by Lucie Ulrich
Instead of parking in the Alexanders’ driveway, Kevin pulled to the back of a neighbor’s house, as instructed. They were out of town, and Sarah would be less likely to notice his vehicle should she come home.
Lorraine opened the front door before he had a chance to knock. She wrapped him in a motherly hug then pulled him inside. “Frank’s out on the back porch. Go on while I get the coffee.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Frank set a large watering can down and shook Kevin’s hand. “It’s good to see you again, Kevin.”
“Thank you, sir. It’s good to see you, too.” He admired the baskets hanging from the covered patio, as well as the layered rock garden in the yard, “Looks like someone has a green thumb.”
“It’s a hobby I took up years ago. I find nothing relaxes me more after a stressful day. There’s something magical about getting one’s hands dirty and producing something beautiful in return.”
“Do you always water plants in a suit and tie?”
Frank chuckled. “Not usually, but I have an early lunch meeting, so I didn’t see the point in changing clothes.” He pointed to a grouping of chairs on one side of the deck. “Why don’t we have a chat? Which I assume is the reason for your visit.”
Jumping beans bounced around in Kevin’s stomach. You’re a policeman, Kevin. You’ve faced all sorts of interrogations. Pull yourself together. “It is, sir.”
Frank held up a hand. “Why don’t we dispense with the formalities? Frank’s my name, and I much prefer it to sir.”
“Yes, sir…I mean, Frank.” Kevin sat and took in a deep breath.
“Coffee is ready.” Lorraine carried out a tray, which Frank quickly took from her hands.
With a smile that resonated in Lorraine’s eyes and a tender kiss to Frank’s cheek, Lorraine thanked her husband. Like Pippa’s parents, these two demonstrated love with the simplest of actions. It was what he hoped to find with Sarah.
Frank set the tray on a small round table, along with the box of donuts Kevin had sent. Frank opened the box. “Pretty creative, but she didn’t bite…literally.”
“What does ‘diamonds or donuts’ mean?” Lorraine handed Kevin a cup of coffee.
Kevin chuckled. “It’s an inside joke.” He accepted the cup. “Logan is rich, I’m anything but.”
A frown creased Lorraine’s forehead. “Do you think Sarah was marrying for money?”
“Not for a minute, but when it became obvious Sarah had developed feelings for me that could easily stretch beyond the bounds of friendship, I let her know what she’d be giving up if she chose me.”
“How did you feel when she chose to do everything in her power to remain with Logan?”
“I wasn’t surprised. Sarah is loyal and honest and never let things between us go anywhere beyond a little flirting, which she regretted.” He sipped his coffee. “I get that she just went through a breakup, and probably isn’t ready to jump into another relationship, but ours isn’t just any relationship. Sarah and I are good together, and I don’t want her to give up on us because she thinks I’ll never get over being her second choice.”
Lorraine’s cell phone buzzed on the tray then rang. She chuckled. “That’ll be Sarah. I made such a fuss this morning, she promised to keep in touch every hour.”
At the thought of being so close, yet so far, Kevin’s heart ratcheted up a notch. When Lorraine put the phone on speaker, it was all he could do not to beg Sarah to see him. Instead, he gripped the arms of the chair and listened.
“Sweetheart, thanks for checking in.”
“This is really silly, Mom, but I’m glad you feel better.”
“Where are you?”
“The zoo.”
“You walked over three miles since leaving here?”
“Sure, you know I like to walk.”
“Have you eaten anything?”
Frank shook his head, and Kevin tried not to laugh.
“I’m going to get that smoothie I told you about earlier, then enjoy some leisurely time with the animals, but if you don’t mind, I’d appreciate it if you’d come pick me up when I’m ready to come home.”
Lorraine grinned Kevin’s way. “See, I knew it was a good idea for you to call and check in.”
Sarah’s laughter trilled over the phone. “You’re right as always, Mom.”
“Now that you’ve finally admitted it, I’ll let you get back to your furry friends. Call whenever you’re ready.”
