Tea & Comfort (Madrona Island Series Book 2), page 14
“Are you ready?” Luke asked Kyla.
Her stomach growled. “Actually, I’m pretty hungry.”
Kyla swooned at the smell of crisp bacon and cinnamon coffee cake as she retrieved a plate and followed along in line. Her first addition was a still-warm piece of pumpkin-cranberry coffee cake, followed by a generous slice of Italian brunch torte filled with creamy egg, spinach, and tomato. Luke followed close behind her, repeating her choices in larger portions.
“And what is that called?” Luke asked the chef behind the hot chafing dishes.
The chef grinned. “I call it twice-baked potato casserole. Bacon, cheese, sour cream, and all the fixings.”
Kyla lifted her plate for a portion, beating Luke to the draw. “Ladies first,” she said, smiling back at him.
Luke grumbled and held his plate high. “Just leave some for me.”
After completing her plate with chicken apple sausage and a small piece of loganberry French toast, Kyla continued back to the table past the blazing fireplace covered with an antique metal screen. They hardly needed the heat with all the people that had turned out, but it was barely forty degrees outside.
Kyla and Luke placed their plates down on the table and took a seat across from each other. The other couples soon joined them. The food tasted as good as it looked, and Kyla made fast work of it. Luke wasn’t wasting any time either.
“Some champagne here?” the waitress asked.
Jude held up her now-empty mimosa glass. “Why not? We have plenty to celebrate.”
The waitress poured champagne in everyone’s glass. Lily held her hand over her glass, still filled with fresh-squeezed orange juice. “None for me,” she said, smiling sweetly at Ian.
Those two, Kyla thought. Would she and Luke be like that as newlyweds?
Ryan held up his glass and clinked it gently with his butter knife. “I have been informed by my boss,” he said, winking at Jude, “that it is time for multiple toasts.”
Jude hit him in the arm. “Hey. When out of the restaurant, please refer to me as your…” Jude hesitated and looked askance at Ryan.
Kyla watched for Ryan’s reaction.
He sat there and let her squirm for a minute. “My girlfriend?” he said grinning.
Jude’s smile lit her whole face. “That will do,” she said.
Ian held up his glass. “The tradition on Madrona Island, as I have been told by my grandpa—who is graciously babysitting this morning—is to go around the table and each make a toast for the new year. So, if no one minds, I’ll start.” He turned to Lily. “To the new little addition to our family and the most perfect mother, Lily, who brings her or him into this world.”
Everyone clinked their glasses and repeated the toast.
Lily went next. “And to my husband and father-to-be, Ian.”
The toast continued around the table with Kyla toasting Luke’s new winery and Luke toasting their engagement. Jude surprised no one toasting to love and friendship that would last always.
Ryan held up his glass last and looked at each of them. “To my new home and the friends that make it the best place I’ve ever lived.”
Kyla sighed at the sweetness of his toast and clinked her glass with everyone’s. It was the best New Year’s Day she could remember. But something about Ryan’s words made her uneasy. His secrets had still not been revealed. Somewhere in that man’s background were the other places he’d known that were not his heaven on earth. She looked at Jude and prayed that, when they did surface, Jude’s hopes and heart would not be shattered.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Luke paced the cement floor of the tasting room, trying to calm his tightly wound nerves. His brother Stefan had been in town since late yesterday and was due at the winery any minute. In the pit of his stomach, Luke wondered if he’d made a mistake inviting his half-brother here. But the phone call last week had been so unexpected.
Luke had been in a deep sleep when the sound of his ringing cell phone woke him from a dream. He’d sat up in bed and stared at the caller ID. Stefan. Luke’s heart pounded. Why was Stefan calling from New York at 5:00 a.m.? He hoped nothing was wrong.
Luke cleared his throat. “Hello, Stefan.”
“Morning. You sound like you just woke up. Life in the country making you soft?”
It was just like Stefan to spin an insult into his greeting. Luke gritted his teeth. “It’s five o’clock in the morning here. There is a west coast you know.”
