Jay stared at the warm glow of the sun as it slowly peeked from over the horizon and grinned with contentment.
Contentment.
A feeling so foreign to him over the past ten years, he was surprised he remembered the sensation.
Blayne’s warm curves melted into his own hard angles on the hammock in the yard just south of cliff. Only now her polka dot skirt covered them like a blanket instead of settling about her waist. Exhausted, they’d found their way like drunken sailors to the softly woven bed and had fallen asleep in each other’s arms. They had a few days left before the gala, and for the first time, he felt as though he could breathe.
They’d achieved more than he’d originally envisioned when he’d taken on the project. She was a sharp and savvy businesswoman with an intense work ethic and tireless effort.
And she was finally his.
If he’d ever doubted their future before, he didn’t now.
A surging need to protect her swamped him. From him or herself he didn’t know, but what he did know was she was his, and he’d forever be hers. There was no one else.
He would never hurt her again and do everything in his power to earn her trust. And if it took every day for the rest of his life, well, that worked for him just fine.
Settling in deeper, he reveled in the fresh citrus and ocean scent of her hair. That combination had haunted him all the years they’d been apart. Her smell had been as much a part of him as the berry red of her lips and the crystal-clear green of her eyes.
Her no-nonsense demands and the compassionate, over-protective nature of her friendship had made every other woman he’d ever met seem lacking.
How had he ever left?
She stretched alongside him, and her eyes fluttered open.
“Good morning,” he whispered.
Her lips spread into a wide grin. That self-satisfied grin often attributed to the Cheshire cat.
“Good morning.”
She didn’t jump up and worry that they’d fallen asleep or that his parents might find out. Her sense of self had always been a part of her he’d loved and admired. Instead, she eased into him, gliding her lips along his. “I haven’t slept that hard in ages.”
“That’s because you missed me.” As soon as he said the words he regretted it, but to his surprise, the warmth in her gaze remained.
“I did,” she returned softly.
“Blayne.” The need for her to fully understand him became urgent. “When I left, at first, I only thought of myself, then I only thought of saving you. From me.”
Her gaze wandered across the yard to the ocean and the sunrise beyond. “You’ve told me this before.”
“I know, but there’s more. You know I was selfish and ambitious. Filled with an almost desperate need to prove myself.”
“Almost?”
He squeezed her. “I always had a problem with how often my mother was left alone. Marrying into the Astor family comes with drawbacks, and I couldn’t ask you to be with me only to be left all alone.”
She propped up on his chest, her dark, silky hair falling about her face. “But leaving didn’t save me from that. I was still all alone.”
Pressure in his chest made it hard to breathe.
“Honestly, you don’t give your mother or me enough credit.” She slid a finger along his lower lip. “But it doesn’t matter now. I wasn’t in a place to understand anything but my own pain back then.”
She sighed, then looked him in the eye. “It’s okay.”
Weightlessness washed over him. The idea of her forgiving him had never been on his radar, only a life of proving he’d never leave her again. “It’s not okay. I—”
She pressed a kiss to his lips. “What I mean is…I forgive you for leaving. We were eighteen. Too young to make the decision to cross the ocean and too young to commit to forever. I was as much to blame for my circumstance as you. More so, if I’m honest and really take responsibility.” Her warm gaze held his. “It’s just that with how much I love you, it was too devastating to handle with any kind of poise.”
He was so caught off guard by the words “I love you” that he missed her when he tried to keep her from moving away.
She stood beside the hammock, righting her clothes. “Let’s face it, I am not known for my reasonable temper.”
He watched her run long, slender fingers through her hair, then tuck her silk blouse into her skirt. Right before his eyes, she transformed from disheveled lover to his sassy, face-the-day vintage Blayne. Though he loved the look, he couldn’t help the feeling of immediate loss.
With a tilt of her head, she asked. “Why the look? I’m saying I forgive you.”
