Chapter Six
There was nothing quite like a bake sale at Hope Valley Church, Riley reckoned. As he walked around the room, he was stopped frequently by a friend or acquaintance welcoming him back to town. He had to admit it felt nice to be treated with such graciousness. Although living in upstate New York was lovely, he wasn’t one of their own. They didn’t really know him or Aidan. He missed being part of the fabric of Hope Valley.
The church bake sale was an annual fundraising tradition he enjoyed tremendously. Where else could a person find themselves surrounded by baked goods being sold for a good cause? Everything smelled delectable. Treats were scattered on tables throughout the fellowship hall. The scent of chocolate and cinnamon wafted in the air. Children were running around clutching treats in their hands. Aidan would have loved this event if he wasn’t battling a cold.
He looked across the crowded room and spotted Georgia manning a table. Even in a room filled to capacity with parishioners, he would have spotted Georgia in a heartbeat. The very sight of her caused a tightening sensation in his chest. She was wearing a bright yellow shirt with a candy red skirt. Even if she hadn’t been wearing the brightest colors in the rainbow, Georgia still would have shined like a beacon.
“Hi, Riley,” Georgia said. “Where’s your little partner in crime?”
“He has a little cold. Mama wanted to stay home with him. She’s missing being around her grandson.”
“Aww. I hope he feels better.”
“He’s a trooper. And what I’ve discovered is that kids are resilient,” Riley said. “He’ll bounce back in a few days.”
“I’m happy to hear it,” Georgia said.
“Wow. Your lemon bars are almost sold out,” Riley said, surveying the nearly empty platters in front of Georgia. “I’ll buy the rest of them.”
“Oh, that would be awesome. Thanks so much. Sales today have been terrific.” He loved the way her face lit up with joy. It had always been the simple things that meant the most to Georgia. He would have bought a thousand of her lemon bars if only to see her smile like this.
He watched as she bagged up the lemon bars. Riley could almost taste them melting in his mouth.
“And the sale is almost over, isn’t it?” Riley asked, looking around him at some of the sellers who were packing up their items.
“Just about,” Georgia said with a quick glance at her watch. She smiled at him. “And thanks to you, I have nothing to pack up but the containers.”
“Happy to help,” Riley said.
“I’m glad you came by. Hope Valley hasn’t been the same without you.”
Riley’s heart melted a little bit at Georgia’s sweet sentiment. It was probably the nicest thing she’d said to him since his return. It was a sign that Georgia really was thawing toward him. He cared so very much about what she thought of him.
“So,” Riley said, “any chance you might like to spend some time with me tomorrow night?”
Georgia’s mouth hung open. She made a little squeaking sound.
“Okay, you don’t have to act so surprised. If you want to say no, go ahead. I know we have a lot of water under the bridge, but the truth is, I’ve missed you. I’d like to spend some time with you.” He shifted from one foot to another. Suddenly, he was regretting being so impulsive. What if she completely shot him down?
Georgia grinned at him. “I’d love to spend some time with you, Riley. What were you thinking?”
“I have tickets to the opera concert tomorrow night at the Grand. I figured we could grab dinner then attend the concert. Sound good?” He was holding his breath waiting for her response. All he wanted to do was spend a little time with her. Georgia Ballou was like food for the soul.
“Sounds good to me,” Georgia said. “I better pack up and give my proceeds to Maggie. We’re hoping to make a record amount for a church bake sale.”
“I hope you meet your goal. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at six,” Riley said with a nod.
Riley practically skipped out of the church hall. He’d followed his instincts and asked Georgia out. And she’d said yes. If he wasn’t afraid of looking like an idiot, he might just be tempted to jump up in the air in triumph. Instead he decided to thank the Lord for giving him favor with Georgia. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so joyful about something. Or someone.
Maybe, just maybe, this feeling would last.
