by Kay Correll
“That should keep you busy this fall.”
“It should.” Harry put down his beer and looked directly at Jamie. “How about you. Plans for the fall? Like maybe going up to Kentucky and seeing Cindy?”
“She asked me to give her time. I’m doing just that.”
“Maybe she’d like to see you now.”
“I’m doing what she asked.”
“You’re a stubborn one, Jamie McFarlane. Ever think that maybe by now she’d like to hear from you?”
“She knows where I am. She knows how I feel. It’s up to Cindy to make the next move.”
“If you say so, buddy.”
* * *
Cindy had avoided going to dinner at her parents’ in the two months since the non-wedding. She’d done no socializing at the club and gone to no parties. As she walked into her parents’ home, she wasn’t sure she’d made the right decision to come tonight.
“There you are, Cynthia.” Her mother rose from the sofa and came forward.
“I got tied up at work, I’m sorry.” Cindy glanced at her watch. She wasn’t late, just not early like she usually was.
Vanessa sipped on a martini, a look of disdain clearly on her face. “I can’t believe you took that job with a hotel chain, for goodness sake. You work such ridiculous hours. You had such a cushy job when you worked for Luxury Interior Designs. Everyone we know uses their services.”
Only it hadn’t been a great job for her. She’d done a lot of the design work, and the owner took all the credit. She was finished with people taking advantage of her. She’d applied for the job at Hamilton Hotels and shown her portfolio. Delbert Hamilton had hired her immediately to coordinate the interior design of the new hotels he was opening. He was trying to make his own mark on the hotel chain his father had started.
But she didn’t bother to explain all that to Vanessa. She just smiled. “I love my job.”
Vanessa shot her a doubtful look.
Her father strode into the room, crossed over, and gave her a hug. “I’m glad you decided to come, my dear. I’ve missed you. How’s the job going?”
“It’s going great. I’m learning a lot.”
“Glad to hear that.” Her father reached into the small refrigerator behind the bar and pulled out a beer. “Care to join me?” He held up a bottle.
Cindy grinned. “I’d love to.”
Her father popped off the cap and poured a beer into a glass for her.
“Really, Henry. I don’t think you should encourage her.”
“Encourage her is exactly what we should be doing. Encourage her with her new job, any decisions she makes. We need to be more supportive.”
Cindy looked at her father, stunned with his speech.
“But… beer?” Vanessa wrinkled her nose. “Oh, did I tell you? I ran into George at the club. He’s dating Gloria Wiltshire.”
“Well, good luck to her.” Cindy took a drink of her beer. Her father raised his glass to her.
They all walked into the dining room and sat down to the big meal her parents’ cook had made. Her mother and Vanessa talked nonstop about people at the club, someone’s impending divorce, and Vanessa’s newest conquest… Trip Henderson.
“Trip couldn’t come tonight. He had a business meeting. He’s very busy.”
This was Vanessa’s third serious boyfriend in two months…
“Cynthia, do you want me to check if I can get my hairdresser to fit you in and see if he can do something with your hair if you’re going to insist on wearing it down all the time now?” Her mother’s face was creased with displeasure.
Her father shot her mother a disapproving glare with a slight shake of his head.
“No, I’m fine with it like it is. Thanks, though.” Cindy took another bite of food, wondering how much longer dinner could last. She reached for another roll.
“You’re not going to have a second roll are you?” Vanessa’s eyes widened.
“Vanessa, you’re not to comment on your sister’s choices. Not food, not jobs, not… well, anything.” Her father admonished her sister.
“But she needs to watch her weight if she wants to start dating good, eligible men again.”
The last thing Cindy wanted was to date someone who Vanessa considered an eligible man.
“That’s enough, Vanessa. I mean it.” Her father set down his glass and glared at Vanessa. “We’re not going to play the let’s-tell-Cindy-what’s-wrong-with-her game anymore. I’m proud of her. She stood up to George and his philandering ways. She went out and got a great job.”
Her father turned to her. “I am proud of you. I should tell you that more often. I couldn’t be more proud to call you my daughter.”
Cindy swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked back tears. “I… ah… thanks, Dad.”
“Now, have you done any thinking about that young man back on Belle Island?”
Cindy looked at her father in astonishment. “Jamie?”
“Yes, the MacFarlane fellow.”
“The guy that works the front desk at the inn?” Vanessa set down her fork and scowled.
“The guy who owns the inn,” Cindy corrected.
“But why would Cindy think about him?” Her mother looked truly confused.
“It’s clear from looking at him that he cares about Cindy. Anyone can see that. How do you feel about him?”
Cindy wasn’t sure she was ever going to get used to this new version of her father. “I… I care about him. I have for a long time. He… he’s the best friend I’ve ever had.”
“And what are you going to do about that?” Her father raised an eyebrow.
* * *
“Jamie, quit slamming the drawers.” Susan looked at her son.
“I can’t find the darn paperwork with the estimates on painting the front of the inn.”
“And slamming drawers helps?”
“It does.” He slammed another drawer.
“I’m sorry you’re hurting.”
