Kane and Mabel

by Sharon DeVita

  “I love you, too,” Kati shouted, throwing her arms around Luke’s neck and nearly strangling him in her desire to hold him tight. “I love you! I love you!”

  Hugging her in return, Luke laughed softly, the sound wonderful in the darkness. Sliding his hands through the curly strands of her hair, Luke tipped her head back and looked at her. His eyes slowly went over every familiar feature of her face and a soft smile tipped his lips. Had she been looking before, she would have noticed the love shining in his eyes before this. Still smiling, Luke gently lowered his mouth to hers and slowly, tenderly sipped at her mouth. Kati sighed. She was in love with Luke, and she couldn’t remember ever feeling quite so wonderful.

  Pulling his mouth from hers, Luke pressed her head into his shoulder and just stood there, holding her tight. Closing her eyes, Kati struggled to get her breathing back on a more even keel. The wonderful scent of Luke clung to his suit coat, and she savored the scent, inhaling deeply. She was certain that nothing had ever smelled so wonderful before. She rubbed her cheek against the rough material of his suit. She loved everything about him, his scent, his looks, his kisses. She loved him.

  “Here you two are, I’ve been looking all over for you.” Bessie peeked around the door. Kati tried to back out of Luke’s arms, but he wouldn’t let her. He kept his arm around her and held her tight.

  “Hi, Bessie,” he said quietly. “Need something?”

  “Mr. Billings and Vera are at it again.” Bessie shook her head. “Lunatics, I tell you. Vera needs to be relieved from the refreshment table before she dumps the punch over Mr. Billings’s head. I told her I’d try to find you, Luke. Said you were supposed to be dancing. Kind of hard to dance out here with no music, isn’t it?” she inquired, her eyes twinkling wickedly.

  Kati lifted her head from Luke’s shoulder and smiled at Bessie. “Depends on what kind of dancing you’re talking about,” she replied sassily, and Bessie’s mouth fell open. Kati’s smile grew. It was the first time she had ever seen Bessie speechless.

  Luke turned to Kati, saw the look on her face and burst out laughing. “Come on, Kati Rose. I’d better take you inside.” One dark brow rose wickedly. “I think you’ve had enough…dancing for one night.” Putting an arm around each of them, Luke guided Bessie and Kati back inside.

  “What happened?” Bessie hissed, hustling Kati into a corner behind the refreshment table after Luke had gone off to try to referee Vera and Mr. Billings.

  “Happened?” Kati asked innocently. “Why, Bessie, what makes you think anything happened?” she teased, her eyes dancing in delight.

  “Listen, Kati Rose,” Bessie scolded, obviously not pleased with the answers she was getting. “I didn’t come down with the last rain drop, you know. I been around some in my time—”

  “You have?” Kati’s eyes widened. “Tell me about it?” she asked, teasing Bessie unmercifully.

  Bessie’s eyes narrowed and her gaze swept Kati from head to toe. “You look different,” she decided, sliding her gaze back up to Kati’s. She looked at her for a long moment and her face broke into a happy smile. “I know what it is,” Bessie whispered hurriedly. “You’re in love, aren’t you?” She laughed softly, not waiting for Kati to answer. “I knew it,” Bessie cried, slapping a hand to her thigh. “I knew there was something special about that boy.”

  Bessie sighed heavily, shaking her head. “Kati Rose, it’s high time you found yourself someone. And Lucas Kane is a pretty special someone.”

  Kati smiled, her eyes finding Luke over Bessie’s head. “I know,” she said dreamily.

  Wilfred had strolled up to the table and was eyeing Bessie. Kati recognized the look in his eyes. It was the same look Luke had when he looked at her. She smiled. Wilfred was in love with Bessie. How wonderful. Kati glanced back at Bessie and couldn’t help but wonder if she knew.

  “Uh, Bessie,” Kati nodded toward the waiting man, “Wilfred’s waiting for you.” Her words propelled Bessie around. She took one look at Wilfred and an engaging smile lit her face. Kati looked from one to the other. They didn’t know, she realized, watching them. They didn’t know they loved each other. Kati smiled. They were going to be very interesting to watch.

  “Would you like to dance, Bessie?” Wilfred asked politely, and Bessie preened.

