Chapter 6
Isink down into the warm bubbly water of my bath and let out a sigh of content as the soft floral aroma of my bath salts engulfs me.
My muscles relax and I tip my head back listening to the soft purrs of my kitten, Pumpkin, on the stool next to the tub.
Today was a busy day at the bakery. Not only did we have two different custom cake orders to be filled, but we also had a special cupcake order, and a request for three dozen croissants on top of all our regular store inventory.
I love my job and take pride in our bakery, but Sarah and I could definitely use some added hands to help us out. Last summer was great with high schoolers looking for a summer job, but with summer right around the corner, we haven’t had anyone come in and apply yet.
My eyes begin to flutter as I relax deeper into the water and my mind starts to drift off to last night.
I still can’t believe he stepped in at Cedar and Sage and saved me from such an awful date.
I giggle at the memory of him calling Samual Mr. Clean.
Despite the night starting off so bad, I had such a lovely evening.
Sitting at the Brewery with West was the perfect way to end the night.
The way he kept scanning my body had my heart racing. I am so glad I let Sarah talk me into borrowing that dress. It’s not very often I get dressed up. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I did.
I think about the fair and how West asked me to go with him. I was a little nervous to say yes, but I’m looking forward to spending more time with him. It’s going to be such a long week until then.
The sound of trees rustling outside the bathroom window has my eyes popping open.
Walking home from work this evening, the air was warm and crisp with no hints of wind.
I look towards the window across the room, swallowing my fear, and see that the trees are still.
The pane is frosted, so I can’t see too much other than the light of the sun going down and the too still leaves of the trees, but I still feel chilled despite the warm temperature of the water.
Slowing my breathing and focusing on the sounds around me, I jolt when I hear a soft thud come from outside.
My mind instantly starts to race towards the worst, even though I know realistically it’s probably just a bird or some other animal.
Quickly draining the tub, I reach for my towel and pick up Pumpkin before dashing back to my room.
I dress quickly and crawl under the covers, trying to slow my rapid breathing.
Pumpkin curls up next to me and her presence instantly calms me.
Tossing and turning all night, I lie there plagued with memories of my past. I try really hard not to think about Adam, but I couldn’t help myself the other day on the ten-year anniversary.
I hate that I can never visit my parents’ and brother’s graves, or that I can’t contact anyone in my family.
It hurts to know that I have a whole family out there mourning me when I’m alive, but I know it’s for the best. The first couple years were the hardest.
I think of Sarah and how she saved me from such a deep and dark depression.
I think of Officer Nick, who took me in and helped me hide when I needed a home.
I haven’t seen or spoken to Nick since the day I graduated from college, and despite the memories he brings, I miss him terribly.
He was like a father to me in those first four years, but we made an agreement and I’ll stick to it no matter how much it hurts.
Life can be so cruel and unfair.
My mind drifts back to Sheriff Donovan, and I sigh into the dark silent night.
He is such a kind man, and I know I’ll never be able to give him all of me.
When I changed my name and started my new life, I never thought about it for the long haul.
I was seventeen years old and had just lost the only home I had.
It’s never bothered me before. I’ve accepted and adjusted, but now, things are different.
I dated a bit in college, but nothing ever went anywhere.
I never took those dates seriously. It just felt like that’s what I should be doing at that time in my life.
Going to campus parties with Sarah and acting interested in boys.
The one time I let my guard down and a piece of myself show, it backfired.
I never thought of the future and what it would be like to date as an adult.
Did I just expect to never allow myself to fall in love?
Then guilt hits me.
I really want to give West a chance, but what happens if I fall in love with him? I can’t build a solid foundation if my partner doesn’t even know my real name. How is that even fair?
When the sun starts to rise beyond my window, I throw off the covers disturbing Pumpkin from her deep sleep, and make my way to the kitchen, the soft pad of her paws following me.
I fill her dish and start the coffee pot before opening the curtains to the patio door and looking out at the early morning light.
The view from this part of my house always steals my breath away.
The golden light of the sun casts the rolling hills into an ethereal glow.