Stefan laughed into the phone. “Right. I’ve been up for hours here. I remember you as an early riser.”
Luke used to wake before dawn when his life was in full throttle in New York. “Here in the Pacific Northwest in January, the sun does not come up until close to eight.”
“Whoa,” Stefan said. “Half a day missed.”
After two years of not hearing from his half-brother, the last thing Luke wanted to talk about with him was the weather.
“So, what’s up? Mom and Dad doing okay?” Luke asked.
“They’re fine. In fact, Mom told me she talked to you the other day and you had some news for the family.”
So that was it, Luke thought. “That we did. It had been a while.” Luke held his breath.
Stefan continued. “I think it’s time we did some catching up. Mom said you bought a little winery. Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Luke said cautiously. “It’s an amazing place. Twenty-two acres. Barns, vineyards, and a log house.”
“Nice,” Stefan said, his tone conveying a completely different word.
Luke tried to be civil. “I hear congratulations are in order for you.”
“You mean my engagement with Lizbeth. We’re both very happy. I hope there’s no hard feelings on your part.”
“None whatsoever,” Luke said. “All I’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy. And Lizbeth. I think you make a fine match.” Luke rolled his eyes. Actually, they really did suit each other. His father must be more than pleased.
“Thank you. I’ll tell her that,” Stefan said. “It’ll make her very happy.”
Luke felt off-balance. Did Stefan actually sound sincere?
“How would you feel about a visit from your long-lost brother?” Stefan asked. “I could come out, get a hotel room, come over and see the vineyards, and toast to your new venture.”
Luke hesitated. Was Stefan reaching out? Trying to end the ridiculous sibling rivalry that had been going on since as far back as Luke could remember? “You don’t need to stay in a hotel. I have a big house.”
“I wouldn’t dream of putting you out. I understand there are some fine inns there.”
“Do you remember the artist Ian McPherson?” Luke asked. “He and his new wife own Madrona Island Bed & Breakfast. I stayed there a few days myself. They’d take fine care of you.”
“Madrona Island B&B it is then. Would early next week suit you?”
Luke looked at the calendar on his phone. Chocolate tastings for the new Valentine truffles were scheduled and a few other meetings. If the weather were decent, he could start early pruning. “That works for me.”
“I’ll send you my itinerary,” Stefan said. “And hey, sorry I woke you.”
Luke laid the cell phone back on his nightstand. Was Stefan really sorry or was it a tactic to catch Luke off-guard? Stefan hadn’t wasted any time booking a flight. The call had barely been a week ago and he was already on the island.
Luke stood in the cozy tasting room by the woodstove and stared out the window, waiting for his brother. Luke thought of Kyla. She’d met Stefan for the first time at a glamorous party in New York City. He’d kissed her hand and winked at Luke. Stefan thought her a good catch back then. But not marriage material. What would he think now? Luke would find out soon enough.
Through the window, Luke saw a silver Land Rover stir up the dirt as it made a quick stop in front of the winery. Stefan had arrived. He must have rented the Land Rover at the airport, expecting Luke to live in the middle of the wilderness.
Luke opened the door and stood on the front step. Stefan stepped out dressed like he’d just finished skiing in the Alps: black ski jacket, leather boots, and cashmere gloves. Luke recognized that gleaming white smile. The one Stefan used when zeroing in on unsuspecting prey.
“Good afternoon,” Stefan said. “Nice place you got here.”
Luke invited him in and offered Stefan a glass of his best Pinot Noir.
Stefan accepted. He twirled the wine then breathed in its scent. After swirling a sip in his mouth he said, “Not bad.” His half-slatted eyes scanned the walls, the awards, the pictures, and the Madrona Winery T-shirts. He lifted bottles off the shelf and read the labels. “Are all of these made here?”
“Yes they are,” Luke said. “But not all of the grapes are grown on my land. We grow mostly the reds and pick up the whites from Red Mountain and other regions to the east.”
