A Tender Season (Diamond Knot Dreams Book 1) Read online

  “Oh, well…” Hattie’s fingers brushed his as she touched the small colony of hearts. “No April babies.”

  “And no worries in that department.” Anthony winked at her. “You’ll get your diamond. Maybe we should simply forge another route.”

  ****

  Hattie’s shimmer of tears at the unexpected gift caused Anthony’s heart to belly flop in his chest. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “You’re so thoughtful.” Hattie lifted her hair as he unclasped the necklace. “They’re happy tears because you make me feel like a queen.”

  “A queen? Well, that’s a relief.” The soft skin at the nape of her neck ignited a longing Anthony hadn’t felt in years. “Because I’d never hurt you, my Hattie. I’d never do anything to cause you sad tears. Never, ever.”

  “I know that, and I take great comfort in the knowledge.” She turned slightly and he caught a whiff of her perfume…a subtle blend of scents reminiscent of sweet berries and rain-washed earth. “You’re a good man, Tony Moretto. It’s a blessing to share a trio of grandchildren with you.”

  “And I don’t think Kami and Wyatt are finished yet in that department—not if Kami has her way.” He caught a lock of Hattie’s hair and let the silky texture slip through his fingers. “Did you ever imagine God would place that particular bend in the road—the gift of grandchildren—at our feet?”

  “No, but it’s a wonderful surprise.”

  “An amazing surprise.” Anthony threaded the silver heart onto the delicate chain and it tinkled softly against the others. With the greatest care he draped the necklace in place at Hattie’s collar and carefully re-clasped it. “That’s perfect.”

  “Yes, it is.” Hattie pressed a palm to the growing cluster of hearts and felt the steady thump-thump of her own. “It’s more that perfect.”

  “Is that possible?”

  “With you it is.”

  “Well, then…” Anthony took the empty ice cream bowl from her lap and tossed it into a nearby trash can along with the wrapper from his waffle cone. “Would you like to walk a bit? That lunch…”

  “Yes.” Hattie pressed a palm to her belly. “A stroll is a fabulous idea. The afternoon is gorgeous.”

  “Come, then.” He took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Let’s take a look at that Victorian house you mentioned earlier. What type of business does the new owner plan to launch?”

  “I’m not sure. Gunnar didn’t mention that.”

  “Perhaps we’ll find a clue.” Together, they headed toward the boulevard. “In the meantime, may I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.” Hattie nodded slightly as she shielded her eyes with one hand and tilted a glance his way. “Ask away.”

  “If you could travel anywhere, Hattie—anywhere in the world—where would you choose to go?”

  “Anywhere?” She caught her lower lip between her teeth as she paused to think. “Hmm…that’s an easy one. Most women would choose Paris or Rome, or perhaps even somewhere more exotic, I suppose. But I’m captivated by the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. I’ve always wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise, with towering fjords and miles of sparkling-blue water as a backdrop. I’d love to whale-watch and glimpse an eagle soaring…the whole nine yards.”

  “Alaska, huh?” Anthony’s fingers twined with hers as they crossed the street, nearing the Victorian house. “My Hattie, but you truly are easy to please. Are you sure it’s not those endless cruise-ship buffets that entice you to head aboard?”

  “Well, there’s that. Though endless lunch and dinner buffets don’t top my list as I imagine they might yours.” She jabbed him playfully in the ribs. “Where would you choose to go, Tony?”

  “I’d love to go anywhere you are, even if it’s merely the porch swing overlooking your backyard.”

  “That’s beyond sweet.”

  “And wholly sincere.” He lifted her hand and planted a gentle kiss on the tip of each finger. “By the way, have you heard about the Spring Fling the rotary’s hosting to raise money for their foreign exchange student program?”

  “Yes, I read about it in the Clover Cove Times. A four-course dinner followed by ballroom dancing next Saturday at the civic center.”

  “Let’s get a head start on that dancing.” Anthony swung her into a little two-step right there on the sidewalk.

  “Oh, Tony!” She pressed one hand to his shoulder while the other wrapped around to his back. “What will the neighbors think?”

  “Let’s make them jealous.” He capped off the move with a twirl and a graceful dip that had Hattie gazing into his eyes as she giggled like a school girl.

