by Andrea Hurst
“I’m glad we made it,” Jude said. “I’ve wanted to show you both this place. There’s something magical about it.”
“It seems a lot more remote than Madona,” Kyla said.
“It is. It’s a great place for a summer retreat. I wouldn’t want to live here all year round. Winter can be lonely and tough. Plus, there are only a few ferries a day to get off the islands. If you don’t have your own boat, or you don’t have your own plane, you’re pretty much stuck.”
“I don’t think I’d like that,” Kyla said. “I like knowing we can drive off of our island and over a bridge to the mainland.”
“I don’t have great cell coverage here, either,” Lily said. “I was thinking of calling Ian and making sure the baby is all right.”
“Shall I pull over and see if we can find coverage? Maybe I should call Ryan, too.”
“I know you’re anxious to find out how Ryan is feeling, but I do think it was a good idea to give him space,” Kyla said. “Come on, ladies, they can live without us for a few days!”
Lily’s laugh was weak. “I guess so.”
“Being out of touch is part of the island charm,” Jude said. “Between the three of us, we should be able to get reception most of the time. And hopefully, none of the guys will be bothering us, and there won’t be any emergencies.”
“Turn right here,” Lily said, holding the map.
“Thanks.” Jude made a quick turn. “I don’t want to miss this one. At night I’ve driven right by it before.”
On the right was a beautiful U-shaped bay. The tide was coming in strong and high. The sun glistened on the water like sparklers flashing. On the other side was the town dotted with little shops. Jude turned down a small street. “There’s usually parking down at the end. And sure enough, there’s a spot right in front of a dress shop.”
“Anybody hungry?” Jude asked.
“I vote for lunch,” Kyla said, looking around, “and then extensive retail therapy.”
“Perfect,” they both echoed.
“I know a great place,” Jude said, “It’s just back here down this little path and to the left. It’s run by a couple of women. I think it’s called Mia’s Café.”
The café was fairly crowded, but there was a small booth in the back that they were able to slide into.
“Welcome,” the waitress said, laying menus before them. “Some of our specials are on the board. We have three different soups, black bean, curry chicken, and tomato bisque.”
“Everything looks good,” Lily said as she moved through the menu. “Bacon and egg sandwich. Yum, I’m going to have that.”
Kyla placed her menu down. “A chopped salad with fresh prawns for me.
Jude didn’t feel that hungry all of a sudden. She chalked it up to her pregnancy and ordered soup and bread. “Now, save a little room.” Jude turned to her friends when the waitress left. “Because after the shopping, I have a special surprise.”
It was a nice change to have someone waiting on her, Jude thought. The food and conversation during lunch took her far away from her worries and she began to feel truly on vacation.
After they finished their lunch, they hurried out and followed Jude to what she said was the best dress shop in town—The Black and White.
“The woman who runs this shop is amazing,” Jude said. “She’s got to be over 70. She designs these clothes you won’t find anywhere else, especially for you, Kyla, with your long legs and model’s figure.”
They walked around the store exploring the amazing one-of-a-kind little jackets with cuffed sleeves and the silky dresses with unique silhouettes. Everyone was trying on different things, except for Jude. “I don’t think I’ll be trying on new clothes with this belly,” she said. She looked instead at the jade jewelry, little carved boxes, and knickknacks.
Maybe she’d bring something back for Lindsey. One of these bracelets. Jude held them to the light. It looked like something Lindsey might like.
“Sea glass,” the white haired, exquisitely dressed woman said. “It’s polished and hand crafted by a local artisan.”
“Perfect. I’ll take it.”
While Jude made her purchase, Kyla came out of the dressing room wearing long, sleek pants, with a leather stripe down the side.
“Wow.” Lily said. “Those legs really work in those pants.”
Kyla smiled. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Lily.”
Lily had on a pale blue, V-neck sweater and a short skirt. “You think so? I think I’ll buy them.”
“And I’ll take the pants and the top,” Kyla said.
Jude could see why. The turquoise shirt accented Kyla’s hair, and the pants made her already long legs seem to go on forever.
At the counter, the owner packaged everything and handed out her card. “Come back soon,” she said.
After a few more shops, Lily collapsed on a bench. “I’m exhausted. Having fun is hard work.”
Jude reached out her hand to Lily. “Hop to it. I think we need to go across the street to the chocolate shop and put our feet up there.”
The elegant store was part soda fountain, part coffee shop, and part homemade gourmet chocolatier. Jude pointed to one of the menu items. “This is something you’ve probably never had before. It’s espresso, ice cream, homemade chocolate syrup, carbonated water, and whipped cream. An espresso chocolate soda.”
“Oh my gosh,” Kyla said, “It must be a million calories.”
“I don’t care,” Jude said. “I’ll have a decaf,” she ordered, thinking of the baby.
“What the heck,” Kyla said and ordered two, one for her and one for Lily.
Drinks in hand, they sat down at the round table and set their packages on the floor.
“This is amazing,” Lily said. “You have to try making this at your cafe when we get back, Jude.”
“Good idea. Maybe I’ll come up with one of my own recipes for one and add it to the menu.”
