Jaycee's Bakery by Leanne Stanfield

Author:Leanne Stanfield [Leanne Stanfield]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Leanne Stanfield
Published: 2024-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

After the family had all eaten, Amber dished out bowls of vanilla and pumpkin-flavored ice cream for the kids to enjoy on a picnic blanket under a large maple tree in the far corner of the yard. She threw several thick blankets over their laps to keep them warm and then returned to the picnic table where all the adults had gathered.

“So, Jeremy,” Jenny said above the family chatter. “I hear you’re hanging out with someone in Larkin Bay.” The talk around the table was silenced as everyone looked at her and then Jeremy.

He picked up his beer and smiled tightly at her. “Just doing my job over there,” he replied. Avoiding everyone’s gaze, he took a long sip from the bottle.

“But you’re seeing someone?” asked his mother, her tone both sad and hopeful.

“I have something to share,” Amber interrupted, her voice trembling slightly.

Everyone frowned and looked from Jeremy to her. Settling back in his lawn chair at the head of the table, he shot Amber a grateful look for the change of subject.

After announcing her new life plan, Amber’s words were met by silence. Jeremy glanced around at his siblings before getting to his feet to walk over and stand beside her. “That’s amazing, Amber,” he said, looping an arm around her shoulders and giving her a half hug. “And I can’t wait to read the first copy. I also want a dedication,” he added.

“Thanks,” his sister mumbled back, glancing up and giving him a shaky smile.

Jeremy gave the rest of their family a warning frown. None of them had moved. The men were all looking at Jeremy’s sisters, trying to gauge their wife’s feelings before responding.

Wimps.

Their mother spoke first. “Are you going to move home, Amber?”

Jeremy smiled sadly at the hopeful note in her voice.

“I mean, you won’t have much money and we could put a desk in the dining room to give you a quiet place to work if you like.”

Amber smiled. “Thanks, Mom. Maybe one day, but I hope it won’t come to that. I’ve got enough money to keep paying the rent on my place for a few more months, and then hopefully I’ll publish something and have more than enough to cover my bills.”

Julie frowned and glanced around the table at the rest of her family. “It sounds like an exciting idea, Amber,” she said, her eyes sharp as she studied her, making it abundantly clear to everyone she would return to talking about her little sister’s announcement later. “But stop distracting us from learning more about the girl Jeremy’s running with every morning.”

Jeremy blinked and felt his cheeks warm slightly. “Wow, I didn’t know my every move was being watched.”

“You should know better. It’s a very small town.”

Jeremy chuckled. “She’s only a friend. She’s just moved back to Larkin Bay and is opening a bakery. We’re compatible in our running styles so she comes with me most mornings to exercise Bo.”

“That’s it?”

Jeremy felt a silly smile creep across his face. “That’s all I’m willing to say for now.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.