“I’m going to make lemonade,” she said, waving to Cameron and Jake before going inside. As she cut lemons and began to squeeze out the juice, she watched through the window as Jake giggled at Cameron’s antics. He really was the best father, she thought.
She recalled the diamond necklace Cameron had given her while they were still at the hotel, to thank her for agreeing to marry him. Then the night they’d moved into his house, he’d slipped a matching diamond bracelet on her wrist.
Was it dangerous to read anything into the fact that he gave her lovely gifts whenever wonderful things happened in his life? It had already occurred to her that this wasn’t about the jewelry. It had to be something more than just a gesture. His gifts always seemed to come from a warm, loving place within him. Within his heart. Was it Cameron’s way of telling her he loved her?
“Oh, there you go again,” she said irately, pounding half a lemon onto the juicer and squeezing it to within an inch of its life. “Snap out of it.”
Cameron Duke took care of what was his. She was his wife; Jake was his son. Cameron would do whatever it took to keep them healthy and happy. He would protect them with his life and make them feel as if they were the most important people in the world. Which made him all the more special to her. If that meant she was a sap, so be it.
Julia sighed as she added sugar and stirred it into the mixture of water and juice. Was it any wonder that she’d fallen in love with the man? Now she would just have to keep that realization hidden deep within her heart so that Cameron would never learn the truth. Because Cameron Duke would never allow love to be a part of his plan.
Nine
“It looks like they’re going to catch on fire,” Julia said in a worried tone.
Cameron and his brothers stood around the barbecue grill cooking sausages, burgers and steaks. They didn’t seem to notice the billowing clouds of smoke that enveloped them as they laughed and talked and drank beer.
“But they never do, honey,” Sally said dryly as she placed folded cloth napkins and plates on the patio table. “It’s a male ritual. Don’t try to make sense of it.”
“Don’t be too concerned, Julia,” Trish said, stopping to give her new sister-in-law’s shoulder a comforting pat before continuing to add utensils and glassware to each place setting. “You won’t have to worry about Jake joining them in the manly smoke, at least for another year or two.”
Julia shuddered and stroked Jake’s head, then sprinkled a handful of Cheerios onto the tray of his bouncy chair. They had been living with Cameron for two months now, and Cameron had decided to celebrate the milestone with their first official family barbecue.
The late spring day was sunny and warm, so they’d all spent quality time in the pool before starting dinner. Everyone had dried off and changed into shorts, shirts and flip-flops. Sally, with her blond hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, sipped Julia’s homemade sangria.
Julia had baked hot dog and hamburger buns that morning and now she placed the large, plastic-wrapped cookie sheet on the sunny side table near the grill.
Sally shook her head at the sheet full of buns. “Now I know you’re a baker, but it still amazes me that you baked these yourself just for us.”
“Of course I did,” Julia said. “They’re so easy.” She glanced back at the buns on the table. “I’m hoping the sunshine will warm them instead of sticking them in the oven. What do you think?”
“I think that’s a stroke of genius,” Trish said. She finished with the utensils and picked up her glass of fizzy water. “I would beg you for the recipe, but why? My new sister-in-law owns a bakery.”
They all laughed. “I’ll bake them for you personally anytime you want.”
“Don’t tempt me,” Trish said.
Julia headed for the sliding glass door leading to the kitchen. “Anyone for more sangria?”
“I’d love a glass,” Sally said.
“None for me, thanks,” Trish said easily. “It’s not good for the baby.”
Sally leaned over the table to straighten a fork, but froze in mid-move. She turned and stared at her daughter-in-law. “No.”
“Yes,” Trish said, her laugh filled with joy.
“Oh.” The older woman’s eyes misted as she clasped her hand over her mouth in shock and wonder.
Julia felt her own eyes dampen, as well. “You’re having a baby?”
Trish nodded, still grinning.
Sally grabbed Trish in a warm hug. “Oh, I’m so happy.”
