by Alanna Lucas
“I wanted to surprise Grams. Ethan went to visit his father, and Colin wanted to see his granddad. We wanted Jacob to come with us, but the poor man just hasn’t been the same since Ethan’s mother passed away. He barely leaves the house anymore.”
“I’m sorry to hear that about Jacob.”
“I’m hoping some quality grandfather, father, son time will do him good.” Mary covered her mouth as a yawn escaped her lips. “Sorry. And the twins are with Phoebe. Let’s hope she doesn’t spoil the girls with too many sweets.”
“Naw, just coffee,” Rex teased his little sister.
Mary’s face turned serious and she let out a loud gasp. “She wouldn’t?”
“Relax Mary, I was just teasing. Where’s your sense of humor?”
“I was on a plane for over six hours with two fussy two-year-olds, followed by a three-hour traffic-filled drive from Portland. I have no sense of humor at the moment.”
Tessa reached out to Mary. “Oh, you poor thing. I’ll make a pot of tea. We have some scones left over from the book club.”
Mary’s laughter filled the room. “You’ve been hanging out with Grams, haven’t you? Tea sounds perfect, thank you.”
Tessa giggled. “I suppose I have.” She called to Dorothy who was still cleaning up and putting furniture back in place. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” Rex’s gaze followed Tessa as she strolled to the kitchen.
“So, is it serious?”
“Yes.” He quickly changed the subject before his sister peppered him with more questions. “Did you already go to the house?”
“No, I just dropped the girls off and came here. I was too excited to see Grams. How is she?”
“Why don’t you ask her yourself?” Rex nodded his head toward the front door.
“Grams!” Mary squealed like she was a little girl of five as she rushed across the store and straight into Grams’ arms.
“I didn’t think you were arriving till next week. It’s good to have you both here.”
Rex heard the raw emotion in his grandmother’s voice. It had been too long since they were all together in Devlin. A mistake he would not make ever again.
Life felt pretty darn close to perfect at the moment.
Chapter 12
With Thanksgiving approaching and the events calendar quickly filling up, the book club decided to have an early holiday party at the shop a couple of Sundays before Thanksgiving, and Bernie had volunteered to help with dessert. Little did Tessa realize at the time, Bernie also volunteered her help as well.
“I already made the pie dough, so you just have to peel the apples and cut them into quarter inch slices.” Bernie had only given Tessa one task at a time to complete, but staring at the pile of clean apples seemed almost overwhelming at the moment. “Tessa dear, those apples are not going to peel themselves,” Bernie teased.
Cutting apples wasn’t a challenging job, but it was just the idea that they were going to be part of a pie—and that she was to make said pie—that got her all worked up. Tessa could not imagine that anything she baked would be edible. Still, there was a first time for everything. Sucking in her breath as she picked up the knife, Tessa went to work cutting the fruit just as Bernie instructed.
Twenty minutes later, the apples were cut and ready. “What’s next?”
“It’s time to assemble the pie.” Silence enveloped the room as Bernie took a rolling pin and gently lifted the pastry over the pin. “That was the tricky part,” she breathed. Handing the rolling pin with the draped pastry to Tessa, Bernie continued, “Now, you’re going to take the rolling pin and crust, and hold it near the edge of the pie plate.”
Tessa held her breath as she got the dough into place. Slowly Bernie helped her ease it into the pan.
“Oh damn,” Tessa swore under her breath. “It tore.”
“That’s okay. We can fix it once the dough is in place.”
Bernie was incredibly patient as Tessa followed instructions with minor cursing between frustrated breaths of air. Within seconds the dough was off the rolling pin and filling the pie plate.
“There’s another tear,” her deflated tone filled the warm kitchen. Tessa’s first attempt at making a pie was not going very well.
“All you need to do is press it back together.” Tessa joined the tears and before long—much to her surprise—it looked presentable. “Next you’re going to brush the dough with a coating of egg-white and then we will combine the sugar mixture with the apples.”
