Home on Apple Blossom Road (Life in Icicle Falls)

by Sheila Roberts

  She found it difficult to concentrate on the sermon. It was too hard to keep her thoughts in the present when they kept wandering into the future.

  After church there was more visiting to be done, more people wanting all the latest on Colin and Mia’s lives, as well as speculation over what they’d find on their treasure hunt, which was the talk of the town.

  “I think this is why Dad doesn’t like to come to church,” Colin said as they left. “He’d be fine with God if His people weren’t such a pain in the ass.”

  “They’re not all bad. Most people ask about you because they genuinely care.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he said and placed an arm around her. “As usual,” he added with a grin.

  Bailey called Mia at Beth’s just as the family was walking in the door from church. “You’re still in town.”

  “I am,” Mia said.

  “I’m sure you’re getting ready for a big family dinner, then. I have to go over to Mom’s in a little bit, but I thought we could have a quick latte first. The shop’s closed on Sundays and Todd’s over doing some stuff at the Man Cave, so I actually have some time to breathe. I’d love to see you.”

  “Same here,” Mia said. It had been far too long since she’d hung out with old friends.

  “Go ahead,” Aunt Beth encouraged her. “Dinner’s a couple hours away.”

  “Looks like I can make that work,” she said to Bailey. “I’ll see you at Bavarian Brews.”

  “I’ve got a better idea. Come by the tea shop and I’ll show you around.”

  Ten minutes later Mia was walking up the steps of the old Victorian that housed Tea Time, Bailey’s teashop and tearoom. Bailey was waiting to let her in and swung the door open with a flourish. “Welcome to my kingdom of tea.”

  “It’s adorable,” Mia said, taking in the tables with their linen tablecloths and bone-china settings, the lace curtains at the window and the shelves displaying chintz teapots and saucers.

  “As you can see,” Bailey said, leading her into the shop area, “we carry Sweet Dreams chocolates.” She pointed to a shelf filled with glass Mason jars containing loose tea, all tied with lavender ribbons. “I’m making a lot of my own tea now. The chocolate mint is a big seller.” She pulled one off the shelf and gave it to Mia. “A little welcome-home present.”

  “Really? Thanks.”

  “I have ulterior motives,” Bailey said with a grin. “Give people a sample and they’re hooked. Once you’ve tried this, I’ll have you for life. Come on upstairs. I’ve got our lattes ready.”

  She led the way up a wooden staircase with a carved banister. The top landing had a little sitting room with a love seat, coffee table and a couple of chairs. Two large, steaming mugs sat on the coffee table, along with a plate of cookies.

  “This is so cute,” Mia said, looking at the bookcase with its candles and a wedding photo of Bailey, the old Tiffany-style lamp. “Is this extra seating?”

  “Extra seating for Todd and me. We live up here.” She handed Mia a mug. “I assume you still like white-chocolate lattes with extra foam.”

  “Oh, yes.” Mia took the mug and glanced around. “It’s cozy.”

  “It’ll do for now. We have our master bedroom in the back, and we use the second bedroom as an office. The third one’s going to be the nursery,” she added with a sly grin.

  “You are pregnant! I wondered.”

  Bailey patted the bulge under her top. “I am.”

  Mia leaned over and hugged her. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “We’re excited. I wasn’t in a hurry to get pregnant, you know. I mean, I’ve been having so much fun with the tearoom. And between that and the Man Cave, we’ve been superbusy. But I’m ready for a new challenge. And a baby Todd, what’s not to like about that?”

  “So you know what it is?”

  “We’re pretty sure it’s a boy.”

  “Wow. I bet your mom’s excited,” Mia said, trying to ignore the little stab of jealousy. Was she ever going to have a baby bump? She shoved away the thought. Who invited her biological clock to this party, anyway?

  “Oh, yeah. She’s totally into the grandkid thing. And between Samantha and Cecily’s kids, our baby will have lots of cousins to play with.” Bailey took a cookie, then slid the plate closer to Mia, who managed to resist the temptation. Barely. “Enough about me. Tell me about you. How’s the job?”

