by Lucie Ulrich
This was so not what Sarah wanted. She knew there would be times when Logan would be on digs, but he’d promised they’d only be during the summer months once he’d landed a teaching position. He’d already broken his word, and they weren’t even married yet. She prayed this wasn’t a sign of things to come.
CHAPTER THREE
Since learning about the dig, Sarah squeezed in every free moment possible with Logan, but it was never enough. He had meetings to attend, conference calls to sit in on, and scheduling to be worked out. The little time they were able to spend together inevitably ended with Sarah close to tears.
The eventual day arrived on the heels of spring break. Sarah had nine days off and Logan wouldn’t be here to enjoy them with her. This was to be their week to decide on flowers and a wedding cake.
“Stop it. Stop it. Stop it!” She pushed the covers aside and got out of bed. If this was a test of their relationship, it was a whopper. A quick shower and strong cup of coffee later she was ready to pick up Logan for brunch before taking him to the airport.
Her cell rang a few minutes after she left the house. The screen on her car dash showed her best friend’s number. She connected to her Bluetooth. “Hey, Pippa, what’s up?”
“Just called to see how you’re doing.”
“I’ve been better.” She made a right turn and drove along the river. “I’m on my way to pick up Logan. We get one last meal before he leaves. I’m seriously bummed by this whole thing. I’m playing it up for him, but I can’t stop thinking about all the plans we should be making.”
“I’m really sorry, Sarah. I was looking forward to shopping for bridesmaid dresses with you.”
“Same here.”
“Any luck finding a job?”
Sarah lowered the convertible top, allowing the wind to play with her hair and kiss her face. “I’ve put out some feelers, but I’m not holding out a lot of hope.”
“How would you like to work at my school?”
“What?”
“I happen to know there’s an opening for a third grade teacher, and since I have a pretty good relationship with the administrator, I’m more than happy to put in a good word for you.”
Seeing as Pippa’s mother was the administrator, a good relationship went without saying.
Sarah stopped for a red light. “I appreciate the offer, but a two hour commute there and back is a bit more than I care to make every day.”
“Not if you moved here.”
“Move?”
“Why not? Logan won’t be around. It’s not too far for occasional weekend visits with your folks, but far enough to keep Logan’s parents at arm’s length. You’d love it, Sarah. Sunset Cove is quaint and charming. Well, if you don’t venture into the ritzy area of town, that is. The school is a bit larger than the one you work at now, but the staff is incredible, and parent cooperation and involvement is amazing.”
Moving hadn’t been a consideration, but Pippa’s suggestion made sense. Other than her parents, there wasn’t anything keeping her in Glendale. “It’s certainly something to think about.”
“Why don’t you drive down for an interview, aka a week by the ocean? We can enjoy some much-needed time together.”
The thought of baring her soul to her best friend while enjoying some sun, sand and water, sounded better than anything Sarah had heard in a long time. “Is tomorrow too soon?”
Pippa squealed like a school girl. “I’m so excited.”
The Montgomery home came into view. “Me too. I’ll pack a bag tonight and leave right after church in the morning. Email me the directions to your new place.”
“Will do. See you tomorrow.”
Disconnecting, Sarah drove up the large circular driveway and stopped in front of the house. She drew in a deep breath in an effort to keep the tears away. It was time to show Logan how strong she was, whether she believed it or not.
Logan answered the door when she rang the front bell. “Hey, beautiful.” He cupped her face and gave her a kiss.
Heart hurting, Sarah forced a smile. She was going to miss him so much. “Where’s Charles this morning?”
“Why, would you rather kiss him?”
She slugged him in the arm. “Don’t be silly. I’ve just never come over and not had him open the door for me.”
“He’s on vacation. His daughter is getting married tomorrow.”
The mention of a wedding brought the tears Sarah had been holding back. She swiped at her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I really planned on getting you to the airport without becoming all emotional.”