  “Love to, Wilfred.” She linked her arm through his. Although she stood a good four inches taller than the man, it didn’t seem to bother her. They looked good together, Kati decided. Very good.

  “The dance floor is so crowded, Bessie, Luke suggested we take our dance outdoors—where it’s not quite so crowded,” he added quickly.

  “Why, Wilfred,” Bessie replied sweetly, hanging on to his arm. “I’d love to.” She turned and winked at Kati. “I told you I liked that boy,” she whispered for Kati’s ears only.

  Love must be in the air and in her heart, Kati thought dreamily as she began straightening the table. She looked up and caught Luke watching her from across the room. “I love you,” she mouthed silently, and Luke smiled.

  “I love you, too,” he said loudly, causing every head in the general vicinity to turn and look at him. A soft ripple of laughter filled the room. Blushing, Kati resisted the urge to duck her head and hide. She loved Luke, and she didn’t care who knew it. And apparently neither did he.

  Chapter Nine

  Pacing in irritation, Kati pushed open the kitchen door and scanned the diner. “Luke, is she here yet?” she asked with a worried frown. Sensing her distress, Luke sighed heavily. Tossing down the paper he was reading, Luke rounded the counter, slid an arm around her waist and walked her back into the kitchen.

  “Kati, will you please stop worrying? Bessie is a big girl. I’m sure she’s fine. Besides, she’s not that late.” He glanced at the large clock hanging over the back door. “It’s only ten, Kati. I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Now stop worrying.”

  “But, Luke,” Kati said, still frowning. “No one has seen her since the dance Saturday night. You know very well almost everyone in town was at the lake yesterday, everyone except Bessie. And she’s never been late before.” Kati continued, certain she was building a viable case for the dastardly deed that had no doubt befallen Bessie. “Maybe I should take a run over to her house, just to check it out.” Kati reached around to tug her apron off, but Luke stopped her midway and slid her apron back around her waist.

  “You’ll do no such thing,” he instructed, his voice soft and indulgent as he dropped his hands to her shoulders to hold her in place. “I’m sure Bessie’s fine. She’ll probably come sashaying in here any minute. Now stop worrying,” he scolded, dropping a quick kiss to her lips. “Now, you’ve got stew to make, and I’ve got to go do the set-ups before the lunch crowd arrives. Now try not to worry, please? She’ll be here.”

  Trying to drag a smile to her trembling lips, Kati tried not to worry. But it was hard. It was so unlike Bessie to be late for work.

  The last time she had seen Bessie was when Wilfred had escorted her from the refreshment stand Saturday night at the dance. When the dance ended, Luke had helped her clean up and transport the leftover food back to the diner. Bessie usually helped, but she was nowhere to be found.

  As was customary on the day after the dance, most of the town assembled at the lake for a picnic. Kati and Luke had spent the day swimming, soaking up the sun and just enjoying each other’s company. Kati had not been too alarmed when Bessie hadn’t appeared at the picnic. Bessie wasn’t too fond of the hot June temperatures. But this morning Bessie still hadn’t shown up for work and Kati was nearly frantic. Pacing the kitchen in agitation, Kati jammed her hands into the pockets of her apron, her thoughts running rampant. Perhaps she should call the police? No, what on Earth would she tell them? I’ve misplaced my waitress, could you find her for me? No, that would never do. Kati’s face brightened. Maybe she should call Wilfred. He was the last person to see Bessie, maybe he’d know where she was. Crossing quickly to the phone, Kati dialed Wilfred’s number, pacing back and fo
rth and waiting for him to answer.

  “You’re going to pace a hole in the floor,” Bessie announced, stepping calmly into the kitchen. Kati slammed down the phone and whirled on her.

  “Where on Earth have you been?” Kati demanded, her words coming out in a furious rush that caused Bessie’s gray brows to rise in surprise.

  “Why?” Bessie asked nonchalantly, bending to slip off her street shoes and slip on her white work shoes.

  “Why?” Kati echoed, her tone dark. “Why? Because I’ve been worried sick about you. No one has seen you since the dance Saturday night. And you’ve never ever been late for work before,” she added lamely, watching as Bessie gave her a strange look.

  “Want to dock my pay?” Bessie asked flippantly, enjoying the stunned look on Kati’s face.

  “It has nothing to do with your pay. It has to do with caring. You scared the life out of me, Bessie.”

