Tea & Comfort (Madrona Island Series Book 2), page 17
“Package for you,” the mailwoman said. She handed Luke a stack of letters. “And here’s your larger mail for today. Save you a trip up the drive.”
Luke took the package and thanked her. His heart thumped in his chest as he brought the mail inside. He held the slick-covered issue in his hand.
The headline read: “Lovers Reunited—Mystery Solved.”
Luke rolled his eyes and prayed that when he opened the magazine the article would be favorable. Celebrity Magazine had a good reputation, and their best reporter, Jean Gates, had been excited and supportive when she’d interviewed them. The cover featured other couples as well and an insert picture of Kyla at the top of her modeling career. Underneath, it said, “What happened to Darcy Devereux?”
His stomach knotted as he opened the magazine and found the article. He scanned it and let a relieved smile cross his face.
“Darcy Devereux gave up a lucrative modeling career to do what so many women find difficult…take care of themselves. She was willing to do whatever it required to deal with her diagnosis of lupus and find the path to remission.” There was even an insert with symptoms of lupus listed and websites to go to for help.
Luke released a long breath. Well-handled, he thought. The picture of him and Kyla holding hands in front of her shop made him smile. “Love Lost—Love Found,” it said. The article went on to mention their engagement and planned wedding at the winery. It was a beautiful piece and he was sure Kyla would be pleased with it. Luke made a mental note to send a thank you note to Jean. She was a gem.
He picked up his cell phone and called Kyla at her shop.
“Did you read it?” she asked. “It’s sitting here but I have not had the guts to look at it yet.”
“I did and the article is great. How about I pick you up for lunch and we can go celebrate at Island Thyme?”
Luke listened as Kyla asked Becca to cover for her. “How about noon?” Kyla said. “I’ll read it then meet you at Jude’s place.”
“Will do,” he said.
He picked up the pile of mail he’d placed on the counter and took it over to his desk. The bills went in one pile, the ads in recycle, and the rest was carefully screened. A cream-colored embossed envelope stood out. Luke looked at the return address. It was from Lizbeth. For a moment, he considered adding it to the recycle pile, but caution won out. What if something was terribly wrong with his brother? Why would she write him? Was it a wedding invitation?
He tore open the envelope, pulled out the personalized stationery, and let the words sink in.
Luke,
As always, I hope you are well. We were friends once, and I hope to be counted as one still. Your family called a meeting that Stefan and I attended to discuss an early copy of the magazine article they had procured. Forewarned or forearmed or something like that. I am telling you this because we were greatly moved by Kyla’s struggle. Your brother has always been difficult, but, Luke, he actually admitted to me that his actions during his visit to you were less than appropriate. And that’s saying a lot for Stefan. The truth of the article touched your mother’s and my hearts. We stood up to your father and told him we were supporting your marriage to Kyla. Stefan was silent, but he did not take your father’s side either. Perhaps someday he will tell you all of this himself. This year there will be two weddings and new families forming. My greatest hope is that we will be welcome at your wedding to celebrate your union and that you will feel welcome at our marriage to celebrate ours.
Much love to you and Kyla,
Lizbeth
Luke dropped the letter on the desk. It was the last thing he’d expected when he opened it. He’d hoped his mother would understand, but Stefan…that he never could have imagined. There was a heart in there after all, it seemed.
Perhaps this was a year to start believing in miracles. And this letter was surely one of them.
***
Kyla stopped at Grandview Bank to make a deposit on her way to meet Luke. The teller acted like Kyla was a celebrity. After reading the article, Kyla figured people might treat her that way for a while. Most people in town did not know about her modeling career. Or her illness.
Everything was out in the open now, and Kyla felt a bit exposed as she walked toward the café. She never tired of the quiet waterfront town with the historical buildings lining Front Street. The new sign was up for the bookstore—Nooks, Books & Coffee it read now. She had to admit Marco’s lattes had their own kind of magic. Kyla admired the new window display at the thrift shop. Maybe later she would stop in. People smiled as she walked by. Don’t be paranoid, she told herself. People being friendly was nothing new in Grandview.
