Love at the Salted Caramel Cafe

by Angie Ellington

  Sierra breathed a small sigh of relief at knowing he hadn't left yet. Perhaps, she'd see him once more, but then again, it was probably for the best if she didn't. He could read her letter, and go chase his dreams. That's all she wanted for him was happiness. That once in a lifetime experience that awaited. The joy she had experienced being with him.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Roxie arrived home with Eden to hear the roaring of a mixer and smell the sweetness of apple spice coming from the kitchen. Eden raced into the kitchen to find Sierra with an apron and hair twisted into a ponytail, visible through the strap of a Virginia Tech baseball cap.

  “Aunt Rie!” Eden screamed in excitement. “Whatcha makin'?”

  Sierra shut off the mixer and washed her hands in the sink. “I'm trying a new apple casserole idea out for the cafe. It will have baked apples cut in halves along the bottom, layered with stuffing in between each apple. See, this is half of the apple. There is the other half. Both are the same size. If you pushed them back together, you'd have the whole apple.”

  “Teaching a little fractions to a three year old, are ya?” Roxie chuckled.

  “You're never too young to learn math, sis. I started teaching you how to add as soon as soon as I learned.”

  “I'm sure you taught me more about subtraction. Like, when you would take away a cookie from my snack plate. Even now, you've removed Tom's old baseball cap from the closet.”

  They snickered as Eden ran over to the mudroom and grabbed a boot belonging to Richard.

  “Mama, if I take gwandpa's shoe and hide it, he will have one shoe. Not two.”

  “That's right, baby. You're so smart. My child is a genius,” Roxie said as she picked Eden up and placed her on her hip; kissing her cheeks and nose, as Eden giggled.

  She put her down as Miranda came in from volunteering at the museum and Eden ran to hug her grandmother.

  “Hey, my favorite girl. Did you have a good day at school?”

  “Yes, gwammie. I made a turkey wif my hand,” she said raising her hand and playing with her fingers.”

  “I can't wait to put it on the fridge,” Miranda said with pride.

  “Girls, have you heard about Dalton Mill? They've gotten the approval to make it a historical site and will be doing some renovations within the codes of what you can do with a historic site, that is.”

  “That's why Wes was here. He was testing soil and other elements around the mill. It was all part of the process in getting that area designated as a landmark and for safety regulations,” Sierra said, as her throat thickened with thoughts of Wes.

  “Right. Well, the the town is going to get special use permits to use it for the museum. That will be a much better site for the arrowhead collections and artifacts we currently showcase in the back of Kinder's Jewelry. I've been asked to work as the Volunteer Coordinator and I get a few perks with that. I'm over the moon at being part of it. I have fond memories with your father and you kids down by those trails. I grew up when the mill was still in use. I've hated watching it sit for the last thirty years.”

  “That's awesome, mom,” Sierra said. “I'm glad Wes got to be a part of restoring our town in some way. Whatever I can do to help, I'm in. I've decided to stick around.”

  “Well, if you're going to work more at the museum when it opens and if Sierra's going to be staying....how would you feel about me bowing out of the cafe? I mean, I will still help out. I just really need something that gives me a reason to smile outside of Eden. I want to come home and be the best mom I can to her, and I need a change for that to happen.”

  Roxie sighed a heavy breath, as though she'd released the weight of the surrounding mountains from her shoulders.

  Miranda and Sierra exchanged looks of mutual agreement.

  “I'd love to run the cafe. I have so many ideas for sprucing up the ambiance and a few new dishes and desserts I'd like to try out. I'm bursting with ideas for making the Salted Caramel Cafe live up to its' name. Maybe even a competition or two again can be in the works. I'd love to drizzle up some goodness.”

  “Sierra, please. You don't need to market to us. Please take over the cafe. Just no cornball advertising for us. Save it for the customers,” Roxie said with her finger over her tongue, followed by a sparkling twinkle in her eyes and a spirited laugh Sierra and Miranda hadn't heard in ages.

  “It's settled. Sierra's going to manage the cafe. I'm going to work at the museum, and Roxie, what are you planning to do if you leave the cafe?” Miranda inquired. “I've always known this was temporary for you. Managing the cafe was never meant to be your career. I hope you don't think I expected you to do it forever. I've just been waiting for you to come to me and tell me you were ready to move on.”

  “I stayed because you needed me. I was angry with you, Sierra, for not coming back. I know I've said harsh things in the past, but it's because I was scared. I was afraid I'd be the downfall of the cafe. I needed my sister and I blamed you for putting me in the position to take over. The truth is, it's exactly what I needed. I discovered I can handle so much more than I gave myself credit for in the past. I've needed the cafe as my escape from all of the drama with Dean and now, I appreciate the time I've had learning how to become more of a people-person, which we all know I never really was. I think I'm ready to go back to working in a salon again. I'm wiser and more self-assured. I also am less likely to want to give someone a mullet if they complain.”

  Each of them moved forward and embraced. Tears stained their cheeks. Tears of sadness and letting go of the negative obstacles. Cancer. Failed relationships. Career slides. They had come out stronger on the other side. Tears of sadness became chuckles of joy.

