Page 73 of First Bride to Fall
“They were all sorry to hear about your accident and hope you feel better soon.”
“You told them about my ankle?”
“Yeah.” He frowned. “I kind of did. Why didn’t you?” He gazed at her in a penetrating way that set her nerves on edge.
She flipped back her hair. “I didn’t want to worry them.”
“That is so you. Considerate to a fault.” He glanced at the stove top, where a fresh loaf of apple bread was cooling. “Well, what have we here?” he asked, sounding pleased. He walked over to the loaf and inhaled deeply, then glanced at her. “It smells amazing. What is it?”
“Apple bread. My recipe’s technically for applesauce cake, but since you didn’t seem to have a Bundt pan around, I cut the recipe in half and used the loaf pan under the stove.” She made her way over to the table, taking care with her right foot. “I hope you don’t mind that I used some of your ingredients. I found a couple of apples in the fridge that looked like they needed to be eaten.”
He laughed. “Yeah, those have been there for a while.”
“And anyway.” She shrugged. “You had oil, sugar, and self-rising flour.”
“But no eggs?”
“I substituted applesauce for those. It’s a vegan trick.” She knew about that from when Misty had dated a vegan named Devon. Her sister had told her all about the extra efforts she’d made in baking for him. Nell had tried some of the plant-based replacements for hot dogs and such and—honestly—was not a fan. If eating meat, dairy, or whatever was an issue for someone she cared about, of course she’d make accommodations, too. But she wouldn’t have to worry about that with Grant. He’d pretty much assured her he ate everything. “I noticed you had some mini packs of applesauce in the cupboard. I kind of had to use them all. I hope that was okay?”
“More than okay. Thank you, Nell.” He appreciated the cinnamon scent in the air. “I see you found my cinnamon, too.”
She chuckled. “It was next to the oatmeal. I found cloves and nutmeg, too.”
He sniffed the air. “That’s what smells so delicious. Yeah, I keep those around for eggnog and such at Christmas.” He set his hands on his hips. “I didn’t know you were making me breakfast.”
“I would have made bacon and eggs if you’d had them.”
“Fantastic.” He winked. “I’ll take a raincheck.”
“What?”
“Just let me bring in the groceries.”
“You went to the store?”
“Yes indeed-y. I did.”
Her smile faltered a bit. He was super perky this morning, but that was a good thing, right? He seemed in great spirits about having been into town, and now he was stocking up. For what, though?
He pointed to a chair at the table. “You sit right down and rest that ankle of yours until I bring everything in.”
“Everything? How much is there?”
“A lot.”
“But why? If we’re—”
“Ah, ah, ah,” he said. “No talking negative. I definitely don’t want to leave here. Do you?”
She gulped. Was he suggesting what she hoped he was—that the two of them could continue playing house a little longer? “No…?”
He sat down at the table with her and took her hand, setting his pastry bag aside.
“Nell,” he said with an earnest look. “I’ve been thinking a lot, ever since ourwonderfulnight together last night. And ourbeautifulday together yesterday. The waterfall. Your smile. Everything.”
Oh wow. Her pulse fluttered. “Really?”
He held her hand tighter. “I told your sisters that I want you to stay here for a few more days so that I can take care of you.”
