Breakfast with Santa
Page 8
Katelyn blinked, mentally shook her head, and forced herself to recall if Mark had said anything about a potential problem. The only thing she remembered was his concern about finding a “safe” home for his son, and the question concerning the safety of the day care. She’d considered Mark was only being a thoughtful and caring father. Was there something else going on that she wasn’t aware of? Had she missed the obvious? Mr. and Mrs. Logan hadn’t acted as if there was anything afoul.
Linda was putting doubts in her head—conjuring trouble where there was none.
“You do know his line of work in the military was top secret, right? I’m sure security has been ingrained in him over the years, and hard to let go of on a personal level. His wife died and Kurtis is without a mother, so I’m not surprised Mark is doubly cautious about his care.”
“Oh. I didn’t know his wife had died. It must be hard on the both of them.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, otherwise he surely would have said something.”
“You’re probably right. So how did your last exam go?” Linda scanned the room, making sure everything was in order, all the children were busy and not misbehaving before she turned back to Katelyn, eyebrows raised in question.
“I aced it. Glad the semester is over. I’ll be able to spend more time at the daycare if you need me.”
“You bet. In fact, you can start in the kitchen—lunch is over and the kitchen needs cleaning.”
“Bad timing on my part.” Katelyn laughed. “Seriously, I don’t mind. What do you have planned for story hour?” She followed Linda through the maze of play stations, and around the indoor raised sandbox where Celia and Randy were sifting sand in measuring cups and redistributing it in the corners.
“The chart says it’s Sandy and Trish’s turn to pick out a book. You’ll have to ask them. They’ve been at the bookstand in the corner nook all morning trying to decide.”
The rest of the afternoon flew by, leaving little time for her and Linda to go over the plans for the Christmas party on Friday. Without warning, Mark was there to pick up Kurtis. Katelyn’s insides gave a jolt when she looked straight into his sparkling eyes, so like Kurtis’. His smile had her smiling back, even though she was nervously biting the inside of her cheek, remembering his kisses.
He knelt, pulled Kurtis into his big arms, and hugged his son. All Katelyn could think of was yesterday when he’d walked her to the door after dinner. He’d held her hand, swung her around, pulled her into those strong, firm arms, and kissed her—another one of his toe-curling, knee-bending, heart-stopping kisses that brought memories flooding to her lower regions. She’d wanted to melt into his arms, but had come to her senses and held back. The whole day had been surreal—just like old times, except this time she wasn’t dating the Logans’ son. She was engaged to Sven, and the reality had hit her like a bucket of ice, once again. The minute she left the Logans’ house, she got in her car, and buckled the seatbelt—the click of metal clasping metal bringing her back to her senses. It had been foolish to accept their dinner invitation and think it wouldn’t bring back memories better left buried.
And like the click of the seatbelt, Connie Blye entered the center, bumping into Mark and the two of them were in each other’s arms—hugging. Katelyn helped Celia with the buttons on her coat, all the while watching Mark from the corner of her eyes as he wrapped his arms around Connie. Connie’s hug appeared a bit tighter than a mere friendly hug. The two stared at each other for a moment, as if they were contemplating kissing, and instead, stepped out of each other’s arms. Katelyn could only covertly stare at the two of them. She’d never seen Connie so animated—all smiles.
Connie was a beautiful woman, not tall and gangly like she was, but the woman had a presence about her that was endearing. Her short, sable hair was well taken care of, and her clothes, although not the latest styles, were always neat and did her full-bodied stature justice. She wasn’t aware Mark knew Connie. Apparently, there was a lot about Mark she didn’t know.
Jason joined Kurtis, and the four of them talked and laughed together. The warmth flowing from them spoke volumes—they resembled a loving family. Taking a deep breath and shaking her head, she was about to turn away when Mark’s piercing blue eyes looked at her as if he might come her way. His attention, however, was distracted. Katelyn made her escape, but not before she overheard them discussing a play date for the boys before she made it to the coat closet to get coats for several of the other children. She scolded herself for eavesdropping, and for getting… what? Jealous? No! She wasn’t jealous. Why should she be jealous? She was happy Mark and Kurtis had found someone to connect with. Mark and Connie had both lost their spouses. Their sons had each lost a parent. They had a lot in common, and it was only natural for them to be drawn together.
