“If my cooking was that bad, maybe we shouldn’t allow my father to eat my spice cake after all.”
Vincent reached out and covered her hand with his. “It’s perfection. Trust me; I’d tell you if it wasn’t.”
She looked at him, trying to judge if he actually would. Then she smiled. “Not sure I like getting the blunt truth all the time, but at least, I’ll always know where I stand.”
He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her. “I’m not one who makes a lot of promises, but I promise you, I’ll always be forthcoming.”
The smile faded. “What is it you want to tell me, Vincent?”
“One of my main purposes for attending the event was to meet your father. Brice Henderson highly recommended him.”
“I remember him. He’s come to the lodge a few times with his wife, Lena, and their son. I even babysat for them for a few hours one night so they could enjoy a late night ski. What exactly does this have to do with my father?”
“I came to offer your father a position as chef at a new restaurant I’m opening in Toronto, Canada.”
Her mouth gaped open, and she pulled her hand from his. “I don’t see how seducing the chef’s daughter would fall under a normal interview process. Or for all I know, maybe it does.”
“Renita, you can’t think that I—”
“I don’t know what to believe, Vincent. But if you want to offer my father a job, then do it, but I want nothing to do with it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s probably best if I go in alone as this is Sunday dinner, and we don’t discuss business at the table.” Once, again she was rattling off in Italian. He was glad he didn’t know what she was saying because it sounded like she wanted to wring his neck. As she reached for the door handle, he grabbed her.
“I didn’t need to tell you beforehand. I did it out of respect for you after what we’ve shared.”
She turned to face him again, but the look in her eyes told him his choice of words hadn’t helped any. “You’re right. You’re not obliged to tell me a thing.”
“Renita, I didn’t mean it to sound so harsh. I was just trying to—”
“I get it, Vincent. It’s none of my business.”
“My business is separate from my personal life. I’ve always kept it that way. Sharing with someone, caring what someone else thinks or feels about my decisions . . . this is the first time I’ve been in this situation. Most likely I didn’t present it well. But I wanted to discuss it with you first.” Even this was far outside his comfort zone. Normally he wouldn’t have shared anything. But he didn’t want to do that with Renita.
“I’m sorry I snapped at you. What’s happening between us is new to me as well. I’ve never brought anyone home for dinner with my father before. I know it’s crazy, but there wasn’t anyone I wanted to before this. So I guess I’m a bit jumpy. Not knowing what to expect.”
Her voice had softened, and she seemed to relax. “You’re not the only one. Ricco has no problem asking what’s on his mind. I’m concerned what that might be today. There are a few things I’d prefer not to talk about.” Like how we spent the last thirty-six hours.
Renita laughed. “I wish I could say his bark is worse than his bite, but that’d be far from the truth.” She tapped her chin with her finger and then added, “Maybe that’s why I never brought anyone here before.”
“Thanks for the warning. Maybe I should reconsider the job offer. It’s bad enough my employees have to answer to me, they don’t deserve two of us.”
“Just so that you know, neither of you scare me.”
He reached over and pulled her into his arms. “Good, because it’s not fear I’m looking for from you.”
Vincent claimed her lips just as he heard the tapping on the driver’s side window. “There is no drive-up service, so if you want to eat, you need to come inside.”
Ricco didn’t wait for an answer, and Vincent saw him head back into the house.
“We’ll pick up where we left off later tonight.”
“Looking forward to it,” Renita said as she got out of the car.
Vincent got out and reached into the back seat for the cake. As he was standing up, he felt the impact and then cold snow trickled down his neck and into the back of his jacket. Looking up, he saw the twinkle in her eye.
“What was that for?”
“That was for deciding to tell me after we got here. If we’re going to argue, then make it somewhere more private.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I didn’t even get to finish my make-up kiss.”
If he’d been closer, Vincent would’ve rectified that issue. But she turned and bolted inside, leaving him to shake off the snow before following her. I might just start another argument on our way back to the resort. Don’t want to disappoint you twice.
Renita had no idea why she’d been so nervous about Vincent coming to her home. He seemed to fit right in. She and Vincent sat on the couch, and he held her hand gently on his lap. She actually felt like they were a couple, although they’d never brought up the subject. Maybe we’ll broach the topic before you leave.
The last thing she wanted was to come off like a pushy, insecure woman. Nothing chased a man away faster than that. Just enjoy what we have. If more comes out of it, be happy, and if it ends after today . . . you’ll find a way to be happy again one day.
She tried to focus on what was being said, but couldn’t understand half of it. When Vincent and Ricco spoke it was almost as though they talked a secret language that only chefs would comprehend. If they weren’t discussing a recipe, they spoke about the most outrageous thing they’d ever eaten. I can’t believe that these two grown men are competing on who’s eaten the most disgusting thing ever. I’m happy my food didn’t make it on the list.