Stefan sipped the wine and then laid the glass back down on the counter. “You have a nice little hobby going here.”
Don’t take the bait, Luke told himself. “How are your accommodations at the inn?” he asked.
Stefan shrugged. “It’s very….cozy,” he said, his tone strained. “Clean. Nice enough people. Are they close friends?”
Always probing and looking for an angle, Luke thought. “We know each other and do some business together.”
“They speak highly of you and Kyla. It is Kyla now, not Darcy, right?”
“Right,” Luke said between clenched teeth. He already regretted this little get-together.
Stefan stared out the window. “Why don’t you show me around?”
Luke put on his coat and took his brother on a tour of the property. “We have three areas right now where we grow wine.” He pointed out the fields lined with stakes and dormant vines. They walked by the pond bordered with large boulders and barren trees and over to the chicken coop with its painted red door and metal roof. “The hens and roosters make their home here, and the vegetable garden is out in the pasture past the oaks.”
“The property looks valuable,” Stefan said. “What’s the home, about 3,000 square feet?”
Always checking the assets. His brother had not changed at all. “The 4,000-square-foot log house was built a few years ago by the former owners,” Luke said. He walked up the path to the front door, let them both in, and flipped on some track lights on the wood beams above. The fire was still burning from the morning, and the smell of espresso lingered behind.
Stefan removed his coat and gloves and handed them to Luke. His eyes circled the room then looked up at the wood-beam ceilings. “Does everything on this island look like it’s right out of Country Living Magazine?”
“I know you didn’t come to appraise the property or set up a photo shoot, so why don’t we sit down and discuss why you’re here.” Luke took the couch and waited.
Stefan chose the leather armchair and settled in. “I’m just a bit surprised to see you living out in the middle of the woods. But I guess love will do that to a man.”
“What exactly do you mean?” Luke asked. He could feel his blood sizzle the way it used to whenever they were in the same room together.
“You know, make him leave his home and family and chase the woman across the country.”
The smirk on Stefan’s face made Luke’s stomach turn.
Luke slowed his breath. “I did not chase her. I found her.”
He ran his fingers through his hair. As much as he wanted to tell his brother the truth, it wasn’t fair to Kyla until she was ready.
Stefan was relentless. “It probably didn’t set well with you that Kyla was the only woman who didn’t want you back.”
“Maybe years ago that might have been true. If a woman played hard-to-get, I enjoyed the challenge. But Kyla had a very good reason to run, and when she is ready to share it, you and everyone else will know it.”
Stefan raised an eyebrow. “Should the family be worried?”
“We love each other and that’s all you need to know,” Luke said.
“You always did get what you wanted.” Stefan laughed. “But do you really plan on marrying her?”
“Why do you care?” Luke asked. “It has nothing to do with you.”
“Oh yes it does,” Stefan snapped. “How do you think Lizbeth’s family will respond if they hear my long-lost half-brother is marrying an ex-model with a shady past? Will they still accept me as their daughter’s fiancé?”
Luke sprang up from his seat. “So that’s why you came. To make sure I didn’t do anything to embarrass you.”
Stefan’s expression hardened. “Or Dad. Or yourself. And don’t think just because Mom’s all friendly with you now that you can walk back into the family and take over.”
“And just what is it you think I want?” Luke asked. He forced himself to sit back down.
“Money maybe?” Stefan said with a maddening grin. “To keep your little venture going?”
Luke glared at him. “You’re wrong. You’ve always thought the worst of me and never took the time to know me. When we were kids, all I ever wanted was for my big brother to like me. Can you believe that?”
“Hardly,” Stefan spit back. “From the minute you were born, everything changed. Little Luke, with the golden hair, who could do no wrong. They never even noticed I was there. Have you ever watched any of the family home videos?”
Luke shook his head.
“You don’t know what you’re missing, little brother. Every shot is focused on you. Your sports games, your trophies, your school honors, your conquests. I am a dark shadow in the background. That is, until two years ago, when you mercifully left New York. Our father had no choice but to turn to me. And I did not disappoint him.” Stefan’s black eyes radiated triumph.
