“Maybe a combination,” he admitted. “But don’t discount our time spent getting reacquainted.”
“Is that what we were doing? Getting reacquainted?” She asked with an innocent look.
Leaning forward he stroked her face tenderly with one long finger. “I like getting reacquainted. We’ll have to do that more often.”
Kate couldn’t find any objection to that statement. The more time she spent with Dan, the more she realized how much a part of her life he’d become. This wasn’t what she’d imagined her life would look like a short while ago. But it was becoming increasingly clear that the roots of her attachment to him were far deeper than she’d realized. Was this a good thing? At this very moment she couldn’t think of anything but how right it felt to be here with him.
Veggie Salad
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
5-6 small radishes, sliced thin
1 small head of broccoli, chopped small
1 seedless cucumber, diced
1 cup seedless grapes either green or red
1 teaspoon of chopped herbs such as dill and parsley
¼ cup sunflower seeds
Mix together all ingredients in a salad bowl. Coat with dressing.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Juice of one lemon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sweetener, such as maple syrup or coconut nectar
½ teaspoon sea salt
Mix together until thoroughly combined.
Chapter 27
“I haven’t slept this late in a long time,” Kate announced Sunday morning as she glanced at the bedside clock. “It’s almost nine thirty.”
Dan pulled her close. “Nothing wrong with a leisurely Sunday morning, except I did want your input on furniture for the living room. Maybe we could look at those photos while we have breakfast. What do you say?”
“Sounds good to me.” She wasn’t eager to leave the coziness of his warm embrace. “It’s been a very long, tiring week. Guess we deserved some down time,” she murmured.
As far as Dan was concerned he’d love having Sundays to relax with Kate. Then he thought of his son and realized that wasn’t a reality. Maybe his parents could be persuaded to keep Ethan a couple of Saturday nights a month. Then again, they had the right to their own social life. Heaving a heavy sigh he held Kate tight. “Let’s enjoy a few more minutes before we have to get up. I know we need to visit your dad at the hospital later.”
At breakfast Dan showed Kate the photos he’d taken at the furniture store several weeks earlier. “What do you think? The room will need a sofa and several comfortable chairs, plus a coffee table.”
Kate thought about the shape of the room before answering. “It all depends on what you want the room to be. Will it be a place to entertain? Or do you want to use it as a family space?” Dan had a large home with lots of places to congregate.
Dan considered this for a few minutes as he sipped his coffee and munched on a corn muffin. “To be perfectly honest, I can’t see using that room very much. The family room is more convenient to the kitchen and pool area. I’d probably entertain there most of the time. But I suppose I’d need it for more formal affairs. Except I’m not sure what those would be.”
“Well, why don’t you select a minimal amount of furnishings, such as a sofa, coffee table and two chairs? That should hold you for a while until you decide what else you need.” No point in spending lots of money for a place he’d hardly use.
He nodded. “That sounds okay. Let’s settle for a modern sofa, like this one.” He pointed to a sleek beige-toned sofa. “And these chairs will go with them.” He showed her two armchairs that looked lightweight but comfortable. “As far as a coffee table, maybe something curved, like this one in a light wood?”
Kate looked at his choices and agreed. “That’s a good start.”
“I’ll phone the store and order these tomorrow. I’m glad we had time to do this. Next on my agenda when things aren’t so hectic is my bedroom. I’ve never liked those dark furnishings. We’ll have to choose something much more tropical-looking.”
“Maybe after school finishes in early June. With my mother’s upcoming party and this homeless fund project looming, I won’t have much time to devote to anything else.” It was her turn to sigh as the weight of these future projects loomed like a boulder rolling towards her.
“The homeless project?” he asked, his brow furrowed. “You never mentioned that to me. What is it?”
Realizing she hadn’t told him about it, Kate filled him in. “It’s a worthy project but it will need lots of time and effort to pull off. I meant to ask if your restaurant chain would like to be involved. Several restaurants have volunteered to have food booths. Are you interested?”
“Let me check and get back to you. I’m sure we could come up with something. I’ll need the date and time of the event and how many people are expected.”
Kate rattled off the date and time. “We’re not sure how many people will be attending but it should be several hundred. The PTA will do extensive publicity and will publish a list of those contributing their time and services, so it will be good public relations for the businesses involved.” She went on to tell him about the greenhouse she’d arranged to have installed for the evening and what she planned to do for her activity.
After breakfast Dan suggested a leisurely walk outdoors before they left for the hospital. “We need fresh air and exercise.”
Kate was more than eager. “I feel so closed in when I’m in that building,” she confided. “They should have outdoor spaces for the patients who are feeling better. I’d hate to be inside like that all day. I’m glad my father will be leaving soon. It’s much easier to visit with him at home.”
On the drive to the hospital Dan said, “Thankfully I don’t have any traveling to do this week. I’m concentrating my energies on several internal matters. How does Wednesday night sound to you? I could come by around six. I think Ethan would enjoy spending time with you. He asked when he was going to see you again.” As much as he’d like to spend that evening just with Kate, Dan felt conflicted about leaving Ethan with his housekeeper when he could bring him along.
