Copper Lining (The Cardwell Family Series Book 3)

by Christy Pastore

“Then I guess we should go somewhere more private.”

  He lets out a low growl. “How does my bed sound?”

  “Perfect.”

  I wake up before Wes and climb out of bed, careful not to disturb him.

  We had a pretty long night.

  My eyes drift over his glorious body and the sheet that rests just above his ass. I bite back my smile as I tiptoe to his dresser and take out a white T-shirt.

  I had a bra . . . whoa.

  Instead of finding my clothes in a messy trail on the floor, I discover my dress hanging in the closet and my undergarments folded nicely on top of the dresser along with my purse. And my sandals are by the chair in the corner.

  Wes took care of my stuff.

  I feel my smile broaden.

  I’m hopeful there are ingredients here for me to make Wes a nice breakfast. When I get to the kitchen, I brew the coffee and then inspect the pantry. My fingers thumb over the items on the shelves. There are three kinds of syrup. One bottle is labeled with Tyler’s name. I unscrew the cap and inhale, getting my fill of the rich buttercream and bourbon mixture.

  Holy shit.

  I grab the pancake mix and walk back into the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee permeates the air. The sun peeks through the clouds and spills over the lake into the windows of the house.

  I’ve never known living like this . . . peaceful.

  Serene.

  Quiet.

  And a dozen other adjectives that have the same meaning.

  I could get used to mornings like this. I love living by the ocean, but lake life is something completely different. It’s hard to explain.

  I oil the pan and allow it to heat up, and then I whisk the pancake mix.

  “What are you doing?” Wes’ voice rings through the kitchen.

  He looks so handsome wearing a pair of red shorts and nothing else.

  “I’m making breakfast.”

  He stalks toward me and pulls me against his hard body. “You look good in my T-shirt.”

  I rise on my tiptoes to kiss him. “I hope you don’t mind that I borrowed it.”

  Wes slaps my ass. “Anything that keeps you from wearing underwear I’m all for.” He wraps his arms around my waist from behind. The scratch of his beard teases my skin.

  This guy. I’m so happy right now. I like this . . . I missed waking up and talking to him.

  He pulls two mugs from the cabinet and pours himself a cup. “Do you want some coffee?”

  “Not yet. I hope you’re hungry because I’m making a big batch of these suckers.”

  He laughs and takes a seat at the island. “After last night, because you wore me out . . . yeah, I need to regain my strength.”

  I roll my eyes. “I think we both deserve a hearty breakfast.”

  “I see you found Tyler’s syrup.”

  “It smells amazing. I’ve never thought of mixing bourbon and buttercream.”

  Wes takes a sip of his coffee. “He’s getting close to production and then hopefully every grocery store in the States will have it on their shelves.”

  “That’s so exciting.”

  “It is. Tyler wants to give a percentage of the sales to Feed Our Kids.”

  I flip the pancakes on the griddle. “Oh, that’s a wonderful organization. One of my goals is more involvement in philanthropic work. There just never seems to be enough time between work and Celia’s schedule.”

  I turn the heat down on the griddle and then slice up the strawberries I found in the fridge.

  “Is it hard being a single mom?”

  The question surprises me, but in a good way. “I’d say it’s difficult and exhausting. Mostly it’s challenging. Being a single parent is tough, even under the best circumstances. Some people struggle with isolation. I didn’t have issues about being alone because Noah was gone more than he was around.”

  “Do you like being alone?” Wes walks toward the cabinet and then pulls two plates out.

  “I wouldn’t say I like it so much as I’ve learned to live that way.” The pancakes are nice and golden brown.

  “You shouldn’t have to live that way. No one should.” Wes pours me a mug of coffee then sets the silverware and napkins at the island.

  “Funny coming from the guy who spends most of his time alone on various tropical islands.”

  He chuckles and plates his pancakes. “Spent. That life seems like a lifetime ago. And I wasn’t always alone. I’m the Manta Ray Whisperer. Remember?”

  I scoop some berries onto my plate. “How can I forget?”

