My Sweetheart (23 page)

             
Jane reached over and grabbed Layla’s hand and felt the tremors going through her body. She glanced at Kit and saw her hands clenched tightly in her lap and reached over with her other hand and took Kit’s hand in hers too.

             
Landon blew out a loud breath and looked up at the ceiling. “It’s hard to even remember to be honest. I was stressed out at work. My boss was on my back all the time and I wasn’t making the money I needed to. Your mom was pregnant and sick all the time and life was just hard you know. I’d get yelled at at work, and then come home and have to take care of you girls because your mom was sick and I just snapped. I knew I could feel good again with just one phone call to an old buddy of mine. That’s all it took. One phone call. And after that, I just didn’t care anymore. I didn’t care about my job, I didn’t care that the house was a mess or that your mom was sick. It all went away. Easy.”

             
Kit shook her head and stared at her father. “Do you regret it? At all? Do you regret taking the easy way and choosing a pain free life over love and a family?”

             
Landon glanced at Dr. Preston and glared a little but she leaned forward and looked him in the eyes. “This is why your daughters are here today Landon. They want answers and this is your chance to express to them what’s in your heart. It’s a simple question Landon. You can answer it,” she encouraged.

             
Landon studied his hands for a moment. “Now that I’ve been clean for a while I can see where I’ve messed up. I can see that I’ve made a lot of wrong choices. Yeah, I regret it,” he finally admitted. He paused and looked at Layla, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Did your mom,
uh
. . . ever remarry? Did she ever fall in love again?”

             
Jane blinked in surprise at the question and looked at Layla. Layla was frowning at her father but she answered him. “No, she didn’t. She was too busy working two jobs and raising us. I wish she had though.”

             
Landon nodded thoughtfully. “She was so beautiful. She looked a lot like that one,” he said, pointing at her.

             
Jane bit her lip and nodded. She knew she looked most like their mother but it was strange to see her father point it out for some reason and it bothered her.

             
“Aren’t you going to apologize for abandoning us and for demanding we give you the bakery and for attacking Kit?” she asked in a calm voice although she felt anything but calm inside.

             
Landon glared at her but after a moment his shoulders fell and he looked away from her. “Yeah, they say it’s supposed to help to face the people you’ve hurt and apologize. Girls, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I was a horrible father. And I’m really sorry I hurt you Kitten. I was out of my mind high that night I hurt you and I’m sick about it. I never wanted to hurt you. Not then and not before. I want you to know that,” he said, his voice soft and pleading almost.

             
Kit nodded her head slowly. “I accept your apology. Mostly because living with anger and hate is too exhausting and negative. But I hope that you stay clean this time. I hope you can break free.”

             
Landon smiled a little and nodded. “Thanks for that. Thanks for forgiving me even though I don’t deserve it,” he said and then turned and looked at Layla.              

             
Layla clenched Jane’s hand hard and Jane knew this was hard for her. Layla was so tough but facing down a father who had hurt her and abandoned her couldn’t be easy.

             
“Layla, baby, I’m sorry. I still remember going for walks with you in the park and buying you candy at the store. I would think about you sometimes and wonder how you were and what you were doing. I just um, I just want you to know that I’m proud of the woman you grew up to be. And I’m sorry for not being there for you,” he said, clearing his throat in embarrassment as if he was ashamed of having real emotions.

             
Layla licked her lips and looked at her lap. “I accept your apology. Like Kit I hope for the best for you. I hope that you kick your addictions this time. But I don’t know that I want you in my life. Now that I have a family of my own, I have to think of them and their safety first. But I do hope that you find your way,” she said and smiled at him.

             
Landon frowned and nodded. “I know you girls don’t want me in your life. How could you? But maybe someday after I’ve worked through my problems and proven that you can trust me, then maybe we can um, get to know each other again.”

