“I can’t believe it.” Eliza’s hand trembled when she lifted the cup to her lips. She tried to steady her fingers, but finally gave up. All the worry about losing her home seemed inconsequential now. “It doesn’t seem real.”

“Poor little girl.” Katherine stared out the window, her wrinkles like deep craters in her skin. “Poor Owen.”

Tuesday morning had dawned bright and sunny. Right on schedule, Kyle left for work and Lolo for school, leaving Eliza alone with Katherine. Over the past few weeks, a friendship of sorts had begun to form between her and the older woman, one Eliza couldn’t seem to stop.

They’d been chatting about the Ready, Set, Wed competition when Eliza had opened the latest Open Door newsletter. As the Good Hope Gazette newspaper was printed only weekly, the e-newsletter remained the best way to keep on top of local, breaking news.

A notice, edged in black on page one, said that Mindy Vaughn—age 8—had passed away peacefully in her sleep. No other details were given.

“She glowed like a sunbeam walking down the aisle.” Katherine dropped her gaze to her teacup, but made no move to drink.

Eliza thought of Fin and the bond that had formed between her and the child last fall. “I wonder if anyone will call Fin and Jeremy.”

“I hope not.”

Eliza blinked.

“They’re in Hawaii on their honeymoon.” Katherine drew a shuddering breath. “Let them enjoy this time together. I’m sure that’s what Mindy would want.”

“She wanted Lolo to teach her to draw with charcoal.” Eliza cleared her throat, recalling the two heads bent over a single sheet of paper.

A chill, like sleet on a windowpane, had Eliza shivering. She rubbed her arms, but the coldness remained.

Katherine’s trembling fingers returned the china cup to its saucer. She met Eliza’s gaze. “Kyle will have to break the news to Lolo when she gets home.”

“Do you think she’ll hear about this at school?”

“No.” Katherine’s tone left no room for disagreement, although there was the barest hint of uncertainty in the older woman’s eyes. “I’m sure the news will spread through the grade school. The principal will probably bring in a couple of grief counselors. But the middle school is in a separate building.”

Eliza expelled a breath. All she could see was Mindy’s bright smile and the dress with the pink feathers. Blinking rapidly, she pushed to her feet. “I need to tell Kyle.”

Katherine rose, not with her normal ease, but with an unsteadiness that showed her eighty-plus years. She rounded the table and stood beside Eliza. Her eyes glistened with tears. “I feel so sad.”

Eliza tried for a reassuring smile, but her lips refused to move. She expelled a shaky breath. “We need to be strong for Lolo.”

Katherine nodded and rested a hand on Eliza’s shoulder. “What can I do to help?”

“I scheduled myself to work the counter at the general store for a couple of hours.” Eliza glanced at the clock. Nearly nine thirty. “If you could open the store for me, that will give me time to see Kyle. This is the kind of news best relayed in person.”

“I agree. I’ll change and head—”

“You look fine,” Eliza assured her. “We have green aprons you can wear over your clothes.”

Katherine glanced down at the floral blouse and navy pants, or slacks, as she referred to them. She gave a nod. “I’ll leave right away.”

“The key is in the dish on the foyer side table.” Eliza ran a hand through her hair.

“What about the register?”

Eliza gave Katherine the keys and all the information she needed. “If you need anything, or have any questions, call me.”

“Don’t worry. I’m prepared.”

Being prepared was something Eliza understood. Which was probably why she felt so unnerved. Dealing with the unexpected was definitely not her forte.

Was this how her father felt when he’d gotten the news that Gram had been in the accident?

Eliza shoved the thought aside. The last person she wanted to think about right now was her father.

Not when a good-hearted man had just lost his daughter. What would it be like to love a child then lose her?

Poor Owen.

She hoped Dan had been called and was even now offering his support.

Eliza paused in the entryway, her hand on the knob. “Do you think Kyle might have already heard?”

“I doubt it.” Katherine lifted the key to the shop from the Depression glass dish. “Neither he nor his crew are from around here.”

“I hate having to be the one to tell him,” Eliza surprised herself by saying.

Katherine offered a reassuring smile. “Life is filled with difficult conversations.”

* * *

Eliza returned home an hour later. Once inside, she closed her eyes, taking several deep breaths as grief swamped her.

She’d hoped for time alone with Kyle. She’d gotten fifteen seconds. He’d been meeting with the electrical inspector about an issue when she walked in.

After pulling him off to the side, she’d given him the news, then left. She’d had to leave, and not just because it was obvious he was busy. Just saying the words, Mindy died, had her tearing up.