The greens of the hills mixed with the blinding orange and yellows of the skies gives the hills a sort of painted feeling. It’s breathtaking.
The coffee pot beeps, signaling the promise of caffeine, and I glance to the stove, noting it’s only four-thirty in the morning. Today is going to be a long one, but there are always new recipes to work on.
I finish my coffee, and with the soft glow of sunlight streaming in, I start to bake.
Pulling the last batch of shortbread out of the oven, I inhale the scents of lemon and lavender swirling around my kitchen.
I love when our baking is an ode to our name.
Today’s recipe is a lavender shortbread with a lemon filling.
I set the bars out to cool and check the clock, deciding I should probably hop in the shower and start getting ready for the workday.
Dressed and ready to go, I package up all the shortbread and give Pumpkin a delicate kiss on her head before locking the door behind me. One of my favourite things about Lavender falls is how easy it is to get by on foot. I place the shortbread into a wagon and begin my walk to town.
I’m almost to the bakery when the little hairs on my neck rise.
I look around to scan my surroundings, but nothing seems out of the ordinary.
The town is usually pretty quiet this time of morning.
Picking up my pace, I try to get to the bakery as quickly as possible, unable to shake the feeling of being watched.
The morning rush finally dies down, and I’m giving the last customer her lavender iced coffee when Mrs. Ira comes storming into the shop and up to the counter.
“Have you girls heard?” she whispers, her eyes big and round, getting our attention.
“Morning, Mrs. Ira. I haven’t heard anything,” I say, putting the girl’s change into the till.
“A body was found last night by a group of teens trying to party. By the sounds of things, it was a murder.” She grabs her chest in mock horror, and I feel my face pale. I hate the word murder.
The young girl with her lavender iced coffee gasps.
“That’s absolutely terrible!”
My pulse picks up, and I feel a tight vice around my stomach stopping me from keeping focus on the conversation in front of me, only catching snippets of what they are saying.
“Young.”
“Stabbed.”
My throat dries, and I try to breathe.
Since I’ve lived here, Lavender Falls has been a quiet and friendly town. There’s not much for crime, and it’s a place I’ve always felt safe. Less people than Vancouver had. I was constantly on edge when I was there for school, always afraid to look into strangers’ faces in case it was him.
“How horrible,” the young girl says, bringing me back.
“It’s such a shame,” Mrs. Ira says, shaking her head.
The young girl leaves the bakery, and Mrs. Ira tilts her head, watching me. “You all right, Jadie?”
“Hmm? Y-yes. Sorry. I just can’t believe something like that has happened here.”
“Me too. In all my years, we’ve only ever had two murders. This will be a big case for our little town.”
“Where did you hear about it?” I ask her. West hasn’t been in yet this morning, and this might explain why.
“It came through on the radio last night,” she whispers, scanning the shop. I’m pretty sure Sheriff Donovan has already warned her about listening in to their calls.
“Now, enough of this morbid talk. Jade dearie, would you bag up a couple biscuits for me and the ladies. I’m headed to the park to meet them, and I promised to get everyone a little something.”
“Of course, Mrs. Ira.” I open the display case, reach for my tongs, and begin filling a bag for the ladies.
“So, my Samual was sure upset the other night. He came home in such a tizzy, going on about you leaving him for another man?” she questions, and I sigh.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Ira. I know you were really excited, but the truth is, Samual and I just didn’t hit it off. If I can be honest, I don’t think he is over his ex.”
“Nonsense,” she says, taking the bag of biscuits from my hand. “Now, may I ask who this gentleman you ran off with is?”
I sigh because I know she won’t leave me alone until I answer. “It was Sheriff Donovan, if you must know.”
Her eyes go wide, and I wait for her to say something.
“Huh. I think I’ll just leave this one be. I didn’t think that man would ever brave up.” She smiles and hands me the money for the biscuits, leaving me both stunned and confused.
What did she mean, she never thought he would brave up?
I hand her back her change and wave goodbye as I toss this thought around my head. It’s not long after that West enters, and I smile as he makes his way to the counter, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Morning, Sheriff.”
“Morning, Jade. How are you this morning?”