“I want you to be happy, Gabe.”
He kissed her gently. “As long as I’m with you, Julie, I’m a happy man.”
He looked at the clock. We’d better get busy. We don’t have nearly enough pastries for the day.”
“Your arm? Is it all right? Does it hurt?”
“If I turn a certain way, it twinges. Nothing that won’t get better over time.”
“Are you sure? I can bake today.”
“Don’t worry about me, Julie. I’m fine. Really. I rode my bike down here from Bangor, didn’t I? I think I can lift a few baking trays.”
His smile convinced her. She hesitated before she smiled back and ran to the main room. “I don’t have the coffee ready.” She turned on the machines and came back, all business now. “What goodies do I put on today’s menu?”
He told her. She turned to go. “Call the sheriff. I don’t want her telling the world I’m dead.”
“She wouldn’t do that.”
But Gabe was too busy pulling out more ingredients, finding the right pans, and checking the oven, to hear her.
When Lynn came in an hour later, she went straight to the kitchen. Since all the customers were happily drinking coffee and eating, Julie joined her.
“I hear you had quite a time in Houston.”
Gabe looked up from frosting a chocolate cake. “You could say that.”
“When are you going to give me a rundown?”
He paused in his work. “Is it necessary?”
Lynn put her hands on her hips. “Friends do that, you know. Tell each other what’s going on in their lives.”
Gabe laughed aloud, making several customers look his way and smile. “Tomorrow, then. I have a date with Julie tonight.”
“You do?”
“We do.”
“I didn’t hear an invite.”
Julie’s heart was singing a song of love.
He winked at her as she almost danced to the counter to wait on another customer.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Gabe watched Julie leave the kitchen, once more admiring her walk, the way her red hair came out of her ponytail.
“You love her, don’t you?” Lynn stated.
“Is it obvious?”
He went back to frosting the cake. He more than loved Julie, he also loved her daughter. “Tell me about Chad. Have you found his supplier?”
“Not me. I turned it over to the sheriff in Bangor, which is where Chad bought his drugs. The authorities there were pleased to tell me they are a couple of steps up from Chad’s supplier, and think the drug lord is in New York. Now the DEA is involved. They’re convinced his days are numbered. Funny. I get kudos every day from one department or another for starting the ball rolling.” She looked at him. “But I didn’t do it, Gabe. You did. Can I give you credit?”
Startled, he dropped the knife in his hand. “Are you kidding? Gabe Vaughn is a pastry chef. He’s about as far from a cop as…as Mia is. I want to keep it that way.
“No one other than you and Julie can ever know of my past. It has to stay that way to keep us all safe.”
Lynn nodded. “I understand.”
She turned to leave. “Those muffins are calling my name.” She smiled. “Besides, I have to get back to work.”
“Just a minute.”
She paused at the door.
“Did you check on Paul’s grandmother? Is she all right?”
Lynn walked back to stand in front of Gabe. “You might think you’re only a pastry chef, but you have cop blood, too. Yes, she’s all right physically, but her sweet grandson was robbing her blind. When Jane wouldn’t file charges, I kicked him out of town. Now her lawyer is handling her affairs.”
“Good.”
He went back to work.
“Take it easy, Gabe. Next time you come across someone who raises your cop sense call me. If you take things into your own hands, you’re liable to create a situation you might not want.”
“Good advice.”
She left the kitchen to grab a latte and a muffin to go, waved as she passed the window. He’d be glad to take the sheriff’s advice, but he’d keep his gun strapped to his ankle just the same. He’d missed it while he was gone and had put it on the minute he was alone when he got back.
Even in a town as peaceful as Lobster Cove, one never knew what could be around the corner, or what undercurrents bubbled in the lives of those around him.
He and Julie were busy all day with hardly a minute to be alone. When Mia came through the door dragging her backpack behind her and saw Gabe in the kitchen, she came running.
“There you are, princess,” he said as he met her at the kitchen door, lifted her up and swung her around in a circle. “I missed you.”
When he put her down, she glared at him. “You didn’t tell me you were leaving. You said I was the supervisor. You know the supervisor has to be asked if you want off. You promised you’d tell me.”
“I know.” He picked her up and set her on her barstool. “It was an emergency.”
She crossed her arms over her small chest. “Are you going to leave again?”
“Nope. If I do, I’ll ask permission.”
“Okay, then.” She hopped down, went to grab her apron. “What are we making today? The customers have really missed my cookies.”
He laughed. This child made him happy. Who would believe she liked to bake at this young age?
Gabe could almost see the future. Mia would take over as pastry chef after college; maybe he’d help as her assistant for a year or so. It would give him more time to help Julie.
Dreams—dreams that now had a chance to come to fruition.
But first he and Julie had to talk.
When the shop was closed, Mia’s cookies on the counter for tomorrow, and everything shiny clean, Julie asked, “What’s this about a date tonight?”
“I thought I’d take you out to eat. Maybe do a little more sightseeing.”