Swiping at her cheeks, she took the stairs two at a time. Everything inside her felt raw and exposed. Mindy had been only eight and so excited about life. She’d wanted Lolo to teach her to draw.

A sob rose in Eliza’s throat at all the dreams Mindy had had that would never be realized. She’d take a shower, that’s what she’d do. Turn the water scorching hot and wash away these feelings.

With hands that shook, she undressed. But instead of heading into the bathroom, she found herself opening a drawer and pulling out the Powerpuff Girls pajamas her grandmother had given her as a gag gift for her sixteenth birthday. Eliza pressed the soft fabric against her cheek.

She’d identified with Blossom as a child. The leader of the Powerpuff Girls was smart, strong and courageous. Her grandmother had said those were all characteristics she saw in Eliza.

In the fifteen years she’d had the pj’s, Eliza had worn them only a handful of times. Times like this, when she needed special comfort. As she pulled on the bottoms covered in words like Nice, Power and Save the Day, she wished for her grandmother, wished those loving arms were around her now.

But she’d learned long ago that wishes weren’t reality. Heaving a weary sigh, Eliza dropped to sit on the bed. She couldn’t seem to get Mindy’s bright smile out of her head.

Tears slipped down Eliza’s cheeks. She didn’t bother to wipe them away. Her heart filled her chest, making breathing difficult.

Pulling her knees up to her chest, she began to rock back and forth. The sobs came then, racking sobs that stole the rest of her breath.

Why couldn’t life be fair? Why couldn’t it be kind?

“Eliza.”

Just one word, a second of warning, before Kyle was beside her, enfolding her in his strong arms.

She pulled away, swiping at her eyes, undoubtedly only making things worse. “You didn’t need to come.”

“I like the pajamas.” Amusement flickered for a second in his eyes. “Lolo is a big fan of Blossom.”

Her cheeks grew hot.

“They were a gift. From my grandmother.” She attempted to push his hands away, but he only tightened his hold.

“I need to hold you, E. Please let me hold you.”

Eliza stopped struggling. She lifted her tear-streaked face to his.

Gently, Kyle brushed back a strand of hair that was stuck to her cheek. She saw sorrow and pain in his eyes.

“When you told me Mindy had died,” he exhaled a ragged breath, “I felt as if someone had hit me with a two-by-four. Then you were gone, and I-” He swallowed convulsively. “I still had to deal with the architect.”

“I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you in person.” More tears slipped down her cheeks. “I should have waited.”

“All I wanted at that moment was to hold you tight, gain strength from your strength.”

“As you can see, I’m not the one to come to if you’re looking for strong.” She gave a hiccupping chuckle.

“You’re wrong. You’re strong and smart and caring.”

When she started to shake her head, he cupped her cheek. “My darling E, you’re everything and more.”

When his lips closed over hers, she flung her arms around his neck and clung to him like he was her personal life preserver on stormy seas.

Close, she wanted him close. Needed him close.

“Take this off.” Her fingers tugged at the buttons of his shirt.

An hour later, she was curled up naked beside him in the bed. “I wasn’t thinking of this when…”

“Shh,” The palm of his hand gently stroked her hair. “We both needed this.”

Grasping his hand, she pulled it to her lips and placed a kiss in the palm. “I’m glad you came home.”

Home, she thought, such a strange word. She’d always thought of this house as hers. Only hers. Now, it belonged to him, too.

“I’m glad I came home, too.” He laid his head against hers. “I knew I’d feel better once I was with you.”

As Eliza snuggled against him, she thought that that just might be the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her.

* * *

“How did Lolo take the news?” Ami glanced up from where she was arranging the cake samples in Eliza’s dining room on Wednesday afternoon.

“It was a rough night. Kyle was really good with her.” Eliza’s heart swelled as she recalled his kindness. “They went for a long walk. When they got back, I could see she’d been crying, but she was calm. She wants to attend the funeral.”

Ami gave a nod as she set the black and white tiered cake on the table. “Funerals can be a comfort to those left behind.”

The bakery owner’s green eyes took on a distant gleam, and Eliza wondered if Ami was thinking about her mother, a woman who’d died far too young.

As if eager to change the subject, Ami gestured to the cakes—still in their boxes—dropped off by Lindsay’s mother. “I’m surprised Anita left so quickly. Why bring over the samples and not stage them?”

“She had big orders to fill.” Eliza’s lips lifted in a sardonic smile. “She’s incredibly busy. Or so she said.”

“This is her daughter’s wedding.” Confusion furrowed Ami’s brow. “I know she and I can’t be here for the tasting, but I thought she’d want to at least arrange the samples.”

