A Holiday Proposal by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Author:Kimberly Rose Johnson [Johnson, Kimberly Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-10-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Matthew unlocked the bakery and stepped inside. He stopped when he heard whistling. “Hello?”

“In here, boss.”

Matthew hung his coat beside the door and slipped an apron over his head. “You’re early, George.” Not that he minded his employee’s dedication, but he did enjoy having the first half hour of the day to himself.

“We had a large order come in just before closing yesterday, and I knew you wouldn’t be able to get it all done by yourself.”

Matthew read the order slip and grinned. “Wow! Glad you came in early.”

He washed his hands and got to work. “I’ll let you finish that order while I start on the rest.” It wasn’t normal to get this many orders in a single morning, but with Thanksgiving only four days away he shouldn’t be surprised.

His mind drifted back to yesterday and the Thanksgiving feast at church. There had been a great turnout, and more than one person said they would call and order dinner rolls for their own meals. When he offered to bring the rolls he hadn’t considered it might boost business. At this rate, he’d need to hire someone else to help with the Christmas season. Actually, he needed someone to run the counter full-time now.

He thought of the woman sitting with Holly at the meal yesterday. She looked as if she had come on hard times. Maybe she could use a temporary job. He made a note to get in touch with Holly before day’s end. That is, if she was still talking to him. After their parting words yesterday, he had his doubts.

The morning whizzed by, and sales were swift. Before he knew it, it was time to close and head home. He still hadn’t contacted Holly, but there wasn’t time right now. Admittedly he could make time, but after giving the idea some more thought, he wasn’t crazy about involving her. Maybe the church would know of someone looking for temporary work.

He walked into his house and breathed in the scent of roast. His sister would put ten pounds on him by the time she went home in January if he wasn’t careful. “I’m home.”

Ava lay on her tummy on the living room floor. She looked up from her coloring book with a smile. “Hi, Unca, Matt.”

“Hey, kiddo. How was your day?” He dropped down beside her.

“Good. Mommy played in the snow with me.”

A smile touched his lips. “Sounds like fun.” He stood and sauntered into the kitchen, where April busily stirred something on the stove. “Hi. Are you doing a practice meal for Thursday?”

His sister laughed. “No. I wanted to make a special meal for John. Roast with mashed potatoes and gravy is his favorite.”

“We get to eat before then, don’t we?” He patted his growling stomach. “The train won’t be here until after eight.”

Her shoulders sagged. “Oh. Of course, I don’t expect you or Ava to starve. I didn’t realize it came through so late. I suppose this will keep.”

“Ah, don’t feel bad, sis. I’m sure he’ll take your reheated roast any day over cafeteria food.

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