The Season of Silver Linings

by Christine Nolfi

  With wonder, Jada neared. This wasn’t a simple craft project. The wand was beautiful, with a round head covered in a rainbow of faux gems. A thick ribbon, the same rare blue as Fancy’s eyes, wound up the stem.

  Beneath the ribbon, sprigs of rosemary peeked out. Dark green and sharply scented, they were wound all the way up the wand’s stem.

  Determined to make her point, Fancy continued waving. A sprig came loose and fell to the floor.

  Jada picked up the rosemary, held it to her nose. “Leave the basket, take the wand,” she decided with a catch in her voice.

  Philip chuckled. “Let’s sneak the kid past the bride and groom.” He brushed his nose across Jada’s. “They may not like the last-minute change to their carefully orchestrated wedding.”

  Fancy patted his hip. “They won’t mind, Daddy. Wishes are more important.”

  “They are,” Jada agreed.

  Taking Philip’s arm, Jada tucked the rosemary in her hair.

  Epilogue

  Six months later

  For emphasis, Linnie scooted her chair around the side of the desk. She swung her foot into Jada’s unsuspecting lap.

  “You see?” Linnie tugged off her sock and turned her ankle sideways for better viewing. “Huge. The other one is too. Like swelling balloons.”

  Jada knew where this was going. “Are you following the doctor’s orders and walking at lunchtime? A quick jog around the inn, a brisk stroll on the beach? The third trimester will be easier if you get more exercise.”

  “I am getting enough exercise. Less than an hour ago, I chased Cat from my office. I nearly broke into a run. I was sweating and everything. Sometimes she drives me crazy with her complaints.” Blind to her own litany of woe, Linnie wiggled her toes. She appeared uncertain if they still functioned. Then she pinched the puffy skin of her calf. “If this gets much worse, I’ll have to resort to compression stockings.”

  “Not a biggie. I’ll buy them for you.”

  “Oh, why don’t the Sirens have an herbal cure for swollen ankles? I’m miserable.”

  Jada wiggled a chubby toe. “I don’t know how to break this to you.” She pointed at Linnie’s navel. “Your ankles aren’t the only thing that’s swelling.”

  At the remark, Linnie reverently caressed the blossoming curve. She’d conceived during her honeymoon with Daniel in Aruba, and the expectant couple was over-the-moon happy. The baby was due in January.

  “Yeah, but the baby isn’t bothering me. Well, unless I have to pee. From the waist down, I’m beginning to look like Daniel’s great-aunt Martha. I don’t want my legs to resemble tree trunks.”

  With her free hand, Jada navigated the mouse to close down the file she’d been working on. It was nearing the end of October, and Linnie’s pregnancy complaints were now part of the daily routine. It hadn’t escaped Jada’s notice how the complaints came with greater frequency as each weekend approached. On this particular Friday, she was not being sucked in.

  Steering Linnie’s foot gently to the floor, she said, “FYI, Millicent and Rosemary are in town. Spur-of-the-moment visit. They’re unpacking in their suite.”

  “They’re here?”

  “And staying until next Tuesday.”

  “They came in at the end of September. Not even three weeks ago!”

  “They’re retired, Linnie. Spending time with Fancy is their favorite pastime. Actually, Philip is on his way over with the munchkin. They’ll be here any minute.” The flight from Chicago was never easy for Rosemary, and Jada had suggested they all meet for an early dinner in the Sunshine Room.

  Since learning of Fancy’s existence, Millicent and Rosemary flew in from Chicago regularly to visit their granddaughter. Millicent never arrived without an armful of books for the six-year-old she was determined to mold into a scholar. Rosemary, a talented artist, had filled Fancy’s bedroom with all variety of art supplies—including a child-size easel she’d beautifully stenciled with a design of rosemary sprigs.

  Philip often joked the doting grandmothers ought to surrender the long-distance commute and move to Sweet Lake. He made the comments in jest, but Jada suspected they were actually thinking about it.