She held her head high and walked into Island Thyme Café. Luke was right inside waiting for her. It was packed for lunchtime. There was one table in the corner by the window open, but it had a reserved sign on it.
“Looks like we might have to eat somewhere else,” Kyla said.
Jude swooped in, menus in hand. “Right this way, your table’s waiting,” she sang to them with a twinkle in her eyes.
Kyla looked up at Luke.
He shrugged. “I called ahead and let them know we were coming in.”
Kyla followed him to the table. “And, Jude, trying to make me feel supported, probably called the whole town to let them know, too.”
Luke waved his hand for her to take a seat. “Ladies first.” His smile was contagious.
Jude placed the menus before them. “All week, in honor of Valentine’s Day coming up, we have lovers’ specials for two.”
“Is that why it’s so crowded?” Kyla asked. She looked around the room and spotted Ian and Lily waving at her across the room. They were sharing a table with Grandpa John, Shirley, Betty, and Ron. At the next table was Audrey, who brought with her half the library staff. All of them had their heads buried in a copy of Celebrity Magazine. Marco and Frank were sitting at the bar and toasted her by holding up a mug of beer.
Kyla narrowed her eyes at Jude. “What’s going on?”
Jude beamed back at her. “Just a lunch gathering for the celebrity couple.”
“I see,” Kyla said.
“Are we going to get special treatment today?” Luke asked with a grin.
Kyla hit him in the arm.
“As a matter of fact, Ryan baked up a few of his seven-layer chocolate cakes with buttercream caramel icing.” Jude turned around so everyone could hear, “After lunch, dessert is on us for the whole place.”
A few cheers went up.
“And for lunch?” Luke asked.
“Lunch for two includes an appetizer of mussels in wine sauce, your choice of handmade gnocchi in pesto sauce or roasted chicken with apple stuffing, and creamy garlic soup.”
Kyla watched Jude walk back toward the kitchen. Her eyes wandered slowly around the room. She nodded to some of her neighbors and customers who were scattered around in the restaurant. Some whispering was going on and she could imagine the shock some must be feeling. Except for her closest friends, no one knew she was a former model or that she had lupus. She turned to Luke.
“Do you think the news about my illness will affect my business?” she asked.
Luke looked surprised. “Why would it? If anything, when they see all you’ve been through and how healthy you are now, they’ll flock the store for herbs and potions.”
“I guess so,” she said. “The celebrity status will probably bring in some curiosity seekers and tourists as well.”
Luke sipped some water. “I hadn’t thought of that. I bet the winery business will pick up. Good for business.”
“So you’re fine with all of this coming out?” Kyla asked. “No regrets?”
He kissed her forehead. “No regrets.”
Ryan, in his black chef coat, approached the table with the appetizers and small plate entrees and set them on the table. “That was quite a piece in the magazine,” he said. “It took guts for both of you to come forward with the truth.”
Kyla watched a shadow cross Ryan’s face. He was nervous about something. His own discovery maybe? “I was tired of running,” Kyla said. She looked deep into Ryan’s eyes. Fear and sorrow lurked there just below the surface.
“Running gets old,” Ryan said. His shoulders dropped as his focus drifted from them.
So he, too, was running. Kyla wondered how far and how long.
He turned back to the table. “I hope you enjoy your lunch,” he said mechanically before striding back to the kitchen.
“Something is wrong there,” Kyla said, her eyes on Ryan.
Luke squeezed her hand. “We all have our skeletons.”
All during lunch, people stopped by the table to greet them and mention the article. Shirley even asked them to autograph her copy of the magazine. So far everyone was very encouraging.
Jude brought a cart around with plates of giant pieces of chocolate layer cake. She placed two in front of them. “Enjoy. Compliments of the chef.”
