Love at the Salted Caramel Cafe

by Angie Ellington

  “Do you mind if make a stop here,” Wes said as they neared the red covered bridge leading them out of Mill Hollows. He pulled over to a graveled lot.

  “I used to love coming out to the trails here growing up,” Sierra said. “This is the most photographed spot in Mill Hollows and for miles beyond. My mom calls it the Bridge of Madison County, in reference to a Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep film.”

  Wes chuckled. “I've heard of it. I'm sure my mom watched it, as well. This is where I'm doing my work. It's beautiful out here. I've watched a family of deer crossing the creeks every morning. I saw a black bear the other day. He was eating berries that had fallen onto the ground from a bush.”

  They walked down toward a large rock with the bridge in full view from behind. Wes pulled out his cell phone and took a photo of the bridge. They watched as a woman took a selfie on a rock. They walked over to her and Wes offered to take a photo for her. She thanked him.

  “You two look so in love,” the woman said, as Wes and Sierra exchanged devious smiles of amusement. “I remember those days of young love. I lost my husband last year. We used to drive out here every Autumn and visit the bridge and go walking along the trail by the old mill.”

  As tears welled in her eyes, Sierra touched her shoulder and pulled her in for a gentle hug. They nodded in agreement not to correct her assumption. Secretly, both wanted what she described.

  “Now, you two get over there and let me take a photo for you,” the woman demanded.

  Sierra and Wes exchanged hesitant looks, waiting on the other to make the first move to get into a faux couple mode pose.

  “Now, the stiff pose is over. Let loose. Dip her or something.”

  Wes was eager to oblige as infectious laughter took over from nervous awkward waist and shoulder touches. He pulled Sierra closer to him, and for a moment, time stood still. It was the first time both had felt a longing to kiss the other and an inability to move away. The woman took a photo and smiled with glee.

  “Now, dip,” she ordered.

  Wes leaned over Sierra as he scooped her back into his arms, lowering her into his grasp. The woman moved around them and continued to click the phone's camera button. Sierra and Wes remained fixated on each other as he forcefully pulled her upward. She stumbled over onto him, placing her hands upon his chest as he supported her waist.

  “I got some cute shots,” the lady said with pride.

  Awaking from the momentary alternate universe they seemed to have escaped to, they promptly stepped aside and thanked the woman.

  “Sorry about that. I didn't have the heart to tell her we weren't a couple,” Sierra said.

  “Neither did I,” Wes replied. “I'm not complaining about holding a beautiful woman close for a few photos. I'm up for impromptu photos with you anytime,” he chuckled.

  “Come on. Let's take a short walk near the mill.” Wes motioned for Sierra to follow him down toward a small flowing creek. He reached his hand to assist her down a rocky hill.

  “I can handle myself,” Sierra said playfully. Upon taking her next step, her foot slid and Wes caught her as she toppled over a rock wedged deep into the ground.

  “You were saying?” Wes mocked, still holding on to her arms against his chest.

  “Don't blame me. Blame that rock that didn't move for my feet,” Sierra scoffed.

  “I'm calculating sediment and land shifts along the trails. Collecting soil samples for environmental testing.”

  “A three month contract. That's what you said at the cabin, right? Are all of your contracts short-term?”

  “Yeah. I don't spend much time in one place. I haven't been in one state longer than six months since getting my doctorate a few years back. I was lucky that I was able to finish school with my masters degree and then work in Colorado while getting my doctorate. That's where my hometown is. Greeley.”

  “I love Colorado,” Sierra added. “I went on a ski trip once in college and again a few years ago to Aspen. I'd love to see other parts of the state when it isn't covered in snow. I imagine it's breathtaking and our mountains are quite different.”

  “There's good and bad to anywhere you live. I miss Colorado, but I don't miss the winters. It would already be snowing by now back home. I'm enjoying getting to savor Autumn for a bit. Even a few days of lingering summer find their way up the mountain on into late September from what I've been told. I like Virginia so far. It's growing on me rather quickly.”

