Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

CATE

C ate Conway was glad she’d come back to Charlevoix for Christmas. These girls needed her and to be truthful, she needed them. Glancing around as she followed Samantha down the side street off the main drag, she was thrilled by the white heaps of snow. New York City streets were clogged with snow, but it was gray. Not only was it a morbid color, the fluffy stuff soon turned to watery mush that splashed up and ruined your clothes. Here in Charlevoix, she was surrounded by a pristine winter wonderland. Her spirits rose.

Although she’d been in Coffee and Cupcakes a couple of times before, never at Christmas time. The colorful windows showcased Isabel’s whimsical nature and she came to a stop. Cate had always loved her youngest niece’s playful spirit. A life-size elf stood in the window, beckoning to everyone with mischief in his eyes. Tempting cookies and cupcakes, brownies and macaroons were displayed on tiered plates. Isabel had told her that she’d brought in a master baker and Cate couldn’t wait to meet her. Coming here might have been a spur-of-the moment thing but she didn’t want Samantha to have too much time to think. She wanted her to feel with her heart, not her head.

When Sam pushed open the door, a bell jingled overhead. The scent of coffee teased her senses as Cate followed her niece inside. An underlay of cinnamon and nutmeg was unmistakable as was the deeper, richer smell of chocolate. Her new diet went right out the window and Cate sighed with relief. Why not live it up while she still could? If Monty were still here, he’d be up at that glass pastry case, filling a box with delicious cookies and cupcakes. She’d always loved that about her husband. He had a wonderful sweet tooth.

Wearing a bright red apron trimmed in green rick rack, Isabel waved to them over the heads of her customers. “What a nice surprise!” she called out. Cate loved the green streak in Isabel’s hair. Yes, she was the niece who followed her instincts and jumped into things. Sometimes it worked out and sometimes it didn’t. That hair? It was working.

In the corner stood a tall slim tree filled with colorful sparkling ornaments. Cate remembered when Isabel was looking for the right place to house her new business. Luckily Myra Wilson had recently closed her dress shop. She'd had the shop for years, although her insistence on offering only dresses had limited its popularity. But Cate’s sister Joanna had shopped here, and that memory was worth something to Cate. What fun she’d had. Leasing and converting the space seemed to make sense. And Isabel had been so excited. Looked like things had turned out for her. The place was packed.

While Sam and Cate hovered on the edge of the seating area, an older couple abandoned their table and moved toward the cash register. That was when she saw the Pack ‘n Play tucked in a corner. Isabel's baby was mesmerized by the mobile twirling above her head. Wasn’t this wonderful? What a sweet little thing. Cate had been overjoyed by Isabel’s determination. Holly had brought so much into her niece’s life. Cate wanted the whole family to welcome this addition.

“Aunt Cate!” Isabel rushed to enfold her in an embrace.

“Darling.” Cate was glad to see Isabel looking happy and healthy. Pushing back after a tight hug, she studied the crowded tables. “Business looks good.”

Isabel grinned. “It usually is around the holidays. Crazy busy.”

Outside the plate glass windows, snow had begun to sift from the sky. Would flights be delayed? Thank goodness Cate had reached her destination. When it came to flying, holidays were the worst. But now she was here to enjoy her nieces…and her grand niece. What a thrill!

“Looks like we're going to have more snow,” Sam said but her eyes quickly swung to the baby.

Cate had often wondered why Sam and Kurt never had children. Of course this wasn’t the kind of thing people discussed openly. No one had asked her why she and Monty remained childless. The answer would have been easy and probably defined by their time. Back then being childless was often seen as a failure of some kind.

In their case, they didn't have any luck. And that sad state of affairs was established early in their marriage. So they pushed on and threw themselves into their law practice. She’d never regretted it. Her career had kept her busy and fulfilled. She’d met interesting people and spirited challenges.

But now with Monty gone? Things had changed and yes, sometimes she wished she’d had a family. Her own children would have brightened Cate’s later years. But she’d been very happy to take on her sister’s daughters and help in any way she could after that tragic accident.

“Are you guys hungry?” Isabel asked, setting silverware wrapped in red napkins on the table.

“Starved,” Samantha said before Cate had a chance to even think about it.

“Excellent. We’ve just taken some quiche out of the oven. Spinach with feta cheese.”

