Tea & Comfort (Madrona Island Series Book 2), page 21
He took her hand and led her to the master bath. The Jacuzzi tub was surrounded by flickering candles. A bottle of chilled champagne waited on the windowsill next to a silver tray of dark-chocolate-covered strawberries. Deep red rose petals floated in the sudsy water.
Luke stood in the doorway. “If you’d like, you could soak first and shake off the jet lag. Then I could join you for a glass of champagne.”
A wave of disappointment flashed through Kyla’s mind. Why didn’t he just tear off her clothes and carry her to the tub? She looked deep into his eyes and saw blazing passion. Then she realized, that was probably exactly what he wanted to do. But he was giving her space, putting her needs first.
Kyla snatched the terrycloth robe from his hand and pushed him out the door. “I’ll soak a little and when I’m all warm, silky, and relaxed, I’ll call for you.”
“Oh, okay,” he said, skirting out the door.
She contained a giggle and shut the door behind him. It felt good to take off her travel clothes and slip into the delicious, rose-scented bath. She laid her head against the built-in pillow and let her body float in this luxury. He’d given her everything she always wanted. Could she give him what he wanted?
Her thoughts slipped back to the doctor’s appointment in New York. Why hadn’t she told Luke she was going? When was she going to discuss the risks pregnancy would involve with her condition? Would he still want to marry her after she made it clear that having children may be difficult? She put her wet hands over her ears as if they could block out her thoughts. They needed to talk. But not now, not here, not after all the work that went into making this the perfect romantic getaway.
There was a light knock at the door.
“How’s it going in there?” Luke called through the door.
“Pretty good,” she answered.
He cracked open the door. “Only pretty good?”
“It could be better,” she said.
“How?”
Kyla motioned for him to come in. He stepped through the door wearing only the bathrobe loosely tied in the front.
“With you by my side,” she said.
Luke walked over and poured two glasses of champagne then set them on the ridge of the bath. His eyes washed over her glistening body.
“Are you coming in or not?” she said.
When he tossed his robe off and flung it over the chair, Kyla caught her breath at the sight of his lean, hard body in the candlelight. He hurried into the water and nestled down in the bubbles next to her.
She laid her head on his bare shoulder. “Now it’s perfect,” she said.
His arm wrapped around her wet, slippery back as he turned her toward him. His lips covered hers, his tongue danced over his lips. Kyla slipped along the side of the bath, and Luke moved quickly to keep her head from going completely under the water.
She came up sputtering, and the horrified look on his face made her burst out laughing. “It was not your fault,” she said. “Your kiss made me lose balance.”
Kyla leaned forward and rubbed noses with him in a playful way.
“But we could try again.”
***
Luke lay propped on his side in bed, his eyes adjusting to the early morning sunlit room. Next to him Kyla slept soundly. Her mussed hair draped over the pillow into her eyes. With his fingertip, he slid a patch of hair aside, exposing the face of the woman he loved. She twitched for a moment and called out in her sleep, then turned over, still very deep in dreamland. Something was bothering her. He was sure of it. You can’t be this close to a person and not know when something is off. Silently he wished she would finally trust him enough to tell him everything. There was not a dark secret or skeleton in her past that he could not and would not accept. She’d seen his darkest side and accepted him completely. He’d learned what love was from her and that was what he would give back.
“Luke.” Kyla wiped sleep out of her dazzling green eyes.
He watched her stretch her long, creamy arms and yawn. “Shall I order coffee? Breakfast?” he asked.
Just out of sleep and far from her worries, Kyla looked peaceful and happy. “Coffee, yes. More strawberries and whatever you want,” she said.
Luke kissed her cheek. “I’ll order a tray. We’ll have breakfast in bed.”
He slid out from under of the blankets and reached for his robe.
“You don’t need to put that on until they arrive,” Kyla said.
