Emily sat beside Jake, and her expression was grim while she chose a bagel.
“Here.” He handed her his, which he’d already cut open and smothered in cream cheese.
She shook her head. “It’s okay.”
“Take it. I used honey-walnut cream cheese. Your favorite.”
She hesitated and then complied. “Thanks.”
He bent closer to her and whispered, “And I made your coffee just how you like it—lots of cream and sugar and very little coffee.” He raised his eyebrows, and when she smiled, relief fluttered through him. “There’s that smile.”
Across the table, Jake found Claire watching him, but he ignored her and chose another bagel.
“So, Claire,” Mom began, “how long are you home this time?”
Claire swallowed a bite of bagel. “A couple of weeks. I need to get back for the next staff meeting, but I wanted to check on some things at home.” She speared Jake with a look before smiling at Mom. “I’m glad I can help out around here. I can handle your laundry if you’d like, or I can clean for you.”
“That’s so sweet of you, dear.”
Jake peeked over at Emily, but she was studying her plate. He couldn’t stand to see her so quiet. It wasn’t like her. He needed to yank her out of her shell. “So, Em, what’s the plan for today?”
“Um... we need to get vendors.” She pushed a lock of her thick, wavy hair behind her ear. “I designed a flyer we can take to town.”
“Vendors? For what?” Claire asked.
Jake summarized how they’d refurbished the old barn and set it up for their grand opening and hundredth anniversary party.
Claire scrunched her nose. “That sounds like a lot of work.”
“It’s actually been fun,” Jake said before bumping his shoulder against Emily’s, but she kept her focus on her plate.
Huh.
Was she upset with him? He’d have to find out later.
“It was all Em’s idea,” Jake said. “I asked for her help with figuring out the best way to drive customers from Apple Haven over here.”
Mom’s face filled with pride. “I can’t wait to see the final product.”
“Well, we only have a week left to make it happen, but we got this. Right, Em?”
Emily finally lifted her eyes from her plate. “That’s the plan.” She gave Mom a timid smile and then took a bite of the bagel.
After breakfast, Jake and Emily carried the dishes to the sink. While Emily began filling the dishwasher, Jake took care of the skillets and platters.
“Would you like me to make an ice pack for Leon?” Claire asked Mom.
“I can do that, but there’s a load ready to go in the laundry room if you want to take care of it,” Mom said, pointing toward the hallway.
“Consider it done.” Claire nearly skipped toward the laundry room, and Jake managed not to roll his eyes.
“Jake,” Dad called, his voice sounding ragged. “Could you help me get to my recliner?”
“Of course.”
Jake guided Dad into the den, where he got his father situated in his favorite chair before turning on the television and handing him the remote.
Mom appeared with an ice pack for Dad’s arm, along with icepacks for his knee and ankle. Once Dad was settled, Mom took Jake’s arm and steered him to the doorway.