             
Jane watched her two older sisters remain silent and cleared her throat. “Are you still determined to get your share of the bakery?”
              Landon pursed his lips and sucked on his teeth. “Well, I have to admit it would be nice to have some money to start out with when I get out of here. I don’t have nothin’ right now. But I won’t take the bakery from you. I wasn’t thinking right back then anyways. I knew my mom wanted you girls to have the bakery. She told me that before she died. No, I broke my mom’s heart so many times I don’t deserve it. But when that Alex guy kept hounding me and filling my head with all the money he’d get for me, it kind of made me crazy. Sorry for that,” he added gruffly.

             
Jane closed her eyes at the mention of Alex Foster. He’d manipulated a drug addict to get what he wanted.
Pathetic.

             
“I was told how much this rehab costs and I know you girls are paying for it all. I think that would cover my share of the bakery if I’d had a share. I won’t be asking you for anything else.”

             
Landon turned and looked right at her then and stared at her curiously. “I never knew you so I guess the only thing I can apologize for is not being your father, but I think I did you a favor taking off before you knew me.”

             
Kit snorted lightly and Layla stiffened. Jane stared back and nodded. “You might be right. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I know that my grandmother loved you and I know that at one time my mother loved you. And when they were young, Layla and Kit loved you. You had so much love and you turned away from it. I think that’s the worst punishment in the world to be honest. Knowing what love feels like and having to live a life without it.”

             
Landon frowned and looked away. “Yeah, I guess.”

             
Jane studied her father and leaned forward. “You know, your life’s not over. If you can stay clean and get a job and get your life back on track, you could probably have love in your life again. Love takes trust and faith and kindness and unselfishness. But I’m here to tell you that it’s worth it. I have love in my life. So much love. And it’s the best feeling in the world to be surrounded by that power.”

             
Layla put her hand on her back and Kit squeezed her hand. The social worker stood up and thanked them for coming and motioned for the door. As they walked away from their father, he stood up and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I do want that. I remember what it was like and I want that again,” he said, looking haunted and hopeful at the same time.

             
Jane nodded and smiled at her father. “Good. You’ve taken the first step. Keep going.”

             
Dr. Preston thanked them for coming and mentioned getting in touch if any more group therapy was needed. As soon as they reached the waiting room, Michael walked quickly to Layla and pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly before staring worriedly down into her face. “Okay?”

             
Layla nodded and wiped a tear away. “I didn’t break down. I did okay.”

             
Jane hugged her too. “You were incredible Layla. You too Kit.”

             
Kit pursed her lips and looked away. “It’s just so sad, it breaks my heart. I
hate
drugs,” she said angrily.

             
Michael put his other arm around Kit’s shoulders and walked with them toward the elevator. “Drugs destroy families but you girls are survivors. There are not a lot of women who would have been able to do what you just did. I’m proud of you all. Listen, Hunter just texted me and wants to take us all out to lunch. I think we could all use some comfort food right now.”

             
Jane walked into the elevator and leaned her head up against the wall tiredly, feeling exhausted by the meeting with their father. He wasn’t the prodigal son. He was the prodigal father. How could they make room for this man in their lives now? Was there even a way to do it and like Layla said, would it even be safe?

             
Hunter met them at a seafood restaurant overlooking the Sound and hurried to Kit, picking her up in his arms and holding her tightly. She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly reassuring him she was okay. He hugged her again and then ushered everyone into the restaurant.

             
After ordering and a little small talk, Hunter asked them about Landon. Kit filled him in unemotionally and shrugged when she was done. “He apologized and he seemed sincere, but I still feel kind of hollow inside.
Why is that?
I thought finally hearing him apologize for hurting me and everything else would magically fix everything.”

             
Layla nodded and took a sip of water. “Yeah, it was surreal finally hearing him apologize but I still don’t feel anything either. What I mostly feel is just pity for him.”

             
Jane took a bite of scallops and looked at Michael and Hunter. They both looked torn up but clueless as to how to help. “Well, I was just thinking about that actually. I think we’re all distanced from him because he’s basically a stranger to us. He said he didn’t want his share of the bakery anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give him a job, I mean, he’ll never really be a father to us, but maybe it’s possible he can be a friend?”

