Magnolias and Mercy (Wildflower Wishes Book 1) Read online

  “I need you, Dad, and I’m scared to death of losing you. If you want me to keep helping at Pappy’s there are going to be changes and adjustments to the routine. Otherwise, painful as it may be, I’ll walk.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  “I would, and I will.” Tears burned her eyes, turning the stark, white walls to a blur. “I can’t do it anymore, Dad. I can’t watch you shut everything—and everyone—out as you work yourself into a grave.”

  “Is that what I’ve done?”

  She sniffled. “Yes, it is.”

  An analog clock on the wall marked the passage of seconds and Kami held her breath, waiting, hoping, for a change, however subtle, to begin.

  “I had no idea.” Her father’s voice, low and raspy, held a hint of understanding. “I’m so sorry. I never meant…”

  Tears spilled over as she reached for his hand. “It hurts so much, to see you like this and to watch you every day, so sad, and feel powerless to help you.” The room seemed to inhale as the walls closed in.

  “Well, then…” Her father tossed his spoon on the table. “I suppose I can handle a few of these adjustments you have in mind.” He pushed what remained of the congealed oatmeal across the narrow table and drained the cup of tea with a scowl. “Anything for my daughter—and a decent plate of eggs.”

  Chapter 11

  THE GRIND OF AN ENGINE signaled the arrival of a delivery truck as Wyatt crossed the lot of Cutler Nursery the next month. He watched the vehicle round a corner, its flatbed trailer filled with pallets of river rock Reese needed for the commercial job he’d recently contracted. Business was in full swing as June approached with an onslaught of mild, clear weather.

  “Maybe I should stay behind, help you get this unloaded,” he said to Reese as Moe followed at his heels. The dog had tripled in weight, and was well on his way to eating Wyatt out of house and home. “It’s an awfully huge load.”

  “No problem. Mitch will help.”

  “How’s he working out?” Wyatt bent to give Moe a pat on the head. He reached into his pocket for a dog biscuit and tossed it Moe’s way. The dog scampered, skidded, and fell on the snack before wrestling it into his jaws.

  “Great. He plans to work full-time through the summer and then part time as we need him, after his classes start at the community college this fall.”

  “Perfect. Good.” Wyatt made a mental note to give the kid a raise as he watched Moe devour his treat. Good help was hard to find, and it appeared they’d hit the jackpot in Mitch. “Do you want me to bring you anything from Pappy’s?”

  “A thin-crust Italian sausage and mushrooms with a slice of their to-die-for pecan pie.” Reese rubbed his belly and sighed. “Yum-o-liscious.”

  “Got it.” Wyatt tapped the side of his head, filing the information for retrieval later. “I’ll be back by the time you’ve unloaded that flatbed beast. I’m taking Moe with me so he won’t get underfoot.”

  “Good plan. Give Kami my regards and tell her congrats on Pappy’s grand reopening.”

  “I will.” Wyatt whistled and waited while Moe scrambled to his side, panting with excitement. He leaned down, pressed a hand to each side of the mutt’s drooling snout. “Go for a walk, Moe? You want a garlic knot?” Small bursts of dust billowed up as Moe’s tail thumped the ground. His head tilted to the side as an earsplitting whine rose from his throat. “I guess that’s a yes.” Wyatt grinned. “Let’s go.”

  Kami watched Wyatt cross the street, Moe loping merrily at his side, and her heart launched into a double-time rendition of the Charleston as they neared. Wyatt was whistling a tune—she could tell by the way his lips pursed while his head tipped slightly to the side. It was probably a country song, as she knew he was fond of that genre of music. The furrow that had become so familiar along his forehead, signaling distress, rarely showed anymore. Instead, his voice often soothed away her worries as his gentle touch calmed fears of what the future might bring. It was obvious, from the way he buried one hand in Moe’s fur while he offered her a slight wave through the polished display window, that he was happy.

  So was she…happier than she’d been in months. Today was a new beginning—the grand reopening of Pappy’s Pizzeria. Every table and booth in the restaurant was filled with well-wishers who’d stopped by to join in the festivities. The new menu, reworked and designed by Kami herself, offered a streamlined selection of patron favorites developed over the years. While a whiteboard in the foyer displayed the daily special, a single cut magnolia, placed in a crystal vase of water, adorned each table and booth.

