All Out of Gratitude: Kismet Bay Book Seven
All Out of Gratitude Copyright © 2019 by Dawn Brower
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“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to Elizabeth Evans. There are no words that I can express on how much your help means to me. Thank you for all you do for me and the wonderful things you helped me bring to the world.
Sometimes the hardest thing you can do is give someone a second chance. This is for everyone who took that leap of faith and didn’t regret it.
All Out of Gratitude
Kismet Bay Book Seven
Dawn Brower
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Afterword
About The Author
Also by Dawn Brower
Excerpt: Diamonds Don’t Cry
Prologue
Chapter 1
EXCERPT: Better as a Memory
Prologue
Chapter 1
Autumn was in full bloom and Ophelia Strange loved it. There wasn’t a season she didn’t like, but she was partial to the cool brisk weather that brought hot cider, cute boots, and warm sweaters. She loved the smell of fallen leaves and the colors that were splashed across the landscape. In her opinion, there was no more perfect time of the year. Not to mention it brought Thanksgiving, and not long after it Christmas. Their family all gathered together and she looked forward to it more than anything. Running Blooms of Destiny with her cousin Amadea Strange was wonderful, but sometimes that didn’t fulfill her enough.
Her contribution to Thanksgiving dinner was making the center piece for the large dining room table at her Uncle Adam’s house. Her Aunt Rosaline had exact expectations of what she wanted. Every year was different, but Ophelia looked forward to the challenge. This year her aunt had decided to go with a golden harvest as the theme. Which could really mean anything… But Ophelia had decided to take it literally and make a centerpiece that was all gold colors that also represented a harvest. She’d spray painted a cornucopia so it shimmered a brilliant golden color and picked flowers in different shades of yellow and placed them around gourds and Indian corn inside the cornucopia. All that gold seemed like a little too much so she placed some red and orange begonias throughout for a splash of color.
“That’s coming along nicely,” Amadea said as she walked into the backroom. “Auntie Rosaline will love it.”
“I hope so,” she said. “You know how difficult she can be if everything isn’t exactly how she wants it to be.”
“Don’t go begging for problems,” Amadea said. She shook her head and frowned. “At least you don’t have to get up before dawn and go help her cook. It’s going to be a nightmare.”
Ophelia was grateful she didn’t have to do that. Aunt Rosaline would be akin to a drill sergeant as she prepared dinner. They always had Thanksgiving at their place because she had a professional kitchen with several ovens and space to prepare everything. Because Uncle Adam was the mayor he entertained a lot and they had a dining room large enough to accommodate the entire family. Aunt Rosaline took her hosting duties seriously and she had lists upon lists that she checked off as she went. Ophelia loved her, but sometimes, usually around Thanksgiving, she wondered at the wisdom of such a feeling.
“You do have my sympathies,” she told Amadea. “I’m gong to spray this and then take it to Aunt Rosaline. The setting spray should keep everything looking fresh through the meal. I won’t promise it’ll look perfect beyond that.”
“That’s all you can do,” Amadea said and shrugged. “Besides you know she’ll put it in the basement refrigerator until tomorrow morning anyway. It’ll be fine.”
Amadea placed the last flower in and then ensured everything would stay in place before spraying it. Then she went over to the back sink to wash her hands. She took her apron off and hung it on a nearby hook. With all of her tasks done she could finally take the centerpiece to Aunt Rosaline. She slid her jacket on and picked up the cornucopia, then carried it out to Blooms of Destiny’s van. They were finished with all the deliveries for Thanksgiving and wouldn’t be working for the next several days.
Unlike most shops, Blooms of Destiny didn’t open for Black Friday. Amadea and Ophelia agreed when they opened the shop that family was more important, and instead took the entire weekend off after Thanksgiving every year. Besides most people didn’t shop for flowers on Black Friday. That was more for small shops like her cousin’s Serendipity Lane or Grape Flavors. They might actually sell something that could be deemed a Christmas present.
She drove to her aunt and uncle’s house and parked in the driveway, then got out to retrieve the cornucopia from the back. Ophelia carried it to the front door and hit the doorbell with her finger. After a few moments the door swung open.
“Oh, it’s you,” her Aunt Rosaline said.
“Thanks. I feel so loved.” She frowned. “I can take this back to the van and go home. I don’t mind.” Yeah, that had come out a little snippy but it was hard not to when dealing with her aunt around Thanksgiving.
Her aunt waved her hand. “That’s not what I meant. I was expecting someone else. Holly asked me to put up one of Nicholas’s friends for the holiday. Something about their renovations not being completed. I didn’t mean to imply you are not welcome.”
“I’m sorry,” Ophelia said. “I didn’t mean to be rude either.”
“Come in,” she said. “Let me look at what you created for this year.”
She carried the cornucopia into the kitchen and set it on the counter. The doorbell rang again as she was pulling the wrapping off of it.
