by Leena Clover
Copyright © Leena Clover, Author 2020
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, organizations and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Cranberry Sage Miracle – Dolphin Bay Cozy Mystery Series Book 4
By Leena Clover
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Epilogue
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Acknowledgements
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Books by Leena Clover
Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Series
Strawberries and Strangers – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSW34GB/
Cupcakes and Celebrities – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CYX5TNR
Berries and Birthdays – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 3
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D7GG8KV
Sprinkles and Skeletons – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 4
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW91NKG
Waffles and Weekends – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 5
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FRJ1FC1/
Muffins and Mobsters – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 6
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GRBCZG8/
Parfaits and Paramours – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Book 7
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K5G2DDJ
Truffles and Troubadours – Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery 8
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N6FQTK2/
Sundaes and Sinners
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PXYPNG5
Croissants and Cruises
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082L2W6V2
Pancakes and Parrots
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082H1DJ42
Dolphin Bay Cozy Mystery Series
Raspberry Chocolate Murder
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VVQDGPN/
Orange Thyme Death
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W226H71
Apple Caramel Mayhem
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YN35K2Y
Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Series
Gone with the Wings – Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071WHNM6K
A Pocket Full of Pie - Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Q7B47P/
For a Few Dumplings More - Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072V3T2BV
Back to the Fajitas - Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 4
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748KPTLM
Christmas with the Franks – Meera Patel Cozy Mystery Book 5
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077GXR4WS/
For A,
I miss you every day!
Chapter 1
Anna Butler pulled out a tray of steaming cupcakes from the oven. The earthy scent of sage filled the kitchen. Anna closed her eyes and breathed in the heady mix of flavors wafting off the cakes. She set them on a rack to cool and stirred the special cream cheese frosting that would be piped in a swirl on top of the cupcakes.
Anna’s granddaughter Meg had christened the cake Cranberry Sage Miracle. Anna agreed it was the perfect name for her holiday creation. The upcoming Christmas season was nothing short of a miracle for Anna. She had a new lease on life after going through a rough period.
Two years ago, Anna had found herself widowed at fifty five. Her husband John had been the love of her life. Before she could come to terms with her grief, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought the disease bravely, supported by her friends and her daughter Cassie. She had barely recovered from the lengthy treatments when she took the plunge and opened her own café, a dream she had cherished all her life.
The people of Dolphin Bay fell in love with Anna’s delicious cupcakes. Anna’s Café soon became popular with locals and tourists. When her granddaughter Meg unexpectedly came into her life, Anna’s cup runneth over.
Anna’s daughter had given Meg up for adoption right after she was born. There was no trace of her after that and Anna knew the chances of ever setting eyes on her were slim. Meg’s arrival had been momentous and the three Butler women were still coming to terms with it.
Anna was sure of one thing. She had lost count of her blessings. Living under the same roof with her daughter and her granddaughter was a true Christmas miracle.
A tall, attractive woman with curves in all the right places walked into the kitchen. Her shiny mahogany hair was piled on top of her head in an intricate style. She wore a red gown that shimmered as she walked. Diamonds glittered at her ears. All this bling paled before the glow on her face. Cassandra Butler had once been Hollywood’s darling, and many a prestigious magazine had crowned her with a ‘most beautiful woman’ title over the years.
“Why are you still slaving in the kitchen, Mom?” Cassie demanded. “You need to get ready.”
Anna bit her lip in concentration as she piped frosting over the cool cupcakes.
“I’m not sure I should go.”
“Why not!” Cassie put her hands on her hips and glared at her mother like the diva she was. “You’ve been working your butt off for the past few weeks. A holiday party is just what you need to unwind a bit.”
“Not just any party.” Anna looked up at her daughter. “Your grandfather worked for the Gardiners all his life. I wonder if they remember him.”
“He was an employee and he got paid for his services,” Cassie grunted. “He wasn’t their slave, Mom. You are watching too much Downton Abbey.”
“We never mingled with them, Cassie.” Anna sighed. “I don’t want to come across like an upstart.”
“Trust me, you won’t.”
Anna realized her daughter was going to keep at it until she gave in.
The doorbell chimed, distracting both of them.
“I’ll get it.” Cassie hurried out with a knowing smile on her face.
She was back two minutes later, followed by a tall, hefty man with dark hair and eyes the color of milk chocolate. Anna’s face lit up when he smiled at her.
Gino Mancini was many things. Lately, he was Anna’s special friend. Gino had retired as the police chief of Dolphin Bay. He now managed the family business, a well known winery his grandfather had started. Mystic Hill was making a name beyond California, thanks to Gino’s hard work.