  “Do you think there's any chance you could settle down and call somewhere home soon or is a life on the road what calls out to you?”

  “That's a good question. Two years ago, I'd have answered that much faster than I can now. When you move around, you don't have time to worry about much. It's exhilarating. But, it's also...”

  “Lonely?” Sierra interjected as Wes paused and looked away. A wave of somber stillness grew over him.

  “Yep. You learn to live with the fact that your friends get married and have kids. They say they're jealous of you, but really they aren't. They would trade places for a few weeks perhaps. It's just the way it is. I make good money and enjoy what I do, but now that I've spent so much time out of a suitcase, I'd like to find a more permanent position. I don't mind traveling occasionally, but staying in the cabin makes me want a home of my own. I'm usually in apartments or hotels. Occasionally, a house, but there's something about cabin living with a view of a mountain outside that's pretty hard to beat.”

  Sierra could relate to loneliness. Despite her relationship with Miles, she had felt alone for most of the time she'd been in Tampa. Friends came and went as life changed for them. Miles was really more of a friend who had pushed for more. That relationship had grown more from the want of someone special than palm-sweating, phone-checking, and butterfly-fluttering feelings of actually falling in love.

  They arrived within view of Dalton Mill; an old flour mill that had been out of use for longer than Sierra's lifetime, but still in good condition overall. The rock and wood exterior of the two story building had been kept up in the past, but now needed repairs. A red wheel that once churned lie silently against the side.

  “If the mill were more visible to those traveling by, this would be the hidden gem everyone would want as their photographic backdrop.

  “When I was in high school, my friends and I would camp in the park nearby and we'd come here and hike the trails, pan mine, and of course, sneak cheap wines with us in our backpacks.”

  “Sounds like the kind of weekends we had in Colorado. I wonder if we would've hit it off if we'd met in high school. I doubt it. You would've thought I was a total science nerd. And you would've been accurate.” Wes chuckled, reaching in front of them to push back a lowered tree branch. “If my rock jokes didn't win you over, my obsession with old muscle cars and loud exhaust pipes would have done the trick.”

  Sierra leaned onto his shoulder and pushed back with a charmed laugh. “I'm not sure we would've been friends back then. I was a skater girl until my senior year. Converse shoes. Lots of black. So much so that my parents became concerned that I had joined a cult. I played my Avril Lavigne CD so often that my sister broke it in half in one of our many arguments.”

  Wes wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she took his hand as they made their way back up toward the truck.

  “A skater girl and a rock collector. We would've been awesomely bad together,” Wes said as he opened the door for Sierra to hop inside the truck. He shut the door and looked back at Sierra as he walked around to the driver's side.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Canoeing alongside nature's views brought serenity to those paddling Carvin's Cove; evident by the exuberant hand waves of passers-by. Kayaks and canoes traveled the water. Hikers in boots canvassed the trails along the embankment. Sunshine dazzled across the lake in a light show of sparkled glitter.

  A woodpecker could be heard in the distance tapping along a tree. Scurries of squirrels and rabbits echoed from the brush-filled trees.

/>   “This has been so much fun,” Sierra said as they paddled toward the embankment. “I do see dark skies above, though. Virginia mountain weather. It changes without warning.”

  “I'm used to that in Colorado. Looks like we're heading in at the right time.”

  Droplets of rain began trickling from the trees overhead as they secured the canoe. With an agreeable chuckle, Sierra and Wes gave each other thumbs up gestures and dashed into the truck as the rain pellets quickened against the windshield.

  “At least the rain didn't catch us downstream about thirty minutes ago,” Sierra said, buckling her seat belt.

  “What's a little rain? I find it soothing. Purifying to the earth. Guess that's what happens when you spend your days digging in the soil and being prepared for all types of weather conditions,” Wes added.