Dropping his legs over the side, he sat up, visions of everything he ever wanted flirting with his mind’s eye. “I know I don’t deserve it, but I swear I’ll spend every day earning it.”
She stilled, a shadow crossing over her face.
“What’s wrong?” He hated not knowing what was going on in her mind.
Shifting from one foot to the other, she shrugged with a whisper. “I wish we could freeze time and just keep last night, this moment, forever.”
His relief was swift. “We can, but your clothes are on.” The sullen tone in his voice slipped out before he could disguise it.
Her burst of laughter lit her face and it was as if a tether had been cut and he was floating. Grabbing for him, she tugged him to his feet, then wrapped her arms around his waist.
It was a feeling he’d take to the grave. This woman in his arms, against his heart.
She tugged the top of her blouse over her breasts until they stood in their full naked glory under the glow of the rising sun. “Well, then, we’ll just have to remedy that fact once we get to town.”
He grabbed for her, but she was quicker and snapped her blouse into place. Sticking her ass high in the air, she bent to slip on her shoes. She was teasing him, and he loved every minute.
“First, I need coffee and we need to go meet with the musicians your mom referred me to, then you can show me how good this skirt will look on my bedroom floor.”
She sashayed toward him. “And you need to make sure you keep the judge away from the Cape house or lose all access to the moonshine.” She winked then brushed past him toward the front drive.
His grin was quick, and he followed right behind her, taking in the sexy sight of her ass in that damn skirt. Oh, he’d show her alright.
She forgave him.
He still couldn’t quite take in the enormity of that fact.
The sun never seemed brighter, their future never seemed more sure.
Coming home to Cape Van Buren was the best decision he’d ever made.
Chapter 15
“Pinch me,” Blayne demanded as she went over her inventory list of party rentals one more time the day before the gala. She anticipated the coming sting like a masochist, yearning for the pleasure-pain validation that this moment was actually real.
She’d done it.
Well, she and Jamie. A thank you to Ryker was on tap, but she didn’t want to make his head any bigger than it already was with Larkin by his side and a house full of people as witnesses.
“Larkin.” Snapping her fingers in quick succession, Blayne refused to stop until she had her attention.
The bright green gaze of her well-beyond pregnant friend drifted to hers in a lazy haze of love and possibility. “What? I’m sorry. I was—
“Daydreaming?” Blayne said. “Yeah, I can see that.” She grabbed Larkin’s arm and gave a small shake. “I said, pinch me.”
Larkin blinked. “I certainly didn’t think you were serious.”
“Well, I am.” Blayne shoved her forearm under Larkin’s perky little nose.
“I am not going to pinch you.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Don’t be ridiculous and pinch me.”
Heat flared in Larkin’s eyes and she grabbed a chunk of skin and squeezed.
“Ouch!” She yanked her arm away, rubbing
the spot with a grin on her face. “Thank you.”
Larkin returned the smile but shook her head. “I may never completely understand you.”
“Ha, yes you do. Which is why you’re worried.” Adjusting her clipboard in her arm, she balanced a few boxes in the other and walked them to the front room of the Cape house, Puzzle weaving his furry little body around her legs as she went. The cat really seemed to thrive with all the different people coming in and out of the house.
She couldn’t believe the transformation of the bold, almost gothic color scheme from Maxine’s home into the fresh and modern seaside escape surrounding her now. It was just as warm, just as inviting as the home had always been, but a bit more approachable. A crisp and clean amalgamation of nature and industry. The perfect place to create art, hold meetings, give a workshop, or enjoy a holiday get together. A fresh start and a new beginning in a place that already resided in every Cape Van Buren heart.
And she was responsible for the launch. Possibility rushed through her in a wave that left her feeling a bit buzzed and out of breath, better than winning a roller derby jam on the rink.
Setting the boxes down, she spun to Larkin. “Can you believe this is really happening?”
“I never doubted it. Why do you think I wanted you to head this up? I wouldn’t trust anyone else to understand my vision and make it real more than you.” Larkin’s answer was softly spoken, but her eyes held Blayne’s in an iron grip.
