Tea & Comfort (Madrona Island Series Book 2), page 18
His mother sat in the front seat, leaving the back for his father. Just as well, his father was used to being chauffeured around and would feel comfortable there.
As they drove toward the inn, his mother barraged him with questions. His father stared out the window as if he weren’t there.
“And when will we meet Kyla?” she asked.
In the rearview mirror, Luke saw his father tilt his head to listen.
“Kyla’s mother and Grandma Mona arrived late last night, so they will be at the B&B waiting for us with her. Lily and Ian, the proprietors where you’re staying, have arranged an afternoon coffee time for us all to get acquainted.”
“I understand coffee is big business here in Seattle,” his father said. His father must have researched the area before they arrived.
“You can get an espresso on almost every corner in the city,” Luke joked, “and several places on the island.”
Luke pulled the car into the driveway of the inn. Afternoon sun filtered through the clouds and sparkled on the sound, lighting up the snowcapped mountains in the distance.
“What a magnificent sight,” his mother said. She turned to the back seat. “Alex, this reminds of that lovely place we stayed in Switzerland last year.”
Only his mother called him Alex. He and Stefan called him Father or Dad, his peers Alexander, and the rest Mr. Bradford.
A shiny, top-of-the-line, silver Lexus was parked next to them. Luke motioned to his father that the car was at their disposal during their visit.
They exited the car and moved along the path and up the front steps. Lily stood on the porch holding open the door. “Welcome,” she said. “I’m Lily. Come on in.”
Luke watched his parents quickly assess their surroundings. He could hear Kyla’s voice in the parlor.
“It’s nice to meet you, Lily. I’m Grace Bradford, Luke’s mom.”
“Welcome,” Lily said. Her hand rested on her stomach.
Grace smiled. “It looks like you’ll be welcoming a little one soon.”
“Yes, in May.”
Ian moved in next to Lily. “Ian McPherson,” he said, holding out his hand to Luke’s dad.
“Alexander Bradford. Nice to meet you, Ian.” He smiled at Lily. “You have a very fine place here.”
“I hope you’ll both be comfortable. Mary will take your bags to the Honeymoon Suite. It’s our largest room and has a private entrance. She’ll be here if you need anything during your stay.”
Luke turned to his mother. “It’s where I stayed when I first moved here. Very elegant.”
“Very good,” she said. “But first things first. Where is Kyla?”
“Of course,” Lily said, leading them into the parlor.
***
A spread of beverages and pastries was beautifully displayed on china plates on the coffee tables in front of the matching antique satin sofas. Kyla sat between her mother and Grandma Mona. They’d been laughing and talking all afternoon. Lily had given her family the Rose Room upstairs. They were thrilled with the inn, its proprietors, and the lush grounds that surrounded it. Time sped by as they laughed and caught up with each other’s lives.
Kyla glanced up to see her soon-to-be in-laws enter the room. Her breath stopped. She’d seen them only at a distance before, and they looked exactly as she remembered them. Flawless. Their families were two sides of the same coin, but one was heads and the other tails. Her mother’s bright periwinkle sweater and her grandmother’s silver-white hair against her fringed shawl were a striking contrast to the greys and winter ivory of the cashmeres and wools worn by Luke’s parents. The old shame nipped at her heart, but one look into Luke’s reassuring eyes and it vanished.
She stood and walked over to greet them. “Mr. and Mrs. Bradford. How nice to meet you,” she said.
Luke’s mother pulled her into her arms with a brisk hug. “Call me Grace,” she said. “You’re family now.”
Kyla turned toward Luke’s father and held out her hand to shake his. He nodded and shook hers. She detected amusement in his eyes. Just what exactly was he enjoying so much? She noticed he did not say to call him Alexander. Mr. Bradford it would stay then. Certainly never Father.
Everyone was introduced. Grace warmly shook hands with Kyla’s mother, Alana, and Grandmother Mona before sitting down next to Luke and her husband. Kyla sat in a wingback chair and poured some coffee.
