Love Takes a Village, page 23
“I guess we’re eating in the kitchen and not the dining room,” she said. “We’d better get back to work.”
She turned back to her fryer with a smile, Devin close by her side and loud chatter filling the room around her. She put her free arm around Devin and kissed her cheek. She had come here reluctantly, prepared to hate every moment of her sentence. Who knew that a kitchen full of love had been on the menu for her.
Epilogue
Lena sat in her Saab in the cell phone lot at Sea-Tac Airport, waiting for her parents to let her know they were ready for her to pick them up. She tapped nervously on the steering wheel as she waited. Once she had recovered from her surprise that both her mom and dad wanted to come to Seattle for Thanksgiving, she had been a nervous mess. Cheryl and Ron were coming, too, and Lena had desperately tried to get Jacquie to change her plans and come as well, to help act as a buffer between the two couples. Or a defensive wall. Jacquie had promised to call often, but it wouldn’t be the same as having her there in person. Devin thought she was being overreactive, especially since Ron would be there to help ease any tension, but she didn’t know Lena’s family like Lena herself did.
Well, Lena wasn’t sure how well that argument stood up anymore. They had been to visit both Portland and Peshastin over the past summer, and Devin and her parents had gotten along surprisingly well. As in, look, it’s our long-lost daughter! kind of well. Devin had spent hours in their kitchen, teaching her dad the basics of chocolate making, and she and Lena’s mom had bonded over her herb-gardening hobby. They had even drawn Lena into their enthusiasm when they insisted that Lena cook some of her restaurant dishes, and all the sibs had come for dinner. It had been a weirdly nice time, possibly helped by the fact that Lena now lived in the next state and not just across town and would be able to leave soon.
Who was she fooling? It was because Devin was there with her. Even though she was still nervous about the impending visit, she couldn’t stop a grin from spreading across her face at the thought of Devin. Lena had fallen in love with her quickly, but she had never had any doubts that her feelings would change once they left fantasyland Leavenworth behind and returned to real life together. What she hadn’t expected was the way Devin had flourished since their move. She was still the same person—still kind and thoughtful and wonderful—but when the weight of indecision and sadness had been lifted from her shoulders, she had transformed into a brighter version of herself, like Leavenworth did on the day after Thanksgiving.
She was loving her new teaching job, too, and Lena had the opportunity to work with her at times since the pastry school had been one of the first clients for Lena’s new databases. She was creating apps that would help the bakery and Meyer’s run smoothly, even with a high turnover of practicum students and constantly shifting inventory. She had unofficially designated herself as taste tester for both shops, and that was fast becoming a fulfilling career move.
Her phone buzzed and she sighed. Yes, everything had been going well. And then The Parents had called. She started her car and drove to the pickup area outside of baggage claim where they were waiting for her.
Luckily, the drive from the airport to the community college was a brief one, and it was easily filled with the typical small talk about their flight—short—and the weather—rainy. She was too stressed to manage a conversation that was much longer. She parked near the food court since the college was letting Devin use the space near her chocolate shop for their dinner. They wouldn’t have been able to fit everyone in their small apartment, and Lena thought that having some extra room might allow them all to coexist.
“We’re just back here,” she explained as they walked through the empty cafeteria. “It’s tradition for Ron and Devin to see Thanksgiving as the start of the holiday season, so they’ve been decorating the…oh, my.”
The three of them came to a halt when they came around the corner, and Meyer’s Fine Chocolates came into view.
“Subtle,” her dad said, after they had been standing there for a minute.
“I know, right?” Lena said. “I’m sure that’s what they were going for.”
“It’s…” Her mother paused, apparently searching for an adjective that would encompass the sight in front of them. Lena had rarely heard her mom at a loss for words, but this would do it.
“It’s bright,” she eventually finished. “And very beautiful.” She raised her voice. “Hello, Devin, dear.”
Devin waved at them from her perch on top of a stepladder, where she was adding thick red velvet bunting to the beam across the front of the store, apparently not caring that there was already an evergreen garland in the same space. And a string of dangling icicle lights. Every spare inch of space on the counter was covered with something to do with Christmas or one of the other seasonal holidays that would be celebrated in December. Layla was coming out from behind the counter, forced to contort herself to get past the massive tinsel-covered tree that was partially blocking the way.
Devin climbed off the ladder and came over to greet them and introduce her dad, and Lena stepped to one side, searching for her aunt. She knew her parents would love Ron, but she was worried about what would happen when her mom and Cheryl were face-to-face. There wouldn’t be fights or anything unseemly like that, but Lena worried about what the increased tension would do to the party.
Devin left the three parents talking, and she came over to give Lena a kiss. Lena put her arm around Devin and gestured at the beribboned chocolate shop. “You could decorate the entire town of Leavenworth with all that,” she said. “I saw your store last Christmas, and I don’t remember there being so…much.”
