by Carol Henry
“So now you’re giving up everything you worked so hard for in Maine to come back to Bergen and the fishing business?”
“Your mother and I miss Norway. We’re not getting any younger, and we want to be closer to our family—to our parents, for however long they have left.”
“What about me? What am I supposed to do? Katelyn and I are engaged, we’ve been talking about a wedding. How am I going to support a wife? A family?”
He sounded ungracious and only concerned for himself. He didn’t mean to act quite so petulant. He hung his head, his shoulders. He really should be thinking of his grandparents. His parents. But…
“I’m sorry this is so hard for you to understand. Yes, we’ve considered your part in the business. We know you have your life ahead of you in America. You’ll have to talk to Katelyn and decide what is best for the two of you.”
“What about Flowers in Bloom?”
“We would love to turn it over to you, but financially, we can’t afford to simply walk away. We need the money to transition to the business here in Bergen, pay things off back in Lobster Cove, and give the fishing business a boost to keep it going. Maybe tie in with McClintock and McClintock Shipping. We’ll have to put the business on the market right after the first of the year. Perhaps, if you decide to stay in Lobster Cove, the new owners will hire you to work for them.”
Speechless, Sven swallowed the rant bubbling deep inside his gut. He didn’t want to disrespect his father, or grandfather. But, damn it, he lived above the flower shop with his parents. Where was he to go once they sold his home out from under him? What was he going to do? The flower shop was all he’d trained for, all these years. During and after high school he’d only ever worked for his parents. He’d expected one day to become a partner in the business—to own it. It was a successful business, after all. He shook his head, pursed his lips, stood, and walked out of the claustrophobic room.
How had his life gone so terribly wrong, so quickly? How could he marry Katelyn without any financial prospects back in Lobster Cove? No way was he going to have a wife support him.
No way!
He strode down the narrow hall, mindless of his father calling him back. He couldn’t talk to him right now, without causing a row. He’d more than likely say things he’d be sorry for later. Once he entered the banquet hall, he was sorry he hadn’t turned left and kept right on going straight out of the hotel. The noise and people surrounded him, his head reeled, ready to explode. He shut his eyes, took a deep breath, and crashed into another body, apparently also anxious to leave the hubbub behind.
“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“Why, hello, Sven. Fancy bumping into you—literally. Long time, no see.”
Before he could respond, Marta Sigurd flung her arms around his neck and plastered her lips against his in a firm embrace that had him backing up to keep from falling on his behind. He wound his arms around her in order to remain upright while the kiss continued. The kiss somehow, without warning, turned more amorous than expected. She leaned into him as if they were the only two in the foyer, igniting memories of how close the two of them had become over the years during his many visits to Norway. Memories of her body being closer than their current embrace. Naked. Making love. Memories better left buried in the past. After all, he was engaged to Katelyn.
Sven slowly regained control of the shock of the intimacy of her hold on him. He ran his hands along her arms, firmly gripped them, and stepped away from her seductive embrace. His strong emotions toward her had to be nothing more than his reaction over his angst with his father. He had to set the record straight.
“That was quite a welcome, Marta. I almost didn’t recognize you. You’ve grown into quite a woman since I saw you last. Guess I don’t need to ask how you’ve been?”
Her blonde hair hung in a thick braid down the middle of her back, her blue eyes wide and mesmerizing. And man, in two years she had filled out and grown into a beautiful woman.
“Well, I had no trouble recognizing you, Sven. You’re looking as handsome as ever.” Her smile intimated so much more. Sven gulped as his childhood flame continued. “I was hoping to run into you tonight. Guess I did. Let’s go someplace and reminisce over old times.” She linked her arms through his and started to lead him toward the exit.
“Not a good idea, Marta. I’m engaged to someone back in Maine.”
“I only have talk in mind, Sven.” Her look told a different story. “Come on. Let me reacquaint you with Bergen. I’ll buy you a drink at our old hangout on Torget Street—for old time’s sake. Besides, no one will miss us here.”
