Ready to Soar

Chapter 1

1

Kate’s dream of a warm sandy beach was interrupted by the shrill sound of the phone ringing. For a split second, Kate wasn’t sure if it was real or imagined. Wondering who would call so early, she rolled over and mumbled, “Hello?”

Don pulled the blankets over his head, muttering in protest at the intrusion. He hesitated, realizing she was trying to pass him the phone. “Who is it?” he grumbled.

“It’s your mom. I’m having a hard time understanding her.”

Don sat up, sleep forgotten. “Mom, what’s the matter?” Concern clouded his dark brown eyes. “Is he okay now?”

Kate listened to the one-sided conversation, unsure what was going on but getting the gist that someone had been hospitalized.

“Of course. Kate will need to get coverage at the shop but we’ll be there. Either late tonight or first thing tomorrow.” He listened to his mother for a few more minutes. “I’ll call you when we get on the road, and don’t worry, Mom, Dad will be fine, he’s strong.”

Don disconnected. Kate slid close, wrapping her arms around his waist. The minutes dragged as the couple sat in silence. Kate felt compelled to say something.

“Don, what did your mother say about your dad?”

“Mom called the ambulance last night. Apparently, Dad was having chest pains yesterday while he was working in the vineyard.” Exasperated, he continued, “I don’t know why he doesn’t leave the heavy work to the field hands. But of course, Dad being Dad, he didn’t say anything. After dinner, Mom noticed Dad kept rubbing his arm. He claimed he pulled a muscle or something. Mom thought his color was off. That’s when she called the ambulance. It was the only way Dad was going to the emergency room. They admitted him for observation and tests but the doctor is fairly certain it was a mild heart attack.”

Don looked at his wife. “We have to go see them, and Mom needs me to talk to the doctors. You know my sisters and brothers always expect me to do the tough stuff when it comes to our parents.”

“Of course. I’ll talk to Mom. I’m sure Ellie and Abby will help.” Kate caressed his cheek. “Don’t worry, we’ll leave right after lunch and be at the winery before dinner.” Kissing him tenderly, she flipped back the covers. “I’m going to run through the shower. Why don’t you make some coffee?”

Distracted, Don nodded. Needing reassurance, he asked, “Kate, do you really think he’s going to be okay?”

Kate sat down on the bed and squeezed his hand. “Donovan Price, other than you, your father is the most stubborn man I have ever met. He’ll be fine because the alternative isn’t an option for him.”

“I know you’re right. I can’t picture Dad in a hospital bed. I can’t even remember a single time when he was really sick.” A deep, ragged breath escaped him. “You’re right. Dad will be fine.” Don leaned in and kissed his wife. “I love you, Katie.”

“I love you too, and try not to worry, we’ll get through this together.”

Don gave her a little push off the bed. “We’d better get moving. There’s a lot to get done in a few short hours. I’ll take care of the bed before I make coffee.”

Kate dashed into the bathroom, making a mental list of clothes she would need. She wasn’t going to have a lot of time to pack before leaving for work, so while hot water ran down the drain she packed her makeup bag.

Kate flipped on the kitchen lights at What’s Perkin’. She loved this time of day. Kate tied on a fresh apron and turned on the ovens to preheat, walking through her morning routine helped quiet the worrisome thoughts. What condition would Sam Price be in when they arrived in Crystal Lake? Kate thought about the last time they were at the vineyard. Don and his father had exchanged harsh words regarding his choice to work for Shane’s landscaping business. Sam was old school and demanded Don, as the oldest son, return home, and take over the daily operations at the winery. Don loved the growing process—planting and pruning—it was his true passion. Sam said it was time that Don work with his sisters—Tessa would teach him about marketing and Anna, the chemist, would teach him about new wines. His brother, Jackson, was happy to manage the fields; he had no desire to be in charge. Leo, the youngest, had a successful car repair business and preferred beer to wine, so that left Liza, who was happy to stay at home with two small children. Although Don and Sam left things on good terms, the issue of Don returning to Crystal Lake Winery was unresolved; it was the elephant in the room at every family gathering.

Cari was surprised to find the shop glowing when she arrived. Mouthwatering aromas drifted from the open windows. She discovered Kate up to her elbows in batter. It was clear she had been baking for some time. “Good morning, Sunshine,” she called, breezing into the kitchen. Cari got a thrill each morning she entered What’s Perkin’. Her hard work resulted in a business to be proud of, and the bonus: she got to share its success with her oldest daughter.

Kate glanced up. “Hi, Mom.”

Immediately, Cari could sense something was troubling Kate. “You’re here early.”

“Sherry called this morning. Sam was admitted to the hospital, and I need to leave after lunch. We’re driving to Crystal Lake and we want to get there before dinner. I’m going to call Abby and Ellie. Hopefully they can help with the counter so you can run the kitchen. I don’t have any idea how long we’ll be gone. It all depends on Sam’s prognosis.”

