Chapter 40

The next morning, Shayna woke early, her mind already racing with plans and strategies for the day ahead. She dressed quickly and quietly made her way downstairs to the kitchen, hoping to grab a cup of coffee before diving back into her paperwork.

To her relief—or perhaps disappointment—Dayton wasn't in the kitchen. Martha was bustling about, preparing breakfast with the radio softly playing in the background. Charlene was setting the table, humming a tune under her breath. They greeted Shayna with warm smiles and casual conversation, but Shayna noticed a slight tension in the air.

As she poured herself a cup of coffee and grabbed a slice of toast, Shayna casually inquired about Dayton's whereabouts. Martha glanced up from the stove, her expression unreadable for a moment before she replied, "He's out checking the north pasture. Said something about a loose fence post."

Shayna nodded, hiding her surprise. It seemed Dayton was keeping himself busy with ranch chores, perhaps intentionally avoiding her after their heated exchange. Part of her felt a pang of regret; she hadn't meant to upset him so much. But another part of her was grateful for the space to gather her thoughts and focus on her work.

After a quick breakfast, Shayna retreated to her makeshift office in the guest room. She spent the morning on the phone with Sarah, discussing legal strategies and reviewing the documents related to the pre-signed agreement with Thompson Enterprises. Sarah provided valuable insights and advice, helping Shayna navigate the complexities of the situation with clarity and confidence.

Throughout the morning, Shayna periodically glanced out the window, half-expecting to see Dayton riding across the fields or walking back to the house. But there was no sign of him. She wondered if he was intentionally avoiding her or simply engrossed in his own tasks.

By lunchtime, Shayna had made significant progress in her preparations. She emerged from her room to find Martha and Charlene setting the table for lunch.

During lunch, Charlene leaned over and nudged Shayna gently. "Hey, Shayna, do you mind helping me with something later? I need to finalize the designs for the wreaths and some floral displays for the wedding. I could really use your eye for detail."

Shayna paused, considering Charlene's request. "Sure, Charlene," Shayna replied with a warm smile. "I'd be happy to help. When do you want to start?"

Charlene's face brightened with relief. "Great! How about right after lunch? We can gather everything we need and work on them in the living room."

Shayna nodded in agreement. "That works for me. Let's do it."

After lunch, Shayna and Charlene cleared the table and gathered the necessary supplies—ribbons, faux flowers, wire frames, and other decorative materials. They settled down in the cozy living room, spreading out their tools on a large coffee table.

As they worked, Charlene explained her vision for the wreaths and floral displays, detailing the color schemes and arrangements she had in mind. Shayna listened attentively, offering suggestions here and there based on her understanding of aesthetics and design.

Together, they meticulously crafted each piece, weaving ribbons and arranging flowers with careful precision. Throughout the afternoon, they laughed and chatted, bonding over their shared task. Shayna appreciated Charlene's company and the distraction from her legal work.

By the time they finished, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow through the windows. They admired their handiwork—a collection of beautifully crafted wreaths and floral displays that would add a touch of elegance to Charlene's barn wedding.

"Thank you so much, Shayna," Charlene said sincerely, placing a hand on Shayna's arm. "I couldn't have done this without you. It means a lot."

Shayna smiled back, genuinely touched by Charlene's gratitude. "I'm glad I could help, Charlene. The decorations look amazing.”

Charlene nodded, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I hope so. It's going to be a magical day."

After admiring their handiwork and exchanging a few more ideas about the wedding decorations, Charlene and Shayna gathered their materials and headed to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as they entered, Martha was already there, preparing a pot of tea.

"Would you ladies like some coffee or tea?" Martha asked warmly, pouring steaming water into a teapot.

"Coffee sounds perfect," Charlene replied, pulling out a couple of mugs from the cupboard.

Shayna nodded in agreement. "Yes, coffee would be great, thank you."

As Martha brewed the coffee, Charlene and Shayna settled at the kitchen table, still discussing the wedding plans. They talked about the venue setup, the guest list, and the little details that would make the day memorable.

