A Holiday Proposal (7 page)

Chapter 9

M
atthew rushed outside, careful to close the front door gently behind him. It wouldn’t do to wake his sister or niece. He’d swing by later and pick them up for church, but right now the bakery beckoned.

The porch light cast a glow onto the frost-covered steps. He gripped the handrail with gloved fingers and took the stairs gingerly. He needed to be in one piece to keep the bakery running smoothly.

The quiet predawn streets made him smile. He parked behind the bakery, got out and breathed the cold mountain air. He paused and took in the stillness of the morning. Hushed silence greeted him—a rare treasure in this tourist town.

Too soon, cold seeped through his gloves. He hustled inside and flipped on the lights. The familiar scents of yeast, cinnamon and sweetness greeted him. He hung his jacket on the hook by the door and tossed an apron over his head. Time to get busy.

The phone on the wall rang. He frowned. Calls at four in the morning were never good. “Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me.” His little brother’s voice sounded in his ear.

“John. What are you doing awake at this time of day? I thought all college students slept in.”

“Ha. I haven’t been to bed yet—cramming for a test.”

“You better not let Mom or Dad find out. You know what they say about that.”

“Yeah, yeah. ‘No one ever learns anything from cramming except how to pass a test.’”

Matthew chuckled. “Everything okay? It’s not like you to call at all, much less this time of day.”

“My plans for Thanksgiving fell through, and I was hoping to crash at your place over the break.”

“Sure. It’ll be a full house with April and Ava, but you’re welcome to the couch.”

“Works for me. I’ll take the train on Monday. Thanks.”

“Sure thing. And, John, no more all-nighters. Mom has a sixth sense about those things.”

“I promise. After today, I’ll be the ideal student. Gotta go. See you.”

Matthew placed the phone back on the wall mount and washed his hands. His commitment to helping with the church’s Thanksgiving feast took center stage in his mind. What would it entail? One thing he knew for sure, he’d get to spend more time with Holly. Which was enough motivation to get him out of bed an hour earlier than normal to bake the rolls he’d promised.

The back door opened and George blew in. “Whew, the wind kicked up. Think we might have some weather moving in.”

“I hope that doesn’t hurt business.”

“The weather won’t change anything with Thanksgiving next week.”

“Good point.” Plus, the neighboring businesses loved his special deliveries. He was fast becoming the most popular business owner on the block.

For the next forty-five minutes they worked in silence. He stocked the display window then started the coffee. His stomach grumbled, but he resisted the treats.

Promptly at seven, Matthew flipped the sign to Open. A bundled woman stood outside with her hands thrust deep into her wool coat pockets. He pushed the door open. “Come in. Welcome. How about a cup of coffee to warm up with—on the house.”

The woman tossed the hood of her coat back and smiled.

“Holly. I didn’t realize...”

“You mean you offer coffee to complete strangers?”

“Well, yes. On a morning like this, anyone willing to brave the elements is welcome to a cup.”

“You’re a good man, Matthew. I’ll take you up on the coffee and six of your cinnamon rolls.”

“Special occasion?”

“Thanksgiving planning committee meeting at the church. We need to iron out the final details.”

“Oh. Am I supposed to be there?” His stomach sank. The last thing he wanted to do was disappoint Holly, but no way could he leave the bakery to attend the meeting.

“No. You just show up with your delicious rolls and willing hands, and we’ll put you to work on Sunday afternoon.”

“Good.” He moved behind the counter and pumped coffee into a paper cup. “Do you want room for cream?”

“Yes. Thanks.”

Matthew set the cup on the counter and placed a lid beside it. “The cream is over there.” He motioned to the carafe and sweeteners at a station near the door. “I’ll box up the rolls.”

She quietly doctored the hot brew then returned to the counter. “I’m glad you introduced me to your bakery. I’ve been so busy with school and work that I never noticed it was here.”

“It was my pleasure. Ava and I enjoyed your company. How’d things go with your mom?”

She frowned. “They didn’t. She was spending the weekend with my sister.”

“Will you be spending Thanksgiving at your parents’?”

“If I don’t work, which I suspect I will. The schedule will be posted tomorrow. How about you?”

