Tea & Comfort (Madrona Island Series Book 2), page 23
Kyla nodded and took Luke’s arm. “See you soon. Call if you need anything,” she yelled back at her friends.
They walked across the grass to the floral booth. He glanced back and saw Jude standing there alone and Ryan walking back toward town. “That was strange.”
“I’m worried about Jude,” Kyla said. “Did you see the way he dropped her hand and froze?”
“Something tells me having the infamous Peyton Chandler in town is going to make some big waves,” Luke said.
Kyla stopped a few feet from the flowers and looked up at him. “More like a tsunami, I would say.”
Luke leaned over the top of Kyla’s head. “Let’s hope this time your knack for foreseeing things is wrong.”
“It does happen,” she said with a smile. “Now let’s go choose some flowers.”
They waited for the line at the flower stall to thin so they could get to the front. Kyla held up a bunch of light pink peonies. “Aren’t these gorgeous?” she asked him.
“Absolutely,” Luke said.
“We’ll order the blush-colored peonies, creamy roses, white oriental poppies, and ballet slipper pink ranunculus for the wedding bouquet,” Kyla said. “And for the centerpieces and bridesmaids, add in the daisies, and the sweet alyssum and fragrant sweet peas with stalks of flowering rosemary.” Kyla held the fragrant flowers close and lost herself in their scent. “It’s going to be a beautiful wedding.”
Luke smiled. “That it is.”
***
While Luke carried in groceries from the car, Kyla put everything away in the stainless steel refrigerator in Luke’s kitchen. It was soon to be “their” kitchen, she reminded herself. She’d already brought most of her things over, and Luke had been very accommodating, changing and moving anything she wanted. They’d gone shopping for new linens and bedding and a few items to add a woman’s touch to the house. Kyla would leave most of her furniture at the cottage that Becca would now rent from her while she managed Tea & Comfort. Bailey wagged his tail and danced around the kitchen floor in anticipation of a treat.
Kyla petted the stocky dog. She loved the patch across his eye. “Good boy. Let me see what I can find for you.”
“This is the last of it,” Luke said. He set the box of produce on the granite countertop. “Let’s get this put away and take a break.”
Kyla opened the refrigerator door. “I’m not sure I can stuff one more thing in here.”
Luke reached in and adjusted a few items on the top shelf. “Plenty of room,” he said.
“No fair, you’re so much taller.”
Luke scooped her up and held her in the air.
“Put me down.” She wriggled around, trying not to laugh.
“I will for a kiss.” He puckered out his lips.
Kyla leaned in for a quick kiss, but Luke held her close. She wrapped her legs around his waist and lost herself in the sensation of his moist lips on hers. The ringing of Luke’s cell phone broke the moment and he slid her gently to the ground.
“I better get it,” he said.
He answered the phone but remained silent for a few moments. Kyla watched on in concern.
“I’m glad to hear that,” Luke said. “Thursday will be fine. We’ll see you then.”
Luke hung up the phone and stared at Kyla with a dazed expression. “It was my brother, Stefan. He was wondering if it was too late to RSVP for the wedding for him and Lisbeth. He apologized profusely for the late response.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I hope it’s okay with you, Kyla. I told them to come.”
Kyla hugged him. “It’s more than okay. It makes me so happy to know your whole family is going to be there for you.”
“For us,” Luke said. “But my dad has still not let us know if he’s coming for sure.”
“I know. I’m sorry,” Kyla said. “Maybe he’ll surprise us.”
Luke shrugged. He’d thought he and his dad had made progress when he was out here visiting, but he’d not heard from him since. “Let’s go sit outside on the deck. It’s a beautiful day and just the two of us. And, of course, Bailey. C’mon, boy.”
Kyla sat down next to him on the wooden bench and rested her head against his chest. His steady heart pattered in her ear. Bailey plopped down at their feet.
“I hope the weather holds for the wedding next Saturday,” she said. “Guests will start arriving in a few days and everything is going to get pretty crazy.”
Kyla wouldn’t have it any other way. Her mother and grandmother would be here early to help out and her agent, Arlene, was coming on Friday. Luke’s family and some old friends from college were attending, and most of the island was invited.
“Not too crazy, I hope,” Luke said. He pointed to the grassy area. “If it’s sunny, we can serve lunch on tables in the vineyard and under the flowering dogwood trees.”
“Shirley wouldn’t let me see the cake,” Kyla said. “She wants it to be a surprise. All I know is that she wants to match each layer to the flowers we picked out.”
“I thought Lily was making the cake.”
“Shirley is in charge of the major baking. But Lily is making cupcakes with lavender icing and a grape vine motif on top.”
Luke laughed. “We’re in good hands.”
Kyla squeezed Luke’s hand. “So am I. The oak wine barrels with flower arrangements on top will look beautiful out there in the garden. That was a great idea, Luke. I’m sure Ryan will take care of everything else.”