  Linnie’s face fell. “Guess you have weekend plans, then.”

  “If Rosemary is up to it, we’re driving to the Cincinnati Zoo tomorrow. Fancy has been begging to go.”

  “So . . . you can’t bail me out and work my Saturday? Even though my ankles might explode? We’re talking about swelling of epic proportions.”

  “No can do. I will drive to the drugstore if you’d like to give compression stockings a whirl.”

  “Thanks for nothing.” Linnie gave her a glum look. “I can drive myself.”

  From the doorway, a low, gasping belch interrupted the conversation. Cat stood with her long brown hair tangled and her golden complexion unusually pale. “Not fair,” she muttered. Pressing her hand to her waist, she glared at Linnie. “Did you talk her into working your Saturday?”

  “It’s your Saturday too,” Jada reminded her. Now that she enjoyed a busy social life, Jada insisted on drawing up a monthly schedule to ensure they worked equal hours. As co-managers of the Wayfair Inn, it was only fair. “Check the schedule. You and Linnie are both on deck. This is my Saturday off.”

  “I was hoping you’d work my shift with Linnie.”

  Linnie grunted. “Get over it, Cat. She’s bailing on us.” Linnie shoved her foot back into her shoe. “She’s going to the zoo.”

  Cat weaved her way toward Jada’s desk. “Can’t she reschedule? I’m at the point where I can’t walk by the kitchen without feeling like I’ll retch.” She grabbed the wastebasket hugging the side of the desk and eased into a chair. “Is there something with cloves on the menu tonight? The smell is really getting to me.”

  She did look ill. Concerned, Jada asked, “Have you caught a bug?”

  “Don’t ask.”

  “What’s the big deal? If you’ve caught an autumn bug, it’s not the end of the world.” She glanced out the window at the trees beautifully adorned in crimson and gold. Perfect weather for a trip to the zoo.

  Cat slumped lower in her chair. “I can’t talk about it, not while Mami’s in Columbus.”

  Linnie settled her hands on her baby bump like a peevish Buddha. “What does your mother’s shopping trip have to do with your dubious illness? I can’t help but wonder if you’re wiggling out of work to spend the weekend in bed with Ryan. Don’t you two ever let up? If Ryan keeps giving you love bites, I’m buying you nothing but turtlenecks for Christmas.”

  “Oh, give it a rest.”

  Jada said, “I’m sorry, Cat. I can’t work your shift. What about Mr. Uchida? He might pull a double. Would you like me to talk to him?”

  “It’s not like you to foist your responsibilities on Mr. Uchida.” Cat hugged the waste can to her chest. “Where’s your sense of honor? I’m your friend, Jada. You should help me out in a pinch.”

  “I’m no longer the black woman’s version of Atlas.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I’ve stopped carrying the weight of the world,” Jada explained with a warm rush of emotion. “I love you and Linnie, but Philip is right. I’m not responsible for every problem my friends encounter. I need to focus my energies on him, Fancy—and myself. Why should I always put myself last?”

  Linnie regarded her with something akin to awe. “I guess you shouldn’t,” she agreed. “Jada, you’ve always been a great friend. The best. I love you for that.”

  Cat wiped the irritation from her face. “I love you too,” she said. A burp popped from her mouth.

  Then she vomited into the can.

  Philip halted in the doorway, with Fancy a step behind. At the stench, Fancy smacked her palm over her nose. She bolted for the lobby.

  Sauntering inside, Philip gave Cat the thumbs-up. “Ryan told me.” He grimaced as she leaned back into the can. “Congratulations.”

  Jada was already out of her chair an
d hovering above her nauseous friend. “Wait. Are you saying she’s . . . ?”

  “In the throes of morning sickness? Why do they call it morning sickness when some women puke all day long? But, yeah, that’d be my guess.” Philip brushed a kiss across Jada’s lips. Drawing away, he added, “Daniel went over to Ryan’s place. They’re doing shots. They invited me to join them, but I said I have plans.”