**
The following day, Georgia’s heart and mind was still consumed by Riley. Georgia couldn’t believe he’d asked her out or that she had agreed to go out with him. She felt like twirling around in circles like a ballerina. Although she’d been aware of romantic tension hovering in the air between them every time they were in each other’s orbit, she hadn’t allowed herself to think that they might pick up where they’d left off.
Was it even possible? Or was she setting herself up for another fall? Could she go on this one date with Riley and not allow herself to get caught up in the past? Could she put her feelings on ice? She shouldn’t get her hopes up.
A quick glance at her watch caused her to put some pep in her step. Riley would be here in an hour to pick her up and she still needed to pick out an outfit and fix her hair and makeup. She pulled open her closet doors and took a look inside at her wardrobe. Finally, she pulled out a white silk blouse and a black skirt. Simple yet classic. She placed a jade necklace around her neck as a finishing touch along with a pair of matching earrings. Since they were going to the opera, she wanted to jazz up her outfit a little bit.
Thankfully, Eden was going out tonight with friends. Georgia didn’t want to have to explain the fact that she was going out with Riley this evening. It was cowardly of her, but she wanted to avoid conflict with her sister for as long as possible. Eden happened to be the most opinionated person she’d ever known. And after all the complaining Georgia had done about Riley after their break-up, she really couldn’t blame her sister if she had a problem with him.
When Riley arrived to pick her up, Georgia was ready to go. Riley stood at her doorstep with a grin on his face and a bouquet of wild flowers in his hand. The flowers made Georgia smile. It had been a ritual for Riley to bring her a bunch of wild flowers every week. It brought her back to what they’d meant to each other when they were an item. No one had ever made her feel more appreciated and loved.
“You look great, Georgia,” Riley said, his eyes roaming over her face and figure.
“Thank you. You look pretty nice yourself,” she said, taking in his gray suit jacket, the crisp white shirt and dark slacks.
They soon fell into familiar rhythms. In many ways, it felt as if no time at all had passed since they had been together as a couple. Although Georgia knew this didn’t mean they were back together, she had to admit it felt really nice to be in Riley’s company. Riley had made reservations at a new farm to table restaurant in town called Farmer’s Table. Although the food was delicious, Georgia found herself occupied by Riley’s presence. She felt slight jitters as if they were on a first date. At the same time, Georgia felt completely at home. Whenever he talked about Aidan his entire face lit up with joy. Georgia got a kick out of hearing about the little boy’s antics. She felt slightly ashamed of herself for being so outraged by his existence when she’d been blindsided at Libby’s funeral.
When it came to children, God didn’t make any mistakes. They were all blessings from above.
Once they arrived at the Grand Theater, Georgia and Riley received plenty of curious stares from the townsfolk. She couldn’t help but notice a few of her mother’s friends as they glanced at her and Riley, then nudged each other and engaged in loud whispers. At this rate, her mother was going to hear about her date with Riley before she was able to tell her, courtesy of the town mavens.
Riley bent down and whispered in her ear. “I think we’re the talk of the town.”
Georgia let out a groan. “You just increased their gossiping ten-fold by whispering in my ear.” People were now blatantly gawking at them.
“Aww. Let ‘em talk. That’s the rule of law in small towns.” He made a face. “Trust me. I’m already the subject of their gossip.”
Having heard some of the gossip herself about Riley, Georgia knew it had to do with the fact that he’d returned to Hope Valley with a child, no wedding ring and no wife. Georgia knew the townsfolk were good people, but there was a tendency to engage in gossip. And since Riley was one of the most eligible bachelors Hope Valley had ever seen, he was bound to be the subject of flapping lips.
Riley met her gaze. “I assume by your silence you’ve heard the whispers.”
Georgia nodded. “I have. And you’re right. Who cares?” she said in a flippant tone. She tucked her arm through his and said, “As they say, let’s give ‘em something to really talk about.”
Riley winked at her. “I like your style, Georgia Ballou. Let’s go find our seats.”
