Designed by Love (6 page)

“Yes, but from all accounts, they were incredibly happy for that year—happy together.”

“I know for a fact that Mr. Hart spoke to angels. I even overheard him once, conversing as if someone was standing right there beside him. At the time I thought it odd, but I imagine his many years here on earth provided a measure of wisdom.”

“And who are we to discount that?” Dylan smoothed a hand along the nape of Traci's neck, his touch light and gentle, soothing away her doubts.

“He always asserted there's someone out there—a perfect match—for everyone.” Traci tilted her head to search Dylan's gaze. “He said it's just a matter of listening and watching for the signs. Do you think he was right?”

“Who knows?” Dylan's breath warmed her rain-misted cheek. “The evidence is pretty strong. For starters, Ryne and Kaci certainly believe it's true. They're an unlikely pair, meeting through letters Ryne wrote to Kaci's advice column at the
Angel Falls Trumpet.
Who would have imagined they'd hit it off, yet they're planning to marry next month. I'm slated to do their music.”

“And Kaci asked me to design the cake. It's going to be a beautiful multi-tiered strawberries and cream confection, with a smaller double-chocolate groom's cake for Ryne. He's addicted to the flavor, according to Kaci.” Traci sighed, inhaling the clean scent of Dylan's aftershave that mingled with sweet rain and crisp pine from the storm-misted Angelina Forest. “You know, it's on my bucket list.”

“What is?”

A sigh rose from deep within Traci. Suddenly she felt light, alive as she swayed to the music, safe in Dylan's embrace. “A dance in the rain.”

“Really?” Dylan spun her slowly before dipping her low in careful, strong arms. “And what else is on that list?”

“Oh, lots of things.”

“Care to share?”

“Maybe, over that steak dinner and the brownies you promised—extra light on the coconut and heavy on the fudge. I can almost taste them.”

“I'd better get on it then.”

“Yes, you'd better.”

Dylan drew Traci up, in, and tucked his hand along her lower back as the song slowly drifted to a close. “Are you free tomorrow night?”

“I am.”

“Dinner at seven? I'll let down my Teflon shield, and we'll give the legend a go, see how it plays out. Are you game?”

“Like you said, we ought to live dangerously.” Traci turned in a final, graceful arc before easing in to face him. “And dinner tomorrow—with you—sounds like the best kind of danger.”

 

****

 

Traci kicked off her running shoes and padded across the kitchen tile to fill a tea kettle with water. Coffee after dark wasn't a good idea, especially following the long day she'd shared with Dylan and the way her pulse already hummed. At this rate, sleep might never come. But a warm cup of chamomile fit the bill perfectly and might ease her racing pulse.

She set the teakettle to boil and then took a few minutes to stretch the sore from her muscles. The evening's run had been later than usual and tougher, too, perhaps because thoughts of Dylan kept drifting in to distract her from the tempo and her mental focus. She'd stumbled once and caught herself just before tumbling head-over-heels through the tree line and down an embankment.

Silly…and dangerous. Traci had chastised herself and forced all thoughts of Dylan from her mind, choosing instead to focus on upcoming cake orders while she formed a mental list of necessary supplies. She gave special attention to the order from Ryne and Kaci. She had become good friends with the pair, especially Kaci, since she'd moved to Heart's Haven nearly a year ago, and thus wanted to add an extra-special touch to their creation. Kaci had mentioned she might stop by the cottage tonight to finalize things.

As if on cue, headlights cut through the muted kitchen window while a car turned into the driveway. Traci peered through the darkness, smiling when she saw Kaci unfold herself from the sedan. Kaci's timing was perfect as the teakettle began to squeal. Traci removed it from the heat and added a second mug with a teabag to the counter, filled both cups with boiling water, and then headed to answer the door.

“Hi, Trace.” Kaci offered a little wave as she stepped into the living room. “I hope it's not too late for me to barge in on you like this.”

“It's never too late, and you're not barging. I just got back from running and was about to steep a cup of warm chamomile. Care to join me?”

“Sounds great.” Kaci followed her into the kitchen and dropped into a chair. “I hope you don't mind if I take a load off. All this planning for the wedding has frazzled me to the core. Who would have thought a simple outdoor wedding would have so many details to tie up?”

