She gestured toward the table. “Sit down for a minute.”
“But I was about to scramble the eggs,” he protested, gesturing toward the eggs he’d cracked into a bowl.
“They’ll still be there.” She handed him a cup of coffee, then pulled out a chair and sat down facing him. “Here’s the one thing I have figured out. This only gets as complicated as we want it to be.”
He drew in a deep, calming breath, knowing she was right. No one controlled their destiny except for the two of them. “Fair enough.”
“Frankly, I take it as a good sign that this feels so easy and right,” she said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a morning-after situation that didn’t involve my husband, but I seem to recall that things can be awkward.”
“That’s been my experience, too,” Seth acknowledged, then frowned. “Exactly how long as it been since you’ve been with anyone other than Marshall?”
“He and I were married for twelve years and dated for a couple of years before that, so let’s see,” she said. “That would make it about fifteen years ago, maybe longer.”
Seth regarded her with astonishment. “Between him and Luke?”
She shrugged. “I didn’t have a lot of time for dating. And I almost never slept with men I saw only a few times. There was one semi-serious relationship in there.”
“So for all this talk about flings, you don’t have a track record with such a thing, do you?”
“Not so much. Do you?”
“Well, more than you do,” he admitted. “I’ve made an effort to get Cara out of my head, but it’s never really worked, so I gave up on it.”
She held his gaze. “Is she out of your head now?”
He saw the worry in her eyes and reached for her hand. “Cara had nothing to do with last night, Abby. That was all about you and me. So is this.”
She nodded, a smile touching her lips. “Good to know.”
“So, can I get back to scrambling those eggs?”
“Go for it,” she said. “I’ll make the toast.”
As they finished working in the tight space, they brushed hands, bumped hips. Each time, Seth found himself smiling. Suddenly domestic bliss took on a whole new and pretty satisfying meaning.
* * *
As soon as Seth had left for work, Abby took a second cup of coffee onto the porch and settled into a rocker. She couldn’t seem to stop the smile that spread across her face.
“I know that expression,” Hannah said, appearing around the corner of the house. “Something’s happened between you and Seth.” She grinned. “Finally!”
Abby feigned a scowl. “If I’m that easy to read, I’d better not leave the house today.”
“I just know you too well,” Hannah said. “Is there more coffee?”
“Help yourself,” Abby said, not budging.
When Hannah returned and sat down, she glanced Abby’s way. “It feels kind of like old times, doesn’t it?”
Abby nodded. “I was so afraid we wouldn’t get this back.”
“Me, too.”
“So, what brings you by this morning?”
“I was at loose ends,” Hannah admitted. “It happens right after I turn in a book, especially if I’m not entirely sure what I want to work on next.”
“Are you happy with this new career?” Abby asked her. “From everything I’ve heard, you worked nonstop in New York. This must be a very different pace for you.”
“You have no idea,” Hannah replied. “And at first I kept feeling as if I was wasting huge amounts of time, but then a very wise person pointed out that part of the creative process is allowing ideas time to simmer.”
“Was that wise person your editor?”
“No, it was Luke. I think it was a self-serving response to keep me calm and serene, but he was right. It makes sense.”
Abby studied the contentment on her friend’s face. “Can I ask you something?”
Hannah glanced her way. “Sure, why not?”
“It’s personal. I just wondered if we’re there yet.”
“No way to know till you ask your question. Try me.”
“Have you given any thought to having another child?”
“You mean with Luke,” Hannah said, stating the obvious. While she appeared to be considering her response, tears welled up in her eyes, spilled down her cheeks. She swiped at them impatiently.
“I’m sorry,” Abby said at once. “I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No, it’s okay. Really. Sure, I’ve thought about it, but between my age and the cancer, it seems like a far-fetched dream.”
“Does Luke agree? He is a doctor. He could probably say if it’s far-fetched.”
Rather than replying directly to Abby’s question, Hannah asked, “What brought this on? Are you wondering if it’s too late for you to have a baby? And is that because Seth is younger and you think he’s going to want children?”
Abby nodded. “It is a consideration.”
“Has he given any indication that not having a child would be a deal breaker?”
“Absolutely not. In fact, if that subject came up, it would probably terrify him.” She thought of his panicky reaction to how smoothly they’d managed to prepare breakfast together. “He thinks things are moving too fast as it is.”
“So this is about you,” Hannah concluded. “You want a baby.”
Abby nodded. “I’d pretty much given up hope, but suddenly it’s all I think about. There just might be a man in my life at least in the short-term, which was something I definitely hadn’t anticipated. I can’t help wondering if maybe it’s not too late.”
“See a doctor,” Hannah recommended. “Luke might have some thoughts, but an obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancy would be even better.”
“High risk?” Abby echoed, daunted by the phrase.
