Blueberry Hill, #1

by Cynthia Luhrs

  One long wall had floor-to-ceiling shelves. She’d found plastic boards online to wrap her fabrics around. It looked like a high end sewing shop with all the fabrics organized by color on the shelves.

  There were pretty hobnail cake stands and other vintage items she’d found in the house that held thread, bobbins, needles, and other items. All of her hand-drawn patterns were rolled up or stored in a large binder.

  The sewing machine sat on a white table away from the walls in the middle of the room in line with the cutting table. The trusty machine was still going strong after all these years. Tara ran a hand over the table as she walked around the room, remembering making Halloween outfits for the kids when they were small.

  There was another white table on the other side of the ironing station. Right now it held her serger with room for another machine. Did she want an embroidery machine or maybe another sewing machine? She’d see as the business progressed.

  There was a bookcase over by the cozy chairs that held sketchpads, pencils, and her tablet. Tara liked to sketch out ideas and then finish the designs on her tablet.

  The pullout sofa was against the other wall with a table on one side and a mini fridge on the other. She adored the space. She’d asked Ally to paint her something to put on the wall, and was excited to see what she came up with.

  It had been so nice to have Ally here with her, but it would be good for her to have her own space. Tara worried if her daughter took too long to date again, that she might be too afraid to open her heart and end up alone. She loved deeply, and when hurt it took her a long time to trust again.

  Chapter 17

  It had been a long day of travel. Evan shifted in the seat of the rental car as they drove up yet another mountain. He’d refrained from pointing out that there wasn’t much around as they drove from the airport to his mom’s house.

  “Look, there’s the lake.”

  Emily was pointing out the window, a smile on her face, color in her cheeks.

  “It’s much larger than I thought it would be.”

  Evan caught glimpses of sunlight on dark water as they wound through the mountains. It was so quiet here. How could his mom like living here after living in Miami?

  “I can’t wait to see what Tara has done with the cottage.” Emily sang along with the radio as Evan drove.

  It was like he had his wife back. Two weeks ago they’d passed the first trimester, and it was like a light switch. She didn’t get sick anymore, wasn’t so moody, and seemed over moving out of state.

  There were times Evan would wake to find Emily had been up for hours. She said she felt amazing, couldn’t remember when she had ever had so much energy..

  Two days before their trip, he’d gone with Emily to the doctor for her checkup. When the technician asked if they wanted to know what they were having, Emily looked at him, then said, yes.

  A little girl.

  Evan had been exhilarated and terrified all at the same time. The entire house would need to be baby proofed. He’d wanted to cancel the trip, but after the doctor talked to him, he agreed to go. It wasn’t until Emily hit seven months that she shouldn’t travel far from home.

  They’d called her mom, but she was in Belgium, so they’d left a message. The next day she’d called, excited to be a grandmother. But when Emily hung up, Evan could see the call upset her.

  When he’d asked her about it, she said she couldn’t rely on her mom to be there for the birth. Her mom was so happy with Emily’s stepdad that she didn’t have the heart to ask her mom to cancel their trip.

  Her mom said she’d gotten the dates mixed up, but Evan thought she didn’t want to come back. No, her mom loved traveling, something she’d never done with Emily’s dad. He’d passed away from cancer several years ago, before they could take any trips.

  Emily’s family never had much money growing up, and her mom had always wanted to see the world. When she remarried, to an older and wealthier man, Emily’s mom got her wish.

  Her mom and stepdad were always going somewhere. On the call, Emily said her mom told her they were thinking about taking one of those around the world cruises. If so, she’d miss the first year of the baby’s life.

  Since they were spending a long weekend with Evan’s mom, they’d decided to tell her and his siblings in person. As much as Evan hated to take the two days off around Labor Day weekend, he knew Emily needed the trip.

  He’d assured Stan that he’d be available via phone and email at all times. On his way out the door on Thursday, Mitch pulled him aside and said he’d email Evan if he heard anything. They were down to the last round of layoffs, and everyone was on edge.

  “Since we don’t leave until Tuesday, we have three full days at your mom’s after today. Promise me you’ll try to relax.”

  Emily leaned across the seat and kissed him on the cheek.

  “You needed a few days away. I’m so glad you’re not going to work, and we can just enjoy ourselves.”

  “Me too.” He squeezed her hand.

  Evan swallowed. He’d let her believe he wouldn’t be working while they were on this brief vacation. She didn’t seem to understand what was at stake, how his entire career was dangling over the edge of a ravine, held by a fraying rope. Instead, Evan thought he could work when Emily spent time with his mom and sisters. They’d want to go shopping and swimming, so he’d have time to work without her knowing.

  He’d left his laptop at home, knowing his tablet and phone would suffice. And if she asked, he’d say he was watching a movie or reading a book on the tablet. It was a little white lie to keep the peace.

  They turned onto a narrow road, pine trees on either side, and after what seemed like a mile, came to a small cottage, the lake sparkling behind it.

  The screen door slammed, and there was his mom, looking happy and much younger than Evan remembered.

