Pastries and Promises, page 1
Chapter One
Eva arrived at Sweet Delights just as the dark pre-dawn sky began shifting to a muted gray blue. Inserting her key into the front door lock, she let herself in, immediately typing the memorized security code into the alarm system to disable it.
Flipping on the lights, Eva took a moment to appreciate the cozy bakery, quiet and still before the hustle and bustle of the day. The comforting scent of sugar and vanilla lingered in the air.
She headed through the back door and down the hallway to the employee break room. Dropping her purse in her spot, she grabbed a fresh apron from the shelf. She tied it snugly around her waist, the fabric worn and familiar.
After washing her hands, she got right to work preheating the large ovens. Soon, the familiar roar of the heating elements warming up filled the space.
Once the ovens were ready, she made her way back out to the front. Pulling out a large rolling rack, she began filling it up with baking trays. Humming softly, Eva started gathering ingredients - flour, sugar, salt, butter - to begin mixing up batter for the day's pastries. Her mind flipped through mental files of recipes she wanted to try out soon, always looking for new flavors to offer her customers.
With everything ready, Eva slid the first round of cupcakes into the oven, setting the timer before getting started on the next round.
While the cupcakes baked, she began working on the cookies. The work was second nature to Eva, a soothing morning ritual. In this space, filling the cases and shelves with an array of her favorite baked goods, she felt content and peaceful in a way nothing else in her life had ever made her feel.
Eva heard the front door open and close, followed by footsteps entering the kitchen.
"Morning, Eva!" Michael greeted her cheerfully, setting his bag down on a chair in the back.
Eva looked up from measuring flour and smiled at her assistant. "Hey, Michael. How was your date?"
"Terrible, so let's forget about him forever," Michael laughed.
"I'm sorry," Eva said sincerely, knowing it had been a long time since Michael had found anyone who met his standards. He wasn't even asking that much. The guys he went out with were just that terrible.
"All good. And I picked us up some breakfast sandwiches too," he said, holding up a paper bag.
"You're the best," Eva grinned. It was an easy routine they had fallen into - Michael grabbing something quick for them to eat before the bakery got too busy.
As Eva continued mixing up batter, Michael went and switched on the fancy espresso machine they had invested in last year. The rich aroma of freshly brewing coffee soon filled the kitchen.
"So how was the rest of your night?" Michael asked, leaning against the counter as he waited for the machine to finish. "Get up to anything fun?"
Eva shook her head with a chuckle. "Just some movies and relaxing. Though I did try a new cinnamon bread recipe that I think will be a big hit. I'll have you be the taste tester today."
"I'm alright with that," Michael laughed.
When the machine finished, Michael poured two cups of steaming hot coffee, bringing one over to Eva. She thanked him and took a sip, the caffeine hitting her bloodstream almost instantly.
Eva washed her hands again and went to check her order book. She had a couple custom cake orders for upcoming birthdays, including a two dozen cupcake order that needed to be completed today.
Usually they switched off roles, but with a large special order to fill, it might make sense for her to stick to the kitchen. However, she knew mornings could get very busy up front.
"Hey Michael," Eva called over. "What do you think about you handling the counter today so I can dedicate time to this big cupcake order?"
"Of course, no problem at all," Michael replied without hesitation. "You pipe and frost away. I've got the front covered."
"I owe you," Eva said, meaning every word. She knew she could count on him to manage the morning rush.
Michael simply smiled and waved her off, snacking on his breakfast sandwich.
"Alright, let's get to work," Eva muttered, taking the next round of cupcakes out of the oven and beginning the process all over again.
As she scooped the rainbow sprinkle batter into the colorful liners, Eva's mind wandered to the child who would get to enjoy these vibrant creations. She imagined an excited young boy or girl eagerly devouring the cupcakes, proudly wearing a birthday crown.
Eva loved getting to play a small role in celebrating special moments for the local families and kids. Even if it was just providing a special dessert, it brought her joy to help make lasting memories.
By the time Eva was putting the finishing touches on the birthday order, the sounds of chatter and the jingle of the bell above the door filtered back to the kitchen.
Eva glanced at the clock, estimating she had just under twenty minutes before the timer would go off. Then the cupcakes would need to cool completely before they could be iced. It was plenty of time to whip up icing and wash the pastry case displays.
As she prepared buttercream in a rainbow swirl, Eva made a mental note to do something extra nice for Michael soon - maybe surprise him with a day off or homemade dinner. She truly didn't know what she'd do without him handling the daily operations by her side.
The timer on the oven went off and Eva grabbed her oven mitts, carefully removing the trays of perfectly baked rainbow cupcakes. She set them on the counter to cool before frosting.
As the cupcakes cooled, Eva quickly washed the pastry case displays, removing any crumbs and smudges. She wanted the treats and pastries to look as fresh and appealing as possible for customers.
Soon the cupcakes were ready for decoration. Eva started by swirling vanilla buttercream over each one using a piping bag. Next came the fun part - decorating them with sprinkles.
