by Danni Rose
His eyebrows dipped. "I've never understood why you want to leave town. You could open an accounting office here."
She combed her fingers through her hair. "Well, I never understood why you stayed on the farm. You could have moved to the Twin Cities or Chicago or somewhere that has more to offer than Serenity Bay."
Janet frowned. "Why would we move when everything we want is here?"
"Dad, I know you didn't want to leave the farm, so Mom agreed to stay—"
"What?" Her mother's brow wrinkled. "Whatever made you think I wouldn't follow your father wherever he wanted to live?"
Joe said, "We stayed on the farm because we love living here—both of us. We're connected to the land and to generations of Fullers. We're part of a family built on strength and determination. Everything we ever wanted is here, and we'd be foolish to walk away from it."
Amber sat back and stared at her parents, speechless. Had she misjudged them? "I thought you stayed on the farm because Dad didn't want to leave it."
Her father shook his head. "Neither of us wanted to leave the farm. Amber, if you want to find your happiness, you have to follow where your heart leads. Mine led me to your mother. I loved her, but the first time she visited the farm, I learned how exceptional she was. When she saw the farm, she fell in love with the land, and its history."
Her parents smiled at each other and held hands. Then Janet said, "I never told your father, but it was the sparkle in his eyes when he talked about the farm that made me fall in love with him. It's very sexy."
Joe kissed his wife and smiled. It was an exchange Amber had seen many times while growing up. After thirty years, they were still in love and happy with the life they'd built. And, as she now knew, they were living the life they loved.
Wanting to understand more about why they loved the farm, Amber asked the questions she'd been afraid to raise before. For two hours, they drank coffee and talked.
At last, Amber understood what her mother had told her when she was eight. Her parents had found their happiness. They loved living on the farm. If they had left, it would have meant leaving behind pieces of their hearts.
As a child, she'd thought her parents were afraid to go after their dreams and had been determined not to let fear stop her. That had been when she'd decided the only way to find her happiness was to leave the farm. Now she knew the truth, and her world tilted on its axis.
Instead of going back to Mason at The Mill, Amber drove to the wooden bridge that crossed the river. She sat on the bridge, took her shoes off, and dipped her feet into the water. Amber let the peace of the water and the forest soothe her confused thoughts.
She'd been seventeen when she decided to leave town. She was good with math and figured she could get a job at a bank or some other financial company. Not once since making that decision had she reconsidered or questioned herself—until now.
As the marketing director for the Inn, her job was more demanding and fast-paced than she'd expected. Her work gave her a sense of accomplishment she'd never experienced before. It whet her appetite for more than a safe, secure position. She liked dealing with the challenges of marketing a business.
With Mason's help, she could look for work in marketing for a large corporation. But did she need to move to New York to find her happiness or had that been another fantasy created by a child? She wanted a marketing director job like the one she had now. But no one would hire her as a director of marketing with her limited experience. She'd have to work her way into that position unless she stayed here.
She didn't talk about it, but her other reason for moving was her hope of finding a man who loved her as much as she loved him. Then Mason returned to town. When he'd said he loved her, had he meant it or had it been the wine talking?
Her parents told her to follow her heart if she wanted to find her happiness. If she was willing to risk her heart, she could have everything she wanted. The alternative was to walk away and hope she found what she wanted in New York.
Besides her father, Mason was the best man she'd ever known. He was kind and caring. They enjoyed working together and could talk for hours when they weren't making love or watching classic horror movies. And he cooked.
As her toes slid through the water, she watched the ripples spread. Long ago she'd made plans, but since then she'd grown and changed. The bank gave her a week to give them her decision. She loved Mason and intended to find out if he loved her.
It was after four o'clock when she returned to The Mill.
Mason wrapped her in his arms and asked, "How was your visit with your parents?"
With her head on his chest, Amber let Mason settle the uncertainty that remained. She took a deep breath and inhaled the aroma of mustard, onions… "Strawberries?" Leaning back, she looked up at him. "Mustard, onions, and strawberries? What are you making?"
"I'll tell you later." He chuckled. "I made strawberry iced tea. We can sit on the deck, and you can tell me about your visit."
"I'd like that, but first I want to change clothes."
"Okay." He brushed his lips over her mouth. "I'll meet you outside in fifteen minutes."
She went to the bedroom and changed out of her sundress into her shredded denim shorts and her peach camisole. They both fit snug and showed more skin than she liked, but when trying to get a man to share his feelings, a woman needed to use every weapon she possessed.
Mason wasn't big on touchy-feely stuff. It might be easier if she admitted her feelings first. Amber shuddered. If he rejected her, could she handle the pain? She had to find out if Mason loved her even if her heart took a beating when she learned the truth.
She stood in front of the mirror. With a pout on her lips, she swiveled her hips and said, "Come here, big boy."
"I'm here."
"Eek!" Amber squealed.
Mason laughed. "What are you doing?"
"I didn't see you there."
Mason's mouth dropped open as his gaze slid over her body. "Those are short."
"Yeah, but they're comfortable." So what if they were too snug? "I'm not planning to do anything except relax with my favorite chef."