"I think we're really making progress," Charlene remarked, pouring coffee into their mugs once Martha finished brewing it. "I can't wait to see everything come together."

"Me too," Shayna said with a smile, blowing gently on her coffee to cool it down. "It's going to be beautiful."

Martha joined them at the table with her tea, a contented smile on her face. "You both have done a wonderful job with the decorations.”

The topic turned to a discussion about dessert options.

"So, for the mini cupcakes," Charlene began, flipping through her notebook filled with wedding plans, "we've got a few flavor options. I was thinking classic chocolate, vanilla bean, and maybe something a bit more adventurous like lemon raspberry."

Shayna nodded thoughtfully. "Those all sound delicious. Lemon raspberry could add a nice tangy twist. Have you considered any other flavors, like red velvet or salted caramel?"

Charlene tapped her pencil against her notebook. "Red velvet is a classic too. Salted caramel sounds decadent—I like it!"

Martha, who had joined them again, chimed in with a smile. "You could also do a mix of flavors so everyone gets a little something they like. And don't forget about any dietary preferences or allergies among the guests."

"That's a good point," Shayna agreed, thinking about the logistics. "We should probably have some gluten-free and maybe even vegan options available too."

Charlene made notes in her book as they talked, jotting down ideas and considerations. "I'll talk to the bakery about these flavors and dietary needs. It's great to have some variety."

After settling on the cupcake flavors and ensuring they covered all dietary bases, they moved on to discussing other details of the wedding reception. Shayna felt a growing sense of camaraderie with Charlene and gratitude for Martha's hospitality. It was moments like these that reminded her of the beauty in simple pleasures and the importance of forming meaningful connections, even in the midst of uncertainty.

"Why don't we whip up a batch of cupcakes ourselves? It could be a fun way to test out some flavors." Martha suggested.

Charlene's eyes lit up at the idea. "That sounds like a great plan! We can see how they turn out and make any adjustments if needed."

Shayna hesitated for a moment, not wanting to impose, but Martha waved off her concerns. "Nonsense, dear. It'll be a nice break from all the planning, and besides, I could use some company in the kitchen."

With Martha's encouragement, they gathered ingredients and baking tools, setting up a makeshift baking station in the spacious kitchen. Martha led the way, expertly measuring out flour and sugar while Charlene assisted by whisking eggs and butter. Shayna joined in, carefully adding vanilla extract and other flavorings as Martha directed.

After a bit of mixing and baking, the kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cupcakes. Martha pulled out a tray of golden treats from the oven, their tops gently rising and perfectly golden brown.

"They look wonderful," Charlene exclaimed, peeking at the cupcakes through the oven door.

Martha beamed with pride. "Now comes the fun part—decorating!"

They let the cupcakes cool while preparing a variety of frosting colors and toppings. Shayna took charge of piping frosting onto the cupcakes, carefully creating swirls and designs. Charlene added sprinkles and edible flowers, turning each cupcake into a miniature work of art.

As they finished decorating, Martha set out a plate of freshly made cupcakes on the kitchen counter. "Well, what do you think?"

Shayna took a bite of a chocolate cupcake, savoring the rich flavor and moist texture. "They're delicious! I think they'll be a hit at the wedding."

Martha smiled, pleased with their efforts. "It's moments like these that make all the wedding planning worthwhile. Now, who wants another cupcake?"

Shayna was standing at the kitchen counter, flour on her face and in her hair when Dayton came in the back door. The weather had turned cold and cloudy again and he’d been working in it for most of the day. Before he’d stepped into the kitchen he’d been wondering if he would ever feel warm again. But now the sight of Shayna in a pair of tight blue jeans and a pink shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows was quickly filling him with heat.

He hadn’t seen her at breakfast. Then right before lunch, he’d gotten a trailer loaded with hay stuck in one of the back pastures. By the time Dayton and one of the other hands had pulled it out, he’d skipped eating altogether. He’d also missed seeing Shayna. And after what had transpired between them last night, that wasn’t something Dayton had planned to do.

“What’s cooking?” he asked to no one in general as he pulled off his hat and wiped his muddy boots on a rug by the door.

