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Tina
“Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?” Doc asked.
Tina was regretting her decision not to spend the night with Doc. Holding the phone to her ear wasn’t the same as having his lips there. The bed felt empty without him. She felt empty without him.
But things were moving so fast. So much was happening. Doc was everything she’d ever wanted and nothing she’d expected to find, and yet there was still a part of her—granted, a tiny part—that was afraid to believe it could last.
She worried that, with all the bad things going on, she was painting too rosy a picture, desperate to put her hope and faith in a future with him. Simply put, Doc seemed too good to be true, coming into her life just when she needed him most. Being all caring and protective and wonderful.
Believing that Maggie was right—that she and Doc were meant to be together—was too easy. Tina had become wary of anything good that seemed easy because experience had proven time and time again that it never was.
“Sure,” she answered. “Is Kate making something good?”
Doc chuckled. “Kate is always making something good, but I had something else in mind.”
“Mmm, I like the something elses you come up with. We could get some takeout and get creative.”
“Very tempting, but I was thinking more along the lines of going out to eat.”
“You mean, like a date, date?” Tina asked. “I suppose we could. News of our torrid affair has surely made it out by now. Being seen at Franco’s is probably the next logical step.”
“Not Franco’s.”
She frowned into the phone. Franco’s was the only sit-down restaurant in Sumneyville. Maybe Doc was talking about Andy’s, the hole-in-the-wall burger place in the next town over, or maybe the diner farther out. She had been to both and would be fine with either.
“No, and no,” he said when she told him as much.
“Then, where?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“I’m intrigued. Okay, Mr. Watson, I accept your challenge.”
“Good. Wear something nice.”
“How nice?”
“Nice.”
“Now, I’m really intrigued.”
“Tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at six. And, Tina?”
“Yes?”
“Have a bag packed and ready to go because I’m not taking you home afterward. Dinner isn’t the only surprise I have planned for you.”
A thrill ran through her as she snuggled into her pillow.
* * *
The next morning, Tina was questioning the wisdom of her ready acceptance for a night out as she stared into her closet. Her “nice” wardrobe was extremely limited and slightly outdated. Dressing up wasn’t something she did often, mostly because she didn’t have a reason to. She had one classic black dress for funerals and somber occasions, one nice flowery dress she’d worn to Rick’s wedding, and another she’d worn to Gunther’s.
Perhaps she could convince Doc to forego the dinner part of the surprise and move right toward the second half, which was the part she was most excited about anyway. Her best option was, when he came to pick her up, to show up at the door, naked, and distract him.
The crunch of tires on gravel was followed by a knock on the door.
“What now?” Tina murmured.
Unexpected visitors rarely brought good news, especially early in the morning.
Tina took a deep breath and steeled herself in preparation. When she opened the door, however, she found not her brothers or the chief of police, but Kate grinning widely at her.
“Good morning! Sorry to bother you so early, but we wanted to make a full day of it.”
“Full day of what?”
“Doc told us you’re going out tonight, and we thought it was the perfect excuse for a girls’ day. Are you in?”
Tina looked toward the sleek black SUV. Sam waved from the front passenger seat. The rear tinted window behind Sam went down, and Bree and Sandy grinned and waved from the backseat.
Spend the day worrying about not having something nice to wear or go shopping with her new friends? It was a no-brainer. “Hell yes, I’m in.”
* * *
Shopping was an absolute blast. Tina couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure she’d ever had that much fun. Growing up with only brothers, having health issues, not having a lot of close friends meant most of her life had been more about proving herself than having a good time.
Sandy, who had her own business creating custom websites, had a client who owned a health and wellness spa in the Poconos, and that client had invited Sandy and a group of friends to experience the services firsthand. As a result, part of their girls’ day was getting pampered with facials, manicures and pedicures, and even hot-stone massages. The hot stones couldn’t compare to Doc’s highly personalized, hands-on therapy, but it was nice.
Afterward, they hit some of the nearby outlets, and Tina managed to find a dress she was happy with. It was a classic, timeless style in a shimmery shade of dark blue that Bree said brought out the blue in her eyes.
“Doc is going to flip when he sees you,” Sam said approvingly.
“I feel like Cinderella,” Tina joked, looking at herself in the trifold mirror.
“You kind of look like her, too,” Bree said with a grin. “Blonde hair, blue eyes, and an hourglass figure. Who knew you were hiding all that under jeans and flannel?”
Tina laughed. “I guess I’ve always been more of a tomboy than a girlie girl.”
“Which is why you fit in with us so well,” Kate said cheerfully. “But there’s nothing wrong with embracing our feminine side once in a while.”
“And wielding it like the strong, empowered women we are,” Sandy added. “Which reminds me ... where is that lingerie place Bree found last Christmas?”
* * *
Tina checked her hair and makeup one more time. It was probably the tenth time she’d done so since the ladies dropped her off. The woman in the mirror looked so different than the one she was used to seeing. Her skin was radiant and glowing. Her long hair, instead of being pulled up into a practical, functional ponytail, was loose and flowing around her shoulders in soft waves. The new dress clung in all the right places, accentuating her natural curves.
