Page 28 of Coming Home

“I’m working on the second of my trilogy now. It’s nice to already be familiar with the world I created in the previous book. It’s flowing so well, thanks to having an outline this time and not flying by the seat of my pants from the beginning. Carter has taught me the value of being organized and prepared. He is attacking his cookbook project very methodically.”

Tenley told them about some of the recipes her husband had tried and which ones had, so far, made the final version, which would release in November, the same time the first book in her fantasy trilogy would come out. Their PR firm had coordinated the effort with both publishing houses, and Tenley and Carter had agreed to a series of book signings they would do together.

Willow shared a little about a series of paintings that she was beginning and how her agent had already arranged a showing of them at The Runyon Gallery in New York next fall. The Soho art gallery had also hosted a showing of Willow’s paintings last fall, and she was working exclusively with the gallery now.

“The series is set entirely along the Oregon coast,” Willow told them. “I’m drawing inspiration from not only my childhood but places Dylan and I have gone to on the weekends with Shadow. This area has always spoken to my soul, and I have high hopes for when the series is launched.”

Rylie took the floor next, discussing an estate sale she was going to tomorrow morning. The deceased had a fascination with Queen Anne furniture. Rylie had studied the catalog and was hoping to pick up several pieces for Antiques and Mystiques.

After that, they talked about happenings in the Cove and Salty Point, the next town over. Willow said Jackson had mentioned that Clancy would be out of town for a week and that her brother would be spending time in Clancy’s office, combing through the files and familiarizing himself with the practice and its clients.

“I’m sure, though, Jackson will be able to make plenty of time for you, Ainsley.”

She returned to the kitchen and brought back the cannolis. Willow ate one, and Rylie gobbled down two. Tenley took a pass, saying she was too full and would take her portion home to Carter. Ainsley boxed up what was left, saying she needed to go and work on her order for the coming week.

Hugs were exchanged and goodbyes said, and the three guests left Rylie’s house.

“Want me to drop you off?” Willow asked, seeing that Ainsley hadn’t driven.

“No, I think I’ll walk. Thanks, though.”

As she headed down the street, she took out her phone and called Jackson, who answered on the first ring.

“Girls gossip group over?”

“Yes, I’m walking home now. I hear you pumped my friends and your sister on what I like to do.”

“Guilty as charged,” he freely admitted. “I know you’ve got to be tired and need to get your sleep, but you have to eat. I’d really like to bring dinner over for you. I don’t have to stay.”

“I usually work on what I’m going to order come Monday morning each Sunday afternoon,” she revealed. “I’m going to take care of that now as soon as I get home. Once I finish, I’d love to have dinner with you.”

“How about I bring dinner by at six? Or is that too late?”

“Six will be fine because of my late lunch,” she told him.

“Then I’ll see you at six.”

Ainsley arrived at the bakery and went upstairs to her apartment. She decided a quick nap wouldn’t throw her off her sleep schedule too much—and it would keep her from falling asleep on Jackson two nights in a row. She set her alarm for an hour ahead. She hoped it would refresh her, and it would still give her time to shower and touch up her makeup before Jackson arrived.

As she closed her eyes, she thought how happy her parents’ marriage had been and how she had hoped to one day have one just as strong and loving as theirs. With her laser focus on school and work, she hadn’t devoted much time to her personal life.

As she drifted off, Ainsley hoped things might be changing soon.

CHAPTER 10

Although Jackson had hoped to spend the entire day with Ainsley, she had told him she would not be available until at least one that afternoon, explaining that she placed specialty orders every other Monday and went to Portland to pick them up. She also stopped at Costco every week for general supplies for the bakery. When he had offered to go with her, she had seemed surprised but agreed to him accompanying her. He now drove into town and would meet up with her at the bakery.

Last night’s dinner had been relaxing with just the two of them. He had brought sandwiches and soup from Eats ’n Treats Café. The sandwiches were tasty and the soup hit the spot on a cool, rainy evening. He’d made certain to leave by eight. Even though he had learned she did no baking on Mondays, she tried to keep to the same sleep schedule so her body wouldn’t go haywire. She did say she sometimes went in on Tuesdays if she had a big order coming up, such as designing and creating a wedding cake. This week, she didn’t have one.

He planned to spend all day with her tomorrow.

For now, he was going to take what he could get this Monday morning. When he arrived and parked, he saw Ainsley was already sitting behind the wheel of her SUV. He locked his vehicle and slid into the passenger’s seat of her car.

“Thanks for offering to go along with me,” she told him. “Don’t think I won’t put you to work.”

“If it involves lifting sacks of flour, Gage will be pleased,” he replied. “We are embarking upon a few weeks of training together, three times a week, and we started this morning. He had me doing some lifting, which he wants me to add to my workout regimen. He had all kinds of equipment in the back of his truck for me to use, from kettle balls to dumbbells to medicine balls. I haven’t touched any weights since my high school playing days, so I’ll probably be more than a little sore tomorrow. It’s a good thing you’re catching me today before the soreness sets in.”

They left the Cove as a misty rain began, taking the highway that would lead them into Portland. Conversation between them was easy once again, and he had a good feeling about this day.

---