             
Layla looked at her, her eyes wide and mouth open in surprise. Kit frowned at her and looked away. “Jane, I don’t know,” Kit muttered.

             
She leaned forward and glanced at everyone at the table. “With all of us being married now, our lives are complicated and busy. We wouldn’t give him access to the cash register of course, but the man needs a fresh start and who’s going to hire a man like him? We could hire him to do the deliveries, clean the bakery and all of the stuff we’re too busy to do now. Plus, with Tate living at the bakery with me after we’re married, he’ll be supervised.”

             
Layla nodded her head, thinking hard. Kit leaned into Hunter’s shoulder and sighed. Michael smiled at her and Hunter gave her a thumbs up sign.

             
Jane pushed on, since no one was flat out refusing her. “We don’t have to make up our minds right now. We have a month to think about it while he finishes up rehab. Let’s put it aside for a few weeks and talk to Dr. Preston about it too.”

             
Layla shrugged and nodded. “Okay, let’s agree to think about it,” she said.

             
Michael grinned around the table and raised his water glass high in the air. “To the Kendall sisters. Just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside.”

             
Hunter smiled and lifted his glass too. Jane, Layla and Kit looked at each other and laughed but lifted their glasses too.

             
“It’s not easy being beautiful,” Layla muttered and they all laughed and had an enjoyable lunch together. But when Jane got back to Fircrest, she lay on her bed and stared at her ceiling wondering if she could really work side by side with her father.

             
She turned on her side and closed her eyes and frowned. She had a feeling she was going to find out.

             
Jane woke up Wednesday morning feeling a buzz of energy. Today they were training Mandee, and Ann their new hire and Julie to take over for her and Kit while they were gone. Layla seemed pretty excited about it but she still had her reservations. She had loved working side by side with her sisters and now everything was going to be different. At least Layla wasn’t in California and Kit wasn’t in Seattle. She’d still see her sisters almost every day so she needed to focus on being grateful for what she had.

             
Jane worked with Julie and showed her step by step directions on how to make the cupcakes they were now famous for. Julie had a natural love for baking and was a fast learner. Jane wasn’t worried about leaving her in charge of the cupcakes at all. What she did worry about was the billing, and the books and the ordering. Michael had promised to come in for an hour every day and help Layla stay on top of all the bookkeeping but she still couldn’t help worrying.

             
Three hours later, she and Julie brought out her trays of cupcakes and switched the sign to OPEN. She turned around and smiled at their bakery loving every little thing about it. It wasn’t just a job to her. This was her home. She didn’t envy Layla her house by the park with Michael. And she didn’t envy Kit her house with Hunter by the water. No, Belinda’s Bakery was right where she wanted to be. No other home could ever come close for her.

             
The bell over the door announced their first customer and she turned around with a ready smile. Jane’s eyes went huge as she watched Pika walk in hesitantly and look around. Julie had just gone back to the kitchen to get another tray of cupcakes so it was just them.

             
Jane walked forward and smiled. “
Hello
,” she said and watched as Pika turned to look at her. Pika smiled, but her brown eyes looked worried.

             
“Jane, I came today to talk to you. Tate told us that you are getting married this Saturday and having a reception later that night. I wanted to tell you that Toa and I have decided to come. Tate is our nephew but he is also our son and I don’t want to lose him.”

             
Jane let out a long breath and closed her eyes in gratitude.
Yes!
Kit walked in with a tray of bread and saw Pika immediately. She glanced at Jane worriedly but Jane grinned at her. Kit smiled and nodded to Pika.

             
“Since you’re our first customer today, you can sample anything you’d like,” Kit said and winked at Jane.

             
Jane felt a burst of happiness and nodded eagerly. “If you’re like Tate you’ll love our cupcakes but some customers swear they can’t start their day without one of Layla’s scones. But I personally love a warm croissant and a cup of hot chocolate. What would you like Pika? Choose anything you’d like and we can sit over here and chat a little,” she said pointing to one of their tables by the windows.

             
Pika smiled shyly and walked over to the glass case. She looked at dozens of desserts and pointed to one of her Matafeo cupcakes. “This one. It looks so delicious,” she said and then noticed the sign over the cupcakes and looked at Jane in surprise.

