Cadence of Cranberries - Valerie Comer Page 0,29

do that to us, would she?”

“I doubt it. Yes, you can tell Dom, but please don’t let word get to your mother. Winnie doesn’t need that kind of pressure.” It was supposed to be fine with Charlie if Julia rotated through Seattle’s elite bachelors every few months, but she wouldn’t take it well if she thought he was finally moving on. Maybe if he’d dated a lot in the early years after their divorce, she’d be used to it by now, but he hadn’t, and she’d laughed at him for continuing to pine away for her. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

What was taking Charlie so long? And who answered their phone when they were on a date, anyway? Especially in such a noisy place. But, no, that didn’t count. He was supposed to be focused on her tonight. Al wouldn’t ever have—

She cut the thought off right there. He’s not Al. Give him the benefit of the doubt.

But she shifted on the seat, anyway. Finally, he pocketed his phone, gave her a wave, and disappeared into the snack bar lineup. Winnie held her hands toward the flame, feeing the warmth even through the glass surround. Nearby, a young family enjoyed the fire.

At long last, Charlie came around, carrying two disposable cups. She turned a bright smile his way as he handed one of them to her and settled onto the bench beside her. “Sorry about that.”

She took a sip to prevent having to answer.

“I had to take the call. It was Katri, and she was crying.”

“Oh, no. Her and Dominic—”

“No, not that.” He grimaced. “Her mother is trying to take over the wedding.”

“Oh.” Winnie could just imagine, from the little she knew of Julia. The woman would have such big ideas for an elaborate affair it would make Charlie’s offers look like child’s play.

“She booked a venue in Seattle.”

“But—”

“I know. She’s not listening to anything Katri says. I promised I’d give her a call tomorrow.”

The thought of Charlie phoning his ex didn’t sit well, but of course, the two of them must have communicated often over the years. They had two daughters together. There’d been alimony. Child support. All the things Winnie’d never thought much about since divorce hadn’t impacted her life or anyone close to her. Dating a divorced man would likely be quite eye-opening.

Charlie sipped his hot chocolate, his gaze distant.

Should she suggest they call it a night so he could talk to his ex? That sounded seriously messed-up. Regardless, the mood had dissipated. A child cried over on the ice. Someone yelled. Distant laughter sounded raucous rather than joyous, even while the music proclaimed joy to the world.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing.

That’s what was important right now. Not the kids’ wedding. Not Julia. Not even Charlie. Christmas was only a couple of weeks away, and Winnie’s heart needed to stay focused on Jesus.

“Ready to skate some more?” Charlie turned to her, crushing his drained cup.

“Sure.” She handed her empty to him, and he tossed both in the trash before helping her up.

He looked down at her for a long moment, eyes searching hers, before that lopsided grin came to his face.

The one that took her breath away and simultaneously gave her hope. That grin. She smiled back.

“Winnie, you’re something else. Beautiful. Innocent. I hate to bring you into the vortex that is Julia.”

He wasn’t going to break up with her before they’d even gotten off the ground, would he? Winnie would have more sympathy for her daughters’ dating trials in the future. She sucked in her lower lip and shrugged. “I’m not worried about her. She can’t force her will on Dominic and Katri.” Unless they caved in. Or Charlie did.

“You sure? She’s likely to make things ugly if she doesn’t get her way.” He rested his hands on her hips below her slim-fitting down parka.

Winnie stepped a tiny bit closer, reveling in that touch. “Stay strong, Charlie Jalonen, and we’ll weather the storm just fine.”

His gaze dipped to her lips, and his grin turned rueful. “I like the sound of that.”

“Our goal is to give our children a celebration to remember. A day full of love and joy, surrounded by family and friends. We’re going to do just that.”

Charlie nodded. “Okay. We will. But pray for Katri, because Julia isn’t going to give in easily. I’m a step removed, but Julia knows how to