“That’s wonderful,” Julia said, and laughed as she joined in the hug fest. In that instant, her heart was so full of love for these two women and the baby yet to be born. She couldn’t begin to describe how grateful she was to be a part of this family and this thrilling moment.
Sally covered her face and began to cry in earnest. “I’m just overwhelmed. And overjoyed. I never thought…and then Julia and Jake came into our lives, and now Trish, and a baby, and… Oh, will you look at me, carrying on?”
“It’s wonderful,” Julia said, sniffling.
Trish and Julia linked arms with their mother-in-law and they all put their heads together.
“This is the most fantastic day ever,” Sally whispered, then her eyes lit up. “And little Jake will have a cousin to grow up with.”
Julia sniffed as tears began to flow again. “Oh, great. Now you’ve got me going again.”
Sally patted both of their cheeks. “You girls are both such a gift.”
Seconds later, Cameron walked over and saw Julia sniffle and wipe her eyes. He peered at her, then noticed his mother was crying, too. Alarmed, he grabbed Julia’s arm. “What’s wrong? You’re all crying. What happened? Is it Jake?”
“No, no,” Julia said quickly, then laughed. “It’s good news. It’s Trish. She’s going to have a baby.”
He broke out into a grin, turned and pulled Trish close for a big hug. He kissed her right on the lips and said, “That’s great news, honey.”
“Thanks, Cameron,” she said, smiling.
He jogged back to the grill and punched his brother in the arm. Then he gave him a brisk hug.
“What’s up?” Brandon asked.
“They’re having a baby,” Cameron explained.
Brandon choked on his beer, and Cameron thumped his back. When he’d recovered fully, Brandon grabbed Adam in a bear hug. “Congratulations, man.”
Adam laughed. “Thanks.”
The three brothers clicked their beer bottles together in a toast just as Sally rushed over to give Adam a ferocious hug.
“Lots of hugs going on around here,” Cameron said.
Sally turned and said, “I just can’t help it.” Then she hugged Adam again. “Oh, sweetie. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Adam said, unable to conceal his grin of masculine satisfaction.
“Glad he’s not shooting blanks?” Brandon said wryly.
“Oh, you,” Sally said, and smacked his arm lightly. “Just wait till it’s your turn.”
“Whoa. Threats?” Brandon gave her an incredulous look. “Sorry, Mom, but you’ll be waiting a long time for that day.”
“We’ll see about that,” Sally muttered, then gave him a pointed look before turning back to join the girls.
Brandon’s shoulders shook violently and he glanced at his brothers. “Did anyone else feel that sudden chill?”
“Yeah, I saw that look she gave you,” Cameron said, his lips twisted in a wry grin. “I’d say you’re screwed.”
Brandon glared from one brother to the other. “Whatever happened to our sacred vows? We made a pact. Blood brothers forever, remember?”
“We’re still blood brothers,” Adam said amiably, then took a long sip of beer. “Always will be.”
“Yeah, but come on,” Brandon groused. “First, there’s your marriage. I could almost handle that. But then Cameron went and did it. That blew my mind, I’ve gotta tell you. And now, more kids?”
“Stuff happens,” Cameron said by w
ay of explanation. What else could he say? He couldn’t figure it out, either.
Brandon shook his head. “And now I’ll have Mom on my case, bellyaching for me to do the same. And that’s never going to happen.”
“You think not?” Adam said.
“Never,” Brandon said decisively, and pointed his beer bottle at both of them. “I understand you two are feeble-minded amateurs when it comes to women, but I’m a professional. I’ve got standards to uphold.”
Adam threw back his head and howled with laughter. “Standards. That’s a good one, bro.”
“Yeah.” Cameron patted Brandon’s back. He understood standards. They were a lot like rules. Sometimes both were meant to be broken. “Lots of luck with those standards.”
“You guys are killing me,” Brandon muttered, then slugged down the rest of his beer. “Getting so you can’t trust anyone anymore.”