After calling down for room service, Luke slipped back into the bed. Lost in her arms, he almost didn’t hear room service knock. He jumped up, wrapped the robe around him, and retrieved the tray from the waiter. When he turned around, Kyla, looking cozy in her robe, was sitting at the small table facing the pond.
“Let’s eat here. The birds are having breakfast at the feeder and we can watch them,” she said.
Luke set out the coffee service and plates of pastries and fruit and took the seat opposite her.
“I wish we could stay here forever,” she said wistfully. She popped a strawberry in her mouth and then another. “Just the two of us.”
“Don’t you want to go home?” he asked. Luke watched her turn within herself, and the familiar mask come across her face. Gone was the playful mermaid from last evening’s bath.
“I love the island and my shop. It’s just…”
“What, Kyla? Are the wedding plans too much for you?”
She forced a smile. “Of course not. I know it will be beautiful. Maybe I’m just tired from traveling.”
“Maybe,” he said, searching her face for clues. “One less worry for you is Lily. She’s back to normal and the doctor said the baby is fine. In a week or two they’ll welcome their new little one.”
“I’m happy for them,” Kyla said. She set down her fork and stared out the window.
“She thinks it’s a girl,” Luke said. “Maybe someday…”
“And maybe not,” she said with a start.
Kyla suddenly paled and Luke realized, even though he’d been trying to cheer her up, he’d hit a sore spot. He looked down at the breakfast that no longer appealed to his clenched stomach. This conversation needed to be continued, but judging from her reaction, this was not the time.
He stood up. “I’m going to take a shower.”
“Okay,” she said.
He’d hoped she’d ask to join him. Disappointed, Luke turned on his heel and headed for the massive bathroom. Would it always be like this with Kyla? He just needed to give her time.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
“Lily’s in labor,” Jude said, breathless.
“Hang on.” Kyla ran into Luke’s kitchen, tapped him on the shoulder, and switched on her speakerphone. “How is she doing?”
“She and Ian are on the way to the hospital, and Ryan and I are meeting them there.”
“We’re on our way,” Kyla said. “What’s her status?”
“Contractions fast and often.”
“See you there.”
Luke had the keys in his hand. “Ready when you are.”
They hurried out to the car and Luke sped into town. The island hospital was known for its efficient care. There were no nicer nurses or more competent doctors anywhere, Kyla reassured herself. She’d been so busy with the wedding plans the last few weeks, she’d barely seen Lily. The baby would be a little early. It should be fine. Kyla forced herself to breathe into her abdomen. No sense bringing her own stress to the hospital with her.
The maternity waiting area was brightly lit and scattered with people. On a small leather couch, Grandpa John sat next to Jason, who was holding a bouquet of flowers. Lily’s mother, Katherine, who had already been there visiting a few days, was in the chair next to them.
“Any word?” Kyla asked, sitting down next to them.
Grandpa John’s smile was contagious. “Just the normal waiting. Ian’s in with her and the doctor’s been out to tell us she is doing perfectly.”
Luke exhaled with relief. “Can I get anyone anything?”
Katherine shook her head. “Thanks, but Jude and Ryan just made a coffee run and should be back soon.”
“Sit down, Luke,” Kyla said. “You’re making me nervous.” Her eyes scanned the bright yellow walls filled with pictures of smiling mothers cradling their babies in their arms.
He smiled sheepishly and took a chair next to her. “I’m so jumpy you’d think we were having the baby.”
A weight dropped in Kyla’s stomach. Her hands were clammy. She looked up, seeing all the love and concern in the room. It would be there for her, too, when her time came. It was time to tell Luke her fears about having children and put her past evasive behavior behind her.
Jude and Ryan turned the corner with cardboard trays of Styrofoam coffee cups and offered some to everyone.
“And hot chocolate for you, my man,” Ryan said. He handed the fragrant drink to Jason. “So, how do you feel about being a big brother soon?” he asked.
Jason puffed up his shoulders. “Mom says I can hold the baby myself and help take care of her.”
