Chapter Fifteen

Twenty-four hours later, Pierre strode into the café dressed in a pinstriped business suit and carrying his briefcase. He bent to kiss Katrina’s cheek. Placing his briefcase under the table, he then pulled out a chair and sat. His eyebrow rose upon spotting the bandage. “Ma chèrie, what happened?”

“I tripped on a toy train. The story is a long one, but doesn’t matter.” She found her tumble quite humorous now. “Thank you for meeting me so quickly.”

“I was thrilled to hear you had returned home.” He glanced around the café and picked up a menu. “Is this luncheon business or personal?”

“Both.” She was here to promote him and to dump him. “Do you love me?”

The menu fell from his hands. “I…of course.”

Katrina shook her head. His hesitation strengthened her suspicions. “Not like a sister or friend. More like a man in love with a woman, to spend the rest of their lives together, get married, and have babies.”

“I…yes…no…I don’t know.”

Relief washed over her like a cold glass of water on a warm day. His lack of a definite answer confirmed her suspicions. “Thank goodness.” She had to release him of their promise before he squirmed off his chair. “We’re not getting married.”

His brows rose, creasing his forehead. “Are we breaking up?”

Katrina wanted to laugh. Pierre’s widened eyes were filled with surprise and relief at the same time. “Yes, we are.” Contentment rested easily upon her shoulders.

He flicked the cloth napkin and placed it over his lap. “I’m sorry, Katrina. We’ve been friends for so long and you’re my boss. Plus, many years ago, your grandmother said that I was to never consider the possibility of you and I together because we’d”—he waved a hand between them— “never happen.”

She almost spit her mouthful of water across the table. “Gram really said that?”

“She sure did.” He chuckled. “I loved Faith as the grandmother I never had. When I was asked to take care of you, I promised to do just that. I went to the jeweler and bought the ring. My apologies, I should have spoken to you before proposing in front of your grandmother.” He fidgeted with the edge of the table cloth. “I only wanted to make her happy before she left us.”

Katrina rested a hand on Pierre’s, thankful he was taking the breakup well. “We were emotional wrecks when Gram was in the hospital. I think we took her words out of context. She wanted us to take care of each other. Not actually get married.” She picked up her handbag from the nearby chair and pulled out a velvet pouch. “Do you remember what Gram said when you grabbed my hand and put the ring on my finger?”

Frowning, he shook his head.

“She didn’t say anything.” Katrina had plenty of time to think during the flight to Paris. The day of this crazy engagement was now as clear as the menu on the table. At the time, Gram’s non-response went overlooked, but the haunting stare in her grandmother’s eyes chilled Katrina’s bones. “When had my grandmother not given her opinion, especially on something this important?” She didn’t wait for his response, knowing the truth of her words. “We were too worried about her health to question her silence. I truly believe she wouldn’t want us to get married.”

Pierre sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Thank goodness.” He slapped his hand on the table. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound heartless.”

Katrina was happy to see his relief match her own. If he had loved her, working together might be awkward. “This belongs to you.” She reached for his hand and placed the velvet pouch in his palm. “Give this ring to a woman you truly love.”

After a glance in the pouch, Pierre grinned from ear to ear.

“I’m expanding the cafés into Canada,” she advised him. “And, offering you the executive management position for Paris.” Now that their faux engagement had been obliterated, their friendship and business relationship could return to normal.

“Wow, that’s a momentous business opportunity. And yes, I accept the position.” He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I greet the challenge with much enthusiasm.”

An hour later, completing lunch and discussing the expansion with Pierre, Katrina drove to Glen’s office. He hugged her and then removed a folder from the filing cabinet. Several business documents covered his desk. Each one had colored tabs poking out from the sides. He added the new folder to the pile, put on his reading glasses, and sat in his chair.

“Why do I get the feeling you were expecting me?” Katrina sat in the armchair studying the older man’s expression.

“She told me to be ready.”

“She?”

“Faith.”

His pause gave Katrina a moment to catch a breath.

“I apologize for not telling you everything.” Glen continued as he leaned a forearm on the desk. “Faith wanted to be the one to explain. She had many regrets over deceiving you.”

The renovation. “Gram hid my mother’s cedar box.” Her whispered words weren’t a question. “She wanted me to know out about Samuel.” The rhythm of her heartbeat kicked up. Nick was right.