“She’s not coming!” Cassie burst out.
“Aren’t you well?” Gino’s eyes clouded with concern. “When was your last doctor’s appointment?”
“I’m fine.” Anna pursed her lips. “I don’t really know the Gardiners. Like I was telling Cassie, they have always seemed a bit hoity-toity to me. I don’t exactly have an invite, do I?”
“They are nothing of the sort.” Gino laughed off Anna’s concern. “The Gardiners are very friendly. You’ll see for yourself when you meet them. And what do you mean you are not invited? You are going as my date.”
“That’s right, Mom. And Meg’s going to be mine.”
Anna pulled her apron off reluctantly. Her eyes brightened as a svelte young woman came into the kitchen.
“You’re not ready?” she raised her eyebrows. “I thought I was holding you up.”
Meg had filled out a bit since she moved in with Anna and Cassie. She had lost the gaunt, waif like look she had sported when she first came to Dolphin Bay, thanks to Anna’s home cooked meals. Anna was pleased to note she looked more confident too. Her slouch had disappeared, so had the circles under her eyes. She looked deceptively young, her petite frame making her look sixteen rather than twenty.
“We have plenty of time, kiddo.” Gino bent down a bit as Meg stood on her toes to greet him with a kiss.
Anna felt three pairs of eyes give her a questioning look.
“Okay, Okay. Why don’t you taste this latest batch of cupcakes while I put on a dress? Nothing fancy though.”
“You won’t wear your Christmas sweater, will you?” Cassie was aghast. “Save it for the ugly sweater contest.”
“Why don’t you wait and see?” Anna asked impishly as she sailed into her bedroom.
The kitchen door flew open as a heavy, imposing woman came in, slightly out of breath. Her blue eyes narrowed as they took in the group in the kitchen.
“We’re late. Where’s Anna?”
“She just went in to get ready, Aunt Julie.” Cassie hugged the portly woman and blew her a kiss.
Anna came out just then, dressed in a simple black silk frock and her favorite string of pearls.
“I hope this is good enough for the Gardiners.”
She smoothed her hands over her dress and looked inquiringly at Cassie.
“You look nice, Mom.” Cassie smiled reassuringly at her mother.
“Amazing!” Meg breathed. “Don’t you agree, Gino?”
Anna felt Gino’s eyes on her and sensed a blush steal over her cheeks.
“Since when did you start obsessing over your looks, Anna?” Julie demanded. “Is Cassie rubbing off on you?”
Julie Walsh was one of Anna’s best friends, an integral part of the trio that had christened themselves the Firecrackers. She had known Anna since before Cassie was born and could read her like a book.
“Mom’s in awe of the Gardiners,” Cassie supplied.
“They might be one of the richest families on the coast,” Julie nodded. “But they are very friendly, Anna. Edward Gardiner is a jolly old fellow.”
“That’s exactly what I was telling her,” Gino added. “Shall we go now?”
“How do you know them, Julie?” Meg asked.
“Don’t forget Julie’s a famous romance author,” Anna reminded her. “These rich people like to surround themselves with celebrities. That’s probably why they invited Cassie.”
“I’m hardly a celebrity now,” Cassie sighed. “I’ve been living here in obscurity for the past year, Mom. Hollywood has forgotten me.”
“You will always be Cassandra Butler, Oscar award winner.” Anna patted her daughter on the back. “You’re the local kid who went away and made it big.”
“Made. Past tense, Mom.” Cassie sounded bitter. “I’m a nobody now. A has-been.”
Anna felt a pang of guilt. Cassie had fallen on hard times when her business manager took most of her money and ran. When Anna fell ill, Cassie had set her failing career aside and come back to Dolphin Bay to nurse her. She had been at a loose end ever since, looking for the right role that would help her make a grand comeback.
“Stop it, you two!” Julie thundered. “We’ve all had a long year. But the holidays are here and it’s time to let go and relax.”
“We do have a lot to celebrate this year,” Anna placed an arm around Cassie and Meg as they walked out.
Gino was going to drive them to the party in his luxury sedan. He opened the passenger door for Anna while the others settled into the back seat. Christmas music filled the car as Gino eased out of Anna’s driveway. A full moon hung over the Pacific Ocean as they drove along the coast, singing along with the music.
“Will they have a Christmas tree?” Meg asked curiously.
“Just wait and see,” Julie smiled. “You’re in for a treat.”
“When are we getting our tree, Mom?” Cassie asked.
Anna’s face fell.
“I never got a tree after your father died. I think it’s time to change that.”