“You’ll be a great helper for her,” Kyla said. “And having your grandmother here must be special.”
Jason grinned. “She made pancakes for me this morning. With strawberries on top.”
“Yum.” Luke rubbed his belly.
All heads perked up as the door to the delivery room opened and the doctor stepped out.
He announced with a bright smile, “It’s a very vocal and completely healthy girl!”
A cheer rose up. Kyla reached out and hugged Jason and then Grandpa John. “Congratulations,” she said.
Luke pulled her into his arms. “I’m so happy for them,” he said. His dreamy gaze spoke volumes.
“Me, too,” Kyla said. Relief flooded through her. As it receded, a palpable longing for a child clung to her.
The doctor cleared her throat. “We’ll get them settled and you can go into the birthing suite.”
Katherine rose from her seat. “I’m her mother. Can I come with you now?”
“Sure thing,” the doctor said.
A few minutes later, a nurse came out and guided the rest of them down a shiny hall to the birthing room. Wood floors, fluffy curtains, and a bed framed by a large headboard made the room look more like a hotel suite. A balloon bouquet in shades of pink floated in the air announcing, “It’s a Girl.”
With Jason in hand, Grandpa John hurried over to Lily. “Congratulations, honey,” he said.
Lily, face flushed, gazed down at the little swaddled bundle nestled in her arms. “It’s a girl,” she said, fingering the pink knit cap on the baby’s head.
“We heard,” Grandpa John said. He winked at Jason. “Couldn’t be happier.”
Jason leaned over to get a good look. “She’s so little.”
Ian put his hand on his son’s shoulder. “That’s how they come. You were that little once.”
Jason looked unconvinced.
Kyla approached the bed, looking carefully at the mother and sleeping child. A golden light radiated from them, creating a healthy glow. All would be well now. “Congratulations, Lily, Ian. She’s a beautiful baby.”
“Have you named her yet?” Jude asked.
Lily looked up at Ian. “We’ve decided to name her Guinevere. And Gwyn for short.”
“Pretty,” Jude said.
“It’s Welsh,” Kyla said. “From the royal court of Arthur, if I remember correctly.”
Ian stood beside the bed, staring down at his girls. “It’s also from an old David Crosby song that Lily and I both love.”
“I remember it,” Luke said. “Good choice.”
Lily held the baby out to Kyla. “Do you want to hold her a minute?”
Kyla took the tightly wrapped bundle in her arms. The sweet smell of baby filled her senses with longing. The child opened her clear blue eyes as if to say hello and then slipped back to sleep. The connection was instant and it stunned Kyla.
“She’s an old soul, this one,” Kyla said, handing her back to her mother.
Ryan rushed into the room with a huge bouquet of flowers in his hands. “Sorry it took so long.” He brought them to the table beside Lily. “May I take a peek?” he asked.
Lily pulled the blanket back to show him the sweet girl.
“She has a heart-shaped face,” Ryan said.
“And a delicate golden curl on her forehead,” Ian chimed in.
Kyla stepped quietly back from the bed and let the others have their turn. She sat down on the leather loveseat by the window and watched everyone admire the baby and congratulate Lily.
Jude wandered over and dropped into the rocking chair next to Kyla. “I’m so glad everything turned out so well. Lily had me worried there for a while.”
“I know what you mean.”
Jude nudged Kyla. “Look how cute Luke is being with the baby.”
“I know,” Kyla said.
“What’s wrong?” Jude asked. “I mention Luke and your face falls to the floor.”
Kyla sighed. “It’s everything. The wedding, a baby, moving into his house.”
Jude raised her eyebrows. “Sounds pretty good to me.” She stared off longingly toward Ryan, who stood at Luke’s side. “Have you talked to Luke about it?” Jude asked.
“Not yet.”
“Well, what are you waiting for, girl? After the wedding?”
Kyla watched Luke make a fuss over the baby. He looked so happy. “What if I can’t have a child? It’s not fair to Luke.”