  He stands and bends to kiss me. “I’m pretty sure there’s a lot you can’t forget about me.”

  “There might be some truth to that.” I pour a satisfying amount of syrup onto my short stack. “I hope you like these.”

  Wes chews and swallows. “I think it’s a proven fact I’ll eat anything you cook or bake.”

  “Even cupcakes?”

  “Especially cupcakes.”

  We finish eating breakfast discussing the highlights of the holiday and we talk about our upcoming work schedules.

  He impales more pancakes onto his fork. “Have you given any thought to giving us a real shot?”

  “I slept on it. I’m just not sure how it can work. I live in California. My life is there.”

  “Build a life here.”

  The thought crashes into me harder than I imagined. Is that something I want?

  “I just need a little more time.”

  “You take all the time you need. I won’t ask again.” He leans across the island to kiss me. “Ball’s in your court.”

  I polish off the strawberries and refill my coffee mug. Wes offers to clean up the kitchen so that I can take a shower.

  While I’m in the shower, I think about introducing Wes and Celia. Could it be a real possibility? And while I’m on the subject, what about leaving California and making a life here?

  I’ve stayed in Santa Monica, mostly for Noah. The truth is, I can work anywhere. And living here is way less expensive than in California. I wonder what Celia would think of moving.

  Maybe it’s my own guilt or my failed romantic past overshadowing the chance of a new relationship. Human companionship is totally normal.

  Companionship?

  I laugh as I work the shampoo into my hair. Maybe things with Wes are less complicated than I realize. He’s reconnecting me with a piece of myself I thought that was gone forever—the woman in me. The woman who wants to feel whole again.

  Wes is sexy and laid-back, and we have so much fun together. I love the way I feel when I’m with him.

  I wrestle my feelings rooted inside me, but the hold Wes has in my bones, maybe even in my heart, is terrifyingly deep.

  The idea that Wes and I can be together. The belief the two of us have something real and meaningful blooms with a beautiful ache in my soul.

  A new beginning.

  A new life.

  I feel myself letting go and loosening the grip on my fears. I have my daughter to think of first.

  I dip my head under the water and rinse the shampoo from my hair.

  After summer camp, I’ll bring Celia here to Mayfield.

  I’ve got one life. I’ve got to take a chance.

  Wes

  Sawyer pushes through the front door of my house, and Tyler is right behind him carrying the pizza.

  Brant treks inside with a case of Miller Lite, which is already open, and I can see he’s helped himself. He hands me a cold one, and I pour it into a tall glass.

  I’ve already set out the paper plates and napkins. If they want silverware, they know where to find it.

  “Turn the game on,” Tyler barks.

  “On it,” Brant calls over his shoulder.

  Cheers erupt on the television screen as the view of Wrigley Field comes into view.

  “Yeah, come on, Cubbies,” Sawyer yells as he takes a seat at the table.

  All of us are Chicago Cubs fans. Since I’ve been back, Sawyer, Bran
t, and I have gotten together to watch the games. Having Tyler around this week has been a bonus.

  “What are your wives up to tonight?” I ask, dropping a slice of cheese pizza onto my plate.

  “Haven invited everyone out to our place,” Tyler answers.

  Tyler has a pretty sweet farm on the edge of Mayfield. His mom takes care of it for him since he and Haven live on the East Coast.

  Sawyer levels his gaze to mine. “Don’t worry, Weston. They invited Minka.”

  My eyes widen in surprise. I’m sure I look like a deer caught in headlights.

  Brant picks up his beer. “Relax, Wes. It’s pretty obvious you and Minka like each other.”

  “Oh, that ball is gone, so gone,” Tyler shouts.

  “Right onto Waveland,” Brant adds.

  Bases loaded home run. Sweet.

  “And what gives you that idea, brother?”

  Brant bites into his slice of pizza then wipes his mouth. “Well, aside from the fact that the two of you are constantly together and the way you look at her—”

  “Yeah, you seriously couldn’t take your eyes off her during the Fourth of July celebrations,” Tyler interjects. “Lunch, dinner, the parade, even at the mayor’s party.”