  Sierra turned her head toward Wes. “I agree. I love snow for the same reason. I know it's messy when it melts, but it's beautiful when it covers the ground. I haven't seen snow in a few years now. I seem to miss it by a week or two during Christmas when I visit. I was here in the early spring and it snowed five inches the day after I left for Tampa.”

  “I'm actually kind of stoked about seeing it snow while staying at your family's cabin. I hope I get to see a snowfall while I'm here.”

  A knot formed in his stomach. He wasn't sure what it was about Sierra and Mill Hollows that made this assignment different than the others, but it was. After only a week in the sleepy mountain town, it was beginning to feel like a place he could call home. Sierra was part of that feeling. Being with her was easy and as soothing as the rain falling gently around them. He took a risk and reached for her hand.

  Sierra slid her palm closer to his; a peace she hadn't known in longer than she could recall spilled over her body. Hand in hand, they listened to the rain without music or speaking. Being in the moment with each other spoke volumes over silence, as they drove down the country roads of the Roanoke Valley.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Roxie was pacing in the yard as Wes and Sierra came up the driveway. It was nearing time for her to go pick up Eden from pre-school.

  “I'd better go see what's going on with my sister. She's having a hard time with her ex; Eden's dad, right now.”

  Wes lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “This will have to do then. I don't want to leave without letting you know how much fun I had with you today. Is there anything I can do for you or your sister? Someone's backside I need to kick?”

  “No. That's a battle she's got to fight legally now. He's made his choices and they've led to him not being with his child and my sister. She's given him many chances. We have our issues, but I'm determined to help her get through this. I think she goes back because she doesn't want to burden mom and dad. This time, she's moved in the house and that's a huge step in the right direction. Dean knows how he will be greeted at the door if he shows up here and my dad's home. I hope he gets help. Either way, he needs to be out of my sister's life and for now, Eden's, as well.”

  “I'm here if you need me. Anything. Anytime. Just know that. I'd love to have you over tonight. I think the cold weather followed that rain shower on the way in. It feels cooler than it did early this morning. How about that fire pit idea and steaks or chicken on the grill? I'm no chef, but I can handle a grill.” His green eyes pleaded for an agreeable response.

  “Sure. I'll bring a side dish and a dessert from the cafe. I'm sure there's something left over from today. I made five trays of spice cupcakes with buttercream frosting yesterday. I may or may not have brought home a tupperware container of a dozen last night,” Sierra said as she pursed her lips and lifted her finger to her mouth.

  Wes gave a wide grin. “Then, it's a date. I mean, it's just hanging out. Not really a date-date...unless, you know, you're cool with calling it that. You bring the stolen cupcakes and whatever you want. I'm not picky. I'll fix chicken and steak. Sound good?”

  Sierra nodded. She blew out her cheeks as she turned to see Roxie head inside. “I'd really better go check on her. Text me later and I'll see you tonight. Oh, and I'm good with calling it a date,” she whispered as she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Sierra was mentally preparing for yet another round of bad news plaguing her sibling. She had heard her sobs at night, and prayed for comfort and good news. Feeling helpless was not acceptable in the Blake family.

  “Hey, Rox,” Sierra said softly as she touched her sister's shoulder from behind the couch. “Do you want to talk?”

  Roxie reached up for her sister's hand. “It's good news, I guess. I'm just having a hard time processing everything. That was my lawyer. Dean's court hearing was today. I almost caved and went to the courthouse. I could have. I could have bailed him out once more and picked up shifts again at the sports bar or the Rusty Nail, heaven forbid. Whatever it takes is what I've done for our family. Not this time. I didn't go. I didn't let him pull me in and make me feel sorry for him. No more playing me like a fiddle because of Eden. I'm letting him stay in jail for himself and for our child. Nothing will change if he doesn't suffer consequences for his actions. That's the bottom line. It's just...”

  Sierra stepped around the couch and sat down beside Roxie. She leaned Roxie onto her lap and stroked her hair.

