A Family for Christmas Read online

  Chance gave her an approving nod. “And maybe a batch of something else as well, to show you plan to stock a variety.”

  “I don’t want to make too many unordered items—what if it doesn’t sell?”

  “Have faith in yourself. And if you insist on worrying about such things, make something that keeps well. Because it will sell, if not today, then tomorrow or the next day. Word of mouth will be your biggest selling tool.”

  She rubbed her cheek. “And I suppose, when I make the additional batches of pumpkinseed brittle Abigail ordered I can make a little extra to put in the counter display.”

  He nodded approvingly. “Now you’re thinking like a businesswoman.”

  That compliment cheered her immensely. She made shooing motions. “Now leave me to my work.”

  When she entered the kitchen she found Dotty waiting for her. “I’m ready.”

  “Ready for what?”

  “I want to help you with your candy business. I figure I can make myself useful doing some of the simpler tasks if you just give me directions.”

  Eve eyed her friend with a dismayed frown. “Please don’t feel obligated.”

  “I don’t. In fact, I’m hoping to learn a few of your tricks while I’m helping.”

  Eve started to protest again, then remembered how she had felt the first time Miss Trosclair allowed her to make candy with her. Could Dotty actually want to help? “All right. I normally go from memory and the way things look when I’m making candy. But I’d like to get some of these recipes down on paper, especially the ones I don’t fix too often, or new ones I’m trying out. So you can start by helping me write some of these recipes down as I go. That way, we’ll both have a guide later on.”

  By the time the first batch had cooled enough to set out and the second batch was cooling on the table, Eve’s first customer had arrived.

  “Hello,” the woman said. “We met at the Thanksgiving Festival. I’m Maryann Pratt.”

  Eve placed her immediately—the doctor’s wife.

  “I heard so many good things about your candies, but they were all gone before I could get a taste at the Thanksgiving Festival. I had to come by and see for myself if everyone was right.”

  Eve smiled. “Of course. Try one of these chocolate drops. And I’ve got some pumpkinseed brittle in the kitchen that’s just about ready to set out. I’ll let you taste a piece of that, as well.”

  The woman shook her head. “Oh, I couldn’t accept all of that without paying you.”

  “Of course you can. I wouldn’t want you to purchase something you’re not going to like.”

  That earned Eve another smile from the doctor’s wife. “What a wonderful philosophy.”

  Eve waved toward the trays on the counter. “You just go ahead and try a piece of fudge while I fetch the brittle.”

  When Eve came back, Mrs. Pratt was beaming. “This is delicious, my dear. My quilting circle is meeting at my home tomorrow and I’d love to have a dozen pieces of each if that’s not too big an order for you.”

  Her first in-store order. It was suddenly beginning to feel real. “Not at all. I have a couple of orders ahead of you, but I can have it ready for you by three o’clock this afternoon if that is acceptable.”

  Several other people stopped in after that, all of them placing orders of various sizes. Then, just before lunchtime, Everett Fulton stopped by.

  “How’s the candy business going?” he asked.

  “It’s going fine.”

  “Don’t let her fool you.” Chance had stood up from his workbench and was crossing the room toward them. “She’s had a number of orders from folks passing in the street since word got out.”

  Mr. Fulton glanced at the candies displayed on the counter. “I can see why. These look mighty tempting.”

  “Help yourself to a piece,” she offered. “I’m giving out free samples today.”

  “Trying to get folks hooked, are you? Good strategy.”

  Chance eyed his friend. “So did you just come by to check out the candies, or did you have something else in mind?”

  “A little of both. I need to get some information for that advertisement I promised you for tomorrow’s newspaper.”

  So he was really going to run an advertisement. But it seemed as if everyone already knew.

  “And if you don’t mind, I’d actually like to turn it into an interview so local folks can get to know a little more about you.”

  “An interview! But there’s really nothing to tell.” Eve felt panicked. What if questions came up about her parents? She couldn’t let herself lie. But the truth could destroy her newfound friendships.

  Chance gave her an understanding look. “Don’t worry, Everett won’t ask you anything you’re not comfortable sharing.”

  “Of course not. I promise to make this very quick and painless. A few questions about where you’re from, what you enjoy doing, why you came here and we’ll be all done.”

  Eve gathered up her courage and nodded. “Of course. But rather than you asking me questions, can I just give you that information?”

  Everett smiled. “Of course.”

  So for the next five minutes, Eve talked about how she got interested in candy making, her work as backup piano player in her church, the way she looked forward to the first dogwood blooms in spring and how her favorite chore on her grandmother’s small farm was feeding the chickens. She told him about traveling to Tyler to begin work as a milliner’s apprentice but then ending up in Turnabout instead when she had to get off the train to help a friend, and how happy she was that that had happened. When she finally stopped talking, Everett gave her another smile.

  “Easiest interview I ever did,” he said as he closed his notebook.

  She felt some of her tension ease. She’d managed to give him what he wanted without betraying any secrets or having to tell him no.

