by Lucie Ulrich
“That’s an excellent idea. I’ll wake you in an hour.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Sarah picked up her bag from where she’d left it at the base of the stairs, and trudged up to her old room. She decided to leave the unpacking until later, and set the bag by the closet. Pulling down the bedspread, Sarah tossed off her flip-flops and climbed under the covers. It didn’t take long for her heavy eyes to close.
When her eyes opened again, Sarah’s room was dark. It took several long seconds for her to remember where she was. She turned on the bedside lamp and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her stomach grumbled. It was obviously way past dinner time.
Voices sounded from downstairs when Sarah opened her bedroom door. She made her way to the bathroom to freshen up before joining her folks.
Surprise struck when she found Robert and Abigail sitting in the living room. Her heart raced as she hit the bottom step.
Robert stood and hurried over to her. He took her into his arms and gave her a warm hug. “Are you okay, dear?”
A sob escaped her throat. Robert could have been angry, yet here he was comforting her. She shook her head, unable to find her voice.
“Come on, let’s sit down.” Robert led her to the couch where she sat between him and Abigail.
While Sarah appreciated Robert’s kindness, Abigail’s stern face had Sarah’s stomach in knots. “How did you know I was here?” She turned to Robert, but Abigail spoke.
“I’m very sorry, Sarah. When Logan told us the results of your conversation, I was appalled. Apparently Robert knew of Logan’s indiscretion, but I did not until this morning.” She straightened her back. “If I cooked, I’d have doused him with eggs myself. Good for you.”
This couldn’t possibly be the same woman who fussed about wedding gowns and venues. “You aren’t angry?”
“Good heavens, no. I’ll admit that I’m not an easy woman to get along with, but you stood up to me, Sarah, and though I might not have shown it, I appreciated and respected it. If my son is so easily blinded to the strong, passionate woman you are, then he deserves what he gets.”
Guilt had beads of sweat forming on Sarah’s hairline. She was no less guilty than Logan. “I appreciate it, Abigail, but—”
“There are no buts. Robert filled me in on your dilemma, and how you came to him for help.”
Sarah swiveled to face Robert. “When did Logan tell you?”
His easy smile masked the bit of guilt in his eyes. “Not long before you contacted me. I wanted to tell you, but Logan asked for my silence the same way you did.” He shrugged one shoulder. “You can imagine the position I was in.”
She nodded. “That helps explain your thoughts that maybe Logan and I were separated for a reason.”
“I didn’t want you feeling guilty. I’m only sorry Logan didn’t have the guts to tell you the truth.” He laughed. “I knew you’d handle yourself one way or the other, but I never expected the eggs.”
Sarah’s cheeks heated and she hid her face in her hands. “I still can’t believe I did that.”
Abigail laid a hand on Sarah’s arm. “I’ve been telling Logan for years that eggs make a wonderful conditioner.”
Laughter broke out in the room. “I’m going to remember that,” Lorraine said.
“Listen, Sarah,” Abigail went on to say. “We may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I want you to know that I’ll miss not having you as a daughter-in-law.”
“Thank you, Abigail. I appreciate your kindness.”
Abigail stood. “Now that that’s been said, we won’t keep you any longer. I’m sure you and your family have things to talk about. Robert and I simply wanted you to know that we don’t harbor any ill feelings, and that we wish you all the best.”
Stunned by the events of the last ten minutes, Sarah stood and accompanied the Montgomerys to the door. “I want you to know that I don’t blame Logan any more than I blame myself. Well, maybe a little more. Thing is, I guess it wasn’t meant to be, and I’m glad we discovered it before we married.”
Robert kissed her cheek. “Be happy, Sarah, and send us a wedding invitation when the time comes.”
“Don’t expect one anytime soon, but I definitely won’t forget to include you.” She hugged Abigail. “Either of you.”
“That was certainly interesting.” Her mother came to Sarah’s side and pulled her away from the door. “You must be starving. I tried to wake you for dinner, but I couldn’t get you to budge.”