Glen nodded, pushing his reading glasses higher on his nose. He handed her an envelope. “Faith wrote this letter just before she passed. She made me swear to not say anything until you returned from Montreal.” He stood and walked toward her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll give you a few minutes alone.”

When Katrina heard the door close behind her, she opened the envelope even though her hands trembled. Tears gathered at the corner of her eyes. Seeing Gram’s handwriting made her heart ache. She inhaled a deep breath and began reading.

My dearest Katrina,

I’m certain you are upset and wonder why I didn’t tell you about the house in Montreal and about Samuel. I’m so sorry for keeping his identity a secret. I have only one excuse. I was afraid of losing you. You were all I had and I couldn’t bear to be alone. You deserve an explanation of why I acted so selfishly.

When I was younger, I had big dreams, but I didn’t have the money or the schooling to grow those dreams until I met your grandfather. He was my love at first sight. He supported my wild ideas of opening a café. I don’t know how he ever put up with my stubborn ways. The man was a saint, and my soul mate. When I lost your grandfather to cancer, I suffered such grief. I sank into the darkest depths of sorrow. I then learned I was pregnant. I found strength to continue. I had to, for her. Your mother became my reason to live.

Katrina swiped the tear under her eye with the tip of her finger.

We moved to Montreal for a new beginning. I had big plans for our future. Samuel wasn’t part of those plans. He was a thorn in my side. Your mother’s grades declined and she skipped classes. He wasn’t good for her. She defied me and continued to sneak out to meet him. I was terribly afraid she’d run away. When I heard he got into some trouble with the police, I convinced his parents to move. I knew they’d agree because they feared his future held jail or worse. I’m not proud of my actions, but they were best at the time.

Your mother and I returned to Paris. I knew about the letters Samuel had been sending her through a friend, but I allowed her to keep them. She gave birth to you and soon afterward met and fell in love with Daniel, which I may have been involved in their initial meeting. My heart broke when they moved away, but your mother deserved her own independence.

I knew Samuel would come for you after the accident. I had just lost your mother, and couldn’t bear to lose you as well. I needed my granddaughter. I’m very sorry. I should never have kept the truth from you. My selfish decisions would leave you in the one place I had feared all my life—alone.

Please, please don’t marry Pierre! He’s a great employee and a sweet man, but he’s a dreadful bore.

Katrina laughed at her grandmother’s accurate description of Pierre.

He’s not the man for you. I went to Montreal to hide your mother’s memory box, knowing someone would find the box during the house renovation.

That’s when I met Nick Porter. I had helped his family in the past, but this scoundrel of a man wouldn’t be easily persuaded.

You know I don’t believe in fate, so I added a twist to my plan of throwing the two of you together. Nick is a bit of a rogue, arguing with an elderly lady, but I like him.

She smiled, visualizing Gram and Nick in a heated exchange. He was a worthy opponent, but no match against a determined Witherspoon.

He’s a lot like your grandfather. Nick will challenge you and you him. He’s the one. Don’t let him get away. Embrace love and settle for nothing less.

As I lie here with not much time, I’m at peace, ready to join your grandfather and mother. Thank you for making my life shine. I love you ma petite fille chèrie.

All my love,

Gram

With the back of her hand, Katrina swiped the tears from her cheeks. She grabbed a tissue from the box on Glen’s desk and covered her eyes until the tissue dampened. Gram’s devious plan to have her return to Montreal made complete sense now. She wanted Katrina to find Nick and Samuel. Gram’s actions were based on love and a fear of being alone. Katrina understood and held no resentment. She placed the letter against her chest, missing her grandmother as much as the day Gram had left to join her grandfather and mother.

A knock on the door made Katrina jump in her seat.

“Katrina.” Glen entered his office and passed her another tissue. He leaned on his desk, stretching his long legs. “Do you have any questions?”

Swallowing past her dry throat, she shook her head. “I wouldn’t have left Gram.”

“I believe she knew you wouldn’t, but her worst fear was being alone. People do crazy things when they’re afraid of losing someone they love.” He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You’ve been travelling for hours and haven’t stopped since you arrived. The bump on your head needs to heal. Go home and get some rest. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

Katrina stood and wrapped her arms around Glen. “Thank you, for everything.” His gaze was filled with compassion. She had a suspicious feeling he already knew her next move.

