by Andrea Hurst
Ryan pulled out his phone to check the email with Jude’s itinerary for returning tomorrow. He would have everything ready.
Ian pointed out the window. “Wow, look at that yacht docking at the end of the pier. Someone’s got some big bucks.”
They watched as the crew tied up the lines to the pilings for a secure mooring.
“Pretty fancy,” Ryan said. It reminded him of the yacht a director friend of Peyton’s had taken them on for a cruise to Catalina one time. He’d rather have a small sailboat, he mused to himself, closer to the water, wind in his face.
A silver-haired man dressed in khaki pants and a blue-striped shirt stepped off the yacht and offered his hand to a young, well-dressed woman. She turned, leaned in and kissed him passionately. Even from this distance their age difference was apparent. Probably newlyweds, Ryan thought.
“Isn’t that Lindsey out there?” Ian asked, pointing to the pier.
Ryan stood to get a better look. Sure enough, Lindsey and the newly docked couple were waving at each other as she moved down the pier toward them. Everything fell into place. It had to be Lindsey’s father and new wife. What the heck were they doing here? And how convenient for them to arrive while Jude was gone.
“I need to check out what’s happening,” Ryan said.
Ian rose. “I’ll go with you.”
“No need, Ian. But thanks.”
“I’ll just walk you down with you, and then we’ll head back.”
Marco waved as Ryan and Ian rushed out the door. They moved rapidly down the wooden pier. Ryan watched Lindsey throw her arms around the man who he was sure now must be her father. The woman, sun hat and large sunglasses covering her face, shook Lindsey’s hand.
“Lindsey,” Ryan called out as he made his way down the plank.
She turned and frowned at him. “Are you following me?”
Ryan moved beside her. “Of course not.”
“Who is this guy?” her father asked.
Lindsey shrugged. “He’s the chef at Mom’s café.”
Ryan reluctantly put out his hand. “Ryan Folger.”
“Mitchell,” Jude’s ex-husband said, a slick, pearly smile crossing his face. “I’m Lindsey’s father. And this is my wife, Kimberly.”
“Nice to meet you.” Ryan caught his breath and tried to think fast. He introduced Ian and they all shook hands.
“Where did you cruise in from?” Ian asked.
Kimberly flashed a smile at Ian. “We just traveled through the San Juan Islands. They are so beautiful,” she said.
Ian nodded. “My wife’s on Orcas right now as a matter of fact. Nice place.”
“I’m afraid you just missed Jude,” Ryan said, watching for a response.
Mitchell put his arm around Lindsey. “No problem. We came to see my daughter.”
His possessive attitude turned Ryan’s stomach. The timing was suspicious, and his instant dislike of Mitchell did not help. “How long are you staying?”
Mitchell bristled, obviously not used to fielding direct questions. He winked at Lindsey. “We leave in the morning.”
And just who was “we,” Ryan wondered.
“Honey,” Kimberly said. “Why don’t you let Lindsey go freshen up while I do some shopping and stretch my legs?” She gazed seductively at her husband. “And then she can join us for dinner on the yacht tonight.”
Mitchell kissed her on the cheek. “Run along,” he said to his wife. “Buy yourself something nice.”
It was obvious to Ryan that Kimberly had very little interest in spending time with Lindsey. So what were they really doing here? Lindsey, alone on that yacht with those two while Jude was gone was just not going to happen if he could help it.
Ryan stepped forward, forcing a smile. “I had a special dinner planned for Lindsey tonight at the café. We’re closed to the public, why don’t you and your wife join us instead?”
Mitchell looked Ryan over from head to foot. “We have a three star Michelin Chef aboard, why don’t you join us?” he said.
Ryan looked at Lindsey and back to Mitchell. “What the heck? It’ll be nice to have someone else cook for a change. What time?”
“We dine at 8:00 p.m.”
“I’ll be there.”
Mitchell turned his back as if to dismiss Ryan and addressed his daughter. “Lindsey, I’m going to have a drink on the pier. Go ahead and get ready and I’ll see you later.”