“My parents moved to Florida as soon as my brother started college. They wanted warm weather year-round. My brother, John, is coming next week and plans to spend his break here.”

“Sunshine sounds good right about now, but I love the snow. I can’t wait to go skiing.”

“Really? Maybe we could go together.”

She nodded. “I’d like that.” She handed him a twenty.

He counted out her change then slid the box across the counter. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks. See you Sunday, if not sooner.” She waved and ducked out the door, pulling her hood on as she left.

Something rustled behind him. “Pretty lady.”

Matthew jumped at the sound of George’s voice. “What are you doing out here?”

“Just seeing what was taking you so long.” He smirked. “Guess now I know.”

“Get back to work.” Matthew slipped a hand into a potholder glove as he went to the kitchen and pulled a pan of cinnamon rolls from the oven. It was his specialty, and they usually sold out by early afternoon. But how did Holly know he almost always ran out? However she knew, he was glad for it—he could get used to seeing her beautiful face on a daily basis.

His heart tripped as realization finally sank in. She’d agreed to go skiing with him.

* * *

On Sunday morning, Holly eyed the fellowship hall and smiled with satisfaction. The senior women’s group had done a lovely job with the decorations. Orange, burgundy and brown tablecloths covered the thirty or so round tables decorated with wheat, mini pumpkins and gourd centerpieces.

The kitchen help had turkeys in the two commercial-size ovens, and the buffet tables were lined with nonperishables. The hot food would be in warming dishes and Crock-Pots along a wall with outlets. She had to hand it to the ladies, they’d come through with a feast that wouldn’t soon be forgotten.

The door swung open, and Matthew walked in loaded down with several large paper bags. “Good morning.”

“Hi.” She rushed over to him. “Glad you made it.” She reached for a bag. “Are these the rolls?”

He nodded and released his hold on one of the sacks.

“I didn’t mean you had to supply
all
the rolls.” She opened the top and breathed deeply of the yeasty aroma. “They smell wonderful, and they’re still warm! Thanks for doing this, Matthew. You really went above and beyond.”

“My pleasure.” He handed her the second bag.

“I may need to taste test one of these.”

He chuckled and looked around the large room, then rested his gaze on her. “What do you want me to do?”

“I put you on the cleanup crew, so you can relax until later. The youth group will make sure the tables are cleared and wiped down, and the men will break down the room. We have lots of help, so it should go fast.”

“Great. I’ll see you after the service.”

“Yep.” Her gaze followed him to the door. He was so nice. Why hadn’t she paid attention to him in high school? Well, she’d noticed him now, probably more than she should for someone who wanted to focus on her job. But she couldn’t help liking him. He was truly a sweetheart. She shook off the sappy thoughts. No time for romance—this meal wouldn’t fix itself.

She placed the bags on the table, then made one last check in the kitchen to make sure the cooks had everything they needed before she headed out the door. The service had started and worship was just ending when she slipped into the last row. She looked across the aisle and her gaze slammed into Matthew’s. She felt her face heat and quickly averted her eyes. A red face was never attractive, especially since she had auburn hair.

Holly’s parents sat near the front. She sucked in a breath. Things still weren’t back to normal with Mom. Yesterday’s conversation with her mother had gone okay, though not great. Why couldn’t Mom accept that she had other goals for her life and becoming a wife and mother were not a top priority for her? Although she had to admit, watching Matthew sledding with Ava and interacting with the little girl at his shop warmed her a little toward the idea of a family of her own. But how could she possibly have a demanding job and be a mom at the same time?

She gave a wry smile. Of course millions of women managed the task. But could she? If past experience was any indicator—no. Focus was always an issue and she wasn’t sure she could divide her attention between a family and a career and be successful at both. She’d have to be content with being an aunt. That is, as soon as Jessica got pregnant again.

She shifted her focus to the pastor and his sermon on thankfulness. As she listened, guilt pricked at her. She hadn’t been all that thankful lately. In fact, she’d been downright ungrateful. She swallowed and stared at the words on the screen behind Pastor Lake.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. —Psalm 100:5

She pondered all the tough stuff God had brought her through. She had much to be thankful for, even if everything wasn’t as perfect as she’d like. Speaking of perfect, it was time to get back to the fellowship hall. She stood and slipped out before the benediction. The scent of the Thanksgiving meal drew her to the kitchen. “How’s it going, ladies?”