“Can I get anyone anything else before I leave you to get acquainted?” Lily asked.
“We’re fine,” Kyla said. “Thank you.”
No one spoke at first. Kyla glanced at Grandma Mona and she winked back.
“I hope you both had a good trip out here,” Kyla finally said. She looked up at Luke, wishing he would get the conversation going.
Grace put her cup down on the saucer. “Very nice,” she said. “And, Alana, when did you and Mona arrive?”
“Late last night,” Alana said. “We are very excited to see the rest of the island and, of course, Luke’s winery.”
Mr. Bradford cleared his throat. “We have a lot of ground to cover planning the wedding and I can only stay a couple of days. Do we know what the itinerary is for tomorrow?”
“We’re all aware that your time is limited here,” Luke said. “So we thought we would start tomorrow with viewing our venue, Madrona Island Winery. We can have breakfast at my home, tour the grounds, and go over all the necessary details.”
Luke’s tone was formal and distant. Kyla hoped the chill she felt in the air was from the wind picking up outside.
“That sounds perfect,” his father said. He looked directly at Kyla’s mother. “And how long are you staying on this visit?
“About a week. We haven’t seen Kyla in almost two years and there is so much to talk about. We’ll be back for the wedding, of course.”
“We haven’t seen our son for a few years either. So we know exactly how you feel,” Mr. Bradford said.
Luke’s mother quickly changed the subject. “Alex, do you remember that gorgeous Vera Wang gown your niece wore last year at her wedding in the Hamptons? Wouldn’t Kyla look lovely in one like that?”
Mr. Bradford smiled politely. “Perhaps the bride has other ideas for her gown.”
Very politely said, but it still made Kyla uncomfortable. “I hadn’t thought that much about the dress yet,” she said. “So far all we’ve planned is that Chef Ryan at Island Thyme Café is going to cater the reception and Lily is going to bake the cake.”
“Chef Ryan?” Luke’s mother asked. “Have I heard of him before?”
Kyla groaned inside. “He’s cooked for the finest restaurants in San Francisco and a James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Seattle.”
His mother looked surprised. “Aren’t you lucky to have him here on the island then.”
“We can always pitch in anywhere you need us,” Alana said.
“Thanks, Mom.” Kyla couldn’t imagine Grace in the kitchen at all.
The women chatted for a while about wedding gowns and menus while the men smiled and nodded appropriately. Everyone had different ideas, from her mother’s idea for vegan fair to Grace’s gourmet, six-course dinner suggestion. She and Luke had been hoping for a small ceremony and reception, but the numbers of “have to be invited” kept climbing. Kyla’s head spun. She needed some time alone with Luke to make their own plans before the meeting tomorrow or everything they wanted would be derailed.
Finally Luke asked if anyone would like a glass of the Pinot Noir he grew on the vineyard. The complete consensus of “yes” was the first and probably the last thing they would all agree on. After two rounds of toasts to the engagement and the bride-and-groom-to-be, Luke’s parents finally retired to their room.
Kyla was grateful that her mother and Grace, both excited over planning their children’s wedding, seemed to bond pretty quickly. Grandma Mona was quiet and watchful.
“You two must be tired after a long day,” Kyla said. “Why don’t you go rest a bit and Luke and I will pick everyone up for dinner later.”
“No need to go to any fuss for us,” her mother said. “We can cook something up in the kitchen.”
“Mom, I’m not sure Lily wants anyone in her kitchen. It’s her private domain.”
“Oh, I never thought of that,” Alana said. “Maybe takeout? Or whatever works.”
“We’ll give you a call in a few hours,” Luke said. “Meanwhile, just enjoy yourselves.”
Kyla helped her grandmother off the sofa and gave her a hug.
“Go rest yourself, dear,” Mona said. She kissed Kyla on the cheek.