“We’d better do the looking around first. It gets dark early.”
“Cold, too. Think you can handle the Harley? Or would you rather go in your car?”
“If you can handle the Harley, so can I.”
“I’ll go to my apartment, shower, and change. I’ll pick you up in an hour.”
“I’ll be ready.”
She was. Though Mia raised her voice for a ride, she didn’t get one. He promised they’d make a run to Bangor and get her a helmet of her own. That made her happy.
When Julie wrapped her arms around Gabe’s waist, he didn’t feel the cold air whipping at his clothes, he felt Julie’s warmth. He hoped he wasn’t rushing her. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and Mia, have more children, and bake pastries until he retired.
It sounded like a simple life.
To Gabe, it sounded like heaven.
“Where are we going?” Julie shouted in his ear.
He was going down Birch Street, then down First to the residential area of town. He had no idea if the house he’d seen on one of his excursions before he left for Houston was still available, but he wanted to find out.
He slowed when the house came into view. The For Sale sign was still in the yard. He pulled into the driveway, turned off the motor.
“Why are we here?” Julie asked when she got off.
“Wanted to see if you thought it was big enough.”
“Gabe, you can be the most exasperating man. Big enough for what?”
“For the family. When we get married, we have to have room for your mom, me, Mia, other kids.”
“What?” she screeched. “What are you talking about? Who said we were getting married? And how could we afford this house if we did?”
He looked at the house, looked at her and grinned. He’d already read the specifics. It had a master, plus two other bedrooms. Added to that, it had a mother-in-law suite with its own bathroom and sitting area. It would be perfect. It wasn’t new but looked well kept. The yard was beautiful with flowerbeds full
of ferns and irises. A few scattered birch and maple trees gave the place a homey look.
They walked up the sidewalk and tried the door. Locked. “This wasn’t how I was going to do this, but here goes. Pulling Julie into his arms, he kissed her soundly. Will you marry me, Julie Whitney? I want to make my life with you and with Mia. Nothing would make me happier.”
She punched him in the shoulder and laughed. “I swear, Gabe, you are different from any man I’ve ever known. But I love you. So does Mia.”
“Is that a yes?” He couldn’t believe it. To have a woman like Julie in love with him—to have her in his arms, kiss her anytime he liked, was more than he could fathom. His life for the past year had been spent with the dregs of society. Killers, thieves, and worse had been his cellmates. There were times when he wanted to beat the hell out of them. Had tried to a couple of times and paid for it with a crooked nose. Now his life was changed completely.
She reached up, took his face between her hands, and brought his lips to hers. “It’s a yes. But how can we afford this house? Or any house for that matter?”
“We’ll talk about that at dinner.”
She looked at the locked door. “I wish we could get inside.”
“I’ll call the realtor tomorrow,” Gabe said.
“Gabe…you know we can live at Mom’s.”
“It’s a little small for all of us, but I suppose we could make a go of it there. But wouldn’t you rather have a new house to go with your new husband and our new life?”
“When you put it like that…”
A car pulled in behind the Harley.
“Hello, there,” a deep male voice called out.
“Uh oh. I should have called for an appointment,” Gabe said. He walked away from the front door to greet the man hurrying their way. “Gabe Vaughn,” he said, putting out his hand. “My prospective bride and I were looking over the property.”
“August Woodson,” the man said. “I’m on my way home and pass right by here. When I saw your Harley, I thought you might be interested.”
“We are. I like the description on your flyer, but would like to see the inside.”
“Just a minute, I’ll get a key for the lockbox.”
Woodson went back to his car and was back in seconds. He opened the door and flipped on the light. “Would you like me to show you the features of the house or look on your own?”
“I’d like to look on our own.” Julie smiled.
Both Gabe and Julie liked what they saw. Large rooms, hardwood floors throughout except for the kitchen and bathrooms, which were tiled. “We’ll have to remodel the kitchen,” Gabe said.
“It looks fine to me. It’s large. There’s plenty of counters and counter space, even an island. The appliances aren’t that new, but everything else looks good.”
“The kitchen has to go. We’ll need large double ovens, a five-burner stovetop and a ten-foot island. Plus, all the counters need to be changed to granite.”
“You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”
“Yep.”
“Gabe,” she whispered so her voice wouldn’t carry. “We can’t afford it.”
“So you said.”
They walked back to join Mr. Woodson who handed them a card. “Interested?”
“Very,” Gabe said. “But we need a break on the price. The kitchen has to be totally redone.”
“We’ll write up a contract to that effect. The house has been on the market for a while, so the owner might be willing to negotiate. Would you like to follow me to my office?”
“No,” Gabe spoke up before Julie could answer. “We’ll come by tomorrow around five.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then.”
“Gabe?” Julie started in.
“Let’s eat. I’m starved.”
He led her to the bike, and in minutes they were headed out.
There were still some things she didn’t know about him.
Chapter Twenty-Five
A smiling young lady welcomed them to Mariner’s Fish Fry. “Inside or out?” she asked.
