Love at First Laugh: Eight Romantic Novellas Filled with Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After

by Krista Phillips

  His mom slid the cake pans into the oven and set the timer. “Why don’t you take Jeremiah outside and talk to him about that waterfall and pond I want?”

  His dad rolled his eyes and jerked his head toward the back door. “Saw it on some TV show and won’t let it go. Think that’s something you can pull off?”

  Jeremiah shrugged. He hadn’t done a water feature before, but he’d watched some tutorials online. He could probably figure it out. He hopped down from the counter and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Let’s go see.”

  Chapter 11

  Deidre hummed under her breath as she scrubbed the dust and grime from years of neglect off the walls of the front sitting room. It was a beautiful space. Well, it would be once she had it polished up. The wood-paneled walls gleamed in the morning sunlight that streamed in from the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows on the two outside walls. There wasn’t much work to be done in here. The ceiling would need some plaster repair, and there were a few pieces missing from the parquet wood floor. But otherwise, it was probably the room that was in the best shape.

  A tap at the window made her jolt and slosh soapy water from her bucket onto the floor. She mopped up the spill before turning. Her heart sank. She dropped her scrub brush into the bucket and wiped her hands on her jeans as she strode to the front door. She yanked it open, coming face to face with Paul’s cameraman. Paul hovered a few steps away with his toothpaste commercial smile already in place.

  “Back up, Greg.”

  “Hey, D. This is going to be a great project.” Greg grinned and shifted, pointing the camera into the front hall.

  Deidre stepped out of the house and tugged the door closed behind her. “It is. But it’s my project and you won’t be a part of it.”

  “Please. I was hoping you’d take the weekend to read the contracts again and realize just how wrong you are, Deidre. I don’t want this to get ugly.” Paul’s velvety voice oozed onto her nerves. What had she ever seen in him?

  “I did actually take another look at them. They still don’t apply. See, I’m not flipping this property. And D-Constructs is closing. Our last day in business will be Friday. All the crews have been notified and there’s no longer any work underway.” Deidre offered a tight smile. “So you can just pack up and go find someone else to hustle.”

  Paul sighed and fished his cell phone out of the front pocket of his shirt. “Please, you can’t possibly believe I’d fall for that, can you? You’d sooner sell your soul than close your business. I didn’t want it to come to this, D.”

  Deidre slid out her own phone and dialed her dad. He answered on the second ring. “Hey, Dad. Could you conference in the company attorney? I don’t have her number handy and Paul’s on the doorstep with his crew. Again.”

  Paul pressed a button on his phone and a man’s voice crackled through it. “Hello?”

  “We’re here, Stan, go ahead.” Paul smirked.

  “Ms. McIntyre, this is Stanfield Barton, the attorney for Flippin’ for You and all their interests. I’m aware of the agreements you signed at the time your employment with the show was terminated—”

  Terminated? What a lot of gall. She shot Paul a furious glare. She’d left of her own accord and everyone on the crew knew it. “Hold on one moment please, Mr. Barton, my own attorney is on the phone, I can put her on speaker or the two of you can just call one another and talk. I suspect you’ll find that Paul has misrepresented the facts of the situation.”

  Paul shook his head.

  “We can certainly take this to a private conversation, but I filed an injunction to have all work on the premises halted until the disagreement has been settled.”

  “You can’t do that.” Deidre glared at Paul. “Tell him he can’t do that, Ms. Bennigan.”

  “I’ll need to look everything over. Please fax me copies.” The attorney rattled of her contact information. “Deidre, even if the injunction holds, that’s still private property. If you don’t want them there, they’re trespassing. You should call the police.”

  “I’ll do that. Thanks.” After a promise to get back to her after speaking with Paul’s attorney, the lawyer hung up. Deidre crossed her arms. “Leave, Paul.”

  “I don’t think so. I’m sure my attorney will be calling back any minute giving us the green light to begin filming.”