“I didn’t give it much thought, but you’re right. Breezing in and out is not normal Anita behavior.” Eliza had been relieved that the woman had swept out the front door only minutes after arriving. “My guess is she thinks she has this in the bag.”

“You’re probably right. Not only because Crumb and Cake specializes in wedding cakes, but because she’s Lindsay’s mom.” Ami inclined her head. “Is that true?”

“No.” Eliza didn’t hesitate. “This competition is about bringing Good Hope to the attention of brides—and grooms—all across the United States. We already see a fair number of destination weddings. If we win this competition, it will really put our community on the map.”

“Anita’s cakes are difficult to beat.”

Eliza narrowed her gaze. “What’s this about, Ami? Are you telling me not to pick Blooms Bake Shop?”

“Of course I want to be considered.” Ami gestured to her three cake samples. “I wouldn’t have gone to all this work otherwise. But she is Lindsay’s mom.”

“If this was simply Lindsay’s wedding and not part of the competition, having her mother handle the cakes would be a given.” Eliza turned at the sound of the front door opening. “But this is a competition. Your entries, as well as hers, will be given a fair shot.”

“Hey, ladies.” Kyle stuck his head into the parlor. “E, remind me where we keep the ibuprofen?”

“In the cupboard over the sink.” She saw his bandaged left hand, and her heart leaped to her throat. Eliza quickly moved to his side. “What happened?”

“Nail gun misfired.” A rueful smile tipped Kyle’s lips. “I was gripping the board with my left hand, and it ended up in the nail’s line of fire. Thankfully, the x-ray showed no fracture. The doctor cleaned it up, gave me a tetanus shot and sent me on my way.”

Eliza cast a worried glance at the gauze wrap. “Take four ibuprofen—that’s prescription strength—and lie down.”

“I’ll be fine.”

She shook her head, placing her hand on his good arm. “You’ll feel better once you rest.”

Kyle hesitated, then reluctantly nodded. “I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Lolo hadn’t been the only one in the house who’d grieved for the bright-eyed child.

“It was a difficult day.” She looked at his bandaged hand and recalled the childproof bottle of analgesic. “I’ll go with you to the kitchen. You’ll take the ibuprofen and then head upstairs.”

His lips twitched. “Do I have a choice?”

“Not really.”

Over his shoulder, he called out, “Nice to see you, Ami.”

“You’re nice to him,” was the first thing Ami said when Eliza returned and moved to the “cake table” to take Anita’s samples out of the boxes.

Eliza kept her tone light. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“It’s just that,” Ami appeared to carefully consider her words, “other than Jeremy, you tend to dismiss most men.”

“Kyle is a good guy.” Eliza was spared from having to say more when the doorbell rang. “That should be Lindsay and Dan.”

“Which is my cue to leave.” Ami cast one last glance at the table and nodded in satisfaction.

Lindsay and Dan looked as haggard as Kyle. Still, they spoke with Ami for several minutes on her way out the door before accepting Eliza’s offer of coffee.

Eliza was aware the couple was at her house to pick the cake for their wedding. Still, she had to ask, “Has Owen set a time for the funeral?”

“It will be Saturday at ten.” Dan offered Lindsay a grateful smile when she set the coffee in front of him. “Thanks, honey.”

Dan took a long drink before continuing. “Owen wanted to make sure Mindy’s classmates would be free to attend, if their parents choose to bring them.”

“How’s he holding up?” Eliza followed Lindsay’s lead and sat down.

“His faith is a comfort, but he’s devastated.” Dan’s brown eyes were solemn. “He appreciated our visit yesterday.”

Dan reached over and grasped Lindsay’s hand, gave it a squeeze.

“I’m going over to see him after the tasting.” Lindsay lifted her chin and glanced at her fiancé as if daring him to stop her. “See what else I can do to help.”

Dan met her gaze. A muscle in his jaw jumped. “As we discussed, I’m not sure that’s a good—”

“I’m sorry if you think it’s improper for me to go there without you.” Lindsay’s voice was wound as tightly as a piano wire. “Owen is my friend, and he has no one to help him.”

“I understand you want to help him, Lin, I really do. But I’m a minister, and a minister’s wife has to be on guard against even the perception of impropriety.” Dan’s voice was persuasive, but the fire simmering in Lindsay’s eyes said she wasn’t convinced.

“I’m not your wife,” she shot back.

“You will be,” he began. “And—”

“Sorry to interrupt.” Kyle’s smile might be easy, but Eliza knew he’d heard the raised voices and had come to check them out. “Dan. Lindsay. Good to see you both.”

“What happened to your hand?” Lindsay asked in an obvious attempt to change the subject.