After the last child was picked up, Linda plunked down in the nearest child size chair. “Whew! What a day. Got a minute so we can go over the plans for Friday’s party?”
Katelyn pulled a chair out from under the table and joined her.
“Not really. I’m expected at Mariner’s tonight, and I want to get home and change. Get my comfy shoes on. Besides, my mind is fried right now. How about we come in a half hour earlier in the morning before everyone arrives?”
“That would work. I am tired. Let’s close up and go home.”
Katelyn hoped keeping occupied at the restaurant would help get her mind off Mark and Connie.
And Sven’s absence.
Katelyn was in the process of preparing to jump in the shower when the phone rang. She wrapped a towel around her naked body, padded barefoot across the floor, and lifted the receiver.
“Hello, Katelyn. Glad I caught you at home.”
“Sven! I miss you,” she gushed. “I’m so glad you called. How was the anniversary celebration?” She sat on the edge of the bed and crossed her legs.
“The celebration was a success, but short lived. Bestefar was taken ill, and had to be rushed to the hospital. Turns out he’s developed pneumonia. They want to monitor him for a few days, especially after the mini-stroke.”
“I assume Bestefar is your grandfather?”
“Sorry, yes. I tend to revert to Norwegian when I’m here. My Bestemor—sorry, my grandmother—didn’t take it well.”
“Oh, Sven. I’m so sorry. I hope they both mend quickly. I’m sure they’re pleased you and your parents are there to help.”
“The doctors say they have every reason to believe he’ll recover. He’s a strong Norseman for sure.”
“I’m sorry to hear he’s in the hospital, but glad he’ll recover. Does this mean you’ll be flying home sooner than planned?”
There was a silent pause while Katelyn waited for his answer. She pressed the phone closer to her ear and shut her eyes, not wanting to miss his reply.
“Sven? Can you hear me? Are you still there?”
“Yes, sorry. I was trying to decide whether I should share the family news before my parents pass the word around back home. I trust you to keep it to yourself and not spread the word until my parents have a chance to break the news.”
Another pause had her breath catching and her heart beating double time. What was Sven trying to say? Would he not be home for Christmas after all? Disappointment settled at the bottom of her stomach.
“Sven?”
“My parents are selling Flowers in Bloom. They are going to return to Bergen, permanently, to take care of Bestefar and Bestemor.” Another long pause. “And to run the family business here. My father met with the lawyer in Bergen and signed all the papers this morning. It’s a done deal. My grandfather’s fishing business has officially been transferred to my father.”
This time it was Katelyn who remained silent, trying to catch her breath. Oh my God! What did this mean? Was Sven out of a job?
She swallowed, and closed her eyes. “What are you going to do, Sven? Are you going to take over Flowers in Bloom?” She held her breath, waiting for his answer.
Her throat dried up, she couldn’t swallow. She slid off the bed onto the floor, the phone clutched in a tight fist against her ear, her other hand gripped the end of her shirttail. Sven had anticipated taking over the business someday. He’d spent every waking moment he hadn’t spent with her catering to and for the business. The family was an integral part of the community—and well liked. She couldn’t imagine Lobster Cove without Jance and Inge Olson. Or Flowers in Bloom.
“Sven?”
“No. I’m not really sure where that leaves me. I’ll have to look for another job, or see if I can work for the new owners. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
“What? Oh, Sven. I’m so sorry. What will you do?” She stood and paced around the room in circles.
“We’ll discuss it when I come back to Lobster Cove. The parents have already gotten the ball rolling on the business end back there.”
“When are you coming home?”
