It didn’t matter how hard they pushed, Ian thought. Nothing would come of their efforts. How could it? He might be infatuated with her but anything beyond a few kisses was completely impossible.
* * *
“I UNDERSTAND YOU went hiking this morning with Ian Summerhill and his children.”
Samantha gaped at Katrina later that evening as they sat together on the terrace of Serenity Harbor, the luxurious house where her friend lived with her family.
“How on earth could you know that?”
“Jennifer Hyer said she saw you going up the trail to Bridal Veil Falls when she was coming down.”
She barely remembered bumping into Jen on the trail among all the other hikers they had passed on their way up, maybe because she’d been so busy trying not to wheeze her way up the trail and to keep her attraction to Ian under wraps.
Now that she thought of it, she remembered seeing Jen running down the trail with another of her fit friends and having a completely petty urge to trip her skinny butt. One she would never act on, of course.
“And she had to phone you the moment she had cell service again so she could gossip about it?”
“Are you kidding? When Samantha Fremont is caught out and about with the most exciting new arrival to hit Haven Point in a long time, tongues are going to wag, my dear.”
Well, she had to agree on one point at least. Ian Summerhill was exciting. She wasn’t sure her heart rate had settled down yet, hours after that seductive kiss. Even now, sitting with Kat after her friend had spontaneously invited her over for dinner, Sam was having a hard time focusing on anything but the memories she couldn’t seem to shake.
Those were her memories, though, and she didn’t want anybody else in town ruining them with prurient gossip.
“The busy tongues in Haven Point can mind their own business. There’s nothing going on between me and Ian Summerhill.”
It wasn’t precisely true but she wasn’t prepared to divulge anything more to Katrina.
Her best friend had enough on her plate right now and far more important things to worry about than Sam’s pathetic love life problems.
“Nothing? Are you sure? Apparently you’re getting along well enough with him that you were even willing to go out into nature to enjoy our gorgeous surroundings,” Katrina teased.
Though they had been BFFs since they were in grade school, she and Katrina had always had different tastes. Katrina was far more outdoorsy than Sam, frequently taking advantage of the lake and the mountains to kayak, ski, hike. Her friend’s latest craze was stand-up paddle boarding, which Sam had tried with minimal success.
“You know I’m happiest with my sketchbook and a good TV show,” Sam said.
She had a sudden mental picture of Ian sitting by the fire somewhere in England, maybe wearing a nubby Irish fisherman’s sweater—jumper, he would call it—his hair a little messy and a distracted look in his eyes. She would be sitting beside him, sketching a new design while she alternated between watching him and watching the children playing a game on the floor at their feet.
Yearning swelled through her at the imaginary scene until she caught herself and pushed the picture away.
She had to cut this out. She was not destined for a future with Ian and his children. There was no possible way anything would work out between them and she had to get that straight in her head now before she started weaving all kinds of dangerous fantasies.
Starry-eyed Samantha. She couldn’t seem to stop spinning impossible dreams.
“I’m glad you tore yourself away from your sewing machine long enough to go with them. Summer feels so fleeting this year, for some reason.”
Their winters could be harsh here on the lake, which was one reason locals tended to cram as much outdoor recreation as possible into every available moment until the snow began to fly again.
By the time frosty mornings returned to the lake, Ian and his children would be gone. She tried to ignore the sharp pang in her heart.
With the uncanny perception that came from years of close friendship, Katrina gave her a careful look. “You like this guy, don’t you?” she asked, her voice soft.
To her horror, Sam’s throat felt tight, achy. She ruthlessly swallowed down the emotion. “I barely know Ian. But yes. He seems very nice and his children are so sweet.” She did her best to sound brisk, businesslike. “Unlike Gemma, however, he won’t be uprooting his life to take a job in a new country. And since I have a life here and am not a fan of long-distance relationships, pursuing anything more than a friendship between us is kind of pointless, isn’t it?”
Katrina gave her careful look. Her friend knew her better than anyone else on earth. Even better than Linda had. Katrina knew how much Sam longed for a family of her own. She yearned for a man who would love her without restraint and would never leave her, children she would treat with kindness and respect, cherishing every moment she had with them instead of constantly finding fault and criticizing.
She wouldn’t be able to bear it if Katrina said anything about that right now so she quickly changed the subject. “Did the gossips also tell you Gemma’s parents are in town? They showed up a week before they were expected.”
Kat shook her head. “Interesting. I hadn’t heard that news. Apparently it hasn’t made the rounds yet.”
“They’ve only been in town a few hours. Give it time.”
Kat smiled. “Are they staying with Ian and his children?”
“No. They’re staying at a cottage near Gemma’s house. Their names are Margaret and Henry and they seem charming, just as you would expect Gemma’s parents to be. Their father seems a little formal but Margaret was very kind.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything else, knowing Gemma.”
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, broken only by the water lapping at the shore and the laughter of Gabi and Milo.