The more they spoke, the happier she was that she decided not to run a kitchen. As she sat watching the fire she couldn’t help but think how this house felt so much more like a home than it did a week ago. Maria waited on him hand and foot. And she was here with Vincent. It was a new time, another chapter in her life, and she liked it.
“Would you like to help me with the coffee and dessert?” Maria asked.
“I’d be happy to.” It felt a bit odd being asked to help out in her own house. She did live there, at least half the time. But somehow it seemed as though Maria knew her way around the kitchen better than she did.
She got up off the couch but before she got far, Vincent tugged her back to him and gave her a quick kiss. It was sweet and loving, and she glowed as she followed Maria.
Once inside the kitchen Maria poured two cups and set them on the table then plopped herself in one of the chairs. “It looked like the men wanted to talk alone for a bit, so I thought it’d be a good time for us to do the same.”
Renita wasn’t sure if she wanted to be in either room at the moment. Although Maria had been their neighbor for many years and had practically watched her grow up, she couldn’t remember ever having a serious conversation with her. When she couldn’t come up with a polite way to decline her request, she took the seat on the other side of the table.
“Vincent seems to be such a nice young man.”
“Yes, he is. We’re still in the get-to-know-you stage, but I like what I’ve seen.” Which is every inch of him. She quickly brushed that thought out of her mind, but it was too late. Maria was very attuned to her reactions.
“Oh, young love. It’s a very beautiful thing. But it’s nice, even at my age.”
Renita saw how Maria’s eyes sparkled when she spoke of love. Was it possible that Maria and her father had been speaking on a more personal level before? And here I thought I played matchmaker. Better not quit my day job because I never saw a thing.
“It’s nice to see my father smiling and laughing again. It’s been a long time.”
“I understand completely. The heart is something that heals only when it’s ready. And also loves when the time is right. I wanted to make sure you’re comforta
ble with your father and me being . . . together.”
It wasn’t what she’d expected, but seeing them and how they interacted during dinner changed her outlook. Maria was perfect for her father. It was as though they’d been together for years. Heck, maybe they have, and I’ve always been clueless.
“You two didn’t have to hide this from me all this time.”
Maria looked puzzled. “I don’t understand? We never have . . . I mean the only time I’ve entered your home was when you asked me last week to care for Ricco. Nothing except polite conversation before that.”
“But you—”
“Love him. Yes, I do.”
Renita wanted to say that it was craziness, to even think after one week someone could truly love a person. But she was not a hypocrite. Although she hadn’t actually said the words I love you she’d thought them. And they’d called each other my love in Italian.
“I’m glad you’ve finally found each other then.”
“And you seem to have found your love as well.”
Renita shrugged.
“Why do you doubt it?” Maria asked as she sipped her coffee.
“He’s never said it.”
“My dear child. Words are so simple to say. How Vincent looks at you, how he treats you, his actions, those things will say something much greater than words ever will. Some men can’t say it, but it doesn’t mean they don’t love you.”
“I’ll remember that, thank you.” Although she was happy to get to know Maria better, she wanted to change the subject. She wasn’t ready for any deeper discussion about either of their relationships.
“What do you think they’re talking about in there?”
Renita had a good idea but didn’t want to mention a thing. That was going to be between Maria and her father to discuss. Just like Vincent had said to her earlier, don’t mix business with pleasure.
Before she could answer Maria, the two men joined them in the kitchen, and Ricco teased, “Look at this, Vincent. We’re waiting patiently for our coffee and cake, and the ladies seem to have forgotten us.”
“Sometimes a woman likes to be sought after. Isn’t that right, Renita?” Maria asked.
Thanks for throwing me under the bus. But she wasn’t going to back out. “And what better way than through his stomach?” Renita held up a slice of cake for Vincent.
Smiling, he took it from her and bent to give her a kiss on the cheek, before sitting next to her. “You won my heart long before you could cook, amore mio.”
Her heart fluttered with joy each time he called her my love. Maria was correct. The words may come someday, but if not, she’d have to use her eyes to capture his actions instead. And yours tell me you care very much for me.
“I know. You were smitten at the very first taste of my tomato soup.”
Everyone in the room laughed as they recalled hearing guests complain about it during the party. If she’d been inspired to be a chef, she might’ve been insulted.
“Maria, would you join me in the other room, please? I would like to discuss an offer Ricco presented to me, but I wish for us to decide together.” Ricco reached out his hand, and Maria smiled at him as she accepted.
Once Renita and Vincent were alone, Vincent’s demeanor changed. “The job offer went well I take it?”
Vincent nodded. “I was more than fair.”
Oh, I don’t doubt that. But don’t worry, he’s worth whatever you offered. “It’s kind of hard to get used to Dad bouncing things off Maria.”
“They are happy, so you should be happy for them.”
Renita looked over to Vincent. “I am happy.” More than I can tell you.
“Do I make you happy, Renita?”
She wanted to shout yes, but still was afraid to say the words first. I don’t want to be rejected. My heart will break if he doesn’t say it back.
“I’m happy.”
