When they reached his parents’ home Dan exclaimed, “Look at those awnings. I didn’t realize how large they’d be.” He parked the car and they all trooped to the front porch to admire the navy blue and white awnings keeping the wraparound porch cool. Sue and Ed were doing some last minute fussing with the setup.
“Glad you came early,” Sue said, giving everyone a hug. “Doug and Sophie are getting the children ready and Derek and Amanda are out on the boat. C’mon in and make yourself at home.”
Before long the porch was busy with friends and family milling about munching appetizers and having drinks. “The children have their own place,” Sue confided to Kate. “We hired two people who run children’s parties to oversee the little ones. There’ll be a puppet show and they’ll learn how to make actual puppets, plus we have a special menu for them. That way the adults can completely relax.”
Kate was impressed. “What a great idea. Ethan loves being with his cousins so he’ll have a wonderful time.”
A guitarist played softly in the background as guests mingled and chatted with one another. Dan had invited several business friends, some of whom Kate remembered. Her parents arrived with Jacob in tow and Kate introduced them to Sue and Ed. Greg and Patty came separately with the two older children. Patty explained she’d left the baby with her mother. “I need a free day,” she declared. Looking around she said, “What a lovely spot for a house. I wouldn’t mind a water view like that.”
The buffet brunch held indoors featured many vegetarian choices as well as the usual meat and seafood offerings. As Sue pointed out to Kate in a low tone, “Something for everyone.”
The highlight was the flourless and gluten-free wedding cake. Wheeling it in on a serving table, Sue assured Kate the cake was made with all natural ingredients. She’d personally supervised the preparation. Kate’s eyes misted at her words. “That was so thoughtful of you.”
Sue beamed. “Well, I wanted you to enjoy your wedding cake. Ed and I are thrilled to welcome you to our family.” She gave Kate an impetuous hug. “I’ve never seen my son looking so happy. That means a great deal to us.”
Later, when the guests had gone and they’d had time to swim and take boat rides, Dan said to Kate, “My parents are keeping Ethan overnight so we have the evening for ourselves. We’ll come back tomorrow afternoon and have dinner here before Sophie and Doug fly home. I’m sure there’ll be lots of leftovers.”
“The food was marvelous,” Kate exclaimed. “I won’t mind leftovers tomorrow. That’s so sweet of your parents to keep Ethan. I’m sure they’re tired from all the preparation. Everything was perfect, especially that delicious wedding cake.” She couldn’t imagine a better celebration of their marriage.
“I thought everything went well,” Dan replied, bringing her close for a kiss. “I could tell Ethan had a good time. He told me he was one of the oldest kids and helped the little ones with their puppet projects.”
Kate smiled. “I peeked into the den and saw him working with Jacob and Taylor, fixing their finger puppets. He’s growing up pretty fast.”
“Thank God for that,” Dan muttered. “I think he’s taking his cues from Oliver, who is always willing to help younger children. He’s a good role model.”
Kate nodded. “Children need models they can emulate. We’ll have to invite your brother and his wife to our place for a long weekend sometime. It’ll be good for Ethan.”
“Good idea,” Dan nodded his approval. Kate saw clearly what his son needed, for which he was grateful.
Later that night when Kate and Dan were cuddling in bed, Kate said, “This was a wonderful day. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate. Your mother went to a lot of trouble with the wedding cake. She is the dearest person.” A lump formed in her throat, thinking about that gesture.
“She really likes you. It’s her way of inviting you to be part of our family. Food was always my mother’s strong point. It’s her way of showing love.” He held her close enjoying the feel of her soft curves pressed intimately to him. “I saw your parents talking to mine several times today. I think they hit it off well. And Greg and Patty seemed to have a good time. I invited them to our place with all the kids. Ethan will enjoy getting to know your nieces. He’ll feel like he’s in charge since he’s the oldest, which is good for him.”
“I’m glad you did that. I’ve always been close to them.” Dan was trying hard to bring her parents and brother into his family’s orbit, for which she was grateful. Easing up on one elbow she looked at him. “I never expected to date again, let alone marry anyone. But you’ve made me very happy. I have a family and I also have the freedom to do the things that are important to me.” She bent her head to give him a long, soulful kiss.
Holding her close, Dan deepened the kiss. Tenderly he enveloped her in a giant hug. “You’ve given me the joy my life lacked,” he told her softly. “And you’ve given my son the mother he’s always craved. We’re both very fortunate. We just have to start planning our next vacation. How does the Caribbean sound for one of these upcoming cool weekends?”
