Chapter 12
CHAPTER 12
T he following afternoon, Olivia hesitated only a moment before punching in Lillian’s phone number to extend a personal invitation to the potluck supper. This pivotal gesture would ensure the secret star guest appeared for her long-awaited romantic reunion.
Lillian answered on the third ring, her refined voice instantly recognizable. “Why, Olivia, darling! This is a delight. I was thinking of you recently, and I’m overdue for a visit to your bookshop.”
Olivia was relieved that Lillian was okay. “I haven’t seen you around a lot these last few weeks,” she said.
“Oh, I was fighting a cold, but I feel much better. Barring a relapse, I should be fine for the event.”
As they exchanged cordial pleasantries, Olivia marveled inwardly at how Lillian sounded precisely the sophisticated, ageless woman that she was, save for a subtle, weary undertone etching the cheerful fa?ade. Would her recent illness have etched faint lines around the impeccable socialite’s sparkling green eyes?
Nevertheless, Lillian acknowledged attending the potluck event. “I look forward to seeing friendly faces, and I’ll bring the traditional Beaumont family salad.”
“I’ve heard all about it,” Olivia replied. “My grandfather mentioned it time and again. Your secret is toasted hazelnuts and thinly sliced radishes.”
She’d also read about the dish in Lillian’s diary, but she kept that knowledge to herself.
“And goat cheese. The hazelnuts are from Oregon.” While Lillian spoke, Olivia nodded along, mentally envisioning the ingredients.
After finalizing the call, she breathed easier. The guest list blessedly confirmed Lillian’s attendance. As for Olivia, she’d contribute her own family’s traditional recipe—deviled eggs with a new twist—flavored with smoked paprika.
Later the following week, Olivia locked the bright-red door of her bookshop for the evening, anticipating Daniel’s arrival home from London. She pulled her olive-green wool coat tighter against the night’s chill. Underneath, she wore a cream lace blouse tucked into a long floral cotton skirt that swished around her calves as she walked. Her chestnut waves were styled into a loose ponytail, secured with a velvet bow.
Daniel came around the corner, his familiar rugged features illuminated by the golden glow of the streetlamps. His deep brown hair curled slightly over his forehead, while his jaw boasted a hint of a dark stubble, a persistent five o’clock shadow no matter the time of day. He wore jeans, boots, and a brown leather jacket over an untucked white button-down shirt. As he drew Olivia into a heartfelt embrace, his hazel eyes glinted with affection.
She nestled into his chest and breathed in the clean, cotton and invigorating spring air that encircled him.
“Ollie, I’ve missed you a lot these last few busy days,” he said.
“I’ve missed you, as well.” So much that sometimes she couldn’t breathe for missing him and waiting for his phone call, yearning to hear his voice. He’d only managed to call her once, and their conversation was brief.
He slung an arm around her shoulders. “What do you say to a sunset chat while I walk you home?”
“Sure.” She nodded, though her relief at his return was overshadowed by many unanswered questions.
They strolled down cobblestone lanes toward her apartment on Mistwood Lane. On the way, she recounted her pivotal confrontation with Theodore and Emma, where Theodore finally admitted his feelings for Lillian.
During their last meeting, she hadn’t gotten the chance to tell him the entire story because the discovery of the locket took over and he’d left in a hurry. Walking together side by side, this conversation became a cathartic release, and her words flowed freely.
She described every detail in Emma’s bakery, from the tremor in Theodore’s voice to the shimmering tears in his eyes, painting a picture of a love that had endured the test of time.
Daniel listened attentively, grinning, silently supporting.
“Our poet laureate was truly the mystery man pining for lovely Lillian,” she went on. “He intentionally misled us by joining our search for a man in a fedora at the fountain. There he was, right in front of us, reciting poetry and displaying postcards, although he concealed his secret.”
Daniel’s grin persisted. “Quite a shock, yet it makes perfect sense. Literature and sonnets were their first bond in your grandfather’s bookshop. So, what’s next?”
“I intend to hand deliver Theodore’s letter to Lillian at the potluck supper.”
“Does he know your plan?”
“He knows he’s attending. He has persistently inquired about the letter, though I’ve managed to evade his queries.
“And Lillian?”
“I finally caught up with her by phone. She’s attending, too, and offered to bring a salad.” Olivia gave Daniel a teasing elbow. “Exactly like her family did in years gone by.”