Cate’s stomach grumbled. “Much better than those biscuits I had on the plane. You’d think they could do better in First Class.” Slipping out of her cape, she threw it over the back of her chair and sat down. This trip back to the Charlevoix house was going to be much more fun than having lunch with her friends in the tearoom and then shopping post-Christmas sales. She didn’t need one more thing in her closet.

“Choose your coffee.” Isabel nodded to the silver carafes that all seemed to be marked before rushing back to the kitchen. A young woman was working behind the counter and keeping an eye on the tables. From time to time, jingle bells would play again when someone pushed through the front door. A cold draft followed, and Cate was delighted to be tucked into this haven of Christmas cheer.

With family. The realization hit her like a warming mouthful of Belgian hot chocolate. She was here with her family and all thanks to her sister Joanna. If only Jo could be here to see them together. But enough of that.

Cate pushed up from the table. “Think I’ll check out the coffee. Your sister’s a busy girl, isn’t she?”

Samantha’s eyes were still pinned to that baby, as if she couldn’t believe Holly was real. “Downright amazing. And I definitely need some coffee too.” Stifling a yarn, Samantha made her way toward the sideboard and Cate followed. She hoped her niece would find this visit relaxing. When Cate had worked up the nerve to call Samantha with her outrageous last-minute request, her niece had sounded exhausted. And, if truth be told, a teeny bit irritated. Okay, Cate’s request had sounded more like a demand but sometimes Samantha could be stubborn. Especially when it came to her baby sister. Apparently Kurt had been busy with their business. Cate was glad he’d let Sam get away alone.

Now about this coffee. The flavors ranged from gingerbread spice to eggnog. Yes, Cate was definitely leaving her diet behind during this trip. The red mugs lined up on the counter held the shop’s logo. A steaming mug and a plump cupcake were outlined in white on the shiny red mug, along with the scrolled name Coffee and Cupcakes. Now, wasn’t that clever? A small sign indicated that the mugs were available for purchase and the price was very reasonable. A smart marketing move, and Cate was proud of her youngest niece.

Cate and Samantha each grabbed a mug and studied their choices. Cate went for the peppermint mocha and Samantha poured gingerbread spice into her mug. After adding some whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, they headed to the table.

In no time at all Isabel was back, a steaming plate in each hand. Slices of fresh melon were arranged next to each generous piece of spinach and feta quiche. Her niece’s face was flushed as she slid the plates onto the table. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Looks scrumptious, sweetheart.” Cate felt that she hadn’t eaten in a long time. Well, since the night before. She’d had that early flight to catch. They both picked up their forks.

“My compliments to the cook.” Samantha smiled around her first mouthful.

“Absolutely. I’d like to meet her,” Cate said.

“Great. Maybe later?” And Izzy was back on the run.

Cate made short work of the delicious quiche. Sipping her coffee, she enjoyed studying the people coming through the door. Would she recognize anyone? So many years had passed since those carefree summer days of her youth. Some folks looked vaguely familiar, but no names came to mind.

After her parents took on the Charlevoix home, the family had spent their summers here. Their father joined them for August, but Cate and Joanna would spend the summer at Sunnycrest with their mother. Oh, what wonderful days those had been. The girls had lived in their bathing suits, except for the times they’d pick blueberries. Or Mom would drive them farther north for the cherries, a regional favorite.

Long ago, she’d learned to water ski on Lake Charlevoix, which fed into Lake Michigan. The inland lake was calmer and oh, what fun she’d had with Jo and the boys who showed up on their pier. Cate had a lot of good memories from those years.

Although her parents had preferred to be in Chicago for Christmas, if it didn’t snow their dad would pack them into the car and off they’d go, headed north to experience snowy days like these.

Enjoying the house with her nieces would be a real treat. And watching over Holly? Now that was the cherry on the sundae. The baby was a star attraction as she napped, looking so angelic, or reached for the circus mobile in the webbed Pack ‘n Play. Should Cate admit that she was afraid to pick her up? It had been such a long time since she’d held a baby. But maybe that would come later in the visit when they were more used to each other.

The coffee shop seemed to draw all ages, from young mothers with babies to retired couples and groups of women. If a line formed for the tables, customers would reluctantly give up their tables. Clearly this was a hard place to leave. The customers seemed to enjoy gathering together.