“Drat,” her aunt said. “That must be Nicholas’s friend. Wait here.”
Her aunt left Ophelia alone in the kitchen. She finished taking the wrapping off to make sure it traveled all right to the house. As she was throwing it in the trash her aunt walked into the kitchen with her house guest.
“Oh,” her aunt exclaimed. “I think this is my favorite piece you’ve ever created. You are constantly surprising me.”
“That is gorgeous,” the man beside her said.
Ophelia couldn’t say a word though. The one man she thought she’d never see again stood next to her Aunt Rosaline. She’d done her best to forget about him, but every now and then a memory crashed through her system. A flash and a feeling, and then she would squash it as if it never happened.
But having the flesh and blood reminder standing not even two feet away from her…that couldn’t be ignore. Roman Cacy stood there in all his blond gorgeous glory and all Ophelia wanted to do was run and hide. How was she going to make it through Thanksgiving with him there? She swallowed hard and nodded like an idiot. All the while praying for the first opportunity to bolt from the room.
Chapter 2
Roman shoved his hands into his pockets uncertain what he should do. He’d known Ophelia would be present. How could she not be? This was her family’s Thanksgiving dinner after all. He’d have been more surprised if she hadn’t been present. Now that he was standing in front of her he had no idea what to do or say. He clearly hadn’t thought this through very well.
He’d messed up with Ophelia. Royally. Roman honestly didn’t think there was any way to make it up to her, but he had to try. He’d never regretted a
nything so much in his life. Of course he hadn’t realized how badly he’d blundered at first. He’d been too drunk to see straight.
“I should take this down to the basement,” Rosaline Strange announced. “I would hate for the flowers to wilt before dinner tomorrow.” She turned to Ophelia. “Can you keep Mr. Cacy company until I return?”
“I…” Ophelia swallowed and then nodded. “Of course Aunt Rosaline. I’ll help with whatever you need.”
Roman waited for Rosaline to disappear with the cornucopia and then turned his attention to Ophelia. “So…”
“I may be stuck here with you but as long as my aunt is out of earshot I do not have to make polite conversation with you.”
Well what had he expected? A warm welcome? Not in this lifetime… Ophelia had every right to be pissed at him. He just had to find the right words to sweet talk her into giving him a second chance. If those words even existed… He’d gladly take all the help he could get but none seemed to fall into his lap. “No need to be rude, darling. I had no plans of forcing you to be on friendly terms with me.” He’d like it, but he wouldn’t make her do anything she didn’t want to.
“That’s good,” she said and folded her arms across her chest. “Because when it comes to you I’m all out of gratitude. In fact, I had planned on giving thanks I’d never have to see you again. Now I’m not so sure what to be thankful for this year. I don’t suppose you’d do me a favor and disappear before dinner tomorrow?” She lifted an elegant brow expectantly.
“I’m afraid not,” he replied smoothly. “I’m here to talk some business with Nicholas and Dexter. This was the only weekend we could squeeze it in so they suggested I come early for dinner.” He shrugged lightly. “You’re stuck with me in this quaint little town of yours until Sunday.”
She mumbled something under her breath. Roman hadn’t quite made it out but he thought she’d said something about her boot in his ass sooner if necessary. He hoped not. That sounded rather painful. Where had his sweet Ophelia gone? Oh, yeah, that’s right…he’d driven her away a couple years ago. The end of college hadn’t gone well, or anywhere near how he’d planned. He’d finished his MBA as she finished her bachelors. They had dated the entire year. Fell in love… He had so many plans and all of them included her by graduation. If only he hadn’t gone out with his buddies to celebrate that night. Ophelia would be his wife now and they would be working toward the next step of his carefully laid plans…maybe even start a family. None of that had happened though.
“I promise to make this visit as painless as possible for you. If we work together a little you might not even notice I’m here.”
She glared at him. “If we’re working together I fail to see how I’d not notice your presence.” She sighed heavily. “Besides it is a little too late for that don’t you think? I know you’re here and nothing will make me able to forget it.”
Well, at least he still made a lasting impression on her. Maybe he could talk to her. Like really explain what happened that night. A lot of it was a blur, but after a lot of digging, he had been able to figure out what happened. He even had proof if she was willing to look at it. “You do have a point.” Roman rocked back on his heals more out of nervous habit than anything. He was a successful business man and CFO for his family’s company. Why was he terrified to his very marrow? “But as we’re stuck in each other’s company…”
“Only for dinner,” she interrupted him. “Tomorrow and well right now is the only time we need to see each other. You were right too. We don’t need to speak to each other or even acknowledge each other’s presence. If we each do our part we will manage to make it through the day relatively unscathed.”
