20. Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Nineteen
Eve
The sun's early rays peek through the curtains. Despite a steaming mug of chamomile tea in front of me, but my stomach is tight with worry.
"Eve, you've got that look again." Holly’s gentle tone interrupts my deep thought.
I sigh, meeting her concerned gaze. "Is it that obvious?"
"Only to those who know you." She winks. "Ella's on your mind?"
"She's pushing herself too hard." My fingers tighten around the mug. "The bakery, the pregnancy... it's a lot."
She leans over the table, her hand covering mine. "That girl's got your strength, Eve. She'll get through this, and we're all here to support her."
I nod, appreciative of their steadfast presence. "You're right. She's resilient, just like." I trail off, thinking of Jimmy.
"Speaking of strength," Hank chimes in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Where's our resident handyman? Don't tell me he's still sawing logs upstairs."
Holly chuckles, shaking her head. "No, Nate sent him on a special mission to Cedar Ridge. He's retrieving the Christmas Star for the festival."
"The vintage one?" I ask, memories flooding back. "I thought it was beyond repair after last year's storm."
"There's a master craftsman in Cedar Ridge who worked miracles," Holly explains. "Nate insisted it had to be part of this year's celebration. Said it wouldn't be Christmas in Strawberry Falls without it."
"And Jimmy volunteered for the job?" I ask.
"More like Nate volunteered him. You know how persuasive Nate can be when it comes to town traditions."
"Well, let's hope he makes it back in time," I reply. "We've got our work cut out for us today."
As we drive to Monarch Bakery, Holly's humming of 'Silver Bells' fills the car. The festive atmosphere of Main Street, with its twinkling lights and red and green decorations, should lift my spirits, but I can't stop worrying about Ella.
"We'll finish in time for the grand opening, right?" I ask.
"Absolutely," Hank assures me, his steady voice a balm to my frayed nerves. "We've got this, Eve. Together, we'll rise to the occasion!"
Holly's eyes light up, and she lets out a delighted laugh. "Oh, Hank! Did you just make a baking pun? I didn't know you had it in you!"
"Well, I suppose we're on a roll now, aren't we?" I chuckle.
"Alright, you two," she rolls her eyes, "let's not get carried away. We knead to focus on the task at hand."
The three of us burst into laughter, the silly wordplay lightening the mood as we pull up to the bakery.
"What would I do without you two?"
"You can always count on us, Eve." Holly pats my hand.
We fall into an easy rhythm—measuring, mixing, and baking. The ovens hum to life, filling the air with the comforting aroma of homemade treats. As I roll out dough for gingerbread cookie families, Holly's laughter draws my attention.
"Remember when we tried to make a gingerbread house for the town fair?" she asks, carefully piping icing onto a miniature roof.
"How could I forget?" I grin at the memory. "The walls were so lopsided, and the roof caved in before we even got it to the fairgrounds."
"Ah, but it had character," Hank adds, hanging up a menu board. "Just like this town."
"Speaking of character," Holly says, a twinkle in her eye. "Remember Jimmy's over-the-top Christmas light displays? I swear you could see them from space."
"Those were good times." I focus on the cookie cutters in my hands—parents, kids, and pets taking shape in the dough.
The entry bell rings, as Ella and Drew enter, shaking off snowflakes from their coats.
"How was the appointment, sweetheart?" I ask, wiping flour from my hands as I approach them.
"Well, I'm a bit anemic," Ella admits. "Dr. Donovan prescribed supplements and suggested some dietary changes."
Drew wraps an arm around her protectively. "More leafy greens, less caffeine. Doctor's orders."
I nod. "Anything else we need to know?"
"Actually, yes." Ella claps and bounces on her toes. "She says I can still be involved in the preparations for the grand opening."
"That's wonderful news, sweetheart. And... I'm guessing there are some conditions?"
"I need to stay off my feet as much as possible. So, no running around or heavy lifting. But I can help with planning, decorating, and some light baking."
"We'll make sure you have a comfortable chair right in the middle of the action." Drew gives Ella a gentle squeeze.
"And the anemia?" I ask.
"Dr. Donovan expects my condition to stabilize with proper management." She wants me to return in a week for additional tests and a follow-up, but she's optimistic."
"That's a relief. We'll do everything we can to help, honey. Your health and the baby's health come first."