As soon as they left the room, Kyla fell into Luke’s arms. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Where do you want to go?” he asked.
“Anywhere. Just drive.”
The sun was low on the horizon and would set soon. Luke drove down the back road toward the bluff overlooking the water to catch the last of the sunset. They jumped out of the car and walked through the wind-blown trees toward the edge. The water and sky were tinted the color of tangerines, lined by dark purple clouds. Luke put his arm around her and she snuggled against him. Seagulls screamed overhead, diving toward the water.
“We got through today,” Luke said.
Kyla looked up at him. His lips curled up suggestively with his devilish smile. Very kissable. His hair was sun-drenched caramel in this light. The warmth of his body radiated into hers, melting away any leftover tension.
“It went better than I thought,” she said. “Your mother was wonderful and your dad polite.”
“My father is nothing but polite in public. It’s tomorrow when I meet with him alone that his true colors will come out.”
Kyla formed a pose as if for a fashion shoot. “Can you imagine me walking down the aisle through the vineyard in a puffy Vera Wang wedding gown?”
Luke struck a pose himself. “And me in a custom-made tux by my father’s European tailor?”
“Just as long as my mother doesn’t do any of the sewing,” Kyla said.
They both laughed.
She clasped his hands. “Luke, in my heart, we’re already married. The ceremony is for our families. Let’s listen tomorrow and see what would make them happy, okay?”
“Compromise is something I’ve done to accommodate my family for most of my life.”
“This is not about accommodating, it’s about healing and putting the past behind us. A small gesture could go a long way.”
Luke closed his eyes, tossed his head back in the breeze, then he gazed back at Kyla. “You’re right. I’ll give it a try. I’m sure they’ll get their hearts’ desires with Stefan’s wedding.”
The stood silently and watched nature’s art show before them. A lavender hue radiated across the water as the sun dipped behind the Olympics. The beauty was spellbinding. Kyla reached up and stroked Luke’s cheek then pressed her lips to his. His fingers ran through her hair as he pulled her closer to deepen the kiss.
“Let’s go back to my place,” he whispered in her ear.
She giggled. “Do we have time before dinner?”
He snatched her hand and hurried back to the car.
“Dinner will be late tonight,” he said.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Luke and his father walked over to the tasting room and left the women behind in the house sitting by the fire sipping tea. It had been a long day of wedding plans, going over flower choices, seating arrangements, and music choices. But it wasn’t over yet. Luke’s father wanted to have some man-to-man time alone to talk before he left at the break of dawn tomorrow morning.
“Have a seat. The leather chairs are comfortable,” Luke said. “I’ll bring over some glasses and a bottle of wine.”
“Do you have anything stronger?” his father asked.
Luke unlocked a cabinet under the bar. “As a matter of fact, I have a bottle of barrel-aged gin distilled right here on Madrona Island.”
“Aged?”
Luke opened the bottle and poured a little in each glass. “They age it for a few months in oak barrels with a curl of Madrona bark. It’s excellent.”
His father raised his glass to Luke. “To your new venture and its future success.”
Luke sat in the chair next to his father and let the unique-tasting gin warm his insides. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, his father finally spoke.
“You have an impressive place here. I’m glad I got to see it.”
“Thanks. I’m glad you got to see it, too.” Luke shifted in his chair. He wasn’t used to compliments from him. His father’s face was drawn and showing his age.
“Time seems to slip away sometimes, and with it, one’s dreams.” He looked over at Luke, his eyes soft and present. “I understand more than you know,” his father said.
Luke had no idea what was coming next. He’d never seen his father like this before.
His father placed his glass down on the oak side table. “You may not believe it, but I do want you to be happy. It’s obvious you are in love, but are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this marriage?”
“I’m very happy here and plan to settle on this island permanently. We love each other and that’s all that matters.” Luke gulped back some of the gin.
“You’ll live on love until breakfast. Then what?”
