Chapter 32

I was back in my kitchen at five-thirty the next morning. I was so happy to be there making coffee and sticky buns for the family breakfast. Baked beans, sausage, and eggs were on the menu.

My arm was freshly stitched and bandaged. The throbbing was kept at a minimum by pain killers. The doctor at the clinic had insisted on checking out my feet. I had torn up the scabs from the blisters in my struggle with Beth. He gave me some salve to put on with instructions to apply every four hours.

My new shoes were as comfortable as slippers.

“You are alive!” Agnes said as she entered the kitchen.

“Of course I’m alive,” I said with a smile and returned the hug she gave me.

“The news have video of you pulling that woman out of her car and kicking the gun away. Everyone is calling you the cowboy chef. There’s talk of making you a superhero costume.”

I felt the heat of a blush rush up my cheeks and into my hair. “That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

“Have you seen the video?” Agnes asked. “That was one crazy brave thing you did.”

“I haven’t seen the video,” I said. “I don’t want to see the video. I want to go back to being the best chef for the family—quiet and behind the scenes.”

“It’s a little late for that,” Agnes said. She washed her hands and got to work.

We worked that morning in warmth and laughter. I knew my time with Agnes would be over soon. She told me about her son and the challenges he would face.

After lunch, Penny popped into the kitchen. “Hello, my hero,” she said with a smile.

“You look good,” I said. “Did you find any bruises this morning? Because I woke up sore in places I didn’t know could get sore.”

Penny laughed. “I have a few scrapes and bruises. One on my bum where I fell after you pushed me.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” I put my hand to my mouth. “Is it too bad?”

She laughed. “I’ll live, thanks to you. Who knew you were so strong?”

“Adrenaline,” I said.

“So, seriously, the duchess sent me down to get you.”

“To get me?” I placed my hand on my chest.

“Yes, she wants to see you.”

“Oh boy.” I pulled off my working chef’s coat, grabbed my clean one, and pulled it on. “How’s my face? Do I have anything on it?”

“You look fine,” Penny said. “Oh wait,” she pulled out a tissue and rubbed at something on my cheek. “Now you look perfect.”

“Thank goodness,” I said with a grin. We went up to the duchess’s study. Penny knocked on the door and stepped inside. I waited nervously outside until Penny came to get me.

“The duchess will see you now,” Penny said as she opened the door.

The duchess was dressed in a casual sheath dress. Her perfect hair was pulled back in a low ponytail. The little prince was chatting with her. He wore a school uniform. His backpack sat on the floor beside him. A nanny played blocks with the little princess in the sunlight from a tall window. My heart warmed.

“Come in, do come in,” the duchess said.

“Are you the cowboy chef?” the little prince asked.

“Oh, no,” I said. “I’m just your chef.”

“Will you make me chocolate biscuit cake?” His expression was very serious.

“It would be my pleasure,” I said.

“Please come in and have a seat.” The duchess waved to a pair of chairs in front of her desk.

“Thank you,” I said and took a seat.

“I’m going to speak to Chef now,” the duchess said to the little prince. “Why don’t you help Nanny get your sister down for a nap?”

“Okay.” He picked up his backpack. “Goodbye, Chef. Don’t forget my cake.”

“Goodbye, sir,” I said with seriousness. “I won’t forget.”

We waited a moment as the nanny ushered the children out of the study. My hands were in my lap and I tried not to wiggle nervously.

The duchess turned to me with a gentle smile. “How are you, Chef Cole? I understand you’ve been through quiet a lot in the last few days.”

“I’m a bit bruised, but nothing that will keep me from making cake for the prince.”

“He loves your cakes,” she said. “Penny tells me you saved her life last night.”

“I—”

“No need to be humble,” she said, raising her hand in a “stop” fashion. “We’ve all seen the video. The duke teased that perhaps we should hire you on the security staff. You have the makings of a great bodyguard.”

I felt the blush at my cheeks. “Thank you, but I do prefer to cook.”

“Good,” she said. “Because we all love your cooking. It’s been good and bad the last few days. My family loves me, but my cooking isn’t exactly at your level.” She laughed. “No, don’t tell me that you bet I’m good at it. It’s why we’re so thin.”

I smiled.

“I asked you here today to let you know that we are glad you are a part of our household. You are doing a wonderful job, and we hope you continue to make more of your fresh meals.”

“Thank you,” I said. “It means a lot.”

“We thought you should know how much we appreciate you. Now,” she said, “for a bit of business. We will be taking a week’s trip to the country. We want you to come with us. Is that possible? I know you might need to rest—”

“I would love to come,” I said. “I’m looking forward to continuing on with my work as your personal chef.”

“Good,” she said. “Oh, yes and one last thing—”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Good job on the pie competition. The duke said he would love to taste the peanut butter pie. Can you make one?”

“It would be my pleasure.” I stood.

“Wonderful, Penny will help you with the details on the country holiday.”

“Thanks again,” I said.

“Good day.” The duchess turned to work on her computer.

Penny showed me to the door and closed it behind us in the hall.

“A country holiday?”

“Yes, the end of the month,” Penny said. “I’ll get together with you to fill in all the details.”

“Wonderful,” I said. “I’m always up to seeing more of England. Especially a part without any murderers.”

Penny laughed. “We can hope.”

I gave her a quick hug and went back to my kitchen. I had a pie and a chocolate biscuit cake to make for the family. With the killers properly locked up, my life was finally back on track.