Diamonds or Donuts

by Lucie Ulrich

  Pippa sipped on her tea. “Did Sarah really think we’d make a good couple?”

  Pulled from his musing, Kevin faced his friend. “That’s what she said.”

  “Funny, ‘cause I think the two of you would make a good couple.”

  Panic constricted his chest. Had Pippa picked up on his vibes? He was struggling as it was, and didn’t need any help from the wannabe matchmaker sitting next to him. “What are you talking about? Sarah is engaged.”

  “To a guy who plays in giant sandboxes.”

  Without wanting to, Kevin laughed. “Okay, that’s funny, but that doesn’t change the fact she’s in love with him, nor does it make him a bad person. And what kind of friend are you for even suggesting such a thing?”

  “A pretty good one, I think.” Pippa leaned in close. “Don’t get me wrong. I want Sarah to be happy, but I’m not sure Logan is the guy for her. They’re like night and day.”

  “Opposites attract, so they say.”

  “Yes, but how long will polar opposites be able to hold it together?”

  “Have you said anything to Sarah about this?”

  “Not in so many words. Sarah is seeing stars and hearing violins right now. She’s still in the love-struck phase of their relationship. Don’t ever tell her I said this, but I did a happy dance the day she told me the wedding had been put on hold.” She waved as Sarah carried the final stack of dishes to the kitchen. “The coming months are going to open that girl up to new possibilities and experiences.”

  Lord? Kevin’s struggle and confusion intensified. He liked the idea of new possibilities and experiences, but wasn’t sure if he was supposed to play a part in them. He needed to keep his wits about him and his focus on work, school, and God’s good timing. He took a long swallow of ice water. “That’s all fine and good, but don’t expect me to be the vehicle you use to destroy their relationship.”

  “Destroying their relationship isn’t my goal. I’m definitely not a fan of Logan’s, but if after the next year or so Sarah still wants to marry him, I’ll be proven wrong and support her in whatever way she needs me to.”

  The clinking of a utensil against a crystal glass caught everybody’s attention. Edward Bradshaw stood and waited for complete silence before speaking. “I’d like to thank all of you for joining us for tonight’s special celebration.” He offered his hand and tugged his wife to his side. “I’ve been married to this incredible woman for nearly twenty-eight years, and I love her more today than the day we married. Today we celebrate the first fifty years of her life, while looking forward to many more. Please join me in wishing Norma a very happy birthday.”

  Sarah brought out the cake from the bakery and handed it to Pippa. “This is your cue.”

  The group sang their wishes, Norma blew out the single candle, and music flowed through the outdoor sound system. Tables were moved aside while Edward took his wife onto the makeshift dance floor where they danced with practiced ease.

  Standing in the shadows, Kevin watched. The love on Norma and Edward’s faces was palpable. This was marriage at its finest, and what Kevin hoped to find one day.

  “What are you doing hiding in the dark?” Pippa slipped her arm around his.

  Tightness clawed at his throat. “Witnessing something truly beautiful.”

  Pippa laid her head on his arm. “Yeah, they’re special people, but I can’t tell you how all that lovey-dovey stuff used to gross me out when I was a kid.” She peered up at him. “You’re missing your folks, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. It’s times like these I miss them most. They weren’t as open with their feelings as your parents, but I can guarantee they’d be out there dancing and laughing at the four left feet they owned.”

  “In that case, how about a dance in their honor?”

  He nodded. “Why not?”

  “Good, Sarah is coming this way.” She unlinked arms and pushed him into the light. “Go ask her.” Before he could come close to objecting, Pippa skittered to the other side of the porch, and pulled her uncle to his feet for a dance.

  Just the thought of dancing with Sarah had Kevin’s stomach knotting. He took a step back into the shadows. There was no way he was putting his arms around her, taking in her scent, and swaying to the music—no matter how much he wanted to.

  “Nice party, huh?” Sarah stood in front of him, her eyes twinkling in the waning light.