  Eden ran up and squeezed her tiny body into the middle of the circle they had formed. Laughter grew louder.

  “I thought you were on the couch playing barbies,” Sierra said.

  “I was. My barbies are hugging too.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Laughter and love were abound at the Salted Caramel Cafe, where the Blake family gathered with a few of the local business owners for an annual pre-Thanksgiving meal. Gratitude and Gravy was the theme of invitations for the gathering. Sierra had created the humorous alliterative title. Guests remarked at how they'd shared the invitations with friends and community. A turkey with silverware in his hands sitting in a bowl of gravy had resonated just as Sierra had hoped. It would be memorable and thus, increase customers.

  “Sierra, your marketing ideas have never failed our family business. Your suggestion years ago to change the name after winning a contest for salted caramel cheesecake had me skeptical, but it turned out to increase our business ten-fold. Especially, in the glorious season of Autumn,” Miranda said, leaning over to Sierra as they checked the tray of mini apple pies that would be shared for dessert.

  “Thanks, mom. I appreciate the confidence in me. I'm going to do my best to make you proud,” Sierra replied.

  “Dear, I'm always proud of my children. I have no doubt you'll make the cafe even better than I have and you know I'll be checking in on you to make sure.”

  “Oh, I know you will.”

  Miranda patted Sierra on the shoulder.

  As grace had been led by Richard and a gratitude round had been shared by most, Sierra and Roxie exchanged smiles of mutual respect and admiration.

  “I'm grateful for so many things,” Sierra began. “My family, who bring out my creativity and confidence, are gifts that I am eternally grateful for. Even though life doesn't go as planned most of the time, I'm also grateful for someone I met recently who reminded me of why I love our little town.”

  She noticed the crowd's attention had shifted toward the entrance behind her. The chime of the door opening sent shockwaves over her, as she slowly turned around. Wes smiled as he raised one hand and waved casually toward everyone. He made his way toward Sierra as she met him in the aisle.

  “Hey. I'm sorry to interrupt. I got your note. I took a chance that you may be here. I had
no idea I was walking in on a community audience of eyes and ears,” Wes said.

  “Come on in and grab a chair,” Richard said with a husky voice, sliding a chair out from the table. “The more, the merrier.”

  Sierra caught her breath. “I thought you left. I left that note last week when you were in Richmond. I haven't seen your truck there since. I assumed you'd gone back to Colorado.”

  Everyone continued to stare, as they took small bites and unconvincingly looked around the room.

  “I did. I had some soul searching to do. When I got your note, all I wanted to do was see you, but I needed to figure some things out. I was in Richmond discussing my findings and submitting final reports for the historical project. While there, I was offered a full time position with the Corps of Engineers as a staff geologist. I called them yesterday and accepted. Calling you didn't seem nearly enough, so I got on the red eye last night.”

  Sierra felt her eyes begin to moisten and her heartbeat fasten. “So, you're staying?”

  “Someone said I should take chances on things that happen once in a lifetime. I don't need to search the world to find what is standing right in front of me. Falling in love with you is my once in a lifetime experience. Of all the gems I've found along the way, you're the best one of all.”

  “Son, are you ever going to kiss her? This dinner theater show needs a finale' so we can eat dessert,” Richard said with a hearty chortle.

  “Yes, sir. As the locals say, I'd be much obliged.”

  “Don't ever say that again,” Sierra said as smiles filled their cheeks and Wes pulled her into his arms. Everyone clapped and raised their glasses, cheering them on.

  THE END

  EPILOGUE

  ONE YEAR LATER

  The inauguration of Dalton Mill as a historical landmark had the residents of Mill Hollows gathered along the newly cleared trail. A few trees had been removed to allow for a clear view of the renovated mill; now home to the Mill Hollows Museum. The faded red watermill had been painted to freshen the coat to a vibrant apple red; providing tranquility as it slowly churned in the water.

  Miranda Baker presided over the event, discussing some of the artifacts of local and regional history on display. Faded photographs hung along the walls of town founders and former leaders. A gem collection of quartz, garnet, and other rock formations, gems, and minerals were in a display case from Wes' collection.

  After the ceremony, Wes and Sierra took a walk down to the waterfall further down the trail. Water rushed in fury down the lower mountain and into the Roanoke River on its descent toward Smith Mountain Lake.

  “This is so beautiful. With the trails ending about 50 feet back, I've never been in clear view of the waterfall. It's breathtakingly serene. Magical,” Sierra said in awe of the landscape surrounding them.

  “I pitched hard for the clearing to include a path closer to this. It was a shame people were missing out on such beauty,” Wes added.

  He reached his arms around Sierra's waist and leaned his head around hers. Sierra could feel his thin beard brush against her cheek.

  “I've seen many beautiful places, but with you by my side, every place I see is even more radiant,” Wes said as he turned Sierra toward him.

  “I once found a diamond hidden in obscurity and thought nothing else would sparkle as much as that stone. Now, I've found a diamond with even more dazzle to the eye and into the soul. You.”