Jude leaned down and whispered in Kyla’s ear. “Ryan brought me flowers for Valentine’s Day.”
Kyla winked. “And what did you get him?”
“That’s coming later,” Jude said grinning. “Anything else I can get you two?”
They both shook their heads and Jude flitted off to another table.
As they finished the last bite of the huge piece of cake they were sharing, Cherise, the owner of Raven Art Gallery in town, walked over to the table. She’d always been a bit of a mystery herself, impeccably dressed and self-contained. Ian showed his work there and Kyla had been to a few openings, but she’d never really spoken to the woman except for a moment in the bookstore. Cherise had never made it to the store.
“Good afternoon,” Cherise said. She stared intently at Kyla. “Would it be possible for me to make an appointment with you at your shop soon to discuss…some matters?”
“Of course,” Kyla said. “I’d be happy to book a specific time for you.”
Cherise nodded. “Would later today work?”
Kyla was taken aback. “Name your time.”
“Four o’clock?”
“I’ll see you then,” Kyla answered.
The woman turned and hurried out the front door. Kyla could feel the urgency in her request. “I wonder what that’s about,” she said.
“The article is out a day and already you have a new client,” Luke said.
Perhaps he was right. Now that she’d come out and exposed her secrets, others would come to her to share theirs.
***
Kyla brewed her T&C store blend tea and let the sweet smell of rose, chamomile, and lavender fill her senses.
Cherise was due in and she wanted to have something warm and comforting ready to share with her during their talk. She brought the porcelain tea set out on a tray with a plate of warm cinnamon apple muffles and set them on a table by the window. An exotic bouquet of red Chinese witch hazel flowers in a glass vase sat in the center. Kyla often used the flower in creams to combat stings and bites.
At promptly four, Cherise blew in the front door grasping a soaked-wet, full-length raincoat around her. She pulled it off and hung it on the coat rack by the door.
“Good afternoon,” she said, untying her scarf and taking off her gloves. “Not the prettiest of them.”
Kyla pointed to the cozy table. “Come warm yourself over here. I’m glad you came.” She poured the tea and sat down to join her. Cherise was avoiding eye contact and Kyla suspected she was nervous about sharing what, up until now, had been her own secret to bear.
“Delicious tea,” Cherise murmured.
“I’d be happy to send you home with some as a gift,” Kyla said.
When her guest looked up, Kyla saw deep pain in her eyes. “Thank you for your kindness,” Cherise said. “It took a lot of courage for you to share your story, and it showed me it was time I stopped hiding my lupus diagnosis as well.”
“There is no shame in being sick,” Kyla said. She sipped her tea. “But I know how you feel. I ran away from my whole life rather than tell anyone.”
“I used to have a gallery in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It was a very different lifestyle in sunny California, where everyone was beautiful, rich, and bought expensive art like most people buy groceries.”
“How long have you been on the island?” Kyla asked.
Cherise placed her cup on the saucer and adjusted the napkin in her lap. “I met Ian at an opening in Monterey five years ago, and he told me about the island. I’d just gone through extensive treatment and was exhausted. He offered me his work exclusively in the Pacific Northwest if I opened a gallery on Madrona Island. I decided to relocate in the hope of a quieter life and a more peaceful place.”
“We have a lot in common,” Kyla said. “That Ian is a good guy.”
“Who knew?” Cherise said. A smile lit up her face. “Would you be willing to share what has helped you with lupus?”
Kyla leaned forward. “I have no magical potions, but I can tell you what worked for me. It’s been a long road to realizing my beauty was not exclusively on the outside and that it was really okay to take care of myself.”
Cherise’s polished demeanor started to crumble as her lower lip trembled. “Thank you for reminding me.”
Kyla patted Cherise’s hand. “Any time.” She rose from the table. “I’ll go make you a list of some of the herbs that helped me and the foods that seem to work best. But you will have to listen closely to your own body and see what makes you feel good. Rest is so very important, and lots of water.”
