Can't Help Falling In Love (Love Me Tender #1) Read online

  But, is selling pies enough, Lord? There has to be more he can do.

  It didn’t take long for Desiree to shower and dress in a casual pair of blue jeans and a thin plaid print shirt. Once she finished brushing out her hair, she gathered her list and purse, locked the bedroom door and headed down the intricate curved stairs.

  Holt was moving between kitchen and dining room. He noticed her when she reached the bottom step.

  “There’s coffee on the side table. Your fritters will be out in a minute.”

  Desiree started for the dining room but stopped outside the door. Holt had gone all out, white tablecloths, elegant napkins, gold trimmed plates and a crystal glass full of orange juice.

  “You didn’t have to do all this. I could have joined you in the kitchen. I mean, since I’m the only guest.”

  Holt crossed his arms in front of his body and gave her a serious stare. “You are a guest here, and you will be treated as all my guests get treated. Isn’t that what my grandmother would have done?”

  Desiree nodded.

  “Then, don’t expect any less from me. Besides, this is what I love the most about running a bed and breakfast. Serving a scrumptious meal in an elegant atmosphere.”

  Desiree moved into the dining room, sat at the small table and sipped the cold orange juice.

  “Mmm, is this fresh squeezed?”

  Holt bent his arm and made a muscle. “You bet it is. Took all the muscle I had to squeeze that orange.” His eyes lit with amusement.

  Desiree giggled.

  “To be honest, I can buy good orange juice to serve, but I like to use the old depression glass juice reamer Gran always used. It takes time, but the flavor is so much better.”

  Holt left the room but returned quickly with a bowl full of apple fritters. Desiree spent the next twenty minutes indulging in the delectable treat.

  Holt gave Desiree time to finish then took in some coffee.

  “So, what are your plans for the day?” He filled her cup then offered her the small creamer.

  “I’ve got that list of houses and businesses to drive by. I want to whittle the list down some. Maybe tomorrow I’ll ask Carol to show me my favorite places. What about you?”

  Holt pulled out a chair and sat across from Desiree. He poured a cup of coffee and added two sugars.

  “I’ve been planning all night. I really think making this dining area into a small pie shop could work. I’ve already got the license for serving food and the special double sink I’ll need. It’s just this room that will need renovations. I’ll start by moving all this upstairs. I have to get it set up quickly because I just got a call from a woman who wants to come in this weekend.”

  “That’s good. I could stay and help for a bit. At least I could carry chairs.”

  Holt tilted his head. “You sure you don’t mind? I could use the help.”

  “Sure. I’d love to. Remember, I don’t want to see the Bluebonnet close so I’m all in. Shall we start now?”

  “We can finish our coffee first, but I really want to thank you for the idea and for the help.”

  Desiree could hear the sincerity in his voice. “Not a problem. I was also thinking, if you made a bigger sign out front with the picture of a pie on it, tourists would be able to see it from Main Street.”

  “Well, thank you, thank you very much,” Holt spoke in his best Elvis voice. “If you keep coming up with such good ideas, the Bluebonnet Inn may just survive.”

  “I know it will.” Desiree set down her empty coffee cup, pushed back her chair and stood. She grasped the chair, lifted and headed toward the stairwell.

  Holt quickly took a large gulp from his cup, set it down, grabbed one of the other small tables and followed behind.

  Chapter 6

  It didn’t take long for them to move all the furniture upstairs. The side table was fairly heavy, but together they managed to move it with ease.

  When she checked her phone, Desiree was surprised to see a whole hour had passed.

  “I better get out of here if I’m going to see any of the places on my list. Once the tourists wake up and get out on the streets, it will be nearly impossible to park or slow down in front of the different houses or businesses.

  Holt recentered the final small vase on the table he had been working on. “Yep, thanks for all your help. The next step is to purchase some kind of glass case to set the pies in. It can double as a check out. I think I saw one at the thrift store the other day.”

  Desiree cocked her head curiously. “Thrift store? I love thrift stores. That’s where I find some of my best pieces of glass to do my painting on.”

  “Too bad you have to go house hunting, or you could go along with me.” He stepped close and gave a quick tap on her arm in a joking manner.

  In a teasing tone, Desiree replied, “Uhm, I think I could put off house hunting for another day. I’d hate for you to have to carry a glass case all by yourself.”

  Holt’s eyes grew wide. “You’ll go with me?”

  “Sure, if you really want me to.”

  Holt lightly grasped her by both hands. “You bet I do.”

  Desiree went to her room and freshened up a bit, while Holt pulled his Ford truck around to the front driveway. For a moment, Desiree glanced at the list of homes and businesses she was supposed to look at but gave a shrug and left the list behind.

  She traipsed down the stairs, out the front door, across the porch and got into Holt’s truck. When she was settled, Holt gave an endearing grin and put the truck into reverse.

  “It almost feels like playing hooky,” Desiree chuckled.

  “And did you do that often when you were growing up?” Holt asked in a serious voice, but Desiree could see the smirk on his face.