“Wonderful,” she murmured, cocooned in his arms. “Wherever we go together is going to be fabulous.” At long last, she had the caring partner she never imagined meeting. All was well with her world.
Raw Chocolate Ice Cream
3 frozen bananas, cut into slices
3 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon sweetener, such as coconut nectar, maple syrup, or agave
Put all ingredients into food processor or blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately or put into container and refreeze.
Epilogue
Kate looked at her husband fiddling with his tan and turquoise striped tie. “You look pretty good, dear,” she told him with a smile. Dressed in a navy blue blazer, light-aqua shirt, and dark gray pants, he was the epitome of handsome.
Turning, he gave her a head-to-toe lingering glance. “You look pretty good yourself.” The long taupe skirt and silky pale aqua blouse she wore emphasized her lovely figure and the tan she’d acquired during their recent mini-vacation to the Caribbean. “Guess we need to dress up once in a while for special occasions.” And this was definitely one of those times. The opening of the first Brookhouse Bistro and Kate’s book-signing were happening that very evening. “Let’s ask Eileen to take a photo of us before we leave.”
“I’m glad Ethan’s coming along,” Kate mentioned as they strolled to the kitchen. “He’s really excited.” She and Dan had discussed whether he was old enough to be part of the celebration, and Kate had persuaded Dan to invite him. “He can sit near me while I sign copies of my book. I’ll take several of his books for him to look at if he gets antsy.”
Dan would’ve preferred Ethan stay home but he was beginning to understand her reasoning. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? If Ethan started acting out, he’d phone Eileen and Fred to pick the boy up.
Eileen was teaching Ethan how to make a knot in his tie when they walked into the kitchen. “Wow, you look great,” Kate exclaimed. “That tie is perfect with your new outfit.” Standing still while Eileen finished the job, Ethan said, “I look just like my daddy.”
“Eileen, we need a group photo,” Dan said handing her his camera. “Ethan, stand between us.” He’d taken his son shopping and purchased a navy blazer and gray pants similar to his own. Only their shirts and ties were different. Ethan had wanted a white shirt and red and blue striped tie.
Standing between Kate and Dan, Ethan stood tall with his chest puffed up and a big smile on his face. “Someday I’ll open a restaurant just like my dad,” he told Kate as they headed out the door. Then with a thoughtful air he added, “I don’t know if I’ll ever write a book though. That’s pretty hard, I think.”
Kate looked down at him. “You never know what the future holds. You could write a book
one day, if you want to.”
Driving up to the new restaurant Kate turned to Dan. “The Bistro has a unique look, very different than your other places. I like all the large expanses of glass. The garden and waterfall give the place a special feel.”
“That was your idea, remember?” Dan parked in back of the restaurant. “We should have a good crowd tonight. The weather is cooperating too.”
“You chose a good time,” Kate murmured. “It’s a week before Christmas, stores are open late, and the streets are decorated for the holidays.”
Inside the Bistro a long buffet table was set up. Last minute preparations were underway as servers dressed in tan pants and light-aqua polo shirts emblazoned with the Brookhouse Bistro logo handled the finishing touches.
“I put your signing table near the front,” Dan told Kate. “That way more people can see your books. You should get decent sales tonight.”
Dan was always looking out for her welfare. Tenderness rose in her heart for his steady interest in her pursuits. “Thanks Dan. I appreciate all you’ve done to help with my book.” Changing the subject she added, “I like the way the lights outside show off the gardens and waterfall. Makes everything magical.”
“Greg told me he and Patty were coming tonight,” Dan mentioned to Kate.
“Yes, he called and said they planned to be here. My parents are babysitting for them.” Luckily Stacy and Jack were off to Hawaii for a vacation. Not that they’d bother to come by. That fact was a relief actually. Several teachers from her school said they’d stop in. “Laura and Tony will definitely be here.”
Ethan positioned himself near the buffet table and was eying the hot and cold appetizers. Hastening back to Kate he said, “When can we eat the food? I’m getting pretty hungry.”
“I thought Eileen gave you a sandwich and a glass of milk when you came home from school. Did that disappear already?”
Grinning, he nodded. “My stomach’s pretty empty.”
“Wait a few more minutes and then I’m sure someone can make up a plate for you. Now we need to find a chair so you can sit next to me.”