  “So, what’s the deal with you two?” Brant asks.

  “Deal?”

  “Oh my gawd, man,” Sawyer drawls out. “Maybelle told me that you met her in Hawaii. So you might as well tell the story.”

  I wipe my hands on the napkin and drop back into the chair. “Minka was on one of my private yacht excursions in Maui. She irritated the shit out of me at first, but even though I was annoyed, she was like this itch. It was like she . . .”

  “She was under your skin,” Sawyer finishes for me.

  “Yeah. We spent an awesome week together, and then she disappeared on me. Snuck out of the house early one morning. I never knew her last name, so imagine my surprise when she shows up here out of the blue.”

  “Damn, I had no idea.” Brant shakes his head.

  We talk through the rest of the inning. I don’t give a lot of intimate details; a gentleman never brags.

  Tyler dips his pizza crust into the garlic butter. “Listen, I don’t know if you know this or not, but I had to go all the way to California to convince Haven to be with me.”

  Sawyer grabs another slice of pizza. “Yeah, but that was after you realized you were a massive douche.”

  Tyler punches Sawyer’s arm. “You’re one to talk.”

  “I know. I know. I used to be a massive d-bag myself. But the love of a good woman has changed all that.” Sawyer’s hand slaps over his heart.

  “Well, lucky for me, I’m not a douche canoe. Minka said she couldn’t be with someone as young as me, which I didn’t understand at first, but from her viewpoint, I’m this carefree soul that just picks up and leaves on a whim. But she’s got me thinking. Thinking about putting down roots.” I toss back a swig of my beer. “I asked Minka to think about giving us a real shot.”

  “It’s that serious between you two?” Brant asks before popping a garlic knot into his mouth.

  “She’s all I think about,” I confess. “If it didn’t sound so crazy, I’d ask her to move in together.”

  And then I’m picturing Minka here with me and the guys. All of us—Haven, Maybelle, Caroline too. I can see kids running around screaming, and it would be extra loud with the dogs and cats.

  It should be noted that Tyler’s cat, Harley, is fucking cool.

  Sawyer stands. “I’m getting another beer. Anyone else?”

  “Yes. Beers all around.” Tyler rubs his hands together and swings his gaze toward me. “So, what are you going to do?”

  “About what?”

  “He’s asking what you’re going to do about your feelings for Minka,” Brant says, dragging a hand down his face. “The complication is obvious. She lives in California. You live here.”

  “She has a daughter,” I confess. “I asked Minka if I could meet her kid. That’s how serious I am about the two of us.”

  Brant smiles. “Yeah, this doesn’t sound like you at all. And I already knew about Celia.”

  “Minka must be pretty special if you’re thinking of settling down.” Tyler points his empty bottle in my direction.

  Sawyer drops the bottles off. “Gentleman, I think our young Weston here might just be in love.”

  Tyler and Brant both shoot me a knowing look.

  “Can you fall in love with someone after only a few months . . . weeks?”

  “Yes.”

  It’s a unanimous sound that hangs in the air.

  “It didn’t take me long to fall in love with your sister.” Tyler gives me a pointed look.

  Sawyer slaps my shoulder. “Yep. I knew Maybelle was the one for me after four dates. I don’t know why society places a time limit on love. Ups and downs. Hurt and pain. Moments of happiness and stretches of joy—that’s life. And life is too fucking short to waste a second of it.”

  “There was a moment when I considered stopping things between me and Haven,” Tyler admits. “I felt I only had two options—stop it before we trickled further into each other’s lives or just enjoy the time we had together. You don’t have to feel that way.”

  The thunderous cheers that erupt direct our attention to the screen.

  “Atta boy, Rizzo,” Brant drawls out.

  “Another home run. Holy shit,” Sawyer yells.

  We stare at the screen as three players cross home plate. And Rizzo skips home.

  “If Minka is home for you, you’ll make it happen, little brother.” Brant slaps my shoulder.

  I blow out a heavy breath. His words hit me harder than I expect. My future is with Minka. There’s no one else—just her.

