Love Lessons in Good Hope : A Good Hope Novel Book 14

by Cindy Kirk

  “Come to what?”

  “Cade and I decided to throw a backyard barbecue tomorrow afternoon. Nothing fancy, just brats and hamburgers and some sides. I’d love for you to come and see my new house.”

  “That’s nice of you. Can I bring any food or…?”

  “Nope, just yourself. And a friend, if you want.”

  “I’ll be there.” Charlotte recalled those days when, as a newly divorced woman, she couldn’t get enough socializing.

  Lately, fatigue had Charlotte wanting to nap in the afternoons. Most nights, she was in bed by nine. She’d read that was normal in early pregnancy. The knowledge didn’t make it any less annoying.

  Charlotte stopped the thought, reminding herself she was blessed. This baby was the answer to her dreams. She was determined to enjoy—or endure—every second without complaint.

  Speaking of pregnancy…

  “How are you feeling?” Charlotte spoke in a low tone. “You must be feeling better if you’re ready to host a party.”

  Marigold set the last pretty cookie on a bright purple plate before looking up. “I’m starting to feel like my old self. Except, being up with Caleb tends to disrupt the sleep. Thank goodness Cade and I take turns, or I’d be a walking zombie.”

  Still, Marigold’s face glowed.

  Charlotte glanced around the salon. Marigold was right. The large windows and bright colors gave off a happy vibe. “I think this partnership will work out well for both of us.”

  “I think so, too.” Marigold gave her arm a squeeze. “More flexibility for each of us. I love us sharing the business load.”

  “It’s easy to think that having a thriving business is your life’s goal,” Charlotte murmured, “until you realize you want more than to work 24/7.”

  “I once thought I wouldn’t be a success unless I was the top stylist in the country.” Marigold gave a little laugh. “I still have that drive, but I realize life is about balance. I wouldn’t trade my guys for anything.”

  Charlotte hesitated, tempted to share her baby news with Marigold. If anyone could understand Charlotte’s worry over how to best handle caring for a newborn while still working, it would be her partner.

  But it’s not the same, a voice in her head whispered. Marigold had Cade, who was even now striding toward them.

  “Hey, Charlotte.” Cade smiled at her before leaning over to brush a kiss against Marigold’s cheek.

  Contentedly settled in the crook of his father’s arm, Caleb moved his little mouth in sleep. The front of his onesie sported a large elephant in the same vivid red as Charlotte’s dress.

  “He’s adorable.” Tears pushed at the backs of Charlotte’s eyes as she gazed down at the child.

  She fought to control the emotions flooding her. Ever since she’d found out she was pregnant, she’d turned into a watering pot.

  “We sure think so.” Careful not to wake her son, Marigold stroked a gentle hand down the side of the blanket.

  Cade glanced around. “Who’d have thought new windows and paint could make such a difference?”

  “I love the way it turned out.” Out of the corner of her eye, Charlotte saw Gladys step through the door, carefully balancing a large platter. “Excuse me. I think Gladys might need some assistance.”

  It felt good to be helping. Though she’d offered to bring some refreshments, Marigold had assured her she had that part well covered.

  Gladys obviously hadn’t gotten the memo.

  Tall and regal in a silvery blue caftan, she walked with the easy grace of someone twenty years younger.

  “Let me help you with that.” Charlotte held out her hands when she reached the woman.

  Gladys’s blue eyes brightened at the sight of her. “Ah, Charlotte, so good to see you. Is Adam here?”

  Lifting the platter bought her only a couple of seconds. “This is a busy time for him and Stan. I don’t—”

  “There he is.” Gladys beamed and held out her now-free hands. “I knew he wouldn’t miss your grand opening.”

  Charlotte turned to see Adam striding toward them. In his dark pants and gray shirt, he looked more urban than country and utterly yummy.

  “I didn’t think you could make it.” Though acutely aware of Gladys’s scrutiny, Charlotte couldn’t stop a smile from lifting her lips.

  “She thought you were too busy with the farm,” Gladys interjected. “I knew you’d be here. This grand opening is important to Charlotte.”