Tangy apples, sweet cinnamon, and the spicy scent of nutmeg filled the kitchen. Once the mixture was done, Tessa arranged it in the pie plate.
“This time I want you to try to pick up the dough with the rolling pin, and drape it over the top.”
Her hands shook as she attempted to gather the dough with the rolling pin.
“Don’t worry about tears, we can fix those.” Bernie’s patience combined with her calming tone eased some of the anxiety coursing through Tessa’s body. It was just baking after all. It wasn’t as if she was trying to save the world.
Tessa concentrated as she began to unfold the dough across the top. Several tiny tears formed before she was done. She breathed out a long sigh as the last bit of dough eased into place. “Ookaay,” she said. “Now fix the tears,” Tessa instructed herself.
“Next we trim the excess dough that flowed over the rim of the pie plate.”
Tessa completed that task with minimal swearing. “Done.” She exhaled with pride.
“Not quite. You need to make a few steam vents and it would be a good idea to put it in the oven,” Bernie ended with a tease.
Tessa did what she was told, amazed that only a short time ago these were just random ingredients.
“Set the timer for sixty minutes. We may have to add more time, but we don’t want to over-bake the pie.”
Tessa breathed a sigh of relief. She had actually prepared something that, at the moment, looked like it might be edible.
“Thank you for showing me how to make apple pie.”
“It was my pleasure, dearest. Now, if you clean up that mess, I can start on the next item. I was thinking shortbread cookies.”
“Aye, aye captain,” Tessa said with a salute. Bernie was quite the taskmaster, but Tessa was enjoying every second of it.
They’d worked in amiable silence for almost forty-five minutes when Rex strolled into the kitchen carrying one of his nieces.
“Something smells like heaven. Doesn’t it smell good, Becky?” He asked the little girl, whose reply was a sweet giggle and an exaggerated nod of her head.
Tessa’s heart lurched at the sight of Rex holding Becky. It was the first time she’d seen him interact with one of his nieces up close. Until now, she’d been able to keep her distance. She just wasn’t ready to be around children yet, and with the holidays approaching… it was always a difficult time of year for her. The heavy weight of grief that had dissipated over the last couple of months slammed full force against her chest. She rubbed the spot over her heart, but the pain didn’t go away.
Was she being selfish? Was she denying Rex the opportunity to be a father? She blinked back the tears and focused on drying mixing bowls and measuring cups.
“Tessa made my grandmother’s apple pie recipe.” Bernie’s voice beamed with pride, but Tessa couldn’t even look up from the table. If she met Rex’s gaze, she would be sure to burst into tears. Breathe, just breathe.
“Becky, do you want to see what Great Grams is making?”
“I help,” the little girl squealed with excitement.
Out of the corner of her eye, Tessa saw Rex pull out a chair and place it by the counter. He set Becky down then came to Tessa’s side.
“Come on,” he whispered into Tessa’s ear.
“Don’t be long, you two,” Bernie called. “The pie will be done in ten minutes. Can you mix these together for me, Becky?” Bernie’s voice was soft, caring. Another pang struck Tessa’s heart.
Rex guided her to
the living room. When they were out of earshot, he turned her to face him.
“What’s wrong?” He brushed an errant strand of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear. His eyes were filled with warmth and concern.
“Nothing.”
“Tessa?”
The tears she had managed to keep at bay for the last several minutes threatened to make their presence known. “It’s just… you were holding Becky, and it made me think you’re giving up something better being with me. You would be a great father and—”
Rex silenced her protests with a slow, thoughtful kiss. Countless seconds later he lifted his head and stared into her eyes. “You’re something better.” He kissed her lips softly. “I only want you.”
Swallowing hard, she stammered, “B…but… I don’t want you to have any regrets.”
He cupped her face, his thumb stroking her wet cheek. “The only regret I would have is not having you by my side.” He kissed her forehead.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Tessa, I love you.”