  “I had heard through the grapevine that you cut a pretty mean rug.” He bowed regally. “And from what I can tell it’s true.”

  “The grapevine? Oh, you must mean Kami. We were talking a few weeks ago when I mentioned I like to dance.” She waved off the thought as she caught her breath. “But that was a long time ago. I haven’t danced in years, Tony—at least not until just now, today.”

  “You should dance more often, Hattie. With me.” He spun her once more, eliciting the light tinkle of laughter. “What better time to start than now? It’s true that we’re not getting any younger, but I’m not ready to be put out to pasture yet.”

  “Nor am I.” Hattie smoothed a hand through her windblown hair. “But I’m giving you fair warning—dancing with me might prove dangerous. There’s a good chance I’ll trample your feet.”

  Anthony couldn’t agree more. Dancing with Hattie might prove dangerous, all right, but not for the reasons she’d highlighted.

  “I’ll wear my steel-toe boots.” He laughed and then sobered quickly as he considered his next words. “As for the Spring Fling…I was wondering if you might allow me to escort you, sweet Hattie.”

  “Escort me…to the dance?” Hattie’s chocolate eyes skimmed the length of him as she dipped her chin. “Tony Moretto, are you asking me on a date?”

  “I believe I am.” He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek and allowed his knuckles to linger along the smooth, warm skin at her jawline. “And I’d also add it’s about time, wouldn’t you?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was barely a murmur as she leaned into his touch.

  “Do you mean, yes, it’s about time?” Anthony cupped her chin and captured her gaze. “Or yes, you’ll allow me to escort you?”

  “Yes.” Hattie squeezed his hand as her plump, glossed lips curved into an impish smile. “And yes.”

  Anthony longed to claim those lips but patience outweighed impulse. The time would come for kissing…soon.

  “Look, there’s a business sign.” He pointed toward the Victorian where paint peeled from one whitewashed spire and shutters hung like blackened eyes. The place sure could use a facelift, and by all accounts it was about to get its makeover. A placard had been staked in the lawn beside the front stairs. Anthony read its message aloud. “Coming Soon: Diamond Knot Dreams: Your One-stop Wedding Shop.”

  “Sounds intriguing,” Hattie’s gaze drifted to the spire. “Like an adventure in the making. Rumor has it that the house took so long to sell because something ethereal lingers there, something not of this world. But now that the property has finally transferred to a new owner, I wonder how long it will be before they’re up and running.”

  Anthony planned to find out…and to ask the new owner for a little help with a thing or two in the process.

  ****

  “You’re going dancing, Mom?” Maddie squealed with delight as she cradled Katy against her chest. The three-month-old sported a full crown of soft auburn curls—a mirror of Maddie’s. It was a good thing the child could sleep through a tornado because vivacious Maddie had two speeds—fast and lightning-quick, coupled with two volumes—loud and LOUD. “Really…you and Mr. Moretto?”

  “Tony…yes. I’m certainly not going to dance with myself at this soiree.” Hattie pushed through the shop door to step into a We’ve Got You Covered Boutique. An over-the-door bell chimed me
rrily as the scent of rose petals welcomed. “Why are you so shocked? You don’t think older people like to dance?”

  “You’re not old, Mom.” Maddie followed her into the shop, careful not to let the door swing back on the sleeping baby. “You’re just a little…rusty.”

  “Well, that’s about as flattering as stating that I’m ancient.” Hattie waggled her fingers in response to the comment. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, honey.”

  “I didn’t mean it that way. Mr. Moretto—Anthony— is really nice, and you two have a lot in common. It could work.” Maddie nodded emphatically. “Yes, I definitely sense some light at the end of the proverbial tunnel here.”

  “We’re going dancing.” Hattie headed toward a clothing rack along the far wall, where a shimmer of navy stood out among the bright rainbow of fabric. “Not to the altar.”

  “Speaking of altars, what do you think of that wedding shop going in across the street…Diamond Knot Dreams?”

  “I think it will be a boon to our economy. Kami mentioned she plans to head that way soon to speak to the new owner about the possibility of offering some catering through the pizzeria. And I can see Peyton crafting floral arrangements—with Cutler Nursery as the supplier, of course. Gunnar might have a few connections concerning wedding and reception music. He certainly has the proper background with all of his singing and guitar playing at church.”