Ryker joined them, sliding his arm around Larkin’s very round waist and placing a kiss on her temple. “I completely agree.” His deep voice rumbled, and a smile broke out under dark bushy eyebrows that always seemed furrowed in a scowl. It almost made him look friendly.
Her heart did a little flip-flop of envy as it celebrated in their joy. She, too, had found the love of her life, but not every love was destined for forever. The idea of leaving Jamie behind stole the air from her lungs.
Trying to breathe through the pain, she focused on Larkin. Seeing her loved and cared for gave her such peace. She could go home to her family in Ireland without any worries about her friend. In a moment that seemed impossibly dark, Larkin had found love on the Cape.
With a wink, Blayne couldn’t resist one last chance to tease. “I’ve even picked out the perfect pair of skates for tomorrow night.”
The grin left Ryker’s face so fast that both women giggled. On a sigh, he grabbed a stack of dish towels off the sofa. “Don’t you dare. All we need is you to break something…or someone.” He gave her a pointed look.
“Oh, please. Tell me you’re worried about Jamie, and I’ll know you’re lying. By the way. Are those towels going in the kitchen?”
He glanced at the load in his arms. “Yes. Why? We agreed on white. I have all the cupboards loaded with dishes, utensils, platters, and an assortment of other serving ware. We’ve also stocked paper products and snacks. The community kitchen will be in full working order.”
She just wanted to hear him say it. “Don’t forget, as you get the programs up and running, you’ll need to approach Janice about the community gardens and farm-to-table initiative we’re thinking about.”
He dipped his chin. “We will. What about Claire? Have you spoken to her about any of the art classes?”
Larkin and Blayne exchanged glances. “We’re easing into it,” Larkin said.
Ryker tilted his head. “Why? What’s the problem?”
Blayne peeked past him to make sure they wouldn’t be overheard. “She’s been a bit too eager and bright with, well, everything. The baby, the community center. She planned the baby shower down to every last baby’s breath in the centerpieces.”
“So…again, what’s the problem?”
Larkin slid her arm through her husband’s. “We’re worried that she isn’t really dealing with everything that’s happened. That she’s hiding behind all the work and the excitement to avoid how hard it really must be to see us married…and pregnant after…well, you know. She swears she’s fine, but…” Her voice trailed off.
“Maybe the work is just what she needs.” Lifting the stack higher against his chest, he added, “Tell me if I can do anything else to help. And, Blayne?”
Opening the boxes she’d brought in from the other room, she turned. “Yeah?”
Ryker looked through the large front windows toward the lawn and circular drive. The fountain was in perfect working order and white globe lights were strung like a canopy across the lawn toward the sea of wild blueberries.
As he turned to her, she smiled, awaiting the words of praise for the incredible transformation the cape was going through for the gala.
“I told you so,” he quipped.
She watched his retreating back, then stepped forward. “Why that…”
Larkin grabbed her arm. “He’s right, and you know it. You and Jamie are better together.”
Blayne’s reflexive posturing of self-righteous indignation melted as soon as it started and was replaced with a swirling, bittersweet warmth radiating from deep within her soul. Jamie did make her better, and she liked to think she made him better, too.
Nope, scratch that. She absolutely made him better.
With a wink, she grabbed Larkin’s hand. “Come on. I want to show you something.”
The low din coming from the kitchen suddenly went quiet.
“Maxine!”
Judge Carter’s booming voice carried in as if from a loudspeaker.
Larkin’s eyes grew wide with concern. “Oh no.”
Blayne followed Larkin into the kitchen that was already packed with what seemed like half of Cape Van Buren. With all the renovations, they’d left the kitchen virtually unchanged with its white tin ceiling that mirrored the huge white granite island. Black cupboards rose from the counter, flanking each side of a large commercial stove, and the black-and-white checkered tile floor wrapped it all together. She’d always loved this room.