Chapter 2
Anna looked around eagerly as Gino drove through a pair of massive iron gates. A winding road cut through trees twinkling with hundreds of fairy lights. Gino pulled up under a grand portico and handed over the car to a valet. He helped Anna out of the car and tucked her arm in his.
“Wow!” Meg exclaimed loudly, echoing Anna’s thoughts. “This place is even more impressive than yours, Gino.”
“Not bad.” Cassie looked around. “I didn’t know such a place existed in Dolphin Bay.”
A short, stocky man dressed in a black suit stepped outside and bowed. His pot belly indicated a taste for rich food. Anna immediately warmed to him. She appreciated people who gave justice to good cooking.
“Hello!” Gino nodded at the red bow tie the man wore. “Getting in the holiday spirit, huh?”
The man gave a slight nod and ushered them inside.
“I expected Edward Gardiner to be taller,” Anna whispered.
Gino laughed.
“That’s George Pearson, the butler. Believe me, when you see Edward, you’ll have no doubt he’s king of this castle.”
A server stood at the entrance, holding a tray of champagne flutes. There was a sparkling red drink for the abstainers. They each grabbed a drink and walked in, marveling at the twelve foot tall tree that stood in the foyer.
Anna’s eyes were wide and her mouth hung open in wonder. She tried to guess how many days it had taken to decorate that massive fir. Dozens of ornaments adorned the tree, sparkling and twinkling under the enormous chandelier that hung in the foyer.
Cassie stepped forward and touched some of the ornaments.
“I think these are real gold!”
“Quite possible,” Gino told them. “The Gardiners are loaded.”
George Pearson cleared his throat.
“You are right, Madam. Some of these ornaments are almost a hundred years old, bought by the first Mr. Gardiner. They are locked in a special vault and only brought out during the holidays.”
The butler cleared his throat again and started climbing a winding staircase leading up to the second floor.
“The Christmas party is always held in the ballroom,” he explained. “Some of the guests have already arrived.”
A tall, broad shouldered man with a mop of thick brown hair rushed forward to greet them. He hugged Gino and patted him heartily on the back. Emerald eyes full of laughter gave him a once over.
“How are you, my boy?” the man thundered. “We need to finish that last game.”
He beamed at all of them.
“Played chess with his father. Gino always tagged along with him when he was a kid. Now he honors me with a game every other Tuesday.”
Anna gave Gino a surprised look. She didn’t know he liked chess.
“And you must be the gal he can’t stop talking about,” Edward continued, making Anna blush. “I
t’s hard to find love once in this lifetime. I was blessed with my Beth. But if you’re lucky enough to fall in love twice, hold on tight, dearie. Don’t let this one go.”
“We won’t let her,” Cassie drawled. “Right, Meg?”
Edward shifted his attention to Cassie.
“Cassandra Butler! You are more stunning in person. Your grandpa called you a diva.”
“You remember my father?” Anna couldn’t hide her surprise.
“Of course I do. Man worked for us his whole life. Saved us millions in taxes. I can see he passed some of those smarts on to you.”
“You’re too kind.” Anna couldn’t hide her grin.
“I’m a regular customer of Anna’s Café,” Edward declared. “We get a box of your cupcakes every other day. Have them with my tea. I hope you’re coming up with a special for Christmas.”
Anna started telling him about the cranberry sage recipe she was working on. Cassie nudged her gently and pulled Meg forward.
“May I introduce my daughter Meg, Mr. Gardiner?”
Edward pulled Meg into a hug and patted her cheek.
“Another beauty!” he guffawed, making Meg laugh. “You must meet my granddaughter. She’s about your age.”
“Are you talking about me, Gramps?”
A willowy young woman dressed in a red mermaid gown joined them. She was as tall as Edward, towering over Cassie and Julie. Her emerald eyes were the same as the old man’s. Anna decided the single dimple they both sported was a family trait.
“Dior?” She looked admiringly at Cassie’s dress. “I’m wearing Chanel tonight.”
“This is Alison, my dearest granddaughter.” Edward’s voice was laced with pride as he introduced the young girl. “She’s taking care of the Gardiner business almost single handedly now. Doing a fantastic job of it too. Profits are up 10% this quarter.”
“It’s time for you to retire, Gramps,” Alison said lovingly. “I hope that’s the big announcement you’re going to make this Christmas.”
“I’ve still got some steam left in me, girl. Don’t put me to sleep yet.”
“She might have a point, Edward,” Gino remarked. “How old will you be this year? Eighty?”
“Eighty going on eighteen,” Edward winked. “I will retire when they carry me out in a body bag.”