“Why don’t you just tell him how you feel?” Karolyn asked as she filled the refrigerated display case with more freshly wrapped sandwiches from the Cupcake kitchen.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Julia said. She grabbed a large tub from the busboy tray behind the checkout counter. “Lynnie took a break so I’m going to bus the tables out front.”
“You’re avoiding the conversation,” Karolyn whispered.
“Yes,” she admitted. “But I’m working, too.”
Karolyn rolled her eyes and went back to tucking and folding the small, white boxes used by customers to carry home their bakery goods. The word Cupcake was embossed in navy blue on the top, under the outline of a fluffy cupcake.
The white box and the navy-blue ribbon tie had become an iconic symbol in Dunsmuir Bay. When mothers arrived home carrying a Cupcake box, children turned into angels. When the boss showed up at the office with a Cupcake box, it was better than getting a promotion.
Julia stacked empty latte cups, pastry plates and utensils in the tub, then wiped down the tables. She greeted three of her customers who always met here for lattes and a snack after their morning workout, then answered a question about the sandwich special of the day.
Glancing around the café area, she assured herself that everything was clean and tidy. She was proud of what she’d created here. Even before her customers walked inside, they could smell the mouth-watering aroma of baked bread, puff pastry and sweet chocolate chip cookies all the way down the street.
Julia returned the filled tub to the busboy tray behind the counter just as Lynnie finished her break.
“Julia,” Karolyn called from the kitchen. “Can you come back and check on the cheese bread?”
Julia made sure Lynnie was ready to work and checked that her young assistant’s apron was tied securely to cover the tacky saying on her T-shirt before walking into the kitchen. Karolyn grabbed her arm and pulled her all the way to the back door leading to the tiny, fenced-in patio.
“Now, sit,” Karolyn said.
Julia glanced around at the colorful flower boxes and miniature potted lemon trees that decorated the space. “No cheese-bread emergency?”
“No.”
With a slow, heavy exhalation, Julia sat at the small table they’d set up for staff meetings and coffee breaks. “All right. What do you want?”
Karolyn pulled another chair around to get closer. She grabbed Julia’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m worried about you.”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Julia countered breezily. “Business is booming. I’m married to a gorgeous man who is a terrific father. We have a wonderful life. Cameron loves Jake, and it’s so sweet to see them together. He treats me like a princess. He’s sexy and attentive and warm, and I’m…I’m happy.”
“Honey,” Karolyn said, shaking her hand to get her attention. “Don’t you think he deserves to know you’re in love with him?”
“Oh, God.” Julia dropped her chin to her chest in defeat. “I never should’ve told you why we really got married.”
“I’m your best friend. Who else can you share your deepest, darkest, dumbest secrets with?”
“True,” she mumbled. “But why do you think I’m in love with him?”
“It’s only written all over your face. All the time,” Karolyn said. “Even Lynnie made a comment the other day, and you know she doesn’t notice anything unless it’s dressed in black leather and pierced in twenty-seven places.”
Julia laughed, then sobered immediately. “What, exactly, did Lynnie notice?”
“That you’re humming all the time, that your eyes have taken on a dreamy glow, that you leave early now. You never used to leave early.” Karolyn leaned close and whispered, “She thinks you’re in deep.”
“Of course I leave early,” Julia said, pouting at the idea that she was so transparent, even her employees were starting to notice. “I have a baby at home.”
“That never stopped you from working all hours before.” Karolyn grinned. “And you still have a devoted nanny who will stay all night with Jake if you need her to.”
“Oh, God, even Lynnie noticed.” Julia laid her head on the table. “That’s pitiful.”
“Sad but true,” Karolyn said.
“What am I going to do?”
“You’re going to go home and tell him you love him,” Karolyn instructed. “And if he’s got any guts at all, he’ll tell you the same.”
Julia stared forlornly at her friend. “He doesn’t love me, Karolyn.”
Karolyn laughed. “Oh, Julia.”
Julia blinked. “It’s not funny.”