“Thanks. I love you.”
And I love you. Kevin straightened, and prayed he hadn’t just said that out loud. Glancing from Lorraine to Frank, he deduced he hadn’t.
Lorraine disconnected. “I don’t know about the two of you, but I’m having one of these donuts.” She grabbed the marquis-shaped sweet and placed it on a napkin. “Just so you know, Kevin, Sarah doesn’t like large stones, and would hate this shape.” She bit into it and moaned. “It’s a good thing I don’t live above the bakery.”
Frank smiled and shook his head a second time. “I think we should probably get back to the reason Kevin is here before I have to return to work.” He faced Kevin. “It’s obvious you care a great deal for our daughter. Lorraine and I both picked up on it the first time we met you.”
Guilt had heat creeping up Kevin’s neck. “You must not think much about a guy who’d show interest in a woman who was engaged.”
“On the contrary.” Lorraine wiped a dab of frosting from her mouth. “You can’t help who you fall in love with. I said as much to Sarah before she moved to Sunset Cove. As far as I’m concerned, if you love Sarah the way I think you do, you’re going to have to prove it to her in no uncertain terms.”
Kevin turned to Frank. “Is that how you feel, as well?”
Frank took Lorraine’s hand. He kept his gaze on his wife, but spoke to Kevin. “You’d simply be following in my footsteps.”
Kevin stood. “How do I get to the zoo?”
****
Giraffes were Sarah’s favorite animal—had been since she was a kid. She loved their graceful movements and the way they used their long tongues to reach beyond their already incredible height. Today, however, they appeared to be disinterested in moving or eating, and for the first time, Sarah took note of the size of their enclosure. Though it was large, it wasn’t the Serengeti. She knew the animals were well cared for, but her heart broke all the same.
Tears blurred her vision. Nothing was as it should be—hadn’t been since Kevin came into her life.
Kevin. What was she going to do about Kevin?
Pushing away from the fence, Sarah headed toward the exit. She skipped the reptile exhibit, figuring she’d see Logan’s face pasted onto the largest snake in the place. The thought of calling her mother for a ride was a fleeting one. The walk would do her good.
A clap of thunder sounded in the distance. Sarah looked skyward to find black clouds all around. “Great. Now I have to call Mom.”
“Maybe not.”
Sarah froze at the sound of Kevin’s voice. A drop of water landed on her forehead, then another and another. She spun around. “You can’t be here. I called the precinct less than two hours ago.”
He made a fake phone with his pinky and thumb, and held it to his ear. “First Precinct, Officer Jenkins speaking. You called my cell.”
“No. I dialed the number Pippa gave me back when…” She shut her eyes and exhaled. “Never mind.” Light rain continued, but Sarah didn’t care. She needed something to distract her from the man in front of her. “What are you doing here, Kevin?”
He shrugged. “I heard there was a pretty nice zoo here. Thought I’d check it out.”
“Now tell me what you’re really doing here?”
“I came to see you.”
“Why?”
He reached out a hand in her direction, but she backed away. “I think you know why.”
“You shouldn’t have come.” Sarah walked away, only to be doused by a sudden downpour. Kevin grabbed her hand and pulled her
under a nearby tree. A few drops penetrated the thick foliage, but for the most part, they were spared the onslaught of rain. His presence unnerved and comforted her at the same time. Why did he have to look so good—rain-soaked and all?
“I know you’re unsure, sweetheart, but I’m not. I’ve loved you since the first moment I laid eyes on you, big fat engagement ring and all.” He smiled a bit sheepishly. “It was never my intention to break up your relationship with Logan, so I can’t help but wonder if our meeting wasn’t more than fate.” He touched her cheek. “Tell me that hasn’t crossed your mind.”
No matter how much she wanted to push his hand away, she couldn’t. It felt too good. “You don’t want me.”
“Yes, I do.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Why?”
“I already told you. I love you.”
“You can’t. Not after I chose somebody else over you.”
He moved in closer and pressed her back against the tree. His lips hovered no more than an inch from hers. “Don’t tell me what I do or don’t feel.”