“Things are complicated right now. I’ll let you know. I can’t leave my parents to deal with this alone. They need my help and support over the holidays, not to mention helping to take care of the grandparents.”
“I understand. But I’ll miss you. Do you think you’ll make it home for Christmas?”
“I’ve got to go. I’ll call in a couple days and let you know how things are going.”
“I love you. Give your parents my love.”
The phone disconnected on the other end of the line. Katelyn held the receiver at arm’s length and looked at it as if it would offer an excuse for the abrupt closure. When no explanation was forthcoming, she placed the phone back on the side table, walked to the window, and stared out at the large snowflakes falling lazily toward the frozen ground.
Was it snowing in Bergen? Was the town decorated for Christmas? Sven hadn’t said. Actually, he hadn’t said much of anything. His usual effervescent voice sounded flat, hesitant, and…tired? Of course, he was worried about his grandparents, and the fact he might not have a job when he returned to Lobster Cove. Understandable, really. Darn it. She couldn’t wait for Sven to fly back home so he could fill her in on everything. Witnessing her best friend Juelle’s family problems taught her how all-consuming it could be on everyone. She wished she was in Bergen so she could help Sven and his parents get through this difficult time.
Katelyn showered, dried off, and quickly dressed in a pair of black slacks and a red turtleneck sweater. She pulled her hair back in a long ponytail and grabbed her coat and car keys. She shut the fire down in the fireplace, and slid the glass door shut in front of the dying embers, then unplugged the tree lights. She had just enough time to make it to Mariner’s and beat the evening crowd in time to help her parents.
As usual, Mariner’s was hopping. Her mother greeted her with a worried frown and nodded her head toward the kitchen.
“What’s wrong?” Katelyn looked toward the kitchen as she unbuttoned her coat and headed toward the employee’s lounge.
“Claude had to take his son to the emergency room. He fell on the ice, skating. They think he’s broken his arm. Michael O’Toole is trying to take over the kitchen in his absence, but he hasn’t the experience and is falling behind. Even your father is having a hard time keeping things moving tonight.”
“What gives? It’s Monday. Usually a slower night now that the summer crowd is gone.”
“Must be the holiday season.”
“Or your holiday special.”
“Remind me not to offer blueberry cobbler on a Monday night again. In any case, glad you’re here. Can you take this order over to table twenty-three for me? I’ll head back to the kitchen and see if I can give Michael a hand.”
Katelyn delivered the main course to table twenty-three. When she turned around, she spotted Mark sitting at a booth in the far corner with Chief of Police, Daryl Johnson. The two were in deep discussion, both leaning over the top of the table, foreheads nearly touching, as if not wanting anyone in close proximity to hear what they were discussing. Deciding not to interrupt, she left them to it and headed back to the kitchen. Was Linda right? Was there a problem? Was Mark overly concerned with Kurtis’ safety that he had to talk to the police? Linda’s concern suddenly took on more serious implications.
“Katelyn, honey, can you get me some of your mother’s blueberry cobbler.” Henry Bilson flagged her down as she was passing by.
“Sure thing, Henry. You two want ice cream with that?” He and his wife were regulars whenever they made it down from Ellsworth—a friendly, older couple that were such sweethearts.
“Course, darling, Ramona and I each want two scoops.”
“How’s that beau of yours?” Mrs. Bilson asked, a dimple in her plump cheek and a twinkle in her eyes.
“He’s in Norway celebrating his grandparents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary.”
“Oh, how wonderful. We celebrated our fiftieth two years ago, didn’t we, Henry?”
Henry shook his head in agreement, and gazed adoringly into his wife’s eyes. “Yep. Fifty-two years.”
Katelyn sighed. Would she and Sven make it to fifty years? She couldn’t comprehend being married to him—or anyone for that matter—for that length of time.
“I’ll be right back with your dessert.”
Katelyn gave Michael O’Toole the orders.
“Be sure to put two scoops of vanilla ice cream on these. I’ll be back in a sec.”