  The pink, purple, and white magnolias had been Hattie’s idea, a gentle nod toward the memory of Kami’s mother. Hattie had carted them over early that morning, and had spent a good deal of time in the kitchen, chatting with Anthony. For the first time in nearly a year, Kami heard the rumble of her father’s laughter. It sent a zing of warmth straight to her heart.

  Now, aromas mingled in a perfect blend of Italian spices as Anthony oversaw a pair of hired cooks as well as the master pizza maker—Fred. Kami, in turn, supervised the servers, including Jada, who’d become much more of a team player when faced with the prospect of losing her job. These days, Kami had to admit that Jada was one of the most hard-working and dependable employees.

  She turned back to the front window and saw Wyatt give Moe the command to stay out front. He waited while his beloved mutt curled beneath the shade of a Bradford pear, then turned and strode to the entrance door. The overhead bell chimed as he passed through into the restaurant.

  And that, Kami thought, was something that hadn’t changed—a pair of things, actually, that she didn’t want to change. Both the sound of the bell and Wyatt were a part of all she loved, and not necessarily in that order.

  Wyatt made a beeline for her, and without regard to the crowd that looked on, drew her in close for a kiss. She savored the thrill of his lips on hers as he enjoyed a second helping before he finally came up for air.

  “Hi.”

  “Hi, yourself.” She wondered if he was as breathless as she felt. “What brings you here?”

  His chocolate eyes twinkled. “Moe has a hankering for some garlic knots.”

  “I’m sure he does.” Kami laughed, knowing the dog salivated over the small, tasty bites of yeast bread dusted with parmesan. “And you?”

  “I’d like another kiss.”

  “I hardly think that’s appropriate, given the circumstances.”

  “And what would those circumstances be?”

  “You, me.” She did a slow sweep of the dining room. Mrs. Baker waggled her fingers from the corner booth, offering up a ruby-red smile. “And this gawking crowd.”

  “What if we were married?” His gaze captured hers and held like glue. “Would it be acceptable then to kiss you all the time, even here, in front of Mrs. Baker and your posse of customers?”

  “Married?” The word stole Kami’s breath. She swallowed hard. “Did I hear you right? Wyatt Cutler, don’t tease me.”

  “Who’s teasing? You heard me right. I said the M-word. Let’s make it official, sweetheart.” Wyatt delved a hand into his pocket and withdrew a sparkle of diamond as he dipped to one knee. His gaze, true and pure, never left her. “Kami Moretto, I’m in love with you now and forever, as long as I live. I can’t imagine spending another day without you by my side. Will you marry me?”

  “Oh oh oh!” She pressed her right hand to her tingling lips as Wyatt took her left hand in his. His touch ignited her nerve endings, and she was sure she felt the pulse along his wrist leap to match hers. She could hardly think, couldn’t draw a breath around the pounding of her heart. One beat, two passed before she managed to choke out a simple, “Oh my, yes, Wyatt, I’ll marry you. Yes!”

  The crowd erupted with applause.

  Soon, Mrs. Baker’s voice carried over the melee. “It’s about time you’ve come to your senses, Wyatt Cutler. You two make an adorable couple.”

  He turned to acknowledge her with a slight bow. �
��Thank you, ma’am.”

  “Now,” Mrs. Baker tapped her spoon on the table. “I think we should celebrate with fresh coffee and a round of Anthony’s delicious gazpacho.”

  “Yes!” Calls of assent came from every corner of the eatery. “Yes!”

  “Sounds like a marvelous idea.” Kami grinned and slid into Wyatt’s arms. He whisked her across the floor and into a hearty two-step that matched the beat of music spilling from the overhead speakers. Laughter erupted from deep in Kami’s heart as, on a twirl, she caught sight of Jada and winked conspiratorially. “Jada, you heard Mrs. Baker’s request. Get a fresh cup of coffee and bowl of gazpacho for her. Get a round for everyone—on the house.”