Bowie and Katrina had created a warm and loving family here. Sam always had the best feeling when she came to Serenity Harbor. The place was aptly named, offering a calm and contentment rarely found anywhere else.
“I have news,” Katrina announced after a moment with a funny, half-wary and half-excited expression that told Sam she’d only been waiting for the right moment to spring it on her.
“What news?”
“I haven’t even told my family yet. Only Bowie knows.”
“You’re pregnant,” Sam guessed instantly without a bit of surprise in her voice.
Katrina’s mouth opened with shock. “How did you know?”
Sam made a face. “How long have we known each other? It’s a little obvious. You always glow when Bowie’s around but I’ve noticed something more the last few times I’ve seen you. I could tell the moment I arrived that there was something different. That’s why you invited me over tonight, to spring the news on me, right?”
Katrina looked over at Bowie, who was monitoring the steaks on the grill and keeping a careful eye on the kids. The joy in her eyes made Sam’s heart squeeze again.
“We had decided that Milo and Gabi were enough for us but apparently Mother Nature had other ideas,” Katrina confided. “It wasn’t planned. For the record, even the best birth control methods aren’t a hundred percent effective.”
“Are you okay with it?”
“More than okay.” Kat looked luminous with happiness. “Some of life’s best gifts come in unexpected packages.”
“Then I think it’s wonderful,” Sam said promptly. “Congratulations. You’re a fabulous mother already and will only have more love to give this little one. And Milo and Gabi will be wonderful older siblings. When are you due?”
“Not until the new year.”
“I’d better get busy sewing, then. You’ll have the best-dressed baby in Haven Point, whether it’s a boy or a girl.”
Katrina laughed, then abruptly grew teary. �
��I love you, you know. You were the first one I wanted to tell as soon as the plus sign showed up on the test. I haven’t even told my family yet. I’m springing the news on them tomorrow.”
Sam reached out and squeezed her hand. When Katrina married Bowie, she had worried their friendship would end now that their lives were going in different directions. It was wonderful to know the bond between them was as strong as ever.
“I love you right back. You are the sister of my heart, you know.”
“I hope that never changes,” Katrina said. “Even if you end up with a handsome Englishman who steals you away across the ocean from me.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Sam said with that little pang in her heart again. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be the doting maiden aunt to this baby and any others who come along, spoiling them with toys and clothes and candy their parents don’t let them have.”
Katrina snorted a little, but before she could argue the unlikelihood of that, Bowie called to them.
“Steaks are ready,” he said.
Katrina sighed. “I don’t want to move. I don’t remember when I’ve been this comfortable.”
Sam smiled. She had to agree. It was a perfect Sunday evening, here by the lake.
“Mama! Get up!” Gabi ordered in her bossy voice. “I am hungry.”
Samantha laughed and scooped up the little girl, twirling her around. “It’s all right. I’ll eat her share,” she said.
Gabi giggled as Samantha carried her over to the table with Katrina close behind.
It was a perfect Sunday evening, she thought as she sat down on the terrace overlooking the water. Good food, dear friends, joyful news to savor.
Too bad she eventually would have to go back home to her empty house and her empty bed and her empty life.
CHAPTER NINE
WHAT IN BLAZES was he doing heading into a dress shop for a wedding fitting?
Ian grabbed his mother’s arm and helped her up the curb to the pavement along the road in the charming business district of Haven Point.
This area of town had a cozy feel to it, Ian had to admit. It reminded him a great deal of the village near Summerhill House. He admired the historic-looking lampposts and their hanging flowerpots overflowing with blossoms that sent a sweet smell to stir the morning air.
They headed in the direction of Samantha’s shop, clearly marked by a light blue awning out front emblazoned with the words Fremont Fashions in fancy script. He could see several dresses in the display window and he noticed with approval that the store had a park bench out front, presumably so dutiful husbands—or sons, in this case—could stay safely out of the way during the serious business of shopping.
“Thank you again for giving me a ride, darling,” his mother said, squeezing his arm. “The idea of tackling the roads here where everyone drives on the wrong side fills me with utter dread.”
“Once you get the hang of it, driving here isn’t bad. I find it simply takes a little practice.”
“Well, you rescued me. I didn’t know what I would do after your father ended up having to schedule a conference call this morning. The difference in time zones gives him a very narrow window for taking care of things at home.”
“I’m sure.”
“Your sister is coming straight from her office, as well, and I didn’t want her to have to pop out of her way to pick me up, especially when you were just a few streets over.”
No two addresses in Haven Point were particularly far from each other. Gemma no doubt could have picked up their mother without any bother. He had been available, though, and hadn’t seen any good reason to refuse her request.
“I don’t mind,” Ian told her again. “While you’re busy trying things on, I’ll just head over to the bookshop down the street and catch up on some reading.”
“You should at least come in and say hello to Samantha. It’s the neighborly thing to do, right?”
