small. Since marrying Whitney, Nick had agreed to add two new wings to the house. One wing contained a master suite and laundry room, the other, a family room, and a small office. Between them sat a screened-in porch. As Whitney mentioned to everyone who complimented them on the additions, “It’s helpful to have Collister Construction in the family.”
They pulled up in front of the house and got out. The evening was cooling off. In another couple of hours, the sun would end its daytime journey. The sky was already embracing a pale-yellow tinge that would eventually hold a pinkish tone.
Crystal stood a moment and inhaled the clean air. She loved living in the Lakes District of New Hampshire with its lakes, mountain views, rivers, and woodlands.
Emmett came to her and put an arm around her. “Pretty night, huh.”
“Yes, I love this time of day.”
Whitney opened the front door and waved them inside. “Timothy is just about ready for bed. Auntie Crystal, come say hi.”
Crystal had been thrilled to be asked to be Timothy’s godmother. She eagerly made her way to the door and after seeing Emmett inside, she hurried to the baby’s nursery, which had once been the master suite.
When she stepped inside the nursery, a sigh escaped her. It was decorated as a baby boy’s room. The blue walls were decorated with puffy white clouds and other hand-painted pictures in keeping with the theme of an airplane visiting different places and animals in the world.
“I love this room. It’s very clever,” said Crystal, going to the crib. She leaned over and watched the baby kicking his feet and waving his arms at her. “And this little boy? I love him, too.”
She picked up the sweet-smelling baby and held him close. “Hi, sweet boy,” she murmured. “It’s Auntie Crystal.”
He studied her, and then a wide smile spread across his face.
Crystal’s heart melted. “He knows me.”
“I had to show him off, too,” said Nick, coming into the room with Emmett.
Emmett walked over to Crystal and gently lifted Timothy into his arms. “Hey, buddy. Looks like you’re going to be a big boy.”
Timothy gave him a quizzical look but as Emmett continued talking to him, he smiled and reached to touch him.
“Guess he likes you,” said Crystal watching with interest.
“Most babies do,” Emmett said. “Until it’s time for a shot or two.”
Emmett handed the baby to Whitney. “I’ll leave it to you to put him down for the night.”
Whitney nuzzled Timothy’s neck and then placed him in the crib on his back.
Crystal and Emmett left the room as Whitney began to croon to the baby. Nick stood by them, forming a tiny circle of new parents with their baby.
Outside the room, Emmett studied her. “I take it you want a family one day.” His gaze focused on her.
Crystal tried to keep her yearning out of her voice, but after seeing Timothy, the hunger for a child was something she couldn’t hide. “For years I was afraid I wouldn’t make a decent mother after the example I had. But I’m stronger now, more confident that I’m my own person. I think I’m ready.”
“In many ways, you’ve always been a mother by taking care of your sister.” He gave her a sympathetic look. “That was a big job for a girl on her own.”
“I suppose,” said Crystal, blushing at his compliment. “Thanks.”
Just then, Whitney and Nick stepped out of the nursery.
“Are you ready to relax? I’ve got wine and appetizers on the porch,” said Whitney.
“And beer and sodas if you prefer,” Nick said to Emmett.
“Lead the way,” said Emmett.
Moments later, the four of them were seated outside chatting comfortably.
Crystal listened carefully as Whitney asked Emmett about his father’s visit and the information on the news that he was considering a run for president in two years.
“How is that going to affect you?” Whitney asked. “I know what it’s like to be in the spotlight. And I know you’re trying to fit into our small community.”
“When I was eighteen, I declared my independence by changing my name and studying medicine, not law as my parents thought I should,” Emmett explained. “While it’s not the happiest of families, I have no reason to act out and not support him. But I’m not sure thinking of running for president is enough for him to get his party’s support. So, I’ll just keep on doing what I do.”
“Smart of you,” said Whitney.
“I understand your mother made a scene at Jake’s with Crystal,” said Nick. “I hope that doesn’t happen again.”
Crystal loved that Nick was sounding protective of her, just as he had as a kid.
Whitney glanced at her and turned to Emmett. “Neither Nick nor I would want that to happen. I know you didn’t like it either, but in this town, we stick up for one another.”
“Believe me, I appreciate that. My mother is difficult, and she’d had too much to drink. While I can’t make any promises about her behavior, I’ll do my best to keep her away from Crystal or from being cruel to her.”
Crystal sat in her chair listening to them and felt like a child overhearing something she shouldn’t. Still, it felt satisfying to have others care about her. “I appreciate your support, but this is something I’ll have to handle on my own.”
“You’re right,” said Nick. “We just want you to know we’re here if you need us.”
“Let’s talk about something fun,” said Whitney. “Emmett, you missed our 4 th of July celebration, but I think you’ll enjoy your first Summer Faire starting tomorrow.”
“Even though, no doubt you, like me, will be called to duty,” said Nick. “But it’s great for the town to host an event like this. It’s a boon to the businesses here.” He gave Emmett a teasing grin. “Even for doctors.”
Emmett laughed. “I’ll be ready. I’m finally getting the practice and office set up the way I want it, with more computerized record keeping.”
When Whitney got up to serve the meal, Crystal followed her into the kitchen. “Anything I can do to help?”
“Thanks. You can fill the water goblets.” Whitney waved Crystal over and placed a hand on her shoulder. “You and Emmett are perfect together. I hope neither one of you is going to let family issues keep you from being happy.”
“Honestly, I’m not sure how our relationship will endure because of his family, but I’m not going to back down from seeing where this could lead. Did you see how gentle Emmett was with Timothy?”
Whitney gave her a broad smile. “I did. He’ll make a great father. That’s another reason he’s a match for you.”
“If Emmett can be determined enough to be independent from his parents, I can certainly try to be as strong.”
“Atta girl,” said Whitney giving her a quick hug.