Devin laughed. “I was worried Dad might feel sad this year, since we weren’t at the old shop, so I might have bought a few dozen extra decorations to cheer him up.”
Lena laughed. “And I’m guessing he did the same for you?”
Devin nodded. “After the weekend, maybe we can spread some of it around the rest of the cafeteria. Oh, careful,” she said pulling Lena out of the way of Jack, who ran past them in his straddle-legged toddler stride. He had a phone gripped in one of his chubby hands, and Lena heard a disembodied voice coming from it.
“Jack, dear, please hold Aunt Jacquie upright. She’s going to be sick.”
Lena was about to go rescue her, but Layla beat her to it, scooping up Jack in one arm and the phone in the other. “Hey, Jacquie,” she said.
“Oh, Layla, thank goodness. The world was spinning.”
Devin laughed as Layla took her two charges back toward the shop, then her laughter faded and she grabbed Lena’s hand. “Stay calm,” she said. “Everything will be all right.”
“It never works to say things like that,” Lena said, looking in the same direction, where her aunt was approaching them with a tray of glasses and a wine bottle. Ron hurried over to help her distribute them. It wasn’t wine from their new business venture yet, but from another local winery that Cheryl was sampling as inspiration.
Devin tugged on Lena’s hand and led her back into the group. The conversation was stilted at first, while everyone was sorted out with wineglasses, and Lena’s dad seemed to notice it, too. He was being uncharacteristically loud, as if trying to force them out of their awkward phase. She was about to drag him away from the group when she noticed her mom and Cheryl exchange a glance and an eye roll after he laughed too loudly at one of Ron’s stories. Lena’s dad caught her eye and gave her a sly wink.
“Oh, smart,” Devin said. “Unite them against a common enemy.”
The meddler had struck again. As the evening wore on, though, Lena had to admit that she was relieved he had done something. Her mom and Cheryl would never be besties, but they could manage a civil holiday meal together. Jack managed to entertain everyone and fill any gaps in conversation, and Layla even joined in with more confidence than she had shown last year at this time. Lena exhaled deeply in what felt like the first time in days.
She caught up with Devin when she stepped behind the shop’s counter to get some more chocolates. “You should leave this tree up year-round,” she said, pressing Devin against the wall, using the massive tree as cover. She kissed her, loving the feel of Devin’s hands on her waist, encouraging her to move even closer.
“It’s handy as a privacy screen,” Devin agreed when they broke for air. She looked at Lena with a concerned expression. “Are you more relaxed now? Having fun?”
Lena shrugged. “Yes, despite my best efforts.” She grinned. “With you in my life, I’m never going to have a subdued holiday again, am I?”
“Easter was fairly quiet,” Devin said. “I’ll need to work on that.”
Lena laughed and kissed her again, until she heard the sound of Jacquie’s voice floating toward them.
“Everyone can still see you, you know,” she called.
Lena leaned over to look past the tree, to the table where everyone was sitting, and where Layla was holding her phone toward them. They were all laughing. She looked back at Devin. “I guess the branches aren’t as thick as I thought.”
Devin gave her one last, lingering kiss. “Next year I’ll get an even bigger one.”
Lena laughed with her, and took her hand, leading them back to their family.
About the Author
Karis Walsh is a horseback riding instructor who lives in the Pacific Northwest. When she isn’t teaching or writing, she enjoys spending time outside with her animals, reading, playing the viola, and riding with friends.
Praise for Karis Walsh
Sit. Stay. Love.
“A cute and fun romance set in a small town. Great main characters that are easily relatable.”—Kat Adams, Bookseller (QBD Books, Australia)
“This is a sweet romance about two lovely people growing together and falling in love as they help the people and animals around them.”—Rainbow Reflections
“This is an easy romance to read. It’s not overly fraught with angst, but there are some light drama to keep the plot moving forward. The obligatory separation of the leads near the end of the book didn’t feel eye roll worthy, because, though dramatic, it was set up almost from the beginning of the book. I loved the characters, pacing and plot of this book. Very recommended.”—Colleen Corgel, Librarian, Queens Public Library
Love on Lavender Lane
“Gentle romance, excellent chemistry and low angst…The two MCs are well defined and well written. Their interactions and dialogue are great fun. The whole atmosphere of the lavender farm is excellently evoked.”—reviewer@large
“[Love on Lavender Lane] was very nearly my perfect romance novel. Lovely human beings for main characters who had fantastic chemistry, great humor that kept me smiling—and even laughing—throughout, and just enough angst to make my feel it in the heart. And a cute doggie, too!”—C-Spot Reviews
Seascape
“When I think of Karis Walsh novels, the two aspects that distinguish them from those of many authors are the interactions of the characters with their environment, both the scenery and the plants and animals that live in it. This book has all of that in abundance…”—The Good, the Bad and the Unread
Set the Stage