  Bessie smiled and reached out to pat Kati’s arm. “Sorry, never thought to call and let you know I was all right. Guess I just got too involved.”

  “Involved? In what?” Kati looked at Bessie skeptically. She didn’t look any the worse for the wear. “What was so all-fired important that you forgot to call?” she asked suspiciously.

  “Well, if you must know, Miss Nosy,” Bessie snapped defensively, placing her hands on her hips and daring Kati to say anything, “I’ve been with Wilfred.”

  “With Wilfred!” Kati’s scowl deepened. “What on Earth have you and Wilfred been doing for two days?”

  “Things,” Bessie retorted evasively, a secretive smile on her lips.

  “What kind of things?” Kati persisted, wanting to make sure there was a good reason that she had been put through hell this morning.

  “Things!” Bessie repeated emphatically, wiggling her brows suggestively. Kati’s mouth fell open. She suddenly realized just what things Bessie and Wilfred had been doing.

  “You and Wilfred?” Kati asked weakly, wondering if she appeared as dumb as she suddenly felt. She could feel the heat creep upward from her neck to her cheeks.

  “Don’t go looking so shocked,” Bessie sniffed indignantly. “May not look like it, but there’s still some embers left in this old stove.” She chuckled softly, her face going dreamy. “Wilfred’s too, if the truth be known,” she whispered, glancing around to make certain no one but Kati could hear.

  Laughing, Kati threw her arms around Bessie and gave her a hug. “I’m so happy for you both, Bessie.” She planted a loud kiss on Bessie’s cheek. “I think it’s wonderful. But the least you could have done was call me so I wouldn’t worry,” she scolded good-naturedly.

  “Kati Rose, do I look like I need a keeper? Now how about telling me what’s going on with you and Luke?” Just the sound of his name caused Kati to beam.

  “After the dance Saturday, he walked me home. And yesterday we went to the lake together. That’s about it.” That wasn’t quite the truth, but it was good enough for now.

  “That’s it?” Bessie frowned, her full mouth pulling down in the effort.

  Kati tried not to grin. That wasn’t quite it, but that was all she was willing to divulge. What she had with Luke was so new, so special, she wanted to keep it inside for now, savoring the wonderful feel of it. She loved him so.

  “Kati.” Bessie looked at her and Kati could have sworn there was a tear in her gruff gray eyes. “I’ve known you your whole life. Knew your mama and your papa, too. I had almost given up hope of you ever finding someone. You’re so stubborn and prideful, and much too independent for your own good. Luke is a good man. I knew that the first time I laid eyes on him.”

  “I know, Bessie.” Kati couldn’t help but wonder what Bessie was driving at. She didn’t have to sell Kati on Luke, she was in love with the man.

  “Just remember, your independence and this diner aren’t going to keep you warm at night. You need a man, Kati, and Lucas Kane is that man. Don’t go letting nothing come between you. What you’ve got is special. For the first time in your whole life, Kati, I can see you’re happy. You’ve done for Patrick and everyone else. Now it’s time to do for you.” Bessie leaned over and kissed Kati’s cheek. “Now hand me that apron over there and let me get to work. Oh, Wilfred’s out front, and the man’s starving. He wants a sandwich and some of those new chips of ours.”

  Going to the pantry, Kati grabbed one of the boxes down and pulled loose several bags of chips and tossed them at Bessie. There was a soft knock at the back door.

  “You go on out front and take care of Wilfred,” Kati instructed. “I’ll get the door.” Kati pulled open the door. Her eyes widened and a delighted whoop fell from her lips.

  ‘‘Hi, Sis!’’

  “Patrick!” Kati squealed, throwing her arms around him and pulling him inside. “Oh, Patrick.” She pulled back to get a good look at him. “You look wonderful.” Tears of happiness filled her eyes. It had been so long since she’d seen him, she could hardly believe he was here. Luke was here, Patrick was home and everything was wonderful. “Let me look at you.” She walked a circle around him, frowning gently. “You’re too skinny,” she finally announced, stopping in front of him to plant a kiss on his cheek. “And you need a haircut,” she scolded gently, causing Patrick to chuckle softly.

  “And you haven’t changed a bit.” Although younger than Kati, Patrick stood a good ten inches above her. His hair was a brighter shade of auburn, but his eyes were the same emerald green as her own.