  Deidre held his gaze for several heartbeats before nodding. Fine. She could play hardball, too. She dialed the police. “Yes, hello, I have trespassers at Peacock Hill who refuse to leave. I’ve asked nicely several times…yes…thank you. You have about eight minutes, Paul, before you’re escorted from the property. And as much as I’d love to see that happen, it couldn’t possibly be good for your image. In fact, maybe I should start recording this myself, I’m sure all your fans online would love to see the real you.”

  He crossed his arms. “I’m well within my rights. I don’t believe you aren’t flipping this place. Not for one minute. Lisette said you didn’t have any plans for it.”

  “Just because Lisette doesn’t believe me, doesn’t mean she’s right. Six minutes.”

  Greg lowered the camera from his shoulder. “Maybe…we should go. We can always come back when we get the go-ahead.”

  “Go sit in the van, if you’re that worried.” Paul leaned against one of the columns holding the roof of the porch. “She’s bluffing.”

  Before much longer, two police cars, lights flashing, pulled in behind the production van. “Ms. McIntyre?”

  Deidre waved. “Thanks for getting here so quickly. Paul and his crew refuse to leave, even though this is private property and they’re not welcome.”

  “Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to get back in your vehicle and vacate the premises.” One of the policemen stepped onto the porch, his hand resting on the gun at his hip, and gestured to the van.

  Paul shook his head. “I have every right to be here. I’m sure my attorney will be calling back in just a moment to—” He stopped speaking as his phone rang and he pushed the speaker button. “This is Paul.”

  “Paul, it’s Stan. It’s best if you go ahead and leave Ms. McIntyre alone. I’ve sent you an email with more detail, and you can call me with any questions.”

  Paul’s mouth dropped open.

  Deidre smirked. “Bye, Paul.”

  The policeman gave a grim smile and gestured again to the van.

  Paul made his way down the steps, shaking his head.

  Deidre waited until Paul was on his way down the driveway before smiling at the police. “Thanks again.”

  They waved and followed Paul, their lights still on for as long as she could see them. Letting out a big breath, she called her Dad back.

  “Hey, Dad. Thanks for that.”

  “It’s no problem, hon. Claire says all the crews are set up with their regulars. No one really even complained. I think what you’re doing is a brave thing, in case you wondered.”

  Deidre sank down on the steps and leaned against a pillar. “Is it? You’re not upset?”

  “Not at all. I’d planned to close down when I retired, you know that. When you took it over, made it something amazing, I was proud as can be. But it’s been clear to me your heart hasn’t been in it since Paul got you kicked off the show.”

  She bristled. Did everyone think that? “I wasn’t kicked off, Dad. I left. Voluntarily.”

  “Because you knew they’d kick you off if you didn’t. There’s no shame in that. Just like there’s no shame in finding something new you love to do. From the pictures you sent your mom and me, that place down there is going to be magnificent.”

  It really was. But… “Do you honestly think I can do it? What do I know about weddings and events?”

  “So you’ll figure it out. You know how to run a business and to hire people who are good at their jobs. Seems to me, between that and your willingness to learn, you’ll be just fine. What are you really afraid of?”

  So many things. “How do I know this is the right decision?”

&nb
sp; “You’ve been praying about it, right?”

  Her heart sank. “Not until recently.”

  “Mmm. Better late than never. Pray. Listen. And see what God works out. From where I’m sitting, it seems pretty clear that God has His hand on this.”

  Things had definitely been going smoothly—basically from the start. “Okay. Thanks, Dad.”

  “I love you, honey. Your mom and I are praying for you, too.”

  She ended the call and stared over the front lawn that merged into a forested hill that led down to the main road. God? I’m sorry I haven’t been talking this all over with You. I was mad…at Paul and maybe a little at You. I always thought that TV show was going to be for me…and when it turned out it wasn’t…I got so mad. I’m sorry. I want to do what You want me to do. Will You show me what that is? Please?