“A nail took a bite out of me.”

“Ouch.” Dan appeared to force a smile. “Are you okay?”

“I’m good.”

“Will you join us?” Eliza gestured to an empty chair. “We have plenty.”

“That’d be great,” Lindsay spoke quickly. “Please say yes.”

Kyle glanced at Dan and received a nod.

“Sure.” Cradling his injured hand against his body, Kyle sat beside Eliza’s chair. “I could eat cake.”

Not wanting to continue with the Owen discussion, Eliza jumped right into the purpose of this meeting. She gestured to the samples. “Before we do any tasting, it’s important to assess the cakes that are being proposed from a purely visual aspect.”

Dan’s brows pulled together in confusion. “Isn’t taste the most important factor?”

“In most weddings, I’d say it’s equal to the appearance of the cake.” Eliza waited, giving the words a chance to soak in. “As this is a competition, what the judges will likely pay the most attention to is appearance. The colors, the design and the way it fits in with the total wedding package on display.”

“Taste takes a backseat.” Kyle took the cup of coffee Eliza handed him.

“Exactly. Though Ami and Anita are known for their delicious cakes, we’ll sample them, because the judges will, but we’ll focus more on their visual appeal.”

“Mom’s cakes look more traditional.” A frown furrowed Lindsay’s brow. “Didn’t you tell her we wanted something nontraditional?”

Eliza’s voice betrayed no emotion. “She and Ami received the same sheet of written instructions.”

“She does what she wants.” Expelling a heavy breath, Lindsay glanced at Dan. “That’s my mother.”

“I think it might be helpful to evaluate each set of entries separately.” Eliza took a sip of coffee, then set the cup down and moved to the end of the table. Feeling like a television game-show hostess, she gestured to Anita’s first cake sample. “Anita made a note that the pastel flowers on this topper would be woven around the other layers.”

“It’s pretty, but fairly traditional.” Lindsay scrutinized the cake. “Mom does a beautiful job with flowers, but they’re pastels, and our colors are black and white.”

“I’m wondering if that’s why she gave us this chocolate frosted one with the white flowers.” With the elegant sweep of her hand, Eliza gestured to the next example.

“Dan is allergic to chocolate.” Lindsay expelled an exasperated breath. “While that one is pretty, he wouldn’t be able to eat a bite.”

“O-kay.” Eliza moved on to the third selection. “Classic white with elaborate scrolling on the sides.”

“It’s beautiful.” Dan glanced at Lindsay.

“But very traditional.” Lindsay turned to Eliza for confirmation, got a nod.

“The other cakes are definitely more unusual.” Dan’s gaze focused on the ones Ami had “staged” to full advantage on the table.

The first appeared to channel Chanel. Each tier of black fondant was separated by a thin strand of pearls. Hand-sculpted white bows embellished with a black broach with pearl-white trim adorned each layer.

The groom’s cake sported a tuxedo pattern along with black and white fondant bow ties.

The final sample, a mini wedding cake, had a zebra-stripe pattern on the bottom topped by two black tiers with black and white fondant flowers.

“I think any of the three would work.” Lindsay turned to Dan. “What do you—?”

“I’m sorry.” Dan held up his phone. “Joe Lyle. I hoped I could make it through this without being called away, but he’s in the hospital and—”

“Go.” Lindsay stood. “That’s why we drove separately.”

When he opened his mouth as if to protest, Lindsay continued, “I’ll be fine. You don’t really need to be here for this, anyway.”

“You’re the best.” Dan leaned over and brushed her cheek with his lips. “Let me know which one gets the thumbs-up.”

When the front door shut, Eliza waited for Lindsay to sit so they could continue. Instead, the blonde pulled her keys from her bag and slung the purse strap over her shoulder.

Puzzled, Eliza stared. “Where are you going?”

“To see Owen.” Lindsay gestured to the cakes with one hand. “I know this competition is important to the community, but the man just lost his child. You heard Dan, he doesn’t care which cake is chosen. Whatever you and Kyle decide is fine with me.”

Lindsay was nearly to the door when Eliza called out, “Wait.”

Lindsay whirled, and her eyes flashed blue fire. “You’re not going to talk me out of seeing Owen.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Eliza placed Anita’s chocolate cake back in the bakery box. “Take this to him. He can serve it to visitors. Please give him our condolences and tell him we’re thinking of him.”

Lindsay’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.”

Eliza walked her friend to the door. When she returned, she found Kyle pouring himself another cup of coffee.

She gestured to his bandaged hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Better.” His smile held an impish edge. “I think I’ll be one hundred percent after a piece of that zebra cake.”