  “Only once. My parents went out of town and left me home alone. I skipped school and had a party at my house. But I should have known better. The school called the next week, and my mom found a broken glass behind the couch. I spent a month doing extra chores at home and a few weeks’ detention at school. That was my one and only delve into the dark side of life.”

  Holt drove silently for a while, making several turns from Main Street. When they finally reached the thrift store, Desiree sat up straight, looking around.

  “This is new, isn’t it? I’ve never seen it before.”

  “Yeah, unlike all the other stores in town, this one’s only been here a year or so. The last time I visited, my grandmother she had me run her over to the grand opening. I think they tend to get more of the quality items left over from estate sales. You ready?”

  Desiree nodded, opened the door and slid out of the truck.

  They both entered the All Seasons Thrift Store together and began to peruse the store. Holt noted some glass cases in the back of the store and headed that way. Desiree started to search the aisles for unique glass items she could paint bluebonnets on.

  It didn’t take long for either of them to find their treasures. Holt also came across a set of three soda shop tables with matching stools that had come from a diner in Bulverde, Texas, which was now out of business. Desiree agreed they were just right; customers could sit and eat, or order pie to go. She was happy with the eclectic collection of glasses, vases and other unique glass items she discovered. She set them on the checkout counter. Holt handed the price tags from the glass case and tables to the cashier, but he eyed Desiree’s finds.

  “I have an idea. Why not set up a display of your hand painted items in the pie shop until you find a place to run your business. If you are going to paint bluebonnets, they should sell like hot cakes. At least everyone who stays at the bed and breakfast will buy something you paint.”

  Desiree held up a hand. “Just wait a minute. You haven’t even seen my work yet.”

  Holt leaned close to hear and whispered, “I’m sure it’s as lovely as you.”

  Desiree couldn’t help but be pleased by the compliment. She stood beside Holt and waited for him to check out then she paid for her item
s.

  The manager got several workers to load the glass case, tables and chairs into the back of Holt’s truck.

  Desiree carried her bag and slid it behind the front seat. In minutes, they were on their way back to the Bluebonnet Inn.

  When Holt slid into his seat, he turned and said, “Wow, I’m surprised we found almost everything we need to start the pie shop.”

  Desiree was pleased to be part of “we.”

  “I’m serious about you putting your pieces out in the shop.”

  “I appreciate that, but I don’t have anywhere to paint.”

  “Not a problem. There is a small building behind the Bluebonnet. It was once an extra cottage for families to rent, but Gran stopped using it a few years ago. There is plenty of room inside to set up an art studio.”

  Desiree was speechless at first then sputtered, “I don’t know what to say.” Finally she found her voice and added, “Does it have a stove? After I paint the pieces with enamel, I have to cook them in the oven.”

  “Yep, and I happen to know it works because I just checked it out a few days ago.”

  Desiree tilted her head and smiled. “I’ll only need it until I find a place.”

  “Use it as long as you need.” Holt reached over and squeezed her hand. Desiree relaxed back and enjoyed the drive back to the Bluebonnet.

  Holt reached over and turned the volume on the stereo up, Desiree wasn’t surprised to hear an old Elvis song playing.

  Holt sang along in his Elvis voice.

  Suddenly another idea struck her. Desiree reached out and turned down the volume. “Hey, I have an idea. You need a gimmick to help save the bed and breakfast, right?”

  Holt nodded. “I thought the pie shop was the answer?”

  “That won’t be enough. But what if we vamped up the website with pictures of you in your Elvis costumes, and you offered special events?”

  Holt’s brows were drawn together. “Like what?” He asked curiously.

  “Oh, you know. Cooking classes with Elvis and Elvis mystery weekends.”

  Holt gave a low, long whistle. “That’s crazy. No one would want to…Are you serious? Do you think anyone would…”

  Desiree laughed at his flustered words. “You bet they would! Women all over the world love Elvis Presley and would give anything to spend a day with him. When you are in costume, you are about as close to the real Elvis as I’ve ever seen.”

  “I guess I can give it a try; however, as I said before, I’m a cook; well, a pastry chef. I don’t know a thing about the internet.”

  “I’ll tell you what. We can trade. You let me use the building as my art studio, and I’ll build your website. I’m sort of a techy.”

  Holt pulled the truck into the driveway and turned off the engine. “It sounds like a deal. Shall we seal it with a slice of pie?"

  Desiree looked down at her waist and patted her stomach. “I guess I could eat a small slice, but I have to be careful or you’ll make me fat.”

  “I’ll keep you so busy around here, you won’t have time to gain weight. Where are your paint supplies? We can take them out to the back building now.”

  “They are still in the trunk of my car. I’m glad we can get them, I was worried about the acrylics being in the heat for so long.”

  Holt jumped out of the front seat, rushed around the truck and opened the door for Desiree.

  “Lead the way.”

  Desiree slid from the seat and led him to her car.

  It didn’t take long to carry her supplies to the small building. She was very pleased about the new art studio. It was just the right size and had a large picture window that overlooked the river. There was a small room, which must have once been a bedroom, but was currently empty, and the kitchen had a working stove, but no refrigerator.

  Thank you, Lord for this new art studio. I believe I will be inspired to create beautiful things here.