He drank in her piercing stare—a dare if ever there was one. Hell. Why not? He needed to get away from his father, his family, the overly happy crowd, and clear his mind so he could think. Contemplate what he was going to do now that his entire life had been turned upside down? He let Marta link her arm with his and allowed her to lead him through the throng of celebrants hanging out near the reception area. They retrieved their coats before they exited the hotel and walked briskly against the cold evening air drifting off the harbor along the Bryggen District, and made their way to the Irish pub that had become their favorite hangout.
The bar’s dark polished wooden interior brought back memories of their time spent together the last time he’d been in Bergen. The tables along the far wall next to the windows were full to overflowing. The lighting dim and welcoming, the live band was already setting the mood, with their jazzy tunes slow and sultry. Marta waved to the bartender, who smiled and waved back, an indication she still frequented the lively establishment. She led Sven to an empty table in a back corner.
“More privacy over here.” She smiled over her shoulder, bidding him to follow.
They’d no sooner sat than a waiter was at their table, taking their order.
“The place hasn’t changed.” Sven sat back and scanned the bar. It was an entertaining hangout for those who enjoyed dancing or just socializing. Before long the dance floor would be put to good use. Couples would be draped around each other as the band catered to the regulars. He and Marta had been part of the dance crowd. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Maybe he should cut his losses now and leave.
In the midst of contemplating what he should do, their drinks arrived. Marta swirled the straw in her tall, frothy glass, gave him a simpering expression out of the corner of her eye, and then swiped the straw across her tongue with a seductive come-hither motion. Her full red lips slowly sucked the long piece of plastic suggestively before pointing it at his chest. “I’ve missed coming to this pub with you since the two of us said goodbye and you flitted off to America. You broke my heart, Sven. Remember our special night?”
How could he forget? They’d spent the night together on her father’s sailboat out in the fjords. They hadn’t gotten far before they’d pulled into a small bay and moored for the night. It had been warm and balmy, the moon shining off the water. Marta’s skin was silky smooth and hot, and had driven him to heights he’d had a hard time climbing back down from in the morning. She was looking at him the same way now, and damn, it was going to be hard to withstand her sexy smile, her sexy body, all over again.
“That was a long time ago, Marta. We’re different people now. I have a fiancée back home. I’m only going to be here a few more days. Then I’m going back to Maine for Christmas.”
“Not what I heard. I understand your parents are moving back to Bergen to run your grandfather’s salmon business. Aren’t you moving back with your parents to help run the business?”
“Good question. One I haven’t had a chance to really think about. I just found out about it tonight. I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I’ve hardly had time to let it sink in, let alone try to figure out how I fit into their plans. Or if I want to.”
“In the meantime, dance with me for old time’s sake. Maybe it’ll help you figure things out.” She sucked on her straw, licked it all the while
gazing straight into his eyes, and then set her glass on the table. “Come on, Sven. You owe me a dance for walking out on me.”
She stood, grabbed his hand, pulled him to his feet, and led him to the dance floor. He didn’t resist. The small space was already crowded with couples wrapped around each other, slow dancing to a lilting melody he didn’t recognize. It didn’t really matter what song the band played, the minute she splayed herself around him like hot syrup, his mind shut down. She still fit in his arms comfortably, warm, seductively, sending out a message that stirred memories. His problems disappeared. She nuzzled his neck. He swallowed, shifted with the music and leaned his head on hers. Her hair now flowing freely down her back was as soft as spun silk. He ran his hand through it, absently stroking it like a worry bead. He didn’t resist when she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the mouth with such abandoned passion, his response was instantaneous. The music swirled around them. Her dress was, well, for a hot sultry night it would be just right—hot. But in the middle of a cold Norwegian winter, she must be freezing with the off the shoulder scrap of a dress barely covering her well-endowed breasts. Breasts plastered seductively against his chest. Clothes, or no clothes, he couldn’t hold in the groan, and the warmth radiating to his lower extremities. Not only was the dress hot, Marta was hotter than hell since he’d seen her last.