Jude lowered her voice. “What if you can? Aren’t you the one who said attitude makes a big difference in healing?”
“Right,” Kyla said. “Sometimes doubts just linger. And with the wedding so close…”
“Wedding jitters. Don’t worry,” Jude said. “Luke is steady in one direction, right toward you! I wish Ryan felt like that about me. You’re lucky to have a guy like that.”
“Right. Thanks for reminding me, Jude.”
“That’s what friends are for. Now, can we talk about important matters?”
Kyla nodded.
“Can we do a shower for Lily now?” Jude asked.
Lily had not wanted a shower until the baby was born. Somehow she felt, with all her health issues, it might be bad luck. Kyla had understood.
“Why don’t we plan one for when she gets home?” Kyla said. “A special one with tea and cookies and lots of gifts.”
Jude leaned forward and whispered, “I’ll get it all arranged.”
***
Luke whistled on their way home from visiting Ian, Lily, and the new baby. He glanced over toward Kyla again, but she was still staring out the window. Her red hair caught the light breeze from the open window. He’d seen the joy in her eyes when she’d held tiny Gwyn, but sorrow had rippled through her as well. Luke turned down Main Street to drive Kyla home.
“You’re pretty quiet,” he said.
“Just thinking. Jude and I are planning a quick baby shower for Lily when she gets home in a couple of days.”
“Count me in,” Luke said. “If men are invited, of course.”
“You’re in,” Kyla said.
“They sure had a beautiful baby girl,” Luke said.
“Very,” Kyla answered.
Luke kept driving and gave up on the conversation. He turned down her gravel drive and parked in front of the house.
“Can you come inside so we can talk?” she asked.
“Of course,” Luke’s hands gripped the wheel. Don’t expect the worse, he reminded himself.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Kyla turned on the light in her cottage and greeted the cats. The scent of lemon verbena lingered in the air from the creams she had made the day before.
“Take a seat.” Kyla motioned Luke toward the oak dining table. “I’ll make us some tea.”
She turned her back to him to collect her thoughts. The conversation with Jude echoed in her mind as she boiled water and brought down her favorite tea blend. If she really wanted to move forward toward the life she longed for, she had to stop letting her fears get in the way.
At seventy degrees out, it was amazingly warm for May. “Would you like it iced?” she asked.
“Sure. That’s fine.”
Kyla brought over the clear glass teapot filled with the golden mixture to steep a bit before pouring. She sat down next to Luke. Even as he smiled at her, she could see the weariness in his eyes. She’d put him through enough.
“I know I haven’t been the easiest to figure out lately, and I’m sorry.” Kyla put her hand on his. “It’s not because I don’t love you, Luke, it’s because I do.”
She saw his face lighten. “And I you,” he said.
“A good marriage is based on honesty and trust, and I know we’ve had a bumpy road in that area at times.”
“We have at that.” Luke’s crooked smile touched her heart. “But I hope that’s behind us now.”
Kyla poured some tea into the iced glasses.
He looked questioningly at her.
“I’ve lived with a lot of secrets. It’s always been especially hard for me to talk about my family.”
“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” Luke said.
“But I do. If I don’t get it all out, it will always stand between us.”
His long, beautiful fingers wrapped around the glass of tea and brought it to his mouth. He sipped slowly, his eyes never leaving hers.
Kyla fidgeted in her chair. “There were a few other reasons I stayed in New York longer than expected.”
Luke’s eyes widened and the fear lurking behind them became apparent. “I figured you’d tell me when you were ready.”
“After the shower in New York, your mother asked me again about my father. There was no sense avoiding the subject any longer. I told her I remember very little and that he was never spoken of after he stopped coming by the house. I was only eight then. My father and I would romp through the woods by his cabin, his long, dark hair flowing in the wind. We’d stop and sit on a boulder overlooking a river and he would play his flute. He taught me about his culture and about the signs in nature and the spirit world. My father was Iroquois.”