  Cat moaned. “Why do men have all the fun?”

  Linnie squealed. “You’re pregnant? We’re pregnant together? Oh, Cat—that’s wonderful! Why didn’t you want to tell us?” Considering, she puffed up her cheeks. “Oh. Right. You should let your mother in on the happy news before telling your besties. Silvia will pitch a fit when she hears we found out first.”

  Philip chuckled. “Silvia will get over it.” He regarded Jada. “I spotted Frances and Penelope dining in the Sunshine Room. I’m sure they’ll take Cat home.”

  “I’ll take her,” Linnie announced. Heaving Cat from the chair, she asked her, “Want to hang out at my house tonight? If the boys are getting toasted at your place, it’ll be a whole lot quieter. Let’s go online and check out baby names. I’m leaning toward Natalie for a girl and Tucker for a boy. I can’t decide if I want to peek at the ultrasound or not.”

  Together, they shuffled from the room.

  When they’d gone, Philip waved a hand through the foul air. “Call Housekeeping,” he suggested. “Tell them to get in here with Lysol.”

  Jada sent the text. Grinning, she tried to wrap her brain around the new development. Cat and Linnie both pregnant. Both of her business partners bringing children into the world at the same time. The patter of little feet was sure to usher in a new era at the Wayfair.

  Her spirits fell. Did she need to rethink her workweek, volunteer for more Saturdays?

  Philip tipped up her chin. “Not your problem.” The saying was his new mantra. “Their babies, their problem. You work enough hours at the inn.”

  She nodded. “Right.”

  “They’ll find a solution. Just because they’re both having babies doesn’t mean you go back to carrying the world.”

  “I’m sick of carrying the world.” Grateful for his protection, she landed a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  In the lobby, they found Millicent affectionately bent over Fancy. Leafing through the pages of a book, Fancy paused at a colorful illustration. She held up the book for Jada’s inspection: A Children’s Guide to the American Revolution.

  Jada fingered the pages. “Another gift?” she asked. Dense type was interspersed with the illustrations. “Millicent, this might be a little beyond a six-year-old’s comprehension.”

  “Nonsense. We’ll tackle the book together. My granddaughter is precocious.” She hugged Fancy. “Aren’t you, sweetheart?”

  With pride, Fancy straightened. “Sure am.” Her brows puckered. “What’s precocious?”

  Philip patted her cheek. He asked Millicent, “Where’s your better half?”

  “Still fussing. She threw me out of the suite, informed me to take the stairs—not the elevator.” Millicent patted her generous middle. “I don’t know why Rosemary insists on unpacking every suitcase before dinner. It’s not like we brought an abundance of clothing, and the gifts for you-know-who can wait until after we eat.”

  “Gifts?” Fancy rolled forward on the balls of her feet. “Are they for me, Grammy?”

  “Who else?”

  “Can I open them now? Maybe just one?”

  Millicent glanced at the stairwell. “Why don’t you surprise Grandma Rosemary and go on up? She can’t wait to see you. Room 216.”

  Fancy patted Jada’s hip. “May I?”

  Surprise lifted Jada’s head. Fancy never looked to her for guidance. She always asked Philip. With a questioning glance, she regarded him.

  He winked.

  Millicent nodded approvingly. “Once a child embroiders you onto her heart . . .”

  The conversation from last spring wheeled through Jada. She’ll have expectations.

  Jada had a few of her own. Good health, happiness, family—she didn’t mind working for what she wanted. She knew how to salt her expectations with determination and sweeten them with hope.

  “Sure,” she told Fancy. She turned her toward the stairwell to the right of the front desk. “Go upstairs and surprise your grandmother.” Rosemary would be delighted.

  Her hair flying in waves, Fancy scampered up the steps.