“You're almost to the finish line, which I suppose is really a starting line of sorts—the beginning of your life together with the man you love.”

“You're right.” The very thought brought a smile to Kaci's lips. “You always have a way of putting things in perspective, Traci. That's just one of the many things I cherish about you.”

The heartfelt words warmed Traci. She handed Kaci one of the filled mugs along with a teaspoon. “Did you get your dress back from alterations?”

“Yes. It's just as gorgeous as they promised and fits like a glove.” Kaci positively glowed. “Only a few details remain—the cake and the music. Ryne's next door talking with Dylan about the playlist for the reception. It's convenient for us that you're neighbors, but how's that working out for you—living next door to such a…?”

“Hunk?” Traci finished for her. “Yes, I've noticed and it's been…interesting.”

Kaci dipped her spoon into the tea, fished out the bag, and set it on the saucer before adding a spoonful of sugar to the liquid. “Interesting is good, isn't it?”

“Yes…but it's been a little bit weird, too.”

“How so?” Kaci set down her spoon and lifted the mug to her lips. She peered at Traci over the rim.

“We've been spending a little time together. He helped me make a cake.”

“What's so weird about that?” Kaci set the mug back on the saucer. “Dish it to me, and don't leave out any of the details.”

“Shouldn't we be talking about you…and Ryne? I mean, your wedding is just a few weeks away. Are the flowers ready? What about your bouquet?”

“That diversion will not work. Tonight's all you, Traci, so spill the beans. I want to hear about this time you've been spending with Dylan. Start at the beginning.”

“OK…if you insist.” Traci stalled by sweetening her tea, stirring the brew slowly as Kaci's gaze bore a hole through her. “I suppose you could say it began when he moved in a few weeks ago. I met him on the path while I was working on the flowerbed. He passed by, carting all that sound equipment, and when he said hello I don't know…I just sort-of felt something.”

“Something?”

Traci shrugged. “I have no idea how to explain it. I was repotting some plants there in the bed beside the walk, and he called to me as he started by. I glanced up and my breath sort of caught when I saw those smoky blues, so mysterious. It was odd…but in a good way. He was all muscles in his jeans and T-shirt, with his hair kind of skimming his forehead.”

“Yeah. I get that. I remember the first time Ryne came over with a tuna casserole. It was…” Kaci tilted her head back and fanned herself as a dainty gasp escaped her lips. “Oh, my…yes, I remember.”

“I thought…here's a guy with some potential.” Traci rummaged through the cabinets for a package of chocolate chip cookies before settling into a chair across from Kaci. She opened the package, offered it to Kaci who claimed a pair of the cookies. “But then he started with that music…ugh! Yesterday he was blasting it so loud that the sound…well, it startled me. I was finishing up a cake for a wedding reception, and it got completely ruined.”

“Oh, that's not good.”

“I marched right over to Dylan's place, yanked the power cord from the wall. and gave him a piece of my mind.”

“I'll bet that went over like a million bucks.”

“Let's just say his reaction wasn't what I expected. He laughed and offered to come back here with me. It took the rest of the evening, on into the night, but we remade the cake together.”

“Not your typical first date, but it holds its own.”

“It wasn't a date. It was just…well…I'm not sure what it was. But it
wasn't
a date. We did go for a walk together, though, while the cake was cooling. We had to wait to frost it because the icing would melt and then—”

“Excuse me, but you're blushing, Traci.”

“It's warm in here. I should open a window.”

“Uh huh.” Kaci reached for another cookie. “You went for a walk in the moonlight…beneath the stars?”

“It
was
sort of romantic…
more
than sort of romantic. It was
flat-out
romantic. And it was strange too, that Vivian happened to stop by with a jar of vanilla extract just when I needed it. I didn't even know I'd run out, but somehow she knew my supply was empty and brought over a bottle from her pantry at the big house. We chatted a bit and she said something odd…something like, ‘This wedding cake you and Dylan are whipping up together…it's just a preview.' What do you suppose she meant by that?”