Those things could be attributed to a phenomenal girls’-day adventure. But the bright sparkle in her eyes was purely due to the anticipation of seeing Doc again and whatever surprises he had planned for the evening.
Those tingles of anticipation intensified when she heard Doc’s arrival. But nothing could have prepared for the sight that awaited her when she opened the door. Bespoke, classic black suit. Silk tie. Clean-shaven. Hair combed back and away from his beautiful, sculpted face.
And those gorgeous, hypnotic hazel eyes, now gazing intensely at her.
Her normally plaid-flannel-clad SEAL medic looked more like a male model who’d just come from a photo shoot.
“Wow,” they both said at the same time.
“Tina, you look stunning.”
“You look pretty good yourself. Are you sure you want to do this?”
His eyes raked down her body and back up again. “No. But let’s do it anyway.”
“Okay then. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.”
Doc took the overnight bag from her hand. “Got everything you need?”
“Yep.” She hadn’t packed much, just a change of clothes for the next day, some of the new silk lingerie she’d picked up, and a fresh jar of body butter.
Tina locked up the cottage with shaking hands.
“Nervous, Miss Obermacher?”
“Excited,” she corrected. “Where did you say we are going again?”
He gave her a sly smile. “Nice try. You’ll find out soon enough.”
Her curiosity continued to grow as they drove past the Sumneyville town limits and continued southeast. When Doc pulled up in front of the Celtic Goddess and handed his keys over to a uniformed valet, she thought she was dreaming.
She’d heard of the place, of course—mostly from Giselle—but she’d never actually been there.
The restaurant-slash-resort was built into the side of the mountain just outside of Pine Ridge. Multiple levels of gleaming white stone, tinted glass, and accent lighting made her think of Greece. She’d never been there either, but she’d seen pictures.
Doc offered his arm. Once again feeling like Cinderella, she slipped her arm through his. They entered through massive Ionic columns into a fantastical, opulent lobby. Brilliant murals adorned the walls behind even more columns. Pristine white marble flooring—are those veins of actual gold? Elegant statues. A proliferation of lush greenery.
They stepped up to the ornately carved podium, where Doc spoke quietly to the tuxedoed man. The man lifted his hand, and a younger man appeared, also wearing a tuxedo. Tina wondered if it was the official uniform of the Goddess.
“Escort our guests to the Danann room, please.”
The younger man’s eyes widened slightly, then he nodded and turned to them. “Follow me, please.”
They were led to an elevator, one that required a private key. A short while later, they exited on another floor and entered a balconied alcove overlooking the valley.
“The Danann room? That’s an unusual name, isn’t it?” Tina mused quietly.
“I’m guessing it’s a nod to ancient Celtic mythology,” Doc said. “The Tuatha Dé Danann were a supernatural race, often associated with the Fae.”
That made sense. The place was called the Celtic Goddess after all.
“More name-based etymology?”
“Sort of. I grew up hearing the legends and myths.”
“I thought you said your family was from Cornwall.”
“My father’s family is from Cornwall. My mother’s family is from Killarney,” Doc replied with a wink.
“Boy, when you take a girl on a date, you really go all out, don’t you?” Tina murmured, stepping closer to the glass.
It was a stunning view. The sky was a dark blue, the forested mountains washed in silvery highlights, the lights of the valley twinkling like jewels.
“It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?” said an unfamiliar female voice from behind her. “No matter how many times I see it, I never get tired of it.”
Tina turned to find a petite, beautiful woman who looked like she could have been a goddess herself.
“You must be Tina,” the woman said. “Welcome to the Goddess. I’m Lexi Callaghan, and this is my husband, Ian.”
“Glad you could make it,” the tall man beside her said with a nod, then extended his hand to Doc.
Tina looked questioningly at Doc, who seemed determined not to meet her eyes. He hadn’t mentioned anything about a double date, but she certainly wasn’t going to complain.
“Please, sit down,” Lexi said. Only then did Tina notice that the table was set for six. “Aidan had some business to take care of, but he and Mary will be joining us shortly.”
The man named Ian smirked. “Uh-huh. Business.”
Lexi’s cheeks pinked slightly. “Tina, let me just say, I loved everything, but I think the vanilla peaches were my favorite. What was that, schnapps? Though there was something else in there, too.”
Tina blinked, feeling a bit lost. “I’m sorry?”
“The basket of goodies you gave Maggie.”
“Oh, uh, yes,” Tina said, replaying Lexi’s question in her mind now that she had proper context. “Schnapps and a touch of whipped cream vodka and some natural flavors.”
“I knew it! Absolutely brilliant. The moment I tasted it, I had visions of a flambé. The peaches would pair well with vanilla bean ice cream and some toasted coconut, I think. A perfect summer dessert.”
“Yes, I suppose they would,” Tina said, feeling more confused by the moment.
Lexi turned to Doc accusingly. “You didn’t tell her, did you?”