             
“Why does this sign say my name on it?” she asked in confusion.

             
Jane hurried around the counter and opened the case, picking up one cupcake and setting it on a paper plate. “Well, there’s a story to that. I made those cupcakes one day when I was thinking about Tate and my sisters insisted I name them because they were so popular. Tate’s the one who picked the name and he chose Matafeo.”

             
Pika laughed a little and took the plate handed to her. “That sounds like Tate. He’s very proud of his heritage and he does love dessert.”

             
Jane poured Pika a cup of hot chocolate and grabbed herself a croissant while she was at it. She wanted Pika to feel comfortable talking and eating with her would help her to relax.

             
Layla walked out and smiled at Jane and Pika. “I just dipped some strawberries in chocolate. Would you two like to try them?” she asked walking over with a plate of the largest strawberries she’d ever seen.

             
Pika’s eyes looked huge and she nodded eagerly. “I can see why Tate can’t stay away from your bakery,” she said with a kind smile.

             
Layla winked at Jane and made herself busy transferring the strawberries to the glass case. Jane sat back and smiled at Pika as she took her first bite of the cupcake. She closed her eyes just like Tate always did and smiled.

             
“This is delicious. I’m glad it has our name on it. I would like to buy a dozen so I can take them home to Toa and our children.”

             
Jane nodded her head and sat forward. “I just want you know how grateful I am that you’ve changed your mind about coming to the wedding. I know that Tate has been heartbroken over this situation.”

             
Pika nodded her head looking sad. “At first we felt it was the right thing to do, but Kam has been angry at us. Toa and Kam have being fighting every day it seems. It is surprising to us, but we now understand that Tate loves you very much and that he won’t change his mind. I want you to understand that we didn’t disown Tate because we don’t love him. We love him very much, but Toa is a proud man. He wants Tate to have a good family, a strong family. He worries that Tate is like his father and making choices that will hurt him in the future.” Pika frowned and closed her eyes tightly as if in pain. “Toa loved his little brother dearly and it hurt him so much when he joined the gang. He saved Tate so that something good could be saved from his brother’s life. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

             
Jane nodded her head, feeling her heart twist in pain for Toa having to watch his little brother make wrong choices that ended up in his death. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to watch one of her sisters spiral downward.

             
Pika massaged her forehead as if the memories hurt her. “Seeing Tate become a good man, a strong man, helps Toa to see what his brother could have been. You see, he still feels guilty that he didn’t do more to save Natano when he had the chance. Tate is his legacy and Toa doesn’t want to see him end up broken and bitter and angry.”

             
Jane frowned and nodded, pulling apart her croissant. “I understand your worries Pika. Like Tate we’ve had to deal with drug abuse as well. My father left me and my sisters before I was even born. So I understand where you’re coming from. But seeing my father ruin his life over drugs and wrong choices has just made me more determined to live a good life. I can’t guarantee you that Tate’s life will be perfect and that he won’t have problems or struggles. But I can promise you that I will love him and take care of him and our children. I’m not Samoan and I know that you wanted Tate to pick a wife that was. But I will honor his heritage and we will raise our children to honor that heritage. You have my promise,” she said, looking Pika straight in the eyes.

             
Pika sighed and nodded her head once. She picked up her cupcake and took a big bite and then smiled before taking a sip of her hot chocolate. “I feel better talking to you about this. Toa will talk to Tate tonight and they will work everything out. This reception you’re having, are you having roast pig? Are you having Kale Moa? Or panipopo?”

             
Jane’s eyes went big and she winced. “Um,
no
actually. Tate and I decided to not put off getting married so we’re actually sharing in my sister Kit’s wedding reception. She’s getting married the same day and so she’s picked all the food that will be served.”

             
Pika frowned and crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. “
No
. Tate cannot have a wedding celebration without the foods from our country that he loves.”

             
Jane bit her lip. Layla who had been subtly listening in to everything rushed out of the room and hurried back with Julie and Kit in tow.

