Wearing a light blue gingham apron, Mildred folded in the ingredients, stirring them with an old wooden spoon she swore made every recipe come out better. Same with the pottery bowl she’d purchased years ago in Seagrove.
Karen hummed along to the music as she came downstairs.
“Where’s Drake?” Karen had a spot of paint on her nose, apple green, from redoing her bathroom. She’d said she needed to finish everything on her to-do list before the baby came.
“How long have you been up?” Mildred asked. “I smelled the paint when I woke up this morning.”
“I wanted to finish the bathroom today.” Karen munched on a carrot while she perched on one of the stools that sat at each end of the big island.
Mildred wiped her hands on the apron then tucked her hair behind her ears. “He went to the store for orange juice and more of that chai tea you like.”
“That was thoughtful of him. You know, I might need a nap today.” Karen grinned. “I’m glad you two finally came to your senses…at least, that’s what it sounded like last night.” She pulled her hair into a ponytail as she made kissing noises.
Having a young woman in the house some days made Mildred feel young, and others, like today, she wanted to pop Karen with a spoon for embarrassing her.
“What on earth are you going on about?” Heat spread up her chest to her neck and cheeks.
“I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I was up late, taping off the windows and trim so I’d be ready to paint the bathroom today, and you know how sound carries up the stairs.”
She held up her hands, making a heart with her fingers. Today she had on a baggy navy sweatshirt proclaiming One More Chapter and a pair of leggings. And her favorite bright orange fuzzy socks. Karen said her feet were always cold and the socks were the only thing that kept them warm. Mildred made a mental note to find the craziest socks she could for her for Christmas this year.
“Remind me to get a carpet runner for the stairs to help muffle the sounds,” Mildred said stiffly.
Karen just laughed. “I’m happy for you both, really I am. Though if you hadn’t made up soon, I was going to call Miss Melba and the other ladies from the Women’s Club to stage an intervention.”
She hugged Mildred, and when she pulled away, there was a smudge of flour on her cheek across from the green paint.
“You’re sassy this morning. I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Mildred debated, then said, “When you get older and more set in your ways, it can be harder to listen, to forgive. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have amnesia and not know who you are or where you came from.”
“He’s a great guy. You’re lucky you found each other. But I’m betting Will won’t be happy.”
“He’s not. We were high school sweethearts. But then I met Drake, and when I came back home, Will was never anything more to me than a friend.”
The smell of amaretto filled the air as Mildred added it to the batter. The secret ingredient made the waffles taste amazing.
“I kept some of the batter separate for you without the amaretto.” Mildred poured the batter on the waffle iron while Karen set the table. When she leaned down to smell the flowers Drake had bought, Mildred smiled, her heart full for the first time in a very long time.
“Once Will sees how ridiculous he’s been acting, he’ll come around. He’s one of those men who want you when you’re interested in someone else. Kathleen, who works at the eye doctor’s, is crazy about him. I have a feeling they’ll end up together once he gets past all this nonsense.”
The door opened as she was talking. Drake strode in, the hero returning after battling the grocery store, arms laden with shopping bags, the smell of coffee and the ocean following him inside.
“What nonsense?” he said.
Karen giggled. “She was telling me all about you two. And what a jerk Will has been.”
“All, huh?” He grinned. “I seriously doubt that.” He set the bags on the counter, and Mildred’s heart thumped as he stalked to her, totally focused on her. His cheek was rough with stubble when he kissed her, scratching her lip and cheek. Then the man had the nerve to steal a handful of blueberries.
“Hey, those are for the waffles.” She popped the back of his hand with the wooden spoon just like her mother used to do to her.
“Feisty today. I like it.” He snatched a couple more blueberries, winking at Karen as he did and making her laugh. “I brought you coffee, just the way you like it.” He gave Mildred the cup, and she jumped at the electricity that flowed between their fingers whenever they touched.
“Well, then. I guess I can spare a few blueberries.”
Drake laughed. “I brought you green chai tea today,” he told Karen.
“Thank you.” Karen took a sip, sighing in pleasure.
Laughter and conversation filled the kitchen as the three of them ate breakfast. Mildred took a sip of her coffee, watching them. Her family.
Time passed so quickly when you aged. How could she have been so stupid to waste the precious time she’d had with her sisters and nieces all because she was hurting?
As Mildred sat there, enjoying the sound of them laughing at a story Karen told about a seagull stealing her sandwich the other day, Mildred swore she would never make the same mistake again.
“You made breakfast, so I’ll clean up.” Karen jumped up from the table, making Mildred wish for a tenth of her energy.
While they cleared the table, Drake stepped outside to take care of a few business calls. When he came back in, his hair was tousled from the wind and he smelled like a winter day, crisp and clean. After all these years, here he was, standing in her kitchen.
“Would the two loveliest ladies in the land care to stroll along the beach today?” he asked.
“I’d love to,” Mildred said.
Karen pointed at the windows, and Mildred wanted to laugh at the expression on her face.