“Given your age, I’m sure that’s how they’d classify it,” Hannah explained. “But before you panic, I should tell you that my friend Sue in New York just had her first baby at our age. She handled the pregnancy with flying colors, but the doctors did keep a close eye on her. And if the ‘high risk’ label scares you, just imagine what they’d pin on me.” She shook her head. “Not in the cards for me, I’m afraid. And I do have Kelsey and little Isabella. Luke has Gracie and Nate. We’re good.”
“No regrets, then?” Abby pressed.
“Sure,” Hannah conceded. “But I can accept the situation and be grateful for what we do have.” She studied Abby. “Are you going to pursue this?”
Abby drew in a deep breath, then nodded. “I think I should at least know my options in case the subject comes up with Seth.”
And if children were out of the question for her, she needed to prepare herself for the possibility that it very well might be a deal breaker for Seth. Of course, they were a long way from having that discussion. If she was being totally honest with herself, she was forced to admit it might never come up at all.
After last night, though, and this morning, she found herself hoping against hope that it would.
* * *
A few days later, to keep herself from dwelling too much on her relationship with Seth and all of the unanswered questions about where they might be headed, Abby headed into town after lunch to do a little shopping at the boutiques on Main Street. Though business wasn’t as brisk as it would be in another month or so when tourists piled in, the shops were all decorated for Christmas and filled with browsing locals.
She was holding up two sweaters she thought might be perfect for Hannah when she heard a familiar voice from across the shop. Choosing the pale blue sweater, she headed for the register. Her arrival had an expression of distaste spreading across the mayor’s face.
“You!” she said as if Abby were her avowed
enemy. “I imagine I have you to thank for that stunt my grandson pulled on me yesterday.”
Barb Vitale, the shop owner, winced at Sandra’s words. “Sorry,” she mouthed to Abby.
Abby directed a smile at her, then faced Sandra. “What stunt would that be?”
“Kyle drove miles out of our way to show me a bunch of houses that he claimed were just like what you’re proposing for Blue Heron Cove. We missed the ferry home because of it and had to wait for the last one. We didn’t get back here till after midnight. It was a colossal waste of time for all of us.”
“That was hardly Abby’s fault,” Barb dared to suggest. “What were the houses like?”
“Nice enough, I suppose,” Sandra said with a sniff. “They were well suited for the mainland. Out here, they’d be an eyesore.”
Abby was stunned by her claim. “An eyesore? In what way? I saw those houses myself. They were beautiful. They were built so they complemented the natural landscape. They were on big lots, surrounded by mature trees.”
“That’s all well and good,” Sandra said. “But they’re too big. It would make everything else out here look like a slum.”
Barb regarded her with shock. “That’s awfully harsh, Sandra. There are some lovely homes here, including yours.” Her eyes widened with sudden understanding. “Oh my gosh, that’s it, isn’t it? Your family home has always been the showplace of Seaview Key. You’d lose that distinction if these homes are built. That’s what you’re really afraid of, isn’t it?”
As soon as Barb said the words, Abby knew she’d gotten it exactly right. The indignant flush on the mayor’s cheeks confirmed it. Abby was about to try to reassure her, even though words failed her, but Barb had more on her mind.
“How selfish can you be?” Barb demanded. “This isn’t about what’s best for you personally, Sandra. It’s about what’s best for Seaview Key. Businesses here are suffering. The tax base needs to be bigger if we’re to add on needed services. Just think about how hard it was to scrape together the money to pay Seth Landry to put together our own rescue squad. I know for a fact we’re paying him a pittance compared to what he could get anywhere else.”
“We found the money, didn’t we?” Sandra replied. “We’ve always managed to do right by our residents.”
“But think how much more we could do for the seniors, for instance, if we had a bigger tax base,” Barb said.
Since Barb was making the case for her, Abby stood by and watched Sandra’s face for her reactions. Her expressions were every bit as telling as her words. It was evident she was running out of arguments in the face of the store owner’s clear thinking.
“Will you feel the same way when you can no longer afford to live out here?” Sandra finally inquired with a huff.
Once again she’d fallen back into the same old fear-based rut. Abby sighed. If Sandra insisted on using fear to stir public sentiment against Blue Heron Cove, it was going to be hard to fight her. She had to try, though.
“If these homes hold their value as I think they will,” Abby responded quietly, “and contribute to the tax base, taxes may well go down for most locals. I’m going to make sure people understand that.”
“You can certainly try,” Sandra replied. She set her collection of merchandise on the counter. “I’ve lost all interest in shopping today.”
She turned and walked out without a backward glance.
Abby faced the store owner apologetically. “I’m so sorry I cost you that sale.”
“Not your fault,” Barb said. “I’m surprised you didn’t walk out the minute she went on the attack.”
“I keep hoping I can get through to her. For a minute there I thought you might accomplish what I haven’t been able to.”
“It was worth a shot,” Barb said. “Sorry the results weren’t better.” She grinned at Abby. “Were you really behind that little excursion Kyle and Mary took her on yesterday?”
Abby nodded. “It was Kyle’s idea. I found a few projects that seemed comparable to Blue Heron Cove, took a look at them and decided this one would wow her.” She sighed. “I guess I was overly optimistic. It seems to have had the opposite effect.”