  “I know. It's hard. It sucks. But..Rox, you're doing the right thing. I promise you. Whatever he does after this, do not let him come back into your life. That's a promise I need you to make to me and to yourself. A promise for Eden. Maybe someday, he can sober up and see her as he proves himself worthy, but for now, he's got to want to sober up. Eden is his excuse. Saying he needs to have you and Eden in his life to stay sober. It hasn't worked so far. It isn't going to. He has to get help and starting with his jail sentence is where it has to be.”

  Roxie wiped away tears. “You're right. This is it. One last cry. Tomorrow, Roxie-new and improved-begins.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Smoke from the grill was sending flavors of wood chips, mesquite, and seasonings floating through the evening air as Sierra arrived at the cabin. Wes was flipping steaks and chicken as she approached the patio.

  “Smells good,” Sierra said as she neared Wes.

  “Let me help you with that,” Wes said promptly as he removed two containers from her hands and carried them into the kitchenette. Sierra followed.

  “You fixed that broken cabinet door. That was the first thing I noticed when I walked in the other day, but didn't want to point out things in need of repair to a tenant out of the gate.”

  “Yes, I fixed that last night. I took care of the stove, also. So far, everything else seems to be working well. I love this place.”

  Sierra opened the containers. I brought over the cupcakes I mentioned, and we had some leftover pasta salad. I added some chopped walnuts and bacon bits to it. It gives it a little seasonal flair.”

  Wes reached for a fork and completed his own taste test. “Delicious. I hope my chicken and steak can match up.”

  Sierra ran her finger over a cupcake, and touched Wes' nose with frosting. “That's how we begin taste tests for frosting in the Blake family,” she said and burst into laughter.

  Wes pulled her into him, catching her by surprise. He smeared frosting on her nose as he leaned his face against hers; kissing her passionately. As he released her, he ran his finger over her nose; wiping the smeared frosting onto his finger. He placed the edge of his finger in his mouth. “Yep. Taste test approved. Buttercream frosting for the win.”

  Sierra followed his lead and wiped frosting from his nose. “Agreed.”

  “I should get back out to the grill before I burn the entrees,” Wes said.

  Sierra paused for a moment, soaking in the unexpected kiss. She thought sure she'd know when that moment was about to happen. She'd always known when someone was about to kiss her for the first time. That included times she had ducked or turned away. She touched her lips. That moment. That kiss. She was falling in love w
ith Wes Carter. How was it possible when she'd never been one to give her heart freely?

  I hope this isn't what happens when one turns down a proposal. Falling head over heels for the first man one meets afterward. I want this to be real. Even if it is, he's only here for a few months. What if this is what he does? Leaves a trail of broken hearts along the banks of the rivers he encounters along the way. Maybe I deserve to have my heart broken for hurting Miles. But wouldn't it have hurt him far more if I'd stayed and accepted his proposal knowing he wasn't the one?

  Wes returned to the doorway. “You coming out here? I've got a bottle of white and a bottle of red on the table if interested in a glass of wine. I'm having a shot of whiskey to fend off this cold shot of ol' man Winter happening tonight. I don't really drink. Socially now and then is about all. I figured you're likely a wine girl. Am I right?”

  “I am typically a rum and pineapple juice girl. Like you, I don't drink often enough to have a real preference. I do enjoy a glass of wine now and again.”

  Wes entered and approached the table. “Pinot Grigio or Merlot? Do either strike your fancy, miss? Keep in mind, both are grocery store lower end brands.”

  Sierra snickered and reached for a glass. “Let's go with the Merlot. It pairs better with the steak. I'm going to go with steak instead of the chicken.”

  “Now, you're talking. Chicken is good, but nothing beats a good steak now and again. Come tell me how you like yours cooked.”

  How do I like it? Hmm. Hot. Sexy. Wearing a thermal long sleeved shirt and faded denim... Oh, he means the steak.