Before long people began to fill the new restaurant. Most stopped to look at Kate’s books and quite a few bought copies which she signed. Laura and Tony came by and bought several. “You don’t have to,” Kate protested. “After all, you helped create the book. I owe you copies.”
“Never mind,” she replied firmly, “I want these for Christmas presents. Besides, Dan paid me handsomely for the paintings he selected.”
“They’re stunning,” Kate averred, glancing about. “Very different than the usual artwork I’ve seen in restaurants. Gives the Bistro a classy look.”
The opening celebration went smoothly with crowds of well-wishers greeting Dan and wishing him much success. Kate always had people at her table looking through “Healthy Eating at Kate’s Kitchen” and commenting on the beautiful layout and photos. She racked up more sales than she’d anticipated.
By the end of the evening, Ethan was beginning to droop. “I’m getting sleepy,” he told Kate. “We’ll be finished soon,” she said in a low voice. “You’ve been a big helper tonight.” He’d put Kate’s books into tan and aqua gift bags for buyers to take home. Those were the Bistro colors and Dan surprised her with a stack of the attractive bags.
Driving home Ethan fell fast asleep on the back seat of the car. “He’ll probably sleep through getting tucked into bed,” Dan said. “I’m surprised he lasted as long as he did without getting fussy.”
“He likes being a helper,” Kate replied. “Makes him feel important and grownup. And he looked really handsome tonight. I’ve found that when children wear special clothes for important occasions, they’re less likely to act out.”
“Now that the first Bistro is operating, we’ll have to scout for more locations. Which should be fun. But that’s after our Christmas holidays at Disneyworld and our own private getaway over New Year.”
“I’m glad you were able to rent a house for all of us in Orlando,” Kate said.
“Now that Natasha is four, she can handle Disney attractions,” Dan said. “Oliver and Ethan will be fine together and even Doug and Sophie will enjoy the place. We’ll have time for Epcot and Sea World too.”
“I haven’t been there in ages. I’m glad Laura and Tony can join us for dinner and dancing at that new hotel in Sarasota New Year’s Eve.”
“I’ll have to practice my dancing. Haven’t done that in a while.”
Putting a hand on his thigh, Kate remarked, “You’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to it.” Sometimes at home they’d hear a popular tune on the radio and Dan would take her in his arms for a brief whirl around the kitchen. Those were special moments.
~ ~ ~
Later that evening, after Ethan was asleep in his own bed, Dan found Kate gazing out the large window in the kitchen. He came up behind her and pulled her into his arms. “Thanks for making this opening celebration a wonderful evening,” he said. His lips nuzzled the side of her neck. Inhaling her special scent, he turned her around and kissed her.
Responding instantly to the feel of his strong arms around her, Kate savored the warmth of his embrace. Easing back she said, “There’s a full moon out tonight, just like the evening we spent in Aspen at that beautiful restaurant. Remember those snowy mountains and millions of twinkling stars?”
“How could I forget? That inspired my concept for the Brookhouse Bistros.” He touched her cheek tenderly with one long finger. “Didn’t know you were my muse, did you?”
“I love being your muse,” she replied. “Hard to believe that this time last year we hadn’t even met. I must’ve wished upon a star last Christmas, and here you are.”
Laughing, he brought her closer. “Kate, you are everything I could have dreamed of—and more. May we have many Christmases together, my darling.”
Also from Madelaine Grant and Soul Mate Publishing:
A TOTAL MISMATCH
Fate brings polar opposites Samantha (Sam) Peabody and Jordan Hart together. Free spirit Sam is an artist, occasional belly dancer, and sloppy housekeeper while Jordan is a lawyer, fitness and neatness freak, and lover of ice cream.
The one thing they have in common is their dislike of big, fussy weddings.
After a fight with her oldest sister, Andrea, Sam decides not to attend Andrea’s lavish wedding. When Jordan is invited to a wedding, he asks Sam to accompany him, not knowing it’s Sam’s sister’s affair. Complicating Sam’s busy life is an offer from a local craft beer company to belly dance for a TV ad and become the symbol of their new beer company.
Sam’s disastrous first marriage and the difficult dynamics in her family make her insecure about a new relationship. Besides, she hates the idea of marriage. Can Jordan’s persistence win Sam over and dissolve her fears?
Available now on Amazon: A TOTAL MISMATCH
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