“Now that you mention it, I haven’t eaten since…last night. My breakfast somehow turned into conditioner.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
It was closing in on one thirty, and Sarah still hadn’t been able to fall asleep. She blamed the long nap, and wondered when her sleeping pattern would get back on track. Tiptoeing downstairs, she fixed herself a cup of raspberry tea, and took it out onto the front porch. Adjusting her pillows on the hanging swing, Sarah tucked her feet under herself and listened to the sounds of the frogs from the nearby pond.
She rehashed her conversation with Logan, along with the one with his parents. She’d expected Robert to understand, but was more than a little awestruck by Abigail’s response. Though it pleased her to have their support, it also cemented the end of her relationship with Logan. Even if he came to her and begged for a second chance, she couldn’t see herself reconciling. Forgiveness was one thing; being blinded by his charm quite another.
Then there was Kevin. What was she to do about him? He was perfect, but that was what she’d thought about Logan. In an attempt to put all thoughts of men out of her mind, Sarah dialed Pippa’s number. Hearing about Italy and France would surely help. She put a smile on her face, hoping it would translate over the phone.
Pippa’s sluggish voice sounded in Sarah’s ear. “Hello?”
“Hey, Pippa, it’s Sarah. Did I wake you?”
“Seeing as it’s not even seven-thirty yet, the answer would be yes.”
“Oh, I figured you guys would be up and running early every day. That was the plan, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, but our travel plans were a bit skewed yesterday. Our train broke down then it took ages for us to get a cab.” She yawned. “We didn’t get to the villa until nearly two this morning.”
Sarah grimaced. “I’m so sorry. Go back to sleep and call me when you’re rested.”
“Not a chance.” There was another yawn and some rustling before Pippa spoke again. “I can tell by your voice that something’s up, and there’s no way in the world I’ll get back to sleep until I find out what it is. I just moved out onto the balcony where I won’t disturb Mom or Dad, so talk.”
So much for the smile. She should have known Pippa would pick up on her mood, and perhaps it was for the best. A fresh perspective would do her good. “I gave Logan back his engagement ring.”
There was no response, and Sarah knew Pippa was taking it in, and more likely than not guarding her tongue before letting out a whoop or holler. Sarah waited patiently for her friend to speak again.
When she did speak, there was sadness in Pippa’s voice Sarah hadn’t expected. “What happened, Sarah?”
“It’s a long and convoluted story to say the least. Are you sure you’re up to hearing it now?”
“Absolutely.”
Sarah went on to explain about her talk with Robert, the satchel, her confrontation with Logan, and encounter with her never-to-be in-laws. “I’m still reeling from the whole situation.”
“You must have been blindsided when you saw the picture.”
An ache rippled through Sarah’s heart, one she would likely feel for some time to come. “I was, but once I got over the shock and some anger set in, I was less upset by the picture than I was by Logan’s attitude. I expected a little remorse, but instead got complacency. He was willing to string us both along while deciding which one he wanted more.”
“What are you going to do now?”
“Stay with my folks for a few days while the dust settles in m
y brain, then head back to Sunset Cove and start over again.”
“With Kevin?” The hopeful tone in Pippa’s voice had Sarah smiling for real this time.
“I don’t know. Kevin and my feelings for him are part of my brain dust. I can’t think clearly where he’s concerned. That, and I’m not sure he’ll want me after he stops to think about the choice I made, and that it wasn’t him. He’s too good a guy to settle for someone who considered him second best.”
“You’ve never lied to him. Kevin knew you were attempting to work things out with Logan. He respects you for that.”
“How do you know?”
“He called me after you ran into him at the park. That guy is crazy in love with you.”
Sarah got up and walked toward the pond across the street. Her head and heart couldn’t seem to align themselves. “I know he likes me, and I definitely like him, but I’m not ready to dive into another relationship this soon.”
Pippa’s laughter crackled over the phone. “Sorry, sister, you may not want to admit it, but you dove in a long time ago.”