The pastry case also was a big draw. People must be stocking up for the holiday. Isabel and Debbie, one of her assistants, had trouble keeping the case stacked with gingerbread men, spritz and Mexican hot chocolate cookies. The shop must be hard work but her niece seemed up to the challenge. Cate was so proud of her. And she wanted Samantha to feel the same.

Pushing back her chair, Cate threaded her way through the tables to study the glass case. The smell of sugar hung enticingly in the air. Each oversize cupcake was capped by a thick layer of frosting sprinkled with chocolate curls with red or green sugar. Carrot cake, double chocolate, spice cake and banana. Maybe she should get a mixed selection for the house. She soon had Debbie helping her. With the box in one hand and a banana cupcake in the other, she turned back toward the table.

What a surprise to see Samantha with Holly in her arms, swaying and murmuring to the baby. Fascinated, Holly had reached up to Samantha’s smile. How touching. Sam should have been a mother. Maybe she’d think about adopting, if Kurt was willing. But then again, she seemed perfectly happy with her life as it was.

Cate sank into the chair, setting the box and the banana cupcake on the table. Grabbing a napkin and plastic knife, she cut the cupcake into four. Maybe then it would feel like fewer calories.

Trying not to stare, she studied Samantha’s dazed smile. Cate knew how demanding a career could be, especially when you owned the company. Their niche of pharmaceutical companies was something other agencies must envy. Samantha’s situation was much like her own. Cate had married Monty Conway when they were both in their twenties, and eventually they’d formed their own business.

While Joanna had stayed in the Chicago area for college, Cate ended up going to Harvard law school. Her parents had been happy with her choice, especially her dad. She was following in his footsteps. She’d met Monty at Harvard. They married after passing the bar, and although both of them began working for other firms, they eventually formed their own Conway & Associates, specializing in corporate law.

This butter frosting was so good. Picking up the fork, Cate lifted a fork full of banana cupcake. Oh my goodness . The cake was moist and flavorful, not dried out as some cakes could be that had been on the shelf for a few days. No wonder Isabel’s shop was successful. Motioning to Samantha, she wanted to check out that baby. “Come sit with me. Bring that sweet thing over here.”

After Samantha sat down with the baby on her lap, Holly lunged for the cupcake in front of Cate. Like a dope, Cate couldn’t move fast enough. She sat there startled while the baby scooped up a healthy handful. The amazement on Samantha’s face was priceless.

“She sure is fast.” Cate reached for a napkin. My, Isabel must have her hands full. Now what were they going to do? Isabel would be horrified to see her little girl with frosting all over her face. Her hands were gooey too.

A few seconds later Isabel came swirling down the hallway, a plate of quiche in each hand. Cate held her breath. Her niece almost tripped when she caught sight of Holly’s messy, smiling face.

After serving her customers, Isabel raced back to the kitchen for a wet cloth. To Cate’s surprise, Samantha didn’t seem to be at all fazed by the frosting on her track suit or in one of her long pigtails. Oh, she dabbed at it with that wet cloth, but it was a hopeless case. By that time, Holly was laughing and Samantha laughed right along with her. Isabel looked on with amazement. “So I guess it’s all good?”

“All good,” Samantha said. Cate was glad Samantha was wearing what looked like an old warmup suit, which now showed a few crumbs and streaks of frosting. Isabel ran back toward the kitchen.

“You know, I’d really like to meet that pastry chef,” Cate told Sam, getting up. “Have to tell her what a good job she’s doing.”

“Me too. I’ll come with you.” With the baby in Sam’s arms, they threaded their way through the tables.

“I want to tell her how much I’m enjoying her banana cupcake,” Cate said.

When they reached the kitchen, Isabel was slicing another quiche. Cate came to a halt. “For heaven’s sake,” she murmured, staring at the tall young man wielding a pastry tube. “Doesn’t that look like Skipper?”

Isabel looked up. The look on her face told Cate she was right.

“Skipper?” Sam said, looking from her sister to Isabel’s first husband.

“Oh yes. Didn’t I tell you?” Wiping her hands on her apron, Isabel came closer. “Skipper studied in Paris. He’s a pastry chef now. Helping me out.”

“Really a one month study program and some apprenticeships,” Skipper said, his handsome face coloring as he put down the pastry tube. “Nice to see you both.”