“They walked back down the pier. When they reached the sidewalk at the end, Ian said his goodbyes. Ryan was glad his friend had been at his side for that confrontation.
Lindsey refused to meet Ryan’s eyes during the short walk back to their places above the cafe.” At the top of stairs Ryan blocked the front door of Jude’s apartment so Lindsey had to face him before entering.
“Did you know he was coming?”
Lindsey glared at him, reminding Ryan of the bratty girl who had stepped off the shuttle a few months ago.
“Yes and no,” she snipped. “Now let me in.”
Ryan stepped aside and followed her into Jude’s apartment.
Ruffled, Lindsey threw down her purse on the counter. “Why do you care anyway?”
“I’m responsible for you while your mother is gone. And I care about you.”
Lindsey took a stance with her hands on her hips. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
Ryan thought that was debatable. “Pretty convenient Mitchell arriving while your mother is gone.”
“I didn’t plan it that way, okay? I emailed him a few weeks ago when everything was crazy here. He never answered until this morning. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to take a shower and get ready for dinner.”
He looked around the room to see if there were any suitcases packed. Seeing nothing out of order, Ryan walked to the door. “I’ll meet up with you here at ten to eight.”
“Fine,” she said, shutting the door behind him.
Why was she being so defensive if this was nothing but a friendly visit, he wondered. Ryan walked down the path to his front apartment and pulled out his cell phone. Should he call Jude? He dialed her number but it went right to voicemail. He didn’t leave a message. He’d hate to upset her when she finally had some time off to rest and enjoy herself on Orcas.
Ryan walked in and laid the phone on the counter. It would break Jude’s heart if she got back and Lindsey was gone. He didn’t want to overreact. He’d wait to see how the dinner went and if Mitchell was really leaving tomorrow. Perhaps just a little damage control would be enough.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jude woke from her nap to the sound of Lily and Kyla unloading groceries and banging pots around in the nearby kitchen. It was going to be nice to have someone else cook. Just relax and stop thinking for a while. She stretched luxuriously, and then walked over to the window. The sun was lower in the sky where pale hues of pink and lavender played in the clouds. Such a peaceful place.
Jude slid on her shoes, went upstairs, and glided down the hall to the kitchen. Her beautiful red-headed friend, Kyla, and lovely Lily, looked like models posing in the luxury kitchen. Jude looked forward to chef Lily’s gourmet fare.
Kyla was sitting on a bar stool, sipping white wine and watching Lily do her magic. The hand-carved wooden stools lined each side of a granite countertop with a six- burner, stainless steel gas stove directly in the middle. The smell of garlic hung in the air, wafting up to the high-peaked ceilings.
“Smells delicious already,” Jude said. “What are you making?”
Lily beamed. “Chicken breast stuffed with sliced mushrooms, garlic, goat cheese, and spinach, then wrapped in bacon and baked to perfection.”
“Whoa,” Kyla said, “That sounds amazing.”
Jude heard her stomach growl. “Shall I make a salad?”
Lily pointed to the counter by
the sink. “Sure. I got some butter lettuce, tomatoes, fresh, beautiful avocados, and green onion. Just needs to be cut up and tossed.”
“I’ll make the dressing. Little olive oil, pinch of herbs, and lemon juice,” Kyla said.
They worked in the kitchen together in perfect harmony. A sense of happiness melted Jude’s knots and worries away. The salty smell of bacon filled the room as the sun sank in the distance. This sense of peace was just what Jude had been longing for.
“Should I bring in some wood so we can light a fire?” Kyla asked.
Lily shook her head. “I don’t think it’s wise. It’s not cold enough yet. Maybe tomorrow morning, if it’s foggy.”
“Why don’t I set out the plates in the dining room?” Jude asked. She eyed the massive table that looked like it was made from one large slab of polished oak. “Or should we sit at the eating bar?”
“I vote for the table by the window.” Lily said. “We’ll put out a few candles and lower the lights.”