She hiccupped on a sob. “I love you.”
“What else is wrong? Is it being around the children and the upcoming holidays?”
How was it possible that they’d only known each other for a short time, and yet Rex seemed to know her innermost thoughts and troubles?
“Yes,” she whispered. “When will it stop hurting?”
“I can’t answer that. All I can do is be here for you and love you.”
His strength surrounded her, his words easing some of the heartache. Tessa could not trust herself to speak. She rose up on her tiptoes, leaned into him, and pressed her lips to his.
A cool breeze whipped through the entry hall, followed by laughter. “It looks like we’re interrupting something, Mary.” Rex’s brother-in-law teased as he entered the room, followed by two more children, and Mary.
Tessa buried her head in Rex’s chest, trying to hide the embarrassment that was warming her entire body.
“Ethan, behave yourself,” Mary scolded her husband before offering a wide, approving smile. “Don’t mind him, Tessa, he’s just becoming an old fuddy-duddy. I think it’s sweet.”
“Fuddy-daddy.” Colin, Rex’s four-year-old nephew laughed.
“Look what you started, Mary.”
In the short time Tessa had known Rex’s sister and brother-in-law, she’d learned that they loved to sass each other and could probably go at it like this all night if someone didn’t intervene.
Fortunately, Rex stepped in. “Becky’s in the kitchen with Grams. Why don’t you go and help?”
“Trying to get rid of us?” Ethan asked as he guided his two children toward the back of the house.
“Find something useful for you to do, get rid of… it’s all the same.”
Tessa was enjoying listening to the playful banter. She’d never had siblings or cousins, so this was a whole new world to her.
As soon as his family was out of earshot, Rex turned his attention back to her. “Any other problems I can assist you with?” The huskiness of future promises lingered in his tone.
“I think you need to behave yourself.”
“Only for now, my love.” He sealed his promise with a kiss.
One would have thought the end of the world was coming when the oven timer started beeping. Cheerful screams followed by Ethan scolding his children ricocheted to the front of the house.
“I think we’d better head to the kitchen.”
No sooner had the words left Rex’s mouth, than Ethan yelled, “Colin, stop trying to make your sister a snowman and put down the flour.”
Rex and Tessa laughed as they rushed to the kitchen where they were greeted with flour strewn all over every surface, including Ethan and the children. Grams’ would not be pleased. She was most particular about the cleanliness of her kitchen, even in the midst of food preparation.
“Where is Bernie and Mary?” Tessa tsked as she looked at the mess.
“They went to get ingredients from the larder and left me in charge.”
“I think you failed,” Rex jested.
“What happened?” Grams’ exasperated gasp halted all movement in the kitchen. Before anyone could react, she issued a string of commands that bespoke no argument. “Tessa dear, check on the pie, add a few minutes if the crust is not golden brown. Ethan and Mary go clean up the children and keep them away from my kitchen. Dinner will be ready shortly. Rex, you start to sweep up the flour.”
“Yes, Grams.” Several voices sulked.
Mary and Ethan began to guide the children from the kitchen, but not before little Becky yelled, “Wuv you, Grams!”
Tessa was laughing so hard, tears rolled down her face. “Oh my, they are a handful.”
“I assume you’re speaking of the children and their father?” Grams shook her head while laughing. “I don’t know what happened, but the second that man became a father, it was like he began a second childhood. I swear he’s worse than the children at times.”
Rex went over and hugged his grandmother. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Grams brought her hand to her mouth, stifling a laugh. “No, I wouldn’t.”
A short time later, the kitchen was clean, dinner had been eaten, dishes were stacked in the dishwasher, and the children—including Ethan—had finally settled down under Grams’ watchful eye. All that was left was to wash the remaining dishes that wouldn’t fit in the dishwasher.
“Mary, you don’t need to help in here, the rest of this will go fast. Go visit with your grandmother. I can bring in the tea for you and Bernie when it’s ready.”