“You haven’t changed at all,” he whispered in her ear. “Still the same sexy siren I remember.”
“Oh, Sven, you still say the most romantic things. I only ever cried out for you.”
“I’m engaged, Marta. You’ll need to rein in those pheromones. They won’t work on me.”
“Liar. I can feel what you’re feeling. Besides, you’re only engaged, not married.”
“Soon to be.”
“But not. Let’s get us another drink. We still have a lot of catching up to do.”
Sven had no option but to escort her off the dance floor. Removing her arm from around him was a feeble attempt at best. She clung, as if he would escape in a puff of smoke. He let out the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. For his own sanity and peace of mind, he should walk away. Only three more days left in Bergen, and then he’d be going back home to Lobster Cove.
And Katelyn.
Chapter Five
Katelyn drove past the park along the harbor on her way to St. Joseph’s Church Sunday morning. Garlands swung across the streets around the square, the gold and red bells nestled inside the fresh green wreaths hanging at each electric pole. The morning air was tranquil, a light haze swirled up from the bay. The town square gazebo decked from top to bottom displayed large red plastic bows and evergreens festooned around the railings. From the top of the McClintocks warehouse next to Pier One, a humongous wreath welcomed in the season and the people of Lobster Cove. Eugenia McClintock, although no longer in control of the business, would be appreciative to learn they had continued her traditions. Each of the trawlers docked along the pier was also decked out for the holiday, with a string of lights lit from stem to stern.
Other businesses along the drive were likewise dressed for the season. Store fronts were decorated in reds, greens, and golds, and lights all aglow, even on a Sunday. Katelyn rounded the corner of Main and Maple. Whoever was keeping things going at Flowers in Bloom, while Sven and his parents were in Norway, had made sure the store front was looking as seasonally colorful and festive as ever.
Flowers in Bloom reminded her of the Olsons—and Sven. Celebrating the season alone wasn’t what she’d envisioned once they had become engaged. They were an official couple now—going to holiday events alone took the enjoyment out of everything.
When was Sven coming home?
As she pulled into the church parking lot, the mist cleared and a few rays of sunshine peeked through. The early morning light appeared, encrusting the surrounding trees and rooftops in sparkling ice crystals. Up ahead, couples and families entered the church ushering their children up the steps. Behind her, another car rushed past to gain an empty space in the parking lot as if they were late to mass. Katelyn took her time, parked, locked the door, and made her way past the life-size crèche in the church’s side lawn.
Jeff Myers, the high school P.E. teacher and football coach, greeted her and the other arrivals as they entered and then took their seats. His wife Beth played the organ as Katelyn joined her parents in the Sullivan’s usual pew. It wasn’t long before the introductory notes of the hymn heralded Father Zack and his followers as they made their way down the center aisle. Katelyn followed the procession with her eyes, and spotted Todd and Lois Logan—and Mark and Kurtis—several pews ahead, on the opposite side of the church. She hadn’t paid much attention to the Logan’s attendance over the years, and was surprised to see them.
Kurtis sat between Mark and Mrs. Logan.
Father Zack’s sermon centered around the essence of the season, and a reminder of those who were in need. Before she realized it, mass had concluded and Father Zack was issuing an invitation to attend coffee hour after the service. She and her parents seldom remained for coffee hour, needing to get back to the restaurant for the lunch crowd, while others, like Helen Troy from the Lobster Cove Grocery Mart, who more than likely provided most of the refreshments, and Coleman Baker and his wife Edna from McClintocks, headed downstairs to the reception hall for the social hour. She followed her parents along the side aisle, wrapped her scarf around her neck, and slipped her gloves on as they entered the vestibule on their way out of church.