“You just came in, and both of you can see it’s raining. Not to mention super cold.” Karen shook her head. “No way. I’m curling up with an afghan and my tea while I finish updating the website for Dr. Weismann. Then I’m going to finish painting the bathroom.”
“Suit yourself.” Drake held out a hand. “Milady?”
SIXTEEN
Caroline paced back and forth, Drake’s divorce papers in hand, across her office, the thick white carpet muffling her heels. Before she could think too much about it, she made a decision. The phone rang, and when he answered, he sounded…different. Could he have really meant it when he said he wasn’t going to marry her?
“Cutting it awfully close, aren’t you, darling? Our wedding is next week.” She played to win, no matter the cost. No way was she letting some ancient teenage crush take what she’d worked so hard for.
“Caroline, I’m dealing with the issue last night at the casino—”
Impatient, she cut him off. “I have everything here under control while you’re off playing what-if. And yes, I know Buck Higgins has been working for us while employed by the Flamingo. Daddy is taking care of him.”
Her assistant poked his head in the door. She shooed him away and yanked the door shut. “Why are another set of papers being delivered to you? Or maybe the better question is, why the hell haven’t you taken care of this and divorced that woman?”
He hesitated. Long enough to make her frown. “Caroline. You are a good woman and some man will be lucky to call you his own.”
There was something in his voice, a tone she’d never heard before. She’d thought he was trying to make her jealous. But now? She knew what was coming. The only question was how to change things.
He sighed. “I would have preferred to have this discussion in person. As I have said, we were good business partners, but not life partners.” His voice went soft, and she flinched. “I am truly sorry. When I get back, we can discuss the matter.”
Oh no, that wouldn’t do. “I can’t believe you would throw away our history, which, as I may point out, is much longer than the sin
gle summer you spent with her.”
Drake blew out a breath, muttering under his breath in another language. The odd accent he’d had so long ago had faded over the years, only coming out when his emotions were high, but lately…it had been stronger, and she hated every syllable, knowing it meant she was losing the partner she’d worked so hard to mold. It was damned exhausting just thinking about starting with another man.
“I’d rather not have this conversation over the phone because I find myself talking to air when you’re tired of listening to me,” he said. “When I get back, we’ll sit down with your father and discuss my plans.”
Unable to speak without losing her cool, she hung up on him. Caroline had invested too much time in getting Drake to see her as something other than a kid. They were going to be the Vegas power couple. It would be a cold day in hell when she couldn’t close a deal.
Dark plum nails tapped the screen of the phone. She called out to her assistant. “Ambrose. Call and have the jet ready to go in an hour. I’m going to Holden Beach.”
Her fiancé simply needed a reminder of what he was giving up. Used to packing, she was ready with time to spare, and stopped by her father’s office on the way out, letting him know her plans.
As the jet took off, Caroline nibbled her lip, planning the best way to handle Drake. Her father said he’d always had a feeling there was something they didn’t know about Drake. And when his memory came back, the first thing he’d said was “Mildred,” so her dad had been putting plans into motion for when Drake left them. Her father was ruthless in business, and Caroline thought the only reason Drake wasn’t unemployed was because they were engaged. He might have been the son her dad never had, but no one walked out on his daughter or the casino without consequences.
SEVENTEEN
Mildred put on her raincoat and scarf as Drake came downstairs.
“Everything okay?”
His fingers tapped against his thigh. “An issue at the casino. Nothing to worry about. I’d much rather walk on the beach with you than talk about work.”
She took his hand. “I’ve got my phone if you need us,” she told Karen.
Karen waved and went back to typing on her keyboard. Mildred had bought her a laptop, and Karen had already redesigned websites and was managing the social media accounts of several of the local businesses. She’d tried to give Mildred her paychecks, but she said to keep them, to spend the money on herself or things for the baby—or put the money in a fund for the child for college, or a house.
At some point, Mildred knew Karen would be ready to open her heart again, and she’d meet a nice man and leave, make her own life. The thought made her heart hurt even as she was proud of how well Karen was doing getting over her rotten ex-boyfriend.
“What’s wrong?” Drake whispered into her ear.
Once they were on the beach, far enough away from the house, she told him, “I was thinking of the day when Karen leaves.”
“I don’t think she will. She’s very happy here. And if she does, I don’t think she’ll go far. She’s building a life. One that includes you.” He squeezed her hand, kissing her on the nose.
It was sprinkling and the wind was blowing, so she pulled the scarf tighter around her hair and neck to keep the cold out. As they walked hand in hand, the beach deserted, they meandered, stopping to pick up a shell or look at the waves, in no hurry, content to enjoy each other’s company.
“I hope you’re right,” she said. “I was so afraid of getting hurt again that I wouldn’t let anyone in. It’s too late to make it up to my sisters or nieces, but it’s not too late to show Karen what a family can be.”
He cleared his throat. “Speaking of family. I have been doing a great deal of thinking, and I’m going to leave the casino.”
“Really?” She turned and faced him, hoping. He looked so handsome in the gray coat and jeans that it was hard to believe he was from the fourteenth century. And yet there was something in the way he always took note of his surroundings, how his fingers tapped against his hip, that told her he wasn’t from this time. Now that she knew, she wondered how she’d ever doubted him. There was an intensity about him you didn’t see in modern men.