Susan looked over her shoulder and nodded toward the counter. “You want to take one of the turkeys out to the serving table?”

“Sure.” Holly lifted the heavy platter and pushed through the swinging door only to stop short. “Matthew.”

He reached for the platter. “Let me.” He took it from her hands. “Where should I put it?”

She pointed to the table along the wall. “Thanks. You don’t have to help right now.”

“I know. I saw you leave and figured you might be able to use an extra pair of hands.”

Her heart raced. Matthew made not becoming distracted from her goals very difficult.

“Holly?”

“Hmm?”

“I asked what else you need me to do.”

She shook her head and ignored the knowing look on his face. “There is another platter of turkey in the kitchen.”

She waited for him to place the serving dish on the table, then spun on her heel with Matthew in tow and pushed into the kitchen. “I brought muscles with me, ladies.”

She swallowed a groan and resisted clapping her hand over her mouth. She hated it when her mouth ran ahead of her brain.

Matthew chuckled, hoisted the platter and disappeared through the swinging doors.

Susan raised a brow. “Is that the guy from high school?”

Holly sidled up close and kept her voice low. “How’d you know?”

“I remember meeting him. Matthew, right?”

“Yes. Please don’t do anything to embarrass me.”

“Of course not. I’m the last person you need to worry about. You should know that by now, Holly.”

“Sorry.”

Someone rested a hand on her shoulder.

“What can I do next?” Matthew spoke into her ear and she caught her breath.

“Umm, maybe you could just hang out until the rest of the hot stuff is ready.”

Susan waggled her brows. “He’s hot enough already, don’t you think?”

Holly nudged Susan with her heel and sent her a pointed look.

Matthew grinned and walked away.

“Hot stuff.” Susan’s laugh turned louder.

“Oh, please...I thought you weren’t going to embarrass me. I can’t believe you said that.”

Susan pursed her lips. “You’re right. That was rude of me. Sorry.” A chuckle escaped her lips. “But so funny. I couldn’t resist. Why aren’t you dating him? He’s certainly interested. I don’t see any other men scrambling at your beck and call.”

Holly rolled her eyes. Maybe her friend was blinded by her own recent marriage. “Remember my
career
? And he’s not at my beck and call.”

“Sorry. I forgot. But you know you can have both. Look at me. I’m happily married, have my accounting firm, and I’m helping to raise my young sister-in-law.”

“That’s because you’re superwoman. It’s so weird to think of Katie as your sister-in-law. She’s, what, eleven?”

The smile left Susan’s face. “Just be careful, Holly. You don’t want to wind up old and alone.” Susan waved a hand. “Listen to me being all melodramatic. Obviously I’m still in the honeymoon phase.”

Holly pressed her lips together. “Mmm-hmm.” The hum of voices filtered in from the fellowship hall. “Oh, sounds like service is out.” The ladies quickly finished up and joined the rest of the congregation for the blessing. Holly bowed her head and when she opened her eyes they locked on Matthew’s gaze. Her heart thundered, and her cheeks warmed
again
. This had to stop!

A short time later, Holly wove between tables in the fellowship hall, holding her plate and looking for an empty seat. The delicious smells drifting up from her meal made her mouth water. She spotted a table with a lone woman and headed that way. “Anyone sitting here?”

“No. Have a seat.”

Holly pulled out a chair, leaving a spot between her and the woman she’d never seen before. Strange, she thought she knew most everyone at church. Of course, they’d opened the meal up to the community, but few outsiders ever came.

She peered more closely at the stranger. Her well-worn but clean top was not the norm in the festive atmosphere. The woman’s thin, tattered coat was draped on the seat behind her.

“I’m Holly.”

The woman put her fork down and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Elsa. This is a great meal you folks put on. I’m glad I spotted the sign.”

“Me, too. I haven’t seen you around, Elsa. Do you live in Leavenworth?”