  Pappy’s Spaghetti with Sauce

  Ingredients:

  1 lb. ground beef

  1 garlic clove, minced

  1 small onion, minced

  1 can tomato soup

  2 cans tomato paste

  ¾ cup cold coffee

  1 t. sugar

  ¼ t. basil

  ¼ t. oregano

  Parmesan cheese to taste

  Parsley to taste

  Directions:

  In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer.

  Add tomato soup, tomato paste, sugar, coffee, basil and oregano. Stir thoroughly.

  Cook over medium heat, covered, for about 30 minutes. Serve with cooked pasta and garlic knots, if desired. Garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley, to taste.

  Feeds 8. Enjoy!

  I hope you’ve enjoyed Magnolias and Mercy. Now, I’d like to introduce you to a small-town series filled with friends, family, and faith: Miracle Cove.

  Christmas in Miracle Cove ~

  Two bruised hearts searching for a Christmas Miracle…

  Down on her luck after budget cuts claim her job, art teacher Hope Casey returns to Miracle Cove to raise her five-year-old daughter, Sydney. While working at the local diner, Hope is befriended by Noah Armstrong, the youth director at Miracle Cove's Community Church.

  Noah is dealing with issues of his own—a painful divorce following confirmation that he'll never be able to father a child. Noah longs for a family of his own, but fears it may never come to pass.

  When Noah and Hope team up to direct Miracle Cove's Christmas Pageant, they are both searching for a little holiday cheer. What they discover is truly a Christmas miracle.

  Mischief in Miracle Cove ~

  Her love is a pick-six to his heart…

  NFL running back Jake Taylor is a star in his own universe…until a brush with the law tarnishes his career. When his agent suggests he volunteer with Moments for Miracles, a charity that grants wishes to kids with life-threatening illnesses, Jake agrees with a half-hearted shrug, never expecting to be contacted. As the offseason begins, he retires to the outskirts of Miracle Cove, secluded from the press and fans that are so quick to judge.

  Delaney Coleman is a single mom struggling to stay afloat financially while tending to the needs of her son, Tate, who’s battling childhood leukemia. A bone marrow transplant is Tate's only hope for survival, but a match has yet to be found. While they wait, Delaney plans to see Tate’s special wish to spend a day with his hero—NFL running back Jake Taylor—is granted. Though Delaney has reservations about pairing her son with the player who’s collected more than his fair share of negative headlines, she writes to the Moments for Miracles Foundation, pleading for their help.

  Delaney’s letter—and her love for her son—are a pick-six to Jake’s heart. He finds himself longing for more, but is it too late to grant Tate’s wish…and prove to Delaney there’s much more to him than newspaper headlines reveal?

  Secrets in Miracle Cove ~

  “I think you have my daughter…”

  Rebecca O’Malley is lucky to be alive following an accident that claimed her husband’s life and put her in a coma. Now, fully recovered, Rebecca struggles to rebuild her life while her heart still aches for the loss of a precious daughter given up for adoption to a couple in Miracle Cove. She soothes the emptiness with laughter of children who fill her local preschool, Precious Miracles.

  Brent Coleman clings to his daughter, Laney, following the death of his wife. They’d adopted the child as an infant, and Brent never imagined he’d be left to raise her alone. When he registers Laney at Precious Miracles, he’s confident the center is the best place for Laney—until Rebecca blindsides him with an unexpected revelation.

  A Miracle Cove Reunion ~

  One letter, three lives, and a miracle…

  Not a day goes by that Luke Branton doesn’t think of Mallory Carsen and the carefree love they once shared. He thought they’d end up married, but his career—and five thousand miles—got in the way. He’s sure she’s moved on, until he unexpectedly receives a letter Mallory wrote the day he left Miracle Cove nearly six years ago. Luke is shocked to learn she was pregnant with his child.

  Mallory Carsen is determined to give her daughter a good life as she spearheads an online Web-design agency. Her hectic schedule leaves little time to reminisce about Luke Branton, the man who broke her heart when he blew her off years ago.

  But when Luke storms Mallory’s doorstep one thunder-filled afternoon, clutching her letter in his hand, the past bubbles up and spills over to merge their lives once again.