“I really adored this book. From the characters to the setting and the slow burn romance, I was in it for the long haul with this one. Karis Walsh to me is an expert in creating interesting characters that often have to face some type of adversity. While this book was no different, it felt like the author changed up her game a bit. There’s something new, something fresh about this book from Walsh.”—Romantic Reader Blog
“Both leads were well developed and you could see them grow as characters throughout the novel. They also had great chemistry. This slow burn romance made a great summer read.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)
Tales From the Sea Glass Inn
“A wonderful romance about starting all over again in middle age. Karis Walsh creates an affirming love story in which relatable women face uncertainty and new beginnings, with all of their promise and shortcomings, and come out whole on the other side.”—Omnivore Bibliosaur
“Tales from Sea Glass Inn is a lovely collection of stories about the women who visit the Inn and the relationships that they form with each other.”—Inked Rainbow Reads
Love on Tap
“Karis Walsh writes excellent romances. They draw you in, engage your mind and capture your heart…What really good romance writers do is make you dream of being that loved, that chosen. Love on Tap is exactly that novel – interesting characters, slightly different circumstances to anything you have read before, slightly different challenges. And although you KNOW the happy ending is coming, you still have that little bit of ‘oooh—make it happen.’ Loved it. Wish it was me. What more is there to say?”—Lesbian Reading Room
“This is the second book I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be my last. Ms Walsh is one of the few authors who can write a truly great and interesting love story without the need of a secondary story line or plot.”—Inked Rainbow Reads
You Make Me Tremble
“Another quality read from Karis Walsh. She is definitely a go-to for a heartwarming read.”—Romantic Reader Blog
Amounting to Nothing
“As always with Karis Walsh’s books the characters are well drawn and the inter-relationships well developed.”—Lesbian Reading Room
Sweet Hearts: Romantic Novellas
“I was super excited when I saw this book was coming out, and it did not disappoint.”—Danielle Kimerer, Librarian, Reading Public Library (MA)
“Karis Walsh sensitively portrays the frustration of learning to live with a new disability through Ainslee, and the pain of living as a survivor of suicide loss through Myra.”—Lesbian Review
Mounting Evidence
“[A]nother awesome Karis Walsh novel, and I have eternal hope that at some point there will be another book in this series. I liked the characters, the plot, the mystery and the romance so much.”—Danielle Kimerer, Librarian, Reading Public Library (MA)
Mounting Danger
“A mystery, a woman in a uniform and horses…YES!!!!…This book is brilliant in my opinion. Very well written with great flow and a fantastic plot. I enjoyed the horses in this dramatic saga. There is so much information on training and riding, and polo. Very interesting things to know.”—Prism Book Alliance
Blindsided
“Their slow-burn romance is a nuanced exploration of trust, desire, and negotiating boundaries, without a hint of schmaltz or pity. The sex scenes are sizzling hot, but it’s the slow burn that really allows Walsh to shine…the deft dialogue and well-written characters make this a winner.”—Publishers Weekly
“This is definitely a good read, and it’s a good introduction to Karis Walsh and her books. The romance is good, the sex is hot, the dogs are endearing, and you finish the book feeling good. Why wouldn’t you want all that?”—Lesbian Review
Wingspan
“I really enjoy Karis Walsh’s work. She writes wonderful novels that have interesting characters who aren’t perfect, but they are likable. This book pulls you into the story right from the beginning. The setting is the beautiful Olympic Peninsula and you can’t help but want to go there as you read Wingspan.”—Romantic Reader Blog
The Sea Glass Inn
“Karis Walsh’s third book, excellently written and paced as always, takes us on a gentle but determined journey through two women’s awakening…Loved it, another great read that will stay on my re-visit shelf.”—Lesbian Reading Room
Worth the Risk
“The setting of this novel is exquisite, based on Karis Walsh’s own background in horsemanship and knowledge of showjumping. It provides a wonderful plot to the story, a great backdrop to the characters and an interesting insight for those of us who don’t know that world…Another great book by Karis Walsh. Well written, well paced, amusing and warming. Definitely a hit for me.”—Lesbian Reading Room
Improvisation
“Walsh tells this story in achingly beautiful words, phrases and paragraphs, building a tension that is bittersweet. As the two main characters sway through life to the music of their souls, the reader may think she hears the strains of Tina’s violin. As the two women interact, there is always an undercurrent of sensuality buzzing around the edges of the pages, even while they exchange sometimes snappy, sometimes comic dialogue. Improvisation is a true romantic tale, Walsh’s fourth book, and she’s evolving into a master romantic storyteller.”—Lambda Literary
Harmony
“This was Karis Walsh’s first novel and what a great addition to the LesFic fold. It is very well written and flows effortlessly as it weaves together the story of Brooke and Andi’s worlds and their intriguing journey together. Ms Walsh has given space to more than just the heroines and we come to know the quartet and their partners, all of whom are likeable and interesting.”—Lesbian Reading Room
By the Author
Harmony
Worth the Risk
Sea Glass Inn
Improvisation
Wingspan
Blindsided
Love on Tap