  “Great. We’re marketing a new product and I’m in charge of the campaign.”

  “You’ll probably be president of the company someday.” Bailey picked up the plate and held it in front of Mia. “Come on, you know you want one.”

  “Or course I do, but I have to say no to something. Aunt Beth is stuffing me full of goodies.”

  “Okay, I’ll have to eat yours. I’m eating for two now.”

  “You’ve always eaten for two,” Mia teased. “I don’t know how you stay so skinny.”

  “Great sex,” Bailey said. “Speaking of sex, have you met anybody in Chicago?”

  Mia hedged. “I’ve made some friends.”

  “Friends with voices lower than yours?” Bailey persisted.

  “Maybe I will have a cookie,” Mia said. She grabbed one and took a bite. “Oh, wow. This is cookie heaven.”

  Her feeble attempt to change the subject failed. “So there’s nobody amazing in Chicago?”

  “There are lots of amazing people in Chicago.”

  Bailey frowned. “I mean men.”

  “There are. I just haven’t found the right one.”

  “How hard are you looking?”

  “Not very,” Mia admitted. “Honestly, I’m so busy with work, I don’t have time.”

  “That doesn’t sound good.”

  Mia shrugged. “Well, in a way it is. I’m really doing well at the company.”

  “I’m glad.” Bailey chose another cookie. “I hope you can come back and visit more often, though. You know, hop on your private plane.”

  “I’ll be sure to do that.”

  “Seriously, everyone would love to see more of you.”

  “Don’t worry. I plan to make more visits in the future.”

  “And when the baby’s older, we’ll come see you in Chicago and stay in your penthouse.” Bailey gave her shoulder a playful nudge. “How’s the treasure hunt going?” she asked.

  “It’s been awkward,” Mia admitted, “but...” She could feel her cheeks burning. “But good.”

  “Good as in something’s happening between the two of you?”

  “Maybe.” Hopefully.

  “Cecily was right! Did Colin tell you he ran into her in Bavarian Brews?”

  “No.”

  “Well, he did. And she said she had this feeling that you two might get back together.”

  “Maybe we will,” Mia said. Maybe this time things really would work out between them.

  They chatted for another twenty minutes, Bailey catching Mia up on how her sisters and their families were doing and Mia talking about life in the corporate world.

  “I don’t think I’d want your job,” Bailey said. “Sounds stressful.”

  “It’s hard work, and I still get nervous when I have to give a presentation, but it’s satisfying, too. I like seeing a product I’ve helped promote catch on.”

  “Well, I’m going to check out Sprouted Bliss,” Bailey promised.

  “And I’m going to like Tea Time on Facebook,” Mia said. Then she sobered. “I’m sorry I haven’t done a better job of keeping in touch.”

  “That’s okay. We’ve both been busy. We’ll do better in the future. And who knows? Maybe you guys will end up moving back here.”

  “Maybe,” Mia said again. Right now that word summed up her whole life. Maybe. Maybe at some point, s
he’d figure out what she was doing.

  She returned to Aunt Beth’s and joined the family for Sunday dinner—ham and baked beans and coleslaw and a peach pie for dessert. Uncle Mark complimented her. “That was the best dinner this side of heaven,” he said.

  “Great meal, sis,” Dylan agreed, passing his plate to Colin, who was clearing the table.

  “And now it’s time we got serious,” Mark said. He walked to the kitchen junk drawer and produced a pack of cards. “Hearts.”

  Oh, yes, just like the old days. Except Grandma Justine and Grandpa Gerald weren’t there. For a moment Mia wanted to cry. But then the play began and soon she was caught up in the challenge of not taking any points and even shooting the moon, dumping points on her opponents. There was smack talk and laughter, and it felt as if she’d stepped back in time. Until she saw Dylan looking speculatively at her. Oh, yes. Just as if she’d stepped back in time, and not in a good way. Did anyone tell you I got a raise? Will I ever be good enough for your son?