After two weeks of one business meeting after another, Katrina was anxious to return to Montreal. She had been in contact with Dean regarding the status of the renovation. He informed her, the furniture she ordered had arrived and the house would be ready to place on the market by the end of the week. She didn’t advise him about her decision to retain her childhood home. That news would be best revealed in person.

One of Katrina’s business meetings was with her complete board of management to notify them of her decision to relocate the head office to Montreal.

“Pierre will oversee the complete Paris production.” She nodded toward Pierre. “I’ve also handpicked several employees to join me in the new development of cafés.”

While most of her management team was excited about the expansion, a few were displeased in the venture.

One member, reviewing the detailed files she provided, glanced over his reading glasses. “Shouldn’t a project as large as this be deliberated further?”

“Have you studied the possible risks?” another asked.

“I assure you, I have given this development plan a great deal of consideration. The Canadian market is the perfect location to expand With-Her-Spoon Cafés.” She made eye-contact with each member of her management team. “The reports contain a complete analysis of my research.” Katrina took a sip of coffee and set the cup back on its saucer. “This growth matched the list found in my grandmother’s files.” She blinked to fight back tears. “And I know for certain, it’s where she wants me to be.”

No one disputed her firm conclusion.

With only three hours remaining before her flight, Katrina walked along the deck outside her office. She set down her coffee cup and then gazed into the Seine River and to the Eiffel Tower in the distance. This beautiful place would always hold a piece of her heart. She’d miss Paris and its elegant French charm, but she’d never say au revoir. Paris was home to With-Her-Spoon Cafés—a reason to visit often, and to share its grandeur with someone she loved.

After a long flight from Paris to Montreal and the drive from the airport, she unlocked the door and stepped inside the cabin. With satisfaction, she gazed around at the familiar setting. This small space had been her home—and comfort for weeks, and would now see its own renovation. Katrina grabbed a measuring tape from one of her bags. Hooking one end of the tape to the kitchen baseboard, she walked to the opposite wall in the living room, and then wrote the measurements on a pad of paper on her desk.

The plan was to turn the cabin into a main office. She reached inside another bag for a tube and rolled out the architectural designs across the desk. The living room would be the main entrance with a reception by the window and filing cabinets along the back. The kitchen could remain as a small kitchenette for tea and coffee sampling. The back of the cabin needed a complete overhaul. A bathroom renovation and the current bedroom removed to construct two large offices. Both offices would have large windows for breathtaking views of the lake. The plans were ready. All she required was to hire a contractor.

Katrina rolled the plans and placed them into the tube. She couldn’t wait a moment longer to view the main house. Following the light created by the solar lamps installed along the paved driveway, she approached the back of the house. Katrina unlocked the door and stepped inside. The completed kitchen design stole her breath.

The kitchen nook presented a spectacular view of the descending orange fireball casting a reflection across the lake. She then entered the dining room and found a large mahogany table awaiting her first dinner party. Before Katrina went into the living room, she checked the laundry room and main bathroom, which led to the den. She decided the den would make a perfect guest room for Samuel and Paulina’s upcoming visit. They had even discussed the possibly of Jenny moving to Montreal to continue her schooling and to work for Katrina part-time.

The cozy and inviting living room was the vision Nick had taught her to imagine. A chocolate-brown sofa, matching loveseat, and reclining chair circled a huge flat-screen television. But the main focal point in this room was the natural stone veneer fireplace. Absolutely exquisite in a Tuscan design.

She suddenly realized that every décor decision she’d made, had been done with her own tastes in mind. I created the home of my dreams.

Katrina headed toward the stairs. She hadn’t been on the second level since the day they found her mother’s memory box. She stepped onto the first step and then hesitated when she heard a noise from the kitchen. Her pulse accelerated.

I’m sure I locked the door behind me.

Looking for something for protection, she spotted a large hand-blown glass vase sitting on the table in the entry. Katrina clutched the vase in her hands and turned toward the kitchen. Her breaths faltered as she tiptoed down the hallway.

A shadow appeared on the floor by the fridge.

She lifted the vase over her head and threw it, but the intruder turned and ducked. The vase shattered against the floor, smashing into thousands of glass thorns around the man’s feet. “Nick!”