Eva smiled as she worked, her heart light. She alternated adding rainbow sprinkles and edible glitter to create a whimsical, festive look. Eva stepped back admiring her handiwork - no two cupcakes looked exactly the same thanks to the rainbow batter peeking through.
After placing the iced cupcakes neatly into a box for easy transport, Eva cleaned up her frosting tools just as Michael ducked his head into the kitchen.
"All good back here?" he asked. "The morning rush is finally slowing down."
"Yep, all done with the birthday order," Eva said. "Do you want to see how the birthday order turned out before I pack it up?"
"Yes, please!" Michael said, coming closer.
Eva carefully carried the cupcake box over to the counter and lifted the lid.
"They are so cute!"
Eva laughed. "Why don't you take a break now that things are a little calmer?"
"Sounds good. I'm starving." Michael headed toward the back.
"We have some muffins that didn't sell from yesterday if you want some," she called after him.
Michael grabbed two on his way to the back room. "Thanks!"
Eva put the order aside and headed up to the front. The line of customers had finally disappeared. He'd been a saint to handle them all on his own. Some days she thought they needed another set of hands, especially for the busy morning rush, but finding someone who fit in with their vibe in such a small, conservative town had been difficult. They made it work, as they had for years, but she knew the rush could be overwhelming for them both.
Chapter Two
The morning sun crept through the thin curtains, casting the bedroom in a warm glow. Claire blinked awake, the haze of sleep receding as she turned to the empty space beside her. Just four months ago, David would have been there, his laughter bright as he pulled her close. Her heart ached thinking about him. Now at thirty-two, she was alone, and a widow when a heart attack had taken David from her. Claire released a shaky breath as the memories came rushing back. Memories of a future they should have shared, of years they had planned out.
All taken in an instant. She wiped her tears and sat up in bed, turning her face to the sunshine. "Time for a fresh start," Claire murmured, slowly swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. Her feet met the chilled floorboards, sending a shiver through her.
Claire stood and walked to the window, peering out. Her eyes traced the line of the street outside, watching the cars pass, and the people walking down the sidewalk. Willow Cove was a quaint little New England town, the kind seen in post cards and Hallmark movies. Online it had looked peaceful, the kind that she desperately needed. The cottage she had purchased held that same welcoming charm, and she was doing her best to settle into the unfamiliar town while being surrounded by the things she had David had gathered for their life together.
Despite her lingering grief, this new home offered hope that she could heal with his memory always close by. "Good morning, Daisy," Claire said gently to the petite gray cat curled up on the windowsill. As usual, she was basking in the morning sunshine. She had quickly found her favorite spot in the small cottage. Daisy slowly lifted her furry head, swiveling one yellow-green eye in Claire's direction before twitching the tip of her tail in acknowledgment and returning her focus to watching the small flock of goldfinches on the bird feeder in the front yard.
Claire padded down the worn hardwood hallway in gray socks. She marveled at the cottage's charm, so unlike their townhouse in New York which had been large and often felt sterile. The cottage had faded paint and old wood floors. It had seen a century of life. She was glad to be among its history and warmth.
Stepping into the narrow kitchen, she filled the kettle. The song of morning birds floated in through the open window. David would have loved it here. She pulled down his favorite mug and held it in her hands as she waited for the kettle to boil. A little hot tea would help her wake up.
A few minutes later Claire softly smiled to herself as she sipped her steaming cup of chamomile tea and gazed out at the wild garden out front. "David would have eventually loved this little house," she said to Daisy who hadn't moved from her spot on the couch, "although it probably would not have been his first choice." David had always preferred a more modern, sleek aesthetic. He'd loved marble and steel. The townhouse had been so empty without him. Just as sterile as the hospital room had been as she'd held his hand one last time.
Claire took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She'd left the city, their memories, and the house behind. It was a new start, but a painful one.
"I think we are going to be okay here," Claire said, taking another sip of tea. Daisy flicked an ear in her direction but didn't move.
"You have the right idea. Let's just chill this morning," Claire told the cat. "I guess that means I'm having a lazy day," she chuckled.
She finished her tea and went to kiss Daisy on her forehead. "You're a good girl. Be good while I go get ready."
She was still unpacking most of her things after a few weeks of living in her new home, but her essentials were ready.
She headed into the bathroom where she turned on the shower and let the water heat up while she undressed. She still wasn't used to the small, worn tub in this cottage bathroom, so different from the spacious walk-in shower she and David had cherished at home.
Stepping into the steaming spray, Claire let the hot water ease some of the tension from her shoulders. She lathered her hair with the lemony shampoo that reminded her of summer and washed her body with the vanilla soap that still felt too new. They were scents she was trying out, not ones that she and David would have bought together.
She enjoyed her shower, the old pipes protesting and creaking. She'd come to love the sounds of her house. The sounds of New York City had fallen away quickly, giving way to birds in the morning, Daisy's soft meows, and the old sounds of her house.