He narrowed his gaze at his mother, certain again that she had more than dress shopping on her mind. Despite her best efforts at subterfuge, Margaret was wholly transparent. He suspected the entire reason she had asked him for a ride had more to do with her ill-fated matchmaking efforts on his behalf than any real need.
In this case, though, she was probably correct. Since he had agreed to bring his mother to her shop, Samantha would find it odd if he didn’t at least say hello.
“Yes. All right,” he finally said. “I’ll pop in, but only for a moment. I am quite sure I’ll only be in the way.”
“You could never be in the way, darling,” his mother said, which both of them knew was a complete falsehood. He didn’t see the point in arguing with her and decided to keep his mouth shut.
By then, they had reached the front entrance to the shop. He was aware of a little burst of anticipation as Margaret pushed open the door, which gave a cheerful little chime.
When he walked inside, he immediately felt out of place. The store was decorated in pink and gilt with Tiffany-blue accents. Something told him this decor hadn’t been Samantha’s choice, though he couldn’t have said exactly how he knew that with such surety.
A young woman with choppy dark hair who seemed to be around the age of his students was rearranging the display in one of the windows. She gave them a friendly smile. “Hello. May I help you find something?”
“Yes,” his mother said, smiling in return. “I’m looking for my daughter. Gemma Summerhill.”
“Oh, of course. She’s just arrived. She and Samantha are in the largest fitting room. It’s just through that door there.”
As Margaret turned to go in that direction, the store clerk gave Ian an appraising look. “I know you’re not the groom. I’ve met Josh Bailey. I have to ask, are you part of the wedding party?”
“I’m Gemma’s brother.”
And I absolutely don’t belong in this soft, sweet-smelling, feminine space, he wanted to add.
“Oh, how fun that you came for the dress fitting!” she said. “It’s a true family affair.”
“I’m only the chauffeur,” he quickly explained. “I’m not here for the fitting.”
His mother headed toward the back of Samantha’s shop where the clerk had indicated. She slipped through the door, leaving Ian uncertain about what to do. Should he accompany her, wait here or head over to the bookshop?
He hesitated, feeling big and male and out of place amid all the flowers and gilt and fabrics.
He was about to turn and escape when the door through which his mother had slipped opened again and Samantha bustled through, making notes on a clipboard. She was dressed in a plain white blouse, navy slacks and matching sandals. He caught a fleeting glimpse of pink-painted toes that for some ridiculous reason made his heartbeat kick up.
She almost ran into him before she realized he was there. “Oh,” she exclaimed, looking up from her clipboard. “Hello.”
He couldn’t seem to stop staring, wishing more than anything that he had the right to pull her hair out of that loose bun and run his fingers through it.
Oh, lord. Had he really told her he was infatuated with her? He was such an idiot.
“Hi,” he managed.
A little hint of pink appeared on each cheekbone and he immediately wanted to touch his mouth to both spots.
He closed his eyes, mortified at himself. “My, uh, mother rang me for a ride. I’ve just dropped her off.”
Of course he had. She must have seen his mother only seconds earlier. What other possible reason would he have for being there?
“That’s nice of you. Thank you. I only needed to find a particular pattern book I think your mother might like.”
“She’s very much looking forward to working with you,” he said.
For some reason, his words seemed to spark panic in her eyes.
“How am I going to find the pe
rfect dress for your mother and finish it in less than two weeks?”
He didn’t want her upset. He wanted to tuck her against him and make everything all right for her, no matter what it might take. “Easy enough,” he said. “You only have to tell her you don’t have time. She brought two dresses along that she picked up at home. One of them will be perfectly fine.”
“Not if she doesn’t like them.”
“She liked them well enough when she bought them,” he pointed out in what he thought was a perfectly reasonable argument. “If it will help, I suggested she bring them both along so that you might have a better idea of her tastes. They’re both in the car. Would you like me to fetch them?”
She stared at him, eyes wide and a dawning relief on her lovely features. “Ian. You’re brilliant!”
“Am I?”
“Yes. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. Maybe instead of starting from zero, I can simply alter one of the dresses your mother brought along to make it more to her liking.”
“From what I’ve seen, I’m sure you have the necessary skill to work magic with the dresses she has. If I were a woman, I would definitely want to shop here.”
It was a stupid thing to say but somehow seemed to hit the right note, anyway. She gazed at him, eyes wide again but this time with a stunned, luminous happiness. “Thank you for saying that.”
“You’re welcome,” he said gruffly.
They stared at each other long enough that it began to feel awkward. He cleared his throat. “Right, then. Shall I fetch the dresses?”
“Yes. Please. And thank you. A thousand times, thank you.”
It was a small thing to feel heroic about but he decided to take his small victories where he could find them. He unlocked the vehicle where the dresses were hanging. As he reached in to grab them, a man approached him.
“Need a hand with anything?”
He frowned at Gemma’s fiancé. “What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be anywhere in the vicinity. Gemma is inside trying on her wedding dress and you know she’ll have a fit if you see it before the wedding.”
Summer at Lake Haven Page 15