Mark, along with Kurtis and his parents approached from behind.
“What’s your rush?” Mark’s words drew their attention. She and her parents turned as one to greet the Logans.
Katelyn wasn’t prepared to meet his sexy smile, his sparkling eyes, and the warmth his nearness had on her insides after the kiss they’d shared yesterday. She busied herself putting on her gloves, and found another pair of eyes, equally as charming as Mark’s, looking at her. Kurtis’ lips lifted in a wide smile.
“Hi, Katie.”
“Hi, yourself. Did you get your tree decorated yesterday?”
“Yes. Grandma let me help.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Logan.” Dawn Sullivan extended her hand in welcome to Mark’s parents. Katelyn’s father followed suit, and the four exchanged greetings.
“Mom, Dad, you remember Mark. And this is his son, Kurtis.” Kurtis’ arm was hung tightly around his father’s neck.
“Of course I remember Mark. How you doing, son?” Her father extended his hand in greeting. “And who’s this little man you have here?”
“Good to see you again, Mr. Sullivan. Mrs. Sullivan.” Mark extended his hand, meeting her father’s welcome. “This is my son, Kurtis.”
Katelyn smiled at the Logans, who were understandably happy to have their son and grandson home and attending church with them as a family.
“Welcome home to Lobster Cove,” her mother greeted Kurtis. “Are you all set for Santa’s visit?”
Kurtis smiled, nodded. And tucked his head in Mark’s neck. If her heart didn’t stop turning over at every move Kurtis made, she was going cave in and make a fool of herself. Knowing he was Mark’s son had her insides shaking, thinking about the son she had lost.
“Katelyn, I understand you had a little helper the other day.” Lois Logan filled in the awkward pause in conversation.
“Yes,” she breathed. “I enjoyed having Kurtis help decorate my tree. He’s such an enthusiastic helper.”
“Katelyn loves children,” her mother interjected as if it was of upmost importance for the Logans to know. “She’s getting her degree in childhood development come spring. She works part time at the Hearts and Hand Daycare, too.”
“How wonderful you’ve continued your studies. You’ll have to come for dinner sometime soon so we can catch up,” Mrs. Logan invited. “In fact, why not come this afternoon?”
“Thank you, but I usually help out at Mariner’s for the Sunday after church crowd.”
“Nonsense,” her father chided. “I’m sure we can manage one afternoon without you. You’ve worked so hard lately, you deserve a break. Besides, we aren’t busy at the moment.”
Katelyn knew better. She wasn’t sure what her father was thinking—why he was encouraging her to go. She wanted no part of it. Especially when she happened to catch Mark’s grin and raised eyebrows.
“Go, Katie girl,” her father prodded. “You work too hard. It’s time to relax a bit. Get out. Enjoy.”
“It’s settled. We’ll see you at one o’clock,” Todd Logan said, ushering his wife down the church steps.
“It’s very kind of you to offer, thanks. Can I bring anything?”
“Oh, my goodness, no. Just come and relax. It will be like old times.” Mrs. Logan’s warm smile lit up her face.
The congregation dispersed around them as those not staying for coffee headed toward their individual vehicles.
Mark lagged behind, his lips lifted as if he had something to say, but just nodded and headed to his car with Kurtis. His silence puzzled her. He hadn’t said a word one way or the other, but the smile on his face was disconcerting. Was he responsible for his mother issuing the invitation? After their parting kiss yesterday, she wasn’t so sure it was a good idea to spend more time with him and his son—or his family. But how could she refuse after her father had dismissed needing her at the restaurant so persuasively? What was up with that?
Kurtis had suddenly demanded Mark’s attention, so Katelyn had no idea what Mark was thinking in regards to his mother’s invitation. Should she call out to them and tell them she’d changed her mind? She wanted to, but then Mark looked back at her, and smiled—again. Her heart fluttered when she spotted his sexy dimple. Once again she couldn’t resist the challenge.
