Two to Tangle (A Tangle Valley Romance #2) - Melissa Brayden Page 0,121
of Whisper Wall, most of their festivals began with a W, which she was in complete support of. While Tangle Valley would be selling wine by the glass next door, Gabriella and Nadine had the full size waffle irons out and sold hot pizzelle waffles with strawberries and a dollop of mascarpone cheese. Gabriella drew on Grandma Filomena’s recipe, and once word got out, they had the longest line at the festival.
“Sweet Lord sleeping on straw, this waffle is magnificent,” Brenda Anne yelled to Gabriella with a smidge of strawberry juice on her cheek. “This is criminal.”
“What’s criminal is this line,” Monty called.
Gabriella sent him a wink as she handed over a hot Italian waffle to Lucinda the chocolatier. Tangled was turning out to be the hit of the festival, and next to their booth, Joey and Madison grinned with pride. “You’re really making a name for yourself in this town,” Madison called to her.
Gabriella shook her head and regarded the line, her heart full at the welcome she’d received since arriving. “I just want to feed the masses. What can I say?”
As she worked, she caught glimpses of Ryan here and there as she walked with Billy and Wrigley through the festival, sampling food and perusing the different vendors. Just after two p.m., Gabriella handed over her apron to Chelsea, who’d become quite the little chef these days, and trusted her to assist Joy on the second shift.
Free and clear to frolic, Joey poured her a glass of dolcetto, and she wandered the grounds until she caught up with Ryan, who kissed her cheek with a smack. Ryan stood under a tree with Clementine, who sipped a beer with a smile on her face.
“Everyone’s talking about you,” Ryan said.
She looked around, exhausted but on a high. “I’m famous?”
“I hate to admit it,” Clementine said, “but you drew much bigger crowds than the Biscuit did, and we surpassed last year’s record.”
“That’s awesome.” Gabriella offered a chef’s kiss to the sky. “But I can’t take credit for our reviews today. All my grandma’s doing.”
“What’s the plan?” Ryan asked. “You up for some exploring?”
“I’ve been counting the minutes until I could join you. Kiss me real quick, so I get my fix.” Ryan obliged and Clementine grinned.
“Stop being the cutest people ever,” she said in mock exasperation.
Gabriella laughed. “We’ll work on that.” She tossed a thumb behind her. “Joey and Madison are switching out with Loretta and Bobby, so they’re gonna walk with us. Cool?”
Clementine swallowed. “Oh. I’ll let you guys hang out.”
“No. We insist you join us,” Gabriella said, looping her arm through Clem’s. Right on cue, Joey found them, a big grin on her face.
“Waffle Fest has got to be the best smelling festival of all the fests,” Joey declared. “The biscuits you guys are turning out certainly contribute. God, I never get tired of them.”
And just like that, Clementine unlooped her arm from Gabriella’s. Her cheeks went rosy red and she swallowed. “I’ve got to go. You guys have a good night.” And before Gabriella could say anything in return, she was gone.
“What was that about?” Ryan asked.
Joey grinned. “I’m not entirely sure, but Madison’s walking toward us.”
“Well, well,” Gabriella said. “I did not see that one coming.”
“Because you didn’t go to high school with us.”
“Clementine had a thing for Madison in high school?”
“I’ve always suspected. Not that Maddie has any clue.”
“Hey, guys,” Madison said. Her dark blond curls were down, and she seemed carefree and happy. Three heads swiveled her way in knowing amusement. She squinted. “What did I miss?”
Gabriella smothered a grin. Oh, this could prove very interesting, indeed. “Oh, nothing. But, you know, maybe hold on to your love affair with Clem’s biscuits.”
As night fell and the music from the bandstand kicked into gear, Ryan wrapped her arms around Gabriella, and they danced beneath the stars, tipsy, happy, and in perfect sync. She sang quietly in Ryan’s ear because she knew Ryan loved it. When their eyes met, they shared a kiss as the audience applauded the band. “This right here,” Ryan said and closed her eyes.
“What does that mean?” Gabriella asked.
“I’m memorizing this moment because I’ve never been happier. Thank you for moving to Whisper Wall. Thank you for changing my life. Thank you for loving me.”
Gabriella’s heart grew as she looked up at the woman who was her everything. “Before you make me tear up any more, let’s get out of here.”
“Yeah?” She tucked a strand of hair behind Gabriella’s ear. “Where should we go?”
Gabriella didn’t hesitate. “Why, home, of course. Our home.”
Hand in hand, that’s exactly where they went, in love and ready to traverse the world together, for always.
About the Author
Melissa Brayden (www.melissabrayden.com) is a multi-award-winning romance author, embracing the full-time writer’s life in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoying every minute of it.
Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and working really hard at remembering to do the dishes. For personal enjoyment, she throws realistically shaped toys for her Jack Russell terriers and checks out the NYC theater scene as often as possible. She considers herself a reluctant patron of spin class, but would much rather be sipping merlot and staring off into space. Coffee, wine, and donuts make her world go round.
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