  “Did you bake these?” Adam’s gaze rested on the assortment of bars, fudge, brownies and cookies on the platter.

  Charlotte laughed. “Hardly. Gladys did.”

  “My friends and I,” Gladys corrected, “wanted to do something for Marigold and Charlotte. My thinking is you can never have too many sweets.”

  “Thank you.” Once again, the emotion Charlotte couldn’t quite keep tamped down rose up. She cleared her throat. “This is so generous of you.”

  Gladys’s gaze slid from Charlotte to Adam. Before Charlotte could blink, Gladys took the platter back. “I’ve got this. You enjoy these last few moments of peace with your sweetheart before the horde descends.”

  The older woman strode off, leaving Charlotte gaping after her. “What just happened?”

  “Gladys took control of the situation.” Adam rocked back on his heels and laughed. “She’s amazing.”

  Charlotte heard affection and respect in his voice. She pulled her gaze from where Gladys was instructing Prim to move a plate of cookies so she could set down her platter.

  “Gladys said you didn’t think I’d be here.” He inclined his head. “Is that what you told her or something she came up with on her own?”

  “I wasn’t sure if you’d make it,” she admitted. “This is a busy time for you.”

  “When you texted me the information, I told you I’d come.”

  “I know you did,” she admitted, “but plans change. Something comes up, you get busy, or it doesn’t fit with your schedule anymore.”

  Charlotte recalled a birthday get-together in San Diego. Four of her friends had promised to meet her after work at their favorite bar for appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. One had shown up, and she could stay for only fifteen minutes.

  “If I tell you I’m coming, I’ll be there.”

  “Things come up.” Charlotte wasn’t sure why she was making such a point of this.

  “If something unexpected happens, and I can’t make it, I’ll text or call. I won’t just not show.” His eyes, dark and steady, met hers. “I promise.”

  “I’m glad you made it tonight.” Only now that he was here did Charlotte realize how much it meant to have someone who was here just for her.

  “Kudos to the renovation team. They did an amazing job.”

  Recognizing the voice, Charlotte turned toward Anita Fishback and saw she was with Len Swarts. No surprise there.

  “I love the changes.” Charlotte gestured with one hand, encompassing the large open space. “We’ve already started booking appointments. I’d love to see you again, Anita. And you, too, Sheriff Swarts. The salon isn’t just for the ladies.”

  Len raked a hand through his mop of thick silver hair and offered a friendly smile. “I could use a little trim. I might have to take you up on that offer.”

  “I hope you do.” Realizing that Adam stood silent beside her, Charlotte put a hand on his arm. “I believe you both know Adam Vogele.”

  The smile Anita bestowed on Adam held extra warmth. “Adam and I are old friends.”

  “It’s wonderful to see you again, Anita.” Adam surprised Charlotte by brushing a kiss across Anita’s cheek before shaking Len’s hand. “You, too, Sheriff.”

  “That title belongs to Cade now.” Len chuckled. “Along with all the headaches that come with it.”

  While Adam and Len chatted, Charlotte took stock of Anita. The years had been good to her. She didn’t look any older than she had several years earlier. Charlotte placed her somewhere in her late fifties.


  She had large hazel eyes and amazing skin. Regular Botox injections kept her face relatively wrinkle-free. The stylishly cut auburn hair held more red than usual, which had to be a recent addition by her current stylist.

  Anita cocked her head and narrowed her gaze. “Are you and Adam dating?”

  Glancing at Adam, Charlotte expelled a breath and slipped her arm through his. If he wanted them to play at being a couple, they might as well start now. “What do you say to that, Adam?”

  Adam shifted his attention from Len to her, and the pleasure Charlotte saw in his eyes as he put his hand over hers had blood flowing through her veins like warm honey.

  When he smiled at her, her knees went weak. “I’m sorry, I missed the question.”

  “Anita asked if we’re dating.”

  Adam shifted his gaze to Anita.

  “You two just seem so…different,” Anita said in answer to his unspoken question.

