Page 36 of The Promise in Poppies
DONNA
Donna flipped the switch, and the shiny copper machine purred, forcing water through the compact grinds in the portafilter where it transformed into a dark, velvety shot of espresso. She barely noticed the rich, earthy scent as the aromatic liquid pooled in the tiny porcelain cup, her mind replaying her favorite moments from last night with Rhett.
They’d talked until sunrise, sipping hot chocolate, swapping childhood stories, and sharing their hopes for the future. Something about the stillness of the stars and Rhett’s calming presence had quieted her heart, allowing a release of thoughts and emotions she’d long kept locked away. She’d even confided that part of her wanted to stay in Poppy Creek, to rebuild her life alongside her daughter and newfound friends. But whenever she allowed herself to dream, the bright, happy visions vanished almost as quickly as they appeared, obscured by bleak, ever-present clouds from her past. There was only one scenario in which she could safely stay in town, and in the clarity of daylight, she knew it was impossible.
“Mom.” Cassie’s voice invaded her thoughts. “I think it’s done now.”
Her daughter reached past her and flicked the lever, drawing her attention to the over-extracted espresso spilling into the drip tray.
“I’m so sorry.” Donna grabbed a clean rag from beneath the counter, but Cassie smiled and waved her aside.
“Don’t worry about it. It happens.” She deftly stepped in and started a fresh shot. “Are you okay? You looked miles away.”
“I’m fine. Just tired.” She forced a playful lilt into her tone as she added, “They say you’re not supposed to operate heavy machinery on too little sleep, and I think this vintage behemoth definitely counts.”
Cassie laughed. “Is it still okay if I head to Eliza’s for a bit?”
“Absolutely. It’s nothing a little caffeine won’t fix.” She lifted the watery espresso and downed it in one gulp before summoning a smile. “Maggie and I can hold down the fort.”
Since Cassie and Eliza both needed a few hours off that afternoon, they’d asked Maggie to fill in for Eliza in the kitchen while Donna handled things out front. She’d internally balked at first, not thrilled by the prospect of working side by side with Maggie, then chided herself, determined to bury her pettiness once and for all.
“And don’t forget Ryder will be here soon,” Cassie reminded her.
When Donna started helping at the café, Cassie had explained how Poppy Creek High let Ryder use his free period to leave school early since he was gaining valuable work experience. Somehow, the teen managed to juggle homework, football practice, and a part-time job, while at his age, Donna could barely get out of bed thanks to extreme morning sickness.
She shook away the melancholy thought as Cassie finished preparing the Americano and handed the paper to-go cup to the gentleman waiting at the end of the counter with his young daughter.
The little girl, who appeared to be five or six, tugged on her father’s hand, pointing animatedly to a cupcake in the glass case. Eliza’s pretty spring-inspired creation had thick pink frosting and pastel-colored sprinkles shaped like delicate daisies.
The man bent down and gently explained how they’d carefully budgeted each meal on their road trip, and they’d already splurged when she’d asked for a sarsaparilla float with lunch yesterday. The girl nodded in understanding, but her once-excited expression fell.
“May I?” Cassie asked, gesturing to the cupcake. “My treat.”
The father looked taken aback, then smiled gratefully. With his permission, Cassie reached into the case, and the little girl’s eyes widened with delight as the sugary treat landed in her outstretched hands. She thanked Cassie and gifted her with a gap-toothed grin before gobbling the mound of frosting, which incidentally wound up all over her face.
Donna’s heart warmed at the touching exchange. Between her boundless generosity and sweet, nurturing spirit, Cassie would make an incredible mother, and she still couldn’t believe she was back in her daughter’s life to watch her thrive in the role.
Father and daughter left hand in hand, leaving them alone for the first time that morning. Cassie’s gaze followed them out the exit, and Donna’s happiness waned at the wistful glimmer in her daughter’s eyes.
“It’s sweet, isn’t it?” Cassie said softly, still watching them through the window. The father held the girl’s cupcake while she clambered into the back seat of their Subaru piled high with camping gear bound on top by bungee cords. “When he ordered his coffee, he mentioned that he goes on a special trip with each of his kids once a year. Isn’t that amazing?”
“It is.” Donna tried to swallow past the lump of apprehension in her throat, afraid of where the conversation might be headed.
Cassie turned toward her, meeting her gaze.
Donna’s chest cinched, stealing her breath as she caught her reflection in her daughter’s burgeoning tears.
“Please,” Cassie whispered, her voice a raspy plea. “Please, tell me something.Anything.”
She didn’t elaborate, but Donna knew exactly what she meant. Cassie had asked before, but never with this much need and urgency.
Donna stood frozen, each heartbeat a sharp pang of regret. She’d do anything for her daughter, sacrifice her very life, if needed. But she couldn’t give her the answer she so desperately sought. She couldn’t break her heart even more than she already had. Even if it meant pushing her away again.
“I can’t.” She winced as the words left her lips, knowing they’d wound the one person she loved most in the world.
A single tear tumbled down Cassie’s cheek, and Donna felt a sudden shift between them—a tenuous fissure cracking the fragile bond they’d painstakingly pieced together.
Cassie whirled around and tore off her apron, erecting an invisible barrier with each step she took toward the door.