He reached out and tipped her face to meet his eyes. He had the most beautiful light brown eyes she’d ever seen. She could stare into them forever and never get bored. It was like being on top of the mountain and watching the night sky. Powerful, mysterious, and beautiful. She could spend a lifetime exploring the levels of him and didn’t doubt there were many to be seen.
“I asked if I make you happy.”
She nodded. “Yes, Vincent, more than I can express.”
“I believe your father is going to take the job.”
Nothing like changing the subject. Weren’t you supposed to tell me something sweet in return? “You won’t regret hiring him.”
“I’m not telling you that because I’m concerned about my choice. It’s just that he’ll no longer be here in Vermont. There is no reason for you to stay here any longer.”
Panic filled her. Vincent was right. She wasn’t afraid of being alone, but she’d only thought of leaving one day and coming back home to visit him here. This had always been her home. But this house was provided by the resort for the chef and his family. If her father left, she’d need to leave as well.
Maybe that’s a good thing. A new year, a new beginning for all of us. “Whether he takes the job or not, I already knew I needed a change. I wasn’t expecting so much change all at once, but I guess I should start thinking about what to do next. Because you’re right, staying here isn’t what I want to do, but going to Toronto with him isn’t either.”
“I was thinking more along the line of New York with me.”
Stunned, she asked to be sure she hadn’t misunderstood, “Are you asking me to go with you?”
“What I feel for you Renita is more than I expected. I don’t want it to end. I’d like it very much if you came with me and we explored where this is going, our feelings for each other.”
“Live with you?” she asked softly. Although she wanted to be with him, she wasn’t ready to make that type of leap. He was right; they needed to get to know each other better. Although she was ready to say I love you to him, she also needed her own space to adapt to all the changes in her life. “I want this, Vincent. But since meeting you, I’ve begun to dream again for the first time in years. I’ve got a lot to figure out and how I’m going to achieve it: where I want to work, what I have to offer, and who I am are all things I need to understand about myself. I can’t do that if I’m living with you. Maybe you can help me look for an apartment close by you?”
“I can do that, but let me help you with some of those answers. You’re not selfish. You’re kind and thoughtful and funny and generous and strong-minded and so much more. And lastly, what you’ve got young lady is my heart. I love you, Renita. And I’ll take you on any terms you want.”
Only three words echoed in her mind. He loves me. “I love you too, Vincent. And I don’t care if we live on the moon, as long as we’re together.”
He pulled her toward him and kissed her. She was filled with so much emotion it was almost difficult to hold back the tears. She found herself muttering I love you again and again to him as though the floodgates to her heart had opened for the very first time.
“Then it’s settled. New York with me?”
She smiled. “With you.”
He pulled out a heart shaped silver necklace from his pocket and held it out to her. “My heart is now yours.”
When she took it from him, she noticed it was engraved on the back. Just in thyme. Love, Vincent.
A single tear of joy rolled down her cheek. She knew she’d been blessed with a man who could show her his feelings and also said the words. He accepted her as she was, a horrible cook and still searching for her career. But what she knew was where her heart was leading her, and that was to Vincent.
“I love you.”
“I love you too,” Vincent replied.
As he kissed her again, she knew this was the beginning of another chapter in her life. But this story was far from over, and one that would continue to grow over the years. Yes, Vincent, you arrived just in thyme.
THE END
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Bonus Novella:
Midnight on the Slopes
The Barrington Billionaires Series
Book 3.5
A Holiday Novella
by
Danielle Stewart
Author Contact
website: authordaniellestewart.com
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Nolan Saint-Jane is a big enough person to pretend he’s happy his sister Libby has married a billionaire oilman. She deserves the best but the sudden change has taken the last piece of family from him. Having spent Christmas alone, brooding Nolan is determined that New Year’s Eve will be different.
Holly McNamara travels light. She can’t be held down by anything when it’s time to run again. New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to make a break for it and a chance meeting with a stranger in a coffee shop gives her the opportunity she needs.
When the snow starts to fall, the passion erupts and the truth comes out, Nolan and Holly will have to decide if the new year holds hope for the new life they both need.
A memory from Danielle Stewart
Hanging around mom’s house, 1990
Back left:
Nichole (Danielle’s eldest sister next to Ruth Cardello with Danielle on her lap
Jen, Danielle’s other older sister holding Luke, Jeannette Winter’s son
Dear Readers,
I hope to be like her someday.
My first memory of my aunt Ruthie is actually one of my first memories in general. I’m sitting on my parents’ bed with my two sisters. Ruthie’s folding up newspapers, making them into hats and boats, telling us funny stories. It’s a simple memory, something you’d probably forget if it weren’t tied to a tragedy.
When I was young, my baby sister died in her sleep. It was heartbreaking for my family. I don’t know why Ruthie was appointed babysitter on that day, maybe she drew the short straw. She would have been in her late teens and she was charged with keeping me and my two older sisters busy while the rest of the family tried to process the grief and sadness that came from our loss.