As she walked arm and arm with Riley toward their seats, Georgia made a point to smile and say hello to everyone she walked past. If they wanted a show she would give them one, Georgia thought with a giggle.
For the next two hours Georgia was entranced by the world of nobleman Don Giovanni. The costumes and the actors and the singing transported her to another place and time. After the performance ended, they headed outside to the parking lot across the street where Riley had parked.
A full moon sat in a velvet sky. The Colorado air was fresh and clean. It was a beautiful night in Hope Valley. The possibilities were endless.
“Would you like to go to the diner for dessert?” Riley asked.
“Hey. Why don’t you come back to my house for some peach cobbler? I just made it this afternoon and it’s pretty amazing if I do say so myself.”
“You really are trying to fatten me up, aren’t you? Peach cobbler is my favorite.”
“I know,” Georgia said with a grin. “Years ago I learned to make it because I knew you loved it. I wanted to impress you.” She wrinkled her nose. “Pretty cheesy of me, huh?”
“It’s not cheesy at all, Georgia,” Riley said, reaching out and grazing his palm across her cheek. They locked gazes. Something sparked between them. Chills popped up on Georgia’s arms.
He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. His lips were soft and warm. They tasted like the m & m candies they’d eaten at intermission. Pure sweetness. Georgia let out a sigh. For the entire night she’d wondered what was happening between them. She hadn’t wanted to place too much emphasis on this evening. But now—with this kiss, everything had changed. Riley smelled like sandalwood and vanilla. She deeply inhaled his scent. It was comforting and reassuring. Although so much had changed between them in the past few years, this was still Riley. Her Riley.
Thank you, Lord, for this precious moment in time.
She felt his hands in her hair. Georgia reached up and placed her hands on his shoulders. For the first time in forever, she felt all was right in her world. Being kissed by Riley felt like coming home. As the kiss ended, Riley reached out and traced the shape of her lips with his finger. His touch was tender. She felt more alive than she’d felt in years. All because of Riley.
“Georgia. I’m sorry.” There was a look of regret stamped on his face. She froze.
Confusion washed over her. “For kissing me?”
Riley’s deep, throaty chuckle warmed her insides. “No. I can’t be sorry for that. I’ve been wanting to do it ever since I came back. I’m sorry for hurting you. I wish I’d known back then what I know now.”
She looked up at him, wishing she could decipher the look emanating from his eyes. “And what’s that?”
“That my life is better with you in it. It took losing you and gaining Aidan to realize it. My life is good, but it’s missing something, Georgia. And I think that something is you.”
Georgia tucked her head down. Suddenly, she felt self-conscious, as if she might be wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Riley reached out and tipped her chin up with his finger so their eyes met. “Am I saying too much, Georgia? Just say the word and I’ll stop. Considering our history, I know you might think it’s not fair for me to stir things up again between us.”
She waited a moment before answering Riley. She’d tried really hard over the past few years to stop caring about Riley. He’d broken her heart when he had ended things and left town.
“Riley, you know how I felt about you before you left town. I really tried to squash those feelings, but no matter what I did, they didn’t go away. They’re still right here,” she said, pressing her hand against her heart.
“It makes me very happy to hear that.” The smile that broke out on his face was spectacular. It hit Georgia right in her gut. If she hadn’t fully come to terms with it before this moment, she knew it right now with a deep certainty. She loved Riley. And she always had. In all likelihood, that would never change.
“How about that peach cobbler?” Riley asked. He patted his stomach. “I’ve got just enough space in here for a serving or two.”
Georgia threw back her head and laughed. “Let’s go. I might even have some vanilla ice cream in the freezer.”
Riley’s eyes widened. He pressed both hands over his chest. “Be still, my heart. It doesn’t get any better than peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream.”
“No, it doesn’t,” Georgia said, as Riley held the car door open for her and she stepped inside his vehicle. Peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream, dinner and the opera with Riley and an unforgettable kiss. Georgia could get used to nights like this where it seemed as if anything was possible.