  “Yes, he chatted that up a bit last week when he had the chance. There are endless possibilities.”

  “Speaking of Gunnar, has he had any luck with the private investigator?”

  “Not yet. Morgan is sort of like Bigfoot…there’ve been several mentions of sightings but no one seems to be able to verify his exact whereabouts.”

  “Well, I hope Morgan materializes soon. It has to be tough on Gunnar to remain estranged from his brother all these years, and through no fault of his own. The sooner they reconnect, the easier it will be to rebuild those bridges.”

  “I don’t know…some bridges aren’t meant to be reconstructed. But the not knowing has been hard on Gunnar, and we keep praying…”

  “I know you do.” Hattie emphasized the point with a stiff nod. “The Good Lord will surely answer those prayers. He always does.”

  “Speaking of prayers, Mom, you never know where a night of fox trotting with Mr. Moretto might lead. You’ve both suffered more than your fair share of heartache and recovered like champions. And you’ve both been alone for too long now.” Maddie crossed over to stand at her side. “Besides, just look at Gunnar and me. I took the nursery’s truck on a delivery ride and bam…literally. A crash course in romance and the rest is history.”

  “That comes as no surprise to me. You rarely do things the conventional way, my dear.” Hattie sliced a glance Maddie’s way as she stroked wisps of curls from Katy’s damp forehead. “That’s one of the reasons I love you.”

  “And I love you too.” Maddie leaned in to kiss her cheek. “So I’ll add this to my prayer list and I’ll keep praying until…”

  “You do that. And, in the meantime, I’ll continue my quest for the perfect dress.” She turned back toward the wall rack to begin her search anew. “After all, the dance is tomorrow. That’s little more than twenty-four hours from now.”

  “Wow, you really know how to clip things close to the quick. And no…not that one, Mom.” Maddie scrunched her nose as Hattie removed the navy dress from the rack and held it up to the mirror. “It’s too stark and way too dark. You’re going to dinner and dancing. You need something light, cheerful and flattering.”

  “OK, maybe I am a little rusty at this.” Hattie placed the dress back on the rack and took a moment or two to search listlessly through a handful of others before stepping back. “It’s been a while. You give me a suggestion.”

  “Sure I will. Let’s see...” Maddie turned a slow three-sixty sweep of the shop, scanning the offerings. A few degrees into the second turn she paused suddenly, gasped, and jabbed a finger toward the window display. “Over there. Do you see the one on that tallest mannequin at the center of the glass?”

  “You mean the calf-length lilac with that flowing, chiffon skirt?”

  “Yes, that one.” Maddie started that way. “Isn’t it gorgeous?”

  “It’s lovely. But do you really think so?” Hattie pressed a finger to her chin, considering. “It’s not too much?”

  “Yes, I really think so and no, it’s not too much. It’s perfect…just perfect.” Maddie headed toward the sales associate, tossing one final comment over her shoulder, “Trust me on this one. You’re gonna be a knockout tomorrow night, Mom. Mr. Moretto won’t know what hit him.”

  ****

  Hattie adjusted the bodice of the dress and smiled at her reflection in the bedroom’s bevel mirror. The overhead light caused a splash of sequins along the sweetheart neckline to dance a lively jitterbug. The lilac fabric in a soft, flowing chiffon fanned around her calves as she spun a graceful pirouette.

  Maddie was right—the dress fit perfectly. Its subtle spring color brought out the depth of Hattie’s eyes while enhancing the tanned tone of her complexion. Somehow the cling of fabric managed to flatter her figure without being overly-revealing. Hours working in the nursery had proved invaluable to helping Hattie manage her weight. Her figure remained trim. Though the years had crept upon her like a thief in the night, Hattie maintained a measure of flexibility that kept her injury-free and firm on her feet as she chased after giggling grandchildren and romping, playful pets.