“I lived and ate at the hotel in the casino all these years. Other than the swords and other artifacts I purchased, I didn’t spend much money. I have a great deal put away.” He looked almost embarrassed that he had done well for himself. “I could retire and vex you all day long. Or mayhap I might find something useful to do with my time.”
The rain hit her skin, the cold seeping through her jeans, and yet Mildred could have sworn the sun had come out, warming her through.
“Are you saying what I think you are? That you would move? To Holden?”
He pulled her to him, his warmth flowing through her bones. “If you’ll have me.”
“I will.” She had to stand on her tiptoes to meet his lips. They were warm against hers, firm and velvety even as his stubble was rough on her face. She was home. With Drake and Karen. Her family.
Thunder cracked across the sky, making her jump. “We have to go back inside. Now.”
“It’s naught but a storm.”
She tugged on his sleeve. “Drake. Please. We have to go.”
Alert, he spun around, looking for threats. “What’s amiss?”
The fear was a living, breathing thing within her.
“There was a terrible storm when my sister Alice and her husband died at sea.” She swallowed a few times as lightning lit up the sky. “The day Thomas disappeared, there was an awful storm. And he went back to his own time. I’m scared you’ll be taken from me.”
“We’ll go inside.” Drake crushed her to him. “I’m not going anywhere. Do not fret.”
But he held her hand in a death grip, telling her he was worried too, as they hurried down the beach back to the house. Inside the door was a basket of clean towels. They dried off as best they could so they wouldn’t drip water all over the floor.
“You guys are soaked. Makes me cold just looking at you.” Karen pulled out her earbuds and made a show of pulling the afghan tighter around herself. “I’m so glad I didn’t go with you.”
“We’re going to change into dry clothes,” Mildred told her, voice shaky.
“Did something happen?”
Mildred shook her head, feeling silly now that she was out of the storm. “Not at all. I’m just thirsty.”
Karen put her earbuds in and went back to typing as Drake followed Mildred upstairs, shutting the door to the bedroom behind him.
“My love, do not fear losing me. We are meant to be together.”
She stopped toweling her hair. “How can you say that? You could go back at any time.”
He took the towel from her hand and pulled her down on his lap on the bed.
“Remember I told you how I tried? Before I met you. So many times, and I never went back, so there’s nothing to worry about.” Drake tucked her hair behind her ear. “If the fates were going to send me back, they would have already done so. I belong with you, my love.”
His kiss was light, reassuring, yet the worry curled up in a corner of her heart and refused to leave. Mildred couldn’t bear the thought of losing him again.
EIGHTEEN
“Dinner’s ready,” Drake called up the stairs.
Mildred took one last look in the mirror and added another of her favorite long necklaces. He was making dinner for her.
Trying not to make a big deal out of it, she’d dressed in jeans and a sweater. For a finishing touch, she added the new pair of bright pink fuzzy socks Karen had given her. Mildred had to admit, they were warm.
When she came into the kitchen and kissed Drake hello, she clapped a hand over her mouth. They’d had the same idea.
He narrowed his eyes. “Do not laugh. I couldn’t say nay to her.”
Biting her lip, she pointed at his feet, choking back the laughter. “They’re fuzzy otter socks. And you’re wearing them.” She couldn’t h
old it in longer, and doubled over. “I keep picturing you swinging a sword in battle wearing those ridiculous socks.”
With a look at her and then at his socks, Drake threw back his head and laughed, deep and throaty, sending chills down her spine. “My enemies would be laughing so hard, I would cut them down before they drew a blade.”
The timer went off on the oven and she peered over his shoulder. “What’s for dinner?”
But he shook his head. “Nay, lady. Go sit and allow me to take care of you.”
Oh my. All the little things were coming back to her. How she’d be running late for work and notice he’d already filled up her car with gas. Or she’d come home to find flowers for no reason other than he’d said they reminded him of her.
It was the little moments, the small things that added up to create the epic love they shared. Mildred had made a conscious effort since bringing Karen home to let her guard down. After so many years, it was hard, but every morning she would brush her teeth and look in the mirror telling herself to be warmer, kinder, like she was to everyone when she was young. Before the hurt and disappointments crushed her spirit. She hoped one day she wouldn’t have to think about being kind, that in time the feelings would come naturally again. Time. The one thing even the richest people couldn’t hoard.
“Thought we’d have a change of pace tonight,” he said. “Classical instead of country.”
“Perfect.” She accepted the glass of red wine, pleased to see he’d picked the oldest china in the house for dinner. It was over two hundred years old, and her favorite set.
“Every time I hear Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, I think of you walking along the shore,” he said.
He kissed her, her arms going around him as she pulled him down to the sofa with her. My oh my, he sure could kiss. Slightly out of breath, Mildred smoothed her hair into some semblance of order. Karen was out to dinner with a few friends from the expectant mom’s group Dr. Weismann had introduced her to.
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