“Followed by Lillian and Theodore planting a sweetheart tree together?”
“That’s the plan. Hopefully, resulting in a wedding.”
As they continued, Olivia detailed her matchmaking scheme. When the conversation lulled, a flicker of concern crept into her heart. Despite the comfort of Daniel’s presence, the unresolved legal troubles he faced abroad weighed heavily on her mind.
Her steps slowed as she turned to face him. “We’ve been focused on Theodore and Lillian. However, I’m concerned about your situation. Have there been any updates on the law-related issues you’re dealing with?”
His grin faded. He avoided her gaze and offered his usual vague reassurances.
This time, she refused to let the matter drop. She confronted him about his pattern of disappearing abroad whenever she asked too many questions.
“I’ve only been gone twice in two weeks, Ollie.” He ran his fingers through his hair, disheveling the dark strands, the image of conflict wrestling with competing priorities. “Just twice.”
While that was true, these weren’t quick errands to the local grocery store. He had flown to England, and his explanations were invariably evasive.
Her mind circled back to the possibility that he was taking covert emergency measures related to the overseas shipment scandal. Had he truly cut ties with his global treasure hunting networks, which seemed to operate in ethical gray areas? Had the authorities been appeased without imposing any penalties?
Her heart sank, though she stood her ground. “Trust requires honesty, Daniel. Let me help you, or …”
“Or what?”
She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she needed to say. “Or … or maybe we should end our relationship. I’ve had enough secrets lately to last me a lifetime.”
“Ollie, I can handle this without your help.” He brushed her off with a brief parting kiss as they reached her apartment.
“That’s it?” she asked.
“For now, yes.”
The truth of where she stood in his priorities shone painfully clear, and honesty was obviously nonexistent.
She retreated into her empty foyer, the cold night closing in around her. A growing distance hung between them, and the uncertainty of their future pressed on her heart.
The morning of the potluck supper, Olivia sorted through decorations at the historical society hall, mentally checking off the preparation list.
She’d seen Daniel, because he worked there, and the atmosphere between them was tense. In the wake of their recent argument, they studiously avoided each other and rarely spoke.
Talk about awkward, although she couldn’t dwell on it.
Antique lanterns … check. Flower garlands … check. She wanted the setting to be perfect.
As she untangled a string of lights, the door creaked open. “Don’t mind me dropping in,” came a familiar voice that made her pulse involuntarily stop.
James sauntered toward her, his roguish grin in place.
“James!” She stepped back. “What a surprise. Can I … help you with something?”
He sidled up to her. “I was passing by and saw you through the window. Clearly, you need my assistance.” Before she could decline, he reached for the lights in her hand. “Here, let me hang those for you.”
Intent on playing would-be hero, he dragged over a ladder despite an earlier pronouncement that maintenance wasn’t his strong suit. When Olivia checked her watch, realizing Daniel might come by at any moment, James waved off her concern, evidently reading her mind.
“Your boyfriend gets irrationally jealous. Why stress him when you’ve got me here?” He grabbed a hammer and nails, winking as he positioned the ladder against the wall. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder.
“Hold the ladder for me, beautiful?” he asked, prompting her assistance.
Daniel entered the hall, and she groaned inwardly. His smile instantly cooled several degrees as he noticed James, her persistent admirer.
“Well, isn’t this cozy … again.” he announced with barbed emphasis.
Olivia called out to enlist the help of Delilah and Nora. They were arranging pastel pink and purple streamers, decorating every spare corner.
“Ladies, can you give James a hand?” Olivia shouted.
“I’m happy to oblige,” Delilah said as both ladies stepped over.
“How is Victor?” Olivia asked, knowing that Elliot had introduced Victor to Delilah.
“Victor left abruptly. He’s an odd sort, but I’m glad to learn he’s family.”
“And Elliot?”
“He moved in with me and is doing his Elliot thing. He mentioned something about a sizable trust fund and forgotten bank accounts. Nothing has come to fruition, so he’s looking for a job. And, because of me, he’s dating …” She pointed toward Nora, apparently keen to play matchmaker anew. “Ooh, it reminds me of my younger days.”
“Wonderful news!” Olivia said.