  All resolve washed away like a receding wave. “The best.” He motioned with his head toward the dance floor. “Would you like to dance?”

  “Sure.”

  Placing his hand on the small of Sarah’s back, Kevin steered her toward the edge of the dance area. He slipped one arm around her slender waist and took hold of her hand. Making sure to keep some distance between them, he moved effortlessly in the small space. “It’s been ages since I’ve danced with anyone.”

  “Could have fooled me. You’re very good.”

  “My sister taught me from an early age. She took some ballroom classes when she was in high school, and I ended up being her practice partner at home.”

  “Really? So you can tango, salsa and rhumba?” She rolled the r in rhumba.

  He chuckled. “At one time, but I haven’t had much call over the last dozen years or so. Amy gave it up when she went to college, but she did teach me to slow dance with some finesse, which scored major points with my senior prom date.”

  “Does your sister live in town?”

  Grateful for the questions, he prayed the conversation would help him focus on anything other than the fact he was holding her in his arms. “No, Amy and her husband, Brian, run a home for troubled kids. It’s actually a working horse ranch in Kentucky. Brian’s an ex-NFL fullback. He’s big and burly, and the kids soon learn to respect him. They can’t have children of their own, so this is their way of loving kids others find hard to love.”

  “I have a great admiration for people like your sister and brother-in-law.”

  And there it was. He’d run dry. Other than nodding in agreement, Kevin couldn’t think of a single thing to say. I’d like to hold you like this forever came to mind, but that didn’t seem appropriate. Instead, he followed her lead and closed his eyes, figuring he might as well enjoy the moment, since the odds of there being another anytime soon were slim to none.

  When the music ended, neither of them moved apart. Kevin opened his eyes to find Sarah smiling up at him.

  “Thank you, Kevin. I love dancing, but Logan has never been comfortable on the dance floor. I’ll be lucky to get him to dance at our wedding.”

  A flash of sadness crossed her face before she released him and took a step back. The lack of body heat chilled him, as did the mention of Logan’s name. He needed to get out of here.

  “I wish you luck in talking him into it.” Kevin licked his dry lips and reached for the keys in his pocket. “I really should get going. It’s been a long day, and I have to prepare my brain for tomorrow’s study session.”

  “Thanks for all your suggestions today, and for volunteering to help me get the apartment fixed up.”

  “No problem. That’s what friends do for one another.”

  “I like that I can call you my friend. Somehow I figured my first friends, other than Pippa, would be a group of elementary school teachers, not the friendly policeman who rescued me the day I arrived.” Sarah grinned up at him. “To fun times ahead.”

  Kevin took a few steps back. He really needed to leave before he said or did something stupid. “More like to work times ahead.”

  “That too. I can hardly wait.”

  He waved while backing further away. “Seeya next weekend.”

  Unable to locate Pippa, Kevin thanked her parents for the invitation, and wished them a good night. He was nearly to his car at the end of the driveway when Pippa called to him.

  “What’s the hurry, Kev? It’s barely eight thirty.” She moved his way.

  “I was up with the sun this morning and I’m tired.”

  Pipp
a twisted her mouth. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with Sarah, would it? I saw you dancing together.”

  “Of course you did. You practically threw me at her.”

  “What I meant was I saw the way you looked at her. You like her.”

  “What’s not to like? She’s a great person.”

  “No. You like her.” She slugged him. “Why didn’t you tell me when we were talking about her earlier?”

  “What, and fuel a fire I can’t allow to burn?” He scrubbed a hand through his hair and leaned against his car. “No matter how you feel about Logan, or how much you think Sarah and I are a good fit, or more to the point how much I feel we fit, I can’t act on it.”

  “I never would have pushed so hard if I’d known how you felt.” She leaned next to him and nudged him with her elbow. “But if you don’t tell me things, how am I supposed to know?”

  “I’m too far gone to be pushed.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Play it cool. I’ve already made promises to help her settle into her apartment, which means I’ll be seeing her next weekend, but at least her parents are coming, and I’ll be busy doing construction work. After that, I guess I’ll back off.”