Here it comes, Luke thought. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m concerned for both of your futures. What if Kyla changes her mind and wants to start modeling again? Have you considered that?”
Luke shook his head. “Tea & Comfort is her passion, and with her health concerns, a career with travel and pressure is the last thing she wants.”
His father gave him his all-knowing glare. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am,” Luke said. “And what would you know about marrying for love? Grace was your perfect partner socially and financially, but did you ever really love my mother?”
“How can you ask me that? Of course I love your mother, but I took my time and made sure it was the best possible match. I did not jump in heart-first like my previous marriage.”
Luke stood and retrieved the bottle of gin. He poured them a refill and sat back down. He couldn’t imagine his father ever making an impulsive decision, especially concerning love. “Was it different with your first marriage?”
“It might be hard to imagine, but I was young once,” his father said. “I’ve made my own mistakes and I’d like to see you avoid doing the same thing.”
“That’s interesting,” Luke said. “I’ve never heard you admit to making a mistake before.”
His father rubbed his eyes. “I know I haven’t been the greatest dad, but I am
trying here, Luke. About seven years before I met your mother, I thought myself head over heels in love with a young, beautiful, and talented opera star. My father’s private jet was at my disposal and wherever she went I followed. In every country I lavished her with gifts and begged her to marry me. My family thought it would just blow over and indulged me in my fantasy. But when I called and told them I had married her one fabulous weekend in Paris, their disappointment was palpable.”
Luke reeled from this insight into his father. “So what happened?”
“My parents were cold and polite when I brought her home. Nine months later, Stefan was born. Ten months later, my wife started professionally singing again. Within a year she was never home. Stefan grew up with a nanny; his mother preferred her adoring fans. And I could barely look at the child whose black eyes and raven hair looked just like his mother’s. At times I wondered if I were truly the father or a convenient husband to foot the bill.”
“I’m sorry,” Luke said. And he meant it. He thought of Stefan always trying to get their father’s attention. How hard it must have been for the dark-eyed older son when Luke was born and received all the love Stefan had been denied.
“How did it end?” Luke asked.
“Not well. There were rumors of her cheating and my father always made sure I heard them…his stupid son who had married for love and been dazzled by beauty. The divorce was quiet and expensive. I retained full custody of Stefan, and every time I looked at the boy I was reminded of the fool I’d been.”
Luke saw a sad, old man before him who was trying to reach out.
“It’s not like that with me and Kyla. Dad, I never wanted to disappoint you and Mom, but you still haven’t really given Kyla a chance. She’s a wonderful woman who’s been through a lot. With every cell of my body I know we are meant to be together. I’m asking you to trust me, Dad.”
He saw the raging conflict in his father’s eyes and prayed, just this once, he’d let down. With a reluctant nod, his father said, “If you think this will work, let’s go back and join the women. We have a wedding to plan.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Kyla stood at the counter with Becca and watched her mother, Grandma Mona, and Grace sip rose-colored tea in china cups. They chatted away at the front table nestled in the dormer window of Tea & Comfort. In the overhead light, Grace’s hair looked like the color of fine champagne, contrasting her own mother’s deep mahogany flowing locks. A pang of sadness pierced Kyla’s heart. They would all be going home tomorrow. She would miss their quick humor, support, and having family nearby.
“They sure look like they’re all getting along,” Becca said.
“Pretty well, surprisingly.”
Kyla joined the three women at their table. “Good morning, ladies.”
“Good morning,” her mother chimed back. “We were just discussing what we were going to write in that charming guestbook at the inn before we leave.”
“It will all be glowing,” Grace assured her.
Becca placed a silver tray of just-out-of-the-oven scones on the table before them. “Enjoy,” she said.
“What is that divine smell?” her mother asked.
“One of our special recipes for lavender chocolate chip scones.”
Her mother winked at her. “Do you share your recipes?”
Kyla sat beside her. “For family only,” she said with a grin.
