The Chocolate Garden (Dare River Book 2)

by Ava Miles

  So she hadn’t been the only one to need counseling.

  “Mama understood why you wouldn’t feel ready to be married again when you’re still healing from your marriage and coming to terms with what it did to you.”

  “She did?” she asked in complete surprise, finally turning to look at him.

  His blue eyes were already on her, as if they’d been on her the whole time, and he’d only been waiting for her to realize it. “Yes. She said she felt the same way you did when Dale first asked her to marry him. And she counsels people just coming out of divorce to consider what they learned before stepping into marriage for the second time.”

  Well, this was encouraging. She had half expected John Parker to try and persuade her again that her ideas were unfounded since he was so different from Sterling. After talking to Rye, part of her would have been susceptible to that line of argument.

  “So you’re not here to try and convince me to marry you?” she asked.

  His brow quirked up. “Nope. I just wanted to give you something to think about. My mama doesn’t talk about marriage so much now with her couples as she does partnership. For so many people marriage has come to mean a power struggle, and that causes a heap of problems, like one person getting their way and trampling all over the other person’s thoughts or wishes. But partnership is different.”

  This was a new way of using the word. All she knew about partnership was from business. “It sounds more equal.”

  “Exactly,” he said, resting her hand on his thigh. “If we become partners, you and I will always share how we feel about things and make our decisions together. I’ll give you the space you need to grow, and you’ll give me the same. Of course, I’ll want you to share your growth with me, so I can love all the new parts of you that are emerging. And I hope I can do the same.”

  The way he said it made her think of the life of a flower, how it always showed a new array of colors and textures with the passing of time, from bud to bloom. “I like that idea.”

  “And there’s Rory and Annabelle, of course,” he added, squeezing her hand. “We’d need to agree on what kind of role you’d want me to play in their lives. Of course, I love them and would want to be a daddy to them, like Dale was to me, but that’s up to you. You have to decide if you trust me with them.”

  That did it. She scooted closer and laid her head against his arm. “I’ve always trusted you with them, John Parker. They love you too, so much. And you already know Rory and Annabelle have been praying for you to be their daddy.”

  He let out a deep breath. “I didn’t tell Rory I loved you and wanted to marry you to box you into a corner. I hated that you might think that.”

  Even though she hadn’t, she appreciated him clearing that up. “Thank you for saying that.”

  “I meant what I said about respecting your mind, Tammy. I won’t ever manipulate you.”

  She leaned up then and stared into his blue eyes. “I know you won’t. Now, tell me more about this partnership idea.”

  The tale he wove with his words was as magical as the story he’d told her children about the chocolate garden.

  “A sacred partnership grounded in equality, huh?” she said once he finished. “It sounds like a dream.”

  “Dreams are just visions we haven’t experienced yet. Doesn’t make them any less real.”

  As a piece of wisdom, she might have to write that down when they returned to the house.

  “Okay, let’s say I’m in favor of exploring this idea of having a partnership with you someday, but still want a little more time to be on my own.”

  “I’d say take your time,” he said, his dimple winking in his cheek, “just don’t take forever.”

  It felt like the entire world had been lifted off her shoulders. “Want to shake on it?”

  “How about a kiss instead, if that’s not too forward of me?”

  “John Parker, if there’s one thing I would never accuse you of, it’s being forward.”

  “Glad you realize just how much space I am capable of giving you, honey.”

  When she thought back on it, he’d given her a year. Hadn’t he told her he’d wanted her from the first moment they’d met?

  “John Parker, I love you, and I want to be with you. And most of all I want to just be me, for you and the kids.”

  “I want you to be you too,” he told her. “I don’t want anyone else. I just want you. Only you.”

  She rose onto her knees on the bench. “If you don’t kiss me after saying something like that…”

  He yanked her onto his lap. “I was waiting for you to make up your mind, honey.”

  She linked her arms around his neck and gave him the full smile that finally burst forth from within her. “Consider my mind made up.”

  “Good. I like a woman who knows her own mind.”

  He laughed when she crushed her lips to his mouth, the fear of never kissing him again, touching him again, dissolving like morning mist in sunlight. He tugged on her bottom lip. Nipped the side of her mouth and then took the kiss deeper.

  Right where she wanted it.

  When they drew apart, they were both gulping in large doses of air.

  “I want you,” she said, gripping her knees around his waist. “Right now.”

  He ran his hand down her back. “We’re pretty remote out here. The guards know to give us privacy, but I can’t guarantee we won’t be seen.”

  Her desire was swift and urgent, like the water cutting through the land. “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” she breathed out, edging back and undoing his shorts.

  His wild laughter made her feel as though all was right between them again. “That’s a good one. If this were another situation, I would call my good ol’ friend, Rhett.”

  “You wouldn’t dare,” she said, stepping off him and letting her Capris and underwear drop to the ground.

  He whistled as she straddled him again. “I have to say, if this is one of those new facets of yourself you’re growing into, I’m all for it.”

  More than ready for him, she took him in hand and pressed him inside her, the fit tight, agonizingly tight, and oh so perfect. God, how she had missed him, missed this sacred connection between them.