Sugared out and ready for a rest, they went back to the car so Jude could drive them to their rental. The house was advertised as being about a mile out of town and with a view of the water and a trail down to the beach. If it was anything like the pictures, they were going to be very pleased.
They followed the address on the map until they pulled in to a driveway facing the house. It was more beautiful than Jude even imagined. When they walked inside, they found that it was completely open concept with high ceilings, a granite-topped island in the kitchen that ran the full length of the room, and two-story glass windows that gave an impressive view of the water. Two sectional couches faced the French doors that led out to a massive deck.
“I could certainly get used to this,” Lily said.
Kyla threw herself on one of the soft couches. “Me, too.”
Jude walked into the kitchen, touching the stainless-steel appliances and the island that was twice as big as her kitchen at home. “I think we could all get used to this.” She strolled over and opened the doors to the deck. “Come here and look outside.”
The women rose with a moan and joined her.
From the deck, Jude pointed out a wood fire pit down on the sand with wood stacked beside it.
“We could have a little fire, roast marshmallows,” Lily said.
“Make s’mores?” Jude said.
“You and your chocolate,” Kyla said. “Didn’t we just have a chocolate soda?”
“All right, well maybe not tonight.”
“Let’s go see the rest of the house,” Kyla suggested.
There were three full bedrooms, each designed in a unique way. One was decorated in a nautical theme, all blues and crisp whites. The downstairs master had a wood carved canopy bed with cream satin linens. The other was a cozy, shabby chic cottage room. Each room had a view of the water.
“This bathroom has a Jacuzzi
tub,” Lily said when checking the cottage room. “Can I have this one?”
“No problem,” Kyla said. “I vote that we give the master to Jude for pregnancy rest.”
“Great idea,” Lily said. “One question, do we ever have to go home?”
Jude laughed. “We have two nights and two more full days. So enjoy.”
“Ladies,” Kyla said. “After all that eating, we forgot to stop at the market for food for dinner. I guess we’ll just have to go out.”
“Forget it,” Lily said. “I have a recipe I want to try out on you two. It’s only a mile to town. I’ll run in to the store. You two relax. When I get back I’ll make us something you will absolutely adore.”
“You sure?” Jude said.
“Absolutely.”
“Luke sent some wine for us, so you won’t need to get any.”
“How about you, Jude? Should I get you some sparkling cider or something?”
“Sure. Thanks, Lily.”
After Lily left, Kyla unpacked the wine and put it on the counter. “This is going to be an incredible evening. Look at the clouds coming in,” she said.
“I bet the sunset from here is going to be breathtaking. Why don’t we just sit outside for a little while?”
“I think I might take a nap,” Jude said.
“Go ahead. When Lily gets back, we can make dinner and then sit out on the deck and watch the stars.”
“Sounds good to me”
“Happy napping.”
The master bedroom was spacious and pure luxury with a huge king-size bed all to herself. Being pregnant had its advantages. She couldn’t wait to sit down on the plush armchair with the footrest that faced out at the water. Jude kicked off her shoes and put her feet up. Even the craftsman ceiling was exquisite wood. Who could ask for more? Maybe she’d make a wish on a shooting star tonight.
She closed her eyes and let the magic of the place fill her. She could hear bird songs out the open window. She almost fell asleep, but then her mind filled with questions. How was Lindsey doing? How was Ryan? She thought of the baby. What a gift it was. Perhaps it was another girl, or a boy? She imagined her and Ryan taking the baby to the park, walking in the sun, wrapping the baby in homemade quilts in the winter. It made her feel warm and happy inside. Getting away from it all gave her a clearer perspective. Ryan was a good man. She knew that. It could be real. She closed her eyes and let herself drift into a peaceful sleep.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Ryan prepped the mussels with thyme and garlic for the photo shoot he and Lindsey had planned for this afternoon. Yesterday, his mind had been elsewhere, thinking about how close he’d come to running after Jude’s car and embarrassing himself as she’d driven off with Kyla and Lily. After they’d left, he’d spent all day working on the book, taking advantage of the available time while the café was closed. Today, he hoped his mind would clear more. He loved Jude more than life, but her news had come as such a surprise. More than that, he was afraid. Did he dare hope that his deepest dream was finally coming true?
Lindsey burst into the kitchen filled with energy. “I’m ready to work.”
“Hey girl, it’s just you and me now,” Ryan said.
Lindsey rolled her eyes. “Speak for yourself,” she said with a smile. “The café is closed for a few days, my mom is gone, and as soon as we finish this last shot I’m out of here.”
“Not to the bluff, I hope,” Ryan said with a grin.
She rolled her eyes. “Going to hang out with friends.”
Ryan added a sprig of thyme to the white plate on the stainless steal counter. He wiped the edges clean with a towel and stood back to admire the dish. Lindsey focused the camera and took a few shots from different angles.
“Too bad we can’t eat this one,” Lindsey said. “It looks delicious.”
“I’ll remake it, minus the shine spray, for dinner for us tonight if you want,” he said.