  “I’m so happy you’re here.”

  She hugged him, then turned to Emily. His mom cocked her head.

  “You’re glowing. You’ll have to tell me your skincare secrets.”

  She hugged Emily.

  “I’ve missed you so much.”

  His wife smiled, her eyes full of tears.

  “I’ve missed you too.”

  “Come on inside. Ally went for a swim and Christina will be here in an hour or two.”

  Evan grabbed their bags as Emily chatted with his mom. They both looked happy, and for a moment Evan wished he could find a way for them to live close to each other, but his mom said she loved it here, and there weren’t any big companies nearby where Evan could make the money he was making now.

  It took forever to get to her mom’s place. Up and down, around and around. Why were there so many mountains?

  When the driver finally turned off onto the road that should lead to her moms, Christina caught sight of the lake her mom and sister were always going on and on about. It was pretty, but it wasn’t the ocean.

  She wrinkled her nose. It smelled different here, instead of salt, and sunscreen, and spicy food. It smelled like wet dog and decaying leaves.

  The road curved again and there was the cottage. It was so tiny compared to her childhood home. Christina had no idea her mom was going through such a rough time.

  The driver helped her with her bags and assured her that he’d be here on Tuesday morning to pick her up and take her to the airport. She thanked him as she grabbed her bag and ran up the porch steps.

  Before she could knock, the door flew open.

  “You’re here.” Ally pulled her into a hug, smothering her.

  “Hey, sis. Wow, you and mom sure are out in the middle of nowhere.”

  Ally rolled her eyes.

  “It’s not the big city, but give it a chance. Blueberry Hill will grow on you. Come on in, Evan’s already here.”

  The little house was cute. She could see her mom and sister’s touch in the curtains and cushions they’d made. The house was laid out to maximize the views of the lake. As she looked at the
water, Christina blinked. Oh, there was a waterfall at the far end of the lake. That was pretty.

  “You’re here. How was the ride?”

  Her mom kissed her on the cheek.

  “I’m so happy you could make it. You have to tell us everything going on with you.”

  Emily came in from the patio through the sliding glass doors, greeting her with a hug.

  “It’s great to see you.”

  Emily tossed her an apple.

  “I know you love Honeycrisp apples. Your mom has an orchard full of them.”

  Christina took the apple, delighted to see her sister-in-law.

  “It’s good to see you too. You look amazing.”

  She took a bite, savoring the crisp crunch.

  “I can’t believe you can just pick these. They’re so expensive at home.”

  Her mom smiled, looking happy to have them all together again.

  “Help yourself. Next month the Crimson Crisp apples will be ready. They’re supposed to be even better than the Honeycrisp.”

  Christina pursed her lips. “You just want me to come back.”

  “I do.”

  Her mom picked up Christina’s bag.

  “I was going to put you in the middle bedroom, but then I remembered you like to sleep in when you don’t have to work so you’re upstairs. It will be quiet and we won’t bother you when we get up early. The guys just finished the attic. Wait until you see the space. It’s my workroom, but there’s a really comfortable pullout sofa.”

  “Thanks, mom. I like to stay up late and get up late though when I find a new job, I’ll probably be on a regular schedule and will have to get up early during the week.”

  She followed her mom upstairs.

  “It’s beautiful up here.”

  The space was clean and modern with windows at each end. Her mom had already pulled the bed out, and made it up so it would be ready if she wanted a nap. She discreetly wiped her eyes. It was so nice to feel wanted and to have her mom asking about her life.

  Christina turned to her mom. “Are you excited about the new design job?”

  Her mom’s eyes shone.

  “Beyond excited. And a little scared.”

  Christina took the bag from her mom and dropped it on the floor next to her bed.

  “Don’t be. You have such a great eye for color. I get so many compliments on the shorts you made me. Let me know when they’re in the shop so I can tell people.”

  Her mom showed her the small refrigerator. “Catch me up on your life, sweetheart.”

  Christina told her mom about looking for a job, how she hadn’t found anything yet, but hoped she would soon. And how she wasn’t dating anyone. It was hard to find someone that she could see as a father to the kids she wanted. That she worried she was getting older, and didn’t want to be an old mom. All her mom’s reassurances did little to ease Christina’s worries.

  “I’m sorry there’s not a bathroom up here. I added a second bathroom downstairs so you can use either one on the main floor.”

  “Evan and Emily are in Ally’s room? Where’s she sleeping, the middle bedroom?”

  Her mom looked happy and sad at the same time.

  “She’s moved next door, house-sitting for the people who own the big house on the right. It’s for two years.” Instead of looking sad, her mom grinned.

  “They have an enormous pool that’s heated year round. We can’t wait to swim when it’s snowing. The lake is getting too cold to swim in, so it’s nice to have the pool. Let’s go downstairs and I’ll fix you a snack.”

  They stopped in the kitchen to grab a drink and snack before joining everyone out on the patio.

  “I’ve never seen snow.” Christina thought it might be nice for a day, but not for a whole season. She liked the heat and the sun.