  “If you do, Sarah’s going to wonder why, which will only make matters worse.”

  “So, what do you suggest?”

  “Just be yourself and see how things progress. If it gets too difficult, you may have to tell her the truth and go from there.”

  Go from there? If he told Sarah the truth, Kevin had no doubt she’d thank him for his help and send him on his way. He’d try it Pippa’s way: one, because it would buy him some time, and two, because he couldn’t come up with a better idea.

  “I’ve got vacation coming. I think I’ll go see my sister and her husband right after Sarah moves in. That way it won’t look like I’m avoiding her and it’ll be good to have a little distance between us.”

  “That’s probably a good idea. But can I say something without you getting all mad and cranky?”

  He cocked his head, having a pretty good idea what was coming. “Say what you will, but don’t expect me to take it to heart.”

  Pippa stepped in front of him and looked into his eyes. “I don’t know your future, or Sarah’s, but I can’t help thinking the two of you met for a reason. That said, I don’t think God sent her here for you to destroy her relationship with Logan, but maybe he sent Logan away to give both of them a chance to decide if marriage is right for them.”

  Her mother’s voice rang out in the distance. “Philippa, are you out there?”

  “Yes, Mom. I’m saying goodnight to Kevin. I’ll be right in.” Pippa gave him a quick hug. “I really have to go, but promise you’ll think about everything I said.” She hurried off without waiting for him to answer.

  Kevin climbed into his SUV. Before starting the motor, he pulled out his cell phone and punched in his sister’s number. Pippa lived with stars in her eyes, and determination in her heart. Amy would have him seeing stars if she felt he was out of line. He chuckled despite the situation. Life was about to get interesting.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  A letter awaited Sarah when she returned from Sunset Cove. Thrilled to see Logan’s name on the return address, she hurried up the stairs, dumped her bag by the front door, and tore into the envelope.

  Dear Sarah,

  What a week I’ve had. The dig is going increasingly well, and I was privileged to be able to present a fragment of ancient pottery to Anton. It’s quite a feather in my cap, if I do say so myself.

  The weather here is quite difficult to deal with. Thankfully, Mom included a wide-brimmed hat in the care package she sent. She said you haven’t been around much and that a number of your weekends have been spent in the city you’re moving to. I suppose that’s to be expected, but please stop by and see them one day soon. They would appreciate it, and so would I.

  Gotta run. I want to get this out before the mailman arrives. Write soon.

  Much love,

  Logan

  Sarah tossed the letter on the coffee table. She tried not to be hurt by his apparent lack of interest on what was going on in her life. Thinking back to her last letter, she remembered filling him in on her move and all the changes in her life, so why should she not expect the same from him?

  The desire to write back immediately wasn’t there. She’d unpack, finish the work she needed to get done for school, and make an appointment to visit Logan’s parents. She’d write then, or perhaps wait until her next visit to Sunset Cove. That way she could include some pictures of her apartment, parents, and friends.

  The remainder of Sarah’s work week went by smoothly, but not quickly. Leaving work Thursday afternoon brought with it a sense of dread. She was having dinner with the Montgomerys.

  In an effort to brighten her mood, Sarah stopped by a neighborhood florist and picked up a large bouquet of yellow gladiolus. She’d come to learn they were one of Abigail’s favorites and hoped that if she came bearing gifts it might make the evening a bit more enjoyable. Truth be told, she liked Logan’s father. He wasn’t quite as easygoing or laid-back as her father or Pippa’s, but he was nice, and didn’t make her feel like a complete outsider.

  The butler opened the door when she arrived at the appointed hour. “Good evening, Miss Sarah.”

  “Hello, Charles. It’s always good to see you.” Charles let loose with the endearing little smile that always warmed her heart. “Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery are in the drawing room. Please follow me.”

