Beach view lane, p.23
Beach View Lane, page 23
April lifted an edge of the towel and blotted her cheeks. “Take your time. I’ll dry my hair.”
“You look just fine with it wet.” He lifted a damp strand from her cheek.
She smiled up at him. “So do you.” With his dark hair wet and plastered back, he looked like the first day she’d met him. Only this time, he was fully clothed.
April watched him walk away, thinking again about how much her perception of him had shifted. She wondered what he wanted to talk about with her. Taking the towel, she moved to a corner and perched on a chair under a potted palm blotting her hair and dress.
Just then, the young couple Ryan had introduced rushed inside, laughing. They had been moving equipment into the kitchen and were soaked, but they didn’t seem to care. And they didn’t notice April in the corner.
Quickly, Nacho glanced around. “We’re alone.” He cupped Sofie’s lovely face in his hands.
“Shh, not here,” Sofie said, giggling.
“I can think of no better place.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “I’ll ask you again. Will you marry me?”
“Well, now that you’ve been properly recognized by Mr. Kingston, how can I say no?”
“Is that all it took?”
“I had to make sure you had prospects.”
Nacho’s smile dimmed. “I have plenty of prospects, but no ring to offer you right now.”
Sofie shook her head. “I don’t need one. Let’s just get married.”
“How’s next week in Nevada on our time off?” His face bloomed with happiness. “We’ll get people to cover a couple of extra days so we can have a proper honeymoon. My sister works at a hotel where she can get a rate we can afford during the week.”
Sofie gazed at him with love in her eyes. “I’d like that very much.”
After the sweetest of kisses, they rushed toward the kitchen, giggling as they went.
April leaned back and smiled. Young love was a beautiful thing to witness. And then she thought about her mother and Whitley. He was clearly smitten with her, and April wondered if her mother had deeper feelings for him.
Ella certainly seemed to come alive in his presence. But her mother was comfortably set in her ways.
Still, Ella loved to travel. It might be nice for her to have a traveling companion. April smiled to herself. Whatever that meant, she thought. That was her mother’s business.
April had lived away from Crown Island for a long time. She didn’t know if her mother had dated more recently. But now that Ella was feeling better and able to go out, maybe she would be open to it.
While April waited for Ryan, she rose and strolled along the corridor, looking at the vintage photos on the walls. She leaned in toward one, making out President Franklin Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, a powerful woman in her own right.
Ryan hurried toward her. “There you are. I thought I’d lost you. I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”
“That’s alright. I was entertained.”
“Hotels are good for that. You can people-watch for hours. And each of these old photos tells a story, too.”
Recalling the pendant Junie found, April said, “Whitley will have some news for you about that tomorrow.” Teasing him a little wouldn’t hurt.
Ryan ran a hand over his damp hair and grinned. “I’ll wait. But now, I have a confession to make.” He reached inside his pocket. “One evening, I was at the Ferry Cafe waiting for take-out when I overheard an argument. I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I couldn’t help it.”
A memory came rushing back, and instantly April knew what he was talking about. She drew a hand across her brow. “So, you heard it all?”
“I got the gist of it. And then, I saw you throw something.” He brought out a small black pouch from his trouser pocket. “You both left, and I don’t know why, but I picked this up. I can’t keep it.”
April shook her head and pushed her hand out. “I don’t want it.”
He studied the pouch, clearly torn over it. “It has value. Maybe one of your daughters would like it.”
“It would only have bad memories for them.” April turned away from it.
And then, she recalled what she’d just witnessed. A smile grew on her face, thinking about how much it might mean to the young couple. “Whitley might know of someone on the staff who would like it. Maybe Nacho and Sofie.”
Mentally, she bestowed all her best wishes and memories on the ring to bond two people. This time, she had a good feeling about it.
Ryan’s face brightened, and he stashed the pouch in his pocket. “I’m glad that’s settled. About tonight…before the reception, I was concerned. And when that jerk started questioning me…”
“That was rude of him,” April agreed. “But you handled it well.”
“I’m glad you think so. At least it’s all in the open now.” Ryan rested a hand on her arm. “I’m glad you met my parents. They seemed to like you and your mother.”
April smoothed her hand over his, enjoying the warmth of his touch. “I think they’re lovely people. And they are so proud of you.”