“Only because she’s stubborn. It’s past time for someone to replace her as mayor, but nobody else wants the job. Overall, she’s been dedicated and loyal, but she doesn’t have a lot of vision.”
“Who does?” Abby asked.
“Well, you, for one,” Barb said. “I could get behind a campaign for you to replace her.”
Abby smiled at her enthusiasm. “No way. For one thing, as long as this development is on the agenda, I’d have a huge conflict of interest. Down the road? I guess we’ll see.”
Barb lifted her cup of coffee. “Then here’s to down the road.”
* * *
On her way home, Abby stopped by Flavors. As soon as the customers had left, she smiled at Mary. “I gather our plan backfired.”
“Big-time,” Mary conceded with a sigh. “Sandra figured out right away what we were up to and pitched a merry fit. She even told off Kyle, who’d never heard a harsh word cross her lips in all these years, at least not directed at him.”
Abby winced. “Sorry.”
“Not your fault. At least he now sees what the rest of us see, that she’s not a misunderstood saint.”
“Someone just suggested to her that what she really objects to is that these houses will outshine the Whittier family home. Is that possible?”
Mary’s expression turned thoughtful. “You know, I never even considered that, but it makes sense. She takes an awful lot of pride in her founding family status. Being on the Christmas tour of historic homes every year means a lot to her. She acts like the island’s benevolent grande dame for a night. You should see her all dressed up as she greets everyone at the front door. The tour’s next week. You should come with Kyle and me. It’s a command performance for us.”
“And have her cut you both out of the will?” Abby asked wryly.
Mary waved off the worry. “Not that big a deal, believe me.”
“Well, I’ll definitely consider going, but I think I’d better show up on my own. You all don’t deserve the aggravation. You’ve done enough to try to help me.” She studied Mary. “What do you think will be accomplished if I do go?”
“Maybe it’ll give you some ideas about how you can preserve what she cherishes—that house—and still do what needs to be done with Blue Heron Cove.”
Abby could see how it might actually help. In fact, there was an idea in there that could work. If she pushed to make the Whittier home an official historic landmark, would that be enough to appeal to Sandra’s ego? Would she be reassured that her family’s place in the island’s history would be preserved forever? And would that be enough to get her past her objections to Blue Heron Cove?
Only one way to find out, Abby concluded. She’d start looking into the possibilities first thing in the morning.
19
Filled with trepidation, Seth walked into the kitchen at Seaview Inn at the end of the day. He’d never missed breakfast at the inn before this morning. He couldn’t help wondering what sort of aggravation he had in store.
Fortunately, Grandma Jenny was nowhere in sight. Kelsey, however, turned from the stove and grinned at him, her expression all too knowing. Before she could say whatever was on her mind, Isabella cried out from her high chair, holding her arms out toward Seth. He seized on the opportunity to distract her mom like the lifeline it was.
“How’s my favorite girl?” he asked, scooping the baby into his arms. She gurgled with delight, a mile-wide smile on her face.
“Favorite, huh?” Kelsey said. “Does Abby know she has competition?”
“Abby?” he repeated innocently. “No idea what you’re talking about.”
“Then you didn’t stay at
her place last night?” Kelsey asked skeptically. “You certainly weren’t here.”
“And how do you know that?”
“Because Jeff went to your room to see if you wanted to join us for a game of Scrabble. No answer. And you hadn’t come in by the time we went to bed.”
“I could have come in later,” he suggested.
She leveled a look straight into his eyes. He’d seen that same penetrating look a time or two from Grandma Jenny, and from Hannah, for that matter. Must be a family trait, the ability to make people squirm.
“Did you?” Kelsey asked. A smile tugged at her lips. “And before you decide to fib to me, you need to know that my next question will be about why you missed breakfast this morning.”
“Has it occurred to you that guests might not appreciate this kind of interrogation?” he grumbled.
She waved off the question. “You’re not a guest. You’re family. That makes you fair game.”
“And that gives me even more incentive to find my own place,” he told her.
“Why bother,” she retorted, “when it’s entirely likely you and Abby will be moving in together someday soon?”
A little shiver that might have been anticipation—or panic—washed over him. “How did you make the leap to that conclusion simply from the fact that I may or may not have spent the night elsewhere last night? For all you know I could have been on the mainland with a patient. I might have missed the last ferry back.”
“Were you?”
Seth sighed. “No.”
Kelsey grinned happily. “So things really are heating up with Abby? That’s great news.”
“I thought you disapproved.”
“That was before I got to know her and before I realized that you were the key to keeping her away from Luke.”
“So you see this as a means to an end for your purposes,” he surmised. “It’s not my welfare that concerns you at all? Or Abby’s?”
“That’s not entirely true,” she said, trying to take Isabella from him so she could feed her. The baby clung to him for dear life, screaming at a level that could have registered her objections all the way over on the mainland. She wrapped her fists around clumps of Seth’s hair and held tight.
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