“I think so, too.” Nora chuckled, her eyes perceptive behind horn-rimmed spectacles, as she steadied the ladder for James.
Theodore and Emma entered the hall, carrying an enormous cake on a white pedestal. The cake featured layers of handcrafted sugar flowers—daisies and tulips—and was decorated with fresh strawberries.
The cake became a focal point, sparking conversations and admiration about Emma’s latest creation.
“Olivia.” Emma paused. “Who was that good-looking guy who stopped by your bookshop the other day? Dark hair … mysterious.”
“Victor Steele?” Olivia blinked. “Apparently, he’s related to Elliot. Why?”
“Just asking.” Emma shrugged and turned to Theodore as they placed the cake in the center of the dessert table. “Thank you for helping me. What would I do without you?”
“Any time.” Theodore blushed and Olivia smiled.
If only he knew what was in store for him. Love always found its rightful home, and Sweetwater Springs stood ready to witness a fairytale reawakened.
She surveyed the transformed space.
“Daniel, this night is going to be magical.” She turned, eager to share her excitement with him, to see the same hope and happiness reflected in his eyes. But as she scanned the room, her smile faltered. He was nowhere to be seen.
Despite their disagreement, she had assumed he would be by her side, supporting her through this emotional journey, just like he had been from the beginning. His absence felt like a physical ache, a hollow space where his reassuring presence should have been.
She took a deep breath, trying to push down the rising sense of disappointment. Perhaps he had stepped away for a moment, caught up in some last-minute detail or conversation. He knew how much this event meant to her, how invested she was in seeing Theodore and Lillian’s love story come full circle.
Though as the minutes ticked by, her sadness grew. She scanned the crowd, searching for his familiar smile, those warm eyes that always steadied her.
How could he disappear so quickly? Was he having second thoughts about their relationship, doubts about their future together? Or had he been torn away by his complicated life?
Whatever the reason, his absence left a bitter taste in her mouth, a nagging sense of disappointment that threatened to overshadow the happiness of the evening. She had counted on him to be her rock, her partner in this emotional endeavor. And now, she felt strangely alone.
Sure, they hadn’t resolved their disagreement from the other day. But still …
Olivia squared her shoulders, determined not to allow his disappearance to ruin this special night. She had worked too hard, poured too much of her heart into bringing Theodore and Lillian together. But even as she pasted on a smile for Delilah, Nora, and even for James, she couldn’t shake the sense that something precious had slipped away exactly when she needed it most.
In the early afternoon, Olivia stood before the mirror in her apartment, scrutinizing her reflection as she put the final touches on her appearance. She styled her chestnut brown hair, which fell past her shoulders in shiny, loose curls to frame her face, and opted for a side part.
She chose a knee-length dress featuring a modest neckline and cinched waist. The cotton fabric whispered against her skin, and the subtle floral scent of her perfume enveloped her in a cloud of femininity. She pulled on a pair of mismatched socks, and sturdy ankle boots.
To add a dash of classic glamour, she pinned back a few strands of hair with a silver hair clip set with a tiny, glistening pearl. The cool metal contrasted with the warmth of her chestnut curls. Her grandmother’s pearls around her neck added the final touch.
She skillfully applied a thin line of dark brown eyeliner along her upper lashes, winging it out slightly at the outer corners for a cat-eye effect. Two coats of black mascara emphasized the depth of her dark eyes. To complete the look, she used a creamy lipstick in a dusty rose shade that complemented her complexion.
She tucked Theodore’s letter into her tote bag, then did one final check by phone to ensure that all the key players would be in attendance for the big surprise reunion.
Everyone assured her that they would be there … everyone, that is, except Lillian, who cited a bothersome headache.
“The last remnants of my cold,” she said. “I’ll try to make an appearance later if it fades.”
Olivia’s buoyant mood sank like a stone. Could all this be ripped away by a headache?
She hesitated about calling Daniel, and decided that if he wanted to find her, he knew where to look. He’d once declared the historical society his second home, and that’s where she would be.
Fraught with tension, half doubtful Lillian wouldn’t attend, Olivia chose not to upset Theodore with last-minute reservations. She’d trust destiny and true love to win the day.
One last worry, and she pushed it out of her mind.
What if Lillian’s affection for Theodore had indeed been fleeting? Then all the town would witness Theodore’s embarrassment and heartache.