“The tea is delicious,” Grace said. “What’s in the mixture?”
As they drove toward the inn, his mother barraged him with questions. His father stared out the window as if he weren’t there.
“And when will we meet Kyla?” she asked.
In the rearview mirror, Luke saw his father tilt his head to listen.
“Kyla’s mother and Grandma Mona arrived late last night, so they will be at the B&B waiting for us with her. Lily and Ian, the proprietors where you’re staying, have arranged an afternoon coffee time for us all to get acquainted.”
“I understand coffee is big business here in Seattle,” his father said. His father must have researched the area before they arrived.
“You can get an espresso on almost every corner in the city,” Luke joked, “and several places on the island.”
Luke pulled the car into the driveway of the inn. Afternoon sun filtered through the clouds and sparkled on the sound, lighting up the snowcapped mountains in the distance.
“What a magnificent sight,” his mother said. She turned to the back seat. “Alex, this reminds of that lovely place we stayed in Switzerland last year.”
Only his mother called him Alex. He and Stefan called him Father or Dad, his peers Alexander, and the rest Mr. Bradford.
A shiny, top-of-the-line, silver Lexus was parked next to them. Luke motioned to his father that the car was at their disposal during their visit.
They exited the car and moved along the path and up the front steps. Lily stood on the porch holding open the door. “Welcome,” she said. “I’m Lily. Come on in.”
Luke watched his parents quickly assess their surroundings. He could hear Kyla’s voice in the parlor.
“It’s nice to meet you, Lily. I’m Grace Bradford, Luke’s mom.”
“Welcome,” Lily said. Her hand rested on her stomach.
Grace smiled. “It looks like you’ll be welcoming a little one soon.”
“Yes, in May.”
Ian moved in next to Lily. “Ian McPherson,” he said, holding out his hand to Luke’s dad.
“Alexander Bradford. Nice to meet you, Ian.” He smiled at Lily. “You have a very fine place here.”
“I hope you’ll both be comfortable. Mary will take your bags to the Honeymoon Suite. It’s our largest room and has a private entrance. She’ll be here if you need anything during your stay.”
Luke turned to his mother. “It’s where I stayed when I first moved here. Very elegant.”
“Very good,” she said. “But first things first. Where is Kyla?”
“Of course,” Lily said, leading them into the parlor.
***
A spread of beverages and pastries was beautifully displayed on china plates on the coffee tables in front of the matching antique satin sofas. Kyla sat between her mother and Grandma Mona. They’d been laughing and talking all afternoon. Lily had given her family the Rose Room upstairs. They were thrilled with the inn, its proprietors, and the lush grounds that surrounded it. Time sped by as they laughed and caught up with each other’s lives.
Kyla glanced up to see her soon-to-be in-laws enter the room. Her breath stopped. She’d seen them only at a distance before, and they looked exactly as she remembered them. Flawless. Their families were two sides of the same coin, but one was heads and the other tails. Her mother’s bright periwinkle sweater and her grandmother’s silver-white hair against her fringed shawl were a striking contrast to the greys and winter ivory of the cashmeres and wools worn by Luke’s parents. The old shame nipped at her heart, but one look into Luke’s reassuring eyes and it vanished.
She stood and walked over to greet them. “Mr. and Mrs. Bradford. How nice to meet you,” she said.
Luke’s mother pulled her into her arms with a brisk hug. “Call me Grace,” she said. “You’re family now.”
Kyla turned toward Luke’s father and held out her hand to shake his. He nodded and shook hers. She detected amusement in his eyes. Just what exactly was he enjoying so much? She noticed he did not say to call him Alexander. Mr. Bradford it would stay then. Certainly never Father.
Everyone was introduced. Grace warmly shook hands with Kyla’s mother, Alana, and Grandmother Mona before sitting down next to Luke and her husband. Kyla sat in a wingback chair and poured some coffee.
