That Certain Summer (28 page)

— Four Months Later —

“They make a nice couple, don't they?”

At Scott's comment, Karen shifted around to watch Val and David walk hand in hand to the wedding cake on display in the center of the small banquet room. Val was glowing, and David had eyes for no one but his bride. “Yes, they do.”

“I like the symbolism of having a wedding on New Year's Eve.”

“I do too. Especially for Val. She's on the brink of a new life in so many ways.”

“It's great that she connected at the high school.”

“I know. The students love her, and I guess the administration does too. I wasn't sure they'd go for the job-share thing she and that other teacher cooked up, but I think she's as good at sales as she is at acting. With David adjusting his schedule too, they won't have much need for day care.”

“Family first. I admire their priorities.”

“So do I.”

Several successive flashes went off as the newlyweds cut into their wedding cake, and Karen clapped along with the other guests.

As the applause died down, she turned to Scott. “Would you like some cake?”

He reached for her hand. “To be honest, I'd prefer some time alone with you.”

She squeezed his fingers. “That can be arranged.”

With Michael now gone, her life, too, was on the brink of a new beginning. One she hoped would include this man in a much more significant way—as soon as possible. “Have I told you lately how much I appreciate all the Chinese takeout and errand-running and gymnastics-practice chauffeuring you did when I had to work late or deal with paperwork for Michael?”

“You've mentioned it a few dozen times, I think.”

“But you know what? I'm even more grateful for all the times you held my hand and offered encouragement after a really rough day. For listening to my angst over Kristen's issues and my own struggles with anger and forgiveness. And most of all, for never pushing me to take our relationship to the next level while Michael was alive. I wouldn't have gotten through this whole thing without you.”

“Yes, you would. You're a strong woman.”

“I'm not sure I'm that strong.”

“I am.” He leaned closer, and the embers in his eyes—the ones he'd kept banked all these months—suddenly burst into flame. “And as for thanks, I can think of one way you—”

“Here you are, Karen.” Margaret bore down on them, interrupting in her usual imperious tone. “Val wants to take a family picture before they cut the rest of the cake. Come along. People are ready for dessert, and we don't want to delay things.”

Without waiting for a reply, she marched off toward the bride and groom.

Karen gave an exasperated sigh. “Talk about rotten timing. Leave it to Mom.”

A soft chuckle sounded close to her ear, Scott's breath warm against her skin. “Go ahead. Duty calls. I'll wait.”

She shook her head. “You've done more than your share of that in recent months. I'll be back as fast as I can.”

Keeping an eye on Scott, Karen joined her family. Smiled as the photographer took photo after photo. Hurried back to the man she loved the instant she could escape.

He rose as she approached, taking the hand she extended. “That didn't take long.”

“We rushed. Kristen was as anxious to rejoin Steven as I was to get back to you. Nobody should need the matron of honor for a few minutes.”

“What do you say we find someplace a little more private?”

“Sounds good to me.”

He led her out of the dining room and glanced down the hall toward the lobby of the private club. A cozy fire crackled in the hearth, and a small, vacant settee stood across from it.

“That has our name on it.” He headed toward it with a purposeful stride.

As they took their seats, he angled toward her, resting an arm across the top of the back. “This beats fighting for a bench at Mr. Frank's any day.”

“Ah, but that has its charms too. I remember one particular visit when we had to squeeze together on a sap-covered bench.”

“I remember that too. Sap has had a fond place in my heart ever since.”

She gave a soft laugh and scooted closer to him. “I do agree it's hard to beat snuggling up in front of a crackling fire on a cold winter night.” She checked her watch. “Almost midnight. What a nice way to ring in the new year.”

“Speaking of new years—and new beginnings—I have an announcement.” Scott didn't change his posture or expression, but all at once a quiver of excitement stirred the air. “I have another new job.”

Frowning, she tilted her head to look up at him. “But you already have several. Music director at church. Sax player with a jazz
group. A full roster of students for private lessons. What more can you take on?”

“How about the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra?”

She sent him a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

“My classical training was on the clarinet, so while you were otherwise occupied this fall I dusted off those skills and auditioned in November. An opening came up two weeks ago, and they offered me the job.”

Her eyes widened. “But . . . that's a world-class orchestra!”

He sent her a look of mock indignation. “Are you saying I'm not good enough?”

She nudged him with her elbow. “You know better. I'm in awe of your talent on the sax, and I'm sure you're every bit as good on the clarinet. But why didn't you tell me about all this?”

“It might never have amounted to anything. Besides, you've had a few other things on your mind.”

“Nothing that should have taken precedence over this! Scott, this is so . . . incredible . . . fabulous . . . wonderful . . . I can't find enough superlatives to tell you how happy I am for you!”

He gave her a slow smile. “There are other ways to express joy.” Confirming they were alone with a quick scan of the lobby, he pulled her into his arms. “I've waited a long time for this moment. So get ready.”

“I'm more than ready.” She was reaching for him even before she finished her whispered reassurance. Throughout Michael's last weeks, Scott had practiced the patience he'd claimed he didn't possess, never pressuring her to give him time she didn't have, settling for no more than a few stolen lip brushes that had offered a tantalizing hint of the passion he kept on a tight tether.

But now, at last, it was time.

And Scott's kiss was everything she'd dreamed of.

Tender, yet ardent. All-consuming. And filled with promise.

When at last—and with obvious reluctance—he pulled back, she could utter only one word. “Wow!”