“Bring Ethan,” Kate said immediately. “He can help me transfer some of my plants in the greenhouse. And I promised he could make a salad with me.”
With Kate’s enthusiastic response, Dan felt better. He could tell Kate genuinely enjoyed being with his son. And that was very important to him.
“I expect to be going home this week,” Paul Bromley confided to Kate and Dan when they visited him. “I don’t need to be here any longer.”
“Now, don’t get your hopes up,” his wife cautioned. “The doctors will decide what’s best for you. We’ll just have to be patient.”
“I know how you feel, Dad,” Kate put her hand over her father’s. “But Mom’s right. If a few more days will make a difference, you can’t fight it.” She was eager to visit him at home. Then again, her mother would bear the brunt of his care. Here at least she had help. “Have you looked into getting people in to assist you?” She directed her question to her mother.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we need to,” her mother replied firmly.
There was no point in making an issue of this, Kate realized. Better to let her parents handle the matter as they wished. “Has Greg been in yet today?” She wanted to change the subject.
“He’ll be in after lunch. Stacy is watching the children in the afternoon so Patty and Greg have a few hours to themselves,” Marge announced.
Kate breathed a sigh of relief. At least her sister wouldn’t be around today. “Wish I could
stay longer but Dan has to get back and I have lessons to plan.” An hour of visiting was the most she could handle. She gave her father a kiss on the cheek and hugged her mother. “Take good care of yourselves. I’ll stop by tomorrow afternoon.”
~ ~ ~
When Kate came to visit her dad on Monday after school finished, her mother had good news. “The doctors agree he can leave the hospital on Wednesday. There are a few more tests tomorrow and then we’ll be home.”
“Great! That’s great,” Kate replied with a smile. She’d much prefer to see her father relaxing in his own home. Things were definitely looking up.
That night Kate phoned Dan just before she went to sleep. He answered on the first ring. When she told him the news he was very pleased. “Glad you phoned me. I was wondering if your father would be released.”
“I knew you’d want to know. How was your day?” She rarely phoned him just to say hello. Dan was a busy man and she didn’t want to intrude on his time. Then again, he always seemed happy to hear from her.
“How was my day? Pretty busy but that’s good in a way. I’m investigating the possibility of opening a different kind of eatery than what we currently operate. I’ll tell you all about it on Wednesday.”
Dan’s voice sounded excited as he mentioned his new project. Kate was eager to find out all the particulars but she’d be patient and wait until she saw him. “That sounds intriguing. See you on Wednesday then.”
“Don’t bother fussing with cooking chores. I know you’ll be visiting your father and trying to get in some exercise too. I’ll bring everything we need for dinner.”
That was also good news. By the time she finally entered her house after a full day of teaching, visiting her father and trying to get a run in, she was exhausted. “Thanks Dan.” He was a very considerate man.
~ ~ ~
“Daddy said I could help you with the plants tonight. Can I? I really want to,” Ethan exclaimed as he entered Kate’s home Wednesday evening. Half-running and skipping, he headed into her house, aiming for the back door.
“Wait up,” Dan cried. “We’re eating dinner first.” He sounded annoyed.
Kate almost laughed at his baleful expression. “He can help me plant while you heat things up. I’ve set the table already and there’s a pitcher of iced peppermint tea in the refrigerator.” She gave him a kiss and hurried after Ethan.
“Remember we have to be very quiet,” she cautioned the child. “Plants are upset if someone talks loudly.” She held his hand as they approached the greenhouse.
“I know,” he said. “You told me last time. What are we going to do?”
Lowering her voice to almost a whisper Kate replied, “We’ll start new plants from seeds first. Then we’ll transfer other small plants to larger pots. Think you can do that?”
“I can do that,” he said in a whisper.
She opened the door and tiptoed in. Ethan followed her movements as they headed to the long table set up with different sizes of clay pots. Two stools were next to the table. “We can sit here while we work,” she told Ethan quietly. “I have gardening aprons for us and gloves too.” She gave him a child’s apron to wear and a small pair of gloves. “We’ll be working with soil and this will keep us clean,” she explained. She put on an apron and slipped her hands into gardening gloves.
Imitating her, Ethan tied the apron around himself and placed his hands in the gloves. “What do we do now?”
“See these packets of seeds? Can you read the name of the vegetables printed on each one?”
He looked intently at the first packet. “That’s a carrot. There’s a picture on the front.”
“Yes, that does help us recognize what’s inside. First we need to put a few scoops of potting soil into a small pot and pat it down.” She picked up a gardening shovel and lifted the soil out of a larger container. Giving him a child’s gardening tool shaped like hers she said, “You can fill one of these pots. Then we’ll take a seed and place it down into the soil.”
For the next few minutes Ethan was absorbed in filling the pots and placing a seed into each one.