“Can I get anyone anything else before I leave you to get acquainted?” Lily asked.
“We’re fine,” Kyla said. “Thank you.”
No one spoke at first. Kyla glanced at Grandma Mona and she winked back.
“I hope you both had a good trip out here,” Kyla finally said. She looked up at Luke, wishing he would get the conversation going.
Grace put her cup down on the saucer. “Very nice,” she said. “And, Alana, when did you and Mona arrive?”
“Late last night,” Alana said. “We are very excited to see the rest of the island and, of course, Luke’s winery.”
Mr. Bradford cleared his throat. “We have a lot of ground to cover planning the wedding and I can only stay a couple of days. Do we know what the itinerary is for tomorrow?”
“We’re all aware that your time is limited here,” Luke said. “So we thought we would start tomorrow with viewing our venue, Madrona Island Winery. We can have breakfast at my home, tour the grounds, and go over all the necessary details.”
Luke’s tone was formal and distant. Kyla hoped the chill she felt in the air was from the wind picking up outside.
“That sounds perfect,” his father said. He looked directly at Kyla’s mother. “And how long are you staying on this visit?
“About a week. We haven’t seen Kyla in almost two years and there is so much to talk about. We’ll be back for the wedding, of course.”
“We haven’t seen our son for a few years either. So we know exactly how you feel,” Mr. Bradford said.
Luke’s mother quickly changed the subject. “Alex, do you remember that gorgeous Vera Wang gown your niece wore last year at her wedding in the Hamptons? Wouldn’t Kyla look lovely in one like that?”
Mr. Bradford smiled politely. “Perhaps the bride has other ideas for her gown.”
Very politely said, but it still made Kyla uncomfortable. “I hadn’t thought that much about the dress yet,” she said. “So far all we’ve planned is that Chef Ryan at Island Thyme Café is going to cater the reception and Lily is going to bake the cake.”
“Chef Ryan?” Luke’s mother asked. “Have I heard of him before?”
Kyla groaned inside. “He’s cooked for the finest restaurants in San Francisco and a James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Seattle.”
His mother looked surprised. “Aren’t you lucky to have him here on the island then.”
“We can always pitch in anywhere you need us,” Alana said.
“Thanks, Mom.” Kyla couldn’t imagine Grace in the kitchen at all.
The women chatted for a while about wedding gowns and menus while the men smiled and nodded appropriately. Everyone had different ideas, from her mother’s idea for vegan fair to Grace’s gourmet, six-course dinner suggestion. She and Luke had been hoping for a small ceremony and reception, but the numbers of “have to be invited” kept climbing. Kyla’s head spun. She needed some time alone with Luke to make their own plans before the meeting tomorrow or everything they wanted would be derailed.
Finally Luke asked if anyone would like a glass of the Pinot Noir he grew on the vineyard. The complete consensus of “yes” was the first and probably the last thing they would all agree on. After two rounds of toasts to the engagement and the bride-and-groom-to-be, Luke’s parents finally retired to their room.
Kyla was grateful that her mother and Grace, both excited over planning their children’s wedding, seemed to bond pretty quickly. Grandma Mona was quiet and watchful.
“You two must be tired after a long day,” Kyla said. “Why don’t you go rest a bit and Luke and I will pick everyone up for dinner later.”
“No need to go to any fuss for us,” her mother said. “We can cook something up in the kitchen.”
“Mom, I’m not sure Lily wants anyone in her kitchen. It’s her private domain.”
“Oh, I never thought of that,” Alana said. “Maybe takeout? Or whatever works.”
“We’ll give you a call in a few hours,” Luke said. “Meanwhile, just enjoy yourselves.”
Kyla helped her grandmother off the sofa and gave her a hug.
“Go rest yourself, dear,” Mona said. She kissed Kyla on the cheek.
As soon as they left the room, Kyla fell into Luke’s arms. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Where do you want to go?” he asked.
