I fiddled with the machine, creating a frothy, invigorating latte. Curling my fingers around its warmth, I stared through the frosty window, shivering at the fresh blanket of whiteness covering the yards, streets, and leafless shrubs. The harsh Maritime climate took some getting used to, and this chilly morning made me question my determination to move back.
The dry heat of the corner wood-burning stove drew me into the living room, and I snuggled under one of the wool throw blankets with my novel. Mornings like these were perfect. I hadn’t even realized how much I’d missed Marisol’s welcoming home until now.
Twenty minutes later, the front door clunked, followed by stomping feet and Marisol’s soft tones. Jake’s tía appeared in the archway and set Sarina onto her feet. “Sari and I built a snowman in all that fresh white stuff out there.”
Extending my arms, I said, “Morning, Sarina. Did you have fun with Tía?” I hugged her tight, enjoying how she snuggled against me for those few moments before wiggling free and heading for her toy box.
“Is my nephew still lazing in bed?”
“Should I wake him?”
Marisol shook her head. “He’ll be up as soon.” She hurried into the kitchen and popped the tray into the oven.
“Can I help?”
“You know how to work that thing?” She pointed at the espresso machine. “Jakob bought it, but I haven’t figured it out.”
“One latte, coming up.”
“Oh, it’s so good to have you back.” She planted a kiss on my cheek and then pulled a bowl from the cupboard. “It’s wonderful you came home for the holidays, sweet girl. I haven’t seen you in years. It’s too bad Luci couldn’t get time off. She’s sad to be missing this holiday with us.”
What could I do besides nod and smile? If Luci hadn’t aired her grievances over my relationship with Jake, it was best left alone, especially given that Jake and I were still in testing mode.
“How is your family? They must miss you.”
“They’re good.” Miss me? Maybe, but only because fewer women slaved in the kitchen. My brother and father would plant themselves in the twin loungers, yelling at uniformed refs and watching skate-wearing men chase a disk of vulcanized rubber around the ice, only rousing themselves when the laden platters hit the table.
“We’ve missed you terribly. I’ve noticed the changes in Jake since you’ve been back in his life. He’s unmistakably happier these days.”
Sari toddled into the kitchen, holding her arms up to me. I tucked her against my hip, retrieving the bowl of yogurt and banana Marisol had prepared and settling at the table with the girl in my lap.
“Anyway, why shouldn’t he find love again? My nephew deserves a strong woman. An equal partner.” Marisol jutted her chin toward us. “Someone who loves his daughter. Someone his daughter loves.”
“Tía … Did you know about us?”
The woman eyed me. “Dara’s mother showed me a snippet of the reception when she visited last month. Remarkable clarity those little phone videos have.”
“Don’t they just? My mother said the same thing.”
“So sweet of Dara to send copies.”
“Yes, because I needed my friends and family to have blackmail material on me.”
“Oh, my dear. No shame in a passionate lover’s kiss. One day you and Jakob can show it to your own children.” She clasped her hands to her chest. “Having another baby in the house would be divine, but no rush. Wedding first.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready to get married again, or that it’s something I need. Anyway, marriage is just signing a piece of paper, accompanied by an expensive party.”
Marisol placed her hands on her hips. “Oh, none of that. I raised Jakob right, to take those sacred vows seriously. He will marry again. I’d have it no other way.”
Jake shuffled into the kitchen, raking his fingers through damp, tousled hair, stopping to kiss both me and his daughter. “Morning.” He pointed at my empty mug. “Can I make you another latte?”
“Thanks, but I should shower and dress.”
Marisol’s lips twitched into a self-satisfied smile as I transferred Sari into her arms. “You’ll never want for anything, sweet girl,” she whispered, “not for the important things, anyway. You belong here, with him. The rest will settle into place.”
“Can you be ready in thirty, Mar?” Jake asked, seeming oblivious to his tía’s machinations. “It’s a bit of a drive.”
“Absolutely!” I hurried down the hall, excited to learn where he was taking me. Jake’s surprises were always fun. His spontaneity was one of the things I liked best about him.
By lunchtime the sky had cleared, the gloomy clouds giving way to weak, mid-winter rays of sun. As I pushed through the door, exiting the charming and slightly rustic dining room of the Sou’Wester, I wrapped my scarf around my neck and tucked the ends into my jacket. My booted feet sent bits of sand and gravel skittering across the pavement as I walked toward Jake, catching a flash of something black disappearing in the depths of his pocket.
He adjusted the bottom of his winter coat as I approached. “Ready?”
“I knew I shouldn’t leave you alone in the gift shop.” I brushed my fingers along his leg, digging for whatever had disappeared into those dark-washed jeans. “Let’s see the contraband.”
“Ah!” Jake batted away my fingers. “I promised I wouldn’t buy any useless crap, and I didn’t.” Catching my gloved hand, he tugged me across the parking lot toward the narrow boardwalk on the far side. “Let’s walk to the point before the sun goes down.”
“You’re really not going to show me?”
“Later.” He chuckled. “Nosey little thing.”
Hand in hand, we wound our way through weathered boulders and patches of snow-covered earth toward the white-washed structure perched at the edge of the Atlantic.
“This was a good idea.” I said, peering up at him. “The lobster is every bit as delicious as I remember, and the view is