“Honey, he’s so in love with you, it’s ridiculous.”
“No, he’s not.”
“I saw him at the wedding. He was smitten then, and it’s even worse now.”
Julia pursed her lips in discontent. “He wants me, I know that. But want isn’t love.”
Karolyn sighed. “Every time he walks into the bakery, the air becomes charged with electricity between you two.”
Julia shook her head. “That’s just lust.”
“You can ignore the signs, and he might deny it to kingdom come, but take my word for it, Cameron Duke is a man who’s in love with his wife.”
The following Friday, Sally babysat Jake so that Julia and Cameron could attend a hotel-owners conference at Monarch Dunes.
Unlike her last visit when she had Jake with her, plus her own conference to attend, plus a wedding to organize, Julia was able to relax. Cameron made sure of it by arranging for her to spend the time being pampered at the hotel spa while he attended meetings. Julia couldn’t remember the last time she’d spent a day in such luxury, with a mani-pedi, a facial and a massage. By the time she dressed for the owners’ annual charity ball that evening, she felt completely fluffed and refreshed.
She blew her hair out straight so she could wear it up in a sleek, smooth style, instead of her usual loose waves. After stepping into the strapless burgundy gown Trish had helped her shop for, she fastened the gleaming diamond necklace around her neck and slipped on the matching bracelet. She’d brought her mother’s diamond studs to wear in her ears.
Checking herself in the mirror one last time, Julia took a deep breath and walked out to the living room. There she saw Cameron, dressed in the elegant tuxedo he’d worn at their wedding, pop open the champagne and fill two glasses with bubbly gold liquid.
“That looks wonderful,” she said. Whether she was referring to the frothy champagne or her husband, she couldn’t say, but both were true.
He turned to hand her the glass, then stopped. And stared. The fiery intensity she saw in his eyes left shivers on her skin and heated up her insides.
“Wow,” he said on an exhalation.
She smiled, delighted by his reaction. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you,” he murmured, and touched his glass to hers. “Let’s pass on the party and stay here.”
“Aren’t you the host of this thing?”
He grimaced. “Okay, we’ll stay half an hour.”
“Just long enough to dance on
e slow dance,” she said, and sipped her champagne.
“We can do that right here,” he said, taking her in his arms and swaying in place. After a moment, he chuckled. “You’d never know it from this, but I was actually forced to attend cotillion at an early age.”
She gasped. “So was I.”
“And we both survived,” he said, grinning at her.
She laid her head on his shoulder. After a moment she whispered, “Mmm, you’re a very good dancer.”
“It’s easy, with you in my arms,” he said, as he planted slow kisses along her neck. “I didn’t think you could possibly be more beautiful, but tonight you are.”
Julia looked up at him, at his eyes smoldering with need, and felt her heart tremble. If she told him she’d fallen in love with him, what would he do? Would he be shocked? Angry that she’d broken the rules? Could he admit the same back to her? Staring at him now, Julia wondered if it was only wishful thinking, or could she really see her feelings reflected in his eyes?
“We’d better go now or we’ll never leave the room,” Cameron said gruffly. “And don’t get too friendly with anyone at the party. We’ll be in and out of there in thirty minutes.”
As they moved through the party, greeting friends and business competitors, Cameron kept Julia’s hand gripped in his. She was so stunning, every man in the room had their eyes on her. No way would he let her loose in this crowd of sharks.
“There’s the man of the hour,” someone said.
Cameron turned and grinned at his old friend Byron Mirabelle, owner of the prestigious Pinnacle Hotels chain. The two men exchanged hearty handshakes and Cameron introduced him to Julia. “Byron specializes in small, luxury hotels in the mountain states of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.”
“Got one going up near Park City, Utah, next year,” the older man said proudly.
“That’s fantastic,” Cameron said. To Julia, he added, “Byron was one of my first mentors in the business.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Julia said.
“And you’re just the lady I’ve been wanting to meet,” Byron said, and pointed his finger at Julia in accusation.
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