  Adam chuckled. “I thought the same thing when you and Len started seeing each other. Now it’s clear you’re perfect for each other.”

  Len slipped an arm around Anita’s shoulders. “I don’t know what I’d do without Muffy. There’s no one quite like her.”

  “You’re good together,” Adam said again, then smiled at Charlotte. “On the surface, Charlie and I may seem an odd match, but we fit.”

  Anita raised a dark brow. “Charlie?”

  “A pet name.” Charlotte let her lips curve. “Like Muffy.”

  “Honey, Lindsay and Owen just got here.” Len pointed to the doorway. “Olivia is with them.”

  “I’ll make an appointment.” Anita squeezed Charlotte’s arm, but her gaze remained on her granddaughter. “We’ll catch up then.”

  “Think about making that appointment, Sheriff,” Charlotte called out as they hurried off. She turned to Adam and shook her head. “Anita is a difficult woman to figure out.”

  “Not so difficult, but then, I know her pretty well.” He met her gaze. “After she and Steve split, Anita and I went out a couple of times.”

  “You and Anita?” Charlotte stumbled over the words.

  “She’s an interesting woman with a strong entrepreneurial drive.” His lips curved. “She can be a lot of fun.”

  “I hate to point out the obvious, but she could be your mother.”

  He shrugged. “Age is just a number. I’ve dated a number of older women. I like that they know who they are and are secure enough to reach out and take what they want.”

  Charlotte cocked her head. “Just when I think I’ve got you pegged, something new gets added to the mix.”

  “It’s a good thing we have a lot of time.”

  “Time?”

  “For you to figure me out.” He shot her a wink. “There’s no rush.”

  “Charlotte.” Katherine Spencer, a former client and a close friend of Gladys, hurried over. “I’m so happy you’re back in business.”

  Charlotte smiled at the warmth in the older woman’s voice.

  By the time the open house came to a close, Charlotte was smiled out. So many people had come to tour the facility that they’d spilled outside. It was a good thing Marigold and her sisters had baked an obscene number of cookies and that Gladys had added her monster platter of goodies, because every last one was gone by the time they closed the doors.

  Adam stayed to help with the cleanup.

  “You look tired.” He spoke in a low tone as he put away the last of the folding chairs. “Feeling okay?”

  “I feel great, but I appreciate you asking.” She studied him. He’d made it clear he wanted them to get to know each other and start to build a solid relationship. “Before I forget, Marigold and Cade are hosting a barbecue at their house tomorrow afternoon. I realize it’s short notice, but apparently it was a last-minute decision. I’m invited, and so are you.”

  Puzzlement filled his dark eyes. “Me?”

  “Yes, you.” Charlotte kept her tone deliberately light. “You’re my boyfriend. Who else would I bring?”

  Chapter Ten

  Adam paused when he and Charlotte reached the backyard of the home that for years had been referred to as the Dunlevey mansion. It wasn’t really a mansion, simply a large brick Victorian home with a stately presence.

  The area where the party was held was a vast expanse of green. Tables and chairs dotted the yard, as well as a badminton net and croquet stakes. Right now, everyone seemed more interested in the burgers and brats on the grill.

  A long rectangular table topped with a brightly colored cloth held a variety of side dishes.

  “Looks like they went all out,” Adam commented.

  Charlotte’s hand tightened around his bicep. Though her expression remained serene, jumping into this crowd had her spooked. Or perhaps it was showing up with Adam, cementing the notion that they were a couple.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” he asked.

  “Just water.” She started to say she’d keep him company, but stopped herself.

  “Why don’t you come with me?” he asked, picking up on her hesitation.

  “Sure.” She lifted one shoulder in a slight shrug. “If you want.”

  “You probably know everyone here,” he said, thinking of the time she’d spent in Good Hope before.

  “Not really.” She kept her voice low and scattered smiles as if they were confetti on their way to the large tubs filled with ice and soft drinks. “I had customers here, sure, but my main salon was in Highland Park. That’s where I spent most of my time.”

  “Why buy a business in Door County if you’re not from here, and your main salon was in Chicago?” Reaching into a stainless-steel tub, he pulled out two bottles of water.