“It’s okay, babe.” He took her into his arms. “Our time will be here before you know it.” He kissed the top of her head. “I hope you don’t mind, but I asked Lupe to fix brunch here. My folks are in the Bahamas for the weekend, and I figured we’d have more privacy than in some crowded restaurant. Is that okay with you?”
“Sounds perfect.”
Logan laced his fingers through hers and led her to the kitchen. He pulled out a chair from under the four-person dinette table situated in the sunlit alcove. “Prepare yourself to be amazed. Lupe makes the best quiche this side of heaven.”
Minutes after sitting, Lupe set a plate in front of each of them: a ramekin filled with puffed pastry, eggs, bacon and gooey cheese, with a side of sliced tomatoes and asparagus. “Enjoy,” Lupe said with a grin as wide as her girth.
Logan poured fresh orange juice for both of them. “Would you like coffee as well?”
“No thanks. I had a cup this morning. Juice is fine.”
Logan nodded to the cook. “Thank you, Lupe. We’ll take it from here.”
After blessing the food, Logan dug in.
Sarah took a small bite and moaned with delight.
“Did I not tell you you’d be amazed?”
“This is delicious.” Sarah determined to learn Lupe’s secret and practice until she had it perfected. This would be the first breakfast she would make after she and Logan were married.
They ate in relative silence, both avoiding the obvious. When Sarah was about finished, she brought up her conversation with Pippa.
“You’d move away? What on earth for?”
“For a job.”
“It’s only been three weeks. You might still find a job here.”
“And I might not. If this is a sure thing, why not take it? You won’t be around, so I don’t see the problem.”
Logan shook his head. “It isn’t a problem. Guess I’m used to things the way they are.” He took her hand. “Is it a sure thing?”
“Pippa thinks so. Her mother is the boss, and she’s known me since I was a kid. I won’t know for sure until I speak to her, but I sort of like the idea of getting away from here and doing something different.”
“Then go for it.” A beautiful smile lit his face. “It’s important to me that you’re happy.”
Just looking at the man had her heart racing. “I won’t be truly happy until you’re home and we’re married. In the meantime, I’m determined to make the best of the situation.”
“Good girl.”
Good girl? What was she, his pet? For at least the tenth time since finding about Logan’s plans, Sarah bit her tongue. A change of scenery was definitely in order.
****
The church service left Sarah feeling refreshed. The sermon on change couldn’t have come at a better time. Kissing Logan and sending him off had been difficult, though she hadn’t been given much choice in the matter. The possibility of starting fresh in a new town was something she had complete control over—as long as Mrs. Bradshaw agreed to give her the job.
With her bag packed and waiting in her trunk, Sarah bid farewell to her parents.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” her mother asked, brushing a bit of lint from Sarah’s sleeve.
“Nothing’s been determined yet. I have to see whether or not I like the place, but more importantly, whether or not I get the job.”
“Norma would be a fool not t
o hire you. You spent as much time with the Bradshaws as you did with us.”
Sarah grinned and gently removed her mother’s hand from her shoulder. “Mom, there can’t possibly be anything left to wipe away.”
“Sorry, guess I’m a little nervous about all of these changes.”
“Well don’t be. I love Mrs. Bradshaw, and will always be grateful to her for inspiring me to go into education, but that doesn’t mean I’m a shoo-in. I expect her to treat me just like any other applicant.”
Her mother placed a hand on Sarah’s cheek. “Are you still in love with Logan?”
A tiny rumble in Sarah’s chest turned into bubbling laughter. “You say the silliest things sometimes. Of course I am.”
“Then why are you running away?”
The memory of their final goodbye at the airport had Sarah’s throat clogging. She swallowed hard and pulled her mother’s hand from her face. “I’m not the one who took off for parts unknown. Nor am I the one who postponed the wedding. This is hard for me, Mom, but I promise you I’m not running. I’m simply looking for ways to make the separation more bearable.”
