Emma's Secret: A Novel

And for once, I understood a little bit of what you told me, about that love. It’s been a while since I’ve said it, but I love you, Mom.
    Please don’t be disappointed in me. I’m disappointed in myself as it is. And please, please don’t tell Dad. I know you promised not to tell him about my being pregnant until I was ready. I don’t ever want him to know now.
    Mary
    Jack read and reread the letter from his daughter to his wife. He didn’t think it was possible for his heart to break again, but he’d been wrong.

    A line had formed outside Brewster’s Bakery that snaked around the corner. It was like this every week. Everyone wanted to take home Jan’s homemade cinnamon buns, and she made extra batches once a week. But once she sold out, that was it. There were always two lineups on days like this. One to order cinnamon buns only, and one for dine-in. Megan chose the dine-in line and almost stopped cold when the smell radiating from the open door hit her. She breathed in the sweet aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon buns as she made her way into the store.
    “Well, hey there, sugar,” Jan called out as Megan wove her way around the crowded tables and wedged herself in until she found the last empty barstool in the far corner. She reached for the freshlypoured coffee Jan set down in front of her, buried her nose inside the cup, and breathed in deep.
    “What is this?”
    A large smile bloomed across Jan’s face.
    “Caramel pecan pie. A new shipment came in with an assortment of flavored coffees. It’s my little piece of heaven.”
    Megan glanced over her shoulder. “I think their little piece of heaven is your cinnamon buns.” She shook her head at the long line.
    “How was the party yesterday?”
    “Best day of Alexis’s life, or so she says. Emma got heatstroke, though; she’s home right now with Peter.” Megan knew worry lines creased her forehead. It was Peter’s idea that she go out for coffee this morning. She’d stayed by Emma’s side half the night. When she left her, the fever had broken and her daughter had been sleeping just fine. She glanced back at the line. “Have you thought about selling those buns in grocery stores?”
    Jan shrugged. “No. But I was thinking of opening up another store in Hanton in the fall.”
    Megan’s eyes widened as she sputtered the coffee she’d just sipped. She’d been bugging Jan for years to open another shop.
    “Thought maybe you could help me?”
    Megan thought about that for a moment before she shook her head. “I’m not sure I could handle driving to Hanton every day.” It was too far away from the girls.
    “Not there. Here. You could help me manage this place.”
    Megan wasn’t sure what to say. With the kids back in school in the fall, she wasn’t sure what she’d do with her time, and it would be nice to use her professional skills again. With a degree in business, she used to work beside Peter in the office, taking care of the day-to-day grind. But this was a huge change. More than just helping Peterwith the books or taking on a few more clients and working from home.
    “Think about it; that’s all I ask.”
    Megan nodded. She’d think about it. As Jan walked away, Megan glanced around the bakery and thought about what it would be like if she worked here. There would be long days with tired feet, but she knew there would also be a sense of accomplishment she didn’t have lately. Sure, when the walking program took off, that made Megan feel worthwhile, but it ran so smoothly now…so smoothly that she really wasn’t needed anymore.
    She finished her cup of coffee and smiled when Jan set down a box of cinnamon buns and a to-go mug in front of her.
    “Just think, you would get first dibs on all the baked goods…” Jan’s eyes twinkled as she waved Megan’s cash away.
    “Bribery will get you nowhere with me.”
    Mock surprise filled Jan’s eyes. “Who said I was bribing you? These are for Peter.”
    Megan chuckled as she leaned forward and hugged her friend across the counter. She wove her way through the crowded tables and caught sight of Shelly Belle before bumping into someone. Megan held her to-go mug up high as it sloshed over the little opening in the hole.
    “Sorry,” she said, before glancing up and realizing Riley stood in front of her. A slow flush crept along her neck as his hands gripped her upper arms to help steady her.
    “Hey, um…I just left a message on your cell.” Riley sidestepped out of the way and