“He knows his stuff,” Luke said. “I wonder what the issue was at the market with Ryan and the movie news.”
“I don’t have a good feeling about it. I’ll give Jude a call tomorrow and see if there is anything I can do.”
Luke stared out over the vineyard. Kyla felt sadness radiating off him. Panic stuck in her throat. Was he doubting...no! Of course not. And she would not let herself either. She held his hand and waited for him to speak.
“I hope my father shows up,” Luke said.
Kyla stroked his face. He looked like a sweet, little boy. “How could he not? He loves you.”
Hope lit Luke’s face like a ray of sun. “Thank you.”
“There are chocolate truffles in the refrigerator,” Kyla said, tempting him.
“That reminds me,” Luke said. “Ian finished the design for Madrona Winery’s new blend we worked on together.”
“I can’t wait to see it. My spicy chocolate blended with your bold red wine is amazing.”
“A magical blend,” Luke said with a playful kiss. “Just like us.”
Kyla looked out over the pastoral property. A deep peace and contentment washed over her. And gratitude. She imagined the cats stretched out in the sun and her tending the gardens and helping Luke with the vineyard. Very soon her lavender field would be blooming, interspersed with Chinese red poppies and golden sunflowers. Already her chives were coming up and the perennials were doing well. She’d planted nasturtium seeds that would bloom in all colors and go well in salads, and a new addition, chocolate flower seeds from a local nursery.
Luke caressed her face. “I feel like I’m dreaming sometimes.” He waved his hand out toward the vineyard. “That I found this place and I found you.”
Kyla placed her hand on his. “It’s real, Luke. We found each other.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
The Madrona trees, their smooth red bark, slick leaves, and white fairy flowers beckoned Kyla outside the silky tent. The guests were nestled in the vineyard in wooden chairs. Notes of “Pachelbel’s Canon” drifted through the air as Siri’s string quartet began playing the song.
The bridal party proceeded ahead with Jude and Lily in their pearl-colored gowns, bouquets in hand, walking down the aisle arm in arm with the groomsmen, Ian, and Ryan. They took their place on the stage on each side of Luke. Kyla’s heart skipped a beat. He looked so handsome standing there in his silver-grey tuxedo and creamy rose boutonniere waiting for her. She stood by the door watching the flower girl skip down the aisle tossing rose pedals in the air with glee. Following her, dressed in a doggie tuxedo, was Bailey. In his mouth he carried a small basket with the wedding rings tucked inside. Friendly faces turned and encouraged them.
Kyla’s mother stood beside her and squeezed her hand. “Are you ready?” she asked.
Kyla admired her exquisite pearl-white- and blush-colored tulle dress with the cap sleeves. The iridescent pearl applique trickled down the full-length skirt in a floral pattern. She touched the antique necklace her grandmother had placed around her neck for her “something old.” It was time.
She stepped into the light of the gloriously sunny day and glided past the rows of family and friends. As she walked by, Betty and Mary waved, and a grinning Shirley shot her a wink. Familiar faces blurred as they moved toward the stage. Grandpa John, sitting right up front with Jason, nodded with an affirming smile. The sound of violins rose in the air as Kyla approached the grape vine arbor covered in flowers and twinkling lights.
Luke’s eyes met hers. His face softened as his bride came into view, then a beaming smile burst across his face. Kyla could hardly move up the steps to join him. Luke nodded slightly toward the front row of seats. Kyla glanced over, and alongside Stefan and Lizbeth was Alexander, Luke’s father, sitting beside Grace. Everyone was here.
But at this moment, only one person had Kyla’s complete attention and all of her heart. She stepped up on the oak platform and took her place beside Luke. Tears of joy welled up inside her. The music stopped and Kyla turned to face the man she would happily spend the rest of her life with. All of her running had led her right here to this perfect moment.
~
The story continues in the Madrona Island Series…
Book One – The Guestbook
Everyone Remembers Their First Love...
But Sometimes it’s the Second Love that Lasts Evocative and heartfelt, The Guestbook is the profound story of one woman's journey toward hope, renewal and a second chance at love on a lush Pacific Northwest island. Curl up with your favorite cup of cocoa and enjoy. ~Anjali Banerjee - author of Imaginary Men and Haunting Jasmine said about this women's fiction romance
Fleeing her picture-perfect marriage among the privileged set of Brentwood and the wreckage of a failed marriage, Lily Parkins decides to move to the only place that still holds happy memories, her grandmother’s old farmhouse. The lush and majestic setting of the Pacific Northwest calls to her and offers a place of refuge and perhaps renewal. Her grandmother has passed away, leaving the Madrona Island Bed & Breakfast Inn to Lily. Left with only an old guestbook as her guide–a curious book full of letters, recipes, and glimpses into her family history–Lily is determined to embrace her newfound independence and recreate herself, one page at a time. With the help of the quirky island residents she has befriended, she slowly finds the strength to seek out happiness on her own terms. But as soon as she has sworn off men and is standing on her own two feet, Lily meets Ian, the alluring artist who lives next door, and her new life is suddenly thrown off course. The last thing she wants to do right now is to open her heart to another man. Ultimately, Lily must decide if it’s worth giving up her soul for security or risking everything to follow her heart in this romantic love story.