Michael took the piece of paper she’d handed him, shook his head and proceeded to fill the order. Katelyn tucked her arm around the serving tray and turned, only to bump into her mother.
“Careful, dear. Don’t want to dump my entire tray of dirty dishes.”
“Sorry, didn’t see you come up behind me.”
“I’ve got it under control.”
“Did you know Mark was here with Chief Johnson?”
“Yes, over in the corner booth.”
“Is everything okay?” She recalled her conversation with Linda about security.
“I don’t know. Tess Highland called and said something about Homeland Security and confidentiality when she made the reservation for the Chief. Something about Homeland Security working with the police and the National Guard along the coast and Canadian border. I made sure they had a private table in the back.”
“You think Mark is working for the Department of Homeland Security? He didn’t mention it at dinner yesterday.” The topic had been brushed aside during dinner at his parent’s home. In fact, she had no idea what type of job he was looking for, now that he was back in Lobster Cove. Maybe her mother was right. Maybe he was talking to Chief Johnson about a job.
“Makes you wonder what he really did in the military, doesn’t it?”
“Hmmm. I think there’s a lot we don’t know about Mark. His family has been very quiet about his absence in Lobster Cove.”
“Maybe now that he’s back we’ll find out.”
“Maybe.” Only time would tell.
“So, has my future son-in-law called? Thought he’d be back home by now.”
“Sven called as soon as I got home from daycare this afternoon. Apparently, things have become a bit complicated in Norway.” She had promised not to tell anyone about the Olson’s selling Flowers in Bloom, and that included her mother. Keeping it to herself, and the fact Sven hadn’t sounded like himself over the phone, didn’t sit well. She’d always confided in her mother and was ill at ease keeping this bit of news to herself.
“His grandfather is in the hospital and his grandmother is having a hard time dealing with everything. The Olsons are staying in Bergen a bit longer than planned to make sure everything goes well. Sven wasn’t sure when he’d be back.”
“I’m sorry, honey. I know how much you love Christmas, and not having Sven around to help celebrate it with you has got to be hard. But don’t l
et that stop you from enjoying the holiday.”
“I’m trying not to. I am looking forward to the kids’ Christmas party on Friday. In fact, Linda and I are going to put the finishing touches on it tomorrow morning. Carolyn Clark said she’d be there to help—she doesn’t want to miss out on the party, either.”
“I’m glad she can make it. Carolyn is such lovely woman. I understand she’s great with the kids. So, how was dinner at the Logans’?”
Michael rang the bell behind them, ending their discussion just in time. She didn’t want to discuss Mark with her mother right now. Seeing him hugging Connie was unsettling—especially after she’d been in his arms and on the receiving end of one of his sexy kisses the day before.
“We’re right here, Michael.” Dawn Sullivan scowled. “No need to ring that dang thing so loud when we’re standing right next to you.”
Michael’s face turned beet red from embarrassment as he slide two dishes of cobbler with ice cream toward Katelyn, and a tray full of steaming lobster and all the fixings toward her mother.
“If it remains this hectic,” her mother said over her shoulder, “I’m going to advertise for a part-time waitress for the holiday. Not to mention another chef, depending on how long Claude will be away. You know his wife Martha can’t cope with this right now; she’s recently had a knee replacement.”
“Maybe a high school senior would like to earn some extra cash this time of year.”
“Smart idea. I’ll get right on that. You’d better get the cobbler served before the ice cream melts.”
Chapter Seven
Katelyn was late arriving at daycare Tuesday morning and had to ring the bell to be let in.
“I’m so sorry, Linda. You’re probably ready to fire me. I was so exhausted when I left Mariner’s last night, I crashed and forgot to set the alarm.” Katelyn couldn’t remember when she’d ever forgotten to set the alarm. Perplexed over Sven’s confusing phone call, worried he wouldn’t make it home for Christmas, seeing Mark with Chief Johnson, not to mention the cozy scene with Connie Blye yesterday, and why that should bother her, she’d simply kicked off her shoes and flopped into bed.