Ryan dipped his head with modesty. “My parents changed my life. A frequent guest from Ireland befriended them. He’d done well for himself and wanted to pass on his good fortune, so he paid for my education. I’m not the blueblood people thought I was.”
“But you have more character,” April said, realizing why he’d seemed reticent with her before. Now, he spoke with ease.
Ryan glanced around. This time, they were alone. “About my speech…I’m not entirely sure how it was received.”
April inclined her head. “People love to talk, and there was some of that going on tonight. But you were so sincere and appreciative of what your parents had done for you. You brought people into your world, helping them see it through your eyes. As for the dedication you have for this hotel and the staff, it really came across. You’re the perfect person to care for the Majestic. I’m sure people understand that now.”
“It’s more than that,” Ryan said. “The Majestic is home to me. It had such an influence on my life. So many important moments occurred here.”
“Beginning with your birth.” April slid her hand into his. “It’s incredible how our mothers are connected.” She let her gaze linger on an old photo on the wall. “I understand how you feel. This hotel changed the course of my life, too.”
Ryan turned to her with interest. “How is that?”
She led him toward the old photo. “In elementary school, my class took a field trip here.” She gestured to the photo of grinning children. “This is us, in our idea of period costumes. After visiting the Majestic and learning about its past, I became enthralled with history. It was the first time the subject had come to life for me.”
Ryan was staring at her in awe.
“I talked my mother into bringing me back so I could explore,” she said. “I even wrote school papers on what I discovered here. This hotel is why I became a historian.”
Ryan touched her cheek with tenderness. “Your eyes… The first time I saw you, I was transfixed. But now, I’m not sure when that was.” Turning toward the photo, he tapped the glass, pointing out one of the girls. “Is that you?”
“That’s Deb,” April replied.
Ryan’s smile faded. “Are you…sure?”
“Which one again?”
He pointed again.
“Oh, you’re right. That was me. We had matching gingham dresses in different colors.”
“Yours was green. To match your eyes.”
April laughed. “That’s an easy guess. But true.” She leaned in. “I don’t think I look anything like that now.”
Ryan pressed a hand to his chest. “Inside, you’re still the curious girl I fell in love with. But I was too shy to talk to you.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “You were my first love, April Raines.”
As memories came back to her, April’s heart filled with warmth. “And you’re the fascinating boy who was always here. I used to watch you, too. I wondered why you were here, peeking around corners at me.”
Ryan laughed at that. “Since both of my parents worked here, I used to do my homework in the service area. I would explore the hotel and run errands. That’s how I came to know it so well. The first time you walked through the hotel, the wonder on your face was so beautiful. I’d never seen anyone look at my home the way you did.”
“It was like being transported through time.”
“That’s exactly what I thought.” Ryan laughed at his memories. “You wanted to explore and touch everything and asked everyone a million questions. Whitley had just started working here. You drove him nuts.”
April stared at him in amazement. “I can’t believe you remember all that.”
“I can’t believe we’re both here again. Some might call it fate.” Ryan leaned in and kissed her forehead.
Fate. April considered the idea in her mind. She didn’t believe in that, but she couldn’t deny the coincidence, or her growing feelings for him. “Our past shaped who we are,” she said. “Could it shape our future, too?”
“I’m willing to give it a try if you are. Would you like to get to know one another again? We can take it slow.”
“I’d like that very much.” April lifted her face to his, feeling a delicious sense of things to come.
As her lips met his, the future seemed to open to her in ways she had never imagined. She threaded her arms around his neck, sinking into the warmth of his body through their still-damp clothes.
“Thank you for coming back to me,” he whispered, tightening his arms around her.
“We’ve both come home,” she said, kissing him again.
BONUS! Thank you for reading Beach View Lane. Want to read a little more about April and Ryan? I have an extra first date scene that didn’t quite fit, and I thought you might enjoy it! Visit my website at www.JanMoran.com/BVLbonus. Enter your email address to receive your bonus scenes by email. (If you don’t have access to a computer, ask a friend to print these for you.)
Can’t wait to find out what happens next on Crown Island? Read Junie’s story in Sunshine Avenue and continue following the whole family. Is Junie ready to choose between Sailor and Blue?