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Dear Reader: If you’ve enjoyed The Season of Silver Linings, I encourage you to post a review on Amazon or Goodreads. I’d love to hear from you as well at: Christine@christinenolfi.com.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  WITH HEARTFELT THANKS

  To my wonderful editor, Christopher Werner, for his brilliant suggestions and enthusiasm for Jada’s story, my developmental editor, Kelli Martin, for all her fabulous insights, and Lake Union’s editorial director, Danielle Marshall, for making every phase of the publishing journey a joy and a delight.

  To Rebecca Frank, for her enthusiastic comments during the plotting stage, and the advice on herbal remedies that inspired the development of the character Penelope Riddle, and Jan Crossen, for her patient read of the book’s earliest drafts.

  To my agent, Pamela Harty, for her generous advice, and Rachel Adam Rogers, for the beautiful cover art design.

  To my copy editor, Stacee Lawrence; my production editors, Nicole Pomeroy and Elise Marton; and my proofreader, Sarah Engel—for both their patience and their careful edits. To Elizabeth Brown of Swift Edits for proofing the original version of the manuscript under tight deadline; to my author relations manager, Gabriella Dumpit, for guiding me through the publication process; to Devan Hanna and the marvelous team in Lake Union’s marketing department.

  To my amazing daughter, Marlie, for helping with Lucy, and for giving me reasons to smile on the longest writing days.

  To Barry, for reading every review throughout the years and believing even when I entertained doubts. I love you, always.

  THE SEASON OF SILVER LININGS BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

  At the beginning of the novel, Jada Brooks feels overburdened, especially with regard to her relationship with Linnie Wayfair. For a friendship to endure, must each person take turns carrying the heavier load? Do you have a friendship you cherish even though it seems you carry more of the weight? If so, why is the friendship worth keeping despite the obstacles?

  The importance of family provides a strong theme in The Season of Silver Linings. Both Philip Kettering and Millicent Earhardt go to extreme lengths to protect the family members they hold dear. If you were a widower like Philip, would you refuse to allow your child to meet relatives from “the wrong side of the family”? Why, or why not? If you were Millicent, would you spend years searching for a missing loved one? In your own life, do you know of family, friends, or neighbors who have faced either Philip’s or Millicent’s dilemma? How did they handle the situation?

  Jada Brooks was not able to save Bodi’s life on the fateful day of the snowstorm. Late in the novel, when Jada is wrapping bridal shower gifts at Frances’s house, Frances urges her to share those final minutes on the frozen lake with the Sweet Lake Sirens. Why is it important to share the most traumatic moments of our lives? Why did Jada refuse to do so until her meeting with Rosemary and Millicent toward the end of the book?

  General discussion: If a friend or loved one has undergone a traumatic event, should you encourage them to talk about it? Should you encourage them to see a therapist if the trauma is too great? Why can group therapy sessions be successful in helping people deal with difficult events, such as the death of a child?

  Although Penelope Riddle quickly uncovers Millicent’s true identity early in the novel, she keeps Jada in the dark. She believes Jada must discover the truth for herself. Did Penelope make a good choice?

  Group discussion: Children and young adults often learn throug
h their mistakes rather than by heeding the warnings of older adults. How should parents provide loving guidance, without telling a child what to do? How do you respond to your own mistakes? Do you fall into self-chastisement, or view the mistake as a lesson from which you may learn?

  List three of the silver linings represented in the book. Is Rosemary’s discovery of Fancy’s existence the greatest silver lining? What would young Fancy view as the most important silver lining by novel’s end?

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photo © 2016 Melissa Miley

  Award-winning author Christine Nolfi writes heartwarming and inspiring fiction. She is the author of Treasure Me, a Next Generation Indie Awards finalist, and four other Liberty Series novels as well as the Sweet Lake series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings. A native of Ohio, Christine currently resides in South Carolina with her husband and four adopted children. For the latest information about her releases and future books, visit www.christinenolfi.com. Chat with her on Twitter @christinenolfi.