“I’m getting a sense of déjà vu, and I didn’t like the outcome the first time around.” He stood straight, legs apart and arms crossed over his chest.

Katrina’s heart pounded a steady beat. “What are you doing here?”

“Final inspection.”

She smiled, checking her watch. “At ten o’clock at night?”

“I hope that vase wasn’t too expensive.” Nick glanced at the glass surrounding his feet. “What are you doing here?”

Acting nonchalant, she went to the closet for a broom. “I don’t need a reason. This is my home.”

Nick held the dustpan as she swept the shattered glass. She tossed the slivers into the garbage can and then knelt to wipe the floor with a damp cloth.

“Did you return to put the house on the market?”

“Not really.” She suppressed the giggle at the back of her throat. A flutter of butterflies assaulted her stomach.

He shrugged. “So, if you’re not here to sell the house, why are you here?”

“The renovation isn’t done.” Katrina enjoyed teasing him. “There’s more work.”

Nick shrugged, his brows drawn downward. “What are you talking about? Everything on the plans has been completed—including extras.”

“Dean didn’t tell you? Wait, maybe I forgot to mention the extra project.” She pretended to be in deep thought, narrowing her gaze, she placed a fingertip against her chin.

“Katrina, what’s going on? You don’t like the renovation?”

“Oh no, the house is perfect.” In fact, now that she’d seen the finished project, she couldn’t wait to move in. “The cabin requires a complete do-over. I’ll need a reception area and an office.”

Nick stared wide. “An office in the cabin?”

“Two to be precise, and a boardroom.” She pressed her lips together, stifling a laugh.

After a brief hesitation, he walked toward her, lifted her left hand, and smiled. “No ring.”

“I gave Pierre a demotion and a promotion. I broke our engagement and made him executive manager.” She wanted to wrap her arms around the man she loved and never let him go, but the next move had to be Nick’s. “We’ve never had a relationship other than work and friends. We promised Gram we’d take care of each other. Pierre thought our engagement would comfort her, but I can’t marry a man I don’t love, and who doesn’t love me.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Besides, Gram had a scheme of her own.”

Nick squeezed Katrina’s hand.

That small gesture returned the warmth she had missed every day she was in Paris. “Glen gave me a letter my grandmother wrote before she passed. She explained everything—the past, Samuel, and meeting you. She did what she did out of love for her family.” Tears burned at the back of her eyes. Katrina was overcome by her grandmother’s love.

“What’s next?”

She walked under the skylight and gazed at the stars. They twinkled against a background of the dark. “I’m expanding the business to Montreal and converting the cabin into the head office.” Katrina glanced over her shoulder. “This venture will require the best contractor in town. He and I will be working closely together. You wouldn’t happen to know someone I could contact?”

Grinning, Nick stepped behind her, slipped his arms around her waist, and pulled her against him.

“I think I know someone.” He kissed the side of her neck and tightened his hold. “My duffle bag is packed. I intended to book a flight for Paris as soon as your house was done.”

He was coming to take me home! She turned in his arms and gazed into his handsome face, one that had haunted her dreams. “I never meant to hurt you. I promise to be completely honest from here on.”

“You wanted to tell me about Pierre. I’m as much to blame.” Nick cupped her face with his palms and leaned forward.

Tears stung her eyes. He touched his lips to hers, and her knees went weak. She laid her head on his chest, loving the sound of his beating heart. “I was scared to let in anyone, but you made me want to take a chance.” Gazing into his dreamy brown eyes gave her strength. “I love you, Nick Porter. More than I ever thought possible.” He kissed her until her toes tingled.

“I fell in love with you that first night when you lunged with your wooden weapon.”

She laughed at the proof her dreams had come true. Nick loves me!

“Have you been upstairs yet?”

“I was headed there when I heard a prowler in the kitchen.” She shoved at his chest.

Nick snatched her hand and guided her to the second level. They toured the two spare bedrooms and a bathroom at the end of the hall before stopping at the master bedroom.

“This was my secret project.” Nick turned the brass handle and pushed the door open.