“Cupcakes,” Charlene told him.

“Already?” he asked.

Shayna could feel him coming up behind her, but she kept her attention firmly on what she was doing. She didn’t want to send any sort of signal his way. She wanted to give him the impression that last night and the moments they’d shared in each other’s arms were something she didn’t intend to repeat.

Reaching over Shayna’s shoulder, Dayton dipped his finger into the sugar frosting. Shayna twisted her head around to see him eating the frosting from his fingers. It was the first time she’d seen him since last night. Memories of his kisses, the feel of his rough-skinned hands moving so tenderly against her flooded her thoughts and darkened her eyes with unbidden desire.

“Mmm. That’s pretty good stuff.”

She jerked her gaze back on the work in front of her. “It will be when it’s on the cake,” she told him while trying to keep her voice as casual as she could manage.

“And you’re not to get into these, or the others,” Charlene spoke up as she pulled a tray of freshly baked cupcakes from the oven. “These are going to the church fundraiser tonight for refreshments.”

Dayton frowned at his sister, “Tonight isn’t the night.”

“Dayton Radisson!” Martha scolded, “Have you forgotten about the Valentine’s concert?”

He probably had, Dayton thought wryly. But he’d had other things on his mind. Like what he was going to do about Shayna and the way he was beginning to feel about her. He wanted her. And she wanted him, or so her kisses had told him. But did that mean he was really ready to put the past behind him?

He’d loved one woman and lost her to the city, then married another woman and lost her. And since then he’d vowed he would never set himself up for that kind of hellish pain again. But Shayna was doing something to him all over again. She was blurring his memories, making him believe the future could be different.

“I guess I didn’t hear you,” he told his mother, then winking at Shayna, he reached over her shoulder once again and took a cupcake she was in the midst of frosting.

“Dayton! You’ve ruined that one!” she exclaimed.

He popped it into his mouth and chewed with obvious pleasure. “It isn’t ruined,” he assured her with a chuckle.

Charlene groaned as she carefully arranged some of the freshly made cupcakes into a round tin. “Keep your paws to yourself, Dayton. We don’t come down to the barn and interfere with your work.”

Dayton nodded wearily, pouring himself a mug of coffee from the machine. “I wish someone could have helped out today. I got stuck half the morning dealing with a stubborn tractor issue. And then, just as I managed to get it back to the ranch, we found out there's a major pest problem in the hay barn. Spent all afternoon trying to clear it out.”

Martha handed him a freshly made ham sandwich. “Pests, now? Goodness, Dayton, sounds like you’ve had a day.”

Dayton accepted the sandwich with a grateful smile, taking a bite before continuing. "Yeah, it's been one of those days. Seems like every time I think I've got things under control, something else pops up."

Charlene nodded sympathetically, sampling one of the cupcakes. "These are going to be a hit at the wedding. I'm glad we decided to make them ourselves."

Dayton chuckled, savoring the sandwich. "You're right about that. It's nice to have something homemade and special for the guests."

Martha chimed in, “And it’s good to have a break from your hard work. How are the plans going? Have you talked about the wedding?”

Charlene smiled and talked about the wedding preparations

Dayton swallowed a sip of the hot coffee and found himself wishing his mother and sister were out of the room. He wanted to go over to Shayna and kiss the dab of flour from her cheek, nuzzle her neck and draw her back against him until every curve of her body was touching his.

“You are coming to the concert tonight, aren’t you?”

Realizing his mother was talking to him, Dayton turned his head in her direction, “Of course, I’ll go.”

Martha smiled happily at him, “Good. Then you can bring Shayna with you. Since Charlene and I have to be there very early, there’s no need for her to ride with us and have to sit for more than an hour before the program starts.”

Hearing her name mentioned in their plans, Shayna twisted around to look at the two of them., “I didn’t realize I was going anywhere.”

Dayton smiled at her, “Sure you are. You’re coming with me. And make sure you’re ready by eight.”

He put down the coffee mug and carried the rest of his sandwich out the back door.

Once he was out of sight, Shayna released a long sigh. How in the world was she going to handle this?