Although Sam opened her mouth, nothing came out so Cate jumped in. “How wonderful. So glad to see you again, Skipper.” Cate couldn’t let him stand there. He’d always been a nice young man and he clearly was uncomfortable. “We shouldn’t take up your time.”

“Right, we won’t keep you,” Sam said, turning with the baby. Somehow they found themselves back at the table. Holly had become tired, her head drooping onto her aunt’s shoulder. They made such a pretty picture together. Murmuring to the baby, Sam put her into the Pack ‘n Play as if she did this every day.

“I’m sure Isabel will explain this all later,” Cate said as they went for more coffee.

“Maybe we should go home.” Sam did look tired.

“Just a little while longer, okay?” Cate glanced back at the baby. “This is such a cheerful place. Nice to be here with your sister, right?”

But Sam looked as confused as Cate felt. Had Isabel been hiding something from them? This latest discovery left Cate baffled. But she wanted the girls to get along and right now she didn’t know what to do. Was Skipper Malone only Isabel’s pastry chef? Or was he more?

People arrived, ate and left. Cate was glad the other tables were turning over because she really didn’t want to surrender theirs. The group of women that had been playing cards finally left. One of them turned to give Cate a smile and she thought the woman looked familiar. But a name wouldn’t come to her. Shoppers continued to come and go. “Jingle Bells” kept playing, as well as other holiday songs Isabel had piped in overhead.

Feeling her flight catch up to her, Cate was thinking that it might be time to leave when a man and what looked like his teen-age son and daughter took the table next to them. Was he looking at Samantha or was that Cate’s imagination? Finally he leaned toward her. “Samantha?” he said. “Samantha Quinn?”

Samantha turned. “Josh?” Her mouth fell open. Running one hand down her hoodie, which looked a little worse for wear after her time with the baby, she looked dumbstruck.

My, how fascinating . Buttoning her lips, Cate settled back to see what might happen.

The man Samantha had called Josh rose from his seat and came closer. He was certainly attractive with his dark, wind-blown hair, and he was tall, like her niece. Smile lines radiated from his hazel green eyes. “It’s been a long time. What are you doing in town?”

When Samantha went to sweep back her long bangs, she ended up getting more frosting in her hair, but didn’t seem to notice. “I’m here for Christmas. Do you live here full-time now?”

"You bet. I’m on staff at the hospital. Orthopedics.”

“Really?” Samantha looked stunned.

He edged his chair closer and they got into a conversation. Sounded like they were catching up and enjoying it. His children were studying the menu, although the girl looked more interested in the conversation unfolding between her dad and Samantha.

Although she tried not to stare, Cate was really enjoying this. It wasn't unusual for her nieces to make friends here in Charlevoix. She imagined that the three Quinn girls had met a lot of boys here during their summers of water skiing and hanging out on the beach.

From the shocked look on Samantha’s face, it was becoming pretty obvious that she wished she’d put makeup on that morning. Although Cate always believed that a woman should never go out of the house without makeup, her sister hadn’t felt the same. The girls must get their casual relationship with makeup from Joanna.

Samantha might also regret picking up Holly. Looking over from the playpen, the baby studied the strange man with suspicion, drooling from two tiny front teeth. Samantha's new friend had a deep, gravelly voice and was smiling down at the baby.

“Is this your little girl?” he asked.

“Oh, heaven’s, no.” Samantha’s face turned as red as the coffee mug.

His daughter was looking from her father to Samantha, listening to the conversation. Although Cate wasn't very good at judging ages, she’d guess the girl was probably in her early teens. He introduced her as Mia. The boy's name was Hayden and he barely looked up from his phone. Cate wondered where Josh’s wife was. Probably out Christmas shopping.

Wiping her hands on her apron, Isabel came pounding down the hall. Holly had started to fuss. Her niece sure got a lot of exercise, running from one end of the shop to the other. Her eyes sweeping over Samantha and her old friend Josh, she seemed to get the gist of the situation pretty fast.

Picking up her baby, Izzy nodded to Josh and headed back to the kitchen. “I think Holly needs some milk,” she said to no one in particular. Samantha and Josh didn't seem to notice that she'd left.