  * * *

  Chance had listened to her interview with equal parts amusement and admiration. He’d never seen anyone get around Everett with such ease before. And she’d done it while still giving him the information he needed. Not only had she not betrayed any of her own secrets, but she hadn’t betrayed any of Leo’s, either. And she’d done it without giving Everett any openings to get in one of his sometimes too astute questions.

  It was quite an accomplishment.

  When she turned to look at him, there was a hint of guilt in her eyes.

  “Well done,” he said reassuringly. “That was fast thinking on your part.”

  She fiddled nervously with a button at her throat. “I hope he’s not upset with me.”

  “Don’t worry, I could tell he was quite happy. You gave him more than enough material for his article.” He quickly turned the subject, giving her something else to think about. “You’ve had my mouth drooling all morning with that sweet stuff you’ve been setting out on the counter.”

  She relaxed and waved toward the trays. “Feel free to help yourself. Consider it part of my rent.”

  “I may take a nibble here and there, but as I said before, there’s no need for you to feel in any way obligated. You’re more than pulling your weight around here and I’m enjoying all the company you’re bringing in.”

  “And you aren’t distracted by that?”

  “I like having people around.” He deliberately gave her his cockiest grin. “And speaking of people, I won’t say I told you so, but based on the folks who have been through here today, it looks like your business is off to a good start.”

  Eve laughed. “A lot of that can be put down to curiosity and friends coming in to show support. I’m not expecting this to be a regular occurrence.”

  Chance shook his head. “It puzzles me why you always look at the negative side of things. It’s just as easy and so much more pleasant to lo
ok at the positive side.”

  She gave him a wistful smile. “Your perspective is based on your previous experience.”

  Chance found that statement particularly poignant. It was high time she started adding to the positive side of her experiences.

  And he might just consider making that his own personal mission.

  * * *

  When the school bell sounded that afternoon, Eve paused in her work to wait for Leo’s return. He had several friends with him when he walked in the door. She treated each of them to one piece of candy of their choosing.

  When they had all gone, she smiled down at Leo. “So how did it go today?”

  Leo lifted a shoulder. “It was okay. Miss Whitman is nice and I already knew a lot of the other kids from the festival.” He grinned. “Knowing you run a candy store has actually made me popular with the other kids.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Then he gave her an uncertain look. “You don’t mind, do you?”

  “No, but make sure you do your part to earn that friendship, don’t just trade on what people can get from you.”

  He nodded solemnly.

  “Now, Dotty will be ready to help you with your studies in a little while, but first I think Mr. Dawson has some chores for you to do.” She and Chance had discussed that it was important for Leo to carry his share of responsibilities while he was here. “You’ll find him out back.”

  Almost as soon as Leo disappeared out the door, Miss Whitman stopped in. “I wanted to let you know that Leo is fitting in quite well,” the schoolteacher said. “He seems to be a bright boy.”

  “Thank you for letting me know.”

  “In fact, I’m certain that if he works hard, by the New Year he will be nearly back on track with the other students his age.”

  “I’m so relieved to hear that.” Eve was sure catching up with his peers would give Leo’s confidence a boost.

  “I also had another reason for stopping by,” the schoolteacher added. “I heard about this candy shop of yours and I’m here to place an order. I’m looking for some special treats to give my students on the last day of class before Christmas.”

  “What a wonderful idea. I insist you allow me to provide them at no cost. It’s the least I can do to repay you for the special attention you’re giving Leo.”

  “Oh, that’s very kind of you to offer, but this is to be a gift from me to the children.”

  In the end, they agreed to split the cost between them.

  After the schoolteacher left, Chance, who’d walked in in time to hear this last exchange, gave her a pointed look. “You’ll never make a profit if you keep giving away your candies.”

  Eve gave him a raised brow look in return. “So says the man who has opened his home to two strangers without charge.”

  “That’s different.”

  “Is it?”

  “Yes, it is. For one thing, you are no longer strangers. And for another, the way I see it, I’m getting home-cooked meals and a more orderly establishment out of the deal. I consider that more than adequate payment for your use of this extra space that I wasn’t using anyway.”

  The man refused to admit that he was just plain generous. The word modesty didn’t seem to fit Chance on the outside, but it sure worked for who he was inside.

  * * *

  Eve happily settled into the day-to-day routine of her new life. First thing in the morning when she came downstairs she would find Chance already seated at his workbench. They’d chat for a few moments about the events of the prior day, or their plans for this one, and then she would head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Once the morning meal was done, they would scatter—Leo would head out to school, Chance would tinker at one of his worktables or head out back to work on his washing machine, and Eve and Dotty would plan the midday meal and then get to work on the candy making.

  The three of them ate lunch together and once more attended to their various chores.

  After school was out for the day, Leo returned, usually with a number of friends in tow, and Eve always made sure there were some “discard pieces” of candy available to serve them.

  In the evenings, after supper, Dotty would spend time helping Leo with his schoolwork while Eve cleaned the kitchen. Then she would play the piano while Dotty knitted and Chance and Leo played checkers or Leo watched Chance carve some new figure.