  Deidre tossed a sheet over the folding table she’d picked up on a quick run into town for groceries the other day and glanced around the parlor. Besides the few remaining cosmetic repairs needed, this room was ready to be marked off her to-do list. Which made it the best place to have dinner with someone who could make her whole body warm with just a look. Did he have any idea what he did to her? She blew out a breath. Was she ready to go there again? Paul’s betrayal had stung, and the repercussions had been enormous. But without that, would she ever have admitted, even to herself, that D-Constructs wasn’t her dream? That she was simply marking time and doing what she thought was expected?

  Dad never expected it. He’d confirmed that—again—this morning on the phone. Still, she didn’t regret the years she’d invested into that business, or the skills she’d learned. She loved the process of fixing up and rehabbing buildings. But she yearned for the chance to be a part of what happened next. Peacock Hill was going to give her that.

  She dug her phone out of her pocket and checked the time. Nearly two. Jeremiah could show up any time. She should’ve pressed for something more concrete so she wouldn’t have the grasshopper rodeo that was currently taking place in her stomach. Or maybe she would. She’d held his hand on Saturday. He hadn’t seemed to mind. The fact of the matter was she couldn’t have let go if she wanted to. And she hadn’t wanted to. Jeremiah made her think in terms of forever.

  Movement out the window caught her eye. She turned and watched as Jeremiah parked his truck and got out, holding a bouquet of deep pink flowers and what looked like a cake. He bumped the door with his hip so it closed and took the steps to the porch in long strides. Her heart gave a lazy flip.

  His knock jolted her out of her thoughts and she hurried to the door. She pulled it open and the sight of him made her stop and catch her breath. “Right on time.”

  Jeremiah’s eyes sparkled with laughter as he held out the roses. “These are for you.”

  Deidre buried her nose in the blooms and peeked up at him through her lashes. “Thanks. Come on in. Why don’t we head to the kitchen and you can put that down and I can get these some water?”

  “Sure.” He scanned the area. “You’ve been cleaning.”

  She nodded as she crossed the length of the wide foyer to the kitchen at the back of the house. “No sense in starting work if you’ve got a layer of grime.”

  “I haven’t seen the kitchen. It’s…kitschy. I like it.”

  “I do, too. And everything still works. I don’t think I’ll do much in here. Maybe a few little tweaks since I’ll want it to work as a semi-commercial kitchen, but if I can avoid the stainless take over, I will.” She nodded to the long island that ran the length of the space. “You can set that anywhere.”

  Jeremiah set down the cake and tucked his hands in his pockets. “You won’t have room for a big kitchen staff.”

  Deidre levered herself onto the counter and rose to her knees so she could reach the top shelf of the cupboard where she’d stored the glass vase she’d unearthed when cleaning out one of the rooms on the third floor. Normally, she didn’t bother with shelves up that high—but she hadn’t expected to ever need it. It was a simple thing, probably came from the florist with a delivery, but it saved her the humiliation of using a pitcher for the flowers. “I don’t think we’ll need one. The kinds of events I’m thinking we’ll be used for are smaller, more intimate. Or they’ll be catered from outside and just use the kitchen for setup.”

  She turned. Jeremiah stood directly in front of her. He reached for the vase. “Can I help you with that?”

  Her heart hammered in her chest. “I have it.”

  Still, her grip loosened as he took the container and set it on the counter. He brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek, his other hand coming to rest on her hip. Her gaze locked with his as he leaned forward slowly. She could say something. Evade. Her tongue darted between her lips. She didn’t want to.

  Jeremiah’s lips brushed hers, a feather-light touch that sent shivers through her. Deidre shifted, her eyes drifting closed as her hands found his shoulders and their lips met again.

  He eased back, a smile hovering at the corner of his mouth. “Hi.”

  “Hi, yourself. I guess we skipped that earlier.” She pressed her lips together and twisted a tiny bit. Her knees were beginning to protest the time she was spending on the counter. “I like this version though.”