  Enjoy this sneak peek at…

  Christmas in Miracle Cove

  (Miracle Cove #1)

  Chapter 1

  HOPE CASEY JUGGLED A FULL tray of breakfast platters in one hand and a coffee carafe in the other as she bustled along the crowded booths at Sam’s Diner. Outside, dark clouds lowered over the horizon like a blanket of lamb’s wool. Snow was imminent. Hope thought of the bald tires on her weather-beaten sedan and cringed. She’d meant to have them replaced with last month’s tips, but then Sydney came down with bronchitis, and the doctor bills had drained just about every cent she’d earned. Maybe she’d win the lottery…if only she had the cash—and the inclination—to play.

  “Miss, can I get a refill over here?”

  Hope turned to find Mr. Suttleman rapping his coffee cup with the tines of a fork. He arrived at the diner like clockwork, the same time every afternoon, and Hope was sure his purpose in life was to make her miserable. Despite her irritation, she plastered on a smile and nodded. “Decaf, right?”

  “That’s right.” His watery gaze narrowed as he removed a battered leather hat from his head and set it on the seat beside him. “And, if it’s not too much trouble, sometime in this decade would be nice.”

  “Of course.” Ugh. There was always one impatient customer who pushed to make her day miserable. Hope struggled to hold a pleasant tone of voice. “Coming right up.”

  “I’m not getting any younger.” No, he wasn’t. The thinning, grizzled hair, complete with a carefully orchestrated comb-over, was proof. Hope huffed out a breath and gritted her teeth as she turned away. How many more hours ’til she could head home to Sydney? She glanced at the clock on the wall above the cash register as she blew a stray wisp of hair from her eyes…still another two hours—two long hours.

  Her feet screamed, her lower back wailed, and she felt the gnarled kink in her neck creeping up to invade her brain. It was barely noon, and already she’d put in half-a-dozen non-stop hours.

  The diner’s door flew open, ushering in a frigid gust of wind along with a trio of women carting shopping bags.

  Black Friday. Ugh and double ugh! Didn’t all these people have anything better to do than rush through crowded stores and throw their money at overworked cashiers?

  But then Hope felt the heaviness that filled the pockets of her grease-splattered apron…cash tips— enough to replace the sedan’s tires and pay off the rest of Sydney’s doctor bill, with perhaps a bit left for a special treat for Sydney. She thought of the Christmas list she’d helped her daughter write just last night. There were only a few things Sydney wanted, but even tho
se were more than Hope could afford on her meager salary and tips from the diner. If only she hadn’t deviated from Mama Cantori’s teachings during college.

  If only she’d stayed closer to home and been a bit less foolish.

  If only…

  Coins jangled in Hope’s pockets, drawing her back to the crowded diner. Maybe the day wasn’t such a waste after all. A bell in the order window chimed, signaling another round of meals ready for pick-up. She nodded to Sam, the rotund owner and head cook, and held up a finger to let him know she was on her way. He offered his signature wink, coupled with a hearty gap-toothed smile, in reply.

  She delivered the platters in her hands and filled half-a-dozen coffee mugs as she made her way back to the service counter, thanking God along the way for Sam’s generosity. The kindly man had offered her a job when she needed it most.

  “Busy day, huh?” Sam spoke in a thick, southern accent distinctive of someone who’d spent his entire life in the Appalachian area. He’d run the diner for nearly a decade, and could have retired as head cook years ago, but he loved keeping his hands busy. So he continued to lift a spatula and man the grill several times a week. Now, he smiled as he took the order receipt Hope offered and clipped it along the wall above the serving line.

  “Crazy busy.” Hope grabbed the tray of meals and a carafe of decaf coffee. “And some people seriously lack the Christmas spirit.”

  “Oh, don’t let Joe Suttleman get the best of you. His bark is worse than his bite.”

  “If you say so.” Hope nodded and flashed Sam a weary smile before doubling back to fill the cantankerous old gentleman’s mug. She leaned into the booth, careful not to splatter coffee on the table as it splashed into the ceramic mug. “Can I get you anything else, sir?”