  Chapter 7

  Holt set a luscious Texas sized waffle down in front of Desiree the next morning. Her eyes bulged at the size of it.

  “You can’t really expect me to eat this whole thing? The syrup alone will ruin my diet for a month.”

  Holt gave a fake frown. “You’ll insult me if you don’t eat every single bite of it.”

  “Consider yourself insulted then. I’ll eat about a fourth of it, and that’s all my stomach will be able to handle.” In a most unladylike way, she patted her stomach.

  Holt nodded. “Guess I need to consider each guest individually before cooking. I figured a Texas waffle would fill up a big man, but I suppose I can make a medium sized one for my smaller guest. I love cooking, but there are many things I need to learn to tweak.”

  Through her next bite, Desiree asked, “How are the plans for the pie shop coming along?”

  Holt had moved over to the side table and returned with the coffee pot. He poured dark brown liquid into the cup at Desiree’s hand then set the pot on the table as he pushed a creamer pot forward. He reached up and ran a hand through his hair.

  “Pretty well. I was up all night thinking about it… and about your ideas. I just don’t see how I can pull it off. Sure, I can make pies, and I can act at the events, but I can’t do the advertising or reach out to the right groups. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

  “I told you I’d build the website, but I can do most of the advertising as well. Even though I was a lawyer, I was always in charge of special events in our office. I know exactly what it takes to get the word out about something. We have the local newspapers; we can send flyers to nearby towns to place in their Chamber of Commerce bulletins, maybe place coupons for the pie shop in other businesses around town. I can send out announcements on Facebook and utilize other social media. I also have a whole battery of friends who are in different types of groups. I’m sure with enough incentive, I can get you booked out for a year’s worth of weekends. As a matter of fact, I have several in mind already. I should be able to get several groups signed up pretty quickly.”

  Desiree set her fork down and pushed back the plate, regretfully eyeing the rest of the waffle.

  “But, Desiree. You have your own business to grow, decisions to make about your own place. I can’t ask this of you. And, once you’re gone, I’m not sure I could host the events you talked about alone.”

  Desiree took a sip of her coffee and thought. Unfortunately, she didn’t have an answer for him.

  “I’ll pray about it, Holt. I’m sure if God wants you to keep this place open, He’ll send someone to help you do it.”

  Holt stepped away, his back turned toward her.

  “Do you believe in God?” Desiree asked.

  Holt turned back. “Yes. However, I don’t think God is concerned with the day-to-day issues of life. I think running the universe is enough for Him.”

  “In Luke 12, God says He even numbers the hairs on our heads. If He cares enough to do that, I believe He cares about our daily lives too. Anyway, I’ll be in prayer about this for you.”

  “I appreciate it. I’d like to see God move in my life. In the meantime, I don’t want to take up your time. If it gets to be too overwhelming, just let me know.”

  “Sure, but I can handle it. When I’m painting, I’ll be thinking and planning.”

  Holt cleared the dish from the table while Desiree finished her coffee. When he returned, she asked where his computer was so she could start work on the website.

  “No, you took off time to help me move furniture already. Today, you need to go look at the buildings Carol gave you. Things don’t last long in Fredericksburg.”

  Desiree’s shoulders slumped. She didn’t want to say anything, but she liked the idea of staying near him all day better.

  “I guess you’re right. It won’t take long though. I can work on the website this afternoon, at least to get a handle on what changes it will need.”

  Holt took her coffee cup. “Sounds great. I’ll be here working on the pie shop.”

  Desiree stood an
d stretched, “Thanks for the waffle. It was absolutely delicious. You’ll make a great husband someday if you cook like that all the time.”

  Holt laughed, “Only if all my wife wants to eat is breakfast or dessert. I can’t even make a decent peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”

  With a slightly cocked head, Desiree winked. “I’m sure you can even make peanut butter and jelly seem like a gourmet meal. Well, I better get going; I’ll see you later today. This new upstairs dining room is perfect.”

  Desiree returned to her room, freshened up a bit then headed for her car with list in hand. She wanted to see all the places as quickly as possible so she could get back to the Inn.

  Is it really the Inn I’m interested in, Lord? Or the handsome Innkeeper?

  Desiree could feel her face flush. She needed to stop thinking about Holt and concentrate on finding a place to live and a shop to sell her crafts.

  ~

  Holt pulled back the curtain and watched Desiree get into her car and drive away. If it weren’t for the dirty dishes and the unfinished pies, he would have offered to go with her, even though he wasn’t that enthusiastic about her finding a place to live. He certainly liked having her here.

  I guess I’m a goner, Lord. It’s hard to fathom, but I’m pretty sure I’m head-over-heels in love with Desiree. Crazy, after such a short time, but You know my heart, Lord.

  Holt dropped the curtain and made his way to the kitchen. He began to sing, “and I can’t help falling in love with her…”

  Chapter 7

  “Nope, not that one,” Desiree spoke out loud as she passed another empty building from the list. So far most of the available places were either too far from Main Street, too big or just not as quaint as she wanted for her storefront. If I could just find a house near Main Street, like the Bluebonnet. I could live there and open a shop in the downstairs.