Tears filled Kate’s eyes. “I’m concerned about Sam, but I’m worried the same old argument about Don taking over is going to come up. I don’t want to live in Crystal Lake. Our home is here.”

“I thought Don made it clear he wasn’t interested.”

“Mom, you know my in-laws. The family and winery are everything to them and they’ve never been happy Don chose to live in Loudon and work for Shane. They put a lot of pressure on him. On us.”

Cari nodded. “Honey, I understand about deep family ties, and I have always believed that everything happens as it is supposed to. You and Don need to be there for his family. His parents need your support.”

Kate wrapped her arms around her mother. “I know you’re right, I’m just scared. What if Sam is really sick and has to retire, or worse?”

“You and Don will cross that bridge when you get to it.” Cari squeezed her daughter and smiled. “Why don’t you give me the rundown on what you planned for specials over the next few days? It’s been a while since I’ve had the kitchen to myself.”

With a slight grin, Kate said, “Just do me one favor, Mom? While I’m gone, don’t rearrange the kitchen. It took me six months to get it organized and the flow is perfect.”

Amused, Cari said, “You’re a little protective of my kitchen, aren’t you?”

Kate smirked. “Darn right I am. A chef’s kitchen should never be trifled with.”

“Not to worry. I promise you’ll find everything exactly where you left it. I’m going to call Ellie, Abby, and Grace. I’ll have plenty of help.”

Cari started the coffee as she thought about her family. There was one thing she was sure about: They always stood together in good times and bad. From the day her first husband, Ben, died, her children cemented their bond. They weren’t Stepford children; they fought like cats and dogs but heaven help anyone who tried to hurt one of the McKenna clan. Over the last couple of years, her family had grown. She found love with the man next door, Ray Davis. After they were married, Ray’s son, Jake, and his wife, Sara, had triplets, two boys and a girl. Most recently her oldest, Shane, married Abby Stevens and they legally adopted her nephew. The blessings continued to come once Cari had chosen to live in the present and stop grieving for what was lost.

Cari dialed the phone and listened to endless ringing, she was ready to hang up when she heard a breathless, “Hello?”

“Ellie? Is everything okay? You sound out of breath.”

“Everything’s great. I just got back from a run. Now that I’m finished with school I’ve decided to exercise.”

“Do you want to call me back or, better still, can you swing by the shop before you go to work? There’s hot coffee and Kate just pulled cranberry scones out of the oven.”

Cari worried about her youngest daughter, a petite blond pixie who looked like a gust of wind could knock her over. But if anyone mistook her for a pushover they would be in for rude awakening. Ellie was a powerhouse in heels.

“Breakfast? Sounds good, I’ll be there in less than an hour. I don’t have to be at work until late morning and I have an idea I’d like to run past you.”

Cari smiled to herself. Ellie was always coming up with new ideas. Since the day she graduated from college, she had been working on, as she called it, her life plan. “I’ll be here. Love you, Pixie.”

“Love you, too. Bye, Mom.”

Next on Cari’s phone list was her best friend, Grace. From time to time Grace enjoyed working in the shop, especially when she wanted to get away from her home office and job as a research analyst. Her schedule had enough flexibility to let her come and go as needed. Once Cari explained Kate’s emergency Grace said she would stop by so they could set up a work schedule.

Last was Abby. Again, Cari gave a brief summary of what was going on. “Do you think you could help out a bit?”

“I’m so sorry to hear Sam is in the hospital.” Abby empathized with Don. Facing a parent’s life-threatening illness was heart wrenching. Her father had a massive heart attack and passed away before her mother, who died from cancer. “What do you need me to do, Mom?”

Cari’s heart warmed each time Abby called her mom. Before the wedding Abby approached her future mother-in-law and asked if Cari would mind. Cari said it would be an honor and hoped Devin would consider her and Ray his grandparents. “I was hoping you’d help me bake for the next few mornings, before Shane goes to work. Preparing muffins, breads, and soups would be helpful. Ellie and Grace will cover the front. Ray and the boys will pitch in too if needed.”

“I’m sure Sara would like to help if we can get someone to watch the triplets,” Abby suggested. “She might enjoy the adult conversation.”

Cari hesitated. “You’re right, but I’d hate for her to feel obligated. I’ll call her later, after I have a schedule. This way I’ll know where I have holes. The new office manager Sara hired has her real estate business running smoothly. Good idea, Abby.”

Cari pulled out a calendar and penciled Abby in for several early morning shifts. Next, she would figure out when help would be critical for the remainder of the day. The shop should be the last thing on Kate’s mind; Don’s family needed her full attention.

Kate walked up behind her mother and peeked over her shoulder. The calendar had been divided into sections and initials filled in. Planning was her mother’s forte.

“Geez, it didn’t take long for you to replace me,” Kate mused.