  Robert Montgomery stood when Charles announced her. “It’s lovely to see you again, Sarah.” He crossed the room and greeted her with a kiss to her cheek. “Those are some lovely flowers you have there. I don’t suppose they’re for me.”

  “I’m sure your wife will be happy to share.” Sarah handed the bouquet to her future mother-in-law.

  Without taking them, Abigail pasted a smile on her face. “That was very considerate of you, Sarah. Charles, see to it that Maureen puts these in water, please.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Charles retrieved the flowers from Sarah’s hands. “They’re quite lovely.” He winked and hurried away.

  “Can I offer you a glass of sherry?” Robert asked.

  “No, thank you. I’m not much of a drinker and sherry is way too strong for me. Besides, I never drink when I have to drive.”

  Abigail scoffed. “It’s only a tiny glass for goodness’ sake.” She sipped hers. “I suppose that means you won’t be having any wine with dinner, either.”

  “As much as I’d enjoy the fine wine you serve, I’m going to have to decline.”

  “Good for you.” Robert pinched her cheek. “I like a girl who knows what’s best for her.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Montgomery.”

  “Now, no more of that Mr. and Mrs. nonsense. It’s Abigail and Robert.” He pointed to an empty chair in the grouping of four. “Since I can’t pour you a sherry, how about some sparkling water, or perhaps a soft drink?”

  “Water would be great, thanks.”

  Abigail set her sherry glass on the table in front of them. “I understand from Logan you’re moving at the end of the school year. Rather a sudden decision, wasn’t it?”

  Now to explain without sounding like she was putting all of the blame on Logan. Sarah accepted the cut crystal glass from Robert and took a sip. “It actually wasn’t anything I planned until my friend told me about the opening at her mother’s school. I figured a steady job was better than substituting, and I’ve sort of gotten used to having my own place.”

  Eyes narrowed, Abigail drew her mouth into a thin line. “You do realize marriage involves living with another person.”

  “What?” Sarah giggled. “Oh, I simply meant I wasn’t prepared to move back in with my folks.”

  “You don’t love your parents?”

  Sarah tamped down the urge to shake her head. Leave it to Abigail to read things into everything Sarah said. “I adore my parents. It’s
just that I lived in dorms during my college years, and moved into my own apartment shortly after graduation. I’m used to my space, and they’ve gotten used to theirs. This way everybody wins.”

  “And what if Logan returns sooner than expected? If you were substitute teaching, you’d be able to drop everything in an instant.” Abigail took a tiny sip of sherry, holding the stem of the glass with her thumb and index finger, the other three curved just so. “Marriage is hard work, Sarah. You must put your husband’s occupation and needs above your own. I could have been a top-rated editor, but I chose to put Robert first, and I’ve never looked back. My duties as his wife, hosting dinner parties and planning social events, have been very satisfactory.”

  A quick glance Robert’s way and Sarah caught the faintest of eye rolls. She refocused her attention on Abigail. “I understand Logan’s work is important, and I’m ready to move wherever his career takes him, but he also thinks my job is of equal value.”

  Abigail patted Sarah’s leg. “Of course he does, dear. Now, about this job. Are you ready to quit at a moment’s notice?”

  “No, I’m not.” Her words came out more harshly than intended, but seriously what was with this woman?

  Robert cleared his throat. “I don’t think we need to grill the girl, Abigail. Sarah and Logan are adults and know what’s best for them. Our parents didn’t interfere in our lives, and we owe our children the same respect.”

  The icy glare Abigail shot her husband’s way was enough to freeze him on the spot. There was no way Sarah would be able to hold her tongue during dinner if Abigail didn’t let up.

  As fate would have it, a phone call saved the day.

  Sarah pulled her phone from her purse. “I apologize. I meant to turn this off. I’ll just be a minute.” She connected. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Mom? Sarah, it’s Pippa.”

  “Yes, I know. I’m at the Montgomerys’ for dinner. You didn’t forget, did you?”

  “Hmmm, let me guess. You’re looking for a reason to flee the joint?”