"I'm so glad we can still work on this together. It means everything to me."
"To all of us." I pull her into a gentle hug. "Now, let's get you settled, and I'll whip up something iron-rich and delicious. How does spinach and feta quiche sound?"
A weight lifts from my shoulders, as Drew guides Ella to a comfortable seat, Challenges remain but it is a small miracle that Ella can still be part of this dream, while taking care of herself and the baby.
As I prepare the food, I marvel at their closeness. The way Drew supports Ella without smothering her. It reminds me of how Jimmy and I used to be, before... everything.
As the day progresses, the bakery transforms. Garlands adorn the walls; twinkling lights frame the windows. The scent of freshly baked goods fills every corner. It's starting to feel like home again.
The afternoon slips into evening, and there is still no sign of Jimmy. I try to focus on the tasks at hand but worry gnaws at the edges of my mind. I glance at the clock for what seems like the hundredth time.
"Holly, have you heard from Jimmy?" I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.
Holly looks up from the tangle of lights in her hands. "Not yet. But I'm sure he's on his way."
"Here, let me help with those," Hank offers, reaching for the lights. His fingers brush Holly's, and they share a smile that makes my heart ache.
"You two make a good team," I say, forcing a cheerfulness I don't feel.
"Speaking of teams," Ella pipes up. "Where is Dad? Wasn't he supposed to be back by now?"
I sigh, setting down the icing bag I've been fidgeting with. "Yes, he was. I don't know what's keeping him."
"I'm sure there's a good reason," Ella reassures me, but I can see the concern in her eyes.
Drew snorts, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah, maybe he decided to take another extended vacation. You know, for old times' sake."
The room falls silent, tension thick in the air.
"Drew!" Ella hisses, then turns to me with an apologetic expression. "Mom, I'm sorry. He didn't mean—"
"It's fine," I say quickly, but the words seem empty. Drew's comment hit too close to home, voicing the fears I've been trying to suppress.
Ella reaches out, squeezing my hand. "Mom, Dad will be here. He wouldn't miss this for the world."
I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The faith in Ella's voice only highlights my doubts.
"Well," Holly interjects brightly, holding up the now-untangled lights. "At least we solved one mystery today!"
"And created a Christmas miracle in the process," Hank adds with a wink.
I turn away, busying myself with wiping the counter—trying to scrub away the worry along with the flour dust.
"Mom?" Ella's voice is soft beside me. "You okay? You seem... distracted."
"Just thinking about your father. He should have been back by now."
"He'll be back soon. Dad always comes back."
I wish I shared her confidence. As we finish cleaning up and prepare to leave, Drew's sarcastic comment echoes in my mind. Jimmy, where are you?
Back at the inn, I hear movement in Jimmy's room, relief floods through me, quickly followed by a surge of anger and fear.
I knock on his door, my heart pounding. "Jimmy? It's me."
"Come in."
"Where have you been?" I ask, my voice tight. "I was worried sick. You could have called."
Jimmy turns to face me, his blue eyes flashing with irritation. "The truck broke down, and I had to wait for a part. It's not like I planned this."
"And you couldn't find a phone anywhere in Cedar Ridge? Have you any clue what goes through my mind when you disappear like that?"
Jimmy stands abruptly, his posture defensive. "What more do you want from me? I'm here now, aren't I?"
"Every time you're late, every time you're gone without a word, it takes me right back to that night—the night when you left us."
"For God's sake, Eve!" Jimmy throws his hands up in exasperation. "How many times do I have to apologize for that? I'm not that man anymore. Why can't you see that?"
"Because it's hard to trust when I'm constantly afraid you'll disappear again!" I shoot back, tears pricking at my eyes.
Jimmy's face hardens. "If you can't trust me, then what are we even doing here? I'm trying, Eve. I'm really trying. But it feels like nothing I do is ever good enough for you."
His words hit me like a slap. "Maybe that's because you haven't earned that trust back yet."
We stand there, the tension between us palpable, neither willing to back down. Finally, Jimmy speaks, his voice cold. "I think we both need some space right now. Goodnight, Eve."
As I close the door behind me, I rest against it, my heart heavy. I want to believe in Jimmy, in us, but the fear of being hurt again is overwhelming. How can we move forward when the past keeps pulling us back?