Lindsey shrugged. “I’ll probably not be home for dinner, but thanks.” She placed her camera in the bag and threw it over her shoulder. “That’s a wrap,” she said, borrowing the phrase from the movie shooting.
“I get it. You’d rather hang out with the young people,” Ryan said.
Lindsey stared at him and he wondered what was going on behind those sparkling blue eyes.
“I’m going upstairs,” she said. “See you later.”
Ryan cleared off the plate and tossed the food down the garbage disposal. Something didn’t sit right with him, the way Lindsey was acting today. He washed and dried his hands and untied the apron. It was his day off, not a day to worry about Lindsey. He was already starting to act like a father, and he had no right. Yet. He planned to take some time to just sit outside on this warm August day and try to get his head around all that was happening.
With the café closed for the day, the best cappuccinos in town were at Marco’s place. He hoped he didn’t run into Lindsey. She would think he was checking up on her. He walked out the side door and headed over to Books, Nooks and Coffee. A few tourists lingered on the sidewalks, but definitely missing were any signs of movie people. Hallelujah, Ryan thought.
Marco flashed Ryan a smile as he entered. “Afternoon,” he said. His little dog, Gatsby, greeted him at the door.
Ryan petted Gatsby, scratching him behind the ears. “This is one cute dog,” he said.
He stepped to the counter, the dog at his heels. “I’ll have a double cappuccino.”
“Wet or dry?” Marco asked.
“Wet is fine.” There was no sight of Lindsey in here. He wondered where she’d gotten off to.
Ryan eyed the gluten free cookies, oat bars, and carrot breakfast muffins. “How’re the muffins?” he asked.
Marco placed the porcelain cup brimming with creamy, white foam before him on the counter. “Made fresh this morning with golden raisins.”
Ryan considered his options and chose the muffin. As he turned with his goodies in hand to find a table, the shop door opened and Ian walked in.
“Great minds think alike,” Ryan said.
“Lily left this morning,” Ian said, “and as soon as Mary arrived to help, she chased me out of the house to give me some time off from the baby. So here I am.”
After Ian ordered coffee, the two men took a seat in the back by the window facing the cove. Ryan sipped his coffee and stared out at the incoming tide as it lapped at the wood pilings holding up the pier. A line to board the local sailboat for their three-hour afternoon cruise was forming on the deck. He ought to take Jude out on that one day, just the two of them. Early next spring there would be three of them.
“So it’s just us guys for a few days,” Ian said. “Any plans?”
Ryan sipped his drink. “Not really. We closed the café a few days for inventory, and I’m working on the book and other stuff.”
“Lily arranged so much help for me while she’s gone, I think I’ll have time to paint and catch up on sleep.”
Ryan broke open the muffin and took a bite. It was surprisingly moist and the flavor bright and satisfying. Surprises were everywhere if you were open to them, he mused.
“How’s the baby doing?” Ryan asked.
The smile on Ian’s face said it all. “I forgot how much work they can be. Jason is nine years old now. But it’s worth every sleepless moment.”
The way Ian looked at him, Ryan could tell he’d gotten word. “You know Jude is pregnant.”
“I do,” Ian said. “How are you doing with that?”
Ryan stared out the window forming his thoughts. “I never imagined I would be so lucky as to have a child and a wonderful woman who loved me. Now that it’s happening, I’m afraid I won’t make a good dad, or husband.”
“I understand,” Ian said. “When my first wife told me she was pregnant with Jason, as much as I loved her, my first reacti
on was to run. I was in my early twenties, teaching art part time, painting some, and longing to travel.”
“I’m not sure age matters,” Ryan said. “I reacted much the same.”
“I’ll give you the same words of wisdom my Grandpa John told me,” Ian said. “Babies bring luck. He told me to toss aside my fears and be open to life. And so I did. It was the best decision I ever made.”
Ryan let out a long breath. “I’m afraid to hope. My past . . .”
“Is behind you. Where it belongs. You’ll make a great husband and father. Look how good you are with Lindsey already.”
“Maybe . . .”
“Maybe nothing,” Ian said. “The minute I saw sweet Gwyn look at me, I felt like I’d slay a thousand dragons to protect that little one. As soon you see the baby you’ll understand.”
Ryan thought about the first time he’d held tiny Gwyn at the shower. The longing that engulfed him had been quite a shock. He thought of the moment Jude told him she was pregnant. Shock was the only way he could explain his reaction.
“What if Jude comes back and asks me to leave?”
“Why would she?”
“When she told me, I should have jumped for joy. Instead, I turned into a bumbling idiot.”
Ian picked up his coffee and took a drink, taking his time before answering. “There is always that chance, but I know Jude and she’s not a quitter.”
A quitter. That was exactly what he had been for the last several years. But Ryan was through running. He’d put down roots here and told Jude everything he thought he’d never tell another soul. This was where he belonged.
“If she’d have me, I’d sweep her off her feet and marry her tomorrow.”
Ian laughed. “They won’t be back until tomorrow, but hold that thought.”
“I could jump on the next ferry and surprise her. What do you think?”
Ian shrugged. “Perhaps it would be best to let those three have their time to figure everything out on their own for now.”