“That’s not how I wanted it to be,” Luke said.
“Of course not.” Stefan’s face reddened. “Nothing was ever your fault. You’d pout and cry like a baby and I always got the blame.”
Luke shook his head. “I was just a kid. You always seemed like you hated me.”
“For good reason,” Stefan said.
“Then why come here now?” Luke asked. “You have everything you ever wanted. Dad, the business, Lizbeth. I’m not ever coming back. It’s all yours with my blessing.”
Stefan stood. His hollow voice echoed in the room. “You think for one minute I believe you?”
Luke stood and faced his brother. “Believe it or not. I’m tired of trying to prove anything to you. You can’t see the truth through your hate. I can’t help that.”
“And you, Luke. You had it all and where did it get you? Holed up on this remote island chasing after a woman who dumped you years ago?”
Rage burned like fire on Luke’s skin. For a split second he wanted to take Stefan by the neck and slam him against the wall. It was probably just what his brother wanted him to do. He stared at the man before him. Dark hair cut razor sharp. A black tailored shirt under a steel-grey cashmere sweater. And a prominently worn Rolex watch worth more than Luke’s two cars together. But all Luke saw was his sad, big brother whom he’d always wanted to love him. Damn, he didn’t want to feel sorry for Stefan. Every word out of Stefan’s mouth was barbed and targeted for Luke’s jugular. What a waste.
“You’re wrong, brother,” Luke said. “It’s only now that I have it all.” Luke waved his hand around the house and pointed toward the grounds. “This was always my dream. Not climbing the corporate ladder in our father’s company. That was his idea.”
Stefan narrowed his eyes. “Really?”
Luke nodded. “It must be hard for you to believe, but I’m doing what I love and with the only woman I love.”
“Why here?” Stefan said.
“It’s beautiful. Look around at the untouched woods, and clean water teeming with life. Air I can breathe, and fertile soil that produces pristine grapes that I can make into wine with my own hands.”
Stefan turned and walked toward the front door. “Beauty is only skin deep, they say. And with that profound statement, I’m out of here. I need my coat. I have a ferry to catch.”
“Have you heard a word I’ve said?” Luke asked.
“I’ve heard every word.”
Luke tossed his brother his coat and gloves.
“I wouldn’t be too sure your happy ending is going to turn out just the way you’ve planned it this time,” Stefan said. He pulled on his coat and slipped his hands into the leather gloves.
“What did you do, Stefan?” Luke blocked the door with his body. “Tell me.”
Stefan cocked his head. “This morning I paid Kyla a little visit in that charming shop of hers. I’m pretty sure she’s not quite so anxious to marry you any time soon.”
“I should wipe this floor with you.” Luke grabbed him by the collar. “You have no idea the damage you may have done.”
Stefan brushed Luke’s hands off of his coat. “Can’t be that great of a relationship if you’re afraid she’ll run off and leave you again.”
Luke pinned Stefan with his glare. His body shuddered. Each word bit the air as it left his lips. “You’re right, but not the way you think. Kyla’s ill. That’s why she left New York. Are you happy now, big brother?”
Luke opened the front door.
“Now get out.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
As Stefan raced out of his driveway, Luke dialed Kyla’s cell phone. No answer. Dread washed over him. He pulled on his coat, jumped into the truck, and raced into town. He parked directly in front of Tea & Comfort and jumped out.
Relief was his first emotion when he saw the “open” sign on the shop door. But when he walked in, he saw only Becca behind the counter and his muscles tensed.
“Kyla around?” he asked, trying to sound normal.
Becca shrugged. “She had a headache and went back into her cottage to lie down.”
“Thanks,” Luke said. He bet it was one doozy of a headache after Stefan’s visit. He left the shop and jogged along the path to Kyla’s house. The curtains were drawn and he couldn’t see any lights on. He exhaled and shook out the tension in his shoulders. He needed to remain calm.