“Now we have to label the front of the pot so we know what’s growing inside.” She gave him labels and a magic marker. “Can you write carrot on each label? Then we’ll stick them on.”
“I can do that,” he said confidently.
She watched as he concentrated on his task. When he wanted to, Ethan could focus on an activity. He probably got bored with tedious schoolwork, she realized. He needed more hands-on activities to do.
“Now we’ll plant radishes and after that, peppers. If we have time, we’ll transfer some of the plants already growing into bigger pots. We also have to give them a drink of water.” She pointed to a watering can nearby.
“Okay. I like this,” Ethan told her. “When will the carrot grow up so I can see it?”
“It doesn’t take long. Probably by the next time you visit we’ll be able to see small green shoots coming up out of the soil.”
They’d been busy for about half an hour when Dan entered the greenhouse. Walking quietly over to the potting table, he watched his son transferring small plants into larger pots.
“Dinner’s ready whenever you are,” he said softly.
Looking up Ethan replied, “We’re very busy, Dad. I have to finish all these.” He pointed to a row of small plants in front of him.
“Maybe we can stop for dinner and then come back to the greenhouse,” Kate suggested. “Why don’t you put that next plant in a bigger pot and we’ll take a break. I’m getting hungry.” She wondered briefly if he was going to make a fuss. Changing from one activity to another could be difficult for children who were hyperactive.
Taking care, Ethan lifted the next plant out of its container and transferred it into a large pot. He patted the soil down around it. “Now we only have four more to do.” He moved off the stool and removed his apron and gloves. “I’m ready now. What are we having for dinner?”
Smiling in relief, Kate stood up. “I’m not sure. Let’s see what your Dad brought for us.”
Entering the kitchen Kate walked over to the stove. “We’re having vegetable soup and one of your favorites, Ethan, mac and cheese. And I see your dad brought a really big salad too.” She inspected the salad bowl and smiled. “There are artichoke hearts and asparagus tips and lots of yummy stuff.” Turning to Dan she said, “This looks delicious. Thanks for fussing.”
After dinner, Kate and Ethan finished transferring the plants while Dan washed the dishes. Then Kate brought out several wooden puzzles and some picture books for Ethan.
“I like puzzles,” he informed her.
While Ethan busied himself with one of the puzzles featuring a scene of a garden blooming with plants, Kate and Dan sat on the sofa.
Putting his arm around her shoulders Dan said, “Finally, we have time for us. I’ve wanted to discuss my new project with you.”
Leaning against him Kate smiled. “I’m ready to hear all about it.” Thankfully she’d brought several things home from school to keep Ethan involved.
“I’ve had this idea in mind for the last several months.” Giving her a speculative look he continued, “I think meeting you and finding out more about your way of eating inspired me. I’d like to open a more casual type of eatery that would be half the size of our current restaurants. We’d have a tropical décor with lighter fare – more soups and salads as well as some of our regular items. Dining out at those restaurants in Aspen, I noticed the healthier choices and the laid-back atmosphere.” He paused and waited for her response.
“That makes good sense,” Kate replied. “So you think I inspired you?” She tilted her head to one side and smiled at him. “That’s very complimentary.”
He chuckled and pulled her close for a brief kiss. “I meant it as a co
mpliment. I’ve been pondering a name for the new place. How does Brookhouse Bistro sound?”
“Perfect,” she replied enthusiastically. “I can’t wait to see how it will turn out.”
“I might use you as a consultant for the project. What do you say to that?”
“I’m up for anything after school finishes,” she shot back.
In a low tone he said, “First our vacation and then we’ll get to work.” Checking the time Dan said, “Sorry this has to be a short visit. I need to get Ethan home.” He rose and walked over to the dining room table where his son was focused on completing his puzzle. “Ethan, we have to leave now. Remember you have school tomorrow.”
“But I’m not finished yet,” Ethan protested. He scowled at his father and went back to the puzzle.
Dan’s expression hardened. “Ethan, it’s late. You’re supposed to be in bed at nine and it’s almost that time now.” The tension in the air was palpable.
Sensing a confrontation, Kate rose and walked over. “How about we finish the puzzle together.” She directed her question to Ethan. “I’ll bet it won’t take long. Then I’ll take a photo of the finished puzzle for you to have.” Looking at Dan she added in a low tone, “Just a few more minutes. Trust me.”
For a split second he seemed conflicted. Then with a resigned sigh, he said, “All right.” He headed back to the sofa.
Pulling a chair close to the boy, Kate began putting the puzzle pieces in place. Since she’d done this particular puzzle several times, it didn’t take long. “Don’t put in that last piece, Ethan. Just hold it in your hand and I’ll take a photo of you putting it in.” She retrieved her cell phone and aimed it at him. “Good. Now I’ll take one of you and the completed puzzle. I’ll email the photos to your Dad and he can print them out for you.”
Wearing a big smile, Ethan stood and stared for a moment at the completed scene. “That was a hard one. There were so many pieces.”
The Sweet Touch Page 27