“Hmm…” Kaci washed down the cookie with a sip of tea. “There's no telling, but Miss Vivian has her ways.”

“Andrew Hart was full of puzzling expressions, and I guess Miss Vivian is carrying on the tradition for him now.”

“I think you're right. And that reminds me.” Kaci opened her purse and riffled through the contents. “I saw Miss Vivian working in the flowerbeds at the big house yesterday afternoon, and when I mentioned that I'd be seeing you this evening, she asked me to give this to you.” She handed Traci a small white box.

“What is it?”

“I don't know. Open it.”

Traci unlaced a cream-colored bow and lifted the lid. “Oh, my…it's gorgeous.” Inside rested a silver pendant—two hearts entwined—on a delicate chain. “But why did Vivian want
me
to have it?”

“I'm not sure. She said Andrew entrusted it to her safekeeping just before he passed and asked her to give it to you when the time was right.”

“And now the time is right? Why?” Traci stroked the shimmering hearts as they caught the light. “More riddles that I can't seem to decipher. How did she know today—right now—would be the right time?”

“You've got me there.” Kaci drew another sip of tea. “I don't know.”

“Oh, here's a tiny piece of paper tucked beneath the foam holder. Let me see…” Traci lifted the insert and tugged the slip of paper from beneath it, unfolding it carefully to read. “It's a Bible verse…Psalms 91:11, ‘For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.'”

“How beautiful.” A smile curved Kaci's lips. “Well, it's no secret around here that Andy Hart conversed with angels.”

“I know, but—”

Footsteps sounded along the back patio just before a trio of raps rattled the glass of the French doors. Traci turned and glanced up to find Dylan standing there with Ryne at his side. She smiled and rushed to let them in. “Hi, Traci.” Dylan leaned against the counter. “It's good to see you again.”

“You, too.” Merely a few hours had passed since Dylan dropped her off at the cottage, and she already missed him. Did he feel the same about her?

“Hey, Traci.” Ryne offered a quick wave as he crossed over to snatch a cookie from the package before claiming a kiss from Kaci and settling in at her side.

“Ryne and I have firmed up the playlist.” Dylan's smile offered a hint to his feelings, which managed to both unsettle and encourage Traci. “How are things going on your end with the cake details?”

“We got a little sidetracked.” Traci showed him the jewelry box. “Vivian sent me a little gift by way of Kaci, and we're trying to figure out what it means.”

“Let's see.” Dylan lifted the necklace from the box, turning the pendant so it gathered the light. It shimmered with warmth. “It suits you…a beautiful piece of jewelry for a beautiful woman. Would you like me to help you put it on?”

“Oh, yes, thanks.” Traci turned her back to Dylan and waited while he draped the necklace over her shoulders.

“How's that?” His breath kissed the nape of her neck as he closed the clasp, warming her to the core.

Traci smoothed her hand over the silver as she turned back to face him. The pendant rested directly above her heart. “Perfect.”

“Yes, you are.” Dylan grazed her jaw with the pad of his thumb. “Perfect.”

“Wait, whoa, backpedal.” Ryne swallowed cookie crumbles. “Have Kaci and I missed a scene or two here?”

“I suppose so.” Traci nodded. “Yes, you have.”

“And what, exactly, happened in said scene?” Ryne reached for another cookie.

“Dylan thinks I'm going to fall in love with him.”

“Wait. What?” Kaci stood. “Did I hear that right?”

“Yes.” Traci nodded for emphasis. She glanced down to see that Dylan's hand had somehow made its way into hers.

“Honey,” Kaci turned and tilted her head to look up at Ryne as he devoured the cookie. “I think they're about where we were a year or so ago.”

“That would be right.” Ryne planted a kiss on the crown of Kaci's head. “They have no idea what's coming, do they?”

“No, they don't. And, I think that's our cue to go.”

Ryne's lips curved into a grin as he nodded at Dylan. “Thanks for putting the playlist together. It's going to be amazing. We really appreciate all you've done.”

Kaci chimed in, “I'll just leave these pictures and notes for the cake here on the table, OK?” She placed a manila envelope there. “If you have any questions, call me, Trace. But I think it's pretty self-explanatory.”