Katrina gasped and her eyes widened. She stepped inside the room. The small master bedroom had been transformed into a huge master suite. A king-size sleigh bed sat against the far wall. A distressed pine dresser, matching chest of drawers, and dressing table also accented the room. Two armchairs sat to the right of the room beside glass patio doors leading to a balcony overlooking the lake. “This is amazing!” She could fall asleep each night and have the moon shining into the room. Katrina turned to Nick, who wore a devilish grin. “You did all this?”

“There’s more.” He placed his hands on her shoulders, turned her to the left, and opened a door.

“A master bath!” Katrina ran into the room. She smoothed a hand over the double sink counter. A jet tub and separate shower completed the light blue room. “I’m speechless.”

“There’s a first.” Nick laughed and led her to another door.

She opened the door to a large walk-in closet. Stepping inside, she stretched her arms straight from her sides and twirled in a circle. Tears dripped down her cheeks. “Nick, this is incredible.”

“I thought your wardrobe would require its own space.” He winked.

Katrina went to the bed and sat, caressing the soft maroon bedspread with her fingertips.

Nick sat beside her and took her hand in his. “I hoped you’d change your mind about selling. This room already had a special place in your heart, but I wanted to design a room that screamed Katrina. Your own little get-away. A retreat where you’d want to go after a long day at work.”

“I can’t believe you did this.” She couldn’t love this man any more than she did this very moment.

With his fingertips, Nick wiped the tears from her cheek. “I had some help. There were a lot of late nights and my crew probably deserves a raise.”

“Done!”

“Katrina—”

“Don’t waste your breath. You know I won’t listen.” She ran a hand through his thick hair, loving the feel as the softness slid between her fingers. “I have plans for us, Mr. Porter.”

“Oh no, now you sound like your grandmother.” He raised one brow. “Should I be worried?”

“Thank you for the compliment.” Katrina laughed. “And no worries. Once you start designing With-Her-Spoon Cafés, your design and contracting business will be known internationally. You’ll need new business cards and an office. I thought maybe the one across from mine in the cabin-slash-new office.”

Nick pulled her snug against his chest. “Je t’aime mon amour, Katrina Witherspoon.”

She tilted her head and welcomed his approaching lips, blinking back the tears that filled her eyes. Katrina couldn’t wait to begin the new business adventure and a future with the man she loved.

****

Six months later, in the backyard of their home, and attended by family and friends, Nick married the owner of his heart. Samuel walked Katrina down the aisle, beaming like the proudest father ever. The more time father and daughter spent together allowed them to develop a stronger bond.

Frankie stood next to Katrina and Thomas beside Nick. The guests consisted of Nick’s crew, as well as Glen, and Pierre—who Nick slowly tolerated. Katrina’s family sat in the first row and Nick’s parents were next. His brother had been surprised to learn of Katrina’s connection to Faith and was overjoyed by their union.

The lake and sunset made a stunning backdrop. As the sun set and twilight arrived, thousands of white lights dangling from the tree branches glimmered and twinkled throughout the yard. As the water grew golden in the horizon, a family of geese honked as they swam past.

The new couple danced under the light of the full moon, wrapped in each other’s arms. Because their opening of the downtown With-Her-Spoon Café was only a month away, their honeymoon in Paris had been postponed until Christmas.

Nick traced his wife’s lips with his finger. Her gaze locked onto his, leaping his heart to his throat. Her wavy hair was loose and cascaded over bare shoulders. Katrina stole his breath wearing a sweetheart neckline, mermaid wedding dress. “There’s a bottle of wine chilling in our bedroom,” he whispered in her ear. Tonight would be their first night together in their home. To keep his promise to wait until the wedding night, Nick had slept in one of the spare bedrooms, while Katrina slept in the master.

“I’m so happy.” She placed a hand on his cheek. “I don’t believe in fate, but how else would I explain finding my soul mate over three thousand miles away?”

“Oh, fate has nothing to do in our connection. We have one person to thank for leading us to each other.” He placed a kiss on the palm of her hand and then held it tight to his chest. “A twist of Faith Witherspoon mapped our paths. Your devious and wise grandmother knew we were meant to be.”

Katrina clinked her champagne glass to Nick’s. “To Gram.”

A word about the author…

An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to put a pencil to paper and plot out stories of her own. She writes heartwarming contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When Darlene isn’t writing, editing, or reading, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and Yellow Lab.

http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com

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available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

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