After toweling off, Claire pulled on her robe and padded into the bedroom where she pulled a green floral sundress out of her closet. She had ordered it online and hadn't been sure about the pattern when she first saw it on the website, but was now willing to give it a chance. It hadn't been expensive and it did fit well.
The soft material slid over her head easily and Claire looked at her reflection in the dusty full-length mirror propped against the wall. The V-neck showed just the right amount of cleavage and the three-quarter length sleeves hit at a flattering point on her wrist. The skirt swished gently around Claire's knees as she gave an experimental twirl. A small smile crept onto her face - maybe this dress wasn't so bad after all. She wished that she could share it with David. He'd always loved her in dresses.
Her routine was already starting to shift as she learned the pace of Willow Cove. It was slower, quieter. No one rushed. No one honked. There were no sirens at two in the morning, blaring and screeching and waking up the neighborhood.
In New York, her art career had been everything to her. David and her art. She hadn't painted in months. She hadn't even sketched. But the house had a second bedroom and she had already put her supplies in there. They were waiting for her, when she was ready again. Whenever that might be.
Claire sighed and glanced in the mirror. She had bags under her eyes and she hadn't bothered with make up since David's funeral. A little tinted lip balm helped some. It was enough for today.
The nearly constant noise from the town square only a block away had worried her at first, reminding her too much of New York. But then the low hum of the few cars and people walking around had started to fade into the background. Within the first week she had been able to ignore it almost entirely.
Having everything she could need only a short walk away had been one of the draws to this cottage. The square offered her anything she could want, and the grocery store was only a short walk away as well. Though she still had a decent amount of money remaining from David's life insurance payout and the sale of their townhouse, Claire had never been someone who valued flashy material things. Her old car was still running fine, so no upgrade was needed for the time being. She could relax and simply be for a while. Life would be there for her when she was ready again.
She was sure his family hadn't appreciated being given nothing, but he hadn't been close to them and they hadn't reached out since the funeral. His will had been explicit and none of them had been included. The loss of contact with anyone in connection to him had saddened her, at first, but she'd had months to move past their abandonment.
Daisy wound her way figure eights between Claire's legs, meowing softly for some morning attention. Claire bent down to scratch under Daisy's chin, eliciting a rumbling purr.
"We need a little food," Claire said softly, and the cat's ears pricked forward. "But let's take it easy this morning. We are still getting used to this new place, remember? I'm going to go to the cafe down the street and I'll bring you back some treats on the way home. Sound good?"
Daisy's eyes stared into Claire's and she could almost swear the cat understood her words. She'd had a lot of practice speaking to her. She picked Daisy up and put her back on her sunlit spot, giving her one last kiss for the morning.
Claire made her way back down the hall, stopping to slip her shoes on at the door. "See you soon, love," she called out to her as she left her house and stepped out into the garden.
It was wild and wonderful, with flowers everywhere and a small stone bench to sit and rest at. Someday she imagined she would be sketching on that bench. Maybe not today, or even this week, but her art wouldn't stay dormant for long.
She took out her phone and took a picture of one of the roses for her little sister, Julia. She lived just a few towns over, only about twenty minutes away. Much closer than the hours that had been between them before.
You are going to make this the best garden, Claire! I can't wait to see it when I visit soon, Julia texted back.
Claire smiled down at her phone. I can't wait for your visit, either.
They had been close growing up, the best of friends, but their lives had drifted apart when Claire had gotten married. For ten years they'd barely seen each other. Now she wanted to make up for lost time, for neglecting her sister during her marriage. She was looking forward to rekindling their once close bond.
She touched a few of the flowers, admiring the bright colors and their fragrance, before leaving through the small gate that let out onto the sidewalk. Daisy's meow reached her from inside the house and she looked back to see her cat sitting in the window. She waved at her cat then headed down the street, toward the cafe for breakfast.
Chapter Three
A high pitched singsong voice calling out "Hey there, neighbor!" broke through Claire's thoughts as she stepped outside of her garden and onto the sidewalk. She looked over to see a woman around her own age smiling and waving at her from the porch next door. The woman spoke again, "I'm Abby, I just wanted to come introduce myself since I noticed you moving in last week. I would have introduced myself sooner, but I work a lot and this is the first morning I've had off. My husband, Peter, is usually around. And if you need anything, please let us know. We're always happy to help a neighbor."
Claire gave a small smile in return. "Hello, I'm Claire. It's nice to meet you."
Abby crossed the small yard. "Welcome to Willow Cove! Everyone here is so warm and friendly, we're like one big family. You'll love living here."
"That does sound lovely," she replied softly.
Abby looked curiously back at Claire's house. "So, are you married? I just noticed you moving everything in by yourself last week. Well, you and the movers."
"Oh. Uhm..."
Abby's face flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry. It's just, this is such a small town, so everyone knows everyone. I just figured... never mind, it's none of my business."
Claire hesitated a moment before replying. "My husband died a few months ago."
"I'm so sorry. That's horrible. Was it an accident?"