“Out,” they both said at the same time.
She escorted them to the patio. It was almost dark, but the lights from the roof’s overhang allowed them to see the scattered tables and chairs that overlooked the harbor. Water lapped gently beneath their feet. “Nice,” Gabe said as he held the chair for Julie.
Their waitress hurried over with menus. “I’ll take your drink order and give you time to check out the menu. Tonight’s special is a fish and lobster plate. It’s quite good.”
“Glass of wine?” Gabe asked Julie.
“Chardonnay.”
“Make it two.” The waitress hurried off.
“Let’s get back to the house we just looked at. Yes, it would be perfect. No, we can’t afford it. I barely make a living from the proceeds at the shop.”
“How do you know we can’t afford it?”
Julie wanted to hit the man. Getting anything out of him was almost impossible. “Okay. Tell me how you plan to handle this?”
The waitress put their wine on the table, took their order for the special, and left. Gabe took Julie’s hand. “When I took the undercover job, I divested myself of everything I owned; my truck, my house, furnishings, everything. My friend took the money and put it in a secret account. Though I spent over a year undercover and in prison, my salary continued. Then there’s the money from my parents’ estate. I vowed not to spend a dime until I put their killer behind bars. Together, I have enough to pay cash for the house and, if you approve my plans, make improvements in the kitchen.”
Julie eyes widened. She’d had no idea. Gabe was still a man of mystery.
“If you’ll let me, I’d also like to invest in Julie’s.”
She sat back, crossed her arms over her chest. “What does Julie’s need?”
He grinned, and her heart did that funny thing it did every time he looked at her.
“I need another oven and a bigger workspace. I have enough to do that and buy what we need to add lobster and clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl to the menu.”
She frowned.
“Only if you want to go in that direction, Julie. I have no intention of taking over. But I would like to help you make a bigger success of what you started.”
“Your ideas have always been good ones, Gabe. And I appreciate it. You’re an amazing pastry chef. Have you noticed how many customers stop for a minute or two at the window to the kitchen just to watch you in action? It’s like your movements are choreographed.”
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I thought they were being nosy about the ugly stranger in your kitchen.”
“Not as nosy as fascinated.”
“You’re exaggerating. But I appreciate it.”
“I don’t want you to spend all of your money, Gabe. Goodness knows you earned it the hard way.”
“I did. But if I can’t spend it on the people I love…” He shrugged. “There’s no point in having it.”
She couldn’t argue with his reasoning. But she had a feeling Gabe would never change. He’d always hold something back. Not intentionally, but because he’d never had anyone to discuss things with.
That was about to change.
“Do you have any idea what you’re asking for? We’re a ready-made family with a kid who wants to be the boss, a mom whose health will never get better, and a coffee and pastry shop that will always have some problem or other pop up. You’re life is yours now. You’ll never have to fear the mob again. Are you sure this is what you want? You’re wandering days are over. You can go anywhere and do anything you like. If you decide to stay here, you’ll be stuck in Lobster Cove.”
“Which is just where I want to be. With you and my ready-made family.”
She picked up her glass of wine. “Then let’s drink to that.”
“To us,” Gabe said. “And our family.”
“To us.” They tapped glasses and took a sip.
“This is t
he first time I’ve relaxed in so long I can’t remember when,” Gabe said.
“Actually, I can say the same. Ever since my husband died, I’ve done nothing but work and worry. Mom was a big help of course, as was Lynn. But the bulk of raising a child, and starting a business, was on my shoulders.”
“You’re not alone any longer, Julie.”
“You have no idea how great that feels.”
She watched this man she loved so much it made her heart hurt. He was aggravating, but loving, and she didn’t think she could live without him. “I love you very much, Gabe Vaughn.”
“I love you more, Julie Whitney.”
She leaned across the table. “Now that you’ve killed off Nate Holden, tell me your full name. Lynn guessed Gabriel.”
“Do you mean to tell me you don’t know the name of the man you just promised to marry? What kind of woman are you?”
“The kind who likes answers.”
“I hope it meets with your approval. I don’t want to change it again. Gabriel Michael Vaughn.”
Julie laughed. And laughed some more.
Gabe puffed up. “What’s so funny?”
When she could catch her breath and talk, Julie said, “When I tasted that chocolate on chocolate cupcake you baked the first day you walked into my shop, I thought you were an angel sent from heaven. The name proves it.”
He smiled. And her heart beat like a drum in her chest. Would it always be like this?
He took her hand, brought it to his mouth and kissed it. “I’ll remember this night for the rest of my life, and when you get upset with me over the years, I’ll remind you that I’m really an angel in disguise.”
Julie burst into laughter again.
As the waitress brought their food, Gabe joined in.
Smiling, she put their plates on the table and quietly left them alone.
The next morning, Gabe removed the Pastry Chef Wanted sign from the window.
Epilogue
Five Months Later
The doorbell rang. Gabe looked over at his wife and smiled. “Our first guest has arrived.”
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