“That mural,” Mom gushed as she and Dad entered the office. “It’s stupendous!”
Mom and Dad each sat on a chair in front of his desk.
“And the orchard is so busy,” Dad added, shaking his head. “I haven’t seen a crowd like this in years. The barn was packed with vendors and customers when we walked by too.”
Jake reclined in the chair. “The phone hasn’t stopped ringing all day. The mayor invited himself to participate in the ceremony tomorrow.”
Mom and Dad shared surprised expressions.
Dad leaned over and tapped the desk. “Jake, you were right. This was a grand idea.” He paused for a moment. “I’m sorry for not believing in you.” He took a deep breath. “I was wrong. You’ve more than proven yourself during these past few months. And I never should have said that your ideas were harebrained. They’re brilliant and innovative. And I’m grateful for everything you’ve done to keep our family’s legacy alive. It’s obvious that you’re putting your heart and soul into this place. You deserve your chance to run things, and I’m ready to let go and let you.”
Jake swore he could hear his dad’s breath catch.
“So, please, son. Forgive me for the terrible things I’ve said. I’m truly proud of you.”
Jake nodded, and his eyes felt wet.
Mom rubbed Dad’s shoulder. “We’rebothso very proud of you.”
Jake cleared his throat and tried to keep his emotions at bay. “Thanks.”
“Did Emily tell you she was going to paint that mural?” Dad asked.
Jake shook his head and focused on Mom. “Did you tell Dad the truth?”
“About you and Claire?” she asked, and Jake nodded. “I did. He said he had a feeling it wasn’t true.”
Jake’s gaze whipped to his father’s. “You did?”
Dad gave him a knowing smile. “The shock was apparent on your face. I could tell you hadn’t proposed.” He paused for a moment. “Truth be told, I’ve always thought Claire was full of herself and you could do better.”
Jake couldn’t stop his laughter from bursting from his throat. “You were right.”
His father eyed him. “I also got the feeling that something was going on between you and Emily.”
“You could tell?” Jake asked.
“Yeah.” He pointed toward the window. “She’s one talented young lady, and she’s smart too. And she has a good heart.”
“Yeah, she does. You’re not dreaming; there was something going on. But I messed it up.”
Mom shook her head. “I doubt that. She’s been devoted to you since you were kids. I doubt she’d give up on you so easily.”
“But I didn’t defend her last night.” He sighed. “I shouldn’t have stayed quiet while Claire was going on and on about our fake engagement. I just... I knew how much you guys wanted a wedding, and I didn’t want to hurt you. I had no idea what tosay in that moment. But my inaction... I think that’s what hurt Emily the most.”
Jake turned toward the window and spotted the barn in the distance. An idea overtook his mind, and he steepled his fingers.
He was going to find a way to get Emily to talk to him, but first he needed to take care of another issue.
Claire.
Later that evening Jake pushed open the door at the Coffee Bean and breathed in the aroma of freshly roasted coffee and buttery pastries. He nodded at familiar faces on his way to a booth in the back corner. He adjusted his ball cap on his head and glanced down at his phone. He’d been grateful when Claire agreed to meet with him, and his plan was to keep this conversation short and sweet. He’d make his point and then get out of there as fast as possible.
Jake had attempted again to talk to Emily, but by the time he’d made it to the barn, she was gone. The mural was done—and it was breathtaking—but she was nowhere to be found. He’d tried again to call and text her, but both had gone unanswered. He hoped that his plan for tomorrow would come together and they could put this awful fight in the books before they moved toward a future together.
He checked his phone for the hundredth time today to see if Emily had responded to his messages. Finding no response, he sighed and glanced toward the front of the coffee shop just as Claire pushed through the doors. She caught his eye and waved before strutting toward the booth.
When she reached the table, she gave him a confused expression. “You’re in a coffee shop, but you’re not drinking coffee.”