Sarah’s pulse raced. “I…” Her words and thoughts went no further. Kevin captured her mouth and she hoped he’d never let it go. Giving into her desire, she allowed the kiss to grow, wrapping her arms around his neck.
When Kevin broke the kiss, he pressed his forehead against hers. “Tell me what you’re thinking?”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because my brain has gone to mush, and my toes have curled so far under my feet I may never walk normally again.”
“Does that mean you love me?” Lightning cracked and thunder crashed. Kevin enveloped her in his strong arms.
Sarah opened her eyes and stared into those of a man she never expected to encounter, let alone fall in love with. She stroked one side of his face. “It might take a few more kisses before I’m completely convinced.”
A sly grin brought out Kevin’s lone dimple. “I’m up to the challenge if you are.”
Leaning in, Sarah closed her eyes, only to pop them open at the sound of a gruff voice.
“What in tarnation are the two of you doing?”
She and Kevin both turned at once, to find an elderly zoo worker, sitting in a golf cart, and peering through one of the clear plastic flaps.
“Is there a problem?” Kevin asked.
“Yes, there’s a problem. The two of you are standin’ under the tallest tree in the zoo during a thunderstorm. Don’t you know anything about lightning?”
Kevin winked Sarah’s way. “I’m pretty sure there are more sparks flying under the tree than above it.”
Heat rushed to Sarah’s cheeks. She pinched Kevin’s arm while speaking to the driver. “Will you give us a ride to a safe location?”
“What do you think I stopped fer?”
Sarah took hold of Kevin’s hand and hurried from under the tree, but Kevin pulled her back. “What? You don’t feel safe in my arms?”
Thunder crashed and a bolt of lightning split the sky. Sarah jumped. “You mentioned more kissing, and I’d very much like to oblige you, but in order to do that I have to be alive.”
“In that case…” Kevin gripped her hand, and hurried from under the tree into the semi-shelter of the golf cart. He tugged her onto his lap, letting out a slight groan.
“Your ribs. I should probably sit next to you.”
He held her in place. “No way. Now that I’ve got you this close, I’m not letting go. Let the kissing begin.”
“Not in my cart, you don’t. It’s hard enough to see through these foggy plastic windows. I don’t need you adding to it.” The old man stepped on the gas and the vehicle lurched forward.
Sarah clutched Kevin’s shirt. “This hasn’t gone anything like I expected.”
“What did you expect?” He pushed a lock of damp hair from her cheek.
The heat of his touch warmed her chilled body. “To get you off my mind.”
The driver coughed. “Might be easier if you weren’t sittin’ on his lap.”
Sarah giggled. “You’re right, sir.”
“Name’s Eddy.”
“You’re very kind to help us out, Eddy.”
“Nobody dies on my watch.” Eddy took a swift right turn that had Sarah and Kevin holding on for dear life.
Kevin and Sarah shared a laugh. He kissed her lightly on the lips. “If we survive this, will you go out for coffee and donuts with me?” He kissed her a second time. “You did say you liked donuts, right?”
“I love them.”
“Better than diamonds?
“Much.”
About the Author
Lucie Ulrich spent many years sharing her passion for writing and storytelling with her middle and high school drama students. No longer part of the teaching profession, Lucie enjoys writing, road trips with her husband, taking photographs, and living life to the fullest.
Diamonds or Donuts is Lucie’s third published novel, but with plenty of road trips in her future, she’s sure to come up with many more story ideas.
Also by Lucie Ulrich
CHAPTER ONE
Sky Baxter leaned against the worn red counter and stared through the diner’s plate glass window. Dime-sized snowflakes flitted around the streetlamps before joining the three inches already on the ground.
Sighing, she thought of the fur-lined boots sitting on the rubber mat by her front door. Why hadn’t she listened to the weatherman?
“Go home, Sky.”
She pivoted toward the small kitchen area behind the counter. Her boss and friend, Carl Johnston, scraped charred burger remains from the grill.