  “Shut up.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said and covered his mouth with hers.

  Her body rose and fell as the sun rained down on them, and soon she felt the ripples of her release crest across her skin. Her body surged against him, pressing him deeper inside of her. She threw her head back and cried out his name as she came. He gripped her hips when his release took him and wrapped his arms around her.

  When his breath finally grew even, he whispered against her damp skin, “I love you. Now and always. Partner.”

  She was grinning when she angled back to trace the sweat trailing from his temples. “I love you too. Partner.”

  “It has a nice ring to it.”

  “I think so.”

  “So, this equality thing…it goes for our love life as well.”

  She twirled her finger around a lock of his hair. “Does it now? I’m awfully glad to hear that since I have a lot of areas to explore with you, this being an equal partnership and all. You know, this is the first time we’ve made love outside of our magical tree house.”

  “True. And in the daylight. We’re going to have to get around to making love in a bed some time with four walls, air conditioning, and not a single mosquito biting my most private parts.”

  Her laughter was cut off when he kissed her, long and lingering, igniting fires inside her all over again.

  “Of course, since it’s a sacred partnership,” he continued, “I also get to cherish you and your delectable body, and you get to do the same to me.”

  Oh, she was liking this more and more. She reached for the hem of his T-shirt, and he raised his arms in response. She threw it to the ground. Then she did the same with her own shirt and unsnapped her plain white bra. It joined the trail of clothing on th
e ground, and she didn’t even worry about the dirt.

  “I can agree to that,” she said, feeling delightfully scandalous, standing in the great outdoors without a stitch of clothing on. “So, I have an idea for some more personal growth today. How about we take a swim in the river? I’ve dreamed about skinny dipping here with you since you and I first made love.”

  “Feeling bold, are you?” he drawled, his dimple winking brilliantly now.

  “Yes, and free. I never imagined having a man love me and feeling so free at the same time.”

  He rose, picked her up so that her feet were off the ground, and walked toward the river. “Well, I do love you, and you are free. Never forget that.”

  And as he walked into Dare River with her in his arms, their new sacred pact in place, she felt like the water flowing over her skin was baptismal water, one that made her new and left her with the most powerful understanding of all.

  That true love never made you give up anything meaningful.

  Epilogue

  The party John Parker threw to display the gardens she’d designed for him was one of the biggest events in Dare River that summer. The smoker puffed out delicious scents of hickory and dry-rubbed ribs while everyone wandered around the pond, the kids feeding the koi swishing through the clear water, and oohed and ahed over the chocolate garden in the center. The benches and Adirondack chairs within the garden were in such high demand you’d think it was opening night at one of her brother’s concerts.

  Tammy had received so many compliments, she was sure her cheeks had turned a permanent pink, and her family…well, they’d pretty much kissed and hugged her until she was sure her heart would burst.

  The person who surprised her the most was Mama. Tammy had insisted on inviting her, and she’d come alone, staying at a nearby hotel. After taking one look at the gardens, Mama had grasped her hands, tears shining in her eyes. “My God, child, you have a gift. I’m so sorry I never saw it before.” Then she’d wrapped Tammy in a hug, and it had been hard to miss Rye and Amelia Ann watching open-mouthed from the patio while Daddy ran his finger over his mouth like he was considering it all.

  “Thank you for saying that, Mama, but it’s water under the bridge now. I didn’t know I had all this in me either. I’m just so glad it’s made itself known.”

  And that her mama’s new gentleness and ability to listen were making themselves known, creating a new relationship between them that Tammy would never have believed possible.

  John Parker’s tony guests were so interested in Visionary Gardening that Tammy started to feel like she needed to give out numbers like a deli counter. Of course, Reva and Tallulah were carrying on about Tammy’s work too, which had prompted country singers, record producers, and business leaders to draw out their smartphones and insist on scheduling something with her right away. Her calendar was filling up fast.

  Visionary Gardening was in high demand, and she couldn’t be prouder.

  She took a moment to grab a glass of sangria from one of the wait staff circling around. Talking so much had given her a powerful thirst. As the stars started to come out, many people said their goodbyes, leaving only her family and John Parker’s and a few stragglers to enjoy the decorative lighting in the backyard and the country music playing on the stereo system.

  Taking a moment to enjoy herself since no one was requiring her attention, Tammy let her gaze rest on Rory and Annabelle, who were chasing their motley crew of dogs, who someone must have finally let out of the mudroom. Their laughter warmed her heart like always.

  In just a week, she and the kids would be moving out of Rye’s house and into the modest three-bedroom she’d found to rent. She could easily cover their expenses with the money she’d already earned from her business, and this evening had proved to her it was only the beginning of her financial independence. The kids were still warming up to the move, but that was okay. Change was hard for most people. They would make it work, just like they’d made it through everything else. Together.

  “Aha,” a familiar voice murmured in her ear as strong arms wrapped around her. “I finally have you alone.”

  “Hey, darlin’,” she murmured back, snuggling against him.

  “So how many appointments do you have scheduled?” he asked.