They all took a seat when the food was served. Jude was glad her appetite was back so she could enjoy the succulent chicken. “Oh, my,” Jude said. “I think I might have to share this recipe with Ryan if you’re willing. I guess we could tweak it with a little thyme and call it Lily’s bacon thyme special.”
“Go right ahead,” Lily said. “I created it as I went along, but I think I can write it down for you, and Ryan is pretty good at adapting recipes.”
“To us,” Lily said holding up her wine glass.
Jude held her goblet of sparkling cider. “To us!”
“I’m having a little déjà vu tonight,” Kyla said. “Do you remember the slumber party we had at Jude’s house when you first moved to the island, Lily?”
“I do. It was the night after Ian’s art opening.”
Kyla nodded. “Look how far we’ve all come since then.”
Jude reflected on Lily’s plight before she even reopened the bed and breakfast. Now Lily was married to Ian and had a new baby and a thriving inn. And secretive Kyla was married now too, and getting healthier every day. Where did that leave her?
“It’s only fair I clear the table,” Kyla said. She rose and gathered the now empty plates.
Jude gathered serving dishes and followed Kyla to the kitchen. “I’ll help.” As she dried dishes, she glanced out at the low clouds lining the mountain peaks like a veil. Deep blue skies were advancing as a soft wind blew away the remaining clouds. Jude laid down the dishtowel and turned to Lily. “There will be stars tonight. Let’s go take a look.”
“We can bundle up, sit out on that deck, and watch to our heart’s content,” Lily said. “I’ll go find some blankets and sweaters.”
After they finished cleaning, they went outside with blankets in hand. They walked from the deck down the stairs to the cedar Adirondack chairs gathered around the fire pit at the water’s edge. In the cove before them, Jude watched a lone boat weave back and forth against the breeze as darkness descended into the night.
“It’s a little nippy,” Lily said, wrapping herself tight in a quilt.
“If you need more blankets, let me know,” Kyla said. “I can go back and grab a few more.”
Lily shook her head. “No problem. I’m good.” Lily reached out and took Jude’s hand and then Kyla’s hand in hers. “I am so glad we took this time to be together. I’ve missed you both so much. Being a new mom, I hardly have any time to myself. Not that I’m complaining.”
“I remember,” Jude said. “I barely had a life between the baby and trying to have a marriage. I don’t know how you’re doing it all with the B&B, and Ian’s art shows, and raising young Jason, too.”
“Oh, Jason’s a big help. He loves the baby,” Lily said. “But I have to admit, sometimes I wonder where the instruction booklet is for motherhood.”
“There is none,” Jude said laughing. “That’s the secret.”
“I’ve called my mother more times lately than I think I ever have, and I appreciate her more than ever.” Lily sighed. “I can really understand now why she took me away from my dad and worked so hard for so many hours to give me a good life. When I hold that baby and look into her eyes, I know I would do anything for my little Gwyn.”
“Of course you would,” Kyla said. “Don’t worry. Motherhood is something I think we all respond to differently. It’s something I would like to try, but it scares me, too,” After coming from kind of a crazy mother and a broken home, I wonder what kind of mother I’d be.”
“A great mother,” Jude said. “Your mom and grandma love you. And with a husband like Luke . . .”
“Yes,” Kyla said, “Luke would make a wonderful dad, but his family is very difficult as we all know!”
“At least they’re far away.” Jude said. “This time around, I want to be a better mother than I was when Lindsey was young. I’m certainly older and wiser.”
“And it won’t be the destructive marriage you had before with Mitchell,” Lily said.
Kyla nodded in agreement. “You have to remember, Ryan might be scared right now and wondering what it all means to be a dad, but I’ll tell you, I know in my bones that he’ll be a wonderful father and this will be the marriage you always dreamed of.”
“I hope so,” Jude said. “Sometimes I wonder if I’m truly lovable.”
“What?” Lily said. “You? The whole town loves you. We love you. Everybody loves you.”
“Yes, but they don’t know me in the same way.”