There was no doubt Pippa was right, which made things even harder to deal with. “It’s still too soon.” Sarah sat on one of the four benches surrounding the water and pulled her feet up, crossing them in front of her. “I’m going to wait a bit and see what happens. If nothing else, I have the next few days not to have to think about it.”
More laughter from her friend. “Good luck with that.”
Sarah laughed back. “We should both be in bed.”
“You’re right. What time is it there?”
“Closing in on two in the morning.” It was Sarah’s turn to yawn. “When are you coming home? I need my best friend.”
“We’ll be in Milan for four days, then back to Rome for a day, then home. I promise we’ll spend a whole day together as soon as my body is back on Eastern Time Zone.”
“Sounds good.” Sarah put her feet into the damp grass and let out a shriek.
“What’s wrong?”
“I think a snake just slithered in front of me.”
“Snake? In your bedroom?”
Sarah ran across the street and onto her front porch. “No, I’m sitting at the pond. At least I was. I’m almost to my front door then I am crawling into bed.”
“Good night, my crazy friend.”
“Night, Pippa.” Sarah disconnected and hurried into the house. Her conversation hadn’t relieved her from talking about men, but the last sixty seconds certainly had. All she could think about was snakes.
****
The aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate permeated Antonio’s bakery the moment Kevin walked in. Feeling upbeat after a long talk with Pippa, he was on a mission to win the woman he hoped to spend the rest of his life with.
“Poliziotto Kevin.” Antonio stood behind the counter and waved a hand in greeting. “I have some extra speciale cinnamon rolls for you this morning. You and the other polizia will love them.” He opened the box and grinned.
“They look delicious, Antonio. Then again, anything you make is delicious. The guys at the precinct truly appreciate your generosity.” Kevin closed the box and set it aside. “But I’m here on a special mission today.”
Antonio’s eyebrows rose high on his forehead. “A mission?”
“I need some donuts.”
The look of surprise turned into a frown, accompanied by a creased forehead and a deep sigh. “Donuts no special. I give you donuts all the time.”
“Ah, but these aren’t for me. They’re for Sarah, so they have to be extra speciale.”
Grinning, Antonio rubbed his hands together. “Tell me what you want.”
Kevin pulled out a diagram and laid it on the counter. “This is what I’m thinking.”
****
Three days after her breakup, Sarah was restless. She knew she’d need to see Kevin, but wasn’t ready to face him, or more to the point, face her feelings for him. A few more days with Mom and Dad would give her time to think things through. After that, she’d throw all of her energy into prepping for the school year.
Expecting the aroma of fried bacon or sausage, Sarah descended the stairs and into the kitchen. “Okay, what’s going on here?”
Her mother turned on the electric kettle. “What do you mean?”
“Where’s the hearty breakfast you promised me last night?” Sarah sat at the table and pointed to the bakery box sitting in the middle. “And where on earth did this box from Antonio’s come from?”
“I think you just answered your own question.” With a grin, Lorraine set two teacups on the table. “I figured we’d indulge in something sweet instead of savory this morning.”
“Good grief, Mom, I know Antonio’s pastries are the best, but not a four plus hours’ drive worth.”
“Silly girl, nobody drove anywhere. The box simply showed up this morning.” The kettle whistled and Lorraine poured hot water into a teapot. “Open it and see what’s inside?”
Suspicions swirled through Sarah’s head. Her mother definitely knew more than she was letting on. She pulled the box closer and lifted the lid. Four shaped donuts: round, oval, square, and marquis were covered in thick white glaze, and topped with large sugar crystals, giving them the appearance of oversized diamonds. Diamonds or Donuts? was written on the inside lid.
“Oooh, aren’t they beautiful?” Her mother brought the teapot to the table. “They’re almost too pretty to eat.”
It didn’t take a genius to figure out who they were from. The question in Sarah’s mind had more to do with where the deliveryman was at the moment. Her heart quaked. What if he was hiding in a closet or something?