Maxine stood frozen, taking money from Shelly Anne’s outstretched hand. And in the Flat Iron Coffeehouse owner’s other arm were two cobalt blue jars of moonshine.
“Shit,” Larkin whispered, grabbing Blayne.
“It’ll be okay. Don’t worry,” She assured her. And it would be as long as Judge Carter backed off immediately. But he had another think coming if he thought to showdown with his lady love in front of a crowd.
“Don’t you dare use that tone with me, Theodore Carter.” Maxine wouldn’t accept that from anyone, not Ryker, not Stuart, her deceased husband, and certainly not the judge. No matter how much she loved him, Maxine had fallen into her own woman a long time ago. It was something Blayne had learned from her since moving to the Cape and strived to achieve every day. She was both in awe of and terrified of the woman.
As the judge should be.
Jamie came whistling in through the front door then strolled on into the kitchen while texting on his phone.
“Jamie!” Blayne’s whisper was more desperate than quiet and could be heard throughout the kitchen, but not a soul looked their way. All eyes were on Maxine.
She was splendid in a white shirt with a popped collar that met the sharp edge of her shiny silver hair. Her cut was blunt, longer in the front and shorter in the back, and today was set off by a pair of gorgeous silver hoops. With groomed, arched brows and a bright red lip, Maxine looked like she’d just finished lunching with Raquel Welch rather than boot-legging her moonshine.
Judge Carter drew his bushy brows together and slapped his hat upon the island top. “I knew you were still up to your tricks. It has to stop now. I cannot be married to a woman who breaks the law as casually as Mitch Brennan picks up women.”
Mitch’s head snapped up from the string of lights he was testing. “Hey!”
His mother slapped him on the arm.
Claire joined Blayne and Larkin, mumbling, “He’s not lying.”
Jamie stepped close to Blayne, his heat enveloping her like a safety net. “What’s going on?”
“Moonshine.”
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Jamie’s grin dropped. “Aw, hell.”
“Exactly.”
Maxine winced. Nothing very apparent, but Blayne saw it. With her painted lips in a thin line, she rolled up the bills. Then, while defiantly holding the judge’s gaze, opened her clutch and dropped them in. “Then it seems your social calendar has just opened up, Judge Carter. The wedding is off.”
Larkin gasped in unison with a low expletive from Ryker. He stepped between the judge and Maxine. “Grandmother, now wait just a second.”
“No, Ryker. I don’t think I will.” She tucked her clutch under her arm. “No one tells me what to do.” She walked toward the front door but stopped in front of Blayne. “I’ll be here tomorrow, but you can cancel my plus one.”
Blayne grimaced. There were no reservations to begin with. But when Maxine wanted to make a point, she’d make a point.
The front door slammed, leaving the house in an awkward silence.
Jamie stepped up to Shelly Anne and tapped one of the jars in her arms. “Now it’s a party.”
“Jay, now’s not the time,” Judge Carter snapped.
Jamie chuckled. “Sorry, Judge, but Maxine’s moonshine is the finest kind. It’s always the time.”
The love of her life was sorely forgetting he wouldn’t be getting any in the near future. He’d had one job as far as Maxine was concerned. Blayne sighed. Now he’d be expecting her to share.
Not bleedin’ likely.
Shelly Anne raised her brows, then moved toward the sliding doors. “Anyway, I’ll be going now. Needed at the shop.” She found Blayne’s gaze in the crowd. “I have everything ready for the coffee tomorrow so don’t fret.”
Snapping to attention, Blayne stepped into action. The judge looked like he was in a state of shock and the best thing she could do for the poor guy was to get him out of the spotlight.
“Great. Thanks, Shelly Anne.” She clapped. “Alright, there’s nothing to see here. Mitch, finish hanging the lights. Miss Janice, the rest of the flowers for the arrangements are in the honey room, and, Jamie, you need to tell me what’s going on with that eyesore of a tarp in the side lawn.”
Honor on the Cape Page 17