"Oh. Okay."
Amber led the way to the deck. She could feel the heat of Mason's gaze on her body and put an extra sway in the swing of her hips. Before she sat, Amber kissed him and ran her tongue over his lips. She smiled when he shuddered.
The sun reflected off the bay and brought tears to Amber's eyes. "If the weather is good next weekend, can we go fishing? Whoever catches the biggest fish gets out of the clean up after we eat."
"An excellent bet, but I learn from my mistakes. Do you have a secret to luring the biggest fish to your hook?"
"You mean some sneaky trick other than my natural fishing ability?"
He nodded. "A lucky lure, a secret bait, or a magical dance to charm the fish?
Amber laughed so hard, she gasped for air. "No."
"All right, it's a bet." He rubbed his hands together. "Now tell me about your visit."
She took a deep breath. "It was enlightening."
Mason waited for Amber to continue.
"Do you remember when I told you about asking Mom why they'd stayed on the farm?"
He nodded but didn't speak.
"I was too young to understand what she told me." Amber ran her fingers through her hair. "They stayed on the farm because they love the land and the connection to all the Fullers that came before them, not because they feared leaving. They never cared about getting rich or making a splash in society. Living on the farm, they wake every day glad to do what they love."
"Wow." Mason scrubbed his hand across his chin. "I admire their courage to live life on their terms rather than according to what others call success."
Amber tapped a finger over her mouth. "As a young girl, I hated living on the farm. We never had the newest clothes or the latest gadgets. We didn't have extra money to take vacations. But now I understand the choice my parents made, and I'm proud of them. I'm ashamed o
f how I resented my life."
"I'm glad you talked to your parents." Mason squeezed her hand. "You were too young to understand the choices they made and shouldn't feel guilty."
"Mom and Dad said the same thing. Now that I know the truth, I'm questioning my choices and decisions."
Mason couldn't hide his smile when he asked, "What are you having second thoughts about?"
"The analyst job in New York." She shrugged. "Dad said to find my happiness I should follow my heart."
"Where is your heart leading you?"
"Even though I was willing to move to New York, I wanted the safety and security of a position in accounting. But it wouldn't make me as happy as I've been doing the marketing for the Inn. I love the challenge of the work. If I take that accounting job now, I'd be bored within a month."
"Would you—" Mason's phone rang. "I'll be right back. I'm waiting for the butcher to call about my order."
Why did he have to call now? Frustrated, Amber wondered what Mason had wanted to ask her. Next time I want to have a serious discussion, I'll turn off his phone.
She heard Mason. "Dad, I don't want to have this argument again."
She looked in the window. Mason paced and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I won't change my mind."
Silence.
"Let's settle this now. I am staying here whether the bed-and-breakfast is ever profitable. Even if that means you withhold my inheritance. I'll manage somehow. I won't live in New York or work at the firm again. Serenity Bay is my home now, and I'm staying."
He'd stopped pacing and straightened his back.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, but I'm not changing my mind."
Mason closed his eyes, and his chest expanded as he took a deep breath. "Goodbye, Father." He pressed a button and set the phone on the counter.
Amber raced to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "That didn't sound pleasant."
Mason's chuckle was more sarcastic than funny. "You could say that."
"Why is your father pushing you now?"
He shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I've had enough."
"But you shouldn't lose your inheritance. It's not fair."
"Amber, your parents gave up a lot to live the life they love. How could I keep my self-respect if I compromised myself for money or to make my father happy?"
"You're right." She kissed him on the chin. "I'm proud of you."
"I don't want you to leave, but you can get a better job with a New York firm rather than working for a poor innkeeper."
"Don't talk that way. We are already getting reservations because of the award and your appearance on the show. I believe the Inn will make a profit before the end of the year."
"It doesn't matter. I already gave up my inheritance. Although, I would get a lot of pleasure from telling Dad that the Inn is profitable."
"Then that's what we'll do."
"We? What are you saying?"
"Why should I search for another job when I already have the perfect one?"
Mason's eyes were bright with hope. "Are you sure you won't regret staying here?"
"I'm certain. I want something that will make me happy. While working as an analyst would give me security, it won't make me as happy as I've been at the Inn. Marketing is fun and exciting, and I want to keep doing it." She leaned back. "If I still have a job?"
Mason lifted her until they were face to face. "For as long as you want."
She wrapped her legs around his waist. "Although, there is one problem."
He frowned. "What's that?"
"You promised me a celebration." She wiggled her hips. When he groaned, she laughed. "I can't believe we're not in the bedroom yet?"
"My Director of Marketing is a wise woman."
On Wednesday, The Epicurean aired Mason's show. Amber and Mason watched and taped the episode. He pointed out things he could have done better, but she assured him he'd done an excellent job. He got congratulatory calls from other business owners in town. What she and Mason weren't prepared for was the response from the public. The Inn's phone rang all day. They received so many requests for dinner reservations, he finally agreed to add another seating for both lunch and dinner.
The press releases and ads also created a buzz. People loved the vacation packages for a stay at the B&B with dinner in the restaurant. Rooms in the bed-and-breakfast were full on the weekends for the next three months, but the weekdays were still slow.