Dread pooled in the bottom of his stomach. That wasn’t exactly what he had been hoping for at all. He wanted to spend time with her. He wanted to talk to her and he would discern the best way to reach that outcome. Roman was a planner and the end of their relationship aside, he’d always been able to see a good plan through. “Perhaps,” he agreed reluctantly. “Whatever will make this easier for you. I’ll do my part.” His part in bringing them back together… He might not be able to sweet talk his Ophelia, but her aunt on the other hand… She might work things out in his favor if he made the right suggestions. If he understood the family dynamic correctly all of the younger females were attached. Well except two of them—Ophelia and Ivy. Roman had no interest in Ivy, but he’d gladly sit in-between the both of them if it would aid his cause. Perhaps if he dropped a hint or two Rosaline might ensure he sat by the two women.
He smiled content with his plan.
“What the hell are you smiling about?”
“Nothing at all,” he said. “Don’t feel as if you have to stay. I’ll let your aunt know you had to leave.”
“Fine,” she said. “But only because I don’t want to be near you. Please give my aunt my apologies for having to leave suddenly.”
With those words she exited the room, and the house by the sound of the door slamming against the doorframe echoing back at him. He had his work cut out for him, but he’d cut through that barrier she’d erected. He loved her and she would be his again. If he couldn’t make that happen he wasn’t certain what he would do.
Chapter 3
The next day Ophelia crawled out of bed with a lot of reluctance. She had been looking forward to Thanksgiving and now she had to somehow manage to make it through the meal without letting any of her family members realize how upset she was with Roman. None of them knew about him. Not even her sisters, Caprecia and Leilia. She should have mentioned it to them, but it had been the year she didn’t go home much and rarely connected with her family. She regretted that. When her and Roman broke up she didn’t have anyone to talk to and because she hadn’t mentioned him she’d felt stupid bringing him up in conversation. How could she tell them the end when they didn’t know the beginning? It was better to just say nothing at all.
She sighed and then pulled herself together. Ophelia didn’t believe in wallowing in self-pity. So she showered, dressed, put makeup on. Whatever she could to make herself presentable and put her best foot forward. She would need what armor she could to deal with Roman. Otherwise she might end up with another shattered heart.
If she didn’t still love him then none of it would hurt this much years later…
Roman had always been and always would be the man she loved. She’d given him her heart and she couldn’t even muster a little speck of interest in another man. She’d tried dating, and failed miserably. So she’d thrown herself into work and building Blooms of Destiny. She might not be destined for love, but she could help those who were. Flowers were one way to express feelings and she loved creating different arrangements. It gave her purpose…
And now she had to deal with Roman. Again.
What had she done to deserve this torture? She sighed again and slipped on her shoes. She couldn’t dwell on things she couldn’t change. Instead she’d face the day and whatever it brought her. Besides if she showed up late Aunt Rosaline would have her head. She might not have to help cook, but she was expected to do other tasks. Everyone had their role to play and she’d make sure hers was the best of all.
She drove to her aunts and parked in the long winding driveway. There were several other vehicles already lined up along one side. Her sisters were already there by the looks of it and several of her cousins. At least her parents hadn’t arrived yet. The elders tended to wait until the last minute to arrive. They could get away with it because Aunt Rosaline didn’t give them any specific tasks. Once they stepped through the door though, they were put to work. So the longer they took to arrive, the less they had to do. Ophelia didn’t blame them. She would avoid Aunt Rosaline as long as possible if she could too. Thanksgiving she turned into a monster with all the preparations.
She rang the doorbell and waited. It flung open and the one person she didn’t want to see stood on the other side. Ophelia brushed past Roman without saying a word to him.
; “Hello to you too,” he said.
She stopped and turned to face him. “Oh, I’m sorry, was I supposed to give you a cheerful greeting.” At least no one was around to hear her castigate him. “I don’t see any reason to pretend I like you or want to speak to you so if you’ll excuse me I have better things to do.”
Ophelia didn’t bother to give him a chance to respond. She headed toward the kitchen to see where Aunt Rosaline wanted her. Hopefully it was on the opposite side of the house as Roman. She couldn’t put enough distance between them.
“Oh, Ophelia,” her aunt greeted her. “I’m so glad you’re here. I need your help with the other arrangements. I tried to make these individual paper lanterns to hang in the dining room, but I am a failure at being creative. Can you please make some for me? I have everything set up in the basement on the folding table.”
Ophelia held back a sigh. She should have expected this. Every year Aunt Rosaline tried her hand at a bit of creativity and ultimately failed. She’d been so lost in her despair at finding Roman at her aunt’s house that she’d forgotten that detail. “Of course,” she said. “Anything you need.”
“You’re such a dear.” Her aunt beamed at her. “I can always count on you.” She turned to Roman who had followed her into the kitchen. She’d tried to ignore his presence but she was weak where he was concerned. “Roman can you be a darling and help her? Some of the designs might take more than one person to complete.”
Ophelia gritted her teeth together and fisted her hands at her sides. It wasn’t Aunt Rosaline’s fault. She had no idea what she was making Ophelia endure. So for that she would not snap at her aunt. “I’m sure I can manage.”