  Minka

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” Haven squeaks out.

  “You look so much better than you did on the Fourth of July.”

  Haven’s hands press against her stomach. “All the remedies you suggested. Every single one works for me.”

  “I’m glad I could help.”

  “I could’ve used your help when I had morning sickness,” Caroline exclaims and shoves a drink in my hand.

  “Thank you.”

  Caroline looks longingly at the sangria. “You get one of the fun drinks, but I’m so close to having booze back in my life.”

  “Just a few more weeks after you pop this little one out,” Maybelle pats Caroline’s belly.

  “Your place is really beautiful,” I mention to Haven.

  “Thanks. This was Tyler’s bachelor pad before we got married, but now it’s our chic little country home.”

  Maybelle snickers into her glass. “I never thought I’d see the day that Haven would be so ecstatic about living in Mayfield.”

  My brows lift in confusion. “Living in Mayfield? I thought you lived in East Harbour?”

  Haven pops the oven open and pulls out a tray of potato skins. “Well, we haven’t announced it yet, but Tyler and I are moving here permanently. No worries, I’m still keeping the house in East Harbour, I think. Oh, these skins need a little more time.”

  “Oh please,” Maybelle scoffs. “Your hubby can pay that mortgage off in a heartbeat if you’d let him.”

  Haven’s smile is tight. “I know that, but the house in East Harbour was my first purchase. It seems like it should be my responsibility to pay it off.”

  “I get why you feel that way,” I tell her. “But marriage is a partnership, and if you both want to keep it, you should make it work together.”

  “Maybe Tyler will pay it off, and that will be your push present,” Maybelle giggles and takes a sip of sangria.

  Caroline squeals. “I’m just so happy our kids are going to grow up together.”

  “You and Tyler certainly have a lot of announcements. What about your job in New York?”

  Haven buzzes around the kitchen. “I quit a few weeks ago. I’m relieved actually. I’d accomplished all I wanted to there, and now it�
��s time to start the next chapter of my life.”

  “I just can’t believe it’s happening.” Maybelle shakes her head.

  “I can’t have this baby without my family around,” Haven says as she pours the crostinis into a bowl. “The spinach and artichoke dip is almost ready. Help yourselves to the meatballs and the veggies.”

  Most people are nervous to share their recipes with me, but not Haven. She beams with pride telling me all about the ingredients and her trick for getting the skins extra crispy.

  I’m not shy to load up my plate with the food that Haven’s made. It all smells and looks amazing.

  We sit around the dining room table, laughing and enjoying the food. Maybelle fills us in on the happenings at the bed-and-breakfast, and Caroline chats about her store.

  “Ugh, work talk is so boring,” Maybelle says. “We need something spicier to talk about.”

  Caroline’s gaze drifts to mine. “Minka, tell us about you and Wes.”

  “Oooh, yeah. Tell us about how the two of you met.” Maybelle winks at me while she refills her wineglass.

  “Is it that obvious?” I ask.

  Haven leans back in her chair. “It wasn’t to me until I saw the two of you kissing at the mayor’s party.”

  I wince. “Guilty as charged. I knew we weren’t being discreet enough.”

  “Discretion isn’t really Wes’ forte,” Maybelle laughs. “Remember when you and Brant found him floating in the pool naked?”

  Caroline nearly chokes on her food. “I’ve never heard this story.”

  Haven’s fingers splay against her forehead. “He was drunk and stoned. Although he claims it was jetlag. Weston had just come home from Europe, and I think he was still living like he was in Amsterdam.”

  “So you guys kissing in the dark around the corner of the mayor’s house is pretty discreet. My little brother has come a long way.” Haven drums her pretty pink nails against the tabletop. “I think part of the reason is because of you, Minka.”

  Heat flames my cheeks. “He was pretty irritating when I met him in Hawaii. We were supposed to be a onetime thing, but one turned into two and . . . sorry if that’s too much TMI, Haven.”

  The timer buzzes and Haven walks toward the oven. “You can give Maybelle and Caroline all the dirty details. I’ll take the censored version.”