Amber worried that the additional work would keep Mason busy in the kitchen and steal more of his free time. He needed help. When she asked him about it, Mason told her he'd offered Gage a job as his sous chef. He also made appointments to interview applicants to work as assistants in the kitchen and for another receptionist to work evenings.
One day, while Amber and Mason were having dinner, he handed her an envelope.
"What's this?"
"You need to open it to see."
Amber pursed her lips as she tore open the envelope and read the papers. Her hands shook. She tried to talk, but her mouth was too dry. After taking a drink of her tea, she said, "I don't understand?"
"You're being offered the job of Executive Vice President of Operations for the Inn, with a salary befitting the position."
"Salary?" She looked at the contract again. "Mason, this is too much."
"The restaurant is busier than I ever hoped for, and I want to expand your responsibilities. You will still be in charge of marketing, but I also want you to act as the hostess. It's important to build relationships with guests so they'll return. I won't have time to do the work and want someone I trust in that position."
"What about the bookkeeping?"
"We'll hire someone to do the job. You can put an ad in the paper unless you know someone who can do the job."
"I know someone who would be perfect." She kissed him. "You have overwhelmed me. I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll take the job."
"How are the benefits?" She laughed.
"You will have a personal chef who will make stuffed mushrooms and crab tartlets anytime you want them." He pulled her onto his lap. "You'll also have a man who will love you every day of his life."
"Having a personal chef is a dream come true." She brushed a finger over his mouth. "But loving a man who loves me is priceless."
CHAPTER TWELVE
Two weeks later, Mason and Amber were fishing at one of her secret spots.
He said, "I've been thinking—"
"Should I worry?"
"Hilarious." He gave her a cocky smile. "I had an idea that would promote weddings at the Inn."
"With the weather getting colder, we can't use the gazebo."
"True, but don't forget the ballroom. I've put off renovating it, but we can bring in H & H Brothers to refurbish the room. We'll be able to host weddings even when the weather doesn't cooperate." Mason held his fingers in a square and looked through them. "Picture it. The house is decorated for Christmas, including the ballroom. We'll bring in a photographer and use the photos to advertise the Inn. If you can get a bridal magazine to showcase the wedding, it would be great publicity."
"That's an excellent idea. I've made friends with a couple of magazine editors. They like weddings with a theme, and one at Christmas might capture their interest. But who wants to hold their wedding at the Inn? There isn't much time to prepare, and it will be the middle of winter."
"I have a couple in mind."
"You do?"
Mason took her hand and dropped to one knee. He opened a small velvet box from his pocket. "I do if you'll marry me."
The fishing rod dropped from Amber's hand and clanged on the deck. She threw her arms around his neck and splattered kisses over his face.
"Can I assume that's a yes?"
"Very much a yes." She pressed her lips to his.
He took the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. "This is the ring my grandfather gave to my grandmother. They were married for more than fifty y
ears, and I thought it would be lucky for us."
"Mason, it's beautiful. I love it, and I love you."
He stood and pulled her close. Then nibbling on her sweet lips, he pressed against the lush curves of her body. With a sigh of gratitude, he thanked whatever fates had brought him to this moment.
Funkytown.
What? Mason's eyes flew open.
The Funkytown ringtone played again.
"That's a call from the Inn. No one should be there." He pressed a quick kiss on Amber's mouth. "Don't go away."
He hit TALK. "This better be important."
"I like to think we're important."
"Dad?" Mason frowned. "Where are you?"
"We're at the front desk."
"You're here?" His soaring heart crashed into a burning heap.
"Where is everyone? Shouldn't someone be at the desk for guests?"
"Our last guest checked out this morning, and no one is coming in until Wednesday." Mason scrubbed his hand over his face. "We're out—fishing."
"That sounds like fun. Why don't you pick us up so we can go out with you?"
"You want to fish? With us?"
"We'll get settled in a room and meet you at the marina in an hour."
"Take any room and make yourselves comfortable."
"If you don't mind, we'll take the bridal suite. It's your mother's favorite, and she's feeling amorous."
Mason coughed. "Too much information, Dad."
Ashton laughed. "We'll meet you at the dock in an hour."
After he disconnected the call, Mason stared at the phone.
Amber asked, "Your parents are here?"
He nodded. "Their last visit was such a success they came again."
Amber's stomach twisted, and her lips trembled. "What if your father tries to force you back to New York?"
"That won't happen. Our life is here. Since I gave up my trust fund, he has no other way to make me change my mind." Mason wrapped his arms around her. "Now, before we go back, I need a kiss from my fiancé."
As they made their way back to the marina, Mason told her his ideas for the wedding. Amber laughed as he shared one outrageous idea after another.
"Since we're having a Christmas wedding, why don't I dress like Santa Claus and you dress like Mrs. Claus? Our best man and maid of honor can dress like elves." He threw his head back and laughed. "After the way Jared tortured me when we were growing up, forcing him to wear an elf hat and pointy shoes will almost make up for my pain and suffering."