“But I still need to mop the floor.”
“I’ll mop. You go.”
“It’s only ten blocks. The snow won’t pile up that much more in the next few minutes.”
He stepped into the dining area, his limp more pronounced after the long day. “All the same, I’d rather you leave now.” He held out her parka and handbag. “And call me when you get there.”
Carl lived upstairs and didn’t have to worry about cold or snow. She knew he would have driven her if he could, but he’d given up driving two years ago. An auto accident had left him with a severe limp. That in itself wouldn’t have stopped him, but burying his wife a week later did.
“Guess you’re right.” Sky threw on her parka, covered her long black ponytail with a knit cap, and shoved her hands into a pair of gloves. She planted a kiss on his cheek. “See you tomorrow.”
Cold air and heavy snow swirled around her as she darted across the street and hurried down the sidewalk. A familiar black pickup stopped in front of her as she was about to step off the curb. The passenger window lowered. “Need a lift?”
Sky peered into the cab. The sight of Micah Cooper’s crooked smile sent a wave of heat from her icy nose to her frozen toes. She’d been crazy about him since high school. “I’m not fool enough to say no.”
He pushed the passenger door open. “I always knew you were smart.”
Scraping the snow from her shoes on the running board, she climbed in. “If I were smart, I’d have worn my boots today. That and figure out a way to buy a car.”
With a quick flick of his wrist, Micah put the truck in gear and pulled out into the nearly deserted street. “News flash. You have to know how to drive before they’ll give you a license.”
“Yeah, well, if my mother had ever owned a car, or could have afforded Driver’s Ed when I was in school, I’d already know how to drive. Besides, learning isn’t the problem. Saving is.”
“Hang in there. Who knows? Some customer might just leave you a thousand dollar tip tomorrow.”
“Pssh. We’re talking Elk Flats, Montana, not New York City. The biggest tip I’ve ever gotten is six bucks. Old man Bentley left it after he pinched my backside and I didn’t slap him.”
Micah laughed. “With his arthritis, I’m surprised you felt anything.”
“That was two years ago. He doesn’t come in much these
days.” The truck was warm, so she pulled off her hat and gloves. “Speaking of coming into town, I’m surprised to see you so soon. You normally don’t show up twice in one week.”
He stopped for a red light. “This month’s co-op meeting was moved up at the last minute. I also have a meeting with my grandfather’s lawyer in the morning.”
“You staying in town, then?”
“Uh, huh.” The light changed and he kept his eyes on the road, staring through wipers that slapped in time to Toby Keith’s latest release. “So, how are you doing?”
“I’m okay.”
He glanced her way. “Wanna try that again?”
Silence.
When they’d driven a few more blocks, Micah made an unexpected turn into an empty parking lot and stopped in front of a dimly lit, but familiar, red brick building.
She frowned. “I don’t live at the library, Micah.”
With tenderness that belied his six-two, well-muscled frame, he hooked a calloused finger under her chin and tilted her face in his direction. “Talk to me.”
Sky lowered her eyes. “Guess I’m still getting used to the idea of Mom not being around anymore. We had our ups and downs, but I can’t help wondering if she might have stopped drinking sooner if I hadn’t moved out right after high school. I left her to fend for herself.”
“Your mother was an alcoholic. Living with her wasn’t good for you.”
She shook her head. “I was ashamed of her. I should have had more compassion.”
“You moved her into your apartment and spent the last six months of her life taking care of her. I call that compassion.”
Childhood memories of her mother stumbling into Sky’s bedroom to kiss her good night, the stench of stale booze on her breath, still turned her stomach. The arguments they’d had as she grew older and the promises to stop drinking that were never kept, left Sky feeling hollow inside. Then came the news that her mother had been given less than a year to live. What else could she do?
Her throat tightened. “I call it guilt.”
“Drinking was your mother’s choice. People who cared for her couldn’t get her to change. And if she wouldn’t quit for the sake of her only kid, then I don’t see that you have anything to feel guilty about.”