Book Two – Tea & Comfort
Coming Soon 2016 Book Three–Island Thyme Café
The final book features the vivacious and loving, Jude Simon, owner of the popular Island Thyme Café. After Kyla’s wedding festivities are over, Jude finds her own relationship with Ryan in jeopardy. This forces her to face the tragedy surrounding her husband’s abandonment many years ago. Left a single mother of an infant daughter, Jude went on to make a success of her café, but still hides her broken heart behind her radiant smile. At almost 40 years old, she finds herself falling hard for her new chef, Ryan. Her feelings are returned, and just when she thinks she has found love at last, Ryan’s own dark secret returns in the form of a seductive ex-lover. With the help of Kyla and Lily, Jude decides to fight for what she wants most and find the happy ending she has always longed for.
RECIPES
Kyla’s Chocolate & Spice Cheesecake
Created by Andrea Hurst
Preheat oven to 375o
Crust:
1½ package of chocolate graham crackers crushed
1¼ stick of butter melted
2 tsp. honey
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Pinch of culinary lavender
Add honey, cinnamon, and lavender to butter mixture.
Mix butter mixture with graham crackers and line glass cheesecake dish.
Filling:
2 packages of soft cream cheese
2 eggs beaten
2/3 cup of honey
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. culinary lavender
4 heaping Tbsp. pure cocoa powder
Mix until creamy
Pour over crust. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Do not over-bake.
Topping:
1 16-oz. carton sour cream
¼ tsp. culinary lavender
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 heaping Tbsp. of pure cocoa powder
Mix and spread over warm cheesecake just out from oven. Put back into the oven for five minutes. Remove. Cool and then chill in the refrigerator.
Decorate with a sprig of fresh lavender.
Biscotti with Lavender and Orange
Sarah Richardson –
Lavender Wind Farm http://www.lavenderwind.com/
Ingredients
½ cup sugar
3 Tbsp. butter
3 tsp. ground lavender
2 tsp. grated orange rind
½ tsp. vanilla
2 large egg whites
1½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
¼ cup toasted almonds
Optional: 3 oz. melted semi-sweet chocolate
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 325o.
Beat the first 5 ingredients at medium speed of a mixer until well blended. Beat in egg whites. Lightly spoon the flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture, beating until blended. Stir in almonds.
Turn biscotti dough out onto a floured board or other surface to work on. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray; with lightly floured hands, shape the dough into two 5-inch-long rolls; move to the baking sheet and flatten the rolls to a 1-inch thickness.
Bake them at 325o for 30 minutes. Remove the rolls from the baking sheet, and cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
Cut each roll diagonally into 7 half-inch slices a good sharp knife. Place the slices on baking sheet. Bake the slices at 325o for 15 minutes (the cookies will be slightly soft in the center, but will harden as they cool.
Remove from baking sheet; cool completely on wire rack.
Watermelon Mint Salad
Sarah Richardson
Lavender Wind Farm http://www.lavenderwind.com/
At the farm we raise more than lavender! This year we have a good sized mint patch and so we’re starting to cook with mint. For a potluck a couple of weeks ago I made this watermelon mint salad.
Watermelon Mint Salad
7-8 lb. seedless watermelon, chilled
1 red onion, chopped
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1 cup fresh chopped mint leaves
¼ tsp. ground lavender
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Cut the watermelon off of the peel and chop into bite sized bits. Put into a colander so the watermelon can drain as you are preparing the rest of the items. Chop up the red onion and the mint into small pieces. Crumble up the feta so it will make pea or bean sized pieces. Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lavender, and salt. Then put them all in a bowl and combine gently. Liquid will form at the bottom of the bowl, so you can serve it with a slotted spoon to avoid puddles on the plate.
Island Truffles
Michaelene McElroy
5 oz. 70% chocolate, chopped finely (Callebaut chocolate recommended)
3 Tbsp. Merlot (a fruit forward variety)
1 Tbsp. cream (preferably organic)
1/8 tsp. pure lavender extract
Cocoa powder (Cocoa Barry recommended)
Add first three ingredients to a double boiler set over gently simmering water. Do not let the bottom of the insert touch the water. After one minute, begin to gently whisk the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted. Take care not to let the liquid become too hot or the mixture will seize. Remove from the heat and gently whisk in the lavender extract. Remove truffle mixture to a bowl and let rest at room temperature until set, but still pliable enough to form into one-inch truffles. Refrigerate until firm. Once firm, roll the truffles in cocoa powder. Tap off excess. Truffles will last a week if refrigerated. Remove from refrigerator at least thirty minutes before serving.