Cari glanced up. “You’re irreplaceable, but I’ve been thinking the shop has grown since the early days. It’s apparent we need more than the two of us plus family filling in when we need an extra hand. When you get back we should hire someone for the front and maybe a part-time baker.”

“I agree, and we should have talked about this before today. If we had someone trained you wouldn’t be scrambling while I’m out of town.”

“Don’t worry, Kate, emergencies happen. The shop will be fine.”

“Hey, Mom. Hey, sissy.” Ellie breezed in, dressed in her casual yet elegant country chic outfit. Short blond hair framed her big blue eyes.

Cari knew Ellie took great pains with her appearance and everything she touched.

“Morning, Pixie.” Kate smiled at her little sister, who wasn’t just five years younger but also the complete opposite of Kate: brunette vs. blond, tall vs. short, and green eyes vs. blue. Despite the differences, the resemblance between the sisters was unmistakable.

“So, what’s going on? Why are you and Don rushing off to the winery?”

“Sam was admitted to the hospital with chest pains and they kept him overnight. When Sherry called early this morning, she asked us to come for a family meeting. We don’t know if it’s about Sam’s health or Don and me moving there. Who knows . . . maybe it will be both. But that leaves Mom shorthanded. I’m hoping you’ll have some free time to help.”

“I’ll talk to Karlene. I’m sure I can rearrange my hours at the gallery. Not to worry. I’ll make it work.”

“Isn’t the gallery busy right now?” Cari interjected.

“We opened a new exhibit so the weekends are busy. I have to write another press release for this show to generate some buzz but otherwise there isn’t much to do during the week. Besides, we’re talking a couple of days, not months.”

Kate was relieved. The customers loved Ellie and she could handle the hectic pace, leaving Cari to the kitchen. “Great.”

“So, if that’s all, can I still have breakfast? Running makes me ravenous and I could eat more than the scone and coffee Mom promised.”

“Is that your way of asking for something more substantial?” Kate grinned.

“Well, if you’re offering, I’d kill for some eggs, sausage, or whatever is easy.” Ellie laughed.

“Come on. I’ll feed you before you fade away.”

Ellie poured two cups of coffee and grabbed a cookie on her way into the kitchen.

“I saw that young lady,” Cari teased. Ellie laughed as she left the room.

Cari was swept up in the morning rush as her attention was diverted to the customers coming and going. Grace stopped by and, as usual, jumped behind the counter to fill orders and ring up sales. When there was a break in the action Cari filled Grace in on the details of Kate’s trip. Without hesitation, she agreed to help when the shop was at its busiest.

“Can you start tomorrow?” Cari brushed her bangs back. “This will be just like when we worked in that restaurant that summer during college, remember?”

“What I remember is you made it look easy, you were always chatting up the customers and made great tips. I was a terrible waitress, running around trying to deliver orders, which were usually wrong. Thank heavens I chose the business world. These days I don’t have to be nice and/or smile to make money.”

“GF, please tell me you’ll smile at the customers. If you’re lucky you might even rake in some tips.” Cari chuckled.

“What time do you need me tomorrow?” Grace hoped Cari would say a time when the sun would already have peaked over the horizon.

“A little before seven? I’ll get in by six and get things going. You’ll run the counter. Customers start coming shortly after seven.”

Grace cringed. “I’ll be here. Do I get free coffee?”

“Don’t you usually?” Cari smirked as she reached under the counter to hand Grace two dark purple T-shirts.

“I’ll see you in the morning, and thanks for the shirts.” Grace peeked her head into the kitchen and said good-bye to the girls.

Cari glanced at her schedule. She wasn’t worried about the shop but she couldn’t shake the feeling Kate might be right. Sherry and Sam had been pushing the kids to move to Crystal Lake and take over the winery since they got married. Don had been working the distribution side of the business when he met Kate. He made the decision to move to Loudon to marry Kate while his brothers and sisters remained happy in their roles with the family business. Cari had no idea what they would decide if the meeting was about Don assuming the position of CEO. It was a difficult situation for everyone.

“Time will tell,” Cari mused to herself. She popped her head in the kitchen. “Ellie, when you’re done with breakfast come out here so we can add you to the schedule.”

“On my way.” Ellie reviewed her mother’s notes. “Looks good to me, I’m going to make a couple of copies so I can give one to Karlene but then I need to leave. I hate the hour drive to the gallery, but until I figure out what’s next I’m going to soak up all that I can from Karlene—she is a very savvy businesswoman. Not unlike you, Mom. Just a different product.” Ellie flashed her dimples as she took the papers into the small office in the back.

“Stop buttering me up, kiddo. Your pay scale is the same,” Cari teased.

“Oh, all the food and coffee I can consume? Sweet!” Ellie gave her mom a quick hug and like a whirlwind was off again.

Kate watched her sister leave. “Ellie will never go quietly, will she?”

“No, I don’t think so. That’s more your speed, Kate.”

Mother and daughter grinned and went back to work.