  Eve began experimenting with new recipes, some of which became hits with her customers while others failed. But she found the defeats did not bother her as much as they once would have.

  And the number of customers she had continued to surprise her. Not only did some folks walk in to buy a few pieces for themselves or to share, but she had a number of orders trickle in for parties and gifts. By Wednesday morning she had to purchase new supplies and was delighted to find she had the funds to do so.

  Midmorning on Wednesday, Eve stepped out into her shop in response to the bell to find Daisy standing at the counter.

  “Hi there,” she said with a big smile. “I was headed out to do a little shopping this morning. But Abigail and several of my regulars have been raving about your shop so I decided to take a little detour to see for myself.” She gave Eve a sly look. “Besides, I hardly ever see Chance anymore.”

  Eve hadn’t thought about the fact that by cooking for Chance she was taking business away from Daisy. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to take away one of your customers. I only—”

  Daisy held up a hand. “Oh, goodness, don’t think anything of it. I certainly wasn’t fussing. In fact I’m plum tickled that Chance has such a pleasant reason to spend more time at home.”

  What did she mean by that?

  Daisy fanned her face with her hand. “Oh, my. I feel flushed of a sudden. Do you mind if I have a seat?”

  “Of course not.” Eve immediately rushed to one of the tables and pulled out a chair. “Here, let me take your shawl and you just sit yourself right here. Can I get you anything?”

  Daisy gave Eve a reassuring smile as she took her seat. “I’m okay.” She put her hand over her stomach. “But there are days when I’m not certain this little one is going to wait until the New Year to put in an appearance.” Then she grinned. “And just between us girls, I’m getting just as impatient myself.”

  Eve wasn’t certain how to respond to that. “I was getting ready to boil some water for tea. Why don’t you let me fix you a cup, as well?”

  “That sounds lovely.”

  Eve returned to the counter and picked up one of the trays. “And while you’re waiting, I’d like to get your opinion on this new candy I prepared today.”

  Daisy grinned. “You talked me into it.” She let her hand hover over the tray while she studied the pieces. “But there’s no need for you to serve me tea out here—I can join you and Dotty in the kitchen.”

  “Nonsense. You just stay right there. I’m ready to get out of the kitchen for a while and I’m sure Dotty is, too.”

  With a grateful nod, Daisy took a piece of candy from the tray and leaned back in her seat.

  Fifteen minutes later Daisy took a sip from her cup then smiled in delight. “This tea has a wonderful flavor. Tangy but with a hint of something fruity. Is it peach?”

  Eve nodded. “I like to experiment with tea flavors as well as candies. I hope you don’t mind. I added a pinch of cinnamon and then sweetened it with some syrupy peach juice left over from last night’s cobbler.”

  “What a clever idea. How did you ever think to do that?”

  Eve grinned. “Quite by accident—literally. Years ago I accidentally spilled a little vanilla in my tea and discovered I liked it. Since then I’ve occasionally experimented with other flavorings, like mint, herbs, juice from berries and such.” It was not something her grandmother approved of so she hadn
’t had many opportunities to indulge herself in this. But since she’d arrived here, she’d let her imagination run free.

  “You ought to add your flavored teas to the offerings on your board there. You might be surprised the number of folks who’ll stay long enough to drink a cup when they come in for something else.”

  Dotty leaned forward eagerly. “A tea shop—what a lovely idea. And I could help take care of the customers for you, Eve.”

  Expand her business already? But seeing the eager gleam in Dotty’s eyes she couldn’t say no. “I suppose we could try it out and see what happens.”

  “Absolutely.” Daisy raised her cup. “If you don’t I will.”

  “Oh, if you want to offer it at your restaurant—”

  Daisy waved a hand dismissively. “Eve, don’t be a goose. I only meant to say that it’s too good an idea not to pursue. And it would fit so much better here than at my place. Besides,” she said, patting her stomach, “I have too many other things happening in my life right now to even think about starting a new venture.”

  * * *

  Chance walked in, wiping his hands on a rag, just in time to hear the end of the conversation. “What new venture?”

  Daisy grinned up at him. “Hi, stranger. Eve is going to expand her candy store to include a tea shop.”

  “Is she now?” Apparently Eve was really enjoying her new role of businesswoman.

  “Actually, Dotty and I are,” Eve clarified. “If it’s okay with you, that is.”

  “This space up front is yours to do with as you wish.” Chance couldn’t stop a wry grin from forming. Who would have dreamed that this former saloon would now be housing a candy store and tea shop as well as his workroom? And it looked like there was going to be a whole lot more of a lady’s touch in The Blue Bottle in the near future.

  Dotty patted her hair as she beamed in pleasure. “Oh, this is going to be such fun. I already have some ideas how to arrange things out here to entice people to sit a spell.”

  Eve smiled. “Then I shall leave that aspect to you.”

  Dotty nodded her acceptance. “And I shall leave the tea selections and preparations to you.”