Keep up with my new releases on my website at JanMoran.com. Please join my VIP Reader’s Club there to receive news about special deals and other goodies. Plus, find more fun and join other like-minded readers in my Facebook Reader’s Group.
Want more beach fun? Check out my popular Summer Beach and Coral Cottage series and meet the boisterous, fun-loving Bay and Delavie families, who are always up to something.
Looking for sunshine and international travel? Meet a group of friends in the Love California series, beginning with Flawless and an exciting trip to Paris.
Finally, I invite you to read my standalone family sagas, including Hepburn’s Necklace and The Chocolatier, 1950s novels set in gorgeous Italy.
Most of my books are available in ebook, paperback or hardcover, audiobooks, and large print. And as always, I wish you happy reading!
Strawberry Lemonade & Cocktail
Strawberry lemonade is a lovely, pink-hued version of a summer cooler. In Southern California, my lemon trees often produce for nine to ten months of the year, so lemonade is a staple. Adding strawberries creates a tasty, pretty variation.
For a fun, color-changing effect, try adding purple ice cubes. As they melt, the drink will change shades, deepening from pink into the purple spectrum.
The type of lemon you use can affect the level of sweetness. Meyer lemons, which I prefer for lemonade, have a naturally sweeter taste profile.
In this recipe, you can adjust the tartness by adding a sweet counterpoint, but it might not be needed with sweet strawberries. A few drops of stevia or another sweetener is all you would need if you like your lemonade on the sweeter side.
This lemonade can be made ahead and enjoyed for a few days. It’s also easy to whip up if unexpected guests arrive. With a dash of alcohol, a sugared rim, and a garnish of fruit, you’ll have a fancy summer cocktail in a flash.
Read on for this recipe.
Make 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup (240 g) fresh strawberries, halved
1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
Liquid stevia sweetener to taste
4 cups (1 l) water
Sliced strawberries and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Sugar for rim of glasses (optional)
Optional alcohol: 1 1/2 (45 ml) ounce of vodka
* * *
Instructions:
In a blender, puree the strawberries until smooth.
In a pitcher, combine the pureed strawberries, lemon juice, and water. Stir well.
Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding liquid stevia.
Fill glasses with colored ice cubes and pour the strawberry lemonade over the ice.
* * *
Serve with Royal Purple Ice Cubes for a color-changing experience. Garnish with sliced strawberries, lemon wedges, and mint if desired.
Royal Purple Ice Cubes
Here’s a natural recipe for vividly colored ice cubes that will add a beautiful pop of color to your drinks. The secret is purple cabbage. You won’t be able to taste the cabbage in your drinks. As the ice cubes melt, the color with drift into the drink. With strawberry lemonade, the pink tone deepens into purple.
No cabbage on hand? If you don’t mind food coloring, you can add a few drops of red and blue.
* * *
Ingredients:
1/4 head of purple cabbage, chopped
Water
Ice cube tray
Instructions:
Rinse the chopped purple cabbage and place in a bowl with enough water to cover the cabbage.
Pour boiling water over cabbage to cover it. Let stand 5 minutes or until purple.
Strain the liquid into a container, discarding the cabbage.
Pour the tinted water into the ice cube tray, filling each section about 3/4 full.
Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and let it freeze completely, usually about 4 hours.
Add the ice cubes to your glass, pour in your beverage of choice, and enjoy.
About the Author
JAN MORAN is a USA Today and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of romantic women’s fiction. A few of her favorite things include a fine cup of coffee, dark chocolate, fresh flowers, laughter, and music that touches her soul. She loves to travel, and her favorite places for inspiration are those rich with history and mystery and set against snowy mountains, palm-treed beaches, or sparkly city lights. Jan is originally from Austin, Texas, and a trace of a drawl still survives, although she has lived in Southern California near the beach for years.
Most of her books are available as audiobooks, and her historical fiction is translated into German, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, Russian, Bulgarian, Portuguese, and Lithuanian, and other languages.
If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a brief review online for your fellow readers where you purchased this book or on Goodreads or Bookbub.
To read Jan’s other historical and contemporary novels, visit JanMoran.com. Join her VIP Readers Club mailing list and Facebook Readers Group to learn of new releases, sales and contests.
Jan Moran, Beach View Lane