Doc shook his head.
“Tell me what?”
“I work here,” Lexi said to Tina. “In the kitchen. I’d love to incorporate some of your specialties on the menu.”
Before Tina could respond, Lexi said, “Oh good. Here are Aidan and Mary now.”
Two more people joined them in the private dining area. The man had golden-brown hair and exotic eyes of an unusual shade that reminded Tina of fresh honey. Like Lexi, he seemed slightly more than the average guy, radiating an aura of wealth and power. Tina, who didn’t typically have an issue with self-confidence, suddenly felt way out of her league. Thankfully, the woman with him seemed far more approachable, especially when Tina learned she ran a flower shop in Birch Falls.
Over the course—or seven courses, as it were—of an absolutely fantastic dinner, Tina learned that Aidan worked for the Goddess, too, though he didn’t come out and say exactly what it was that he did. She assumed it was in some sort of legal capacity when Lexi explained that they were interested in contracting with Obermacher Farms.
“You mean, like you did with Maggie?” Tina asked.
“Not exactly like that, but similar,” Lexi confirmed.
“As wonderful as that sounds, I’m afraid that won’t be possible.” Tina’s heart felt like it was breaking all over again as she explained that Obermacher Farms had accrued significant debt and that her brothers were anxious to sell to an out-of-state developer.
Strangely, they didn’t seem discouraged by that.
“We know about that,” Aidan said. “But The Mill and everything in it is yours, is it not?”
“Yes, but as of two days ago, The Mill is out of business. There was a terrible fire, and the place was gutted.”
“We know about that, too,” Lexi said, surprising her. “As tragic as it was, The Mill can be rebuilt. It’s you we’re interested in contracting with, Tina.”
Again, Tina shook her head. “Even if I did rebuild, there’s the issue of sourcing. You can’t just swap one bushel for another. I spent years researching and experimenting, creating my own hybrids. That’s what makes my products unique. A new orchard would take years to become viable, and that’s assuming you could find the right land.”
“We wouldn’t need to start a new orchard,” said Aidan, tilting his head to the side. “As you said, you’ve already spent years perfecting yours.”
“Yes, but as I explained, Obermacher Farms is up on the auction block.” Realization dawned. “Are you saying that the Celtic Goddess might be interested in buying all of Obermacher Farms?”
It seemed like another thing just too good to be true. Tina didn’t dare hope.
“That’s exactly what we’re saying,” Aidan said.
“I don’t think you understand just how far in debt we are or how much land is involved. Unless, of course, you’re talking about breaking it up in parcels and purchasing only the orchards.”
“All of it. Your family’s lands are not only designated and zoned as prime agricultural, but the slopes and drainage are ideal for farming.”
Tina had come to terms with losing the family farm, but it would be preferable to have it remain a working farm in someone else’s hands than paved over and built up.
“My brothers are considering several offers,” Tina said carefully. “I could talk to them.”
Aidan shook his head. “We’re not interested in dealing with your brothers. Only you. In fact, I’d prefer if they didn’t know of our interest at all.”
“Then, you’re really out of luck because I’ve only got a twenty-five percent say in the business. They control the other seventy-five percent of what happens next.”
Aidan’s lips quirked. “I don’t believe in luck, Tina. The question is, are you interested?”
“Yes, I’m interested. I just don’t see how it’s possible.”
“Leave that to me. In the meantime, please, enjoy your stay at the Goddess. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
He rose to go, as did his wife and Lexi and Ian.
After saying their good nights, Tina turned to Doc. “We’re staying here tonight?”
He grinned. “That’s part of the surprise. We’ve got a private suite for the night.”
* * *
“Are you angry with me?” Doc asked as they walked through the lit gardens, away from the restaurant and toward the posh resort.
It was so beautiful, yet Tina’s thoughts were churning too furiously to properly appreciate it.
“I haven’t decided yet,” she answered honestly. Several moments passed in silence before she exhaled and said, “I love that you’re doing this, but I kind of hate you for giving me false hope.”
“If anyone can make it happen, they can.”
Tina shook her head. Maggie had a big heart and good intentions. Lexi was a chef, which meant she might have some pull in the Goddess kitchen, but they were talking about more than just shifting suppliers. And Aidan, well, she didn’t know what exactly Aidan did, though he did seem like an important man.
She said as much to Doc. He laughed softly.
“What’s so funny?”
Doc wrapped his hand around Tina’s, lifted it to his lips, and kissed it. “Lexi isn’t just a cook. She’s the master chef as well as one of the owners. Aidan is the other.”
Tina felt the blood drain from her face. “We just had dinner with the owners of the Celtic Goddess?”
“We did. Lexi is Maggie’s sister-in-law.”
“Holy ...” A tiny tendril of hope broke through layers of doubt. “But I still don’t see how it can work.” There was so much to consider, not the least of which was her brothers’ combined controlling interests in Obermacher Farms and the shady corners they’d backed themselves into.
Perhaps she should have mentioned some of that to Aidan and Lexi.