Her father slid his arm around her mother’s waist. “For goodness’ sake, Lorraine let the girl get on her way. She’ll be back by the end of the week.”
“You’re right. I’m getting all emotional over nothing.”
After hugs and kisses, Sarah dashed to her car, lowered the top, and headed off for a week of fun and relaxation.
Her GPS took her straight down the divided highway. There wasn’t much to see other than trees, billboards, and cars in every shape, size, and color, but that didn’t stop Sarah’s enthusiasm, and before she knew it, she was veering toward the ocean and Sunset Cove. Twenty minutes later she reached the city limits. Two minutes after that, her GPS went on the fritz.
“Great! Now where do I go?” Pulling up to a stop sign, Sarah checked to see that nobody was behind her. She reached for the small map Pippa had emailed, and tried to figure out where she was. After perusing the thing for several minutes, it became apparent she wasn’t close enough to her destination, since the intersection she had stopped at wasn’t on the map. “Now what?”
The short blast of a police siren had her checking her rearview mirror. Blue lights flashed and a policeman exited his cruiser. She waited for him to approach her car, hoping he could help.
The officer nodded. “Ma’am, are you in need of assistance?”
“Actually, I am. My GPS died and I’m not sure how to get to my destination.”
“Where are you headed?”
Sarah handed him the computer-printed map.
The officer shielded his eyes as the sun bounced off her diamond. “That’s quite a rock you’re wearing.”
“Sorry.” She pulled her hand back.
Waving a car past them, the policeman scanned the map. “Let me guess. You’re a teacher.”
She cocked her head, more than a little surprised by his statement. “Why would you think that?”
“You wrote the address in green ink. My college professors always use green ink.” He smiled. “Am I right?”
“You are, but I teach elementary school, not college.”
He glanced at the map a second time. “You’re looking for the Bradshaws’ place.”
Sarah widened her eyes. There was no name on the map, simply a street and number. “That’s pretty impressive. Do you know who belongs to every address in town?”
A rumble of deep laughter escaped the man’s lungs. “Hardly, I’m a friend of Pippa’s. I’ve been out there many times.”
Sarah wondered how close of a friend he was. Pippa mentioned meeting a guy recently, but hadn’t gone into detail. Could it be Officer Good-Looking? His square jaw, raven hair and cocoa-brown eyes fit the type of guy Pippa would go for. “In that case, could you please tell me how to get there so that I can stop blocking the road?”
“I’ll do you one better. Follow me and I’ll get you there in no time.”
“Seriously, a police escort isn’t necessary. If you’ll just point me in the right direction, I’m sure I can find it.”
“Nonsense, I’m simply doing my civic duty.” He handed back the map and hurried to his car.
This has to be the guy. She chuckled, wondering what Pippa’s reaction would be when Sarah showed up with Pippa’s handsome policeman in tow. Technically she’d be the one in tow, but that was a minor detail.
Within five minutes, Sarah drove up to a large white house with blue trim, situated on the cove. Quite an upgrade from the mid-century ranch the Bradshaws had lived in for nearly two decades. She parked next to the cruiser and climbed out of her car.
Pippa ran out the front door and gave Sarah a quick hug. “Is everything all right?” She faced the officer who was leaning against in his car. “What’s going on, Kevin?”
The same rumble of laughter Sarah had heard while stopped on the road, reappeared. “Chill, Pip. Your friend got a little turned around, so I showed her the way.”
“Well, did you have to do it with lights and siren blazing?”
More laughter. “I only turned them on when I pulled into your drive. Thought I’d add a little flair to your friend’s arrival.” He pushed away from his vehicle and stepped in their direction. “How about making the introductions?”
Pippa twisted her mouth. “You mean to say Casanova Kevin hasn’t introduced himself yet?”
“Still out to ruin my reputation, I see.” Kevin shook his head.
Sarah started to rethink her thoughts of Pippa and Kevin as a couple. Anyone pegged as Casanova didn’t seem Pippa’s type.