  After a couple of games, Colin suggested a walk and Dylan decided he needed to go home. Uncle Mark was saying something to Colin, and Dylan pulled Mia aside and lowered his voice. “Don’t break his heart again.”

  What about her heart? “I wasn’t the one,” she began.

  Dylan stopped her. “I know the story. Just remember, you women have more power than you realize.”

  Colin was looking at them now and Dylan dropped the subject, along with Mia’s arm, kissed his sister and hurried out the door.

  “What did Dad say to you?” Colin asked as they went down the front steps.

  Part of her wanted to tell him, but that would be tattling, and she didn’t want to cause problems between Colin and his father. “Nothing. He just said not to give up on the hunt.” He’d probably like nothing better than if she did give up, if she went away and stayed away. His son loved her. Why couldn’t he?

  Subject: The funeral

  To: ArtistGrannyEmmaline@EasyCom.com

  From: JustineW@EasyCom.com

  Date: September 9, 2006

  Thank you for the beautiful flower arrangement, dear.

  The funeral was lovely. So many people turned out to honor Gerald. I was quite overwhelmed. And now I’m quite exhausted. I feel as though I’ve lost my anchor, and I’m adrift with Gerald gone and another family harvesting our Galas. But life goes on, doesn’t it? One set of players leaves the stage and a new cast begins a new story.

  As for the rest of my story, I have no idea what it will be. The thought of making a new life is overwhelming, but thank God I have the children. We’re all helping each other through this difficult time. Please pray for me.

  Love,

  Justine

  Chapter Sixteen

  It was a perfect evening for a walk, the mountain air fresh and cool, making it easy to forget the heat of the day. Colin took Mia’s hand as they strolled away from Aunt Beth’s house. Neighbors were out on their porches, enjoying the evening, and called out greetings as they strolled past.

  “You know, that’s one of the things I like about this place,” he said. “People know you. They care about you.”

  “No one cares about you in Seattle?” she teased.

  “Don’t get me wrong. It’s a great city. Lots of stuff going on—the Seahawks, the Mariners. But this...” He wasn’t sure he could put it into words. There was something about this place that made him feel connected, as though his life somehow mattered.

  “I know what you mean. Icicle Falls is special.”

  “As special as Chicago?” Did she actually prefer the city to this?

  “More special,” she admitted. “But Chicago’s where my job is. I can’t just quit.”

  Maybe Mia didn’t want to quit at all. She was going places. How far could she go if no one held her back? She deserved to find out. He sure didn’t want to be the one to stop her.

  He remembered what Hildy Johnson had said. Did all women end up feeling that way, as if men had somehow messed up their lives? Would Mia feel like that if he asked her to come back to Icicle Falls?

  There was no point in asking. It wasn’t fair. She was the one with the big important job.

  “I have a nice apartment,” she ventured. “It’s right downtown.”

  “Downtown,” he repeated. Not much room to spread out in an apartment. He’d found that out living in Seattle. Of course, he didn’t have much to spread—a minimal amount of furniture and his kick-ass sound system, a mix-and-match mess of dishes, some books on horticulture and a couple of Stephen King novels, his bicycle. A guy alone didn’t need much space.

  But a man with a family, that was different. A man needed tools and a garage and a yard where he could toss the ball with his son. Most of Colin’s ball tossing had been done with Uncle Mark, but his dad had gone out with him occasionally. He wanted to be able to do the same thing with his own kids someday. He wanted to help them build a tree house, too. You couldn’t build a tree house without a yard. You couldn’t have even one measly apple tree without a yard.

  How far his life was drifting from what he’d had growing up.

  He could adapt. He’d get a good job and they could save up for a house. He had a degree. People didn’t care what your degree was in as long as you had one. The important thing was to build a life with Mia.

  “What are you thinking?” she asked.

  “Huh? Oh, nothing.”

  “You can’t think nothing,” she reminded him.