“What do you mean?” Kyla said. “We both know you exceptionally well.”
“It’s different with a man,” Jude said. “It’s been so long. After Mitchell put me through everything, I haven’t had the confidence I used to. I doubt that someone will ever be right for me or even stay with me.”
“Of course he will,” Lily said. “You’ve got to let go of the past, Jude, so the new can come in.”
“No man is perfect,” Kyla said.
Jude imagined being married to Ryan. Her heart skipped a beat. The past was behind her and her future? Dare she hope?
“Enough about me,” Jude said. “How is married life, Kyla?”
“Truthfully, I couldn’t be happier, and that’s what scares me. I’ve had a life where being happy was elusive at best and now, every day I wake up and thank God for Luke and count my many blessings. I have a wonderful man, a beautiful home in a vineyard, Tea & Comfort is thriving, and my health is stronger than ever. But . . .”
“But what?” Lily asked.
“It is cold out here.” Kyla wrapped herself in the fleece blanket and paused before answering. “I think of my mother and the life we had growing up. Do I deserve this happiness after everything I’ve done? How I hurt Luke . . .”
“Wait a minute,” Jude said. “You deserve massive amounts happiness. You’ve earned it every step of the way.”
“Luke is such an incredible man. Even his family is starting to come around some. His brother Stephan mostly leaves us alone, but his wife stays in touch. His dad calls occasionally, and his mother sends wonderful cards and gifts. I guess she’s hoping for another grandchild.”
“All right,” Lily said, “you’d better get working on that.”
Kyla grinned. “As soon as I get home I plan to. We let so much stand in our way sometimes. It’s time we let our light shine.”
“So true,” Lily said.
“You’re right.” Jude patted Lily’s head, “You’re both right.” Jude stared up to the night sky. It was so clear out here far away from city lights. Millions of stars twinkled, their winking lights reaching out to the threesome, specks on a sheltered beach. “Fear is such a heavy burden. It’s hard to let it go, but it’s definitely time.”
“Let’s all close our eyes,” Kyla said, “and imagine throwing all our fears out into the ocean and watch them float away with ease and grace.”
&
nbsp; Jude closed her eyes and let the stillness of the night fill her. She visualized her fears filling an iridescent bubble before her, floating and ready to be released.
“Let’s all do it together,” Lily said. “One, two, three throw!”
As the words left Lily’s mouth, a loud splash sounded in the water just off shore.
“What was that?” Lily asked.
Jude wasn’t quite sure, but the timing was amazing. They stood and walked down to the water’s edge. “It was probably a fish or seal or something, but I can’t see anything.”
“You never know,” Kyla said. “I think that worked pretty well.”
“Agreed,” Lily said.
Jude felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted off her chest. She took the first deep breath she had taken in a long time. A wave glided in toward her, its foam shimmering in the moonlight. Moment after moment, the sea advanced and receded, just like life. All of it was beautiful if you looked closely.
“I’m going back to the chairs,” Lily said. “It’s freezing out here.”
“We’re coming too,” Jude said.
“I have a confession,” Lily said as she took the steps two at a time. “When I went into town to the market today, I tried calling Ian. But I could not get a signal anywhere.”
“We forgive you,” Kyla said. She pushed open the sliding glass door and they stepped inside.
“He’s probably so engrossed in his painting he wouldn’t have heard the phone ring anyway,” Lily said. “It’s probably the first time he’s had uninterrupted hours to paint in months, so I don’t blame him.”
Lily slipped off her jacket and draped over the back of a chair. “I’m happy he is getting some time for himself, too. Being a parent is a full time job.”
“I wonder what it’ll be like to be a mom at forty years old,” Jude said. “By the time the baby is in college, I’ll be almost sixty.”
“So many women are having children late now,” Kyla said. “You’re as strong as ever and you’ll have lots of help. You two take a seat at the counter, I’ll make us some hot tea.”
“That’s true. And things are going better with Lindsey. She seems excited at the prospect of having a little brother or sister.”
