Chapter Twenty-Seven
Viola stood near the kitchen doors, watching the newlyweds dance to a slow love song. Holly and Nick oozed affection, and Nick looked at his bride with a tender gaze that seemed unbreakable.
Sighing, Viola assessed how the evening had gone. The guests devoured the appetizers until there was none left. Oliver and the other wait staff said the main courses had been a hit. Viola mentally patted herself on the back for getting all the meals served on time and ensuring the quality, temperature, and taste were up to her standards.
My cooking teacher would be proud .
She was especially pleased with how the cake turned out. Though she’d baked many a cake and torte, this was the first three-tier wedding cake she’d ever made. All in all, as Viola reflected on the evening as it was coming to an end, she considered her first catering job a success.
Jonas entered the dining hall, and Viola sucked in a breath. His eyes met hers for a moment before he adjusted his cufflinks and pivoted toward Rachel. As he spoke with her, Viola spotted Amy—Oliver’s girlfriend—sneak into the room. Amy scanned the crowd until she saw Oliver filling champagne glasses at one of the tables. Amy sauntered to him and tapped him on the shoulder. Obviously happy to see her, he kissed her on the lips.
Oliver checked his watch. Viola knew Amy must have asked him how much longer he had to work. The reception had begun later than expected, but now that all the food had been served and the evening was almost over, Viola had no qualms about letting Oliver go early. He’d done so much for her and her mother. He deserved to be able to spend New Year’s Eve with his girlfriend.
For some reason, Viola’s eyes traveled over to Jonas at this thought. Jonas wasn’t looking back at her. Instead, he was focused on Oliver and Amy. His brows pulled together.
In the next moment, Oliver made his way toward Viola.
“Viola, I was wondering—”
“You can go.” Viola smiled at him. “You were great today. Thank you for all your assistance.”
“Are you sure you don’t need me anymore?”
“You’ve surpassed your obligations, so yes.” Viola lowered her voice. “So, you’re going to pop the question?”
Oliver’s cheeks grew crimson. “If I can get the nerve up.”
“That’s so exciting. Good luck. And Happy New Year.”
Oliver nodded, emitting a nervous laugh. “Happy New Year.” He held up a finger to let Amy know he needed a minute and then disappeared into the kitchen to get his things.
Viola’s attention went back to Jonas. This time, his green eyes were locked on her.
When he began walking in her direction, Viola panicked and slipped into the kitchen.
What is he doing? Hasn’t he made me feel bad enough?
She pulled her ponytail tighter and scanned the kitchen, hoping to make it seem like she was too busy to be interrupted in case Jonas came into the kitchen to talk to her.
She grabbed a rag and wiped down the counter. Jonas entered the kitchen, and Viola felt a rock in the pit of her stomach. Christelle, who was at the sink, looked over at Jonas and then Viola.
Viola cleared her throat. “Yes, Mr. Brickman, can I help you?”
“Mr. Brickman, huh?” Jonas stuck his hands in his pockets. “I guess I deserved that.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
He rubbed at the space between his nose and mouth. “Did you hear about what happened out there? The wedding crasher?”
“Yeah.” She still avoided looking at him, cleaning the counter even though it was spotless. “I heard you helped save the guy.”
“No. I mean, I had some rope …” He trailed off.
Viola supposed her refusal to face him had irritated him so sufficiently that he decided not to continue his story. Good. I hope he leaves.
She swallowed hard, trying to convince herself that she wanted him to walk away, even though her heart wanted him to stay.
He took three steps closer. “I, uh, thought I should update you—I mean, in case you were wondering—on my plans. My business plans, I mean. And my personal plans, I guess.”
The delivery of his words was dizzying. She narrowed her eyes and finally looked at him. “What are you saying? I can’t follow.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I thought maybe you’d like to know that I decided to remain in Silverwood after all.”
“But you said you’re moving to Billings. Selling the chateau.”
He searched her face. “I changed my mind.”
“And what brought about this change?”
He grimaced. “Let’s say I didn’t have all the necessary information to base my decision on.”
“And now you do?”
“I think so.”
Viola scoffed. “Jonas, you’re confusing me. That doesn’t sound like you: making important business decisions and then suddenly changing your mind. And why, exactly, are you telling me this anyway?”
“Because the information I was missing was the fact that you are single and not engaged to that waiter.”
Viola blinked, shaking her head. She opened her mouth to speak, but her thoughts hadn’t yet caught up with her vocal cords.
“S-Single?” she repeated. “What, uh …”
Christelle wiped her hands on a towel. “Why don’t I give you two a minute?”
As soon as Christelle left the kitchen, Viola gaped at Jonas. He bit the inside of his cheek and stepped nearer to her.
Viola crossed her arms. “So, you thought that I was engaged to Oliver?”
“I walked into the dining hall before, and I saw him holding an open ring box to you, and then you hugged him, and then I couldn’t breathe anymore.”
A small grin tugged at her lips. “And that upset you so much that you decided to sell your business and move to Billings?”
He averted his gaze for a second. When he looked up at her again, his eyes were intense. “Yes.”
“So you were jealous.”
“I … was.”
Her skin tingled, and she felt slightly lightheaded. “I see.” She uncrossed her arms and closed the distance between them. “You’re staying in Silverwood?”
“Turns out I have good reason to stay here. I mean, if I’m wanted.”
Her smile grew. “Well, then, it’s a good thing I’m not engaged to Oliver.”
Jonas reached up and ran his thumb down the side of her face. “It’s a very good thing.”
Viola’s heart drummed as Jonas leaned in. She tilted her head up, letting their lips drift together into a kiss as sweet as pie.