             
“Pika, I’d like to introduce you to Julie, Hunter’s mom and Kit, Jane’s sister. They know all about the food being served at the reception. Maybe you can talk it over and work out what food you want for the reception?”

             
Julie stared at Pika in surprise and Kit grinned at Jane, hugging her with one arm before pulling up a chair for her and Julie. Kit leaned across the table and smiled at Pika.

             
“Let’s do it all,” she said and grinned as Pika smiled back.

             
Jane had to get up to help customers when they came in but in less than an hour, Julie, Kit and Pika had worked out a compromise. Kam, Toa and Tate’s cousins would come early Saturday morning and begin the pig roast. They would dig a large pit on Hunter’s shoreline and bring the banana leaves and rocks and the pig.

             
Pika stood up and smiled, her face relaxed and happy. Kit gave Pika a big hug and Julie did too, insisting that they exchange phone numbers so they could stay in touch over the details. Jane couldn’t stop smiling as she filled a bakery box with a dozen Matafeo cupcakes and rang Pika up, giving her a twenty-five percent discount.

             
“Family discount,” she said when she saw Pika’s confusion at the price.

             
Pika smiled and laughed a little. “This is good then. Family,” she said looking happier about the fact that Jane would very soon be a part of hers.

             
Jane walked her to the door and opened the door for her, taking advantage of the fact that Pika’s hands were busy to give her a quick hug. “Thank you so much for coming to see me this morning. You’ve made me very happy and I know that Tate will be thrilled,” she said.

             
Pika smiled back. “I am happy too. I will see you at the wedding then,” she said and walked quickly down the steps to her car.

             
Jane turned back as she let the door shut and jumped up and down yelling softly as Layla and Kit joined her. Julie, Mandee and Ann walked into the store to see what was going on and they grinned at the sisters. Julie laughed and ushered the other two women back to the kitchen.

             
Jane collapsed in a chair and kicked her feet up. “Tate will have his family at our wedding. This is going to be perfect!”

             
Layla smiled and ran her hand down Jane’s long glossy pony tail. “You and Tate deserve it. I’m so happy for you.”

             
Kit grinned at Jane and shook her head. “I never thought I’d have roast pig at my wedding reception. This is going to be interesting.

             
Jane frowned and looked worriedly up at Kit. “We’re hijacking your wedding reception Kit. Are you irritated or mad? We can still switch to another day.”

             
Kit pulled on Jane’s hair and smiled. “Jane, having you and Tate there with me and Hunter and knowing that you’re happy will make me happy. I can’t wait to tell Hunter. He’s going to be thrilled.”

             
Jane sighed happily and took out her phone. She texted Tate to call her and then went back to work. Tate walked in an hour later looking stressed. She hurried to him and kissed his cheek, still beaming from her morning with Pika.

             
“I just got a call from my uncle Toa. I know he’s going to want to yell at me because he disowned Kam and I’m to blame for being a bad influence on him. I can’t wait to go on our honeymoon Jane. I think I need two weeks to relax from all of this family drama,” he muttered, staring at the cupcakes.

             
Jane walked over and got Tate a large cupcake and grinned up at him as he took his first bite. “I actually know what Toa wants to talk to you about. That’s why I texted you,” she said twirling around, as Tate grinned at her.

             
“You look like you want to do a cartwheel. What’s going on?” he asked before taking another bite.

             
Jane looked up into Tate’s face and put her hands on his chest. “Tate, we’re going to have roast pig at our wedding reception and a bunch of other things I can’t remember the names of.”             

             
Tate’s eyes clouded over and he shook his head with a frown. “Jane, we’re not. I
wish
we were, but . . .” he said but she covered his mouth with her hand.

             
“Tate,
yes we are
. Pika was here this morning and she and Toa are coming to our wedding!” she yelled giving up and dancing around the bakery, jumping and acting like a little kid at Christmas.

             
Tate set his cupcake down, looking stunned as he grabbed her arms to get her to stop. “Jane, are you serious? She really said she’d be there?” he asked wonderingly.