“Anywhere. Just drive.”
The sun was low on the horizon and would set soon. Luke drove down the back road toward the bluff overlooking the water to catch the last of the sunset. They jumped out of the car and walked through the wind-blown trees toward the edge. The water and sky were tinted the color of tangerines, lined by dark purple clouds. Luke put his arm around her and she snuggled against him. Seagulls screamed overhead, diving toward the water.
“We got through today,” Luke said.
Kyla looked up at him. His lips curled up suggestively with his devilish smile. Very kissable. His hair was sun-drenched caramel in this light. The warmth of his body radiated into hers, melting away any leftover tension.
“It went better than I thought,” she said. “Your mother was wonderful and your dad polite.”
“My father is nothing but polite in public. It’s tomorrow when I meet with him alone that his true colors will come out.”
Kyla formed a pose as if for a fashion shoot. “Can you imagine me walking down the aisle through the vineyard in a puffy Vera Wang wedding gown?”
Luke struck a pose himself. “And me in a custom-made tux by my father’s European tailor?”
“Just as long as my mother doesn’t do any of the sewing,” Kyla said.
They both laughed.
She clasped his hands. “Luke, in my heart, we’re already married. The ceremony is for our families. Let’s listen tomorrow and see what would make them happy, okay?”
“Compromise is something I’ve done to accommodate my family for most of my life.”
“This is not about accommodating, it’s about healing and putting the past behind us. A small gesture could go a long way.”
Luke closed his eyes, tossed his head back in the breeze, then he gazed back at Kyla. “You’re right. I’ll give it a try. I’m sure they’ll get their hearts’ desires with Stefan’s wedding.”
The stood silently and watched nature’s art show before them. A lavender hue radiated across the water as the sun dipped behind the Olympics. The beauty was spellbinding. Kyla reached up and stroked Luke’s cheek then pressed her lips to his. His fingers ran through her hair as he pulled her closer to deepen the kiss.
“Let’s go back to my place,” he whispered in her ear.
She giggled. “Do we have time before dinner?”
He snatched her hand and hurried back to the car.
“Dinner will be late tonight,” he said.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Luke and his father walked over to the tasting room and left the women behind in the house sitting by the fire sipping tea. It had been a long day of wedding plans, going over flower choices, seating arrangements, and music choices. But it wasn’t over yet. Luke’s father wanted to have some man-to-man time alone to talk before he left at the break of dawn tomorrow morning.
“Have a seat. The leather chairs are comfortable,” Luke said. “I’ll bring over some glasses and a bottle of wine.”
“Do you have anything stronger?” his father asked.
Luke unlocked a cabinet under the bar. “As a matter of fact, I have a bottle of barrel-aged gin distilled right here on Madrona Island.”
“Aged?”
Luke opened the bottle and poured a little in each glass. “They age it for a few months in oak barrels with a curl of Madrona bark. It’s excellent.”
His father raised his glass to Luke. “To your new venture and its future success.”
Luke sat in the chair next to his father and let the unique-tasting gin warm his insides. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, his father finally spoke.
“You have an impressive place here. I’m glad I got to see it.”
“Thanks. I’m glad you got to see it, too.” Luke shifted in his chair. He wasn’t used to compliments from him. His father’s face was drawn and showing his age.
“Time seems to slip away sometimes, and with it, one’s dreams.” He looked over at Luke, his eyes soft and present. “I understand more than you know,” his father said.
Luke had no idea what was coming next. He’d never seen his father like this before.
His father placed his glass down on the oak side table. “You may not believe it, but I do want you to be happy. It’s obvious you are in love, but are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this marriage?”
“I’m very happy here and plan to settle on this island permanently. We love each other and that’s all that matters.” Luke gulped back some of the gin.
“You’ll live on love until breakfast. Then what?”
Here it comes, Luke thought. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m concerned for both of your futures. What if Kyla changes her mind and wants to start modeling again? Have you considered that?”