“Where is he, Mom?”
“Who?”
Sarah cocked her head and twisted her mouth. “You know exactly who I’m talking about.”
“If you’re speaking about Kevin, I have no idea. I haven’t seen him since the weekend we painted your apartment.”
“So, the donuts just miraculously appeared on the kitchen table?”
“There you go being silly again.” Her mother grinned and took the seat next to Sarah. “Unbeknownst to me, Kevin called your father last night and said there would be a package for you on the porch this morning, but that it shouldn’t be left outside for long. Oh, and he wasn’t to say anything about it until this morning. Your dad got a text a half hour ago, telling him the package had arrived.”
Sarah poured a cup of tea, knowing there was no way her stomach would handle anything more. She had to know if Kevin delivered these himself, or if he’d asked a friend to do it. There was only one way to find out.
Pulling her cell from her pocket, she looked up the precinct number. Pippa had told her Kevin was assigned to a desk for the next few weeks, and that he was working a day shift. She punched in the number and waited.
“First Precinct, Officer Jenkins speaking.”
Sarah’s heart drummed a staccato rhythm. She hadn’t expected him to answer. She deepened her voice. “Sorry, wrong number.” Disconnecting, she stuffed her phone back into her pocket.
Her mother frowned. “Who did you call, and what was with the weird voice?”
“Nobody and it was simply a precaution.” She pushed her chair back. “I’m going to take a walk.
“You’re being evasive, Sarah.”
“For good reason.” She gave her mother a kiss and left the kitchen. “I’ll probably be gone for a couple of hours, so don’t worry about me.”
“But you didn’t eat anything.” Lorraine hurried after her with the box of donuts. “At least take one with you.”
Sarah pushed it back in her mother’s direction. “No thanks. I’ll stop for a smoothie if I get hungry.” She ran upstairs for her small cross-shoulder purse.
Her mother remained by the front door, a look of concern on her face. “I know the last few days have been rough, but—”
“It’s okay, Mom.” Sarah knew she needed to put her mother’s mind at ease. “I’m going to be fine, b
ut right now I need a little alone time. Will it make you feel better if I check in every hour?”
The look of concern morphed into a familiar smile. Her mother kissed Sarah’s cheek. “Thank you.”
Stepping out onto the porch, Sarah breathed in the soothing scent of lavender from the plants growing in her mother’s garden. The sun played peekaboo with large puffy clouds, but rain appeared to be a distant threat. Sarah headed north toward the small local zoo. Maybe she’d visit the snake exhibit. That should get her mind off Kevin.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
A stiff wind ruffled the pages of Kevin’s book. He sat under the shade of a large sweet gum, his back in the crook of the tree and legs stretched out in front of him. Looking skyward, he found the fringes of some of the clouds had darkened, and wondered if rain was in the forecast.
A wayward soccer ball tapped the bottom on his shoes. Kevin grabbed it between his feet and chucked it upward and toward himself. When he had it securely in his hands, he tossed it to the young boy running in his direction.
“Thanks, mister.” The boy ran off with a wave.
Pushing himself to a standing position, Kevin stretched until his ribs told him that was far enough. His cell rang and he hurried to answer it. “Lorraine, I’ve been waiting for your call.”
“I know, and I’m sorry it took so long. Are you still in Rosedale?”
“Yes. I came to the park Frank suggested right after I dropped off the donuts. Not a bad place to wait.”
“Rosedale does have lovely parks. There’s also a wonderful lake on the other side of town.”
Kevin pinched the bridge of his nose. Lorraine was a nice person, but this wasn’t the time for small talk. “What about Sarah? Is she out of the house?”
“Yes, which is why I called. She left about fifteen minutes ago, so I think it’s safe for you to come by.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.”
He slid into his SUV and drove the five miles to Sarah’s hometown. It wasn’t his intention to pressure her or freak her out, but it was important to him that she understood his feelings for her had never wavered. It was equally important he express his intentions to Sarah’s parents.