Jamie looked up at her and sighed. “She hasn’t called. Not once. I haven’t spoken with her in three months and two days.”
“She said she needed time, son.”
“How much time? What if she never comes back?”
“She’ll come back.”
“You don’t know that for sure.” He jerked the missing file from the stack of papers on his desk with a flourish. The pages cascaded to the floor. He swore, then quickly looked up. “Sorry, Mom.”
“I was going to go meet up with Tally and Julie, but maybe it would be better if I stayed.”
“No, I’m fine. I’m sorry. I am. I don’t mean to take it out on you. You go on.”
Susan crossed over and put her hand on Jamie’s shoulder. “Okay, I’ll be back soon, though. Then maybe you should take a break.”
“Maybe.” Jamie leaned down and started scooping up papers.
“I’ll be at The Sweet Shoppe. Back soon.”
“Have a good time.”
Susan left the inn and quickly walked the distance to The Sweet Shoppe. The September morning was still hot and sunny and she relished the bit of freedom she had from work in the slower fall season, even as she regretted the loss of customers at the inn, the ebb and flow of island business.
She pushed inside and waved a hand in greeting to Tally and Julie. They were already seated at a table by the window with a carafe of coffee and plate of baked goodies on the table. She had no idea how Julie stayed so thin surrounded by all the delectable things she baked.
“Sorry I’m late. Jamie was in some mood when I left. I’m worried about him.”
“He still hasn’t heard from Cindy?” Tally scooted out a chair for Susan.
“No, and it’s driving him crazy.”
“Maybe he should go see her.” Julie set down her cup of coffee.
“She asked for time, and he’s giving it to her. Jamie’s heart is breaking a little bit more each day she stays away, though. I can see it.”
“I think she’ll be bac
k when she’s ready.” Tally’s voice was filled with conviction. “She needs some time to figure things out. It’s clear she cares about Jamie.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Tally’s always right about love, haven’t you heard?” Julie grinned. “I listened to her and see where it got me.”
“How is Reed?”
“He’s great. All settled into his big old house. You guys saw how big it is, didn’t you? Though, it does have a killer view.” Julie picked up her coffee and set it right back down. “I… well, we had a talk the other night. There are some things I didn’t know about Reed.”
“More secrets?” Tally’s forehead wrinkled.
“Well, it’s more like details he didn’t tell me. Like he’s… rich. I mean really, really rich.”
“No kidding. Doesn’t act like it.”
“So, it seems he inherited a bunch of family money along with making some big old salary at his job. He regularly has a driver and a housekeeper. He showed me pictures of his home and it’s… large. Like estate large.”
“And you had no idea?” Susan asked.
“He said that women were often interested in him for his money. He’s known around Seattle as the rich eligible bachelor. He liked knowing that I fell for him, the man, not him the man with money.”
“How do you feel about all this? Did he tell you this because he wants a prenuptial or something?” Susan knew all about prenuptial pitfalls.
“No, actually he specifically said we weren’t going to have one. What is his, is mine. I’m just not used to thinking about having money like that.”
“You’re still going to keep The Sweet Shoppe, aren’t you?” Tally leaned back in her chair.
“Of course.”
“Well, then I don’t see what the big deal is. He’s a good man. I guess a rich, good man.” Tally smiled. “He obviously loves you.”
“I think it will just take me time to get used to the idea of having money. He offered to upgrade the kitchen here, or move me to a larger space, but I don’t want his help. This shop is something I’ve made on my own. I want to keep it that way.”
“He understood that?” Susan asked.
“I think so. I hope so. He did ask if he could have the van seat recovered where the spring is poking out of the rip in the vinyl now that he’s driving. He says he wants to help with deliveries when he has time.”
Susan laughed. “I’d let him do that.”
“I might.” Julie grinned.
Susan looked over at her friend, getting ready to marry into money. She was once in that exact position. Well, not exactly. She and Russell hadn’t been madly in love, and Russell hadn’t wanted to share any of his money.
Okay, nothing like it at all.
“So when you were talking to him, did you discuss a wedding date?” Susan was all ready to host the wedding at the inn if that’s what Julie wanted.
“We talked about it, but I didn’t commit to anything yet. It’s all so… well, it’s all so much. I can’t believe it’s happening to me and I keep thinking the other shoe is going to fall.”
“You deserve the happiness you’re getting.” Tally reached over and covered Julie’s hand. “You just need to believe that you’re worth it and reach out and take all the happiness that Reed is offering.”
Chapter 22
“Jamie.”
He turned at the sound of his name. Harry crossed the deck of the inn.
“Your mother told me I’d probably find you here.”
“Did she tell you that she basically threw me out of the inn? She’d been over with Julie and Tally and came back and just… tossed me out.”
“Might have mentioned that. Might have asked me to talk to you.” Harry grinned. “So I guess Cindy really got under your skin, huh?”
“You could say that. It feels like all those years ago when she left and never came back.”
“But she did come back.”
“To marry that jerk, George.”
“But she was smart enough to call it off.” Harry leaned against the deck railing.