  “Nineteen,” she replied, and the number still staggered her. “Thank you again for having this party.”

  “Like I wasn’t bursting with pride over what you did here. I just had to show everyone. Heck, Jake Lassiter put his hand over his heart and said seeing a place like mine come together like this is what he loves best about America. I thought he was going to launch into ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’”

  She laughed, imagining the rising country singer doing just that. He was on the hunt for a house in Dare River and, looking like an eager puppy, he’d asked her to “spruce” it up when the time came.

  “He’s cute.”

  “I’ll tell him you said that since he wants me to write more songs for his next album.”

  She knew John Parker had enjoyed working on his first album, so she was happy to hear this news. “Seems we both had a successful day.”

  “And Kaylee loves the three songs I sent her too,” he said, nuzzling her neck. “And now it’s time for your present.”

  “My present?” she gasped when he released her.

  “Rory, Annabelle,” he yelled across the lawn.

  Her kids raced over, big silly grins on their faces. “Is it finally time? We’ve been waiting forever,” Annabelle drawled dramatically.

  “You come with us onto the porch,” John Parker said, taking her hand and leading her there. “Now, stay here. We’ll be right back.”

  Her little trio disappeared inside, and she glanced over at her family and John Parker’s, who’d gathered around for the unveiling. “Any idea what this is about?”

  “You’ll just have to see for yourself, sugar,” Rye said, putting his arm around Tory.

  She turned to her sister, who had been quieter than usual today with Mama around. “Amelia Ann?”

  “Mum’s the word.”

  Everyone had secret smiles on their faces. “Does everybody know about this but me?”

  Clayton wandered over with a longneck in his hand. “I don’t, honey.”

  “Well, good,” she said, “at least I’m not the only one.”

  The kids came out skipping, followed by John Parker, who was carrying a huge paper-wrapped rectangle, which made Tammy think it was a picture or a painting. Was he giving them something for the new house to show he was okay with her plans? Heaven knew, he’d bent over backward to help her, showing her what partnership was all about.

  When he’d asked about her lease, she’d told him it was month-to-month. He’d laughed, saying that was good since he was going to ask her to marry him again at some point, and it would be nice to know he wouldn’t have to wait until her lease was up to fix their future plans. Talking about getting married hadn’t scared her this time. There was no doubt she and the kids would eventually live at this house with him, but in the meantime, she took pride in all she continued to accomplish for herself and the kids.

  He bowed with flourish, presenting the picture to her. “I wanted you to have something special to commemorate your business. I hope you like it.”

  “Open it, Mama!” Annabelle yelled, and Rye picked her up so she could see better.

  Tearing the paper, she drew it aside, her eyes widening as she took in the beautiful painting before her. There was the chocolate garden with little fairies hiding under all the plants. Two children played with dogs in the corner while a couple in silhouette looked on. At the bottom of the painting, Visionary Gardening was scrawled in curvy letters, and under it said, Owner: Tammy Hollins.

  “Oh, my gosh,” she breathed out, and felt Rory take her hand.

  “Ms. Susannah is the best painter ever,” her son said, and Tammy glanced over at John Parker’s sister, who was smiling softly at her.

  “You
can put it in your new office, Mama, so people will know what you can do for them when they come see you,” Annabelle said.

  “Oh, you sweet darlings.”

  Tammy nodded to Susannah and then kissed her children’s cheeks. The kids had already agreed to share a room so she could use the house’s third bedroom for her office until she was able to afford a separate work space.

  “Don’t I get a kiss too?” John Parker asked, his dimple winking at her.

  You’ll get more than that, she thought, and gave him a secret smile. “Of course. Clayton, would you hold my painting?”

  “Sure thing, sugar,” he said and took it.

  Even though everyone’s eyes were on them, she looped her arms around John Parker’s neck and boldly gazed into his eyes. “That’s the most beautiful present ever, partner.”

  “You’re the most beautiful present ever, partner.”

  As their mouths met, people clapped, some whistled, and the kids giggled, but nothing could distract her from the sheer perfection of kissing John Parker, her partner now in all things.

  And as the party continued that night, the kids swore they saw the chocolate fairies inch out of their secret hiding places in the chocolate plants to watch everyone in the garden before disappearing back inside to make their magical chocolate.

  Tammy wasn’t the least bit surprised to hear that since she was sure she’d seen them too.

  ******

  To learn more about my new releases like Amelia Ann and Clayton’s story called FIREFLIES AND MAGNOLIAS and the forthcoming children’s book I created to accompany this novel called THE CHOCOLATE GARDEN: A MAGICAL TALE, sign up for my newsletter here.

  Dear Reader,

  When I finished this book, I felt like I had scaled to new heights in my storytelling. The magic was so palatable. Perhaps because I love nature and fairy tales so much, the combination of them in this novel led me to know in my bones that I had to tell the children’s story as a companion to this book. THE CHOCOLATE GARDEN: A MAGICAL TALE is the book Tammy and John Parker would have read to Rory and Annabelle, and I hope you’ll consider reading it to your children. I know it will make bedtime at our house even more special, and I’m sure the same will be true for yours with your kids or grandkids.