“Thanks, Tessa.” Mary let out an exhausted sigh.
Rex strolled up behind Tessa. She’d held up being around the children remarkably well. He rubbed her shoulders as he kissed the top of her head.
“I’m fine,” Tessa said as if reading his thoughts. “Go hang out with your family.”
He wanted to tell her that he hoped they would be her family too one day, but Grams’ nagging voice echoed in his thoughts. One step at a time.
By the time Tessa joined them in the living room, a peaceful quiet had washed over the room that only came when the children were asleep.
Tessa offered a cup of tea to Grams and Mary before sliding into Rex’s embrace on the sofa. The scent of lavender drifted up from her hair. He clasped her hand in his as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. Whenever Tessa was near, he found it difficult to keep his hands off her.
“There they go again.” Ethan teased from across the room where he sat on the wide sofa, trapped with Colin sleeping next to him, Valerie lying across his lap, and Becky resting in his arms.
“Ethan Colin Hardy, if you can’t behave yourself, I’m going to—”
Ethan cut off Mary’s scold. “What are you going to do, my dear?” He said with a sly tone, the meaning loud and clear.
“Probably end up pregnant again,” Grams chimed in with a laugh.
Mary’s mouth hung open wide. “Grams!” she exclaimed with exasperation as her face turned bright red.
“What? I know how these things work.”
Mary stood and crossed the room plopping down on the smaller sofa next to Grams. She eyed Ethan before turning her attention back to her grandmother. “Well, you’re right.”
Grams looked confused for a moment before the meaning of Mary’s words set in. “You’re pregnant?” She clasped her hands together; a bright smile warmed her features. “That’s wonderful news.”
“Go ahead, Mary, tell her the other news,” Rex encouraged his sister.
Grams looked expectantly from him to Mary.
“We’re moving back to Devlin. Ethan was offered a position at the middle school and starts after Christmas break, and Rex is giving us Pop’s place.” Mary’s eyes warmed with deep affection as she looked over at him.
“You gave her the house?” Grams whispered.
When his father died, Re
x and his sister moved in with Grams and Grandpa, but the house had been left to Rex. It had been nicely maintained but remained empty until just a few months ago when Rex returned to Devlin. It didn’t hold the same bad memories for Mary as it did for Rex. He’d found his mother in the arms of another man in that house. His father died in his arms in that house. It was time for Rex to let go of the past.
“Oh, Rex, that’s wonderful,” Grams said as she choked back a tear. “All of us together. It’s… it’s just wonderful.”
Tessa wiped away a tear.
“Are you all right?” Rex whispered.
She nodded, but didn’t say a word. It didn’t seem that the rest of his family took notice, or if they did, they kept their mouths shut.
“Does that mean you’ll live here?” Grams asked eagerly. Through the years he often teased that he would move back in with Grams if she didn’t behave herself. Rex could easily afford to buy a place, but Grams was getting up in years and he wanted to be here if she needed him. But that wasn’t the only reason—the most important one was sitting right next to him.
“It wouldn’t be until after the holidays, and only if you and Tessa don’t mind.” He left the final decision up to Grams, but already knew what her answer would be.
“I don’t mind,” Tessa whispered as she nestled farther into him. It was the most glorious feeling in the world to have this woman in his life, beside him, embracing him… loving him.
“Why would I mind, silly boy? This is wonderful. I’ve been thinking I should relocate my bedroom downstairs.” Grams looked directly at Rex. “I’m not old, but I’m not getting any younger either. Your grandfather’s old office could be my bedroom and the storage room would make an excellent quilting room. It just needs a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint.” Grams sounded like a little kid on Christmas day, excited beyond measure. “It’s really only the small bathroom off the office that needs to be remodeled. We should take a look and—” Grams started to edge off the sofa, but Mary tugged on her arm.
“We don’t need to start the remodel tonight, Grams.”
Tessa started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Rex glanced down at her.