  A second pirouette had Hattie humming to herself, pleased that she had trusted Maddie to help her make the dress selection. They’d had a good time together, punctuated by several laughs, and Maddie’s style-sense proved to be spot-on. The dress’s long, sheer sleeves offered a sheath of coverage without being too warm to enjoy a full dance card while the flow of the skirt had her sandal-clad, French-manicured toes tapping.

  The doorbell chimed. Hattie quickly added a touch of gloss to her lips before grabbing the dress’s matching clutch purse—Maddie had insisted she splurge on the purchase—and winding her way toward the front door.

  A single thought flitted through Hattie’s head…I’m going dancing.

  Her belly fluttered at the thought as she rounded the corner to the living room and caught a glimpse of Anthony through the front door glass.

  Not just dancing…I’m going on a date with Tony. A real date.

  She’d pinch herself to ensure she wasn’t dreaming, but Anthony had already locked his gaze onto her. Hattie paused at the back side of the door and drew a breath to calm nerves that suddenly leapt to the surface. When the door swung wide the sight of Anthony, unencumbered by the glass, took her breath away.

  “Hi, Hattie.” His voice spilled over like rich, warm molasses as he offered her a bouquet of flowers gathered in tissue paper and garnished with a creamy velvet bow. Pink roses and carnations accented by a touch of lavender were stunning. Anthony’s hint of a smile coupled with the slow sweep of his gaze told Hattie he liked what he saw. “I thought those flowers were beautiful but you…well, you steal the show, sweetheart.”

  “Thank you.” She did a slow spin, delighted with his response. “Maddie helped me choose the dress.”

  “Remind me to thank her later. You’re killing me. Hattie.” His long, low groan told the story of his delight as she spun a second time. “Absolutely slaying me…”

  “I’m sorry.” The skirt skimmed her calves as she slowed to face him. “You clean up nice, too.” The crisp, black suit coupled with a royal-blue tie brought out the winking blue of his eyes while defining his trim yet powerful form. The scent of soap, slightly woodsy with a hint of pine, ignited her senses. She smoothed a palm along the lapel, enjoying the feel of the cool fabric beneath her fingers. Through the cloth, she felt the steady, rapid beat of a heart that mirrored her own. “You’re as nervous as I am.”

  “That gallop isn’t the result of nerves, Hattie. It’s you…in that dress…looking more beauti
ful than a summer sunrise. I’m struggling for restraint so I don’t make a fool of myself and do something I’ll regret.”

  “Such as…?”

  “Draw you close and kiss the breath from you. Need I say more?”

  “I…um....” Hattie’s pulse leapt into her throat as she smoothed a hand over her skirt. A flush of heat shimmied up her spine, stealing the air from her lungs as her knees turned to wilting stems. Struggling for a distraction, she lifted the bouquet and pressed her nose to the blooms, inhaling the delicate blend of scents. “These flowers are lovely. I suppose I should put them in water before we leave.”

  “Sounds like a good plan to keep us both on the right path.” Anthony skimmed a hand down her arm, his fingers igniting the flesh beneath the sheer length of fabric. “Then, may I take you dancing?”

  “I’d like that.” Suddenly the room turned very, very warm. Hattie fanned herself with a wave of one hand as she stepped back to allow him entry. “Yes, I’d like very much to go dancing with you.”

  ****

  “Oh, Tony…the evening has been lovely, perfect.” Hattie leaned into him as the music faded away. They’d danced for hours, with only the slightest of breathers and a few sips of punch along the way. “I can’t remember when I’ve had such a wonderful time.”

  “And it’s not over yet.” Anthony gathered her in as a guitar from the swing band announced a slow-dance melody reminiscent of the sixties. “Here’s the last song, and it happens to be one of my favorites.”

  “Elvis Presley…I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You?”

  “Yes, it’s hardly a jitterbug but perfect nonetheless. Because, my Hattie, the unveiled truth is that the past several months have revealed one of the greatest blessings of my life—I can’t help falling in love with you.”

  “Oh, Tony…” Hattie’s heart fluttered at the gently-spoken words. Anthony’s gaze captured hers to convey the depths of his heart. “I was afraid…”

  “No need to be afraid now, sweetheart. There, I’ve said it. I’m falling in love with you, Hattie. Actually, I’m beyond the falling stage. The truth of the matter is simply that I love you. Do you feel the same?”