Luke shook his head. “Tea & Comfort is her passion, and with her health concerns, a career with travel and pressure is the last thing she wants.”
His father gave him his all-knowing glare. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am,” Luke said. “And what would you know about marrying for love? Grace was your perfect partner socially and financially, but did you ever really love my mother?”
“How can you ask me that? Of course I love your mother, but I took my time and made sure it was the best possible match. I did not jump in heart-first like my previous marriage.”
Luke stood and retrieved the bottle of gin. He poured them a refill and sat back down. He couldn’t imagine his father ever making an impulsive decision, especially concerning love. “Was it different with your first marriage?”
“It might be hard to imagine, but I was young once,” his father said. “I’ve made my own mistakes and I’d like to see you avoid doing the same thing.”
“That’s interesting,” Luke said. “I’ve never heard you admit to making a mistake before.”
His father rubbed his eyes. “I know I haven’t been the greatest dad, but I am
trying here, Luke. About seven years before I met your mother, I thought myself head over heels in love with a young, beautiful, and talented opera star. My father’s private jet was at my disposal and wherever she went I followed. In every country I lavished her with gifts and begged her to marry me. My family thought it would just blow over and indulged me in my fantasy. But when I called and told them I had married her one fabulous weekend in Paris, their disappointment was palpable.”
Luke reeled from this insight into his father. “So what happened?”
“My parents were cold and polite when I brought her home. Nine months later, Stefan was born. Ten months later, my wife started professionally singing again. Within a year she was never home. Stefan grew up with a nanny; his mother preferred her adoring fans. And I could barely look at the child whose black eyes and raven hair looked just like his mother’s. At times I wondered if I were truly the father or a convenient husband to foot the bill.”
“I’m sorry,” Luke said. And he meant it. He thought of Stefan always trying to get their father’s attention. How hard it must have been for the dark-eyed older son when Luke was born and received all the love Stefan had been denied.
“How did it end?” Luke asked.
“Not well. There were rumors of her cheating and my father always made sure I heard them…his stupid son who had married for love and been dazzled by beauty. The divorce was quiet and expensive. I retained full custody of Stefan, and every time I looked at the boy I was reminded of the fool I’d been.”
Luke saw a sad, old man before him who was trying to reach out.
“It’s not like that with me and Kyla. Dad, I never wanted to disappoint you and Mom, but you still haven’t really given Kyla a chance. She’s a wonderful woman who’s been through a lot. With every cell of my body I know we are meant to be together. I’m asking you to trust me, Dad.”
He saw the raging conflict in his father’s eyes and prayed, just this once, he’d let down. With a reluctant nod, his father said, “If you think this will work, let’s go back and join the women. We have a wedding to plan.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Kyla stood at the counter with Becca and watched her mother, Grandma Mona, and Grace sip rose-colored tea in china cups. They chatted away at the front table nestled in the dormer window of Tea & Comfort. In the overhead light, Grace’s hair looked like the color of fine champagne, contrasting her own mother’s deep mahogany flowing locks. A pang of sadness pierced Kyla’s heart. They would all be going home tomorrow. She would miss their quick humor, support, and having family nearby.
“They sure look like they’re all getting along,” Becca said.
“Pretty well, surprisingly.”
Kyla joined the three women at their table. “Good morning, ladies.”
“Good morning,” her mother chimed back. “We were just discussing what we were going to write in that charming guestbook at the inn before we leave.”
“It will all be glowing,” Grace assured her.
Becca placed a silver tray of just-out-of-the-oven scones on the table before them. “Enjoy,” she said.
“What is that divine smell?” her mother asked.
“One of our special recipes for lavender chocolate chip scones.”
Her mother winked at her. “Do you share your recipes?”
Kyla sat beside her. “For family only,” she said with a grin.
“The tea is delicious,” Grace said. “What’s in the mixture?”