  “Me, too. Can I help you down?” Jeremiah grinned and offered her a hand. Taking it, she shifted and hopped to the floor. He tugged, pulling her close and wrapping her in his arms, his lips brushing hers again.

  Deidre tried to rein in her scattered thoughts. “Water. For the roses. I should get them in water.”

  Neither one of them moved. After a moment, Deidre sighed and rested her head against his chest. She could stay like this forever. His chuckle was a quiet rumble under her ear. He gave her a nudge, his arms loosening. “Get the water. I’ll go back around the other side of the island or we’ll never get to those things you wanted to show me.”

  “Right. To see if you had ideas.”

  He winked. “I think I’ve already shown you the best ideas I’ve been having lately.”

  Her cheeks heated and she held the vase under the faucet and fumbled with the taps. “You’re not going to get any complaints from me.”

  Chapter 12

  Jeremiah whistled as he unloaded his tools from the back of his truck. It had taken longer than he’d anticipated to get the materials he needed for the stone work at Peacock Hill, but now they were here and he’d cleared all his current jobs so he could dedicate a week, at least, to getting it done. A week of seeing Deidre every day. Not that they hadn’t both made excuses to find an hour here or there since Wednesday, but it wasn’t quite the same. Nothing was the same in the last almost-week.

  Deidre opened the front door and he grinned as his heart leapt. Would he always have this response, or was it just the newness of their relationship? It was different than it had been with Elise. He thanked God every morning for that.

  “I brought you some coffee. Thought you might want some before you get started.” Barefoot, she came down the steps, two steaming mugs in her hands.

  “I never say no to coffee.” He took the mug and drank. He didn’t need the caffeine with her around, but it was coffee.

  “They delivered the stone yesterday. I had them leave it around the side, since that’s where most of the work is needed. There’s a wheelbarrow over there too, so you can cart what you need for the steps.” Deidre turned and eyed the front of the house.

  “I thought I’d start in the front, unless you have deliveries or something coming that’ll need to use that entrance?”

  She shook her head. “That’s fine. I’m not expecting anyone.”

  He turned and set his mug on the truck before drawing her into his arms and lowering his lips to hers. “Good morning.”

  “Morning. You’re cheerful.” She wiggled out of his embrace but slipped one arm around his waist.

  “It’s your fault.”

  She chuckled. “I suppose I can live with that. The weather’s supposed to hol
d all week, so that’s nice. They’re saying rain next week though.”

  “We’ll play it by ear. I should be able to get a good bit of it done before it’s an issue. You’ve made incredible progress in the month you’ve been here.” He rubbed her arm before turning to collect his coffee. “It’s nice to see the old girl perking up.”

  “It really is. My sister’s moving down next week to help once she gets all the final details of closing D-Constructs taken care of.”

  “How are you doing with that?” Jeremiah turned to study her expression. She didn’t have the pale, hollow-eyed appearance of someone who spent their evenings crying. But maybe that wasn’t her way.

  “Surprisingly well. It was time.” Deidre nodded, as if reassuring herself. “I’ve had emails from a few of the guys on various crews; they’re still getting plenty of work. That was my major concern, that we’d be putting them out of business too. But in the end, I’m not sure we were ever really necessary.”

  “Sure you were. It’s hard to start a handyman business from the ground up. I can attest to that. So can your dad. You gave them a start. People didn’t have to worry, as much, about references and guarantees, because you were a known name. Now, even though you’re gone, they have enough business in the background to make it on their own. That’s an amazing thing you gave them. You should be proud of it.”

  Slowly, Deidre nodded. “Thanks. It’s hard, not being able to see how all the pieces are going to fit together. When I took over from Dad, even though I changed the name and altered the business model a little, I knew how everything worked and what I needed to do to make it a success. I had control. This…is marginally terrifying.”

  “Only marginally?” Jeremiah winked.

  She elbowed his side.

  “I think this is good for you. It’s a chance to fully rely on God, because you don’t have any other choice.”