“Then she disappeared again. It’s been three months now. Three months. Well, three months and two days.”
“So, you love her, right?”
Jamie looked at his friend. “I do. I admit I fell hard for her when she was back here. I’d forgotten how easy she is to be with. We connected again, and I hope I get a chance with her. You know, if she ever comes back.”
“I bet she will after she has some time to process everything. I mean she was all the way up to the altar with that George guy. She probably just needs time.”
“I'm giving her time, it’s just not easy. I… miss her. Miss talking to her.”
“Buck up, old man. You’re driving your mother crazy.”
“I know I am. I’m driving myself crazy. Arguing with myself about calling her or not. Heck the other day I almost jumped in my car to drive to Kentucky to see her. Not that I even know if she’s back home in Kentucky. I have no idea how she’s doing.”
“Well, listen to your mom and go take a long walk and clear your head.”
“I probably should before my mother strangles me. I know I’ve been hard to live with.”
“You have been. We all want the old Jamie back.” Harry pushed off the railing. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Thanks, Harry. I swear I’ll get it together soon.”
Harry raised a hand in a brief wave as he crossed the deck and slipped inside the inn. Jamie turned and trudged down the steps to the beach.
Jamie headed to Lighthouse Point. His mother was right, he'd been in a foul mood for days. Well, pretty much since Cindy had left. He'd been willing to give her space, he just hadn't known how hard it would actually be. Every single day he'd wanted to pick up his phone and call her. Every single day he had to talk himself out of it. He knew she needed time. She’d asked for it. He needed to respect her wishes, even if it was slowly killing him.
He should shake himself out of his mood, though, because it wasn't fair to his mother, or Dorothy, or anyone around him.
But he missed her with every breath he drew.
* * *
Cindy stood on the front porch of Belle Island Inn, gathering her courage to go inside and find Jamie. He was probably mad at her for not contacting him in over three months. She just hadn’t known what to say to him and needed time to sort things out. But it was way past time to talk to him. She pushed through the door and headed inside.
Susan looked up from the reception desk and a warm smile quickly spread across her face. “Welcome back.”
“Hi, Susan.”
“Well, I know someone who will sure be happy to see you.”
“I have a new job with Hamilton Hotels and we are opening a hotel in Sarasota. I’m doing the interior design for the hotel. I love it. So challenging and rewarding. I just got to Sarasota last night and drove straight over to Belle Island today after checking on a few things for the hotel. Is Jamie here?” There was this slight doubt nagging her that Jamie had changed his mind, that she’d waited too long.
“I just sent him out for a walk. He’s been a bit difficult since you left.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be. He said you needed time and wanted to give it to you.”
“Jamie always knows what I need and gives it to me.”
“You can wait here for him, or try to find him.”
“I bet he headed to Lighthouse Point if he was upset.”
“Good guess.” Susan grinned.
Cindy’s heartbeat quickened. “I’ll find him.”
Susan nodded as Cindy turned and hurried out the door. Within minutes she was quickly walking along the familiar water’s edge, headed toward Lighthouse Point. She spotted him as soon as she made it around the bend. He was standing with a hand shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun as he watched a blue heron fly methodically over the waves. She quickened her pace, her heart pounding and her emotions
doing flip flops with every step she took.
He turned and saw her as she got closer. A grin spread across his face and he started walking towards her. She ran into his waiting arms and he swung her around with a laugh. “You’re back, Dream Girl.”
“I am back.”
“Man, I missed you.” Jamie murmured the words against her ear as he held her close. His heart beat in rhythm with hers, in perfect sync, which didn’t surprise her. They’d always been in perfect sync. It had just taken her a while to find her way back to him.
“I missed you, too. So much. Things kept happening and I wanted to talk to you, but you weren’t there.”
“No, I was here, waiting for you to come back to me.”
“Thank you for giving me some time.” She pulled back and looked up into his eyes. “I’m back now, if you still feel the same way. I love you, Jamie. I think I have for my whole life.”
Jamie looked down at her. “I love you, too. I can’t imagine ever being with anyone else.”
“I feel the exact same way. I not only love you, you’re my best friend, the one I want to share everything with.”
Jamie pulled back from her and she frowned. “What’s the matter?”
He dropped to one knee in front of her. “I don’t have a ring yet, but I’ll fix that immediately. I love you, will you marry me?”
“Oh, Jamie. Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.” She dropped to the sand beside him. “Let’s get married. Really soon.”
“Let’s do just that, Dream Girl.” With that, Jamie pulled her close and kissed her slowly and gently, pressing against her lips. It took her breath away and she was sure she saw fireworks and heard angels singing. This, this is what it was like to be in love.
Chapter 23
Cindy couldn’t ask for a more perfect October day for her wedding. The sun was shining, the temperature was warm, not hot. She and Jamie invited just a few people. Her parents and Vanessa came, but her father held a tight rein on any comments her mother or sister might make. Josephine, Paul, and Bella came, along with Harry. Tally, Julie, and Susan completed the wedding guests. A simple wedding with every detail exactly how Cindy wanted it.