“My sentiments exactly.” His voice wasn't quite steady. Nor was the hand that touched her face. “I have something else to tell you too. The symphony will be going on a three-week European tour in April. I hoped you might join me at the end, in Paris. I can't think of a better place for a belated honeymoon, can you?”

Her lungs stopped working. “Are you . . . is that a proposal?”

“What do you think?” His tender, intimate smile erased any doubts.

“You want to get married in April?” She savored the words even as she tried to take them in.

“No. I said
belated
honeymoon. As far as I'm concerned, the sooner the better for the wedding.” He took her hands, and she could feel the slight tremor running through them. “After your last experience of marriage, I know you deserve a prince this time around. Unfortunately, I seem to have misplaced my crown. In all honesty, I'm not the best bargain around. I make mistakes, I'm not always patient, and I have a temper that can get the better of me.

“But I do have some good qualities. I believe in honoring promises. I believe love is a gift to be treasured and cherished all the days of our lives. I believe in keeping my priorities straight. And I believe God brought us together for a reason. I think I know why, and I hope you feel the same way. Because I love you with all my heart. And I always will.”

With a trembling hand, Karen reached out to touch Scott's face, to assure herself he was real and not some fairy-tale fantasy she'd conjured up. But when he caught her hand in his, then turned it over and pressed his lips to her palm before he let her place it against his cheek, the lingering tingle of his kiss and the slightly rough texture of his five o'clock shadow beneath her fingertips was tactile proof he was very real.

A grandfather clock began to chime behind her, the sonorous bong ringing in the new year—and reminding her how quickly the seasons of life slipped by.

But this first day of the new year marked the start of a new season. A better season.

She and Scott had done their share of weeping.

This was their time to laugh—and to love.

She leaned closer to him, until she was only a whisper away. “I do feel the same way. I love you with all my heart too. Maybe I'm being sentimental, but I always thought a Valentine's Day wedding would be wonderful. That would also give Kristen some time to get used to the idea—though she already thinks you're terrific, so it should be a smooth transition. Is that too long to wait?”

The flame in his eyes put the blazing fire in the grate a few feet away to shame. “I think I can manage six weeks. Especially knowing I have a lifetime ahead with you.” He stroked her cheek, then let his fingers play in her hair. “Now I think we need to seal this engagement properly.”

As he leaned toward her, Karen caught a movement in her peripheral vision. Val had started down the hall but stopped when she saw the cozy duo on the settee. For a brief second, their gazes connected. Val smiled, and in her eyes, Karen saw joy and approval and love. With a thumbs-up, the bride blended back into the shadows and retraced her steps.

Then Scott's lips gently settled over hers. And just before she lost herself in his arms, in the fleeting instant before his kiss swept her away, Karen gave thanks for the blessings that graced her life.

And for that certain summer when four lives had intersected to create a tapestry of love.

For readers who know me only through my suspense novels,
That Certain Summer
may seem like quite a departure. But in truth, it isn't.

For one thing, I've been writing modern-day (contemporary) romance novels for years—long before I delved into suspense . . . though this story is bigger and more complex than my previous contemporary books.

In addition, no matter the genre, what interests me most when I write a book are the people on the pages. Whether it's a high-stakes, edge-of-the-seat suspense novel or a contemporary romance, I want to understand the forces that shaped both the characters and the choices they make—even when I don't agree with those choices. And I want to take readers along on that journey.

For that reason, in every book I try to create intriguing, complex people. People who exhibit courage and honor and principles, who trust in God and walk the talk. People who've lost their way. People who've made mistakes. People who repent—and people who don't. Whether it's a suspense novel or a book like
That Certain Summer
, the genre I choose is simply a vehicle for delving into the
minds—and hearts—of my characters as I put them in challenging situations that test their mettle.

And the truth is, every time I meet a new character and embark on a voyage of discovery with them, I learn something new about what makes people tick and how our relationships influence every choice we make.

In the end, while I strive to write entertaining books that keep people up late at night eager to see what happens next, my main goal is to pull readers into the lives of my characters. To make them turn the last page thinking,
Those people were real. I felt for them. And I'm sorry to say good-bye.

I hope
That Certain Summer
did that for you—and thank you for joining me on this journey.

Irene Hannon
is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of ten with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.

Okay . . . maybe that's a slight exaggeration. But she
was
one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children's magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!

Since then, she has written more than forty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. Irene has twice won the RITA Award—the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—and her books have been honored with a Carol award, a National Readers' Choice award, a Retailers Choice award, a HOLT medallion, a Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewers' Choice awards from
RT Book Reviews
magazine. In 2011,
Booklist
named
Deadly Pursuit
one of the Top 10 Inspirational Fiction titles of the year.

Irene, who holds a BA in psychology and an MA in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full time. She is happy to say she has no regrets. As she points out, leaving behind the rush-hour commute, corporate politics, and a relentless BlackBerry that never slept was no sacrifice.

A trained vocalist, Irene has sung the leading role in numerous community theater productions and is also a soloist at her church.

When not otherwise occupied, she loves to cook, garden, and take long walks. She and her husband also enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop, and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.

To learn more about Irene and her books, visit
www.irenehannon.com
.

H
EROES
OF
Q
UANTICO

Against All Odds

An Eye for an Eye

In Harm's Way

G
UARDIANS
OF
J
USTICE

Fatal Judgment

Deadly Pursuit

Lethal Legacy

P
RIVATE
J
USTICE

Vanished