  “You’ll have to come back and stay longer so you can see the snow.” Her sister looked happy too. Maybe there was something to this place?

  Christina greeted everyone, making sure to hug her brother. He looked worn out. So much so, she didn’t want to ask him about work.

  As they all caught up with each other, Christina relaxed, thankful not to be traveling.

  She was about to ask Emily what was going on, when Evan spoke up. He took Emily’s hand in his. They were both beaming, and suddenly she knew.

  “We have news.”

  Emily smiled so big her eyes practically disappeared in her face.

  “We’re pregnant.”

  Everyone started talking at once, congratulating them.

  “Wait. You’re how far along?” Christina frowned.

  “Just about four months.”

  “And you’re just telling us now?”

  “Quiet.” Ally hissed.

  But Emily shook her head.

  “We wanted to wait. To be safe.” She patted Evan’s hand.

  “I had a miscarriage last year when I was two months along.”

  Evan took her hands in his.

  “We were devastated, so we wanted to make sure everything was okay before we said anything.”

  Emily smiled. “I’m due the end of February.”

  Her mom hugged her sister-in-law. Christina was happy for them, and sorry she’d acted the way she had. It must have been hard for them to lose a baby. Torn between jealousy, longing and happiness, she made the conscious decision to be happy for Emily. One day it would be her turn.

  “I’m really glad we’re all here together.”

  Christina looked at her family, the first time they were in one place without her dad. She thought it might make her sad, but it didn’t, not any longer.

  Chapter 18

  Christina yawned as she walked barefoot into the kitchen.

  “Morning.” She eyed the counter, her mouth falling open. “What are you doing?”

  “Making eggs.”

  She blinked at her mom, wondering if she was losing it?

  “Ally. Evan. Emily. Come quick, you have to see what mom’s doing.”

  Her mother rolled her eyes and turned up the music, some old rock power ballad that made Christina cringe. While her mom listened to current music, she loved old eighties music, which drove Christina up the wall.

  Ally came in from outside, dusting her hands off on her shorts.

  “Hey, sis. What are you yelling about?”

  “Look at all the eggs.”

  Her sister looked at the plates of eggs lined up on the counter and shrugged.

  Christina scowled at her sister.

  “Mom. Seriously. What’s up with the eggs?”

  Her mom had plates of eggs, all cooked a different way, lined up in a row all down the island.

  “I’m trying to decide how I like my eggs.”

  Evan ran a hand through his hair as he stumbled into the kitchen.

  “You like them scrambled.” He sniffed. “What’s for breakfast? Besides eggs.”

  “Do I?” Her mom frowned at the plate of scrambled eggs.

  “I don’t really know. Your dad loved scrambled eggs, so that’s what I ate.”

  As Christina and her siblings watched, looks of amusement on their faces, her mom took a bite of the scrambled eggs. Then she moved to the plate of fried eggs and tasted those. Next was a poached egg, and so on, until she’d tasted each type of egg she’d cooked.

  “Well?” Christina wondered if her mom was having trouble coping since the divorce?

  “I like them over easy medium with crunchy edges.”

  Her sister grabbed a fork from the drawer and went down the line, tasting each type of egg.

  “I agree, but I still like them scrambled the best.”

  Evan liked them poached while Emily said the smell made her feel nauseous, so she went outside until they were done, and they cleaned the eggs up.

  “Aren’t you going to try them?” Ally pointed to the eggs.

  Christina rolled her eyes. They were all ridiculous.

  “Nope. I like mine scrambled. Always have always will.”
r />   Tara was packing aprons in the tote bag for all of them when there was a knock at the door.

  “Will. How nice to see you.”

  He was dressed in a pair of jeans and blue chambray button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

  “I told Evan I’d show him around town while you ladies go to your class.” He winked at her. “What are you making, mouse houses or something?”

  It was so nice of him to think of Evan being left here alone while they all went to the pottery class.

  “Trivets.”

  She ran a hand through her hair.

  “The class is at the community center. We thought it would be fun.”

  Tara was about to knock on the bedroom door, when it opened and Evan and Emily came out.

  Will nodded to Evan.

  “Want to take a look around town? The brewery is having a tasting today. Thought we could grab a bite and a taste.”

  The relief that spread across her son’s face made Tara laugh.

  “Yes. Whatever you have in mind, yes.”

  Her son looked like he’d gotten a good night’s sleep. Over the past year since the announcement of the restructuring at his company, he’d been working so many hours. Tara hoped it would pay off for him.

  Emily kissed him, happiness radiating from every pore of her skin.

  “Don’t worry, we weren’t going to drag you along. Go and have fun. I’m looking forward to spending time with your mom and sisters. It’s been way too long.”

  Evan picked his phone up off the table. “If you need me, call.”

  Tara followed them out to the truck, her hand on the open window.

  “Thank you for thinking of him.”

  Will covered her hand with his.

  “He seemed a bit outnumbered when I stopped by yesterday. We men have to stick together.”

  Tara and Emily waved goodbye as the truck pulled away. Her daughter-in-law turned to her. “Are you two dating?”