  Wes reached into his pocket and lowered down on one knee upon a large rock. He pulled out the diamond he'd found in Arkansas, and reached for Sierra's left hand. Tears filled her eyes and her cheeks began to ache with anticipation.

  “Will you stand with me along the rocky roads of life and search beside me for the gems yet to be discovered? You're my heart. My love. And my home. Will you marry me?”

  Sierra's body quivered as she nodded her head. Wes raised to meet her eyes.

  “Yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes!” Wes slid the ring onto her finger, as tears began to fill his eyes. Sierra threw her arms around his shoulders and he squeezed her into him. As they slowly released from their embrace, Wes leaned Sierra back into a dip as he'd done by the covered bridge soon after they'd met.

  “I wanted to kiss you so badly the last time I leaned you over my arms like this.”

  “I wanted your kiss then, and I want your kiss now,” Sierra replied, as he pulled her back up into his arms and lips upon lips.

  THE END

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Angie Ellington is a novelist from NC.

  She enjoys writing contemporary women's fiction and romance. Titles are available in ebook, print (standard & large print) via Amazon. They are also available in audiobook via Audible, Amazon, & iBooks.

  If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review on the retailer site you purchased from, and/or Goodreads or Bookbub.

  www.angienellington.com

  Moonlit Hearts Romance Collection Novellas

  Christmas in Fair Bend

  Autumn at Apple Hill

  Spring in Lilac Glen

  Novels

  Dancing by the Moonlight

  (Book 1 of the Carlisle Bay series)

  EXCERPT FROM

  CHRISTMAS IN FAIR BEND

  Chapter One

  Summer-- 10 years ago

  “I wanted to tell you last week, but with everything going on with graduation and you leaving early to go back home, I decided to wait until I could tell you face to face.” Lacey Myers was trembling with emotions while telling her boyfriend of five years that she had accepted a paid internship with a large retail chain based in Boston. She wasn't sure if it was the right decision, but she knew she'd regret it if she didn't see this through.

  “When did you apply for a job in Boston? I thought you were all set to start as a junior designer with Celine's?” (Celine's was an interior design firm based in Charlotte about an hour from their hometown of Fair Bend, North Carolina).

  “When did this happen? I know things aren't going exactly as planned for us, but I thought we at least still agreed that our future was together.” Mason Peters was feeling deflated. Like he had been hit by a truck. He didn't know how to respond to this. A job offer in Boston and a move several states away. This was not what they had planned after college graduation. They had discussed marriage and moving in together after college. That had always been the plan.

  Lacey fought back tears. “Everything just happened so quickly. I found out about the position in my final lecture from our T.A. I was only mulling it over to discuss with you when you shared the news of your grandfather's cancer diagnosis and that your dad needed you to move back home to help with the electrical business. We had discussed moving to Charlotte, but not back to Fair Bend.” Lacey couldn't stop herself and before she could stop the words, they spilled out abruptly. “Small towns are not going to give either of us the opportunities we need at this stage of our lives and the career goals we have. At least not my career goals. You wanted to be an engineer. Not settle and be an electrician. I—I didn't mean that. Mason, I don't mean to criticize you.” She wished she could take that back. It just came out. The guilt and sadness of leaving Mason was overwhelming her, but she had to do what was best for her. She was only twenty-two years old. She couldn't make her plans based on her boyfriend's choices. She wanted more.

  Their lives had been a bubble in college. They had been together since their senior year of high school and friends since they were kids. It was time to take chances that didn't include each other. She wanted to be an interior designer, but that was a long way off. If she worked at Celine's, she wouldn't have the opportunities she could have with a large corporation. Perhaps, becoming an interior designer and owning her own firm may not happen, but she would gain respect and connections in a large market. That's how she would make a name for herself. She needed to prove herself. That would not happen in Fair Bend. She didn't want to resent Mason for being the reason she didn't take this opportunity and truth be told, moving to Charlotte
was settling for Lacey. She wanted to experience new things. She needed to find out if there was more for her than getting married after college and working in a mediocre position.

  “I'm sorry, Mason. I know you are doing what is best for your family. That's one of the things I love most about you; your commitment to family and ability to take charge when people need you. I just....I'm not ready for the same life that I think you are. Not right now. You'll be happy back home. I won't be. Not if I don't see for myself where this could lead for me.” Lacey sighed heavily. She had stood her ground. She had convinced herself she was making the right choice. At least mostly.

  “The same life? I thought being together was what you wanted. Moving forward after college together. Supporting each other. I've always supported your dreams. I just can't support you following them so far away; at least not now when I'm committed to helping my family with the business. I guess I just didn't expect you to choose career first. I wouldn't ask you to choose me first either. I...I guess I assumed—hoped... you would at least choose opportunities that could benefit you with me...not without.”

  Mason felt his heart sink into his chest and knew by the look on Lacey's face that her mind was made up. He would be wasting his breath to try and convince her to stay. If he had to convince her, it wasn't meant to be. He had to let her go. She was meant for bigger things. Traveling, expensive things, and someone who could provide her with what she wanted to be happy, even if it wasn't what she necessarily needed. He could see Lacey had changed. She wanted different things and he wasn't part of her plans anymore.