  That again. Okay, what was he thinking? “Downtown Chicago. Great nightlife.” They could go dancing and go out to eat. He’d found places to ride his bike in Seattle. He’d find places to ride in Chicago.

  He wouldn’t find any orchards, though. No farms, no ranches. There would go the last of his dreams. That realization was like being in a small plane with a failed engine. Here came the ground.

  But never mind. You didn’t get to keep the life you had as a kid. That was what being a grown-up was all about. He could let go of those old dreams, find new ones. He’d never find another Mia. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. They could live in the city and come back to Icicle Falls for holidays.

  Only holidays. Yes, he could do this. He offered her a smile.

  She was looking pensive. “Okay, now what are you thinking?” he asked.

  “I’m wondering if we can start over. Maybe we’ve...grown apart.”

  He stopped and pulled her to him. “Do you really believe that?”

  “I don’t know,” she said. “Just because we were friends growing up doesn’t necessarily mean we were meant to be a couple. Maybe we got it all wrong and it was for the best that we broke up.”

  “I don’t believe that,” he said. “If we were supposed to be with other people, don’t you think we would be by now?” He hurried on before she could answer. “Breaking up was the dumbest thing we ever did. I’m not gonna be that dumb again. I’ll get a job in Chicago. We’ll make it work this time.”

  “You told Lorelei you wanted an orchard.”

  “I want you more.” And to prove he meant it, he took her face in his hands and kissed her. Ah, Mia’s lips. They were why kissing had been invented. He caught the faintest whiff of her perfume, and it was headier than alcohol. He would follow her to Chicago, to Timbuktu, to the moon.

  He kept her standing there on the sidewalk for long minutes as he savored the taste of her mouth, the smell of her hair, the feel of her body pressed against his. There was nothing more important than being together, and he wasn’t going to waste time on anyone or anything else.

  She was smiling when they finally ended the kiss. Seeing her smile, he felt a swell of emotions that was almost too big for his chest. That feeling, he’d only ever experienced it with Mia. He’d never felt it with Lorelei or with any of the girls he’
d dated since they broke up. They were definitely meant to be together.

  They turned back to Aunt Beth’s house and settled on the porch swing, holding hands and talking the night away, remembering all the good times from their childhood and reliving the highlights of high school.

  They didn’t go too far into the future, simply agreeing that they’d be together. No matter what, that wasn’t going to change.

  He gave her one more kiss before finally going home, running his fingers through her hair, imagining that hair spread out on a pillow. Her next to him in bed every night for the rest of their lives. Waking up beside her every morning. Starting weekends with great sex. Oh, yeah. He’d make breakfast on Saturdays—pancakes, his specialty. They’d find some crazy old Formica table like Aunt Beth’s to eat at, stick a vase of flowers in the middle of it. Then, someday, there’d be a couple of kids sitting at that table, a boy and a girl. The girl would look exactly like Mia. They’d be happy.

  He was smiling when he walked back down the street and turned the corner to his dad’s house, smiling when he strode up the front walk, smiling when he let himself in the door.

  Dad was in his library, seated in one of the leather chairs, a book in his lap. He looked up at Colin and he wasn’t smiling. “Long walk,” he observed. It wasn’t a pleasant observation.

  “Sort of,” Colin said evasively, then he started for his room before the bad vibes could devour his happiness.

  “Stay a minute,” Dad said.

  Less than a minute. He sat on the edge of the chair opposite his father. “Dad, whatever you’re going to say—”

  “You don’t know what I’m going to say.”

  “I can guess.”

  “You remember how it was the last time you and Mia broke up. You want to get on that merry-go-round again?”

  It didn’t have to be a merry-go-round. They’d both grown up. “I love her. I always have.”

  “I loved your mother. Love’s no guarantee.”

  “It is for us,” Colin said and stood. He clenched his jaw and tightened his fists.

  Dad looked at him with his usual sober expression. “I’m not saying this to piss you off, son. I’m saying this because I want you to think carefully before you act. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did. I don’t want to see you hurt.”