“I’m so grateful my twists and turns brought me here to the island and to you,” Cherise said. She stood at the counter and waited for Kyla to finish her list.
“So am I.” Kyla handed her a bag of T&C tea and a printed list of herbs, foods, and other ideas that had helped her get and stay in remission. “I don’t have to tell you to keep the stress down,” Kyla said.
They both laughed. “I wish it were that easy,” Cherise said.
Kyla walked her to the front door. “Come back anytime.”
She watched the beautiful, raven-haired woman walk down the sidewalk. How hard we all were on ourselves. It was so obvious to Kyla that Cherise deserved love, care, and kindness. And that meant she herself did, too.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
The buds were bursting on the vines. The shoots had grown rapidly and Luke would have to do some thinning soon. The apple trees were sprouting tiny leaves, and the plum trees were covered in delicate pink blossoms, brightening the warming March day.
Luke walked over to the pond and watched the large koi glide around the water. He hoped they liked their new habitat. The Japanese bathhouse with the hot tub that overlooked the pond had been his and Kyla’s favorite place all winter. He looked forward to sitting there with the doors open to the pond now that spring was here.
The morning was probably the last moment of calm he would have for the next week. Dread sat heavily on his shoulders and had filtered into his dreams. His mother and father were arriving today, and Kyla’s relatives were already here. It would be quite interesting to watch two such different families together on the same island, except for the fact that he and Kyla were hosting them. He’d never met Kyla’s family and he hoped they liked him. Kyla had assured him they already did. He knew his mother would be gracious, but his father… Luke shook his head. He was grateful Stefan wasn’t joining them. The note from Lizbeth had indicated a peace offering might be coming from Stefan, but none had been received yet. There was no sense worrying about the inevitable. Nothing was going to stop the wedding. They were both ready.
Luke glanced at his watch. Time to get ready. His parents’ shuttle arrived in less than an hour, and he would be picking them up and bringing them to Madrona Island Bed & Breakfast for their stay. Luke’s father had asked if they needed to hire a driver while they were there, but Luke had suggested they take the shuttle. Luke had arranged for a rental car to be waiting at the inn for them for convenience. Kyla’s mother and grandmother had arrived late last night and were already settled there. Lily had offered to serve afternoon coffee and baked goods this afternoon for everyone to meet and get acquainted. It was going to take more than coffee to smooth out that meeting. Luke grabbed a couple of bottles of his best wine as he walked out the door to the car.
Luke drove over to the local pick-up location at the gas station and waited. The rain had stopped, and patches of blue sky lit up the day. Within minutes, the Madrona Airport Shuttle pulled in. Luke took a deep breath. He hadn’t seen his parents in almost two years. And the last farewell had been a bit of a screaming match. It ended with him slamming the front door of his parents’ house and leaving town. Not the best move in his life, but it was what he’d needed then. But it was not how he wanted their visit to go now. He’d made a promise to himself to keep calm and stay focused on their wedding plans going smoothly.
His mother walked gracefully down the stairs of the shuttle, wrapped in a full-length cashmere coat with a Prada bag slung across her shoulder. Right behind her stood his father, wearing a steel-grey herringbone overcoat and perfectly matched scarf and gloves. Both of them wore Italian leather boots that looked like they’d never stepped on concrete before. They looked so out of place here on Madrona Island, it seemed as though royalty had arrived.
“Luke,” his mother said. She waved and hurried toward him, arms wide. Her hug was tight and long and felt wonderful.
“Son,” his father said. He reached out his hand to shake Luke’s.
“Father.”
The brief handshake was a sharp contrast to his mother’s loving embrace. Luke picked up their suitcases from the back of the shuttle van and carried them to his car.
“How was your trip?” he asked.
“Long, but beautiful,” his mother said. “Your island is magnificent. I can see why you settled here.”
Luke laughed. “It’s not exactly my island, but I’ll be glad to show you both around if you’d like.”