Kevin extended a hand. “The name is Kevin Jenkins, and don’t listen to a thing your friend has to say. As part of a talent show in high school, I did a spoof on Casanova—ugly wig and all. Something I should have obviously kept to myself, seeing as a certain somebody won’t let me forget it.”
Sarah shook his hand, glad to hear he wasn’t the womanizer she’d started to envision. “Sarah Alexander, and happy to say I’ve never taken part in any school productions. Apparently it’s safer that way.”
“Definitely.” He released her hand. “I’ve got to get back to work. Are you coming to group tonight, Pip?”
“No. I already let Shane know I won’t be there. Sarah and I have a lot of catching up to do.
“What’s group?” Sarah asked.
“Our church doesn’t do the traditional mid-week service any longer. Instead, there are a series of groups that meet in homes. Most are during the week, but the one that suits me best is tonight.”
“We’ll miss you,” Kevin said. “Are we still on for the barbecue?”
“You bet.”
“Great. If I don’t see you before then, I’ll see you Wednesday. It was nice to meet you, Sarah.”
“Same here, and thanks for the escort.”
“My pleasure.” He gave a quick salute and drove off.
Pippa leaned down pulled Sarah into a tight hug. “Gosh I’ve missed you.”
“So have I.” When they broke apart, Sarah gave her friend the once-over. “You look great. Short hair really suits you.”
Pippa ran her fingers through the short brown layers. “I was terrified at first, but it sure makes life easier.” She tugged on a lock of Sarah’s hair. “You should give it a try.”
“Not a chance.”
“In that case let’s grab your stuff and get you settled in.”
Sarah opened her trunk, handing her computer to Pippa while she grabbed the suitcase. “When you said you were moving, you didn’t tell me it was back in with your parents.”
“Technically, I’m not living with my parents.” She pointed to the side of the house where a three-car garage stood. “I live up there.” She trudged up the outside staircase. “I was going to tell you, but decided to keep it as a surprise. I pay rent, but less than I was paying for the cramped studio apartment I left behind.” She looked over her shoulder and grinned. “Perks of being related to the ho
meowners.”
Hoping that wasn’t a strike against moving here, Sarah continued up the stairs. “Are all apartments expensive around here? I realize the area is pretty affluent, but there must be something us peons can afford.”
“Sure there is.” Pippa opened the door. “I chose to live at the beach, so needless to say, the cost was higher. Now that Mom and Dad’s house is finished, I get the best of both worlds.”
“Where are your folks?”
“Gone for the weekend. They’ll be back tomorrow.”
The apartment was similar in size to the one Sarah lived in, but the view from the wall of windows couldn’t compare. “Wow, I can’t even imagine what it must be like to wake up to this sight every morning.”
“I know, right?” Pippa set Sarah’s computer case on the coffee table. This will be your room while you’re here. The couch pulls out and is nearly as comfortable as my own bed.”
With the couch facing the windows, and the kitchen and dining area behind her, Sarah couldn’t complain. She set her bag next to the couch. “It’s perfect.”
“The only downside is the full bath is in the master. There’s a half-bath behind that door, so if you need to get up at night, you won’t have to worry about waking me, but we’ll have to figure out a shower schedule.”
“I’m flexible. After all, I’m on vacation.” There was a sliding door that opened to a covered porch. Sarah walked over. “Do you mind?”
“Be my guest. I’ll bring us something to drink. You hungry?”
“Not really.”
Standing against the rail, Sarah drew the salt air deep into her lungs. A large dune covered with sea oats sat roughly fifty yards from the ocean. A long wooden boardwalk started at the end of the grassy property, over the sea oats, and down to the beach. Sarah saw lots of long walks in her near future.
Pippa joined her, carrying a tray with two glasses of pink lemonade, some hummus and pita chips. “I might never leave this place.”
“Your husband, when the time comes, might have something to say about that.”
“Are you kidding?” Pippa took a seat. “Who would turn down a place like this?”