  “How long are you staying?” Kati asked.

  “Just a little while.” Patrick shifted nervously. “I just wanted to stop by to see how you were getting on.”

  “I’m getting on fine. Wait till Bessie sees you,” Kati exclaimed in delight. As much as Bessie proclaimed that Patrick needed a good switching, Bessie, like nearly everyone else, loved Patrick. Despite his immaturity, Patrick was a sweet, gentle man who had inherited all of the charm of his Irish ancestors.

  “I can see not much has changed around here,” Patrick commented, glancing around. He inhaled deeply. “This is Monday, so I’ll bet you’re making the famous Ryan Stew.”

  “Are you hungry?” Kati asked worriedly, and Patrick laughed again.

  “Still playing mother hen?” Patrick teased, ruffling her hair. “Kati, I’m a big boy. You don’t have to worry about me anymore.”

  Kati frowned. She wasn’t so sure about that. She couldn’t help but wonder what had brought Patrick home. She hoped he wasn’t in trouble again.

  “How is business?” Patrick asked, picking a carrot up off the counter and popping it into his mouth. “Are you and Bessie handling things all right?”

  Kati laughed softly. “It’s not just Bessie and me anymore, Luke’s here. He’s been here for over a month, and I can’t— Patrick, what’s wrong?”

  His face had gone white. “Lucas Kane is…here?”

  Kati frowned. “Well, of course, I thought you knew—”

  “What’s he doing here?” Patrick hissed, looking quickly at the door as if he expected the devil himself to walk through any minute.

  “Patrick,” Kati grabbed his arm as her suspicions grew. “What do you mean what’s he doing here? Didn’t you know—”

  “Kati, Mr. Billings wants to know if you’ve got a fresh bone—” Luke stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Patrick, and Patrick seemed to shrink away from him. Kati looked from one man to the other, wondering what was going on.

  “What on Earth is wrong with you two?” she demanded suspiciously.

  “Hello, Patrick,” Luke said softly, but there was a thread of steel in his voice.

  “Luke.” Patrick shifted nervously from one foot to the other. “What are you doing here?” Kati’s confusion grew as she watched the two men.

  Luke let the kitchen door swing shut slowly behind him as he walked into the room and faced Patrick. “I think you know what I’m doing here,” Luke said quietly, and Kati had a sudden urge to jump between the men. She didn’t like the sound of things, and a d
eep-seated fear slowly bubbled inside of her.

  Patrick let loose a deep sigh. “Don’t worry, Luke. I’ve got your money.”

  “Money?” Kati looked at her brother. “What are you talking about, Patrick? What money?”

  “Kati,” Luke said softly, trying to corral her next to him. It was important that he get a chance to explain things to her in the proper way. He didn’t want her jumping to conclusions. Kati looked at him closely, refusing to budge. “This is between your brother and me,” Luke added as Kati turned to him, her body suddenly trembling in fear.

  “If it concerns my brother and my diner,” she added, feeling torn between the two, “then it concerns me, too.”

  “Kati, now don’t get upset,” Patrick cautioned. “Luke lent me some money.”

  “And,” she prompted, knowing her brother’s penchant for running at the first sign of trouble. She had a feeling there was a lot more to this story than met the eye.

  “And I guess I—” Patrick jammed a hand through his hair, and sighed again. “And I guess I disappeared without paying him back.”

  “You owe Luke money?” she asked weakly, feeling the floor beneath her begin to slowly sway.

  “I gave him my half of the diner as collateral. I was going to pay him back, Kati, honest. It just, well, things didn’t work out as I planned.” Patrick looked at her, his face wreathed in sorrow. “I never figured he’d come here looking for me.”

  Patrick’s words caused her legs to buckle, and Kati grabbed on to the counter to keep from falling. Oh, God, she could feel her heart shattering into a million little pieces. It was all suddenly very clear why Luke was here, why he had insisted on staying. Tears burned her eyes, but she blinked them away. Now she finally understood Luke’s reasons. He didn’t care about her, or the diner. All he cared about was getting his money back from Patrick. Numbness overtook her as a cold, frigid chill penetrated her spirit. Patrick’s other friends had taken her money and her hospitality, but Lucas Kane had taken her heart. And her love. Oh, God, what a fool she had been! What a blind, trusting fool!