Page 52 of Coming Home

Willow’s cell buzzed. She glanced at it and smiled. “It’s Sloane. I haven’t heard from her in almost two weeks. Mind if I take this?”

“Put her on speaker,” Tenley urged. “Let’s make her a part of our celebration.”

Ainsley nodded her approval, and Willow answered. “Hey, Sloane. I’m with the girls at Eats ’n Treats, and you’re on speakerphone. What’s up?”

“Hmm. A weeknight dinner with the girls? Is something going on?”

Willow responded, “Yes, remember I mentioned meeting a friend from the Cove in Paris. You came in the weekend right after Ainsley left for Oregon, ready to start her bakery.”

“Yes,” Sloane said. “You’ve bragged enough on Ainsley’s desserts.”

Ainsley spoke up. “Hi, Sloane. It’s Ainsley—and we’re here celebrating my engagement to Jackson.”

“That’s fantastic,” Sloane said. “How did you meet? Was it on one of his visits to the Cove, or did you get together in L.A.?”

“I grew up in the Cove, so I’ve always known who Jackson is. I’m a little younger, though, and didn’t quite run with his crowd when he lived here.”

“She’s five years younger than my brother,” Willow chimed in. “He’s practically robbing the cradle.”

Sloane laughed and Willow added, “Jackson has moved back to the Cove. He’s taking over for a local attorney who is retiring. Jackson and Ainsley hit it off right away, and they’ll be getting married in a couple of weeks. I wish you could be here for the wedding.”

“I do, too,” Sloane said, a hint of sadness in her voice. “I miss you, Willow. You and Tenley. Frankly, I’m jealous you’re both there without me and that you’ve made some wonderful new friends.”

“Come visit us anytime,” Tenley suggested. “It’s a wonderful place. Who knows? You might fall in love with the Cove and want to stay.”

“I don’t think the network would like that. Besides, I’m far too ambitious to settle down in a small town.”

“Where are you now?” Willow asked.

“I’m on the move. About to get on a plane to Madagascar within the hour. I’ll be doing a week-long series of stories from there. I just wanted to touch base and hear your voice before I left. Tenley being there saved me a call to her. And it was good to hear about your celebration. Congratulations again, Ainsley. I hope we’ll meet someday soon.”

“I’m glad you called,” Willow said. “Please try to take some time off after this assignment and come visit. It would be amazing to see you in person.”

“I’ll do my best,” Sloane promised. “Gotta go. Give my congrats to Jackson. Hugs to him and Ainsley. Bye.”

“Stay safe,” Tenley called out.

They finished their meal and with the reception now planned, Ainsley felt good about her wedding day. Rylie asked when she would like to go dress shopping, and she said, “Let’s see if we can go Monday after Jackson and I purchase our wedding license. Are we going into Portland? I could do my usual bakery supply run while we’re there.”

Rylie nodded. “No to the bakery run. I’ll meet you at the courthouse so we can head straight to Portland from there. That way, Jackson can return to the Cove. And you’re off on Tuesdays. You can get supplies then. Monday is going to be all about you.”

Hugs were exchanged, and Ainsley walked back to the bakery’s rear door, finding Jackson’s car sitting there. He got out and came to her, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

“I’d kiss you—but I don’t think I’d stop once I started. I’ll save that for when we’re inside,” he teased.

They went upstairs to her apartment and settled on the sofa, Jackson pulling her into his lap. As promised, he spent a good half-hour kissing her. By the time he stopped, they were both out of breath.

He slid her from his lap so that she sat next to him. “Tell me about your dinner with the girls. What got decided?”

Ainsley ran through the various appetizers they would have and told him Gus had agreed to bake the groom’s cake. Briefly, she shared what the older man had told her about having decided to stay sober and then the horrific accident occurred, Gus taking the blame for his brother’s actions.

“Why would he do that, especially because he had decided he wanted to do better by his kids?” Jackson asked, puzzled.

“Bobby’s girlfriend was pregnant,” she explained. “I think Gus thought it might be too late for him to have the relationship he had always wanted with his own children—but that he could give that gift to his younger brother. From what he told me, Bobby’s stayed sober and is a great husband and father.”

“Poor Gus. I’m glad he was able to share this with you. You’ve believed in him from the start. Giving him the responsibility of baking the groom’s case lets him know just how much faith you have in him.”

Jackson smoothed her hair. “What about our wedding cake? Did you have any time to play with designs?”

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