Should Cate leave too? Maybe she'd go over and check out the coffees one more time. But this was much too interesting. By that time, Josh’s very competent daughter had given Debbie their order. Then she wandered over toward the coffee while his son played with his phone.

Well, why not? Cate followed the girl, bringing her empty mug. Maybe they should stay for a little while. Let’s see. What kind of coffee do I want now? She wouldn’t be able to sleep after all this caffeine. One furtive glance back at that table told Cate that she wanted information more than she wanted coffee. Thank goodness she’d never been shy.

“Now should I get gingerbread or peppermint mocha?” she mused, hoping that the young girl next to her was good at giving out advice.

“That artificial flavor is dangerous,” Mia said without missing a beat. “I like mine straight. Izzy’s got some eggnog over in that red pitcher. That tastes the best in plain coffee. Better than all this sugary stuff.”

“Thank you for the information.” Cate was trying to remember if she had even liked coffee when she was in high school. She didn’t think so. “Could I ask you how old you are?” Would the girl be offended by that question? Cate had no clue.

Mia poured a good portion of eggnog into her steaming coffee. “Sixteen in a couple of months. Can’t wait to drive.”

Stepping up to the eggnog, Cate wondered if the girl’s parents felt the same. Driving on these snowy roads at that age? But the guy who ended her sister’s life that snowy night hadn’t been a teenager. The memory came in a painful wave. No, he was an adult who’d had too much to drink that cold, slippery night. She swallowed hard and moved on from the past.

“So are you and your brother on Christmas vacation now?” Cate couldn’t help it. She wanted more information.

“Yep, we’re on vacation and so is our dad. Two weeks of rehabilitation.”

“Really?” Cate swung her attention to Josh, still deeply engaged in conversation with Samantha. “Did he have an accident?”

“Nope. But Dad works too much. He promised he would try to have fun this holiday. My brother Hayden and I have plans for him. Rehabilitation plans.”

Thank goodness for young people who did not hesitate to share. “I see.” But Cate wasn’t sure that she understood. And she hesitated to ask more questions. Maybe she was feeling some jet lag.

They both drifted back toward the tables. Isabel had arrived with quiche for the three newcomers and she’d apparently left the baby in the kitchen. Maybe there was a Pack ‘n Play in the back too. Samantha’s interesting conversation was over when Cate sat down and Josh went back to his own table. But she didn’t miss the backward glance, the man sent Samantha’s way. My goodness, wasn’t that enough to send a shiver down a woman’s spine? Maybe he was divorced? Sad but people got over it, or so she’d heard.

Glancing down at the coffee in front of Cate, Samantha frowned. “More coffee? Isn’t it time to leave?” This was delivered in a furtive whisper and Cate wasn’t about to question her. She also wasn’t going to mention the frosting in Samantha’s hair.

“No problem.” Springing back up to her feet, Cate swirled her cloak around her and picked up her mug. “Think of this as my to-go cup. Grab your mug. Early Christmas gift.”

“Thank you, Aunt Cate.” After Samantha said good-bye to her old friend, they exited into the cold air. Samantha kept on walking as if she couldn’t get away from the place fast enough. It was hard keeping up with her. Her niece tucked her head down into her quilted vest as if she was in the witness protection program. Cate was relieved when they reached the SUV. Her ears were stinging and she carefully got into the car so she didn’t spill her coffee. Samantha had brought the box of baked goods and slid it into the back.

“That was interesting.” How else could she put it? Cate was really glad she'd come for the holiday. The activity in Isabel's coffee shop could put New York to shame.

Resting her forehead on the steering wheel, Samantha groaned. Then she threw back her head and started the engine. “I didn’t expect to see Josh. After all these years.”

“Let me guess,” Cate said, her interest growing. “Perhaps a romantic love interest from the past?”

“Right. But once I was in college…”

“You met Kurt…”

“And that was that. Josh had moved on too. Married a girl named Cynthia. Izzy would probably know the details. I don't know where she was today, but their kids seemed nice.”

How many women longed for the boy they'd left behind? Searching her memory, Cate couldn't come up with any suggestions for herself. But Samantha looked completely undone by that meeting in Coffee and Cupcakes. “And you married Kurt and have done very well.”

Starting the engine, Samantha looked like she’d lost her best friend. What was going on with her? “Aunt Cate, Kurt and I are divorced.”

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