Free Reclaiming His Past by Karen Kirst Page B

lavender hue gave the appearance of fragility, like a rare wild flower vulnerable to the elements. The fire in her green eyes belied that notion. Life events may have weakened her confidence, but Jessica was a fighter.
    He deliberately turned his attention to the dessert. She may be pure pleasure to look upon and great fun to tease, but he wasn’t free to pursue any woman. He had to accept that he might never be in that position...not without knowing whether or not he had someone special in his life. Or if he had a bounty on his head.
    The pie’s lattice crust was light and flaky, the thin apple slices coated with cinnamon, nutmeg and just the right amount of sugar. He couldn’t prevent a groan of appreciation.
    â€œNow I understand why Mrs. Ledbetter hired you to do her birthday cake. You weren’t kidding—you are the finest baker this side of the Tennessee River.”
    Alice’s bushy brows shot toward her hairline, and Jessica squirmed in her seat. “I said that in the heat of the moment. It was an exaggeration.”
    â€œI don’t think so. You have true talent.”
    â€œYou’re not the only one who shares that opinion,” Alice said. “Up until a few months ago, she and Jane supplied desserts to the Plum Café in town. Every day they’d bake cakes and pies. All sorts of goodies. When Mrs. Greene sold to the new owner, we never suspected he’d terminate their agreement.”
    â€œEither the man’s taste buds are messed up, or he’s a fool.”
    â€œPlenty of people have complained, but he won’t listen. Apparently he’s accustomed to having everything done in-house.”
    â€œA businessman who turns a deaf ear to his customers’ wishes won’t be in business for very long,” he said.
    â€œIt’s Gatlinburg’s only café. He doesn’t have to worry about competition.” Jessica’s tone was weighted with disappointment.
    â€œHow frequent are orders like Mrs. Ledbetter’s?”
    â€œIt varies. Sometimes I’ll have several in a single week, other times I’ll go for long stretches without any.” Her chin lifted, determination smoldering in her gaze. “However, with the holidays right around the corner, I’m sure things will pick up.”
    â€œI’m certain they will, dear.” Alice patted her hand. Pushing away from the table, she removed her dishes and went to the kitchen.
    Grant wondered how the reduction in income had impacted the women’s lives. Their farm appeared to be in proper working condition, as did their home, which was tidy and comfortable. Some of the furnishings were well-worn. And a couple of the dishes could stand to be replaced. Certainly feeding a grown man like him on a regular basis might strain their resources.
    â€œYou never answered my question.”
    â€œWhich one?” she said.
    â€œWhy don’t you open your own shop?”
    â€œIt would be a huge undertaking. I’ve seen how much effort Josh and Kate put into their business. I have responsibilities here. I can’t leave Ma to deal with everything.”
    â€œYou might consider hiring someone to help Alice during the busier seasons. I’m guessing Will would appreciate the extra money and wouldn’t require a high wage.”
    â€œThere’s another option.” She traced her cup’s rim in methodical circles. “My sister and brother-in-law have offered to give me counter space in the mercantile. I could display my goods there.”
    â€œSounds like an ideal situation. What’s holding you back?”
    An air of grief veiled her features. “It’s difficult to explain.”
    Her lips pressed into a thin line. She wasn’t going to open up to him, and it bothered him. Someone or something had hurt this woman, and she wasn’t about to reveal her inner scars to him. Didn’t stop him from wanting to try to ease her distress,