  “I’d been to Good Hope several times on vacation and thought it was underserved. I got a good deal on the building and thought I could tap into the local and tourist market.”

  “Did you?”

  “I didn’t give the business enough attention for it to truly thrive. Still, it did well enough.” She expelled a breath. “Then I sold my Highland Park salon and moved to California. But costs for commercial space there were astronomical, as was apartment rent. Total money suck.” Charlotte took the bottle he handed her, screwed off the lid and took a long drink. “Live and learn.”

  “Is that the only reason you came back to Good Hope? Because the money ran out?” He studied her. It was one thing to move here because she wanted the sense of community. But if she was here only because she was fresh out of options, it didn’t bode well for her staying long-term.

  “The simple answer is yes. Though answers to that type of question are anything but simple.”

  He was eager to have her continue and had no doubt she would have, except Marigold hurried over to greet them.

  “It’s so good to see you.” She clasped Charlotte’s hands. “I’d give you a hug, but we’d likely crush Cal in the process.”

  Strips of fabric wrapped around the woman’s back held the child comfortably in place.

  Marigold focused her attention to Adam even as the pads of her fingers stroked her son’s back. “I’m glad you could make it.”

  “I appreciate the invite.” Adam shifted his gaze to the baby. “It’s a miracle.”

  Marigold smiled uncertainly.

  “Your son.” Adam gestured with one hand. “I’m happy for you and Cade. Caleb is a lucky boy.”

  “We’re the lucky ones.” Marigold’s eyes grew misty. “You’re right. Every child is a miracle. Though don’t ask me to wax poetic about motherhood when he’s screaming for his bottle at two a.m.”

  Adam chuckled. “I can’t imagine.”

  Then he realized that would be something he’d be experiencing in the spring. The thought made him smile.

  “Grab some burgers.” Marigold gestured to the grill that Cade and his brothers-in-law manned. “We’ve got tons of sides.”

  Marigold turned to Charlotte. “Have some food and relax. You look ready to drop.”

  A look of s
tartled surprise crossed Charlotte’s face before she rallied. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”

  “I didn’t mean anything. You look fabulous. You always do. You just don’t seem as perky as usual.”

  This time, Charlotte’s smile reached her eyes. “I think perky is more a word used to commonly describe you, not me.”

  Marigold chuckled. “You’re probably right. Anyway, grab some food and enjoy.”

  Charlotte turned to Adam the second Marigold was out of earshot. “Do I look that bad? Be honest.”

  Because the request demanded no less, he let his gaze linger on her face. Marigold was right. If he looked closely, he could see the lines of fatigue edging her eyes. But if he hadn’t looked, he wouldn’t have noticed. “You’re beautiful.”

  “Do I look tired?”

  “I’d say you look more relaxed. Maybe that was what Marigold was picking up on. Normally, you’re coiled tight.”

  “That doesn’t paint a pretty picture.”

  “You have a lot of energy, but sometimes you seem stressed.” He smiled and took her hand, playing with her fingers. “That isn’t the case today. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were surrounded by family.”

  He watched Charlotte study the crowd. Her gaze lingered on Steve Bloom, Marigold’s father. Steve’s arm rested on Marigold’s waist, and she was leaning her head against his shoulder.

  “That,” she gestured with her head toward Steve and Marigold, “was never my dad.”

  Adam eyed her and the sorrow in her eyes, an emotion she normally kept well hidden, tugged at his heart. “Not an affectionate guy?”

  “He didn’t care enough to be.” She shrugged. “He and my mother had their lives. I was on the periphery. When they divorced, neither of them really wanted me.”

  His heart ached for that young girl. In Adam’s mind, this explained a lot. Her dad had never been around, which made it easy for Charlotte to convince herself that fathers were extraneous. “I’m sorry. That had to be difficult.”

  “From a young age, I learned to depend only on myself. I loved fooling with hair and discovered I had a knack for it. I had this goal of being a hairstylist to the stars.” She gave a little laugh. “If you’re going to dream, might as well dream big.”